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Current Affairs Magic

Current Affairs Magic April 2 to May 6th, www.globalias.in

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Weekly Current Affairs Update

For the Week: April 2 to May 6th, 2019

HEADLINES

Section A: INDIA

EC bans publication of uncertified ads on polling day and day before Attorney General against brining Supreme Court collegium’s correspondence under RTI purview Congress unveils Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) in election manifesto Gorakhpur (UP) MP Praveen Nishad joins BJP, Nishad Party enters NDA Section B: INDIA & THE WORLD

India’s imports from China decelerating: PHD Chamber of Commerce India evacuates peacekeeping CRPF contingent from Libya US approves sale of 24 MH 60 Romeo Seahawk helicopters to India for USD 2.6 bn India signs agreement to set agriculture institute in Malawi General Rawat inducted into his alma mater’s International Hall of Fame in US UAE deports JeM terrorist Nisar Ahmed Tantray to India Section C: WORLD

More than 113 million people suffer ‘acute hunger’: UN WTO predicts world trade volume growth dipping in 2019 State of Global Air 2019 published by Health Effects Institute Japan’s new imperial era to be named ‘Reiwa’ UAE scraps ‘profession’ criteria, makes income only requirement for expats to sponsor family MENA World Economic Forum held in Jordan Maldivian Democratic Party wins parliamentary elections in Maldives Rwanda begins 100 days of mourning for 1994 genocide of Tutsi World Health Day observed on April 7 World Autism Awareness Day observed on April 2 International Day for Mine Awareness observed on April 4 International Day of Sport for Development and Peace observed on April 6 Pakistan military courts cease to function after four years Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigns David Malpass elected as World Bank President Former foreign minister George Vella appointed Malta’s new president Amal Clooney appointed U.K.’s media envoy 2002 Nobel Medicine Prize winner Sydney Brenner dies at 92 Section D: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

All low earth satellites in reach of ASAT missile: DRDO NASA’s Solar Probe completes second flyby of Sun PSLV-C45 launches EMISAT and 28 other satellite of foreign countries



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Section E: AWARDS

ESPN India Multi-Sport Awards conferred Raju Baraiya wins ‘Glenfiddich’s Emerging Artist of the Year 2019’ award

Section F: BANKING & FINANCE Reserve Bank cuts repo rate by 25 bps to 6% in monetary policy review Bank of Baroda becomes second largest PSU bank after SBI SC nixes RBI circular on bad loans as ultra vires RBI tightens NPA disclosure norms, asks banks to reveal bad loans RBI sets WMA Limit for Government at Rs 75000 crore for H1 of 2019-20 Bank of India to sell 25.05% stake in life insurance JV for Rs 1,106 cr Lakshmi Vilas Bank to merge with Indiabulls Housing Finance Section G: ECONOMY

India’s external debt eases to US$ 521.2 billion end December 2018 Forex reserves at USD 411.905 billion in the week to March 29 GST revenue collection touches record high level of Rs 106577 crore in March 2019 Eight core industries output up 2.1% in February 2019 Supreme Court paves way for higher pension to all private sector employees Skymet forecast below-normal South-West monsoon 12 NCR districts, Agra switch to Euro-VI fuel National Maritime Day observed on April 5 Manufacturing PMI at 6-month low in March 2019 India’s growth set to pick up at 7.2% in 2019 on rising consumption: ADB Section H: CORPORATE South Korea launches world’s first 5G networks WhatsApp provides users control on who can add them to groups BIS inks an MoU with IIT, Delhi to collaborate in standardisation and conformity assessment SBI invites bidders for ailing Jet Airways Flipkart India’s most preferred workplace; Amazon, Oyo come next: LinkedIn Reliance Jio Digital Services acquires AI firm Haptik in Rs 700 cr-deal JLL India Launches Home Purchase Affordability Index Raymond group enters real estate with Rs 3,500 cr project in Mumbai Accor brings ‘Raffles’ hotel brand to India Italy’s Ferrero to buy biscuit businesses of Kellogg for USD 1.3 billion Avengers help raise $5 million fund for seriously ill children NASSCOM appoints Keshav Murugesh as Chairman for 2019-20 Eicher Motors appoints Vinod Dasari as Royal Enfield CEO

Section I: STATES Two-day per week ban on vehicles in Jammu-Srinagar highway comes into force ITBP unit in Arunachal casts first service votes Wreckage of WW II vintage US Air Force aircraft discovered in Arunachal Pradesh Nagaland observes 75th anniversary of Battle of Kohima Odisha receives GI tag for ‘Kandhamal Haldi’



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Odisha Foundation Day (Utkal Divas) observed on April 1 Tamil film Director J. Mahendran dies at the age of 79 Tripura BJP MLA Dilip Sarkar dies at 61 Renowned dramatist Kartik Rath dies in Odisha at 70

Section J: SPORTS Tai Tzu-ying, Lin Dan win singles titles at Malaysia Open Badminton India’s first professional Kho-Kho league launched India retain Test Championship for third year in a row Shahid Afridi’ autobiography ‘Game Changer’ set to hit stands on April 30 Praful Patel elected as FIFA Council member, first from India India finish with 16 gold medals at Asian Airgun Championships Saurav Ghosal becomes first Indian male to enter top-10 in world squash rankings Sadom Kaewkanjana wins Bangabandhu Cup Golf Open

Section A: INDIA NEWS ROUND UP

EC bans publication of uncertified ads on polling day and day before

Election Commission on April 7, 2019 said it barred the political parties, candidates and other organizations from publishing advertisement in print media on the poll day and one day prior to poll day in all the election phases unless approved by it. The Commission said, to facilitate the process of pre-certification of advertisements, the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee at the state and district levels be immediately activated to examine and pre- certify all such advertisements received from the political parties. The Election commission has said that such advertisements in the last stage of the election vitiate the entire election process. It has written a letter to all the Chief Electoral Officers of States and has asked to issue directions to all political parties, candidates and newspapers in this regard. The commission said, the affected candidates and parties will not have any opportunity of providing clarification in such cases. The Poll body said, to ensure that no untoward incident takes place because of any inflammatory or hate advertisements, it is using its constitutional powers to direct that no political party will publish any advertisement in the print media on the day and one day prior to poll day in all the phases. For the first time internet - based firms have also voluntarily adopted the norms for online campaign to ensure free, fair and ethical usage of Social Media Platforms to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. Attorney General against brining Supreme Court collegium’s correspondence under RTI purview

Opening up the “highly-sensitive” correspondence of the Supreme Court’s collegium and its workings to the Right to Information (RTI) regime would make judges and the government “shy” and “destroy” judicial independence, Attorney General K.K. Venugopal submitted on April 3, 2019. Addressing a Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, Venugopal asserted that were the RTI Act to be applied to the collegium, its member judges would not be able to sit back and have a free and frank discussion for fear that their confidential views may later come into the public domain. Venugopal represents the Supreme Court’s Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), who is the authority tasked to respond to RTI queries related to the court. For the past decade, the Supreme Court has refused to divulge information under the RTI Act about the collegium’s confidential communications with the government.



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The collegium recommends judges for the High Courts and the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, after losing legal battles before the Central Information Commission (CIC) and the Delhi High Court, finally had to appeal to itself to protect the collegium’s workings. After nine years, the appeal is now being heard by the Constitution Bench. It is hearing the broad question whether it would be deleterious to judicial independence to bring the collegium under RTI. Congress unveils Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) in election manifesto

The Congress on April 2, 2019 released its manifesto for the 2019 Lok Sabha election and promised to “create wealth and guarantee welfare” to every Indian citizen by focussing on jobs, agriculture, health, education and welfare for women. Apart from promising Rs.72,000 annually to five crore poorest families under the Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) or minimum income guarantee scheme, the party promised to fill 22 lakh vacancies in Union and State governments, create an additional 10 lakh jobs in gram sabhas, and guarantee 150 days of rural employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

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NON-FICTION Jallianwala Bagh: An Empire of Fear and the Making of the Amritsar Massacre by Kim A. Wagner Belt and Road: A Chinese World Order by Bruno Macaes The Verdict by Prannoy Roy & Dorab R. Sopariwala India Misinformed: The True Story by Pratik Sinha & others Mind Without Fear by Rajat Gupta FICTION

Outcaste by Matampu Kunhukuttan, (English translation by Vasanthi Sankaranarayanan) Magical Women by Sukanya Venkatraghavan Khooni Vaisakhi by Nanak Singh (English translation by Navdeep Suri) The Children of Destruction by Kuber Kaushik The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds by Gwenda Bond, Kristen Sieh, et al.

NEWSMAKERS

Gorakhpur (UP) MP Praveen Nishad joins BJP, Nishad Party enters NDA

Nishad Party leader and Gorakhpur Lok Sabha MP Praveen Nishad joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on April 4, 2019. The party has forged an alliance with the BJP and will support the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh. Praveen is the son of party president Sanjay Nishad. Praveen Nishad had defeated the BJP candidate from Gorakhpur, the home turf of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in the 2018 Lok Sabha by-elections. On April 6, Shatrughan Sinha, BJP’s Lok Sabha MP from Patna Sahib in Bihar, quit the party and joined the Congress.



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Section B: INDIA & THE WORLD NEWS ROUND UP

India’s imports from China decelerating: PHD Chamber of Commerce

India’s imports from China stood at $60 billion during the April-January period of 2018-19 fiscal, a deceleration of 5% over the corresponding period a year ago, PHD Chamber of Commerce said on April 6, 2019. According to the chamber, India’s trade deficit with China also eased to $46 billion in April-January 2019 from $53 billion in the same period a year ago. “Despite substantial volume of imports from China, India’s import growth from China shrunk from 24% during April to January 2018 to (-) 5% during April-January 2019,” PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry Secretary General Mahesh Reddy said. Commerce Ministry data showed India’s export to China totalled $13.8 billion, whereas its imports from the neighbouring country stood at $60.1 billion during the April-January period. Indian shipments to China totalled $13.33 billion in 2017-18 (April-March), whereas the country’s imports from China stood at $76.38 billion in the period. India’s exports to China grew 31% in April-January 2019, increasing from $10 billion in April-January 2018 to $14 billion in April-January 2019. Meanwhile, India has identified and shared with China a list of 380 products including horticulture, textiles, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, as their shipments hold huge export potential in the neighbouring country, an official said. Increasing exports of these products would help India narrow the widening trade deficit with China, which stood at $50.12 billion during April-February 2018-19. India evacuates peacekeeping CRPF contingent from Libya

India has evacuated its entire contingent of 15 CRPF personnel from Tripoli after the situation “suddenly worsened” in Libya, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on April 7, 2019. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) contingent was deployed as peace keeping force in capital Tripoli. The Indian Ambassador in Tunisia has the concurrent charge of Libya. The military conflict in Libya escalated after forces of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar launched an air strike on April 7 in an area in Tripoli and the government vowed a major counteroffensive. Rivalries between Haftar and the government threaten to plunge the country into a civil war. US approves sale of 24 MH 60 Romeo Seahawk helicopters to India for USD 2.6 bn

The US on April 2, 2019 approved the sale of 24 multi-role MH-60 ‘Romeo’ Seahawk helicopters to India at an estimated cost of USD 2.6 billion. The Lockheed Martin-built helicopters would replenish India’s aging fleet of British-made Sea King helicopters. The new helicopters will provide the Indian defence forces the capability to perform anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions. India signs agreement to set agriculture institute in Malawi

India on April 3, 2019 signed an agreement with a development bank for setting up India-Africa Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development (IAIARD) in Malawi. The ministry signed the MoU with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Consultancy Service (NABCONS).



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NEWSMAKERS

General Rawat inducted into his alma mater’s International Hall of Fame in US

Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat was inducted into the International Hall of Fame at his alma mater, the Command and General Staff College, in Fort Leavenworth (USA) on April 5, 2019. He graduated from this college in 1997. UAE deports JeM terrorist Nisar Ahmed Tantray to India

United Arab Emirates has deported a Jaish-e Mohammed terrorist Nisar Ahmed Tantray, accused of being a key conspirator in the 2017 attack on the Pulwama Lethpora CRPF camp, back to India. Tantray was detained by the UAE authorities at New Delhi’s request. The case was being investigated by the NIA and the agency has taken custody of Nisar Tantray.

Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

More than 113 million people suffer ‘acute hunger’: UN

More than 113 million people across 53 countries experienced “acute hunger” last year because of wars and climate disasters, with Africa the worst-hit region. Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Syria were among the eight nations accounting for two-thirds of the total number of people worldwide exposed to the risk of famine, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said in its 2019 global report on food crises on April 2, 2019. Launched three years ago, the annual study takes stock of the countries facing the greatest difficulties. African states were “disproportionally” affected as close to 72 million people on the continent suffered acute hunger. Conflict and insecurity remained key factors, along with economic turbulence and climate-related shocks like drought and floods. In countries on the verge of famine, up to 80 percent of the population depend on agriculture. They need both emergency humanitarian aid for food and measures to help boost agriculture. The report highlighted the strain put on countries hosting large numbers of refugees, including neighbouring nations of war-torn Syria as well as Bangladesh, which has received more than a million Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar. The FAO said it also expected the number of displaced people to increase “if the political and economic crisis persists in Venezuela” which is likely to declare a food emergency this year. FAO expressed concern over the “important and significative rise” in poverty in Venezuela, as it grapples with dire economic and living conditions worsened by an ongoing political crisis. Globally, the study noted that the overall situation slightly improved in 2018 compared to 2017 when 124 million people suffered acute hunger. The drop can partially be attributed to the fact that some countries in Latin America and the Asia Pacific region for instance were less affected by weather disasters that had struck in previous years. However, the FAO warned that the year-on-year trend of more than 100 million people facing famine was unlikely to change in the face of continued crises. Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria all suffered bad droughts in 2018, which severely impacted agricultural output. The FAO also stressed that “high levels of acute and chronic malnutrition in children living in emergency conditions remained of grave concern”.



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WTO predicts world trade volume growth dipping in 2019

Growth in global trade volumes is likely to slow down to 2.6 per cent in 2019 compared to 3 per cent in 2018, due to rising trade tensions between major economic powers and increased economic uncertainty, according to WTO estimates. Trade growth could then rebound to 3 per cent in 2020, but only if there is an easing of trade tensions, said a WTO report released on April 2, 2019. World GDP growth is expected to decline from 2.9 per cent in 2018 to 2.6 per cent in both 2019 and 2020. According to WTO, trade growth in 2018 was weighed down by several factors, including new tariffs and retaliatory measures affecting widely traded goods, weaker global economic growth, volatility in financial markets and tighter monetary conditions in developed countries, among others. Trade growth in 2020 is expected to outpace GDP growth due to faster growth in developing economies, it added. With trade tensions running high, no one should be surprised by this outlook, said WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo. The US and China have been engaged in a trade war over the past year, imposing retaliatory duties on imports sourced from each other. Several other countries, too, have become increasingly protectionist, introducing a number of tariff and non-tariff barriers on imports. State of Global Air 2019 published by Health Effects Institute

The current high level of air pollution has shortened the average lifespan of a South Asian child by two-and-a- half years, while globally the reduction stands at 20 months, according to the ‘State of Global Air 2019’ released on April 3, 2019. The State of Global Air 2019 has been published by the Health Effects Institute in cooperation with the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Texas, Austin. The report said exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution contributed to over 1.2 million deaths in India in 2017. It report added that worldwide, air pollution was responsible for more deaths than many better-known risk factors such as malnutrition, alcohol abuse and physical inactivity. In India, air pollution is the third highest cause of death among all health risks, ranking just above smoking; each year, more people globally die from air pollution-related diseases than from road traffic injuries or malaria. The study found that China and India together were responsible for over half of the total global attributable deaths, with each country facing over 1.2 million deaths from air pollution in 2017. China has made initial progress, and is beginning to achieve a decline in air pollution. Overall, long-term exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution contributed to nearly 5 million deaths due to stroke, diabetes, heart attack, lung cancer, and chronic lung disease in 2017. Out of these, 3 million deaths were directly attributed to PM2.5, half of which were from India and China together. South Asian countries — Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan — led the world as the most polluted region, accounting for over 1.5 million air-pollution related deaths. “At the same time, India has initiated major steps to address pollution sources: the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Household LPG programme, accelerated Bharat Stage VI clean vehicle standards, and the new National Clean Air Programme. These and future initiatives have the potential — if fully implemented as part of a sustained commitment to air quality — to result in significant health benefits in coming years,” HEI said.



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The report highlighted that nearly half of the world’s population — a total of 3.6 billion people — were exposed to household air pollution in 2017. Globally, there has been progress: the proportion of people cooking with solid fuels has declined as economies develop. But in India, 60% of the population still used solid fuels.

Japan’s new imperial era to be named ‘Reiwa’ ‘Reiwa’ will be the name for the new era when Prince Naruhito succeeds his father Emperor Akihito on May 1, 2019. Japan on April 1, 2019 unveiled a new name for the imperial era that begins on May 1, when Crown Prince Naruhito ascends the Chrysanthemum Throne. The abdication of Naruhito’s father Emperor Akihito on April 30 will end the 31-year ‘Heisei’ era. The new imperial name consists of two characters: “Rei”, which can mean “order” but also “auspicious” and “Wa”, usually translated as “peace” or “harmony.” The imperial era name, or “gengo”, is used on documents, newspapers, calendars and coins. Starting with the Meiji era (1868-1912), it adopted the practice of “one emperor, one era name.” Previously, era names were sometimes changed mid-reign, such as after disasters. There have been four era names in the modern period: Meiji, Taisho (1912-1926), Showa (1926-1989) and the current Heisei. Under modern guidelines the era name should be appropriate to the ideals of the nation, consist of two Chinese characters, be easy to write and read. It cannot be in common use or have been used in a previous combination. The emperor does not choose the “gengo”. The cabinet decides from a list of names suggested by scholars and bureaucrats. Traditionally, characters were selected from ancient Chinese texts, but this time they were taken from a collection of Japanese classical poetry called Manyoshu. The first character is most often understood to mean “order” or “command” but can also mean “good” and “beautiful”. The second character means “peace” or “harmony”. UAE scraps ‘profession’ criteria, makes income only requirement for expats to sponsor family

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on April 1, 2019 approved a new rule for expats under which foreign workers will now be able to sponsor their family members if they fulfil a certain ‘income criteria’. Income will be the only requirement for UAE expatriates to sponsor their family members as opposed to the previously listed ‘professions’. Under the prevalent guidelines, male expats can sponsor their immediate family members such as wife and children if he earns a monthly salary of Dh 4,000 (approximately Rs 75,000) or Dh 3,000 (Rs 56,000) plus accommodation provided by his company. He also had to be employed in certain categories for him to be eligible to sponsor his family. For example, domestic helpers and certain other categories were not entitled to sponsor their families irrespective of their monthly income. Similarly, a female resident could sponsor her family only if she was a teacher, engineer or a health professional and earned Dh 4,000 per month. If she worked in any other sector, she needed to have a minimum monthly salary of Dh 10,000 (Rs 1.88 lakhs) and a special approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. Indians in the UAE constitute the largest part of population of the country. Approximately 3.3 million non-resident Indians constitute about 30 per cent of the total population of the UAE, according to the Indian Embassy in the UAE. MENA World Economic Forum held in Jordan

The World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) 2019 was organised in Jordan’s capital Amman on April 6, 2019. The event was attended by over 1,000 participants from more than 50 countries. The 17th WEF meeting in the region called for united efforts to address the most pressing challenges of the area. At the opening ceremony, King Abdullah II of Jordan said it takes a broad partnership to create a platform for economic growth. Addressing the forum, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in light of the pressures and challenges that the kingdom was facing, it deserved strong solidarity from the international community. “Beyond the impact of the Syrian crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Jordan is also a country with large investment and growth opportunities for the private sector,” Guterres said.



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Jordan, a leading country in the peacekeeping forces, was the driving force behind UN resolutions on youth, he said. The UN secretary-general reviewed the challenges in the region and called for united efforts to address them. Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of WEF, said the region has been held back by “conflict”. Maldivian Democratic Party wins parliamentary elections in Maldives

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) seems set to win the country’s parliamentary elections, provisional results showed on April 7, 2019. The MDP was set to secure 59 of 87 seats in the country’s parliament (People’s Majlis.) in the elections held on April 6, with a turnout of almost 80 percent. Final results will be declared after ballot papers from overseas polling stations in Britain, India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka have been received. Rwanda begins 100 days of mourning for 1994 genocide of Tutsi

Rwanda on April 7, 2019 started one hundred days of mourning for over 800,000 people slaughtered in a genocide that shocked the world, a quarter of a century on from the day it began. President Paul Kagame will start a week of commemoration activities by lighting a remembrance flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where more than 250,000 victims are believed to be buried, mainly from the Tutsi people. The killings started on April 7, 1994, and lasted till July 4 of that year. April 7, 2019 was observed as the ‘International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda’ by the UN. World Health Day observed on April 7

World Health Day was observed on April 7 with its theme as ‘Universal health coverage: everyone, everywhere’. Millions of people still have no access at all to health care. Millions more are forced to choose between health care and other daily expenses such as food, clothing and even a home. This is why WHO is focusing on universal health coverage for this year’s World Health Day. World Autism Awareness Day observed on April 2

The World Autism Awareness Day was observed on April 2, 2019 with its theme as ‘Assistive Technologies, Active Participation’. Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that manifests during early childhood, irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. The term Autism Spectrum refers to a range of characteristics. Appropriate support, accommodation and acceptance of this neurological variation allow those on the Spectrum to enjoy equal opportunity, and full and effective participation in society. International Day for Mine Awareness observed on April 4

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action was observed on April 4, 2019 with its theme was ‘United Nations Promotes SDGs – Safe Ground – Safe Home.’ The United Nations advocates for the universalization of existing legal frameworks and encourages Member States to expand those regimes and develop new international instruments to protect civilians from the scourges of landmines and explosive remnants of war. It undertakes this work in collaboration with interested states, civil society, mine action and international organizations. International Day of Sport for Development and Peace observed on April 6

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace was observed on April 6, 2019. According to the UN, sport is a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and networks, and to promote ideals of peace, fraternity, solidarity, non-violence, tolerance and justice. Pakistan military courts cease to function after four years

Pakistan’s special military courts, which were set up in 2015 to try civilians on terrorism charges, have ceased to exist after the government failed to get the support of the Opposition to extend their tenure, according to a media report in Islamabad on April 1, 2019. The courts were set up weeks after the Peshawar school attack on December 16, 2014, for speedy trial of hardcore militants. The massacre left over 150 people dead, mostly students. Initially the court were set up for two years but later the tenure was extended in 2017 for another two years.



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NEWSMAKERS

Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigns

Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has resigned before the expiry of his mandate on April, 2019. Millions of Algerians have been holding weekly protests nationwide calling for the 82-year-old Bouteflika to step down after almost 20 years in office. He has rarely been seen in public since he suffered a stroke in 2013. Bouteflika had initially declared his candidacy for a fifth term, but on March 11 withdrew and postponed the election - originally slated for April 18 - in response to the massive protests. David Malpass elected as World Bank President

Former Under Secretary of United States Treasury Department, David Malpass, was on April 6, 2019 appointed as the 13th President of the World Bank Group. The World Bank, in a statement, said, “The Board looks forward to working with Mr. Malpass on the implementation of the Forward Look and the capital package agreement as articulated in the Sustainable Financing for Sustainable Development Paper.” On February 6, US President Donald Trump had nominated Malpass for the candidature in the elections to appoint the next president of the World Bank. Former foreign minister George Vella appointed Malta’s new president

Former foreign minister George Vella was named the Malta’s new President in Valletta on April 4, 2019, taking over from Marie Louise Coleiro Preca who was one of Europe’s few female ceremonial heads of state. Vella was nominated by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and the choice was approved by parliament. His tenure will span five years. Amal Clooney appointed U.K.’s media envoy

Journalist Amal Clooney has been appointed the U.K.’s special envoy on media freedom. Clooney will chair a panel of legal experts who will work to “support countries to repeal outdated and draconian laws and strengthen legal mechanisms to protect journalists.” Among the steps that could be taken by the panel include making proposals to countries around national laws that don’t comply with international standards, particularly around issues such as blasphemy and stringent anti-defamation rules. 2002 Nobel Medicine Prize winner Sydney Brenner dies at 92

Sydney Brenner, who won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2002 for work on deciphering the genetic code, died at the age of 92 in US on April 7, 2019. Brenner shared the Nobel Prize for his contribution to work unravelling how genes control cell division.



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Section D: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

All low earth satellites in reach of ASAT missile: DRDO

The anti-satellite (ASAT) test, Mission Shakti, conducted on March 27 is a “deterrence capability” and the missile can cover all satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Dr. Satheesh Reddy, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), said on April 6, 2019. “The test happened as per design. We don’t need any more tests in this orbit as of now. The guidance and control algorithm have been developed to do interception at 1,000 km above the earth. This test covers all LEO satellites, including those for military use,” Dr. Reddy said, adding that hitting multiple satellites was feasible. On March 27, a live satellite in LEO of 300 km was shot down using a modified interceptor of the Ballistic Missile Defence system. On concerns raised by the U.S. space agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), on the debris created by the test, Dr. Reddy said extensive simulations were conducted and there was no threat to the International Space Station (ISS). “LEO was chosen based on simulations with primary objective being to minimise debris. It was intentionally done at 280 km altitude so that debris decay fast,” Dr. Reddy said, adding that the interception was designed to hit at an angle so that minimal debris go up and also have minimal velocity. “Some of the debris have already decayed. Our simulations show all debris will decay in 45 days,” he added. NASA’s Solar Probe completes second flyby of Sun

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has successfully completed its second close approach to the Sun, the US space agency NASA said. The manoeuvre, called a perihelion, resulted in a closest approach at 6:40 p.m. EDT (2240 GMT) on April 4, 2019. The spacecraft was about 24 million kms above the surface of the Sun. Parker Solar Probe was travelling at 213,200 miles per hour during this perihelion, and is now entering the outbound phase of its second solar orbit, NASA said in a statement on April 6, 2019. Launched on August 12, 2018, the Parker Solar Probe, NASA’s historic small car-sized probe, will journey steadily closer to the Sun until it makes its closest approach at 3.8 million miles. Throughout its mission, the probe will make six more Venus gravity assists and 24 total passes by the Sun. The spacecraft in January completed its first orbit of the Sun, reaching the point in its orbit farthest from our star, called aphelion. For the second perihelion, the Probe began the solar encounter on March 30, and it will conclude on April 10. The solar encounter phase is roughly defined as when the spacecraft is within 0.25 AU - or 23,250,000 miles - of the Sun. One AU, or astronomical unit, is about 93 million miles, the average distance from the Sun to Earth. PSLV-C45 launches EMISAT and 28 other satellite of foreign countries

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C45) on April 1, 2019 successfully launched EMISAT and 28 international customer satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota. This flight marked the first mission of PSLV-QL, a new variant of PSLV with four strap-on motors. PSLV-C45 lifted off at 9:27 Hrs (IST) from the Second Launch Pad and injected India’s EMISAT into a 748 km sun-synchronous polar orbit, 17 minutes and 12 seconds after lift-off. After separation, the two solar arrays of EMISAT were deployed automatically and the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network at Bengaluru assumed control of the satellite. In the coming days, the satellite will be brought to its final operational configuration. Following the separation of EMISAT, the vehicle’s fourth stage engines were restarted twice to place the 28 international customer satellites precisely into a sun-synchronous orbit of 504 km height. The last customer satellite was placed into its designated orbit 1 hour and 55 minutes after lift-off. About 3 hours after lift-off, the fourth stage (PS4) of the vehicle was moved to a lower circular orbit of 485 km after two restarts to establish it as an orbital platform for carrying out experiments with its three payloads.



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EMISAT is a satellite built around ISRO’s Mini Satellite-2 bus weighing about 436 kg. The satellite is intended for electromagnetic spectrum measurement. The 28 international customer satellites, together weighing about 220 kg, are from four countries, namely, Lithuania (2), Spain (1), Switzerland (1) and USA (24). These foreign satellites were launched as part of commercial arrangements. The payloads carried by PS4 are Automatic Identification System from ISRO, Automatic Packet Repeating System from AMSAT, India and Advanced Retarding Potential Analyzer for ionospheric studies from Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology.

Section E: AWARDS

ESPN India Multi-Sport Awards conferred

Women’s singles badminton player P V Sindhu was named as female sportsperson of the year in the ESPN India Multi-Sport Awards for their achievements in 2018 in Mumbai on April 5, 2019. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was named as male sportsperson of the year. Sindhu got the nod for the top women’s award for her season-ending BWF World Tour Finals tournament in China and her impressive performance at the 2018 World Championships. Neeraj was picked for the top men’s award for his gold at 2018 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, setting the national record of 88.06m. 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist badminton player Saina Nehwal won the award for the ‘Comeback of the Year’ after bagging the bronze at the 2018 Asian Games. Jaspal Rana, coach of the Indian shooting team, claimed the ‘Coach of the Year’ award after India picked up 16 medals in shooting at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Indian women’s table tennis team took home the award for ‘Team of the Year’ after it clinched its first ever gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The ‘Moment of the Year’ award was decided through public poll and has been awarded to the Indian women’s 4x400m relay team for winning the gold at the Asian Games. The Award Winners: Sportsperson of the Year (Male) - Neeraj Chopra (athletics) Sportsperson of the Year (Female) - P V Sindhu (badminton) Comeback of the Year - Saina Nehwal (badminton) Coach of the Year - Jaspal Rana (shooting) Emerging Sportperson of the Year - Saurabh Chaudhary (shooting) Team of the Year - Women’s team (table tennis) Match of the Year - Amit Panghal vs Hasanboy Dusmatov (boxing) Differently-abled athlete of the Year - Ekta Bhyan (para-athletics) Moment of the Year - Women’s 4x400m relay Lifetime Achievement Award - Pradip Kumar Banerjee (former football player and coach) Raju Baraiya wins ‘Glenfiddich’s Emerging Artist of the Year 2019’ award

Vadodara-based artist Raju Baraiya has been selected for the ‘Glenfiddich’s Emerging Artist of the Year 2019’ honour. The eighth recipient of the honour, Baraiya will represent India at the Glenfiddich Artists in Residence (AiR) programme where he will spend three months at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Scotland with artists from around the world. The artist will also be awarded Rs 10 lakh, which includes an international allowance of Rs 1,20,000 per month and a work allowance of Rs 5,00,000; besides being given a solo show at Art District XIII Gallery in New Delhi.



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Section F: BANKING & FINANCE

Reserve Bank cuts repo rate by 25 bps to 6% in monetary policy review

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on April 4, 2019 cut the policy repo rate under LAF (liquidity adjustment facility) by 25 basis points to 6.0% from 6.25% in the first bi-monthly monetary policy meet of the financial year (FY) 2019-20. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted 4-2 in favour of 0.25% cute in repo rate. Repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends money to the commercial banks, in case of any shortfall of funds. Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF stands adjusted to 5.75% and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate to 6.25%. The MPC has decided to maintain the neutral monetary policy stance. The stance of the policy was kept neutral with 5:1 vote. Forecast for CPI (Consumer Price Index) inflation was revised downwards to 2.4% in Q4 of 2018-19, 2.9-3.0% in 1st half of 2019-20 and 3.5-3.8% in 2nd half of 2019-20. GDP growth for 2019-20 has been projected at 7.2% in the range of 6.8-7.1% in 1st half of 2019-20 and 7.3-7.4% in 2nd half. Bank of Baroda becomes second largest PSU bank after SBI

Bank of Baroda (BoB) on April 1, 2019 became the second largest state-owned lender after merging Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank into itself as part of the first three-way amalgamation. The consolidated entity started its operation with a business mix of over Rs 15 lakh crore of balance sheet, with deposits and advances of Rs 8.75 lakh crore and Rs 6.25 lakh crore, respectively. BoB now has over 9,500 branches, 13,400 ATMs, 85,000 employees to serve 12 crore customers. Meanwhile, BoB completed share allotment to shareholders Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank as per the scheme of amalgamation. Shareholders of Vijaya Bank got 402 equity shares of BoB for every 1,000 shares held. In the case of Dena Bank, its shareholders received 110 shares of BoB for every 1,000 shares. The government in September 2018 announced the first-ever three-way consolidation of banks in India, with a combined business of Rs 14.82 lakh crore, making it the third-largest bank after State Bank of India (SBI) and HDFC Bank. SC nixes RBI circular on bad loans as ultra vires

The Supreme Court on April 2, 2019 struck down as ultra vires the controversial February 12, 2018, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) circular that mandates lenders to initiate resolution or restructuring of loans of Rs 2,000 crore and above within six months from the date of default. After the expiry of the 180 days, the defaulting borrowers, under the now struck down circular, had to mandatorily face proceedings under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). The court gave the judgement on a batch of petitions by the industries -- power, fertiliser and sugar -- challenging February 12, 2018 apex bank circular. Striking down the February 12 circular, the court said the government authorisation to RBI to act under Section 35 AA of the Banking Regulation Act was for a specific default and not general and thus 35AA could not have been taken recourse to. “It is clear that the RBI can only direct banking institutions to move under the Insolvency Code if two conditions are specified, (i) that there is a Central government authorisation to do so; and (ii) that it should be in respect of specific defaults. The Section, therefore, by necessary implication, prohibits this power from being exercised in any manner other than the one set out in Section 35AA”, said the judgement.



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“Consequently, all actions taken under the said circular, including actions by which the Insolvency Code has been triggered must fall along with the said circular”, the court said. The RBI circular that was struck down on April 2, 2019 said that in the pre-Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) stage, the moment a commercial entity is in default on a loan of Rs 2,000 crore or more even for a day, the bank would initiate steps for resolving, including restructuring the loan. The RBI’s February 12 circular requires banks to finalise a resolution plan in case of a default on large accounts within 180 days, failing which insolvency proceedings will have to be invoked against the defaulter. It also introduced a one-day default rule on term loans, which mandates treating a borrower who misses repayments as a defaulter the very next day. The regulated sector companies of fertiliser, power and sugar had contended that their prices are regulated by the government and they don’t get paid on time and thus they are unable to pay the banks on schedule and are not wilful defaulters and can’t be treated as such. They have contended that under IBC the resolution plan gives then 270 days but the RBI circular has reduced it to 180. The real bone of contention agitated by the petitioner-industries in the regulated sector was the RBI circular putting in place a revised framework for resolution of stressed assets. Under the revised framework for the resolution of stressed assets, the banks were mandated to “identify incipient stress in loan accounts, immediately on default, by classifying stressed assets as special mention accounts (SMA)” under three categories within a period of 1 to 30 days, 31 to 60 days and 61 to 90 days. RBI tightens NPA disclosure norms, asks banks to reveal bad loans

The Reserve Bank of India on April 1, 2019 asked banks to disclose bad loan divergences in their financial statements if the additional provisioning exceeds 10 per cent of profit before provision and contingencies. In a notification, the RBI said it is observed that some banks, on account of low or negative net profit after tax, are required to disclose divergences even where the additional provisioning assessed by RBI is small, which is contrary to the regulatory intent that only material divergences should be disclosed. Therefore, it has been decided that henceforth, banks should disclose divergences, if “the additional provisioning for NPAs assessed by RBI exceeds 10 per cent of the reported profit before provisions and contingencies for the reference period”. Earlier, banks were to make suitable disclosures if the additional provisioning requirements assessed by RBI exceeded 15 per cent of the published net profits after tax for the reference period. RBI further said disclosure has also to be made if the additional gross NPAs identified by RBI exceed 15 per cent of the published incremental gross NPAs for the reference period. In another notification regarding large exposures framework (LEF), the RBI said non-centrally cleared derivatives exposures will be outside the purview of exposure limits till April 1, 2020. However, banks must compute these exposures separately and report to the Department of Banking Regulation on quarterly basis. RBI sets WMA Limit for Government at Rs 75000 crore for H1 of 2019-20

The Reserve Bank of India, in consultation with the Government of India, has decided that the limits for Ways and Means Advances (WMA) for the first half of the financial year 2019-20 (April 2019 to September 2019) will be Rs 75000 crore. The Reserve Bank may trigger fresh floatation of market loans when the Government of India utilises 75% of the WMA limit. The Reserve Bank retains the flexibility to revise the limit at any time, in consultation with the Government of India, taking into consideration the prevailing circumstances.



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The interest rate on WMA will be Repo Rate and overdraft will be 2% above the Repo Rate. The Reserve Bank, in consultation with Government of India, will put in place a rule- based WMA limit in future, based on objective parameters. Bank of India to sell 25.05% stake in life insurance JV for Rs 1,106 cr

Bank of India on April 5, 2019 said it will sell 25.05 per cent stake in its insurance JV Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co for at least Rs 1,106 crore. The bank has floated a request for proposal for sale of over 6.48 crore equity shares, or 25.05 per cent stake in its joint venture with Union Bank of India and Japan’s Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc. The floor price for the stake sale has been fixed at Rs 170.50 a share. At the floor price, the share sale would fetch over Rs 1,106 crore to the lender. Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance (SUD Life) is a joint venture between BoI, Union Bank of India and Dai-ichi Life, holding 28.96 per cent, 25.10 per cent and 45.94 per cent stake, respectively. Established in February 2009, SUD Life’s premium income stood at Rs 1,211 crore, while its profit after tax stood at Rs 55 crore in April-December 2018-19. In January 2019, the Reserve Bank removed BoI from its prompt corrective action (PCA) framework, easing some restrictions on lending. Lakshmi Vilas Bank to merge with Indiabulls Housing Finance

The board of directors of Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) on April 5, 2019 approved a scheme of amalgamation with Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd (IHFL). For every one share of Rs 10 each, the LVB shareholders will receive 0.14 equity share of Rs 2 each of Indiabulls Housing Finance. The appointed date for the scheme shall be January 1, 2018 or such other date as may be mutually agreed between the amalgamating companies and is the date with effect from which the scheme shall be operative, the bank said.

Section G: ECONOMY

India’s external debt eases to US$ 521.2 billion end December 2018

India’s external debt witnessed a decline of 1.6% to US$ 521.2 billion at end-December 2018 over its level at end-March 2018, on account of decrease in commercial borrowings and trade credit. However, with respect to figures at end-September 2018, it has increased by 2.1% as at end-December 2018. Valuation gains in external debt as at end December 2018 over September 2018, due to depreciation of the US dollar vis-a-vis the Indian rupee and other major currencies (viz., SDR, yen, euro, and pound sterling), were placed at US$ 20.6 billion. Excluding the valuation effect, the external debt as at end December 2018 would have been US$ 541.8 billion. Commercial borrowings continued to be the largest component of external debt with a share of 37.4%, followed by NRI deposits (24.1%) and short-term trade credit (19.9%). At end-December 2018, long-term debt (with original maturity of above one year) was placed at US$ 417.3 billion, recording a decline of US$ 10.2 billion over its level at end-March 2018. The share of long-term debt (original maturity) in total external debt at end December was 80.1%, lower than its level of 80.7% at end March 2018. The share of short-term debt (with original maturity of up to one year) in total external debt increased to 19.9% at end-December 2018 from 19.3% at end-March 2018. Short-term debt on a residual maturity basis (i.e., debt obligations that include long-term debt by original maturity falling due over the next twelve months and short-term debt by original maturity) constituted 43.5% of total external debt at end-December 2018 (as against 42.0% at end March 2018) and stood at 57.3% of foreign exchange reserves (as against 52.3% at end-March 2018). US dollar denominated debt continued to be the largest component of India’s external debt with a share of 45.9% at end December 2018, followed by the Indian rupee (24.8%), SDR (5.1%), yen (4.9%) and euro (3.1%).



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The borrower-wise classification shows that the outstanding debt of both government and non-government sectors decreased at end-December 2018, in comparison to end-March 2018, however, increased in comparison to end-September 2018. The ratio of short-term debt (original maturity) to foreign exchange reserves increased to 26.4% at end-December 2018 (as against 24.1% at end-March 2018). The ratio of concessional debt to total external debt stands at 8.7% as at end December 2018, as against 9.1% as at end March 2018. Forex reserves at USD 411.905 billion in the week to March 29

The country’s foreign exchange reserves swelled by USD 5.237 billion to USD 411.905 billion in the week to March 29, RBI data showed on April 5, 2019. Foreign currency assets, a major component of the overall reserves, swelled by USD 5.248 billion to USD 384.053 billion in the reporting week. Expressed in dollars, foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation/depreciation of non-US currencies like the euro, pound and the yen held in the reserves. In a bid to infuse liquidity into the system, the Reserve Bank had on March 26 conducted a USD 5 billion dollar-rupee swap auction, which received bids for over USD 16 billion. Following the huge response, the central bank announced another round of USD 5 billion swap auction to be held on April 23 for a three-year tenor. The forex reserves had touched a life-time high of USD 426.028 billion in the week to April 13, 2018. Since then, it has been on a slide and is now down by around USD 14 billion. Gold reserves remained unchanged at USD 23.408 billion in the reporting week. The special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) dipped by USD 3.6 million to USD 1.456 billion. The country’s reserve position with the IMF too decreased by USD 7.4 million to USD 2.986 billion. GST revenue collection touches record high level of Rs 106577 crore in March 2019

Total gross GST revenue collected in March 2019 touched a record high level of Rs 1,06,577 crore, of which CGST is Rs 20,353 crore, SGST is Rs 27,520 crore, IGST is Rs 50,418 crore (including Rs 23,521 crore collected on imports) and Cess is Rs 8,286 crore (including Rs 891 crore collected on imports). Monthly average of GST revenue during 2018-19 is Rs 98,114 crore which is 9.2% higher than FY 2017-18. These figures indicate that the revenue growth has been picking up in recent months. Collection in March, 2019 has been highest since introduction of GST. Total revenue earned by Central Government and the State Governments after regular and provisional settlement in the month of March, 2019 is Rs 47,614 crore for CGST and Rs 51,209 crore for the SGST. Further, Rs 20,000 crore has been settled from the balance IGST available with the Centre on provisional basis in the ratio of 50:50 between Centre and States Eight core industries output up 2.1% in February 2019

The output of eight core industries comprising 40.27% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 2.1% in February 2019, CSO data showed on April 1, 2019. The cumulative output has improved 4.3% in April to February 2018-19. Coal production (weight: 10.33%) increased by 7.3% in February 2019 over February 2018. Its cumulative index increased by 7.1% during April to February 2018-19 over corresponding period of the previous year. Crude Oil production (weight: 8.98%) declined by 6.1% in February 2019 over February 2018. Its cumulative index declined by 4.0%during April to February 2018-19over the corresponding period of previous year.



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The Natural Gas production (weight: 6.88%) increased by 3.8% in February 2019 over February 2018. Its cumulative index increased by 0.8% during April to February 2018-19 over the corresponding period of previous year. Petroleum Refinery production (weight: 28.04%) declined by 0.8% in February 2019 over February 2018. Its cumulative index increased by 3.0% during April to February 2018-19 over the corresponding period of previous year. Fertilizers production (weight: 2.63%) increased by 2.5% in February 2019 over February 2018. Its cumulative index declined by 0.02% during April to February 2018-19 over the corresponding period of previous year. Steel production (weight: 17.92%) increased by 4.9% in February 2019 over February 2018. Its cumulative index increased by 4.7%during April to February 2018-19 over the corresponding period of previous year. Cement production (weight: 5.37%) increased by 8.0% in February 2019 over February 2018. Its cumulative index increased by 13.0% during April to February 2018-19 over the corresponding period of previous year. Electricity generation (weight: 19.85%) increased by 0.7% in February 2019 over February 2018. Its cumulative index increased by 5.4% during April to February 2018-19 over the corresponding period of previous year.

Supreme Court paves way for higher pension to all private sector employees

The Supreme Court on April 2, 2019 ensured higher pension for all private sector employees. The apex court dismissed the special leave petition filed by Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) against Kerala HC judgement which asked EPFO to provide pension to all retiring employees. The SC dismissed EPFO’s plea against the HC ruling which asked the organisation to pay full pension to retiring employees on the basis of their total salary instead of capping the amount on which the contribution of a pensioner is calculated at a maximum of Rs 15,000 per month. It may be noted that the government’s Employees’ Pension Scheme was introduced in 1995 for the organised sector employees. The scheme is applicable to all employees covered under the EPF scheme. People who are covered under EPS receive a pension on a permanent basis. Every employee with a monthly salary combined with DA of Rs 15,000 or lesser, must enroll into this scheme. Under this scheme employer was initially supposed to contribute 8.33% of their employee’s salary. However, this contribution was then capped at 8.33% of Rs 6,500. The government later amended the act and allowed a contribution to any percentage of the actually salary in case both employee and employer has no objection. The EPFO amended the act again in 2014 and increased the contribution to 8.33% of a maximum amount of Rs 15,000. The amendment also included that the pension on fully salary will be calculated as average of last five years’ monthly income and not just on past one year’s salary. This amendment therefore lowered the pension of many employees. The Karnataka HC set aside the 2014 amendment and reinstated the old pension calculation procedure. Following HC’s order, the Supreme Court asked EPFO to accept employees’ request to contribute the scheme on basis if their complete salary with back date. Despite, SC’s judgement EPFO did not accept contributions from employees of several exempt companies whose PF’s are managed by trusts. After EPFO’s refusal to accept the contributions, several high courts including Kerala, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madras etc. asked the EPFO to comply to the order and Supreme Court on Monday settled this issue once and for all asking EPFO to follow through. Skymet forecast below-normal South-West monsoon

This year’s South-West Monsoon (June-September) is likely to be ‘below normal’, at around 93 per cent of the long-period average (LPA), private forecaster Skymet Weather said on April 3, 2019.



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This is the first early forecast for the 2019 season. The India Met Department (IMD) is expected to come out with its own forecast by mid-April. A preliminary monsoon forecast guidance by Skymet on February 25 had predicted normal rains. It kept the probability of normal monsoon at about 50 per cent, but also alluded to a ‘significant chance’ of rainfall ending below normal. This was based on January projections, which indicated that chances of El Nino were fading rapidly. But the scenario changed completely in February, with moderate El Nino conditions emerging over the Pacific Ocean. An El Nino could be declared any time now, Skymet said. According to Skymet: “The Pacific is now strongly warmer than average. Model projections indicate 80 per cent chance of El Nino conditions during March-May, dropping to 60 per cent for June-August.” This means “it is going to be a devolving El Nino year, though retaining threshold values all through the season,” said Skymet. “Thus, monsoon 2019 is likely to be below normal.” Skymet has factored in an error margin of +/-5 per cent while computing the rainfall at 93 per cent of the LPA of 89 cm during June-September. It sees nil chances of excess rainfall (more than 110 per cent of the LPA). The onset month of June may prove to be sluggish and the resultant rain deficit may spill into July. The second half of the season would, however, see better rainfall. National Maritime Day observed on April 5

National Maritime Day was observed on April 5, 2019 in India with its theme as ‘Indian Ocean-An Ocean of opportunity’. The day is observed to commemorate the maiden voyage by an Indian Ship SS Loyalty of Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd to the United Kingdom on the same day in 1919. April 5 marks the National Maritime Day of India. The National Maritime Day was first celebrated on 5th April, 1964. 12 NCR districts, Agra switch to Euro-VI fuel

Supply of ultra-clean BS-VI (Euro-VI) grade petrol and diesel has begun in cities adjoining the national capital, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) said. While Delhi in April 2018 became the first city in the country to leapfrog from Euro-IV grade petrol and diesel to Euro-VI fuels, cities in the national capital region like Noida and Ghaziabad switched over to the cleaner fuel from April 1, 2019. Rest of the country will follow suit from April 2020. BS-VI (Euro-VI) contains 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur as against 50 ppm in Euro-VI fuels. Manufacturing PMI at 6-month low in March 2019

Manufacturing activity slowed to a six-month low of 52.6 in March due to lower levels of new orders and production, according to a private sector survey. The Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index came in at a lower reading in March from 54.3 in February. A reading over 50 implies expansion while one below that denotes a contraction in activity. The report said that the increase in new orders was the slowest in six months, with firms reporting that the effect of strong underlying demand, successful advertising, and the receipt of bulk orders was being curbed by competitive conditions and the upcoming elections. India’s growth set to pick up at 7.2% in 2019 on rising consumption: ADB

India’s growth is set to pick up and is expected to grow at 7.2 per cent in the current fiscal on strengthening consumption, Asian Development Bank said in its flagship report released on April 3, 2019. “Growth slowed from 7.2 per cent in fiscal 2017 to 7 per cent in 2018, with weaker agricultural output and consumption growth curtailed by higher global oil prices and lower government expenditure,” according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2019.



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Section H: CORPORATE

South Korea launches world’s first 5G networks

South Korea has launched the world’s first nationwide 5G mobile networks. Three top telecom providers - SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus - began their 5G services on April 4, 2019. Along with the US, China and Japan, South Korea had been racing to claim the title as the world’s first provider of the ultra-fast network. Samsung Electronics has rolled out the Galaxy S10 5G, the world’s first available smartphone with the technology built in. Experts say 5G will bring smartphones near-instantaneous connectivity - 20 times faster than 4G - allowing users to download entire movies in less than a second. The technology is crucial for the future development of devices such as self-driving vehicles and is expected to bring about $565 billion in global economic benefits by 2034, according to the London-based Global System for Mobile Communications, an industry alliance. The implications of the new network have pitted Washington against Beijing - whose firms dominate 5G technology -- in an increasingly bitter standoff. WhatsApp provides users control on who can add them to groups

WhatsApp on April 3, 2019 said it has introduced a new invite system on its platform that will enable users to decide who can add them to a group. The company has introduced a new privacy setting and an invite system to help users decide who can add them to groups. Currently, users can be added to a group without their consent. However, they can leave the group once they are added. “To enable it, go to Settings in your app, then tap Account > Privacy > Groups and select one of three options: ‘Nobody,’ ‘My Contacts’, or ‘Everyone’. ‘Nobody’ means you will have to approve joining every group to which you are invited, and ‘My Contacts’ means only users you have in your address book can add you to groups,” WhatsApp said. The person inviting someone to a group would be prompted to send a private invite through an individual chat, giving the receiver the choice of joining the group. “You will have three days to accept the invite before it expires.” The company said with the new features, users will have more control over the group messages they receive. BIS inks an MoU with IIT, Delhi to collaborate in standardisation and conformity assessment

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi to collaborate in the field of standardisation and conformity assessment. BIS and IIT Delhi have also agreed to set up a Centre of Excellence in the field of standardization, testing and conformity assessment. According to the MoU, IIT Delhi will provide infrastructure support for research and development projects of relevance to standardisation and BIS will provide financial support to IIT Delhi for projects. Around 50 faculty members of the institute are part of the technical committees of BIS and the memorandum would strengthen the collaboration further. Initially, the MoU will remain in force for a period of five years and can be extended further. As per the MoU, both the institutions will jointly organise training and short-term education programmes on standardisation and conformity assessment, besides exploring the possibility of the hiring of IIT Delhi faculty as consultants on secondment basis. The MoU will also explore the possibility of using laboratory facilities available at IIT Delhi for catering to the requirements of various conformity assessment schemes of the BIS. SBI invites bidders for ailing Jet Airways

State Bank of India (SBI) and SBI Capital Markets Ltd (SBI CAPs), on behalf of Jet Airways’ lenders, formally invited Expression of Interest (EoI) to effect change in the control and management of Jet Airways (India) Ltd. Interested parties can submit bids from April 8, 2019 till 6p.m. of April 10,2019 as per an advertisement released by SBI CAPs. Earlier, SBI had said that bids would be accepted from April 7 to April 9, 2019.



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Flipkart India’s most preferred workplace; Amazon, Oyo come next: LinkedIn

Walmart-owned Flipkart is the most preferred workplace in India, followed by Amazon and Oyo in the second and third places, respectively, according to a list compiled by professional social media network LinkedIn. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is at the seventh place, new entrants and homegrown internet and consumer services companies Swiggy and Zomato were ranked sixth and eighth, respectively. Uber, another new entrant, took the fifth spot, while, One97 Communications was at the fourth rank and Oil and Energy conglomerate Reliance Industries was at the 10th place. LinkedIn ranked the companies based on four criteria -- interest in the company, engagement with employees, job demand and employee retention. Reliance Jio Digital Services acquires AI firm Haptik in Rs 700 cr-deal

Reliance Jio Digital Services has acquired artificial intelligence firm Haptik in a Rs 700 crore deal. Reliance will hold about 87 per cent of the business with the rest being held by Haptik founders and employees through stock option grants. Founded in 2013, Haptik is chat based virtual concierge mobile application. Its client base includes Samsung, Coca-Cola, Future Retail, KFC, Tata Group, Oyo Rooms and Mahindra Group. JLL India Launches Home Purchase Affordability Index

JLL India, a professional services firm specializing in real estate, launched its annual Home Purchase Affordability Index (JLL HPAI) on April 3, 2019. The Index signifies whether a household earning an average annual income (at an overall city level) is eligible for a housing loan to buy a 1,000 sq ft residential property in the city, at the prevailing market price and home loan interest rate. JLL HPAI analyses affordability across India’s key seven cities (Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata) for the period 2011 to 2018. In 2018, all the cities except Mumbai crossed the affordability threshold as per JLL HPAI. Raymond group enters real estate with Rs 3,500 cr project in Mumbai

Diversified group Raymond on April 3, 2019 announced foray into the real estate sector and launched its first housing project in Mumbai with an expected revenue of Rs 3,500 crore. Raymond Realty, the new division of the group, will develop a 14-acre housing project at Thane in Mumbai. The company will construct 3,000 apartments in the first phase. “In our continued efforts to enhance value for stakeholders, Raymond has forayed into real estate development in order to monetise the land at Thane,” Raymond Chairman and MD Gautam Hari Singhania said. Accor brings ‘Raffles’ hotel brand to India

Global hospitality major Accor on April 3, 2019 said it is bringing its iconic ‘Raffles’ brand to India with signing of two new hotels as part of expanding presence in the luxury segment. The two hotels under the brand will be in Jaipur and Udaipur. Accor, currently, has 4,800 hotels, resorts, and residences across 100 countries. Its portfolio of brands ranges from luxury to economy. Italy’s Ferrero to buy biscuit businesses of Kellogg for USD 1.3 billion

Italian chocolate giant Ferrero said on April 1, 2019 it was buying the biscuit and snack businesses of the American Kellogg Company for USD 1.3 billion (1.16 billion euros). The brands Ferrero will acquire include popular Keebler cookies as well as Famous Amos and Murray Sugar Free cookies and fruit snacks such as Stretch Island. Ferrero, founded as a family business in 1946, is well-known for Ferrero Rocher and Nutella brands. Avengers help raise $5 million fund for seriously ill children

Some of Marvel’s top Avengers have assembled to support a $5 million donation to benefit seriously ill children in hospitals around the globe. Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Paul Rudd and Brie Larson helped unveil the donation of money and toys to benefit charities and children’s hospitals at Disney Resort in Anaheim, California, on April 5, 2019. Toys and products from the new Marvel superhero film will be sent to children’s hospitals throughout the country. Disney donated $1 million to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. The LEGO group, Hasbro, Funko and Amazon collaborated to donate more than $4 million to children’s hospitals



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around the country.

NEWSMAKERS

NASSCOM appoints Keshav Murugesh as Chairman for 2019-20

IT industry body NASSCOM on April 5, 2019 said it has appointed WNS Global Services Group CEO Keshav Murugesh as its Chairman for 2019-20. NASSCOM also appointed Infosys COO UB Pravin Rao as its Vice Chairman for 2019-20. NASSCOM President Debjani Ghosh described Murugesh as a distinctly accomplished leader. Eicher Motors appoints Vinod Dasari as Royal Enfield CEO

Eicher Motors on April 1, 2019 said it has appointed Vinod K Dasari as the chief executive officer of its Royal Enfield unit. Prior to joining Royal Enfield, Dasari was the CEO and managing director of Ashok Leyland, a position he held since 2011. He joined Ashok Leyland as the CEO in 2005. Dasari has also served as the president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) from 2015 to 2017 and as the president of the Automotive Research Association of India from 2013 to 2015.

Section I: STATES

Two-day per week ban on vehicles in Jammu-Srinagar highway comes into force

The two-day per week ban on movement of civilian vehicles on Jammu-Srinagar-Baramulla national highway for facilitating safe passage of security convoys, came into effect on April 7, 2019. The ban on civilian traffic on Sundays and Wednesdays will be in force till May 31. A suicide car bomber travelling on the highway killed 40 CRPF troopers at Pulwama in Kashmir in February. The ban was imposed in view of large number of security personnel being moved around for election duty in the state. The ban will be in place from Udhampur to Baramulla via Srinagar. ITBP unit in Arunachal casts first service votes

A total of 80 ITBP personnel cast their ballot under the service voter category from a border location in Arunachal Pradesh on April 5, 2019. The personnel voted for their respective constituencies in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Karnataka, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh among few others, from the Animal Training School of the frontier guarding force in Lohitpur. This is the first case of service voters exercising their franchise in this northeastern State in 2019. Wreckage of WW II vintage US Air Force aircraft discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

A 12-member patrol team of its soldiers discovered the wreckage of a World War II vintage US Air Force aircraft in Arunachal Pradesh on March 30, the Indian Army informed on April 4, 2019. The wreckage was discovered in Roing district on March 30, 2019. The patrol located aircraft debris covered deep under five-feet of snow. The Army sent the special patrol team after receiving a tip-off from the local trekkers. World War II was fought from 1939 to 1945. It finally ended after Japan surrendered following nuclear attacks on two of its cities by the United States of America. Nagaland observes 75th anniversary of Battle of Kohima

The 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kohima was observed by the Nagaland government on April 5, 2019 with representatives from the UK and Japan speaking on the theme of ‘Remembrance, Reconciliation and Rebirth’. Participants from the UK and Japan assembled at the programme to seek “reconciliation and forgiveness” for the “sufferings and pain” caused against each other at the Battle of Kohima, that was fought in three stages during the Second World War in 1944. Odisha receives GI tag for ‘Kandhamal Haldi’ ‘Kandhamal Haldi’, a variety of turmeric indigenous to southern Odisha, has earned the Geographical indication (GI) tag from Intellectual Property India, an organisation functioning under the auspices of the Union ministry of commerce & industry. Kandhamal in southern



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Odisha is famed for its turmeric. The GI tag was primarily developed with the purpose of recognising the unique identity connecting different products and places. For a product to get GI tag, it has to have a unique quality, reputation or characteristic which is attributable to its geographic origin. Odisha Foundation Day (Utkal Divas) observed on April 1

Odisha Foundation Day (Utkal Divas) was observed on April 1, 2019. On April 1 1936, was carved out as a separate state in the then British India on a linguistic identity.

NEWSMAKERS Tamil film Director J. Mahendran dies at the age of 79

Veteran director J Mahendran passed away at the age of 79 in April 2, 2019. Mahendran has directed several memorable films including Uthiri Pookal, Johnny, Mullum Malarum and Nenjathai Killadhey.

Tripura BJP MLA Dilip Sarkar dies at 61

Ruling BJP MLA Dilip Sarkar died in Agartala on April 1, 2019 at the age of 61. Sarkar had won the 2018 Assembly election from Badharghat seat on BJP ticket. He had earlier won from the same seat three times on Congress ticket and was also minister of state for PWD in the state in the Congress government in 1988. He was one of the six MLAs who left the Congress and joined the BJP in 2016. Renowned dramatist Kartik Rath dies in Odisha at 70

Eminent theatre organiser and playwright Kartik Chandra Rath passed away in Cuttack on April 1, 2019 at the age of 70. Recipient of Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi award and Odishi Sangeet Natak Akademi award, Rath has penned over hundred plays and directed over 500 plays in his career as a dramatist. His play “Bhagwan Jane Manisha” staged at the National Theatre festival in Allahabad way back in 1980s gave him an opening as a dramatist from where he scripted a passionate career as a dramatist.

Section J: SPORTS

Tai Tzu-ying, Lin Dan win singles titles at Malaysia Open Badminton

Tai Tzu-ying and Lin Dan won singles titles at Malaysia Open Badminton in Kuala Lumpur on April 7, 2019. Tai Tzu-ying (Taiwan) beat Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) in final 21-16, 21-19 to win Women’s Singles title. Lin Dan (China) beat Chen Long (China) in final 9-21, 21-17, 21-11 to win Men’s Singles title. Li Junhui & Liu Yuchen (China) beat Takeshi Kamura & Keigo Sonoda (Japan) in final 21-12, 21-17 to win Men’s Doubles title. Chen Qingchen & Jia Yifan (China) beat Du Yue & Li Yinhui (China) in final 21-14, 21-15 to win Women’s Doubles title. Zheng Siwei & Huang Yaqiong (China) beat Nipitphon Phuangphuapet & Savitree Amitrapai (Thailand) in final 21-13, 21-19 to win Mixed Doubles title. India’s first professional Kho-Kho league launched

The Kho-Kho Federation of India (KKFI) on April 2, 2019 launched a franchise-based league for the sport named Ultimate Kho-Kho. The KKFI, in collaboration with Dabur India Ltd, will conduct the 21-day IPL-style league, which will see eight franchise teams playing a total of 60 matches in a double round-robin format. There will be an initial draft of players where athletes from across the world will be part of the eight franchise. Kho-Kho is played in around 20 countries in the world, mostly in Asia. A Kho-Kho match consists of four innings of nine minutes each and will be played on specially developed mats in state-of-the-art indoor stadiums. Each team has 12 players, out of which nine will sit on their knees on the field, while three will be extra. KKFI and Dabur have together appointed Tenzing Niyogi (former sports



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advisory leader at Ernst and Young) as the CEO of the league. Indian Olympic Association Secretary General and former KKFI president Rajeev Mehta is the chairman of the league. India retain Test Championship for third year in a row

India retained the ICC Test Championship Mace and won the purse of USD one million for a third year running after a memorable season that saw them winning their maiden series in Australia. India finished at the top of the ICC Test team rankings on the cut-off date of April 1 while New Zealand have ensured second place, the world body said in a statement on April 1, 2019. The Kane Williamson-led New Zealand earned USD 500,000 after finishing with 108 points, eight behind India. South Africa got a prize money of USD 200,000 for finishing third with 105 points. Australia who edged out England on decimal points at 104 points bag USD 100,000. Shahid Afridi’ autobiography ‘Game Changer’ set to hit stands on April 30

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi’s biography “Game Changer” will hit the stands on April 30. The biography written by well-known TV anchor and broadcaster, Wajahat S Khan tracks the career of Afridi and narrates all the scandals and controversies in the all-rounder’s career. Afridi, 39, retired from all cricket in April, 2016 after a 20-year international career in which he appeared in 27 Tests, 398 ODIs and 99 T20 internationals. Afridi, who led Pakistan in all three formats, is still active in the T20 leagues played around the world and recently appeared in the Pakistan Super League. Praful Patel elected as FIFA Council member, first from India

All India Football Federation president Praful Patel was on April 6, 2019 elected as a FIFA Council member, becoming the first Indian to enter the prestigious council in a landmark development. Patel got 38 out of 46 votes. The AIFF chief was one of the eight candidates vying for the spot in the election which was held during the 29th AFC (Asian Football Confederations) Congress in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. Earlier in the day, the congress re-elected Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa by acclamation as AFC president for a second four-year term until 2023. Shaikh Salman, whose presidency began in May 2013, was the only candidate for the position. India finish with 16 gold medals at Asian Airgun Championships

Indian ended with 25 medals at the Asian Airgun Championships that concluded in Taoyuan, Taipei on April 1, 2019. India finished with 16 gold, five silver and four bronze. Yash Vardhan and Shreya Agrawal bagged three gold medals each. Yash finished on top in 10m Air Rifle men’s junior event. He then clinched the yellow metal in Team competition with his partners -- Keval Prajpati and Aishwary Tomar. Earlier Vardhan and Shreya combined to win the Mixed Team Rifle junior event. Shreya won the gold in the 10m Air Rifle women’s junior event. She also won the Team gold along with Mehuli Ghosh and Kavi Chakkaravarthy. Saurav Ghosal becomes first Indian male to enter top-10 in world squash rankings

Saurav Ghosal on April 1, 2019 became the first Indian male squash player to enter the top 10 in the latest PSA world rankings. Indian women squash players -- Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal -- had earlier reached top-10 in the world rankings. Riding on his recent performances, Ghosal has moved up two places to a career-high ranking of 10. Ghosal made it to the quarter-finals of the 2018-2019 PSA World Championships in Chicago, USA for the first time in his career. Egypt’s world champion Ali Farag, meanwhile, maintains his position at the top of the ladder. Sadom Kaewkanjana wins Bangabandhu Cup Golf Open

India’s Ajeetesh Sandhu and Rashid Khan finished second and third respectively at the Bangabandhu Cup Golf Open, in Dhaka on April 6, 2019. Sadom Kaewkanjana of Thailand won the title.



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Section A: INDIA

SC allows use of leaked documents in Rafale case, dismisses Centre's objections SC directs political parties to reveal information to EC on buyers of electoral bonds Electoral bonds worth Rs 1,407.09 crore purchased in 2018-19: RTI HRD rankings: IIT Madras best institution, IISc Bangalore best varsity, Miranda House best college India short of 6 lakh doctors, 2 mn nurses: US-based CDDEP UN report indicates improvement in the quality of India's healthcare system Approve composition for green crackers, says SC SC directs EC to raise random matching of VVPAT slips to 5 booths/assembly segment Navy gets virtual reality centre for designing warships Professor Najma Akhtar appointed first woman vice-chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia Colonel Raj Kapoor, the Director who introduced Shah Rukh Khan with TV show ‘Fauji’, dies at 87 Section B: INDIA & THE WORLD

India builds maternity hospital in Nepal Pakistan releases another 100 Indian fishermen as goodwill gesture Dr Reddy’s CEO GV Prasad named Belgium Hon Consul Section C: WORLD

Pakistan launches guidelines to implement UNSC 1267 Sanctions 121 killed in Libya clashes: WHO UK, European Union agree to extend Brexit until October 31 Israel elections: PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party wins most seats in 120-member Knesset Sri Lanka opens China-financed railway line Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) wins Parliamentary elections in Maldives New Zealand Parliament votes to ban semi-automatic weapons UN votes to end peacekeeping operations in Haiti on Oct 15 International Day of Human Space Flight observed on April 12 World Homeopathy Day observed on April 10 Julian Assange: Wikileaks co-founder arrested in London Mohammed Ishtaye sworn in as new Palestinian PM Sudan President Omar al-Bashir steps down Actress Nadja Regin, best known for starring in James Bond films, dies at 87 Section D: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

CMFRI, ISRO ink MoU to protect smaller wetlands Israeli spacecraft Beresheet crashes in attempt to reach moon Nepal flags off team to remeasure Everest's height Scientists capture the first-ever image of a black hole Endangered turtle dies; only 3 left in the world

Section E: AWARDS

'Crying girl' image near US-Mexico border wins World Press Photo award 2 journalists jailed in Myanmar awarded 2019 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Press Freedom Prize GIC India CMD awarded Freedom of the City of London Paralympics medallist Deepa Malik wins New Zealand PM's Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship 2 West Bengal govt schemes win UN awards Namami Gange wins honour at Global Water Summit in London



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India's education technology startup 'Dost Education' bags USD 25,000 global tech prize Russia confers ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’ on PM Modi Section F: BANKING & FINANCE RBI issues norms for banks to set up currency chests Money laundering law prevails over Bankruptcy Act, insolvency code: HC India should bolster capitalisation of govt-owned banks to tackle NPAs: IMF India highest recipient of remittances at $79 billion in 2018: World Bank Karnam Sekar to take over as MD, CEO of Indian Overseas Bank from July 1 Section G: ECONOMY

Forex reserves swell by $1.87 billion to $413.8 billion in the week to April 5 Industrial output growth drops to 20-month low of 0.1 pc in February Retail inflation edges up to 2.86% in March on costlier food articles Foreign investment of Indian companies rises 18% to $2.69 billion in March 2019 India to grow at 7.3% in 2019 and 7.5% in 2020: IMF Section H: CORPORATE Anil Ambani firm got 143.7 mn euro tax waiver after Rafale deal announcement: Le Monde Airtel, FICCI Ladies Organisation launch women's safety app 6 Dhanush guns handed over to Army; first lot of 114-piece order PayU acquires US-based financial technology firm Wibmo Tata Group signs formal agreement with NDMC for operating Taj Mansingh for 33 years Rail Vikas Nigam shares make tepid debut; end flat Google Pay users can now buy gold from app in India IHCL launches brand SeleQtions with 12 hotels in India HMT sets up heritage centre, museum World's largest plane successfully completes maiden flight Google opens an artificial intelligence (AI) research laboratory in Ghana Hong Kong's stock market overtakes Japan to be world's third largest Saudi Aramco was world's most profitable company in 2018 US oil giant Chevron says will acquire Anadarko for USD33 bn SFIO arrests former IL&FS Fin Services CEO Ramesh Bawa for abusing powers Narendra Modi most popular world leader on Facebook Vikram Kirloskar to take over as new CII president SUN Group chairman Vikramjit Sahney is new president of ICC India

Section I: STATES Rajouri Day celebrated on April 13 in J&K English translation of 'Khuni Vaishakhi' released to mark Jallianwala Bagh massacre centenary SC slaps Rs 20 lakh fine on WB for stopping screening of film, says clear abuse of public power Guinness record created for largest traditional Konyak dance Manipur journalist detained under NSA walks out of jail Himachal Minister Anil Sharma quits Cabinet Gujarat: Congress MLA Alpesh Thakor resigns ahead of Lok Sabha elections Kerala Congress veteran and former state Finance Minister K. M. Mani dies in Kochi at 86 Renowned Hindi poet Pradeep Choubey dies in Gwalior (MP) UP BJP MLA from Agra East constituency Jagan Prasad Garg dies at 65 SC Collegium recommends 5 new Chief Justices of HCs



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Section J: SPORTS Kohli, Beaumont, Buttler, Curran and Burns are 5 Wisden Cricketers of the Year Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mark Boucher elected as MCC Honorary Life Members Indian boxers finish with 5 medals at Cologne Boxing World Cup Ethiopian athletes win both men’s and women’s races at Paris marathon Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton wins Formula One Chinese Grand Prix FC Goa win Hero Super Cup football tournament in Chennai Shaikh Humeira and Niki Poonacha win Singles titles in National Ranking Tennis Tournament Garbine Muguruza wins women’s singles title at Monterrey Open tennis Madison Keys wins women’s singles title at Charleston Open tennis Indian women's hockey team beat Malaysia, win series 4-0


SC allows use of leaked documents in Rafale case, dismisses Centre's objections

In a setback to the Centre, the Supreme Court on April 10, 2019 allowed the plea relying on leaked documents for seeking review of its Rafale judgement and dismissed the government's preliminary objections claiming "privilege" over them. The Centre had submitted that the three privilege documents were unauthorisedly removed from the Defence Ministry and used by the petitioners to support their review petitions against the December 14, 2018 judgement of the apex court which dismissed all pleas challenging the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France. A three-judge bench delivered two separate but unanimous verdicts rejecting the objections raised by the Centre that those documents were not admissible as evidence under Section 123 of the Indian Evidence Act, and no one can produce them in court without the permission of the department concerned as those documents are also protected under the Official Secrets Act. The Centre also failed to impress the bench, comprising Chief justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, that the disclosure of those documents was exempted under the Right to Information Act as per Section 8(1)(a) and those who conspired in photocopying the papers committed theft and put national security in jeopardy. CJI, who wrote the judgement for himself and Justice Kaul, noted that all the three documents were in "public domain" and published by prominent daily The Hindu were "in consonance with the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech". SC directs political parties to reveal information to EC on buyers of electoral bonds

Rejecting the government’s plea to steer clear of the electoral bonds scheme for political funding, the Supreme Court on April 12, 2019 passed an interim order directing political parties to provide complete information to the Election Commission in sealed covers on every single donor and contribution received till date. A Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, said the issue of electoral bonds and their lack of transparency raised “weighty issues with tremendous bearing on the sanctity of the electoral process in the country.” Interim order

The court said its interim order was meant to ensure that the balance was not tilted in anybody’s favour for the time being. It ordered the parties to forthwith provide the EC with “detailed particulars of the donors as against each bond; the amount of each such bond and the full particulars of the credit received against each bond, namely, the particulars of the bank account to which the amount has been credited and the date of each such credit.” Final hearing after elections

The court said the challenge to the scheme would require in-depth hearing and there was very little time for that now as the bonds would stop being issued by May 15 as per a Ministry of Finance schedule. Details of further transactions made through the bonds till May 15 —



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the last date of their issuance — should be filed before May 30, 2019. “The sealed covers will remain in the custody of the Election Commission of India, and it will abide by such orders as may be passed by the court,” the court said. The CJI said the dates for final hearing would be announced at an “appropriate” time. Ruling party benefited the most

The directions come a day after the government claimed that voters need not know from where funds come to parties. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner NGO, Association of Democratic Reforms, argued that 95% of the payments through the bonds had been routed to the BJP. The EC also submitted in the court on April 11 that the lion’s share of contributions through the bonds had gone to the ruling party.

Govt. and EC take contrasting stands

The government, however, justified the scheme as an experiment to eradicate the evil of black money. It claimed that the impact would be known only after the Lok Sabha election. It should, meanwhile, be given a free hand to execute its policy and the court should not pass any order for the present, the government submitted. The Centre’s position was starkly in contrast to the stand of the EC. The EC had expressed reservations about transparency in political funding. It submitted that the electoral bonds legalised the anonymity of political donors and the parties receiving contributions. Electoral bonds worth Rs 1,407.09 crore purchased in 2018-19: RTI

A whopping 99.8 per cent of donations received by political parties was through electoral bonds of the highest denominations -- Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore -- between March 2018 and January 24, 2019, revealed data obtained under the RTI Act. Donors purchased bonds worth Rs 1,407.09 crore of which Rs 1,403.90 crore were in the highest denominations of Rs ten lakh and Rs one crore during the period. Social worker Chandrashekhar Goud shared the data received from State Bank of India (SBI) through an RTI query. The donors bought 1,459 electoral bonds of denomination of Rs 10 lakh and 1,258 bonds of Rs 1 crore denomination. They purchased 318 bonds of Rs 1 lakh, 12 bonds of Rs 10,000 and 24 bonds of Rs 1,000 denomination. Electoral bonds worth Rs 1,395.89 crore were redeemed by the parties. Electoral bonds were sold by the State Bank of India (SBI) in seven tranches. They were sold in five denominations of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, and Rs 1 crore. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a voluntary organisation, working for political reforms, had approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay order on the sale of electoral bonds. On April 12, 2019, the Supreme Court refused to suspend the political funding through electoral bonds but, did introduce conditions to bring transparency in the process. HRD rankings: IIT Madras best institution, IISc Bangalore best varsity, Miranda House best college

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, topped the HRD Ministry's national ranking of higher education institutes while the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, and Miranda House, Delhi, were adjudged best university and college respectively. The fourth edition of the Indian rankings based on the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2019 were announced on April 8, 2019 by President Ram Nath Kovind. IISc Bangalore and IIT-Delhi ranked second and third in the overall rankings of higher educational institutions. Of top 10 institutes, seven are IITs. The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) ranked seventh and 10th respectively.



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In the university category, IISc Bangalore has been ranked one followed by JNU and BHU. DU's Miranda House has topped the colleges rankings followed by Hindu College and Presidency College in Chennai. While the prestigious St Stephens college has been ranked at four, the Sri Ram College of Commerce placed at the seventh position. Eight of the top 10 engineering institutions are IITs. IIT-Madras topped the ranking followed by Delhi and Mumbai. Anna University, Chennai, and National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli, have been ranked at nine and 10 in the category. Among the management colleges, top six ranks have been retained by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), led by Bengaluru. IIT-Delhi, Mumbai and Roorkee are also among the top 10 in the category. IIT-Madras is the top ranked in Engineering. IIT-Kharagpur is ranked No: 1 in Architecture. Jamia Hamdard has been announced as the top varsity for Pharmacy while All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi and National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, have been adjudged as the best medical college and law school respectively. A total of 3,127 institutions participated in the ranking process under overall rankings, category-specific and domain specific ranking. In all, 4,867 applications for rankings were made by the 3,127 applicant institutions under various categories and domains. The ranking framework instituted in 2016, evaluates institutions on five broad generic groups of parameters, including Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR), Research and Professional Practice (RP), Graduation Outcomes (GO), Outreach and Inclusivity (OI) and Perception (PR). India short of 6 lakh doctors, 2 mn nurses: US-based CDDEP

India has a shortage of an estimated 600,000 doctors and 2 million nurses, according to a report by the U.S.-based Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (CDDEP). The lack of staff who are properly trained in administering antibiotics is preventing patients from accessing life-saving drugs. Even when antibiotics are available, patients are often unable to afford them. High out-of-pocket medical costs to the patient are compounded by limited government spending for health services. In India, 65% of health expenditure is out-of-pocket, and such expenditures push some 57 million people into poverty each year. Researchers at CDDEP in the U.S. conducted stakeholder interviews in several countries including India, and literature reviews to identify key access barriers to antibiotics in low, middle, and high-income countries. Health facilities in many of these countries are substandard. In India, there is one government doctor for every 10,189 people (the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a ratio of 1:1,000), or there is a deficit of 600,000 doctors, and the nurse: patient ratio is 1:483, implying a shortage of two million nurses. UN report indicates improvement in the quality of India's healthcare system

India's population grew at an average annual rate of 1.2 per cent between 2010 and 2019 to 1.36 billion, according to a report by the United Nations Population Fund. India's population in 2019 stood at 1.36 billion, growing from 942.2 million in 1994 and 541.5 million in 1969. India's population grew at average annual rate of 1.2 per cent between 2010 and 2019, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency said in the State of World Population 2019 report. According to the report, in India, total fertility rate per woman was 5.6 in 1969, dropping to 3.7 in 1994 and 2.3 in 2019. India recorded an improvement in life expectancy at birth. The life expectancy at birth in 1969 was 47 years, growing to 60 years in 1994 and 69 years in 2019.



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Giving a snapshot of India's population composition in 2019, the report said 27 per cent of the country's population was in the age bracket of 0-14 years and 10-24 years each, while 67 per cent of the country's population was in the 15-64 age bracket. Six per cent of the country's population was of the age 65 and above. Indicative of the improvement in the quality of India's health care system, the report noted that Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in the country dropped from 488 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1994 to 174 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015. Approve composition for green crackers, says SC

The Supreme Court on April 11, 2019 directed the Centre to approve the composition of green crackers after it is formulated by Petroleum and Explosive Safety organization so as to enable their manufacturing. It allowed the firecracker manufacturers to apply for approvals from the authorities concerned after PESO approves the new formulation of fireworks by April 30. SC directs EC to raise random matching of VVPAT slips to 5 booths/assembly segment

The Supreme Court on April 8, 2019 directed the Election Commission to increase the random matching of paper trail machine slips with EVM results from one to five polling booths in each assembly segment for the multi-phase Lok Sabha polls starting April 11, holding this will bring more "credibility" and "integrity" to the electoral process. The increase in random checks of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines is likely to delay the declaration of official results by a couple of hours, election officials said. Such checks will, however, help determine whether votes have been recorded accurately. Navy gets virtual reality centre for designing warships

A new, state-of-the-art Virtual Reality Centre (VRC) was on April 12, 2019 inaugurated by Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba in New Delhi that would provide a "major boost" to indigenous warship design capabilities of the Navy. The VRC at the Directorate of Naval Design (Surface Ship Group), seeks to also provide impetus to "self-reliance and greater fillip" to warship construction under the 'Make in India' initiative of the Indian government. RECENT BOOKS

NON-FICTION Gandhi and Philosophy: On Theological Anti-Politics by Shaj Mohan, Divya Dwivedi Battling for India: A Citizen’s Reader Edited by Githa Hariharan, Salim Yusufji Journeys: A Poet’s Diary by A.K. Ramanujan The Challenges of Democracy: A World in Conflict by Mohan Menon India 2030: A Socio-Economic Paradigm by Sameer Kochhar, Rohan Kochhar Beyond Stones and More Stones: Domestication of the Indian Subcontinent Edited by Ravi Korisettar Power & Diplomacy: India’s Foreign Policies during the Cold War by Zorawar Daulet Singh FICTION

House of Stars by Keya Ghosh Milk Teeth by Amrita Mahale Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi I, Anupam by Nabaneeta Dev Sen, trs Paulami Sen gupta & Tias Basu with the author The Age of Light by Whitney Scharer You Will Be Safe Here by Damian Barr Rituals by Kiriti Sengupta Small Days and Nights by Tishani Doshi A Respectable Woman by Easterine Kire



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NEWSMAKERS

Professor Najma Akhtar appointed first woman vice-chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia

Professor Najma Akhtar was on April 11, 2019 appointed as the first woman vice-chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, making her the first woman to hold the charge. In exercise of powers conferred under Statutes of Jamia Millia Islamia Act, 1988, the President of India, in his capacity as the Visitor of the JMI, appointed her as VC for a period of five years. Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla is the chancellor of the varsity. The varsity had been functioning without a VC after Talat Ahmad resigned from the post in 2018.

Colonel Raj Kapoor, the Director who introduced Shah Rukh Khan with TV show ‘Fauji’, dies at 87

Colonel Raj Kapoor, the Director who introduced Shah Rukh Khan with TV show ‘Fauji’, died at the age of 87 in New Delhi on April 10, 2019.


India builds maternity hospital in Nepal

India has built a 25-bed maternity hospital in Nepal. The hospital has been built under the Government of India's Small Development Projects Scheme. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri inaugurated the Chandra Narayan Yadav Memorial Maternity Hospital in Siraha district on April 10, 2019. The Hospital will be run by the Chandra Narayan Yadav Memorial Trust on no profit-no loss basis. The new infrastructure has been constructed with the Government of India’s grant of 26.90 million Nepali Rupees. Pakistan releases another 100 Indian fishermen as goodwill gesture

Pakistan has released another 100 Indian fishermen as a goodwill gesture amidst tensions between the two countries after the Pulwama terror attack. The fishermen released on April 13, 2019 were part the second batch of 360 Indian prisoners Pakistan has announced to set free in four phases this month. Pakistan had released first batch of 100 Indian fishermen on April 7. Another 100 Indian fishermen were released from Malir Jail in Karachi as a goodwill gesture. They were being taken to Lahore through train where they would be handed over to the Indian authorities at Wagah border on April 15.

NEWSMAKERS

Dr Reddy’s CEO GV Prasad named Belgium Hon Consul

The honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Belgium has commenced its operations in Hyderabad. GV Prasad, Co-Chairman and CEO, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd, has been appointed as the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium in Hyderabad.



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Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

Pakistan launches guidelines to implement UNSC 1267 Sanctions

Amidst intense global pressure to rein in terror outfits, Pakistan on April 12, 2019 launched guidelines for implementing the UNSC 1267 Sanctions targeting UN-proscribed individuals and entities in the country. The guidelines will help meet international obligations against people and groups targeted by the UN, the Foreign Office (FO) said. Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua said Pakistan had to be mindful of fulfilling its international legal obligations, including the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Sanctions. She expressed hope that the guidelines would assist all stakeholders in better discharging their responsibilities for the effective implementation of the UN Sanctions. The guidelines were prepared by the National Committee for overseeing implementation of Sanctions against individuals and entities designated by the UN Security Council 1267 Al Qaida/Da’esh Sanctions regime and Security Council 1988 (Taliban Sanctions regime), the FO said. The guidelines have been formulated in consultation with stakeholders and in compliance with international standards especially the requirements of the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Pakistan is under intense global pressure to rein in terrorist outfits operating from its soil after the Pulwama attack. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district in February 14. India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1. 121 killed in Libya clashes: WHO

Fighting near Tripoli has killed 121 people since Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive earlier this month to take the Libyan capital, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on April 14, 2019. In clashes between Field Marshal Haftar’s forces and those of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), both sides have proclaimed “advances” but neither appears to have taken a substantial lead on the ground in recent days. The mounting violence has sparked global alarm about the oil-rich country that has been in turmoil since NATO-backed forces overthrew former dictator Muammar Qadhafi in 2011. Field Marshal Haftar, who leads the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA), has pushed from his power base in the country’s east toward the Libyan capital in the west, the seat of the UN-backed unity government led by Fayez al-Sarraj. UK, European Union agree to extend Brexit until October 31

The UK and the European Union have agreed to extend Brexit until October 31. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting in Brussels on April 10, 2019 where the EU leaders agreed to offer British Prime Minister Theresa May a six-month extension. Accepting the offer, she said the UK would still aim to leave the EU as soon as possible. The extension is flexible, meaning Britain can leave once its withdrawal deal is ratified in the Parliament. However, if it stays beyond 22nd May, the country will likely be required to participate in EU elections. Israel elections: PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party wins most seats in 120-member Knesset

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party has won the highest number of seats wins in 120-member Knesset (Parliament). According to the results declared on April 12, Likud won 36 seats while its main rival Blue and White party won 35. Other parties who won seats are: Shas: 8, United Torah Judaism: 7, United Right: 5, Israel Our Home: 5, Kulanu: 4, Labor party: 6, Meretz: 4, Hadash-Ta'al: 6, Ra'am-Balad: 4.



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Sri Lanka opens China-financed railway line

Sri Lanka has opened a new railway line, built with China’s assistance, connecting its coastal city of Matara and Beliatta in Hambantota, a move that will boost passenger traffic into the island nation’s deep south. The 26.75-km long Matara-Beliatta railway extension was declared open on April 8, 2019. The railway extension was financed by the Export-Import Bank of China and the contract was awarded to the China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation. The cost of the project was $278 million. Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) wins Parliamentary elections in Maldives

The party of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has won the country's first outright majority in parliament in its democratic history, results showed on April 10, 2019. Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) won 65 of the 87 seats in parliament in elections held on April 6, 2019. The MDP's closest rivals, the Jumhooree Party and Progressive Party of the Maldives, both won five seats. Two minor parties and independents secured 12 seats among them. Former President Abdulla Yameen’s Progressive Party of Maldives won five seats. New Zealand Parliament votes to ban semi-automatic weapons

New Zealand’s Parliament on April 10, 2019 voted to ban all types of semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles following the Christchurch attacks. The bill was approved by 119 members while lone member opposed it. It is expected to become law within the next few days after receiving royal assent from the Governor General. An amnesty has been imposed so the owners of the weapons can hand them back, followed by a buy-back scheme. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced changes to the law after 50 people were killed in March 2019 by a suspected lone gunman at two mosques in Christchurch. UN votes to end peacekeeping operations in Haiti on Oct 15

The UN Security Council voted unanimously on April 13, 2019 to completely end its peacekeeping operations in Haiti on Oct. 15 and establish a political mission to support government efforts to promote order and development in Latin America's poorest country. UN military peacekeepers had already left the country on Oct. 15, 2017, but a stabilization group stayed behind to train national police, help the government strengthen judicial and legal institutions and monitor human rights. The resolution gives a final six-month period for such operations and asks Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to plan a political mission. Haiti's leaders had asked the U.N. to allow government authorities to fully assume responsibility for security. International Day of Human Space Flight observed on April 12

The United Nations on April 12, 2019 commemorated the International Day of Human Space Flight to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the first human space flight, which ushered in the beginning of the space era for mankind. The International Day commemorates the historic space flight that Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet citizen, took on 12 April, 1961, and which opened the way for space exploration for the benefit of all of Earth’s inhabitants. World Homeopathy Day observed on April 10

World Homeopathy Day was observed on April 10, 2019 to mark the birth anniversary of the founder and father of Homeopathy Dr. Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann (born 1755, Germany).

NEWSMAKERS

Julian Assange: Wikileaks co-founder arrested in London

Wikileaks co-founder Julian Assange was on April 12, 2019 arrested at the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Assange took refuge in the embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden over a sexual assault case that has since been dropped. A court in London on April 11 said he was guilty of failing to surrender to the court. He now faces US federal conspiracy charges related to one of the largest ever leaks of government secrets. The UK will decide whether to extradite Assange, in response to allegations by the US Department for Justice that he conspired with former US intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to download classified databases.



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Assange set up Wikileaks in 2006

Assange set up Wikileaks in 2006 with the aim of obtaining and publishing confidential documents and images. The organisation hit the headlines four years later when it released footage of US soldiers killing civilians from a helicopter in Iraq. Former US intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning was arrested in 2010 for disclosing more than 700,000 confidential documents, videos and diplomatic cables to Wikileaks. Manning was found guilty by a court martial in 2013 of charges including espionage. The indictment against Assange, issued in 2018 in US, alleges that he conspired in 2010 with Manning to access classified information on Department of Defense computers. Assange was holed up in Ecuadorian embassy since 2012

The Wikileaks co-founder had been in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012, after seeking asylum there to avoid extradition to Sweden on a rape allegation. On April 11, the Ecuadorian government announced withdrawal of asylum granted to Assange at its embassy in London and he was handed over to the police. Justifying his country’s revocation of asylum to Assange, Ecuadorian president Lenin Moreno said he was still linked to WikiLeaks and therefore involved in interfering in internal affairs of other states. Mohammed Ishtaye sworn in as new Palestinian PM

New Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye and his cabinet members were sworn in before President Mahmoud Abbas at his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah on April 13, 2019. The 18th Palestinian government since the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1995 was sworn in according to a presidential decree issued by Abbas. Sudan President Omar al-Bashir steps down

Bowing down to anti-government protests, Sudan President Omar al-Bashir on April 11, 2019, resigned as the head of the state, confirmed Sudanese military in capital Khartoum. Bashir has been placed under house arrest. People in Sudan hit the streets after the government increased the prices of bread and fuel in December 2018. In February 2019, a year-long emergency was declared in Sudan by President Omar al-Bashir following continued anti-government protests in the nation. Furthermore, federal and state governments were dissolved by Bashir. Wanted by International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and genocide, Bashir, came to power in a 1989 coup. In 2018, Sudan was the among seven nations that were blacklisted by the United States for "sponsoring terrorism". Actress Nadja Regin, best known for starring in James Bond films, dies at 87

Actress Nadja Regin, best known for starring in James Bond films ‘From Russia With Love’ and ‘Goldfinger’, died at the age of 87 on April 8, 2019.


CMFRI, ISRO ink MoU to protect smaller wetlands

In a bid to build resilience against the impact of climate change, premier fisheries research institute CMFRI, Kochi and the ISRO have joined hands to map, validate and protect smaller wetlands by restoring them through coastal livelihood programmes. They would develop a mobile app and a centralised web portal with a complete database of wetlands that are smaller than 2.25 hectares in the country, a release from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) said on April 12, 2019. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the CMFRI and the Space Applications Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Such smaller wetlands cover totally an area of more than five lakh hectares across the country, while Kerala having as many as 2,592 smaller wetlands.



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As per the MoU, the two institutes aim to identify and demarcate wetlands, and restore the degraded wetlands through suitable livelihood options like coastal aquaculture. The app will be used for real-time monitoring of the wetlands and giving advisories to stakeholders and coastal people. The collaborative move was part of a national framework for fisheries and wetlands recently developed by the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project of CMFRI. The NICRA project is aimed at finding ways and means to mitigate the impact of climate change in marine fisheries and coastal region. According to the MoU, the National Wetland Atlas, already developed by the SAC, will be updated with real-time data of physical, chemical and biological parameters of the wetlands to be provided by the CMFRI, the release said. The real-time data would greatly help developing a conservation plan for degraded wetlands in the region besides utilising these resources for livelihood prospects such as shrimp and crab farming. Israeli spacecraft Beresheet crashes in attempt to reach moon

Israeli spacecraft Beresheet has crashed in an attempt to reach moon. The spacecraft lost contact with Earth on April 11, 2019 and crashed just moments before it was to land on the moon. According to the space division of Israel Aerospace Industries, the spacecraft was in pieces scattered at the planned landing site. The small robotic spacecraft had been built by the non-profit SpaceIL and state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries. The spacecraft hitched a ride on the SpaceX Falcon rocket, launched from Florida in February. For the past two months, Beresheet travelled around the Earth several times before entering lunar orbit in hopes of joining the exclusive club of countries that have made it to the moon. Nepal flags off team to remeasure Everest's height

An expedition team, assigned to remeasure the height of the world's tallest mountain peak, left for Mount Everest on April 10, 2019. Nepal accepts the altitude of the mountain peak at 8,848 metres, measured by the Survey of India in 1954, according to officials of the Department of Survey of Nepal. The Nepali government's efforts to remeasure the height of Mount Everest comes amid speculations that it shrunk after the 2015 earthquake. Although expedition teams from various countries measured the altitude and produced diverse results, Nepal never became part of those expedition teams. China, which first measured the height of the mountain in 1975 and reassessed it in 2005, reported the rock base of the peak at 8,844.43 metres with 3.5 meters of snow. Mount Everest is known in Nepali as Sagarmatha.

Scientists capture the first-ever image of a black hole

Scientists claimed to have captured the first-ever image of a black hole 54 million light years away. The image shows a ring of fire around a circle of black. At 40 billion km width, astronomers have described it as a ‘monster’. “What we see is larger than our solar system,” said Heino Falcke of Radboud Uni. A network of eight linked telescopes captured the image. Endangered turtle dies; only 3 left in the world

The only known female member of one of the world’s rarest turtle species has died at a zoo in southern China in April 2019. The animal was one of four Yangtze giant softshell turtles known to be remaining in the world. The Suzhou zoo, where the female turtle lived, also houses a male Yangtze giant softshell turtle. The other two live in Vietnam.



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Section E: AWARDS

'Crying girl' image near US-Mexico border wins World Press Photo award

A photograph of a toddler crying helplessly near the US-Mexico border has won the prestigious World Press Photo of the Year award. Captured by Getty Images senior staff photographer John Moore, the image titled "Crying Girl on the Border" shows Honduran toddler Yanela Sanchez crying as she and her mother, Sandra Sanchez, are taken into custody by US border officials in McAllen, Texas, USA, on June 12, 2018. The winner was announced by the World Press Photo foundation on April 11, 2019. The winner Moore has photographed in 65 countries on six continents and was posted internationally for 17 years. Since returning to the US in 2008 he has focused on immigration and border issues. 2 journalists jailed in Myanmar awarded 2019 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Press Freedom Prize

Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, two journalists of news agency Reuters jailed in Myanmar, have been awarded the 2019 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Press Freedom Prize. In July 2018 they were charged under the Official Secrets Act for illegally obtaining classified military documents that exposed extrajudicial killings of Rohingya Muslims by the military in Rakhine State. Two Reuters journalists are currently serving seven-year prison sentences in Myanmar. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay will award the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on May 3 every year. It was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day. 2019 Theme: Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation. The 26th celebration of World Press Freedom Day is jointly organized by UNESCO, the African Union Commission and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The main event will take place in Addis Ababa, on May 1-3, 2019. The Prize is named in honour of Guillermo Cano Isaza, the Colombian journalist who was assassinated in front of the offices of his newspaper El Espectador in Bogotá, Colombia, on 17 December 1986. Laureates of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Prize receive $25,000. GIC India CMD awarded Freedom of the City of London

The Chairman and Managing Director of the General Insurance Corporation (GIC) of India, the country's reinsurance major, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her work to promote insurance ties between India and the UK. Alice G. Vaidyan, in London to attend the first India-UK Insurance Summit on April 11, 2109, was nominated for the traditional honour by the Lord Mayor of London. The Freedom of the City of London dates back to the 13th century and has since developed into an honour bestowed upon individuals who make an impact in the financial hub of London, referred to as the City or the Square Mile. Paralympics medallist Deepa Malik wins New Zealand PM's Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship

Rio Paralympics silver medallist Deepa Malik was on April 11, 2019 named as the recipient of the New Zealand Prime Minister's Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship for 2019 in recognition of her "inspiring achievements". The 48-year-old Deepa, who won the silver medal in shot put F53 event in Rio in 2016, will work to promote sporting, cultural as well people-to-people relationship between India and New Zealand. Athletes in F53 category can do only seated throws and they have full muscle power on their shoulder, elbow and wrist in the throwing arm. At 36, she was diagnosed with a spinal tumour which left her unable to walk. She is the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympic Games. She is also a recipient of India's civilian honour Padma Shri and the prestigious Arjuna Award for excellence in sports. 2 West Bengal govt schemes win UN awards

Two schemes of the West Bengal government for skill development and distribution of bi-cycles to students have won the prestigious World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) awards of the United Nations, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in Kolkata on April 11, 2019. The schemes are "Utkarsh Bangla" and "Sabooj Sathi". The "Utkarsh Bangla" project aims at creating a pool of skilled candidates who are industry ready, while under the "Sabooj Sathi" scheme, bi-cycles are distributed to students between class IX and XII studying in government run and government aided schools and madrasas of the state. While Utkarsh Bangla won the top award in Capacity Building category, Sabooj Sathi ranked in the first five as a champion project under ICT application: E-Government category.



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Namami Gange wins honour at Global Water Summit in London

India's flagship programme, National Mission for Clean Ganga or Namami Gange was felicitated with ‘Distinction’ in 'Public Water Agency of the Year' category at the Global Water Summit organised in London from April 8 to 10, 2019. The award for this category was won by Saudi Water Partnership Company. The Global Water Awards recognise excellence across the entire international water industry and reward those initiatives in the water, wastewater, and desalination sectors which bring remarkable improvements in the lives of people. India's education technology startup 'Dost Education' bags USD 25,000 global tech prize

India's education technology startup 'Dost Education' has bagged a USD 25,000 tech prize along with two other winners from Tanzania and Egypt. The Next Billion Edtech Prize 2019, run by UK-based Varkey Foundation, recognises the most innovative technology destined to have a radical impact on education in low income and emerging world countries. Dost was awarded for its ability to empower parents to take charge of their child's early education by creating short, friendly audio content that is sent to them via their mobile phones. Besides India's Dost, the other winners to also receive USD 25,000 each included Ubongo from Tanzania and PraxiLabs from Egypt. Russia confers ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’ on PM Modi

Moscow on April 12, 2019 awarded Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russia's highest state decoration, Order of St Andrew, for exceptional services in promoting special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries. The Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called is the highest order of the Russian Federation. Established in 1698, the honour was the first and highest order of chivalry in the Russian Empire. During the Soviet rule, the award was abolished. It was reinstated in 1998.


RBI issues norms for banks to set up currency chests

The Reserve Bank of India on April 8, 2019 came out with guidelines for banks to set up new currency chests, which include minimum area of 1,500 square feet for strong room. "Area of the strong room/ vault of at least 1,500 sq ft. For those situated in hilly/ inaccessible places, the strong room/ vault area of at least 600 sq ft," the RBI said while specifying minimum standards for setting up new currency chests. Besides, the new chests should have a processing capacity of 6.6 lakh pieces of banknotes per day. For those situated in the hilly/ inaccessible places, capacity of 2.1 lakh pieces of banknotes per day. The central bank further said the currency chests should have CBL of Rs 1,000 crore, subject to ground realities and reasonable restrictions, at the discretion of the Reserve Bank. As per the RBI's annual report of 2017-18, the currency management infrastructure consists of a network of 19 issue offices of the Reserve Bank, 3,975 currency chest and 3,654 small coin depots of commercial, co-operative and regional rural banks spread across the country. Money laundering law prevails over Bankruptcy Act, insolvency code: HC

The Delhi High Court has held that the money laundering law, PMLA, prevails over the Bankruptcy Act and insolvency code when it comes to attachment of properties obtained as "proceeds of crime". The court said the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Recovery of Debt and Bankruptcy Act (RDBA), Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Securities Interest Act (SARFAESI Act) and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) must co-exist and be enforced in harmony with the PMLA. The court passed the verdict on a batch of appeals by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against the orders of PMLA appellate tribunal on the pleas of various banks.



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The ED, through central government standing counsel Amit Mahajan, had challenged the tribunal's orders on the issue of third-party rights over a property attached by the agency. The tribunal had held that third parties, banks in this case, which have legitimately created rights such as a charge, lien or other encumbrances, have a superior claim over such properties. The high court set aside the appellate tribunal's order and held that the objective of PMLA being distinct from the purpose of RDBA, SARFAESI Act and IBC, the latter three legislations do not prevail over the former. It remanded the matters to the appellate tribunal for further consideration. "An order of attachment under PMLA is not illegal only because a secured creditor has a prior secured interest (charge) in the property, within the meaning of the expressions used in RDBA and SARFAESI Act. "Similarly, mere issuance of an order of attachment under PMLA does not ipso facto render illegal a prior charge or encumbrance of a secured creditor, the claim of the latter for release (or restoration) from PMLA attachment being dependent on its bonafides," it said. The court also said that by virtue of Section 71, the PMLA has the overriding effect over other existing laws in the matter of dealing with "money-laundering" and "proceeds of crime". The ED had argued that if the contentions of the banks were to be upheld and the view taken by the appellate tribunal endorsed, the law under PMLA would stand defeated because the sovereign authority to take away the property of the money-launderer "free from all encumbrances" would stand frustrated. And the wrong-doer (the borrower who has indulged in money-laundering) would derive illegitimate pecuniary advantage by getting a discharge for the debt by using an asset the right to hold which had been forfeited, it had said. The banks had argued that the legislative intent and command is that the RDBA, SARFAESI Act and the Insolvency Code must prevail over PMLA, the authority of enforcement agency taking a back-seat. They had also urged that a harmonious construction of PMLA and the legislations (RDBA and SARFAESI Act) under which the banks seek remedy has to be achieved such that the objective of each is sub-served and none defeated. The high court said the empowered enforcement officer has the authority of law in PMLA to attach not only a "tainted property" which is acquired or obtained directly or indirectly from proceeds of criminal activity, but also any other asset or property of equivalent value of the offender of money laundering. The other asset should not bear any taint but being alternative attachable property on account of its link or nexus with the offence or offender of money laundering, it said. The court added that if the offender objects to the attachment on the ground that the property attached was not acquired or obtained from criminal activity, the burden of proving facts in support of such claim is to be discharged by him. India should bolster capitalisation of govt-owned banks to tackle NPAs: IMF

Noting that the level of non-performing loans in India remains high, the International Monetary Fund has favoured bolstering the level of capitalisation of some banks, particularly government-owned banks. This was one of the recommendations of the Financial Sector Assessment Programme (FSAP) for India. The Indian government in February said bad loans fell by Rs 31,168 crore in April-December 2018-19 compared to NPAs worth Rs 8,95,601 crore at March-end 2018. India highest recipient of remittances at $79 billion in 2018: World Bank

India retained its position as the world's top recipient of remittances with its diaspora sending a whopping $79 billion back home in 2018, World Bank's Migration and Development Brief report revealed on April 9, 2019. India was followed by China ($67 billion), Mexico ($36



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billion), the Philippines ($34 billion), and Egypt ($29 billion). Over the last three years, India has registered a significant flow of remittances from $62.7 billion in 2016 to $65.3 billion 2017.

NEWSMAKERS

Karnam Sekar to take over as MD, CEO of Indian Overseas Bank from July 1

The government on April 10, 2019 said Karnam Sekar, MD and CEO of the erstwhile Dena Bank, will take over as MD and CEO of Indian Overseas Bank from July 1. His term will end in June 2020. He will work as officer on special duty and whole-time director with IOB till the end of June 2019. Also, R. A. Sankara Narayanan, former MD and CEO of Vijaya Bank, will move to Canara Bank in the same position. His term will end in January 2020.

Section G: ECONOMY

Forex reserves swell by $1.87 billion to $413.8 billion in the week to April 5

The country's foreign exchange reserves rose by $ 1.876 billion to $ 413.781 billion in the week to April 5, aided by a rise in foreign currency assets, Reserve Bank data showed on April 12, 2019. Foreign currency assets -- a major component of the overall reserves -- rose by $ 2.062 billion to $ 386.116 billion. Expressed in dollar terms, foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation/ depreciation of non-US currencies like the euro, pound and the yen held in the reserves. The forex kitty had touched a life-time high of $ 426.028 billion in the week to April 13, 2018. Since then, it has been on a slide and is now down by over $ 13 billion. Gold reserves, which remained unchanged in the previous week, declined by $ 182.6 million to $ 23.225 billion. The special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund dipped by $ 1.2 million to $ 1.455 billion. The country's reserve position with the Fund too slipped by $ 2.5 million to $ 2.983 billion. Industrial output growth drops to 20-month low of 0.1 pc in February

Industrial output growth slowed to a 20-month low of 0.1 per cent in February, mainly due to contraction in the manufacturing sector, official data showed on April 12, 2019. Factory output, as measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), had grown by 6.9 per cent in February 2018, according to data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). During April-February 2018-19, industrial output grew at 4 per cent as against 4.3 per cent in the same period of the previous fiscal. Meanwhile, IIP growth for November 2018 was revised downwards to 0.2 per cent from 0.3 per cent released earlier. The previous low in IIP growth was recorded in June 2017, when factory output contracted 0.3 per cent. The manufacturing sector, which constitutes 77.63 per cent of the IIP, contracted by 0.3 per cent in February as compared to 8.4 per cent expansion a year ago. Capital goods output declined by 8.8 per cent in the month under review as against 16.6 per cent growth in February 2018. Power sector growth slowed to 1.2 per cent in February as compared to 4.5 per cent a year ago. Mining sector output grew 2 per cent in the month compared to contraction of 0.4 per cent earlier. As per, use-based classification, the growth rates in February 2019 over February 2018 are 1.2 per cent in primary goods, (-) 4.9 per cent in intermediate goods and 2.4 per cent in infrastructure/construction goods.



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Consumer durables and consumer non-durables recorded growth of 1.2 per cent and 4.3 per cent respectively. In terms of industries, 10 out of 23 industry groups in the manufacturing sector have shown positive growth during February 2019 as compared to the corresponding month of the previous year. Retail inflation edges up to 2.86% in March on costlier food articles

India's retail inflation ticked up to 2.86 per cent in March as consumers spent more to buy food items and fuel, data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation showed on April 12, 2019. The consumer price index (CPI)-based retail inflation was at 2.57 per cent in February 2019. On yearly basis, it was 4.28 per cent in March 2018. Retail inflation remains well within the RBI's comfort level of 4 per cent for about eight months now, coming down from 4.17 per cent in July 2018. Foreign investment of Indian companies rises 18% to $2.69 billion in March 2019

As per the latest data on outward foreign direct investment released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the foreign investment of Indian companies moved up 18% to US$ 2.69 billion in March 2019 from US$ 2.28 billion in March 2018Of the total investment overseas in March 2019, about US$ 1.68 billion was in the form of loan, US$ 564.97 million as equity and the balance US$ 443.71 million was in the form of issuance of guarantee. However, the foreign investment of Indian companies has dipped 34% to US$ 20.65 billion in financial year 2018-19 from US$ 31.53 billion in 2017-18. India to grow at 7.3% in 2019 and 7.5% in 2020: IMF

India is projected to grow at 7.3 per cent in 2019 and 7.5 per cent in 2020, supported by the continued recovery of investment and robust consumption, thus remaining the fastest growing major economy of the world, according to the IMF. In 2018, India's growth rate was 7.1 per cent, as against China's 6.6 per cent. In 2019, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected a growth rate of 6.3 per cent for China and 6.1 per cent in 2020, according to the latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) projections released ahead of the annual spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. According to WEO, continued implementation of structural and financial sector reforms with efforts to reduce public debt remain essential to secure the Indian economy's growth prospects. Regarding global economy, WEO has forecast growth of 3.3% in 2019 and 3.6% in 2020.


Anil Ambani firm got 143.7 mn euro tax waiver after Rafale deal announcement: Le Monde

France waived taxes worth 143.7 million euros to a French-registered telecom subsidiary of Anil Ambani's Reliance Communications in 2015, months after India's announcement of buying 36 Rafale jets, leading French newspaper Le Monde reported on April 13, 2019. In its reaction, Reliance Communications rejected any wrongdoing and said the tax dispute was settled under legal framework which is available for all companies operating in France. The French newspaper said the French tax authorities accepted 7.3 million euros from Reliance Flag Atlantic France as a settlement as against original demand of 151 million euros. Reliance Flag owns a terrestrial cable network and other telecom infrastructure in France. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the procurement of a batch of 36 Rafale jets after talks with the then French President Francois Hollande on April 10, 2015 in Paris. The final deal was sealed on September 23, 2016. The Congress has been alleging massive irregularities in the deal, saying the government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government when it was negotiating the deal. The Congress has also been targeting the government over selection of Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence as an offset partner for Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale. The government has rejected the allegations.



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The French newspaper said the company was investigated by French tax authorities and found liable to pay 60 million euros in taxes for the period 2007 to 2010. However, Reliance offered to pay 7.6 million euros only as a settlement but it was French tax authorities refused to accept the amount. The authorities conducted another probe for the period 2010 to 2012 and asked the company to pay an additional 91 million euros in taxes, the report said. It said by April 2015, the total amount owed by Reliance to the French authorities in taxes was at least 151 million euros. In October, six months after Modi announced in Paris about the Rafale deal, the French authorities accepted 7.3 million euros from Reliance as a settlement as against the original demand of 151 million euros. In the wake of reports that it granted huge tax waiver to Anil Ambani’s French firm, France on April 13 said a global settlement was reached between the French tax authorities and the Reliance subsidiary and that it was not subject to any political interference. Airtel, FICCI Ladies Organisation launch women's safety app

Telecom operator Bharti Airtel and the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) New Delhi on April 14, 2019 launched a safety app My Circle - aimed at aiding women in event of distress or an emergency situation, by sending an SOS alert. The app can be installed by both Airtel and non-Airtel customers. The free-to-download app is now available on Google Play store (Android) "My Circle app enables women to send SOS alerts to any five of their family or friends in 13 languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, Bangla, Urdu, Assamese, Oriya, and Gujarati," according to a statement. The SOS alert can be launched by pressing the SOS prompt on the app. It can also be activated through voice command through Siri on iOS. "It will instantly send an SOS alert along with the user's location over SMS to the five contacts selected by the user and advise them to immediately reach out or respond to the emergency situation. The app operates by estimating the accurate location of the user which their family and friends can track in real time on a link that is sent as part of the alert SMS," it added.

6 Dhanush guns handed over to Army; first lot of 114-piece order

The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) handed over six Dhanush artillery guns to the Army in a ceremony held at the Gun Carriage Factory in Jabalpur (MP) on April 8, 2019. The OFB recently received a bulk production clearance from the Army and the Defence Ministry for 114 Dhanush artillery guns. Dhanush is the first indigenously built 155 mm x 45 calibre long-range artillery gun with strike range of 38 kilometres. OFB chairman Saurabh Kumar said that the weapon was a major success story of the 'Make in India' initiative. Automated technology allows three to six guns to be fired simultaneously at a single target, each gun having a capacity to fire 42 rounds in an hour. PayU acquires US-based financial technology firm Wibmo

Online payment service provider PayU on April 12, 2019 announced the acquisition of US-based financial technology firm Wibmo for $70 million (around Rs 484 crore). Tata Group signs formal agreement with NDMC for operating Taj Mansingh for 33 years

After the much-delayed public e-auction of the iconic Taj Mansingh hotel in September 2018, the Tata group’s Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) on April 11, 2019 signed a formal agreement with the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). The IHCL retained the lease on the iconic property for another 33 years in an auction in September 2018. From April 11, NDMC will get 32.5 per cent more revenue as against about 17.25 per cent. The Tata group has retained the property at a license fees of Rs 7.03 crore per month including GST. Earlier, they were paying Rs 3.94 crore per month as license fees. Earlier, the Taj Mansingh was given to the Tata group in 1978 on a 33-year lease, which ended in 2011. The company had since been given nine temporary extensions. NDMC could not auction the property then as it was tied up in a legal battle with IHCL.



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RailTel turns 1600 railway stations into RailWire Wi-Fi zone RailWire Wi-Fi by RailTel is now live at 1600 railway stations across the country, with Santacruz railway station in Mumbai becoming the 1600th station to become a RailWire Wi-Fi zone, the Western Railway said on April 10, 2019. RailTel Corporation, a "Mini Ratna (category-I)" PSU, is one of the largest neutral telecom infrastructure providers in the country owning a pan-India optic fibre network on exclusive Right of Way (ROW) along Railway track. RailWire is a retail Broadband initiative of the RailTel, which envisages extending broadband and application services to the public. Rail Vikas Nigam shares make tepid debut; end flat

Shares of Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) made a tepid market debut on April 11, 2019 and closed flat against the issue price of Rs 19. Its Rs 480-crore initial public offer was subscribed 1.8 times earlier in April 2019 and price range for the issue was fixed at Rs 17-19 per share. RVNL is in the business of executing all types of railway projects, including new lines, gauge conversion, railway electrification, metro projects, major bridges and construction of cable stayed bridges. Google Pay users can now buy gold from app in India

Aiming to make Google Pay more useful for Indian users, Google on April 11, 2019 announced its partnership with MMTC-PAMP India for buying and selling of gold through the application. MMTC-PAMP India Pvt. Ltd is an internationally recognised metal and mining service provider. "Google Pay users would be able to buy 99.99 per cent 24 karat gold after this partnership with India's only LBMA accredited gold refinery," the company said in a statement. With this, Google Pay users can purchase gold for any value that will be stored in secure vaults on their behalf by MMTC-PAMP. The users can buy and sell the gold any time at the latest price, refreshed every few minutes, as displayed on the Google Pay app. IHCL launches brand SeleQtions with 12 hotels in India

Tata Group's hospitality arm, Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), on April 11, 2019 said it has launched a new hotel brand 'SeleQtions', which is a collection of named and distinctive properties. The brand has been launched with 12 hotels across the country. IHCL has brands such as Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta and Ginger in its portfolio. HMT sets up heritage centre, museum

HMT Ltd, a public sector enterprise, has established a Heritage Centre and Museum at Jalahalli in Bengaluru to showcase the history of the company’s growth and product technology over the years. The museum is located in a plot of around four acres in HMT Township, Jalahalli. It was opened on April 12, 2019. The Heritage Centre and Museum will be a knowledge centre. The Centre is designed to cater to the interests of all segments of society, including the young and the old, students and their teachers, collectors of HMT Watches and the technically inclined. World's largest plane successfully completes maiden flight

The world's largest aircraft, developed by aerospace venture Stratolaunch, completed its first flight test on April 14, 2019. The aircraft has a world-record wingspan of 385 feet, and is 238 feet long. It is wider than any airplane on the planet. The airplane took off from Mojave Air and Space Port in California. Achieving a maximum speed of 189 miles (302.4 km) per hour, the plane flew for 2.5 hours over the Mojave Desert at altitudes up to 17,000 feet. As part of the initial flight, the pilots evaluated aircraft performance and handling qualities before landing successfully back at the Mojave Air and Space Port. Stratolaunch was founded by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2011 to develop the large carrier airplane as a flying launch pad for orbital-class rockets. Google opens an artificial intelligence (AI) research laboratory in Ghana

Google has opened an artificial intelligence (AI) research laboratory in Accra, Ghana to address economic, political and environmental issues across the continent. Similar research centres have already opened in cities around the world including Tokyo, Zurich, New York and Paris. The new lab would use AI to develop solutions in healthcare, education and agriculture -- such as helping to diagnose certain types of crop disease.



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Hong Kong's stock market overtakes Japan to be world's third largest

Hon Kong’s equity market has overtaken Japan to be the world’s third largest in value, behind only the U.S. and mainland China. Hong Kong’s market cap was $5.78 trillion as of April 9, 2019, compared with $5.76 trillion for Japan, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Hang Seng Index is Hong Kong’s stock market index. Saudi Aramco was world's most profitable company in 2018

Oil giant Saudi Aramco revealed on April 1, 2019 it made the world's biggest corporate profit in 2018, opening its accounts for the first time as it prepares to raise funds from investors. Moody's Investors Service said Aramco posted a net profit of $111.1 billion in 2018 -- far higher than the combined net earnings of the five international oil majors -- and generated $359.9 billion in revenues. In 2018, US oil giants Chevron and Exxon Mobil, Britain's BP, Anglo-Dutch rival Royal Dutch Shell and France's Total together posted nearly $80 billion. US oil giant Chevron says will acquire Anadarko for USD33 bn

US oil giant Chevron announced on April 12, 2019 it had agreed to acquire all outstanding shares of Anadarko in a stock and cash transaction valued at USD 33 billion, or USD65 per share. "The acquisition of Anadarko will significantly enhance Chevron's already advantaged Upstream portfolio and further strengthen its leading positions in large, attractive shale, deepwater and natural gas resource basins," the company said.

NEWSMAKERS

SFIO arrests former IL&FS Fin Services CEO Ramesh Bawa for abusing powers

Making its second arrest in the IL&FS case, the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) on April 13, 2019 arrested former IL&FS Financial Services managing director and CEO Ramesh C. Bawa. Bawa was arrested on the grounds of abusing his powers at the company through fraudulent conduct. He also granted loans to entities which were not creditworthy and caused wrongful loss to the company and its creditors. Earlier in April, the probe agency arrested former IL&FS vice chairman Hari Sankaran. IL&FS Financial Services Ltd had borrowings of around Rs 17,500 crore through debt instruments and bank loans. The alleged financial irregularities at IL&FS came to light in 2018 after some group entities defaulted on debt repayments. The government, which superseded the company's board, is working on a resolution plan. The SFIO is probing the affairs of IL&FS and its group entities. Narendra Modi most popular world leader on Facebook

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with over 43.5 million likes on his personal Page and 13.7 million likes on his official Page on Facebook, is the most popular world leader on the social network as more world leaders are now paying to promote their posts. US President Donald Trump is at the second place with more than 23 million likes on his personal Facebook Page and Jordan's Queen Rania is third with 16.9 million likes, said the "2019 World Leaders on Facebook" report -- part of the annual "Twiplomacy" study -- prepared by the leading global communications agency BCW (Burson Cohn & Wolfe). The report was released on April 11, 2019. Brazil's new President Jair Bolsonaro, who took office on January 1, is the most engaged world leader on Facebook. His Facebook page has registered more than 145 million interactions, almost twice as many as Trump who has 84 million total interactions. Vikram Kirloskar to take over as new CII president

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on April 5, 2019 appointed Vikram Kirloskar, CMD of Kirloskar Systems Ltd, as president for 2019-20. Meanwhile, Kotak Mahindra Bank founder, MD and CEO, Uday Kotak, will be president-designate of the CII for 2019-20. The industry body added that TV Narendran, who is the CEO and MD of Tata Steel Ltd, will take over as vice-president.



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SUN Group chairman Vikramjit Sahney is new president of ICC India

SUN Group Chairman Vikramjit Singh Sahney was on April 8, 2019 elected as the new president of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) - India.

Section I: STATES

Rajouri Day celebrated on April 13 in J&K

General Officer Commanding of White Knight Corps Lt Gen Paramjit Singh on April 13, 2019 joined military and civil dignitaries to pay homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for liberation of Rajouri in 1948. 'Rajouri Day' is being celebrated on April 13 every year to commemorate the bravery and valour of the soldiers who laid down their lives for the liberation of Rajouri district of Jammu & Kashmir from rebels and Pakistan Army personnel who had infiltrated from across the border. English translation of 'Khuni Vaishakhi' released to mark Jallianwala Bagh massacre centenary

To commemorate the centenary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Nanak Singh's lost manuscript, 'Khooni Vaisakhi', translated for the first time into English by the author's grandson Navdeep Suri was released in capital New Delhi on April 13, 2019. SC slaps Rs 20 lakh fine on WB for stopping screening of film, says clear abuse of public power

Holding that there was clear abuse of public power, the Supreme Court on April 11, 2019 imposed a Rs 20-lakh fine on West Bengal government over not allowing screening of satirical film "Bhobishyoter Bhoot" and castigated the state police, saying its action poses a grave danger to personal liberty and free speech and expression. The top court also restrained the West Bengal government from using "extra constitutional" means to stop the screening of the film and said the state shall specifically ensure that the properties of the theatre owners are duly protected and viewers safety is looked after. Guinness record created for largest traditional Konyak dance

An organisation of the Konyak Naga tribe has set a Guinness World Record for the "Largest Traditional Konyak Dance". The official communication in this regard was received from the Guinness World Records authorities on April 9, 2019. A total of 4,687 Konyak Naga women in their colourful traditional attire had come together on April 5 in an attempt to create the record for the "Largest Traditional Konyak Dance". In their attempt, the Konyak women danced to the beats of traditional instruments and sang a ceremonial song for five minutes and one second. Konyak is one of the 16 Naga tribes and people of this community live mainly in the Mon district of Nagaland.

NEWSMAKERS Manipur journalist detained under NSA walks out of jail

Journalist Kishorchandra Wangkhem, who was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) allegedly for criticising the BJP and its leaders, was released on April 10, 2019 after spending over four months in jail. The Manipur High Court had on April 8 revoked his detention and ordered his immediate release. The 39-year-old television journalist was detained under the NSA at the orders of the Imphal West district magistrate in November 2018 for allegedly criticising the BJP, the RSS, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. He was detained on sedition charges on November 21 and sent to jail for 12 months. Wangkhem, who was working in a local cable TV in the BJP-ruled Manipur, had on December 20 moved court against his detention. Himachal Minister Anil Sharma quits Cabinet

Himachal Pradesh Power Minister Anil Sharma tendered his resignation from the Cabinet on April 12, 2019, days after his son Ashray Sharma was announced as the Congress candidate from the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency. Earlier, Anil Sharma’s father, former Union Minister Sukh Ram, quit the BJP and along with his grandson joined the Congress. The Congress then fielded Ashray Sharma from Mandi.



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Gujarat: Congress MLA Alpesh Thakor resigns ahead of Lok Sabha elections

Gujarat's OBC leader and Congress party MLA Alpesh Thakor on April 10, 2019 resigned from the Congress party. Alpesh, who came to limelight due to his quota agitation some years back, joined the Congress in 2017 ahead of the last Gujarat polls and was elected from Radhanpur. Kerala Congress veteran and former state Finance Minister K. M. Mani dies in Kochi at 86

Kerala Congress veteran and former state Finance Minister K M Mani died in Kochi at the age of 86 on April 9, 2019. He had been an MLA of Pala assembly constituency for nearly five decades. Kerala Congress(M) is a key ally of the Congress-led UDF in the state. Renowned Hindi poet Pradeep Choubey dies in Gwalior (MP)

Renowned Hindi poet Pradeep Choubey died at the age of 70 in Gwalior (MP) on April 12, 2019. Born on August 26, 1949 in Maharashtra's Chandrapur district, Choubey shifted to Gwalior. He quit his job at Dena Bank to pursue his passion of poetry. UP BJP MLA from Agra East constituency Jagan Prasad Garg dies at 65

UP BJP MLA from Agra East constituency Jagan Prasad Garg died in Agra at the age of 65 on April 10, 2019. SC Collegium recommends 5 new Chief Justices of HCs

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended names of five judges for appointment as the Chief Justices in Rajasthan, Kerala, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh High Courts. The five names are Delhi HC Judge Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, Kerala HC Judge Justice P.R. Ramachandra Menon, Punjab and Haryana HC Judge Justice A.K. Mittal, Allahabad HC Judge Justice Vikram Nath and Bombay HC Judge Justice A.S. Oka.



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Section J: SPORTS

Kohli, Beaumont, Buttler, Curran and Burns are 5 Wisden Cricketers of the Year

India swept the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack April 10, 2019 with Virat Kohli and Smriti Mandhana clinching the 'Leading Cricketer of Year' honours, continuing their award-winning spree. Indian captain Kohli was named the Wisden Leading Cricketer of the year for the third successive time, having amassed 2735 runs across the three formats in 2018. Kohli was also picked as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the year, along with England's Tammy Beaumont, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran and Rory Burns. Kohli had notched up 593 runs in five Tests at an average of 59.3 during India's 1-4 loss to England and ended the year with five centuries to his name. Mandhana was rewarded for scoring 669 and 662 runs in ODIs and T20Is last year. She also amassed 421 runs at an astounding strike rate of 174.68 in the women's Super League. Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan was named the Leading T20 Cricketer of the Year for the second year in a row, following his superb performance last year. He took 22 wickets at an average of 8.68 for Afghanistan in T20Is, besides scalping 21 wickets in the Indian Premier League 2018. Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mark Boucher elected as MCC Honorary Life Members

Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mark Boucher have been elected as the Honorary Life Members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in recognition of their outstanding achievements in cricket. The announcement was made on April 12, 2019. Former Pakistan batsman Inzamam played 119 Test matches. He captained the side from 2001-07 and scored 8,829 runs at an average of 50.16, including 25 centuries. Inzamam, who made his international debut in 1991, featured in Pakistan's successful 1992 World Cup campaign and went onto play in 378 ODIs. His 11,739 ODI runs at an average of 39.5 places him sixth in the all-time list. Since his retirement in 2007, the 49-year-old had a stint as the head coach of Afghanistan before becoming Pakistan's Chief Selector in 2016. Former South Africa wicket-keeper batsman Boucher is the first gloveman to take 500 catches in the longest format. Making his debut in 1997, Boucher went on to play 146 Test matches, scoring 5498 runs, taking 530 catches and 23 stumpings. The 42-year-old also played 290 ODIs, making 4523 runs, claiming 395 catches and taking 21 stumpings. He holds the combined-format international record for wicket-keeping dismissals- 998 in total. He is currently the coach of the Titans, a cricket franchise in South Africa. Indian boxers finish with 5 medals at Cologne Boxing World Cup

Meena Kumari Maisnam won gold medal in the 54 kg at the Boxing World Cup in Cologne on April 13, 2019. Sakshi (57kg) and Pwilao Basumatari (64kg) lost their final bouts and had to settle for the silver while Pinki Rani (51kg) and Parveen (60kg) won bronze as India finished with five medals. Meena edged Thailand's Machai Bunyanut on points in the summit clash. Sakshi lost to Ireland’s Michaela Walsh. Basumatari lost to China's Chengyu Yang in final. Ethiopian athletes win both men’s and women’s races at Paris marathon

Ethiopians Abrha Milaw (2:07:05) and Gelete Burka (2:22:48) won men’s and women’s races respectively at the Paris Marathon on April 14, 2019. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton wins Formula One Chinese Grand Prix

Reigning world champion Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on April 14, 2019. His Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas finished second while Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel came third.



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FC Goa win Hero Super Cup football tournament in Chennai

FC Goa beat Chennaiyin FC 2-1 in the final to win Hero Super Cup football tournament in Bhubaneswar on April 13, 2019. Player-of-the-tournament Ferran Corominas and Brandon Fernandes found the target for FC Goa while Raphael Augusto pulled one back for Chennaiyin FC. The result: FC Goa 2 (Ferran Corominas 51, Brandon Fernandes 64) bt Chennaiyin FC 1 (Raphael Augusto 54). Shaikh Humeira and Niki Poonacha win Singles titles in National Ranking Tennis Tournament

Telangana’s Shaikh Humeira and Niki Poonacha of Andhra Pradesh won women’s and men’s singles titles respectively in National Ranking Tennis Tournament in Kolkata on April 13, 2019. Humeira beat Yubrani Banerjee of West Bengal in final 6-1, 4-6, 7-5. In the men's singles final, Niki Poonacha beat Dakshineswar Suresh of Tamil Nadu 6-3, 6-4. Garbine Muguruza wins women’s singles title at Monterrey Open tennis

Spain’s Garbine Muguruza won the women’s singles title at Monterrey Open tennis in Monterrey, Mexico on April 7, 2019 when an injured Victoria Azarenka retired in the final. Muguruza was leading 6-1, 3-1 when Azarenka was unable to continue because of a leg injury. Madison Keys wins women’s singles title at Charleston Open tennis

Madison Keys of United States won the women’s singles title at Charleston Open tennis by defeating Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark in the final 7-6(5), 6-3 at Charleston (USA) on April 7, 2019. Indian women's hockey team beat Malaysia, win series 4-0

The Indian women's hockey team beat Malaysia by a solitary goal to complete a 4-0 win in the five-match bilateral series in Kuala Lumpur on April 11, 2019.

Section A: INDIA

20 states join pan-India single emergency helpline number ‘112’ Indian Navy launches guided missile destroyer Imphal under Project 15B Sub-sonic cruise missile ‘Nirbhay’ successfully test-fired Central institutions to increase seats to implement 10% quota for economically weaker sections. EC curbs campaigning by Yogi, Mayawati, Maneka and Azam Section B: INDIA & THE WORLD

UN owes India $38 mn for peacekeeping operations: Report India rebuilds Chhyoiphel Kundeling monastery in Nepal’s Sindhupalchok India suspends cross-LoC trade with Pakistan India, Vietnam hold naval exercise Bangladesh High Commission observes Mujibnagar Day in Delhi India to be guest of honour at Abu Dhabi book fair Indian Navy to participate in PLA Navy International Fleet Review (IFR) Nirmala Sitharaman and her Portuguese counterpart hold bilateral talks Jaideep Sarkar appointed High Commissioner to South Africa Section C: WORLD

Social Democrats win parliamentary elections in Finland US wins WTO ruling against China’s grain-import quotas



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215 killed, around 500 injured as blasts hit churches, luxury hotels on Easter in Sri Lanka Senegal government agrees to scrap post of prime minister Donald Trump vetoes bill to end US support for Saudi-led Yemen war Mueller report released; confirms Russian meddling in 2016 US Presidential elections France launches global contest to replace Notre-Dame spire Athens installs Alexander statue Asian Tea Alliance launched in China Mount Agung volcano in Bali erupts again International Day For Monuments and Sites (World Heritage Day) celebrated on April 18 Mali’s PM resigns along with his entire government Pakistan’s Finance Minister Asad Umar resigns Sohail Mahmood takes charge as Pakistan Foreign Secretary Benjamin Netanyahu formally named next Israeli PM Swedish actress Bibi Andersson dies at age 83 Section D: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Ganga has higher proportion of antibacterial agents: study More GSLV launch vehicles in the offing NASA exoplanet hunter TESS finds Earth-size planet NASA airborne telescope spots universe’s first molecule US rocket launched to bring NASA cargo to ISS Nepal launches its first satellite from US Section E: AWARDS

Winners of 2019 Pulitzer Prizes announced Three Indian teams win awards at NASA annual rover challenge Thailand’s king confers awards on two Australian divers ‘Widow of Silence’ bags the Grand Jury Award at the Indian film fest of Los Angeles Bhayanakam wins best cinematography award at Beijing International Film Festival 150 Indian peacekeepers in S. Sudan awarded medal of honour for dedicated service Section F: BANKING & FINANCE Weakening domestic growth impulses prompted RBI Guv to go for rate cut: Minutes of MPC meet RBI proposes to allow fintech start-ups to test regulatory sandbox Banks Board Bureau identifies 75 senior officers for leadership roles in PSBs No five day a week in commercial banks: RBI Section G: ECONOMY

Public sector enterprises to get 12 months to sell non-core assets 14 products from different states receive GI tag so far in 2019 India’s foreign exchange reserves at USD 414.886 billion in the week to April 12 India remains electricity-deficit nation: Central Electricity Authority Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation at 3.18% in March Gold imports dip 3% to $32.8 bn in 2018-19 India’s online retail market to cross $170 billion by FY30: Report Unemployment rate doubled since 2011: Azim Premji University report NDDB lab gets FSSAI status of NRL for milk, dairy products IMD predicts near normal southwest monsoon season rainfall for 2019 India’s merchandise exports up 9.1% to US$ 331.02 billion in FY2019



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Home Expo India 2019 held in Greater Noida Section H: CORPORATE TCS revamps 150,000 post offices under Rs 1,100-cr deal with India Post TikTok removed from Google, Apple app stores Google lets Android users in Europe choose rival browsers Jet Airways stops operating Microsoft acquires Express Logic Kurl-on acquires Spring Air to expand in premium segment Saregama India launches portable preloaded music device - Carvaan Go Lux Industries launches India’s first scented vest under brand Lux Cozi MRF Ltd. Launches ‘MRF Nylogrip Ezeeride’ range of motorcycle tyres Hyundai unveils compact SUV Venue GVK sells 49 pc stake in airports business to ADIA, NIIF India must re-engineer skill ecosystem as new-age technologies play out: FICCI-PwC Tata Technologies joins hands with China’s FutureMove Automotive Twitter acqui-hires quote sharing app Highly Mahindra Group, Ford to co-develop midsize SUV US tabloid National Enquirer to sell for $100 million Mukesh Ambani among TIME’s 100 most influential people Boost ropes in Pant, Iyer as brand ambassadors redBus ropes in MS Dhoni as brand ambassador LSE names a professorship after economist Amartya Sen Cipla Chairman Yusuf Hamied receives UK Royal Society honour

Section I: STATES Police launches 2 helpline numbers to curb noise pollution and incidents of mob lynching Karnataka HC upholds hike in minimum wage in 34 industries SC bans mining along Kaziranga National Park, asks Assam DGP to implement order UP BJP MLA Chandel, nine others sentenced to life in murder case Chennai historian S. Muthiah dies at 89 Noted Bengali folk singer Amar Pal dies in Kolkata at 96 Section J: SPORTS Annu Rani wins silver in women’s javelin throw at the Asian Athletics Championships in Doha IOA asks Goa to pay Rs 10 crore penalty for repeatedly postponing National Games Services beat Punjab in final 1-0 to win Santosh Trophy football title in Ludhiana Sourav Kothari wins RKG Red-10 snooker championship Former Scotland cricket captain De Lange dies aged 38


20 states join pan-India single emergency helpline number ‘112’ Twenty states and Union territories have so far joined a pan-India network of single emergency helpline number ‘112’ on which immediate assistance can be sought by anyone in distress.



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The ‘112’ helpline is an integration of police (100), fire (101) and women (1090) helpline numbers and the project is being implemented under the central government’s Nirbhaya Fund. The 20 states and UTs include Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir and Nagaland. The Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) envisages a single pan-India emergency number ‘112’, which is an internationally recognised number, to target all types of emergencies. A panic button is already provided on all mobile phones, which on activation will trigger an emergency call to ‘112’. The Emergency Response Centre (ERCs), being set up by the States and UTs, can receive panic signal via voice call to ‘112’, email requests on state ERSS website or the ‘112’ mobile app. Location-based tracking of victim can be done through location-based services of all phones. The ‘112’ India app provides for ‘shout facility’ designed especially for women, for enlisting support of volunteers, who have registered themselves with the state police, for emergency response. To access emergency services, a person can dial ‘112’ on a phone or press the power button of a smart phone three times quickly to send a panic call to the Emergency Response Centre. In case of a normal phone, a long press of the ‘5’ or ‘9’ key will activate the panic call. People can also log onto the ERSS website for the respective state and send an emergency email or SOS alert to state Emergency Response Centre. They can use ‘112’ India mobile app, which is available free on Google Play Store and Apple Store. Indian Navy launches guided missile destroyer Imphal under Project 15B

The Indian Navy on April 20, 2019 launched guided missile destroyer Imphal at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai. Imphal, the third ship under Project 15B, successfully slipped into the waters at 12:20 pm. Speaking on the occasion, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba said, “The synergic partnership of MDL, Indian Navy, DRDO, OFB, BEL, other public sector enterprises and the private industry is ensuring that force levels are made available to meet India’s national strategic objectives.” Warships built under Project 15B, with a length of 163 metres and 17.4 metres at the beam and a displacement of 7.300 tonnes, are propelled by four gas turbines to achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots. Ships under this project can carry and operate two multiple role helicopters. The first ship of Project 15B, a guided missile destroyer christened ‘Visakhapatnam’, was launched on April 20, 2015. Guided Missile Destroyer, Mormugao, second ship of Project 15B, was launched on September 17, 2016, at Mazagaon Dock Ship Builders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.

Sub-sonic cruise missile ‘Nirbhay’ successfully test-fired

India on April 15, 2019 successfully test-fired its first indigenously designed and developed long-range sub-sonic cruise missile ‘Nirbhay’ from a test range in Balasore (Odisha). The state-of-the-art missile, which can be deployed from multiple platforms, was test-fired at 11.44 am from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near Balasore, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said. The missile, which is capable of cruising at 0.7 Mach at altitude as low as 100 metre, covered the designated target range in 42 minutes and 23 seconds. The last successful trial of ‘Nirbhay’ cruise missile was conducted on November 7, 2017. Central institutions to increase seats to implement 10% quota for economically weaker sections.



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Central educational institutions across the country will together create over two lakh additional seats over the next two years to implement the 10% reservation for economically weaker sections. The Union Cabinet on April 15, 2019 approved a budget of ?4315.15 crore to create the additional seats in 158 institutions, according to senior officials of the Human Resource Development Ministry.

NEWSMAKERS

EC curbs campaigning by Yogi, Mayawati, Maneka and Azam

The Election Commission on April 15, 2019 imposed restrictions on the campaigning of four senior politicians for violating the model code of conduct by making for “provocative” remarks during their election campaigns in Uttar Pradesh. The EC put a 72-hour prohibition on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and a 48-hour ban on Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, beginning at 6 a.m. on April 16. Union Minister Maneka Gandhi, the BJP candidate from Sultanpur, has been restrained for 48 hours, and a 72-hour restriction has been imposed on Azam Khan, Samajwadi Party candidate from Rampur, beginning from 10 a.m. on April 16. The orders, in which the Election Commission censured the four politicians, also prevent them from giving interviews or making any comment on the electronic, print or social media in connection with the upcoming Lok Sabha election.


UN owes India $38 mn for peacekeeping operations: Report

The United Nations owes India $38 million — the highest it has to pay to any country — for the peacekeeping operations as of March 2019, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said as he voiced concern over the world body’s deteriorating financial health. In his report on improving the financial situation of the world body, he said, as of March 31, 2019, the total amount payable to troop- and police-contributing countries (TCCs/PCCs) with respect to active peacekeeping missions was USD 265 million. Of this, the UN owes $38 million to India, followed by Rwanda ($31 million), Pakistan ($28 million), Bangladesh ($25 million) and Nepal ($23 million), Guterres said in his report. The United States is responsible for 22 per cent of the USD 5.4 billion regular budget for 2018 and 2019 and more than 28 per cent of the USD 6.7 billion peacekeeping budget for the year to June 30. India rebuilds Chhyoiphel Kundeling monastery in Nepal’s Sindhupalchok

The Chhyoiphel Kundeling monastery, rebuilt through an Indian grant, was inaugurated by a Buddhist scholar Shyalpa Tenzing Rinpoche at Lisankhu village in Sindhupalchok district on April 19, 2019. The Embassy of India’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Ajay Kumar, attended the inauguration ceremony. The Monastery was established in 1946 with the active initiation and contribution of Lisankhu villagers. The monastery has been involved in various socio-cultural activities such as teaching Buddhism, Thangka painting, wood carving and sculpting, etc. Apart from being an important heritage building, the monastery is an integral part of the socio-cultural life of people in the area. India suspends cross-LoC trade with Pakistan

India has suspended the trade across the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan from April 19 after probe agencies found the route was being “misused” by elements from the neighbouring country to smuggle illegal weapons, drugs and fake currency, a government order said on April 18, 2019. The Union Home Ministry order stated that it has been “decided by the Government of India to suspend the LoC trade at Salamabad and Chakkan-da-Bagh in Jammu and Kashmir”. The LoC trade, at present, is conducted through two trade facilitation centres located at Salamabad in Uri of Baramulla district, and Chakkan-da-Bagh in Poonch district. This trade takes place four days a week and is based on barter system and zero-duty. India, Vietnam hold naval exercise

Navies of India and Vietnam held a four-day maritime exercise off Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam from April 13 to 17, 2019 with an aim to boost operational cooperation. Indian Navy’s war ships Kolkata and Shakti participated in the annual exercise, comprising a harbour and a sea phase.



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Bangladesh High Commission observes Mujibnagar Day in Delhi

The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on April 17, 2019 observed the historic Mujibnagar Day. The day marks the formation of Bangladesh’s first government in 1971, after leading a nine-month War of Liberation. On this day in 1971, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was named the first president of Bangladesh, while he was in jail in a West Pakistan prison. Vice president Syed Nazrul became the acting president in his absence. India to be guest of honour at Abu Dhabi book fair

India will be the guest of honour at the 29th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair to be held in Abu Dhabi from April 24 to 30, 2019. Indian Navy to participate in PLA Navy International Fleet Review (IFR)

Indian Navy warships INS Kolkata & INS Shakti arrived at China’s eastern port city of Qingdao on April 21, 2019 to participate in PLA Navy International Fleet Review (IFR) from April 22 to 25, 2019. China observed the 70th year of the People’s Liberation Army’s Navy on April 23 on the occasion of which the fleet review was organised. Nirmala Sitharaman and her Portuguese counterpart hold bilateral talks

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on April 17, 2019 met her Portuguese counterpart Joao Gomes Cravinho and held talks to strengthen bilateral cooperation in New Delhi.

NEWSMAKERS

Jaideep Sarkar appointed High Commissioner to South Africa

Diplomat Jaideep Sarkar has been appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to South Africa. Sarkar, a 1987-batch Indian Foreign Service official, is currently serving as India’s ambassador in Bhutan. The government also appointed Suhel Ajaz Khan, presently serving as India’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Saudi Arabia, as next Ambassador to Lebanon.

Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

Social Democrats win parliamentary elections in Finland

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) narrowly beat the right-wing Finns Party in the Finnish parliamentary elections. The SDP, headed by Antti Rinne, obtained 17.7 per cent of the votes and 40 seats in Parliament, while the anti-immigration Finns Party, who are also in the opposition - obtained 17.5 per cent of the votes and 39 seats. The conservative governing National Coalition Party (Kokoomus) headed by Acting Finance Minister Petteri Orpo secured 17 per cent of the votes and 38 seats. The Centre Party - which is also in the country’s governing coalition - headed by Prime Minister Juha Sipila, obtained 13.8 per cent of the votes and 31 seats in Parliament, its worst showing in history. The Green League party captured 11.5 per cent of the vote and 20 parliamentary seats. The Left Alliance garnered 8.2 per cent of the votes and 16 seats. The other parties obtaining seats in the new 200-seat Finland’s Parliament Eduskunta are the Swedish People’s Party with 4.5 per cent of the votes and 9 seats and the Christian Democrats with 3.9 per cent of the votes and 5 seats. The Finnish government of Juha Sipila resigned in March 2019 citing a failure to achieve social welfare and healthcare reform goals. US wins WTO ruling against China’s grain-import quotas



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The United States won a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling on April 19, 2019 against China’s use of tariff-rate quotas for rice, wheat and corn, which it successfully argued, limited market access for US grain exports. The case, lodged by the Obama administration in late 2016, marked the second US victory in as many months. It came amid US-China trade talks and on the heels of Washington clinching a WTO ruling on China’s price support for grains in March. A WTO dispute panel ruled that under the terms of its 2001 WTO accession, China’s administration of the tariff rate quotas (TRQs) as a whole violated its obligation to administer them in a “transparent, predictable and fair basis”. TRQs are two-level tariffs, with a limited volume of imports allowed at the lower ‘in-quota’ tariff and subsequent imports charged an “out-of-quota” tariff, which is usually much higher. The administration of state trading enterprises and non-state enterprises’ portions of TRQs are inconsistent with WTO rules, the panel said. 215 killed, around 500 injured as blasts hit churches, luxury hotels on Easter in Sri Lanka

A string of eight devastating blasts, including suicide attacks, struck churches and luxury hotels frequented by foreigners in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday on April 21, 2019. The blasts targeted St Anthony’s Church in Colombo, St Sebastian’s Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and Zion Church in the eastern town of Batticaloa around 8.45 a.m. (local time) as the Easter Sunday mass were in progress. Explosions were also reported from three five-star hotels - the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury in Colombo. Senegal government agrees to scrap post of prime minister

Senegal’s government on April 17, 2019 approved a plan to scrap the post of prime minister. This is the first initiative of President Macky Sall in his second term in office that started in February. The measure will swiftly be sent for approval in the national parliament, where the president’s party enjoys a majority. The aim was to reduce administrative bottlenecks and “bring the administration closer to the people to speed up (economic) reforms so they have more impact”.

Donald Trump vetoes bill to end US support for Saudi-led Yemen war

President Donald Trump on April 16, 2019 vetoed a resolution from Congress directing him to end US support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Trump argued that US support for the bloody war between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and Iran-aligned Huthi rebels was necessary for a variety of reasons, “first and foremost” to “protect the safety of the more than 80,000 Americans who reside in certain coalition countries.” These countries “have been subject to Huthi attacks from Yemen,” he said, referring to drone and missile strikes the Saudi-led coalition has either claimed were intercepted or denied altogether. The resolution had been passed by the US House of Representatives in April and the Senate in March. Democrats argued that US involvement in the Yemen conflict -- through intelligence-sharing, logistical support and now-discontinued aerial refueling -- is unconstitutional without congressional authority. Mueller report released; confirms Russian meddling in 2016 US Presidential elections

The United States Department of Justice on April 18, 2019 released a redacted version of the special counsel Robert Mueller’s report. The 22-month long investigation into the alleged Russian collusion in the 2016 Presidential election was unable to clear US President Donald Trump in the matter, stating that the President’s action and intent “present difficult issues that prevent us from conclusively determining that no criminal conduct occurred,” reported CNN. Titled “Report on the Investigation Into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election”, the report further states that the Trump campaign knew they would benefit from Russia’s illegal actions to influence the action, but did not take criminal steps to help. Attorney General Willian Barr released the report. France launches global contest to replace Notre-Dame spire

France on April 16, 2019 announced it would invite architects from around the world to submit designs for replacing the spire of Notre-Dame Cathedral after a devastating blaze. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said the contest would decide whether the monument should have a new spire at all and if so, whether it should be identical to the fallen 19th-century model or be a wholly new design. The world



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looked on in horror on April 15 as flames engulfed the 850-year-old gothic masterpiece seen as encapsulating the soul of Paris and the spire came crashing down.

Athens installs Alexander statue

Athens on April 19, 2019 installed its first Alexander the Great statue. The 3.5-metre equestrian statue of a young Alexander, cast in bronze, was erected in central opposite a statue of Lord Byron. According to the city of Athens, it was completed in 1972 and acquired by the state in 1992 Asian Tea Alliance launched in China

The Asian Tea Alliance (ATA), a union of five tea-growing and consuming countries, was launched on April 19, 2019 in Guizhou in China. The members of the alliance are the Indian Tea Association, China Tea Marketing Association, Indonesian Tea Marketing Association, Sri Lanka Tea Board and Japan Tea Association. ATA plans to work towards enhancing tea trade, cultural exchanges, technology exchanges as well as globally promoting tea. It will also work towards enhancing global consumption of tea, while creating a sustainability agenda for the future of Asian tea. Mount Agung volcano in Bali erupts again

Mount Agung volcano in Bali Island of Indonesia erupted on April 21, 2019. Mount Agung is situated in Karangasem district. In its last eruption in 1963, more than 1,100 people were killed.

International Day For Monuments and Sites (World Heritage Day) celebrated on April 18

International Day For Monuments and Sites (World Heritage Day) was celebrated on April 18, 2019 with its theme as ‘Rural Landscapes’. In 1982, ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) established 18 April as the International Day for Monuments and Sites. UNESCO approved it the following year. Since then, 18 April has been a day to celebrate and promote cultural heritage, and an opportunity to raise awareness about its diversity, its relevance, how vulnerable it can be and what the needs and benefits of its conservation are. India has 37 (29 cultural, 7 natural and 1 mixed) World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (Cultural) was the 37th Indian inclusion in the list in 2018.

NEWSMAKERS

Mali’s PM resigns along with his entire government

Mali’s Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga resigned along with his entire government on April 18, 2019 after it came under mounting pressure over handling the violence in the restive Mopti region. The rage was rising especially after a massacre on March 23 in which 160 people were killed in the village of Ogossagou near the border with Burkina Faso. A statement from President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita’s office said he had accepted Maiga’s resignation, along with those of his ministers. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of capital Bamako on April 5 to protest against the upsurge of violence, accusing the government of not doing enough to stop it. Mali has been struggling to restore stability since Islamist extremists linked to Al-Qaeda took control of the country’s vast desert north in early 2012. Pakistan’s Finance Minister Asad Umar resigns

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Asad Umar abruptly quit the Cabinet on April 18, 2019 before securing a multi billion-dollar International Monetary Fund bailout package for the cash-strapped country. Umar recently returned from a trip to the US in which the details of



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Pakistan’s next IMF bailout were discussed. Pakistan is seeking eight billion dollars from the IMF to bail itself out from a severe balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple the country’s economy. Sohail Mahmood takes charge as Pakistan Foreign Secretary

Former Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood on April 17, 2019 took charge as the country’s new Foreign Secretary and called on Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to discuss issues related to the foreign policy of the country. Mahmood replaces Tehmina Janjua who retired on April 16 after serving as Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary for two years. Benjamin Netanyahu formally named next Israeli PM

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on April 17, 2019 formally handed Benjamin Netanyahu his letter of appointment to start building a coalition government following results of general election held recently. As many as 65 PMs in 120-seat Knesset (Parliament) supported Netanyahu. Only 45 members supported his main rivals from the Blue and White alliance led by ex-military chief Benny Gantz, with the 10 members of the Arab parties recommending nobody. Swedish actress Bibi Andersson dies at age 83

Bibi Andersson, the Swedish actress who starred in classic films by compatriot Ingmar Bergman, including “The Seventh Seal” and “Persona,” died at the age of 83 in Copenhagen on April 14, 2019. In 1958, Andersson also shared the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance in Bergman’s “Brink of Life.” Five years later, she won Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival for her performance in Vilgot Sjoman’s “The Mistress.”


Ganga has higher proportion of antibacterial agents: study

A study commissioned by the Union Water Resources Ministry to probe the “unique properties” of the Ganga found that the river water contains a significantly higher proportion of organisms with antibacterial properties. Other Indian rivers also contain these organisms but the Ganga — particularly in its upper Himalayan stretches — has more of them, the study suggests. The study, ‘Assessment of Water Quality and Sediment To Understand Special Properties of River Ganga,’ began in 2016 and was conducted by the Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering and Research Institute (NEERI), a CSIR lab. The NEERI team was tasked with assessing the water quality for “radiological, microbiological and biological” parameters in the Bhagirathi (a feeder river of the Ganga) and the Ganga at 20 sampling stations. As part of the assessment, five pathogenic species of bacteria (Escherichia, Enterobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio) were selected and isolated from the Ganga, Yamuna and the Narmada and their numbers compared with the bacteriophages present in the river water. Because bacteriophages are a kind of virus that kill bacteria, they are frequently found in proximity to each other. Though it isn’t evident that there are bacteriophage species unique to the Ganga, the study suggests there are many more of them in the Ganga than in other rivers. Thus, samples drawn from the Ganga contained almost 1,100 kinds of bacteriophage, and proportionally there were less than 200 species detected in the samples obtained from the Yamuna and the Narmada. However, these antibacterial properties varied widely along the length of the river. For instance, the stretch from Gomukh to Tehri had 33% more bacteriophage isolates than from Mana to Haridwar, and Bijnor to Varanasi. In the stretch from Patna to Gangasagar, the bacteriophages were only 60% of that in the Gomukh to Tehri stretch.



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That the Ganga may contain unique microbial life, which makes it relatively more resilient to putrefaction, was suggested by British colonial scientists about 200 years ago. “This study was commissioned to test these properties using the latest scientific techniques and knowledge,” said Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director-General, National Mission for Clean Ganga. “The super-phage isolated from Ganga and decoded for its lysine gene and cloned to produce lysine protein at IIT Roorkee holds great potential as an antibacterial pharmaceutical,” the report asserts. More GSLV launch vehicles in the offing

The Union Cabinet on April 15, 2019 approved five more GSLV satellite launch vehicles for the period 2021-24 under the next phase 4 of the ongoing GSLV continuation programme. One of them could be used for the second Mars mission which is being considered. Sanctioned in 2003, the programme is currently in its third phase. The allocation of Rs.2729.13 crore includes the cost of the launchers, augmentation of the facilities, programme management, and launch campaign. The Indian Space Research Organisation uses the GSLV, the second of its three launchers, to put 2,000-kg class of communication and other satellites to a GEO (or geosynchronous) orbit about 36,000 km away. NASA exoplanet hunter TESS finds Earth-size planet

NASA’s new exoplanet hunter Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has discovered its first Earth-size world. The planet, HD 21749c, is about 89 per cent of Earth’s diameter, NASA said on April 16, 2019. The planet orbits HD 21749, a K-type star with about 70 per cent of the Sun’s mass located 53 light years away in the southern constellation Reticulum, and is the second planet TESS has identified in the system. Launched on April 18, 2018, TESS is the next step in the search for planets outside our solar system, including those that could support life. It is on a mission to survey 200,000 of the brightest stars near the Sun to search for transiting exoplanets.

NASA airborne telescope spots universe’s first molecule

NASA’s airborne observatory has detected the first type of molecule ever formed in the universe. This is the first-time helium hydride has been found in the modern universe. Scientists discovered the molecule in our own galaxy using NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), as the aircraft flew high above the Earth’s surface and pointed its sensitive instruments out into the cosmos. SOFIA is a Boeing 747SP jetliner modified to carry a 106-inch diameter telescope. It found modern helium hydride in a planetary nebula, a remnant of what was once a Sun-like star. Located 3,000 light-years away near the constellation Cygnus, this planetary nebula, called NGC 7027, has conditions that allow this mystery molecule to form, NASA said in a statement. The discovery serves as proof that helium hydride can, in fact, exist in space, said the scientists in a paper published in the journal Nature. US rocket launched to bring NASA cargo to ISS

A US rocket has been launched from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, carrying cargo with the space agency’s re-supply mission for the International Space Station (ISS). The Antares rocket built by Northrop Grumman lifted off on April 17, 2019, carrying the Cygnus cargo spacecraft to the ISS. The spacecraft docked with the space station on May 19. The spacecraft carried about 7,600 pounds (3,450 kg) of supplies and scientific experiments to the station. The spacecraft will remain attached to the space station for approximately two months before departing with up to 7,700 pounds (about 3,500 kg) of cargo for disposal. Nepal launches its first satellite from US

Nepal on April 18, 2019 successfully launched its first satellite into space from the US to gather detailed geographical information of the Himalayan nation. Developed by the Nepalese scientists, NepaliSat-1 satellite was launched at 2:31 am (Nepal time) from Virginia in United States, according to Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). Two Nepali scientists who are currently studying at Japanese Kyushu Institute of Technology, developed the satellite under the BIRDS project of their institute. NepaliSat-1 is a low orbit satellite which will be in the 400-km distance from the Earth’s surface. The BIRDS project has been designed in association with the United Nations and aims at helping countries launch their first satellite.

Section E: AWARDS

Winners of 2019 Pulitzer Prizes announced



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The winners of the 2019 Pulitzer Prizes were announced at Columbia University in New York City on April 15, 2019. The awardees are: PUBLIC SERVICE: The South Florida Sun Sentinel BREAKING NEWS REPORTING: Staff of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING: Matt Hamilton, Harriet Ryan and Paul Pringle of The Los Angeles Times EXPLANATORY REPORTING: David Barstow, Susanne Craig and Russ Buettner of The New York Times LOCAL REPORTING: Staff of The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La. NATIONAL REPORTING: Staff of The Wall Street Journal INTERNATIONAL REPORTING: Maggie Michael, Maad al-Zikry and Nariman El-Mofty of Associated Press; Staff of Reuters, with notable

contributions from Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo FEATURE WRITING: Hannah Dreier of ProPublica COMMENTARY: Tony Messenger of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch CRITICISM: Carlos Lozada of The Washington Post EDITORIAL WRITING: Brent Staples of The New York Times EDITORIAL CARTOONING: Darrin Bell, freelancer BREAKING NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY: Photography Staff of Reuters FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY: Lorenzo Tugnoli of The Washington Post FICTION: The Overstory by Richard Powers DRAMA: Fairview by Jackie Sibblies Drury HISTORY: Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom by David W. Blight BIOGRAPHY: The New Negro: The Life of Alain Locke by Jeffrey C. Stewart POETRY: Be With by Forrest Gander GENERAL NONFICTION: Amity and Prosperity: One Family and the Fracturing of America by Eliza Griswold MUSIC: “prism” by Ellen Reid, premiered by the Los Angeles Opera on Nov. 29, 2018 SPECIAL CITATION: The Capital Gazette, Annapolis, Md. and Aretha Franklin, who died in 2018 Three Indian teams win awards at NASA annual rover challenge

NASA has awarded three teams from India as part of the US space agency’s annual Human Exploration Rover Challenge which invites high school and college students to build and test roving vehicles for future missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond. The team from KIET Group of Institutions in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, won the “AIAA Neil Armstrong Best Design Award”, which recognises systems best designed to meet the Rover Challenge performance requirements, NASA said in a statement. The Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering from Mumbai, Maharashtra, won the “Frank Joe Sexton Memorial Pit Crew Award” -- for ingenuity and persistence in overcoming problems during the race -- as well as the “System Safety Challenge Award”. A team from Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, won the “STEM Engagement Award”, presented to the team that best-informed others about rocketry and other space-related topics. Thailand’s king confers awards on two Australian divers

Two Australian cave divers who were instrumental in the rescue in 2018 of 12 Thai boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave received on April 19, 2019 a royal honour from King Maha Vajiralongkorn in a ceremony in Bangkok. The Wild Boars soccer team, aged between 11 and 16, and their 25-year-old coach became trapped on June 23, 2018 while exploring the cave complex in the northern province of Chiang Rai when a rainy season downpour flooded the tunnels. A 17-day effort to rescue them gripped the world with experts from various countries volunteering to help. Richard Harris and Craig Challen were members of the main rescue team, made up of 13 foreign divers and five Thai navy divers, that brought the boys and their coach out to safety. They received the Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn at Bangkok’s Government House before meeting Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha in their first trip back to Thailand since the rescue.

‘Widow of Silence’ bags the Grand Jury Award at the Indian film fest of Los Angeles



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Praveen Morchhale’s ‘Widow of Silence’ has bagged the Grand Jury Award at the 17th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, which took place from April 11-14, 2019. The ‘Audience Award for the best feature was received by Anand Patwardhan’s politically-charged documentary ‘Reason’. ‘Taking the Horse to Eat Jalebis’ by Anamika Haksar was awarded an Audience Award honourable mention. Bhayanakam wins best cinematography award at Beijing International Film Festival

Malayalam film “Bhayanakam” (Fear) directed by Jayaraj won the best cinematography award at the Beijing International Film Festival on April 20, 2019. The cinematography was done by Nikihil S Praveen. The film had also won the best cinematography award at the 65th National Film Awards. The film portrays the visits of first World War veteran to a small village in the backwaters of Kerala’s Kuttanand as a postman during the World War-II. He shares with the families the good and bad news of the soldiers who took part in the war. According to Jayaraj, about 600 soldiers from Kerala died during the World War-II. 150 Indian peacekeepers in S. Sudan awarded medal of honour for dedicated service

A total of 150 Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on April 15, 2019 received medals of honour for their dedicated service and sacrifice. The peacekeepers conducted veterinary camps and run a veterinary hospital in Malakal to help owners of cattle.


Weakening domestic growth impulses prompted RBI Guv to go for rate cut: Minutes of MPC meet

Weakening of domestic growth impulses and global slowdown prompted RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das to vote for a 25 basis points cut in interest rate announced on April 4, minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting showed on April 18, 2019. However, his deputy Viral Acharya had favoured status quo in the key lending rate (repo), arguing that the Reserve Bank should wait for “some more time” for additional data before taking call on reduction in rate. Another external expert on the six-member MPC Chetan Ghate too had voted against reduction in the repo rate. Four of the six MPC members had voted in favour of a 25-basis points reduction in the policy rate. On April 4, the RBI had reduced the repo rate, or the rate at which it lends to banks, by 25 basis points to 6 per cent. It was the second rate cut in a row. The central bank, however, kept monetary policy stance ‘neutral’ over uncertainty over monsoon. As per the minutes, Das said there has been further weakening of domestic growth impulses, with global growth slowdown posing major headwinds to India’s exports since the last policy in February 2019. During the three-day meeting of the MPC, he opined that high frequency indicators suggest a further loss of pace in growth. Private consumption has been weakening as reflected in deceleration in the growth of passenger car sales and domestic air passenger traffic, weak performance of consumer durables and non-durables, and continuing contraction in non-oil non-gold imports. RBI Executive Director and MPC member Michael Debabrata Patra too had advocated a rate cut, along with external members Pami Dua and Ravindra Dholakia. RBI proposes to allow fintech start-ups to test regulatory sandbox

The Reserve Bank of India on April 18, 2019 proposed that fintech start-ups could set up regulatory sandbox or live-testing of innovative products and services in segments such as retail payments, money transfer, artificial intelligence and data analytics in the financial sector.



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A regulatory sandbox (RS) usually refers to live-testing of new products or services in a controlled and test regulatory environment for which regulators may or may not permit certain regulatory relaxations for the limited purpose of the testing. A working group set up by the RBI had recommended introduction of an appropriate framework for an RS within a well-defined space and duration where the financial sector regulator will provide the requisite regulatory guidance to increase efficiency, manage risks and create new opportunities for consumers. In line with the recommendation, the central bank has released draft ‘Enabling Framework for Regulatory Sandbox’. “The proposed financial service to be launched under the RS should include new or emerging technology, or use of existing technology in an innovative way and should address a problem, or bring benefits to consumers,” the draft said. According to the draft, the target applicants for entry to the RS are financial technology (fintech) firms which meet the eligibility conditions prescribed for start-ups by the government. The innovative products and services which could be considered for testing under RS include retail payments, money transfer services, marketplace lending, digital KYC and financial advisory services. Innovation in wealth management services, digital identification services, smart contracts, financial inclusion products and cybersecurity products could also be tested. Highlighting the benefits of RS, the draft said the first and foremost is that it fosters “learning by doing”. Also, users of an RS can test the product’s viability without the need for a larger and more expensive roll-out. If the product appears to have the potential to be successful, the product might then be authorised and brought to the broader market more quickly. On risks and limitations of RS, the draft said the RBI or its RS cannot provide any legal waivers. Also, post-sandbox testing, a successful experimenter may still require regulatory approvals before the product, services or technology can be permitted for wider application. The central bank has invited stakeholders’ comments on the draft by May 8. Banks Board Bureau identifies 75 senior officers for leadership roles in PSBs

The Banks Board Bureau (BBB), the apex body for selection of whole-time directors of state-owned lenders, has identified 75 senior management personnel of public sector lenders to take over leadership role in the future. From a pool of 450 senior management personnel across nationalised banks, an inaugural batch of around 75 personnel has been identified this year to help nationalised banks take on the current and emerging challenges as well as help create a leadership pipeline, BBB said in its activity report for the October 2018-March 2019 period. BBB also suggested revamping credit governance architecture in nationalised banks to reinforce efforts to minimise credit costs and enhance efficiency of credit allocation. Bhanu Pratap Sharma is the Chairman of the Banks Board Bureau (BBB). The other members of the BBB are: Vedika Bhandarkar (former MD Credit Suisse India), Panja Pradeep Kumar (former MD SBI) and Pradip P Shah (founder MD of CRISIL). The Bureau was set up by the government in 2016 as a body of eminent professionals and officials, replacing the Appointments Board for appointment of Whole-time Directors as well as non-Executive Chairman of public sector banks (PSBs). No five day a week in commercial banks: RBI

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has not issued any direction with regard to a five day a week working for commercial banks. In a statement, the RBI said, it has been reported in certain sections of media that commercial banks would work five days a week in terms of RBI instructions. It termed the reports as factually incorrect. Currently, branches of commercial banks observe holiday only on second and fourth Saturday of a month apart from Sunday. Remaining Saturdays are a full working hour for banks.



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Section G: ECONOMY

Public sector enterprises to get 12 months to sell non-core assets

CPSEs will have 12 months to monetise non-core assets identified by a ministerial panel headed by the finance minister, failing which the finance ministry may restrict budgetary allocations to them. The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) on April 15, 2019 issued guidelines for monetisation of non-core assets of CPSEs and immovable enemy properties, following a Cabinet decision in February. According to the guidelines, an inter-ministerial group (IMG) chaired by the secretary of DIPAM will identify the non-core assets of the CPSEs on its own, and also on the basis of recommendations of the NITI Aayog. The final call will, however, be taken by the finance minister-headed panel. Once the Alternative Mechanism, comprising the finance minister, road transport minister and the minister of the administrative ministry concerned approves the assets for monetisation, it should be completed within 12 months from the date of approval. This will be the target to be achieved by the CPSEs as part of the memorandum of understanding with the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). “The Department of Expenditure and Department of Economic Affairs may consider any proposal from the CPSE/administrative ministry for budgetary support only after looking at the achievement of asset monetisation target by the CPSE. Performance of contract management will be considered before sanctioning any government budgetary support,” the guidelines said. 14 products from different states receive GI tag so far in 2019

Himachali Kala Zeera, Jeeraphool from Chhattisgarh and Kandhamal Haldi from Odisha are among the 14 products that have received Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the government so far this year. According to the data with the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT), the other products which received this tag include Coorg Arabica coffee from Karnataka, Wayanad Robusta coffee from Kerala, Araku Valley Arabica from Andhra Pradesh, Sirisi Supari from Karnataka and Himachali Chulli oil. The tag helps growers of these products get premium price as no other producer can misuse the name to market similar goods. A geographical indication tag is used for an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicraft and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin. Once a product gets this tag, no person or company can sell a similar item under that name. This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed. GI is covered under a law of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The first product to get a GI tag in India was the Darjeeling Tea in 2004. There is a total of 344 products from India that carry this indication. India’s foreign exchange reserves at USD 414.886 billion in the week to April 12

India’s foreign exchange reserves continued its northward push, increasing by USD 1.105 billion to touch USD 414.886 billion in the week to April 12, the Reserve Bank data showed on April 19, 2019. Foreign currency assets, which are a major component of the overall reserves, rose by USD 646.4 million to USD 386.762 billion. Expressed in US dollar terms, foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation/depreciation of non-US currencies like the euro, pound and the yen held in the reserves. Gold reserves also increased by USD 77.4 million to USD 23.303 billion, according to the data. The special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund was up by USD 3.3 million to USD 1.458 billion. The country’s reserve position with the Fund also increased by USD 378.1 million to USD 3.362 billion.



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India remains electricity-deficit nation: Central Electricity Authority

India remains electricity-deficit nation with peak power deficit at 0.8% and an overall energy deficit at 0.6% in 2018-19. This was stated by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in its load generation balancing report (LGBR) for 2018-19. According to the latest CEA data, during peak hours, as much as 175.52 gigawatt (GW) was supplied against demand of 177.02 GW leaving a deficit of 1.49 GW or 0.8 per cent in 2018-19. The data showed that as much as 1,267.29 billion units (BUs) of electricity was supplied against the demand of 1,274.56 BUs leaving an overall electricity or energy deficit of 7.35 BUs or 0.6 per cent during 2018-19. Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation at 3.18% in March

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation rose for second consecutive month to 3.18% in March 2019 on costlier food and fuel, government data released on April 15, 2019 showed. WPI based inflation was at 2.93 per cent in February. It was 2.74 per cent in March 2018. Gold imports dip 3% to $32.8 bn in 2018-19

The country’s gold imports dipped about 3 per cent in value terms to $ 32.8 billion during 2018-19, which is expected to keep a lid on the current account deficit. Total imports of the precious metal in 2017-18 had stood at $ 33.7 billion, according to data from the commerce ministry. India is one of the largest gold importers in the world, and the imports mainly take care of demand from the jewellery industry. The government had introduced several measures to restrict the import of gold. Import of the yellow metal attracts 10 per cent duty. India’s online retail market to cross $170 billion by FY30: Report

Online retail in the country that is growing at a faster pace, is expected to be $170 billion by FY30, growing at a CAGR of 23 per cent, according to a Jefferies report. The online retail, which is currently around 25 per cent of total organised retail market in India, can potentially increase to around 37 per cent of the total organised retail market during this period, the report said. Currently, the total online retail in the country is pegged at $18 billion. Unemployment rate doubled since 2011: Azim Premji University report

Unemployment rate in India has doubled in eight years to 2018 as 50 lakh lost jobs in last two years beginning with demonetisation in November 2016, a new research by the Azim Premji University revealed on April 17, 2019. The government has not released results of the new high-frequency Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). The researchers said they used data from the Consumer Pyramids Survey of the Centre for Monitoring the Indian Economy (CMIC-CPDX) to understand the employment situation between 2016 and 2018. NDDB lab gets FSSAI status of NRL for milk, dairy products

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has informed that the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recognised its laboratory, the Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF), as a national reference laboratory (NRL) for dairy and dairy products. Following the FSSAI order, CALF becomes the only NRL in India for milk and milk products, while it is already a referral lab (RL) of FSSAI for various other analyses. “The nomination of CALF as NRL for dairy and dairy products provides an opportunity to improve the method of testing of dairy products as multiple types of tests are performed on daily basis in dairy products. The results of these tests influence the outcome as to whether it complies or not with legislation for the industry,” said an NDDG statement. IMD predicts near normal southwest monsoon season rainfall for 2019

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued its first stage operational forecast for the southwest monsoon season (June to September) rainfall for the country as a whole in 2019 of its two stages forecast. The first stage forecast is issued in April and the second stage forecast is issued in June. The Southwest monsoon seasonal (June to September) rainfall over the country as a whole is likely to be near normal. Quantitatively, the monsoon seasonal (June to September) rainfall is likely to be 96% of the Long Period Average (LPA) with a



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model error of 5%. The LPA of the season rainfall over the country as a whole for the period 1951-2000 is 89 cm. Weak El Ni conditions are likely to prevail during the monsoon season with reduced intensity in the later part of the season. India’s merchandise exports up 9.1% to US$ 331.02 billion in FY2019

Data on India’s merchandise trade in April-March 2019 was released on April 15, 2019. Exports rose 9.1% to US$ 331.02 billion while imports increased 9% to US$ 507.44 billion. Trade deficit was US$ 176.42 billion. Merchandise trade deficit was US$ 160.0 billion in 2017-18. Merchandise exports and imports were US$ 309.0 billion and US$ 469.0 billion respectively in 2017-18. Home Expo India 2019 held in Greater Noida

The 8th edition of Home Expo India 2019 was organised at India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida from April 16 to 19, 2019. It covered sectors with maximum thrust and growth potential in home decor, furnishing, furniture, flooring and textiles. About 500 companies in permanent marts exhibited their collection under these categories. The three-day exhibition was organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts.


TCS revamps 150,000 post offices under Rs 1,100-cr deal with India Post

India’s largest IT services company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) said it has deployed an integrated solution for India Post that has helped modernise a network of more than 150,000 post offices in the country. In 2013, the Mumbai-based company had announced receiving an over Rs 1,100 crore multi-year contract from the Department of Posts (DoP) for an end-to-end IT modernisation programme. The partnership was aimed at equipping India Post with modern technologies and systems to enable it to offer more services to the customers in an effective manner. TikTok removed from Google, Apple app stores

Tech giants Google and Apple have removed TikTok from their app stores after the Supreme Court refused to stay Madras High Court order asking the Centre to prohibit the download of the Chinese social media platform. The government, on April 15, 2019, had asked tech giants Google and Apple to comply with the Madras High Court’s order that had banned popular mobile app TikTok. While users may not be able to download TikTok from the app stores going forward, people who have already downloaded it will be able to continue using the app on their phones. The Madras High Court, on April 3, had directed the Centre to ban TikTok app. In its order, the Madras HC had said it was evident from media reports that pornography and inappropriate content were made available through such mobile applications. Google lets Android users in Europe choose rival browsers

Users of Android devices will be able to choose their browsers and search engines from five options starting on April 18, 2019, in a move aimed at addressing EU antitrust concerns and staving off fresh sanctions. The European Commission said Google had an unfair advantage by pre-installing its Chrome browser and Google search app on Android smartphones and notebooks. Android users in Europe who open Google Play will now see new screens with an option to download different search apps and browsers. The five apps are chosen based on their popularity, which is determined based on industry data and the number of downloads in each country. They will then be listed in a random order. The options will appear on both existing and new Android phones in Europe. Jet Airways stops operating

After flying for 25 years, Jet Airways on April 17, 2019 announced temporary grounding of operations after the lenders declined a Rs 400-crore lifeline, putting at stake 20,000 jobs and thousands of crores in passenger refunds, dues to vendors and over Rs 8,500 crore to banks. Founded by Naresh Goyal, who began as a general sales agent to a host of international airlines with travel agency Jetair, the full-service carrier served tens of millions of passengers for over two-and-half decades. Microsoft acquires Express Logic



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Microsoft on April 19, 2019 said it has acquired San Diego-based software company Express Logic, that makes software for Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Kurl-on acquires Spring Air to expand in premium segment

Kurl-on brand of mattresses has acquired bedding products company Spring Air. The product portfolio of Spring Air will now be available across Kurl-on’s 1,300 exclusive franchise outlets and 7,000 multi-brand outlets across the country, besides 93 Kurl-on Home Komfort stores. Saregama India launches portable preloaded music device - Carvaan Go

Saregama India has launched Carvaan Go. Carvaan Go with earphone as a primary use case is meant for more personal listening experience. The product weighs 88 grams. Carvaan Go comes preloaded with 3000 evergreen songs categorised into Artistes, Specials and pre curated Playlists, FM/AM and a microSD card slot for personal music.

Lux Industries launches India’s first scented vest under brand Lux Cozi

Lux Industries has launched India’s first scented vest range under their flagship brand Lux Cozi. Actor Varun Dhawan, Brand Ambassador for Lux Cozi, launched the scented vest range in Mumbai on April 16, 2019. MRF Ltd. Launches ‘MRF Nylogrip Ezeeride’ range of motorcycle tyres

Tyre major MRF Ltd. has introduced ‘MRF Nylogrip Ezeeride’ range of motorcycle tyres. The tyres come in 10 sizes for bikes ranging from commuter models to the Enfield and Harley-Davidson models. Hyundai unveils compact SUV Venue

Hyundai Motor India on April 17, 2019 unveiled its new compact SUV, Venue. The carmaker will launch the SUV in India on May 21. The compact SUV will compete with the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Motors Nexon and Mahindra XUV300. GVK sells 49 pc stake in airports business to ADIA, NIIF

Infrastructure conglomerate GVK Power and Infrastructure has signed an agreement to sell 49 per cent stake in its airports business to Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). ADIA is the world’s second largest sovereign wealth fund while NIIF is India’s first sovereign wealth fund set up by the government in 2015. India must re-engineer skill ecosystem as new-age technologies play out: FICCI-PwC

As technological breakthroughs alter the nature of work globally, it is critical for India equip its workforce with employable skills, stimulate a sustainable development process and transit into a formal economy, according to a knowledge paper by industry body FICCI and consulting major PwC. The country with a fast-paced and evolving economy must capitalise on its demographic advantage with nearly 65 per cent of the population in the age group of 15-59 years. “About 4.5 million youth are expected to enter the job market each year,” said the paper titled ‘Fast Forward: Relevant Skills for a Buoyant Indian Economy.’ But only 10.8 per cent of the total Indian workforce has undergone any kind of skill training (2.2% with formal training and 8.6 per cent with informal training) as compared to 60 to 90 per cent of the workforce in developed economies. The current skill ecosystem needs to be re-engineered to cater to the evolving growth story and demands of Industry. Tata Technologies joins hands with China’s FutureMove Automotive



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Tata Technologies on April 19, 2019 said it has inked a pact with China’s FutureMove Automotive to develop connected mobility solutions for automotive manufacturers in China and other markets. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding on the sidelines of the Shanghai Motor Show 2019.

Twitter acqui-hires quote sharing app Highly

Twitter has acqui-hired quote sharing app Highly for an undisclosed sum. Highly allows users to quickly highlight quotes from articles and share via email or social media. Mahindra Group, Ford to co-develop midsize SUV

Mahindra Group and Ford Motor Company have entered into a definitive agreement to co-develop a midsize sports utility vehicle (SUV). According to a joint statement issued on April 18, 2019, under the new agreement, Mahindra and Ford will work together to introduce a benchmark product for India and emerging markets.

US tabloid National Enquirer to sell for $100 million

American Media Inc (AMI) is selling its controversial tabloid National Enquirer and its two sister publications for USD 100 million. The tabloid, which has been accused of favouring US President Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential elections, has been purchased by CEO of Hudson News, James Cohen. Besides election meddling allegations, the National Enquirer has been embroiled in a public feud with Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. The tabloid allegedly paid USD 2 million for leaking private messages of Jeff Bezos. The National Enquirer had published a report in January which included text messages that were exchanged between Bezos, who was still married at that time, and his secret-girlfriend Lauren Sanchez.

NEWSMAKERS

Mukesh Ambani among TIME’s 100 most influential people

Reliance Industries (RIL) Chairman Mukesh Ambani has featured in the TIME magazine’s list of 100 most influential people. Arundhati Katju and Menaka Guruswamy, who led the legal battle for LGBTQ rights in India, also featured in the list that was released on April 17, 2019. The “Time 100 Most Influential People 2019” named the world’s most influential pioneers, leaders, titans, artists and icons of the year, and Ambani was named among the Most Influential Titans. PIONEERS: Sandra Oh, Indya Moore, Marlon James, Chrissy Teigen, Massimo Bottura, Hasan Minhaj, Samin Nosrat, Ninja, Arundhati Katju & Menaka Guruswamy, Naomi Osaka, Leah Greenberg & Ezra Levin, Fred Swaniker, Lynn Nottage, Tara Westover, Adam Bowen & James Monsees, Barbara Rae-Venter, He Jiankui, Aileen Lee, Jay O’Neal & Emily Comer, Shep Doeleman ARTISTS: Dwayne Johnson, Regina King, Khalid, Emilia Clarke, BTS, Brie Larson, Joanna & Chip Gaines, Ariana Grande, Mahershala Ali, Glenn Close, Rami Malek, Luchita Hurtado, Ozuna, dream Hampton, Richard Madden, Yalitza Aparicio, Clare Waight Keller LEADERS: Nancy Pelosi, Donald Trump, Greta Thunberg, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jacinda Ardern, Juan Guaidó, Abiy Ahmed, Mitch McConnell, Brett Kavanaugh, Jane Goodall, Benjamin Netanyahu, Zhang Yiming, Hoesung Lee, William Barr,



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Pope Francis, Xi Jinping, Leana Wen, Imran Khan, Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed, Cyril Ramaphosa, Robert Mueller, Mahathir Mohamad, Matteo Salvini, Jair Bolsonaro, Zhang Kejian ICONS: Taylor Swift, Michelle Obama, Spike Lee, Christine Blasey Ford, David Hockney, Desmond Meade, Lady Gaga, Radhya Almutawakel, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Maria Ressa, Caster Semenya, Mirian G., Grainne Griffin, Ailbhe Smyth & Orla O’Connor, Loujain al-Hathloul TITANS: Mohamed Salah, LeBron James, Jennifer Hyman, Gayle King, Mark Zuckerberg, Tiger Woods, Jeanne Gang, Bob Iger, Pat McGrath, Alex Morgan, Vera Jourova, Ryan Murphy, Mukesh Ambani, Ren Zhengfei, Marillyn Hewson, Jerome Powell Boost ropes in Pant, Iyer as brand ambassadors

Boost, one of the leading brands in the health food/drinks category, on April 16, 2019 announced appointment of cricketers Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer as brand ambassadors. With this alliance, Pant and Iyer join Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni who have been associated with the brand for a long time. redBus ropes in MS Dhoni as brand ambassador

Bus ticketing platform redBus on April 15, 2019 said it has appointed cricket icon MS Dhoni as its brand ambassador.

LSE names a professorship after economist Amartya Sen

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has announced the creation of the Amartya Sen Chair in Inequality Studies, named in honour of the India-born economist, philosopher and Nobel laureate, who was Professor of Economics at LSE from 1971-82. Called the “Amartya Sen Chair in Inequality Studies,” its holder will also serve as Director of the LSE International Inequalities Institute, which facilitates interdisciplinary work on subjects related to inequality. Sen won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1998 and National Humanities Medal in 2012. Cipla Chairman Yusuf Hamied receives UK Royal Society honour

Yusuf Hamied, 82-year-old chairman of pharmaceutical major Cipla, is among a host of Indian-origin experts honoured in the 2019 list of new fellows of the UK’s Royal Society revealed in London on April 18, 2019. The Royal Society is an independent scientific academy of the UK and the Commonwealth, dedicated to promoting excellence in science.



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Section I: STATES

Police launches 2 helpline numbers to curb noise pollution and incidents of mob lynching

The Delhi Police has launched two helpline numbers as a precautionary measure to curb noise pollution and incidents of mob lynching in the national capital. The two helpline numbers -- 155270 and 155271 -- launched on April 5, operated by the Police Control Room, will remain operational 24x7 to ensure quick response and action into complaints of mob violence or calls related to noise pollution. Incidents related to lynching or mob violence can be reported on 155270. The helpline number has been introduced in compliance to the directions of apex court that a response system may be introduced to deal with such acts and to prevent the instances of loss of life and public as well as private properties during incidents of mob violence. In compliance to the directions of National Green Tribunal, a 24X7 helpline number 155271 has been launched to receive calls related to noise pollution. People can lodge complaints against use of loudspeakers, public address system, sound amplifiers, etc. Karnataka HC upholds hike in minimum wage in 34 industries

Thousands of employees working in about 34 different types of private industries are likely to benefit as the High Court of Karnataka has upheld the State government’s notifications issued in 2016 and 2017 increasing the minimum wage in these industries. It directed the employers to pay the minimum wages, which remained unpaid till now due to a stay order by the court, to the eligible employees/workers within eight weeks, with an interest of 6% per annum from the date from which the revised wages were payable. The court was hearing petitions filed by the Karnataka State Small Scale Industries Association, the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and several private companies, questioning the notifications issued by the Labour Department under the MW Act between December 2016 and December 2017. The new MW applies to industries like automobile engineering; shops and establishments, ceramic, stoneware and potteries, foundries, oil mills, printing presses, veneer units, hostels, hospital and nursing services, private schools, colleges, and other training centres, road construction and maintenance, among others. SC bans mining along Kaziranga National Park, asks Assam DGP to implement order

The Supreme Court has banned all mining activities along the Kaziranga National Park and catchment area of rivers originating in Karbi Anglong Hills in Assam. “We order that all kinds of mining and related activities along the aforesaid Kaziranga National Park area and in the entire catchment area of rivers/streams and rivulets originating in Karbi Anglong Hill ranges and flowing into the Kaziranga National Park, including Tiger Reserve are restrained. “No new construction shall be permitted on private lands which form part of the nine identified animal corridors,” the bench said. The order came on a plea filed by animal rights activist Rohit Choudhury against illegal mining near Kaziranga National Park.



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NEWSMAKERS UP BJP MLA Chandel, nine others sentenced to life in murder case

The Allahabad High Court on April 19, 2019 awarded life term to BJP MLA Ashok Singh Chandel and nine others in a 22-year-old shootout incident in Hamirpur district in which five members of a family were killed. The court reversed the decision of additional sessions judge, Hamirpur dated July 15, 2002, who had acquitted all 10 accused, including Chandel. On 26 January, 1997 a minor altercation between local BJP leader Shukla and Chandel led to a shootout in which five persons, including Shukla’s two elder brothers Rakesh, Rajesh and nephews Ambujh, Ved Nayak and Srikant Pandey died. Chandel, a former MP and a four-time MLA from Hamirpur, had started his political carrier in 1989 as an Independent MLA. He went on to become MP from Hamirpur in 1999 on a BSP ticket. Presently, he is a BJP sitting MLA. Chennai historian S. Muthiah dies at 89

The chronicler of Chennai history, cartographer and journalist S. Muthiah, 89, died in Chennai on April 20, 2019. He was the founder of Madras Musings, a free fortnightly. He also authored and co-authored histories of well-known corporate houses. He also taught journalism at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Chennai. In 1999, he co-founded Chennai Heritage and was one of the key persons behind the annual Madras Day celebrations. Noted Bengali folk singer Amar Pal dies in Kolkata at 96

Noted Bengali folk singer Amar Pal died in Kolkata on April 20, 2019. He was 96. He was an old artist of Akashvani Kolkata and remained closely associated with this prestigious institution. The West Bengal Government conferred Sangeet Mahasamman on him in 2012 for his outstanding contribution in the field of music.



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Section J: SPORTS

Annu Rani wins silver in women’s javelin throw at the Asian Athletics Championships in Doha

Annu Rani won silver medal in women’s javelin throw at the Asian Athletics Championships in Doha on April 21, 2019 with a throw of 60.22m. Gold was won by Lyu Huihui of China (65.83 m). Avinash Sable (8:30.19s) won silver for India in men’s 3000m steeplechase while gold was won by Bahrain’s John Kibet (8:25.87s). Parul Chaudhary (15:36.03s) won bronze in women’s 5000m in which gold and silver were won by Bahrain’s Windred Mutile Yavi and Bontu Rebitu respectively. M.R. Poovamma (53.21s) won bronze for India in women’s 400 m in which gold was won by Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser (51.34s) and silver by Kazakhstan’s Elina Mikhina (53.19 s). IOA asks Goa to pay Rs 10 crore penalty for repeatedly postponing National Games

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has asked Goa to pay a penalty of Rs 10 crore for repeatedly missing the deadline for hosting the 36th National Games. If Goa does not pay the penalty amount and organise the Games in 2019, then IOA may cancel it. Goa had expressed its inability to host the event in March-April 2019 owing to the general elections. The Goa government had cited security and volunteer related issues during the elections as reasons for postponing the much-delayed National Games, which were originally planned for 2016 but were rescheduled several times. The latest dates set aside for it were from March 30 to April 14. Services beat Punjab in final 1-0 to win Santosh Trophy football title in Ludhiana

Services beat Punjab in final 1-0 to win Santosh Trophy football title at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana on April 21, 2019. Bikash Thapa scored the only goal of the match. Sourav Kothari wins RKG Red-10 snooker championship

Sourav Kothari stopped a fighting Divya Sharma in an enthralling final to claim RKG Red-10 snooker championship in Nainital on April 19, 2019. The reigning World billiards champion won 6-4 in the best-of-11 frame final for the first prize of Rs.1.25 lakh. Divya received Rs.70,000. Former Scotland cricket captain De Lange dies aged 38

Scotland’s former national team captain Cricket Con De Lange died at the age of 38 on April 19, 2019. South Africa-born all-rounder De Lange started his career in South Africa, playing for the Knights and Free State and had two years with Northamptonshire before representing Scotland. At international level, he captained Scotland to their first 50-over victory over a International Cricket Council full member and hit the winning runs as Scotland chased down 287 against Sri Lanka in May 2017.

Section A: INDIA

Army starts process to induct women as jawans in military police New fast patrol vessel in Coast Guard fleet SC appoints ex-judge Patnaik to probe allegations of larger conspiracy against CJI CAT stays suspension of IAS officer who checked PM’s copter Senior most Vice Admiral again moves court challenging Navy chief’s appointment Naval officer killed in firefighting efforts on board aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya Section B: INDIA & THE WORLD

USTR places India on ‘Priority Watch List’ for IP rights violations China drops BCIM from BRI projects’ list India presents 100 motorised wheelchairs to injured Afghan soldiers



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Ex-Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag named Indian High Commissioner to Seychelles Section C: WORLD

Rural revitalisation is critical to ending hunger, malnutrition: Global food policy report US withdrawing from arms trade treaty UK govt launches Modern Slavery Innovation Fund (MSIF) Media Summit on Climate Action and Disaster Preparedness held in Kathmandu 17th legislative term of Afghan Parliament inaugurated Cyclone Kenneth: Storm-battered Mozambique hit again 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Corporation held in Beijing Arab League pledges USD 100 million to Palestinians Iran, Pakistan to set up border ‘reaction force’ after militant attacks Indonesia releases special stamp on Ramayana theme World Immunization Week observed from April 24 to 30 English Language Day observed on April 23 World Book and Copyright Day celebrated on April 23 World Intellectual Property Day observed on April 26 Earth Day celebrated on April 22 with its theme as ‘Protect our Species’ International Girls in ICT Day celebrated on April 25 World Malaria Day observed on April 25 International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace observed on April 24 World Day for Safety and Health at Work observed on April 28 US court sentences Russian agent Maria Butina to 18 months for conspiracy Volodymyr Zelensky elected new President of Ukraine Egypt referendum extending Sisi rule passed with 88.83% of vote Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Jean dies aged 98 Michael Wolf, photographer of mega-cities, dies in Hong Kong at 64 Section D: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

World’s first malaria vaccine launched in Africa CCMB to take up country’s first project to research on cell-based meat India 1 million species risk extinction due to humans: UN WHO offers recommendations on physical activity for children under five Section E: AWARDS

Pakistani journalist Cyril Almeida wins World Press Freedom Hero award Benny Antony conferred National IP Award Rana Dasgupta bags 2019 Tagore Literary Prize Jhulan Goswami wins CSJC Sportsperson of Year award Sharath Kamal is sportsperson of year at Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists’ Association awards Golf Industry Association (GIA) Awards conferred Section F: BANKING & FINANCE RBI duty bound to disclose wilful defaulters’ information, rules SC Jalan panel on RBI’s capital size to submit report by June RBI extends ombudsman scheme to non-deposit taking NBFCs RBI allows FPIs investment in municipal bonds RBI sells entire stake in NHB, NABARD to government for Rs 1,470 cr



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Section G: ECONOMY

Finance Ministry asks all departments to conduct review of govt guarantee 148 MT foodgrain output expected in Kharif 2019-20 India’s crude oil production falls by 4.15% in 2018-19 Govt raises wheat import duty to 40% Finance Ministry ratifies 8.65% interest on EPF for 2018-19 Forex reserves decline by $739 million to $414.14 billion in the week to April 19 Pharma exports grow 11%, cross $19 bn Section H: CORPORATE SEBI restrains Hotel Leela from selling properties to Brookfield, NCLT issues notice Maruti to pull the plug on diesel cars from April 2020 Indian Army signs MoU with NHPC for construction of tunnels on China, Pakistan borders Madras HC lifts ban on TikTok with conditions, warns against obscene videos IIT-KGP, Jindal Stainless tie up for stainless steel course NCPCR asks five states to stop sale of Johnson & Johnson Baby shampoo HCL Technologies launches CyberSecurity Fusion Center (CSFC) in Texas Facebook bans personality quiz apps India to install 54.7 GW wind capacity by 2022: Fitch Solutions FSS launches voice banking service Tata Global to acquire Dhunseri’s branded tea business SBI General launches cyber defence insurance for businesses Assocham Secretary General U K Varma resigns

Section I: STATES ICMR launches pilot project to offer motorbike-borne medical assistance in case of heart attack Tirupati temple has 9,259 kg gold in treasury, banks AP: Sthree Shakthi cops launched to ensure women safety

Section J: SPORTS India finish fourth in Asian Athletics Championships India finish with 16 medals at Asian Wrestling Championships India win 13 medals at Asian Boxing Championships 3 Indians win medals at Asian Weightlifting Championships India top medals tally at ISSF World Cup Rifle/ Pistol in Beijing Kento Momota, Akane Yamaguchi win Singles titles at Badminton Asia Championships Kenyan athletes dominate Rabat International Marathon Kenyan athletes win both races at London Marathon Sahaj Grover wins Capablanca chess tournament in South Africa ICF Chennai wins Arjan Singh Memorial International hockey tournament Pankaj Advani wins Asian Snooker Tour title Valtteri Bottas wins Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix Kamilla Rakhimova wins $25,000 ITF women’s tennis tournament



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Army starts process to induct women as jawans in military police

The Indian Army on April 25, 2019 kicked off the process of inducting women as jawans by starting their online registration for recruitment in the corps of military police. This is being seen as a major breakthrough for women in armed forces as so far, they were being inducted only as officers and this is the first time they would be taken in as soldiers. Women will be inducted in a graded manner to eventually comprise 20 per cent of total Corps of Military Police and their role would range from probing crime cases to assisting the Army in field operations wherever required. Currently, women are allowed in select areas such as medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wings of the Army. The role of the military police includes policing cantonments and Army establishments, preventing the breach of rules and regulations by soldiers, maintaining movement of soldiers as well as logistics during peace and war, handling prisoners of war and extending aid to civil police. As per government data, the Army has 3.80 per cent of its workforce as women, the Air Force has 13.09 per cent and the Navy six per cent. New fast patrol vessel in Coast Guard fleet

The Indian Coast Guard inducted a fast patrol vessel (FPV) CG Priyadarsini into its fleet in Kakinada on April 26, 2019. Designed and built indigenously by GRSE Shipyard, Kolkata, Priyadarsini is equipped with high-technology surveillance gadgets. CG Priyadarsini is the 114th vessel of the Indian Coast Guard. NON-FICTION

When India Votes: The Dynamics of Successful Election Campaigning by Jaishri Jethwaney & Samir Kapur Pursuing Financial Reforms Across Countries — Perils, Stresses and Rewards by Subra Ramamurthy Majoritarian State: How Hindu Nationalism is Changing India by Edited by Angana P. Chatterji, Thomas Blom Hansen, Christophe Jaffrelot Carpenters and Kings: Western Christianity and the Idea of India by Siddhartha Sarma Shehla Masood: The Murder that Shook a Nation by Hemender Sharma 21 Kesaris by Kiran Nirvan Eric Hobsbawm: A Life in History by Richard J. Evans FICTION

Our Start-up Affair by Sheila Kumar Heat by Poomani (translated by N. Kalyan Raman) Tune for the Dead by Anshul Vijayvargiya & Debashish Irengbam A Year of Wednesdays by Sonia Bahl Where the Hills Hide their Secrets by Adhirath Sethi The Blessed Girl by Angela Makholwa Without a Country by Ayse Kulin (translated by Kenneth Dakan) Run Away by Harlan Coben



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NEWSMAKERS

SC appoints ex-judge Patnaik to probe allegations of larger conspiracy against CJI

The Supreme Court on April 25, 2019 appointed its former judge Justice A K Patnaik to probe allegations of larger conspiracy to frame CJI Ranjan Gogoi. The court was hearing an affidavit filed by lawyer Utsav Singh Bains claiming “larger conspiracy” to frame Justice Gogoi on sexual harassment allegations and fix benches in the top court. A former apex court woman employee recently levelled sexual harassment allegations against the CJI. On April 24, the Supreme Court appointed Justice S. A. Bobde to conduct an in-house inquiry into allegations. CAT stays suspension of IAS officer who checked PM’s copter

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Bengaluru on April 25, 2019 stayed the order of the Election Commission suspending IAS officer Mohammed Mohsin for checking prime minister Narendra Modi’s helicopter in Odisha. The officer from Karnataka cadre, deployed in Odisha as a general observer, was suspended on April 17 for checking Modi’s helicopter in Odisha’s Sambalpur in violation of norms for dealing with SPG protectees and sent back to the state. The CAT maintained that during an election process while reasonable assurances of protection and security must be made available to SPG protectees, it cannot be said “they are eligible for anything and everything.” Mohsin had tried to check some luggage in the convoy of the Prime Minister and the EC order had said he had acted in violation of existing instructions of the commission. Senior most Vice Admiral again moves court challenging Navy chief’s appointment

The seniormost naval commander Vice Admiral Bimal Verma has again approached the court challenging the appointment of his junior Vice Admiral Karambir Singh as the next Navy Chief. Vice Admiral Verma, who is commanding Port Blair-based Andaman and Nicobar Command, had first approached the tribunal on April 8 but withdrew his petition soon after he had not exhausted the legal remedies available to him within the Navy. In his plea, Vice Admiral Verma has asked the Armed Forces Tribunal to stay the government order of March 23 to appoint Karambir Singh as the next Navy Chief instead of him. The plea says that the Vice Admiral had filed a statutory complaint before the Defence Ministry for not being appointed the next Navy Chief despite being the seniormost. Naval officer killed in firefighting efforts on board aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya

Naval officer Lt Cdr DS Chauhan was killed in firefighting efforts on board aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. The fire was reported on April 26, 2019 when the ship was entering harbour in Karwar in Karnataka. The fire was brought under control by the ship’s crew in a swift action, preventing any serious damage to the carrier’s combat capability.


USTR places India on ‘Priority Watch List’ for IP rights violations

The US on April 25, 2019 placed India on its ‘Priority Watch List’, alleging lack of “sufficient measurable improvements” to its Intellectual Property (IP) framework on long-standing and new challenges that have negatively affected American right holders over the past year. “Over the past year, India took steps to address intellectual property challenges and promote IP protection and enforcement. However, many of the actions have not yet translated into concrete benefits for innovators and creators, and long-standing deficiencies persist. India remains one of the world’s most challenging major economies with respect to protection and enforcement of IP,” an official US report said. The US Trade Representatives (USTR) in its report identified 11 countries, including India, in its ‘Priority Watch List’. China, Indonesia, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela are among others. It has also placed 25 countries, including Pakistan, Turkey and the UAE, on the Watch List.



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China drops BCIM from BRI projects’ list

Beijing has dropped the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM) from the list of projects covered under its trillion-dollar connectivity Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI). The name of the corridor was not in the list of projects mentioned in the annex of the Joint Communique of the Leaders’ Roundtable of the second edition of the Belt and Road summit that concluded on April 27, 2019. India did not attend the event in protest against the project’s artery -- the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) -- as it traverses through the disputed Kashmir held by Islamabad. Like the CPEC, BCIM is also one of the major six corridors of the Belt and Road project. It aims to connect China’s eastern city of Kunming with India’s Kolkata through Dhaka in Bangladesh and Mandalay in Myanmar. India presents 100 motorised wheelchairs to injured Afghan soldiers

With an aim to alleviate the challenges of critically injured Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers, India has presented 100 motorised wheelchairs to them, Defence Ministry statement said on April 23, 2019. Till date, the Indian Army has also trained 4,880 ANA personnel in various professional, educational and military training programs, including ANA doctors and medical technicians.

NEWSMAKERS

Ex-Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag named Indian High Commissioner to Seychelles

Former Indian Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag was on April 25, 2019 appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Seychelles. Suhag took charge as the Army Chief on July 31, 2014, succeeding General Bikram Singh. He retired on December 31, 2016.

Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

Rural revitalisation is critical to ending hunger, malnutrition: Global food policy report

Marked by deepening cycle of hunger and malnutrition, poverty, limited economic opportunities, and environmental degradation, rural areas continue to be in a state of crisis in many parts of the world, threatening to slow the progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, global climate targets, and improved food and nutrition security, according to the 2019 Global Food Policy Report (GFPR) released on April 26, 2019. Rural population account for 45.3 per cent of the world’s total population and at least 70 per cent of the world’s population remain extremely poor. Besides being the most vulnerable and marginalised, rural population suffer from rapid population growth rates, inadequate job and enterprise creation, poor infrastructure, scarce financial services. In addition, rural communities bear the brunt of climate change impacts, said the report, which has made rural revitalisation as the theme for 2019. “Without innovative and holistic revitalisation approaches that leverage new opportunities and address growing challenges, achieving food security for all by 2030 will be difficult – perhaps even impossible,” the GFPR report said. The report was brought out by the Washington DC-based International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). US withdrawing from arms trade treaty

President Donald Trump on April 27, 2019 said the US has decided to withdraw from the Arms Trade Treaty that regulates international trade in conventional weapons, including small arms, battle tanks, combat aircraft and warships. The US signed the treaty in 2013, but never ratified it.



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UK govt launches Modern Slavery Innovation Fund (MSIF)

A UK government backed fund set up to combat modern day slavery across the world has announced a grant of up to 800,000 pounds each for a new set of projects, including one in India. The Modern Slavery Innovation Fund (MSIF) supports international projects to find innovative ways of stopping modern slavery. The MSIF on April 27, 2019 announced up to GBP 800,000 each for projects across the world, including to the Freedom Fund working in India. Media Summit on Climate Action and Disaster Preparedness held in Kathmandu

The 5th Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Media Summit on Climate Action and Disaster Preparedness was held in Kathmandu on April 25-26, 2019. The theme was “Media Solutions for Sustainable Future: Saving Lives, Building Resilient Communities”. The basic aim of the summit was to address the issue of fully utilizing media’s potential of accelerating climate action and disaster preparedness and connect stakeholders to media professionals for collaboration and joint practical projects. 17th legislative term of Afghan Parliament inaugurated

The 17th legislative term of the Wolesi Jirga, or the Afghan Parliament, was inaugurated in Kabul on April 26, 2019 by President Ashraf Ghani, even though the final results of five provinces is awaited. As per the law, the parliament was supposed to be inaugurated earlier but was delayed due to “controversies”. Cyclone Kenneth: Storm-battered Mozambique hit again

Three persons have been killed in northern Mozambique after cyclone Kenneth made landfall on April 26, 2019. The category 4 cyclone brought 220kmph (140mph) winds and killed three people on the island of Comoros on April 25. 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Corporation held in Beijing

The 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Corporation was organised in Beijing from April 25 to 27, 2019. The three-day forum provided a platform to the countries participating in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for exchanging views and experiences on regional connectivity, policy synergy, socio-economic development and trade, and commerce. India, for the second consecutive time boycotted the forum that was attended by the leaders and representatives of 37 countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte were among the leaders who will attend the forum. The BRI is a development strategy adopted by the Chinese government involving infrastructure development and investments in countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Arab League pledges USD 100 million to Palestinians

The Arab League has pledged to pay USD 100 million a month to the Palestinian Authority (PA) to plug the gap left when Israel blocked tax transfers earlier in the year. This was announced by the League following a meeting in Cairo on April 28, 2019. Israel collects taxes on behalf of the PA, but withheld USD 138 million in transfers in February over Palestinian payments to political prisoners jailed for attacks against Israelis. Iran, Pakistan to set up border ‘reaction force’ after militant attacks

Iran and Pakistan have agreed to set up a joint border “reaction force” following a number of deadly attacks by militant groups on their frontier, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced on April 22, 2019 after talks with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Tehran. The border skirts the volatile southeastern Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchistan which has been the scene of frequent attacks on Iran’s security forces. Khan’s visit to Iran, the first since he took office in 2018, comes after gunmen who Islamabad says were based in Iran killed 14 members of Pakistan’s security forces in its own Balochistan province in April 2019. In March 2019, Iran demanded Pakistan act “decisively against anti-Iranian terrorists”, following a February 13 attack that killed 27 members of the elite Revolutionary Guards in Sistan-Baluchistan. Iran has said a Pakistani suicide bomber was behind the attack.



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Indonesia releases special stamp on Ramayana theme To mark the 70th anniversary of establishment of its diplomatic ties with India, Indonesia has released a special commemorative stamp on the theme of Ramayana. The stamp, designed by Indonesian sculptor Padma Shri Bapak Nyoman Nuarta, features a scene from Ramayana in which Jatayu fought to save Sita. The launch event was attended by India’s Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat on April 24, 2019.

World Immunization Week observed from April 24 to 30

The World Immunization Week was observed from April 24 to 30, 2019. Celebrated in the last week of April, World Immunization Week aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Protected Together: Vaccines Work!’. English Language Day observed on April 23

English Language Day was observed by the UN on April 23, 2019. English, along with French, is one of the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and one of the Organization’s six official languages. English Language Day at the UN is celebrated on 23 April, the date traditionally observed as both the birthday and date of death of William Shakespeare. The purpose of the UN’s language days is to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six official languages throughout the Organization. Under the initiative, UN duty stations around the world celebrate six separate days, each dedicated to one of the Organization’s six official languages. The days are: Arabic (18 December), Chinese (20 April), English (23 April), French (20 March), Russian (6 June) and Spanish (23 April). World Book and Copyright Day celebrated on April 23

The World Book and Copyright Day was celebrated by UNESCO on April 23, 2019. April 23 is a symbolic date for world literature. It is on this date in 1616 that Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors, such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K. Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo. Each year, UNESCO and the international organizations representing the three major sectors of the book industry - publishers, booksellers and libraries, select the World Book Capital for a one-year period, effective 23 April each year. The city of Sharjah in UAE was selected for this year. World Intellectual Property Day observed on April 26

World Intellectual Property Day was observed on April 26, 2019 with its theme as ‘Reach for Gold: IP and Sports’. The aim is to learn about the role that intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright) play in encouraging innovation and creativity. The Day is observed on April 26 every year to mark the date on which WIPO Convention came into force in 1970. Francis Gurry is the Director General of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Earth Day celebrated on April 22 with its theme as ‘Protect our Species’ The Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 2019 with its theme as ‘Protect our Species’. The idea of commemorating such a day was propounded by Gaylord Nelson, a US senator from Wisconsin. Nelson, who had been a witness to the devastation caused by an enormous oil spill in Santa Barbara, California in 1969, felt the urgency of the matter. International Girls in ICT Day celebrated on April 25

The International Girls in ICT (Information & Communications Technology) Day was celebrated on April 25, 2019. The Day is marked annually on the fourth Thursday in April. The Day is aimed at drawing attention to the critical need for more girls and women in the ICT sector. With technology playing a role in all kinds of careers, from art and history to law, primary teaching and graphic design, learning tech skills at a young age will set girls up for economic independence.



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World Malaria Day observed on April 25

World Malaria Day was observed on April 25, 2019 with its theme as: ‘Zero malaria starts with me’. The day is observed every year on April 25 to raise awareness and funds for the treatment and prevention of the disease. The day recognizes global efforts to control malaria. British doctor Ronald Ross received the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1902 for his work on malaria. According to WHO’s latest World Malaria Report, no significant reduction was made in malaria cases in the period between 2015 and 2017, meaning the number of malaria deaths in 2017, remained virtually unchanged over the previous year, which stood at 435 000.

International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace observed on April 24

The first International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace was celebrated on April 24 2019. The UN General Assembly convened a one-day high-level plenary meeting to commemorate and promote the day. The International Day is a reaffirmation of the UN Charter and its principles of resolving disputes among countries through peaceful means. It acknowledges the use of multilateral decision-making and diplomacy in achieving peaceful resolutions to conflicts among nations. World Day for Safety and Health at Work observed on April 28

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work was celebrated on April 28, 2019. The ILO celebrates the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on the 28 April to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. It is an awareness-raising campaign intended to focus international attention on emerging trends in the field of occupational safety and health and on the magnitude of work-related injuries, diseases and fatalities worldwide.

NEWSMAKERS

US court sentences Russian agent Maria Butina to 18 months for conspiracy

A federal court on April 27, 2019 sentenced Russian national Maria Butina to 18 months jail after she pleaded guilty of allegedly trying to infiltrate conservative political circles and promoting Russian interests before and after the 2016 presidential election. The leader of a small Russian gun rights group, the 30-year-old Siberian native, is so far the only Russian citizen arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow’s interference in 2016 US presidential elections. However, Butina’s efforts appeared to be separate from the Kremlin’s sweeping election-meddling campaign detailed in special counsel Robert Mueller’s report. Butina was incarcerated since her arrest in July 2018 and will receive credit for the nine months previously served. She will be deported to Russia after serving her sentence. Volodymyr Zelensky elected new President of Ukraine

Comedian Volodymyr Zelensky was elected new President of Ukraine on April 22, 2019. Zelensky, who is a newcomer in politics and got 73% of the vote, trounced incumbent Petro Poroshenko in the election held on April 21. At 41, Zelensky will be Ukraine’s youngest ever president. Egypt referendum extending Sisi rule passed with 88.83% of vote

Egyptians have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a referendum on proposed constitutional amendments aimed at extending the rule of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the electoral board said in Cairo on April 24, 2019. 88.83 per cent voted “yes” for changes that could keep Sisi in power until 2030, with 11.17 per cent voting “no”. With almost 27 million votes cast out of an eligible base of 61 million voters, the turnout rate was 44.33 per cent.



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Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Jean dies aged 98

Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Jean, who reigned over his country for 36 years before abdicating in 2000, has died aged 98, his son Henri announced on April 23, 2019. Jean was a soldier in the British army during the Second World War and participated at the D-Day landings. Jean became the Grand Duke after his mother abdicated in 1964. Michael Wolf, photographer of mega-cities, dies in Hong Kong at 64

Michael Wolf, an award-winning photographer known for his work depicting megacities, died in Hong Kong on April 26, 2019 at the age of 64. Wolf won first prize in the World Press Photo competition twice, for contemporary issues in 2005 and for daily life in 2010. His body of work included Tokyo, Chicago, Paris and Hong Kong, where Wolf moved in 1994.



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World’s first malaria vaccine launched in Africa

The world’s first malaria vaccine has been launched in Malawi. The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomed the Government of Malawi’s landmark pilot programme. The launch of the first and only malaria vaccine, known as RTS,S, makes Malawi the first of three countries in Africa where it will be made available to children up to 2 years of age. Ghana and Kenya will introduce the vaccine in the coming weeks, WHO said. Worldwide, malaria kills 435 000 people a year, most of them children. “We have seen tremendous gains from bed nets and other measures to control malaria in the last 15 years, but progress has stalled and even reversed in some areas,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. Thirty years in the making, RTS,S is the first, and to date the only, vaccine that has demonstrated it can significantly reduce malaria in children. In clinical trials, the vaccine was found to prevent approximately four in 10 malaria cases, including three in 10 cases of life-threatening severe malaria. The vaccine is a complementary malaria control tool -- to be added to the core package of WHO-recommended measures for malaria prevention, including the routine use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor spraying with insecticides, and the timely use of malaria testing and treatment. The WHO-coordinated pilot programme is a collaborative effort with ministries of health in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi and a range of in-country and international partners, including PATH, a non-profit organization, and GSK, the vaccine developer and manufacturer, which is donating up to 10 million vaccine doses for this pilot. CCMB to take up country’s first project to research on cell-based meat

The country’s first project to research on cell-based meat, also called clean meat, would be taken up at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) deciding to give Rs. 4.5 crore for the two-year work as the initial grant. The National Research Centre on Meat, which has a unit at Chengicherla abattoir in Hyderabad, would partner with the CCMB in the pioneering work to develop cultured meat, which is said to be equivalent to conventional animal meat in terms of taste and feel, with the only difference being in the method of production. Clean meat would be produced through cellular agriculture with cells sourced from animals and cultivated into meat. Hence, it promises to revolutionise the food system by providing protein without harming the environment, said CCMB Director Rakesh Mehra on April 25, 2019. India 1 million species risk extinction due to humans: UN

Up to one million species face extinction due to human influence, according to a draft UN report that painstakingly catalogues how humanity has undermined the natural resources upon which its very survival depends. The accelerating loss of clean air, drinkable water, forests, pollinating insects, protein-rich fish and storm-blocking mangroves — to name but a few of the dwindling services rendered by Nature — poses no less of a threat than climate change, says the report, set to be unveiled on May 6. Indeed, biodiversity loss and global warming are closely linked, according to the 44-page summary for policymakers, which distils a 1,800-page UN assessment of scientific literature on the state of Nature. Delegates from 130 nations meeting in Paris from April 29 will vet the executive summary line-by-line. Wording may change, but figures lifted from the underlying report cannot be altered.



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The report warns of “an imminent rapid acceleration in the global rate of species extinction”. The pace of loss “is already tens to hundreds of times higher than it has been, on average, over the last 10 million years,” it notes. “Half-a-million to a million species are projected to be threatened with extinction, many within decades.” The direct causes of species loss, in order of importance, are shrinking habitat and land-use change, hunting for food or illicit trade in wildlife body parts, climate change and pollution, the report finds. WHO offers recommendations on physical activity for children under five

The United Nations on April 24, 2019 released its first-ever recommendations on physical activity for children under five. For infants under one, the WHO recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, including prone position for those not yet mobile. Babies under one should also not be restrained in a pram, highchair or strapped to someone’s back for more than an hour at a time and should sleep between 12 and 17 hours a day. For children between one and two years old, WHO recommends three hours of physical activity each day, with no more than an hour of “sedentary screen time” and at least 11 hours of sleep. And for children aged three to four, three hours of daily physical activity should include at least an hour of “moderate to vigorous” movement, while screen time should be kept under an hour.

Section E: AWARDS

Pakistani journalist Cyril Almeida wins World Press Freedom Hero award

Pakistani journalist Cyril Almeida has won the World Press Freedom Hero award of The International Press Institute (IPI) for his “critical” and “tenacious coverage” of the civil-military relations in Pakistan. The IPI, a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 100 countries, named Dawn Assistant Editor Cyril Almeida as its 71st World Press Freedom Hero. IPI’s World Press Freedom Hero Award honours journalists “who have made significant contributions to the promotion of press freedom, particularly in the face of great personal risk”. IPI said that Almeida was recognised for his critical and tenacious coverage of civil-military relation in Pakistan. “Almedia’s scrutiny of the Pakistani military-security complex has made both him and Dawn a target,” the Vienna-based IPI said in its statement. The journalist had been in headlines for reporting about a meeting between ousted premier Nawaz Sharif and army leaders in which the former reportedly demanded action against militants. The Pakistan Army was angry at the news leak, known as Dawnleaks, which was termed as security breach and demanded action against officials and the journalist. In 2016, Almeida was briefly placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) after publishing a story regarding a top-level meeting of civil-military leaders. Later, the journalist again faced the wrath when he interviewed Sharif after he was ousted by the court. In the interview Sharif hinted at negligence to take action against militants involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The press freedom watchdog noted that the retaliation against Almeida and Dawn for their journalism comes “amid a rapidly deteriorating environment for the press” in the country. Benny Antony conferred National IP Award

Benny Antony, Joint Managing Director, the Kochi-based Arjuna Natural Ltd, has been conferred with the National Intellectual Property Award for 2019 in the category of Top Individual for Patents and Commercialization. Along with the National IP Award, the Intellectual Property Office India and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) have jointly conferred the ‘WIPO Medal for Inventors’ also to Antony.



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The Indian Intellectual Property Office bestows National Intellectual Property (IP) awards to outstanding innovators, organisations and companies in the field of patents, designs, trademarks and geographical indications on the occasion of World IP Day every year. Both the awards were given away on April 26 at a function jointly organised by the Indian Intellectual Property Office and the Confederation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CII) in New Delhi. Antony heads the R&D facility of Arjuna Natural Ltd. He is the inventor of BCM-95, the world’s leading patented turmeric extract formulation, with over 80 international patents to his credit, said a release. Rana Dasgupta bags 2019 Tagore Literary Prize

The second edition of Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize was awarded to author Rana Dasgupta for his 2010 novel “Solo”. An amount of $10,000, a Tagore statue and a certificate for contribution to literature was given to Dasgupta, as per the organisers of the award ceremony in New Delhi on April 24, 2019. The Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize for social achievement was awarded to Yohei Sasakawa, the World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, for “his incredible efforts to uproot leprosy and great contribution to world peace”. The Prize was also awarded to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen as “a beacon of democracy”, the organisers said.

Jhulan Goswami wins CSJC Sportsperson of Year award

India women’s bowler Jhulan Goswami was presented the Sportsperson of the Year award at the Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club annual awards in Kolkata on April 22, 2019. Bengal’s Ranji Trophy winning captain and former national selector Sambaran Banerjee and former India winger Sukumar Samajpati won Lifetime Achievement awards. Special awards were given to Asian Games gold medallists in bridge, Pranab Bardhan and Shibnath De Sarkar, Payel Chowdhury, captain of the India kabaddi team that won silver in the Asian Games, and young chess player Neelash Saha. India full back Pritam Kotal was adjudged Best Footballer and Tanusree Sarkar the Best Cricketer. Lily Das won Best Athlete’s award. Sharath Kamal is sportsperson of year at Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists’ Association awards

Table tennis player A. Sharath Kamal was honoured with the Sportsperson of the Year Award at the annual awards and scholarships function organised by the Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists’ Association (TNSJA) and the India Cements in Chennai on April 27, 2019. Legendary Indian tennis player Vijay Amritraj, former India leg-spinner V. V. Kumar and Asian Games gold medallist (200m) R Gnanasekaran were felicitated with the India Cements-TNSJA Lifetime Achievement awards. Among the emerging talent, chess prodigy D Gukesh, who recently became the world’s second youngest Grand Master, and athlete P M Tabitha were given the Young Achiever awards. Ten up-and-coming sportspersons were also given scholarships to the tune of Rs 3 lakh. Golf Industry Association (GIA) Awards conferred

India’s golf administrator Dilip Thomas was bestowed the ‘Lifetime contribution to Golf’ honour at the Golf Industry Association (GIA) Awards at the Delhi Golf Club on April 26, 2019. Gaganjeet Bhullar was named for “Outstanding Achievement as a player” award. Nonita Lall Qureshi and Vijay Divecha won awards for their contribution as coaches. Kavita Singh was chosen for the ‘Inspiration to women’s golf’ award. Award for Best member-engagement programme was won by Royal Calcutta Golf Club. The award for Lifetime service in golf was given to P. K. Bhattacharya.



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RBI duty bound to disclose wilful defaulters’ information, rules SC

The Supreme Court on April 26, 2019 ruled that Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was duty bound to disclose information related to wilful defaulters. The SC took a serious view of non-disclosure of this information by the central bank and said that any further violation would invite contempt of court proceedings. The SC held that the RBI’s non-disclosure policy was in violation of the court’s 2015 judgement and ordered it withdrawn. Petitioners Girish Mittal and Subhash Chandra Agrawal had moved the top court for contempt action against the RBI not complying with the court’s direction to disclose information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The petitioners had claimed that RBI and its former Governor Urjit Patel had “wilfully and deliberately” disobeyed the top court’s judgement asking the central bank to disclose information under the RTI Act. The two petitioners sought initiation of contempt of court action against former Governor for not disclosing information as directed by the top court. One of the contempt petitions filed by Girish Mittal said that RBI refused to provide the information sought about the inspection reports of some banks. In December 2015, the petitioner under the RTI Act had sought certain information, which included copies of inspection reports of ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank and State Bank of India from April 2011 till December 2015. The petitioner had also sought copies of case files with file notings on various irregularities detected by RBI in case of Sahara Group of companies and erstwhile Bank of Rajasthan by these entities themselves and their known/unknown promoters. However, RBI denied the information in January 2016 that such information is exempted under Section 8(1)(e) of the RTI Act and Section 45NB of the Reserve Bank of India Act. The petitioners contended that top court in 2016 while directing disclosure of a very similar type of information sought under the RTI Act had observed RBI is clearly not in any fiduciary relationship with any bank. The petitioners have argued that the responses of RBI are in complete violation of the top court judgement by which, it was held that RBI ought to act with transparency and not hide information that might embarrass individual banks and it is duty bound to comply with the provisions of the RTI Act and disclose the information sought. Jalan panel on RBI’s capital size to submit report by June

A high-level panel led by former RBI governor Bimal Jalan, set up to decide the appropriate capital reserves that the central bank should maintain, is likely to submit its report by June. The six-member Jalan panel was appointed on December 26, 2018 to review the Economic Capital Framework for the RBI. “The report is not finalised yet. More meetings will take place. The (Economic Capital Framework) panel is expected to finalise its report by May-June,” Jalan said on April 24, 2019. The panel has got an extension beyond its three-month term. The committee was to submit its report in 90 days from the first day of its meeting, which was held on January 8. The other key members of the committee include Rakesh Mohan, the former Deputy Governor of RBI as the Vice-Chairman, Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg, RBI Deputy Governor N.S. Vishwanathan, and two RBI central board members -- Bharat Doshi and Sudhir Mankad.



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The panel has been entrusted with the task of reviewing the best practices followed by central banks worldwide in making an assessment and provisions for risks, which a central bank balance sheet is subject to. The panel will propose a suitable profit distribution policy, taking into account all the likely situations of the RBI, including the situation of holding more provisions than required. Previous panels

The government and the RBI under previous governor Urjit Patel had been at loggerheads over the Rs 9.6 lakh crore surplus capital with the central bank. The Finance Ministry was of the view that the buffer of 28 per cent of gross assets maintained by the RBI is well above the global norm of around 14 per cent. Following this, the RBI board in its meeting on November 19, 2018 decided to constitute a panel to examine the Economic Capital Framework. In the past, the issue of the ideal size of Reserve Bank of India reserves was examined by three committees -- V Subrahmanyam in 1997, Usha Thorat in 2004 and Y.H. Malegam as late as in 2013. While the Subrahmanyam panel recommended building a 12 per cent contingency reserve, the Thorat panel suggested it should be maintained at a higher 18 per cent of the total assets of the central bank. The RBI board did not accept the recommendation of the Thorat Committee and decided to continue with the recommendation of the Subrahmanyam Committee. The Malegam panel said the RBI should transfer an adequate amount of its profit to the contingency reserves annually, but did not ascribe any particular number. RBI extends ombudsman scheme to non-deposit taking NBFCs

As announced in the Monetary Policy Statement dated 4 April 2019, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the coverage of Ombudsman Scheme for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), 2018 (the Scheme) to eligible Non-Deposit Taking Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC-NDs) having asset size of Rs 100 crore or above with customer interface vide Notification dated 26 April 2019. The Non-Banking Financial Company-Infrastructure Finance Company (NBFC-IFC), Core Investment Company (CIC), Infrastructure Debt Fund-Non-banking Financial Company (IDF-NBFC) and an NBFC under liquidation, are excluded from the ambit of the Scheme. The Scheme was launched on 23 February 2018 for redressal of complaints against NBFCs registered with RBI under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934 and covered all deposit accepting NBFCs to begin with. It provides a cost-free and expeditious complaint redressal mechanism relating to deficiency in the services by NBFCs covered under the Scheme. The offices of the NBFC Ombudsmen are functioning at four metro centres viz. Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi and handle complaints of customers in the respective zones. The Scheme also provides for an Appellate mechanism under which the complainant / NBFC has the option to appeal against the decision of the Ombudsman before the Appellate Authority. RBI allows FPIs investment in municipal bonds

As a measure to broaden access of non-resident investors to debt instruments in India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) to invest in municipal bonds. FPI investment in municipal bonds shall be reckoned within the limits set for FPI investment in State Development Loans (SDLs). All other existing conditions for investment by FPIs in the debt market remain unchanged. Necessary amendments to Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of Security by a Person Resident outside India) Regulations, 2017 have been notified by the Government on 18 April 2019.



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RBI sells entire stake in NHB, NABARD to government for Rs 1,470 cr

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has divested its entire stake in National Housing Bank (NHB) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for Rs 1,450 crore and Rs 20 crore, respectively. The central bank sold stake in NHB on March 19, while it sold the stake in NABARD on February 26, the bank said in a statement on April 24, 2019.

Section G: ECONOMY

Finance Ministry asks all departments to conduct review of govt guarantee

The Finance Ministry has asked all departments to undertake a review of government guarantees given by respective ministries to their CPSEs or entities. The review should undertake aspects like the discharge of repayment obligations or interest obligations as per terms of the loan agreement and covenants and conditions met, the Finance Ministry said in an office memorandum. Besides, the details of CPSEs or entities due guarantee fee paid on time to the government should also be submitted. The Finance Ministry has extended date for submission of these details to April 30 from April 10. Guarantees are contingent liabilities have the potential to impact the financial performance of the government. In another circular, the ministry said FRBM Rules stipulates that government cannot guarantee more than 0.5 per cent of the GDP of the respective financial year to CPSE/entities. All ministries and departments are requested that prioritised guarantee requirement for 2019-20 may be worked out to include only such proposals where the loan agreement can be signed and guarantee agreement can be executed during the year. The guarantees already approved by the Budget Division of Department of Economic Affairs, Finance Ministry but not executed till March 31, 2019, needs to be revalidated and such proposals may also be included on the total guarantee requirement of 2019-20. The information should be sent by April 30, it said. 148 MT foodgrain output expected in Kharif 2019-20

The Agriculture Ministry on April 25, 2019 set its target for foodgrain production during kharif season 2019-20 at 147.9 million tonnes (MT), with rice output pegged at 102 MT. These targets are higher when compared to the actual kharif output for 2018-19, which is 142.24 MT, as per the second advance estimates. The ministry also expects the production during the 2019-20 rabi season to be tentatively around 143.2 MT. At the National Conference on Agriculture (Kharif campaign - 2019), officials said rice production would touch the 102 MT-mark this kharif season, while maize production would be around 21.3 MT. The production of coarse cereals will be about 35.8 MT, while that of pulses would be around 10.1 MT. The output of jowar, bajra and ragi will be 2.1 MT, 9.5 MT and 2.3 MT, respectively. Total oil seeds production is likely to be 25.84 MT and the sugarcane output is expected to be 385.50 MT. Cotton output is estimated to be 35.75 million bales (each of 170 kg).



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India’s crude oil production falls by 4.15% in 2018-19

India produced 34,203 thousand metric tonnes (TMT) of crude oil during 2018-19 (April to March) which is 4.15 per cent below the output in the previous financial year and 7.59 per cent lower than the target, the government said on April 25, 2019. The production in 2017-18 was 35,684 TMT while the target for 2018-19 was pegged at 37,011 TMT. The main reasons for shortfall were low yields leading to closure of about 100 oil wells and miscreant activities in operational areas. On the other hand, natural gas production totalled 32,873 MMSCM (million metric standard cubic metres) in 2018-19, down 7.6 per cent of the target but up 0.7 per cent compared to production in the previous financial year. Govt raises wheat import duty to 40%

The Centre on April 27, 2019 raised wheat import duty from 30% to 40% to support local farmers from further price fall and prevent its possible import on the back of a growing demand. The government in its latest estimates has forecast India’s wheat output at 100 million tonnes, the highest ever, as against 99.12 million tonnes forecast by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Second Advance Estimate released in February 2019. Finance Ministry ratifies 8.65% interest on EPF for 2018-19

The Finance Ministry has approved 8.65 per cent rate of interest on Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) for 2018-19 as decided by retirement fund body EPFO, benefitting more than 6 crore formal sector workers. The Department of Financial Services (DFS), a wing of Finance Ministry, has approved the proposal subject to fulfilment of certain conditions related to efficient management of the retirement fund. Earlier in February, the EPFO’s apex decision making body Central Board of Trustees headed by Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar had decided to raise the interest rate on EPF to 8.65 per cent for 2018-19, which was the first increase in the last three years. The interest rate on EPF was hiked to 8.65 per cent for the last fiscal from 8.55 per cent provided in 2017-18. The EPFO had earlier reduced the interest rate in 2016-17 to 8.65 per cent from 8.8 per cent in 2015-16. Forex reserves decline by $739 million to $414.14 billion in the week to April 19

After rising for the past many weeks, the country’s foreign exchange reserves declined by $ 739.2 million to $ 414.147 billion in the week to April 19, RBI data showed on April 26, 2019. Foreign currency assets, which are a major component of the overall reserves, fell by $ 728.6 million to $ 386.033 billion. Expressed in US dollar terms, foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation/depreciation of non-US currencies like the euro, pound and yen held in the reserves. Gold reserves remained unchanged at $ 23.303 billion, according to the data. The special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund was down by $ 3.2 million to $ 1.455 billion. The country ’s reserve position with the Fund also decreased by $ 7.4 million to $ 3.354 billion. Pharma exports grow 11%, cross $19 bn

India’s pharmaceutical exports grew a robust 10.72% in 2018-19, and raced past the $19-billion mark for the first time, a performance marked by a rebound in the U.S. market, improved show in almost all the top 25 destinations and across categories. Exports touched $19.13 billion as against $17.28 billion of 2017-18, the previous highest, details available with Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India show. While it fell short of the $20-billion mark that was widely expected to be crossed, the performance was still special. Though pharma exports have done relatively better with the nearly 25% rise to $13.30 billion in 2011-12, the circumstances under which the latest performance came were different, Pharmexcil Director General Ravi Uday Bhaskar said.



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SEBI restrains Hotel Leela from selling properties to Brookfield, NCLT issues notice

Market regulator SEBI has restrained Hotel Leelaventure from selling its four hotels and other assets to Brookfield Asset Management in a Rs 3,950 crore deal till its further orders after a representation by Kolkata-headquartered ITC, the debt-ridden firm said on April 24, 2019. Meanwhile, the Mumbai bench of NCLT issued notices to Hotel Leelaventure, its promoters along with its lender JM Financial over a joint petition filed by ITC and its investment arm Russell Credit Ltd. ITC and Russell Credit which together hold 8.72 per cent of the issued share capital of Hotel Leelaventure have sought a waiver of 10 per cent minimum shareholding for minority shareholders to be counted in management matters. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) adjourned the matter to June 18, 2019, for the next hearing. On March 18, Hotel Leelaventure Ltd (HLVL) had announced sale of its four hotels located in Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi and Udaipur, as well as a property to Canadian investment fund Brookfield for Rs 3,950 crore. It had sought shareholders’ approval and voting is scheduled to end on April 24. Maruti to pull the plug on diesel cars from April 2020

India’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) will discontinue sale of diesel cars in the country from April 2020, coinciding with the transition of the automobile industry to stricter BS VI emission norms, the company disclosed on April 25, 2019. The auto major currently gets 23 per cent of its total sales in the domestic market from diesel cars. It sold a total of 4.63 lakh diesel units last fiscal. Some of the company’s models like Vitara Brezza and S-Cross currently come with a diesel engine option only. Others like Swift, Baleno, Dzire, Ciaz and Ertiga also have petrol versions in addition to the diesel trims. Indian Army signs MoU with NHPC for construction of tunnels on China, Pakistan borders

Indian Army signed an MoU with National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) on April 25, 2019 to construct tunnels on borders with China and Pakistan for storage of ammunition and other war-related equipment. Under the pilot project, three tunnels will be built on China border while one will be built along the Line of Control with Pakistan. The project is meant to bolster the Indian Army’s capabilities along the Chinese border where India’s infrastructural development is far outpaced by that of China. It is difficult to move heavy equipment in the mountainous region bordering China due to lack of infrastructure development. Besides strengthening the defensive capabilities, the tunnels will protect the ammunition and other stored equipment from the air-strikes and detection by the enemy satellite. Madras HC lifts ban on TikTok with conditions, warns against obscene videos

The Madras High Court on April 24, 2019 lifted its ban on Chinese social media app TikTok with the condition that the platform should not be used to host obscene videos. The Madurai bench of the high court, which heard the matter as per the orders of the Supreme Court, warned that if any “controversial” video violating its conditions were found posted using the app, it would be considered a contempt of court. The high court had on April 3 directed the Centre to ban the mobile app TikTok, which is used to create short videos, as it voiced concern over “pornographic and inappropriate content” being made available through such apps. Hearing a plea by the Chinese company ByteDance, which owns the app, challenging the ban, the Supreme Court has refused to stay the HC order, but asked the firm to raise its grievances before the high court. IIT-KGP, Jindal Stainless tie up for stainless steel course

IIT-Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) and Jindal Stainless have come together to introduce a 3-credit course on stainless steel and advanced ferrous alloys. This is a part of IIT-KGP’s post-graduate curriculum for the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Jindal Stainless said in a release in Kolkata on April 25, 2019.



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NCPCR asks five states to stop sale of Johnson & Johnson Baby shampoo

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) chief Prinyank Kanoongo on April 27, 2019 said that chief secretaries of five states, including Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand were asked to stop the sale of Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo as the product tested positive for formaldehyde. HCL Technologies launches CyberSecurity Fusion Center (CSFC) in Texas

HCL Technologies has launched a CyberSecurity Fusion Center (CSFC) in Texas to provide customers single point of contact for the enterprise security life cycle, from detection to remediation. In today’s digital age, technology requires fast and comprehensive IT security and the CSFC comes with 20 years of security and engineering experience, drawn from over 3,500 certified analysts. Facebook bans personality quiz apps

Facebook has announced to ban personality quiz apps on its platform -- a move taken after the Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018 that helped researchers access personal information of 87 million users via the quiz app “thisisyourdigitallife”. The ban on personality quizzes is part of a broader crackdown by Facebook on dubious developers. “Our Facebook platform policies are being updated to include provisions that apps with minimal utility, such as personality quizzes, may not be permitted on the platform,” Facebook said in a statement on April 27, 2019. “The update also clarifies that apps may not ask for data that doesn’t enrich the in-app, user experience,” the social media platform added. India to install 54.7 GW wind capacity by 2022: Fitch Solutions

India is likely to install 54.7 GW of wind capacity by 2022 against the 60-GW target set by the government, Fitch Solutions Macro Research has said in a report on April 28, 2019. The country has set an ambitious target of installing 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by the year 2022, which includes 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10 GW from bio-power and 5 GW from small hydro-power. FSS launches voice banking service

Financial Software and Systems (FSS) has launched a real-time voice banking platform that would enable a customer block his card, check rate of interest for a personal loan or make a payment using Alexa or Google Assistant. Called FSS Voice Commerce, it offers customers a meaningful, contextual and personalised banking interactions, the company said in a release. Tata Global to acquire Dhunseri’s branded tea business

Tata Global Beverages Ltd (TGBL) on April 23, 2019 said it has entered into a non-binding agreement to acquire the branded tea business of city-based Dhunseri Tea and Industries Ltd, for an aggregate consideration of up to Rs 101 crore. Dhunseri’s branded tea business include ‘Lalghoda’ and ‘Kalaghoda’ brands in Rajasthan. “I will focus on bulk tea business. Packet tea needs a lot of effort in building marketing network. TGBL are leaders in packet tea and they will grow the brands,” Chairman of Dhunseri Group, C K Dhanuka said. SBI General launches cyber defence insurance for businesses

SBI General Insurance on April 22, 2019 said it has launched a product to protect businesses from financial and reputational losses due to cyberattacks. This offers protection against the growing threat of cyber breaches and is designed to protect against major insurable cyber exposures like hacking attacks, identity theft, disclosure of sensitive information and business interruption.



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NEWSMAKERS

Assocham Secretary General U K Varma resigns

Uday Kumar Varma, a former bureaucrat who took over as the Secretary General of Assocham in August 2018, has resigned from the post. Verma resigned from the industry chamber in April 2019. Verma said he has flagged some issues pertaining to the organisation in his resignation letter to Assocham President B K Goenka. But he did not divulge further details. Verma retired from the post of Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on June 30, 2013. He had extensive administrative experience at the highest levels of administration both in the state government (of Madhya Pradesh) and central government.

Section I: STATES

ICMR launches pilot project to offer motorbike-borne medical assistance in case of heart attack

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on April 25, 2019 launched ‘Mission DELHI’, an emergency medical service, as part of which a motorbike-borne assistance unit can be quickly summoned for a person suffering heart attack or chest pain. The pilot project has been launched in a radius of three kilometres around the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Under Mission DELHI (Delhi Emergency Life Heart-Attack Initiative), a pair of motorcycle-borne trained paramedic nurses would be the first responders for treating heart attack patients. On getting a call, the pair would rush to the spot, gather basic information on the patient’s medical history, conduct a quick medical examination, take the ECG, and establish a virtual connect with the cardiologists at AIIMS and deliver expert medical advice and treatment, AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria said. While the emergency treatment is being provided, a CATS ambulance will arrive and take the patient for further treatment. Tirupati temple has 9,259 kg gold in treasury, banks

The Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala here owns 9,259 kg of gold deposited with various banks and in its treasury, the temple authorities disclosed in Tirupati on April 22, 2019. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the affairs of the country’s richest temple, has 5,387 kg of gold with the State Bank of India and 1,938 kg of gold with the Indian Overseas Bank under gold deposit schemes. In addition, the TTD treasury has 553 kg mixed gold, comprising small jewellery. AP: Sthree Shakthi cops launched to ensure women safety

A 35-member women police team ‘Sthree Shakthi’ was launched in Visakhapatnam on April 26, 2019. The team has woman ASIs, head constables, police constables and home guards. The team has been provided 25 vehicles, including two four-wheelers. The women-related issue can be informed to the team and then they will take action accordingly. All the police constables were imparted training in car driving, swimming, communication skills and self-defence for one month. They will be deployed on important junctions of the city. They will handle women-related issues including eve-teasers and trouble-mongers. The Shakti police will don a blue colour shirt and khaki colour pant as uniform.

Section J: SPORTS

India finish fourth in Asian Athletics Championships

India finished fourth with 17 medals — three gold and seven silvers — behind Bahrain (11 gold), China (9) and Japan (6) at the 23rd Asian Athletics Championships that concluded in Doha on April 24, 2019. Medal winners for India are: Gomathi Marimuthu won gold in women’s 800 m in 2:02.70 P. U. Chitra won gold in women’s 1500 m in 4:14.56 Parul Chaudhary won bronze in women’s 5000 m in 15:36.03 Tejinder Pal Singh Toor won gold in shot put with a throw of 20.22 m Prachi, M. R. Poovamma, Sarita Gayakwad and V. K. Vismaya won silver in 4×400 metres relay in 3:32.21 Mohammad Anas, M. R. Poovamma, Vismaya Velluvakoroth and Arokia Rajiv won silver in 4×400 metres mixed relay in 3:16.47



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Avinash Sable won silver in 3000 metres steeplechase in 8:30.19 Annu Rani won silver in javelin throw with a throw of 60.22 m Swapna Barman won silver in women’s heptathlon with a score of 5993 points Shivpal Singh won silver medal in men’s javelin throw with a throw of 86.23 Ajay Kumar Saroj won silver in men’s 1500 m in 3:43:18 Sanjivani Jadhav won bronze in women’s 10000 m in 32:44.96 Sarita Gayakwad won bronze in women’s 400 m hurdles in 57.22 Gavit Murli Kumar won bronze in men’s 10000 m in 28:38.34 Jabir Madari Palliyalil won bronze in men’s 400 metres hurdles in 49.13 Dutee Chand won bronze in women’s 200 m in 23.24 M. R. Poovamma won bronze in women’s 400 m in 53:21 India finish with 16 medals at Asian Wrestling Championships

India wrapped up their campaign at the Asian Wrestling Championships on a resounding note with 16 medals in Xi’an (China) on April 28, 2019. India’s overall tally of 16 medals included eight -- one gold, three silver and four bronze -- won by men’s freestyle wrestlers, four bronze by women and three silver and a bronze by Greco-Roman wrestlers. Medal winners for India are: Bajrang Punia won gold in men’s 65 kg in freestyle Praveen Rana won silver in men’s 79 kg in freestyle Satywart Kadian won bronze in men’s 97 kg in freestyle. Amit Dhankar won silver in men’s 74kg in freestyle Vicky won silver in men’s 92kg in freestyle Rahul Aware won bronze in men’s 61kg in freestyle Deepak Punia won bronze in men’s 86kg in freestyle Sumit won bronze in men’s 125kg in freestyle. Divya Kakran won bronze in women’s 68 kg in freestyle Manju Kumari won bronze in women’s 59 kg in freestyle Sakshi Malik won bronze in women’s 62 kg in freestyle Vinesh Phogat won bronze in women’s 53 kg in freestyle. Gurpreet Singh won silver in men’s 77 kg in Greco-Roman Sunil Kumar won silver in men’s 87 kg in Greco-Roman Harpreet Singh won silver in men’s 82kg in Greco-Roman Gyanender won bronze in men’s 60kg in Greco-Roman

India win 13 medals at Asian Boxing Championships

India ended with 13 medals -- two gold, four silver and seven bronze medals -- in the Asian Boxing Championships that concluded in Bangkok on April 26, 2019. India’s medal winners are: Gold: Amit Panghal in men’s 52kg, Pooja Rani in women’s 81kg. Silver: Deepak Singh (men’s 49kg), Kavinder Singh Bisht (men’s 56kg), Ashish Kumar (men’s 75kg), Simrajit Kaur (women’s 64kg). Bronze: Shiva Thapa (men’s 60kg), Ashish (men’s 69kg) and Satish Kumar (men’s +91kg), L. Sarita Devi (women’s 60kg), Manisha (women’ 54kg), Nikhat Zareen (women’s 51kg), Sonia Chahal (women’s 57kg) 3 Indians win medals at Asian Weightlifting Championships

Three Indians won medals at the Asian Weightlifting Championships held in Ningbo, China from 20 to 28 April 2019. Pardeep Singh won a bronze medal in clean and jerk in the 102kg category with a lift of 201kg. Mirabai Chanu (49kg) picked up a bronze in clean and jerk with a lift of 113kg. Jhili Dalabehera clinched silver medal in women’s 45kg category in Snatch, Clean & Jerk and Total. Medals are awarded separately for snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift in continental and World Championships.



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India top medals tally at ISSF World Cup Rifle/ Pistol in Beijing

India topped medals tally at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/ Pistol in Beijing with 3 gold and 1 silver medals on April 28, 2019. India topped the medals tally ahead of hosts China (2 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze), who won five medals in total. On April 27, Abhishek Verma won gold medal in Men’s 10m Air Pistol event. On April 26, Divyansh Singh Panwar clinched silver medal in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle event. On April 25, Manu Bhaker & Saurabh Chaudhary won gold in 10m Air Pistol Mixed team event. Anjum Moudgil & Divyansh Singh Panwar won gold in 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event. Kento Momota, Akane Yamaguchi win Singles titles at Badminton Asia Championships

Japan’s Kento Momota and Akane Yamaguchi won Singles titles at the Badminton Asia Championships in Shanghai on April 28, 2019. Momota beat Shi Yuqi of China in final 12-21, 21-18, 21-8 to win Men’s Singles title. Yamaguchi beat China’s He Bingjiao in final 21-19 21-9 to win Women’s Singles title. Japan’s Hiroyuki Endo & Yuta Watanabe beat Indonesia’s Marcus Fernaldi Gideon & Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo in final 21-18, 21-3 to win Men’s Doubles title. China’s Chen Qingchen & Jia Yifan beat Japan’s Mayu Matsumoto & Wakana Nagahara in final 19-21, 21-14, 21-19 to win Women’s Doubles title. China’s Wang Yilü & Huang Dongping beat their compatriots He Jiting & Du Yue in final 21-11, 13-21, 23-21 to win Mixed Doubles title. Kenyan athletes dominate Rabat International Marathon

Kenyan athletes dominated Morocco’s Rabat International Marathon as they swept most of the medals in both men’s and women’s races on April 22, 2019. In the men’s race, Sammy Kigen broke the competition’s record, completing the course in 2:08:12. Kigen was followed by Morocco’s Othmane El Goumri in 2:08:20 and Ethiopian Chele Dechasa (2:08:25). In the women’s category, Kenyan Sylvia Kibet also broke the competition’s record as she crossed the finish line in a time of 2:25:52. She was followed by her compatriots Shelmith Muriuki and Priscah Cherono, who came second and third in 2:33:29 and 2:34:27 respectively. Kenyan athletes win both races at London Marathon

Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya won men’s race in 2 hr, 2 min & 37 sec followed by Ethiopians Mosinet Geremew (2:02:55) and Mule Wasihun (2:03:16) in second and third places respectively in London on April 28, 2019. Brigid Kosgei of Kenya won women’s race in 2:18:20 followed by Vivian Cheruiyot (2:20:14) of Kenya and Ethiopia’s Roza Dereje (2:20:51) in second and third places respectively.

Sahaj Grover wins Capablanca chess tournament in South Africa

Grandmaster Sahaj Grover won Capablanca chess tournament in Pretoria, South Africa on April 23, 2019 with 7 points. International Master Daniel Cawdery was the runner-up with 6.5 points. ICF Chennai wins Arjan Singh Memorial International hockey tournament

Integrated Coach Factory, Chennai beat South Central Railway, Hyderabad via penalty shootout in the final to win the 2nd Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial International hockey tournament title in Chandigarh on April 25, 2019. ICF Chennai won 7-5 in the penalty shootout after the two sides were tied 2-2 at the end of the regulation time at the Astro Turf Hockey Ground at Air Force, Chandigarh. A total of 16 teams participated in this tournament. Apart from the elite Indian teams, Air Force teams from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also participated in this edition, making it truly an international event. Pankaj Advani wins Asian Snooker Tour title

India’s Pankaj Advani defeated Ehsan Heydari Nezhad of Iran 6-4 to claim the inaugural Asian Snooker Tour title in Bengaluru on April 25, 2019. Advani beat Nezhad 52-40, 66(58)-0, 1-63(62), 78-4, 35-47, 0-51, 47-35, 38-39, 53(49)-35, 51(50)-20 in the final.



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Valtteri Bottas wins Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Finland’s Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) won Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku followed by UK’s Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and Germany’s Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) in 2nd and 3rd places respectively on April 28, 2019.

Kamilla Rakhimova wins $25,000 ITF women’s tennis tournament

Kamilla Rakhimova of Russia beat India’s Y. Pranjala in final 0-6, 6-1, 6-3 to win women’s singles title in $25,000 ITF women’s tennis tournament in Andijan, Uzbekistan on April 28, 2019.

Section A: INDIA

Army mountaineering expedition to Mt Makalu claims discovery of ‘Yeti’ footprints The Hindu Group launches ‘Soul of The Kumbh’ book Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria takes over as IAF Vice Chief Justice Subhashan Reddy dies at 76 SPY Reddy, Lok Sabha MP from Nandyal (AP), dies at 69 Section B: INDIA & THE WORLD

14th edition of Sino-Indian border trade opens at Nathu La France, India hold ‘Varuna’ naval exercise off Goa coast Cruise from Guwahati to Kolkata via Bangladesh started India, Australia agree to further deepen counter-terrorism co-operation IRCON wins rail contract in Sri Lanka IIT-Madras-Sydney varsity tie-up to address issue of cheaper housing Israel honours 1971 war hero Lt Gen JFR Jacob Section C: WORLD

World Bank gives 545 million dollars for cyclone-hit southern Africa India, Pakistan hike defence spending in 2018: SIPRI Spanish PM’s Socialists win snap polls marked by far-right gains Beirut sets new Guinness World Record on number of national flags European Union extends ban on selling arms to Myanmar Pakistan to observe its retaliatory action against India on Feb 27 as ‘Operation Swift Retort’ World Press Freedom Day celebrated on May 3 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Defence Ministers’ Meet held in Kirghizstan International Dance Day celebrated on April 29 Labour Day celebrated on May 1 World Tuna Day observed on May 2 International Dawn Chorus Day celebrated on May 5 Senegal MPs pass reform to scrap post of prime minister Russia President Vladimir Putin signs into law a sovereign internet bill UK becomes first parliament to declare climate emergency King Maha Vajiralongkorn crowned Rama X of Thailand UN designates Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist Benjamin Netanyahu sworn-in as Israel’s PM Nepal’s Bandana sets new Guinness WR on ‘Longest Dancing Marathon by an Individual’



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John Singleton, maker of ‘Boyz N the Hood,’ dies at 51 ‘Star Wars’ actor Peter Mayhew dies at 74 U.K. Defense Secretary fired over Huawei leaks


ICRISAT-led team cracks genetic code to develop climate-resilient chickpea Section E: AWARDS

2019 Goldman Environmental Prizes awarded Article on coal scam wins ACJ Award for Investigative Journalism Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conferred with ‘Order of St George’ Award in Kerala Section F: BANKING & FINANCE RBI imposes fines on PPIs for violating norms Section G: ECONOMY

Eight Core Industries growth at 4.7% in March Registration of all motor vehicles stopped India Ratings lowers country’s GDP growth projection for FY20 to 7.3% Foreign exchange reserves rise to USD 418.515 billion in the week to April 26 Economy slowed down slightly in 2018-19: Finance Ministry Manufacturing PMI dips to 51.8 in April India imported 207.3 million tonnes of crude oil in 2018-19 Income tax e-filers fall by more than 660,000 in FY19 Chief economic advisor included in Finance Commission’s Advisory Council Section H: CORPORATE Delhi HC directs J&J to make interim payments to four patients in hip implants case Google to allow users auto-delete location history, web activity GRSE to build 8 ASWSWCs for Indian Navy Defence Ministry clears Navy’s Rs 3600 crore deal with Russia for 10 Kamov-31 choppers MakeMyTrip acquires majority stake in corporate travel firm Quest2Travel Wipro Consumer Care to acquire Splash Corporation Lenders approve Patanjali’s Rs 4,325 cr bid for Ruchi Soya BHEL signs MoU with ARAI for e-mobility projects Airtel launches music streaming app Wynk Tube L&T buys VG Siddhartha, Coffee Day stake in Mindtree for Rs 3,210 crore OYO to acquire Amsterdam’s vacation rental firm Leisure Group for $ 415-mn Godrej Properties buys R K Studios land in Chembur, Mumbai JSW forays into paints business

Section I: STATES Shops and businesses can remain open 24X7 now in Gujarat Karnataka limits weight of school bags 16 security personnel killed as Naxals trigger IED blasts in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli Uttarakhand HC orders state’s former CMs to pay market rent for govt. accommodation



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8 dead as Cyclone Fani hits Puri Gujarat Governor disqualifies Independent MLA for invalid ST certificate Kannada actor Hirannaiah Narasimha Murthy passes away

Section J: SPORTS World Table Tennis Championship organised in Budapest Indian finish with 6 medals at Feliks Stamm International Boxing Tournament in Warsaw Ghosal & Chinappa win Asian Individual Squash Championship titles Serbian Dragan Mihailovic appointed Indian men’s volleyball team coach Bajrang Punia wins gold medal at Ali Aliyev wrestling tournament in Russia Kumar Sangakkara to take over as MCC president on Oct 1


Army mountaineering expedition to Mt Makalu claims discovery of ‘Yeti’ footprints

Indian Army has claimed that its Mountaineering Expedition Team sited a series of huge mysterious footprints measuring 32 inches by 15 inches on April 9, while acclimatizing at Langmale Kharka, at a height of 3500 metres above sea level, close to Makalu Base Camp. The footprints are believed to be that of elusive snowman ‘Yeti’. The expedition team collected videos and photographic evidence. Makalu-Barun National Park has been the traditional site wherein such footprints have been sighted in past. However, footprints in such large numbers have been sighted for the first time by an Indian Army Expedition team. Previous encounters of footprints of the mythological ‘Yeti’ also known as the ‘Abominable Snowman’ have taken place in this area, with the earliest known photograph taken by a British explorer Eric Shipton in 1951. The expedition to Mt Makalu, which is 8485 metres high, consisted of 18 members and was flagged off from Delhi on March 27. The Hindu Group launches ‘Soul of The Kumbh’ book

To commemorate the recently concluded Ardh Kumbh Mela, held in Prayagraj from January 15 to March 4, The Hindu Group of Publications has brought out a 100-page book — Soul of The Kumbh — that captures the myriad facets of the three-month-long holy festival. The book, which is rich in photographs, consists of a series of articles. These include the Kumbh as a confluence of ritual, faith and philosophy; the meaning of the various rituals; profiles of the participating Akharas (ascetic orders), the asceticism and how arrangements were put in place to ensure that the Ganga wasn’t subjected to pollution from the crowds and the infrastructure. Recent Books NON-FICTION

Free Hit: The Story of Women’s Cricket in India by Suprita Das What the Economy Needs Now (Edited) by Abhijit Banerjee, Raghuram Rajan, others The Nine Waves: The Extraordinary Story of Indian Cricket by Mihir Bose Cities and Canopies: Trees in Indian Cities by Harini Nagendra, Seema Mundoli The Miraculous True History of Nomi Ali by Uzma Aslam Khan Questioning Paradigms, Constructing Histories: A Festschrift for Romila Thapar FICTION

You Will Be Safe Here by Damian Barr Autumn Light: Season of Fire and Farewells by Pico Iyer I, Anupam by Nabaneeta Dev Sen (translated by Paulami Sengupta, Tias Basu and the author) Upon a Burning Throne by Ashok K. Banker



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Love Knows No LoC by Arpit Vageria The Secrets We Keep by Sudeep Nagarkar Mystical Tales For a Magical Life by Shubha Vilas

NEWSMAKERS

Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria takes over as IAF Vice Chief

Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria took charge as the Vice Chief of Indian Air Force on May 1, 2019 succeeding Air Marshal Anil Khosla who retired. Bhadauria was heading IAF’s Bengaluru-based Training Command from August 1, 2018. Bhadauria served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Southern Air Command from March 1, 2017. Justice Subhashan Reddy dies at 76

Former Chief Justice of the Kerala and Madras High Courts B. Subhashan Reddy died in Hyderabad on May 1, 2019 at the age of 76. Justice Reddy was the first chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Human Rights Commission and Lok Ayukta besides being a judge of the A.P. High Court. SPY Reddy, Lok Sabha MP from Nandyal (AP), dies at 69

SPY Reddy, the Lok Sabha MP from Nandyal (AP), died in Hyderabad at the age of 69 on May 1, 2019. He was also an industrialist known for the popular ‘Nandi’ brand of PVC pipes. The three-time Lok Sabha MP was known in Kurnool for philanthropic activities. Reddy won from Nandyal Lok Sabha seat in 2004 as Congress candidate. In 2014, he got elected on a YSR Congress seat from Nandyal.


14th edition of Sino-Indian border trade opens at Nathu La

The 14th edition of the annual Sino-Indian border trade opened at Nathu La in Sikkim on May 1, 2019. Officials and traders of both the countries were present at the border to mark the commencement of the border trade. The bilateral border trade between the two countries is organised four days a week for six months, between May 1 and November 30, every year. It was resumed in 2006 after a gap of 44 years. A total of 36 items, from dairy products are on India’s export list comprising dairy products to utensils, while a total of 20 items, including carpets, quilts and jackets among others, are in the country’s import list from the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Last year, the export of goods from India stood at Rs 45.03 crore, while items worth Rs 3.23 crore were imported from the TAR. France, India hold ‘Varuna’ naval exercise off Goa coast

Navies of India and France organised Varuna naval exercise off the coast of Goa from May 1 to 10, 2019. The first part of the joint naval exercise was held off the Goa coast, while the second phase is scheduled for later in May in strategically located Djibouti. The harbour phase at Goa included professional interactions and discussions while the sea phase comprised various drills across the spectrum of maritime operations. The bilateral naval exercise was initiated in 1983 and it was christened as ‘Varuna’ in 2001. The exercise aimed at developing interoperability between the two navies and fostering mutual cooperation by learning from each other’s best practices to conduct joint operations. Cruise from Guwahati to Kolkata via Bangladesh started

A luxury passenger cruise set sail on April 29, 2019 from Guwahati to Kolkata via Bangladesh, marking a new dawn for trans-border inland water navigation. The maiden journey for m.v. Mahabahu followed an agreement between Delhi and Dhaka to allow river cruises on the



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India-Bangladesh protocol route involving four major rivers — the Brahmaputra in Assam, the Jamuna and the Padma in Bangladesh and the Ganga in West Bengal, besides a network of smaller rivers through the Sunderbans delta — in October 2018. India, Australia agree to further deepen counter-terrorism co-operation

India and Australia have agreed to further deepen counter-terrorism co-operation through regular exchange of information and sharing of best practices on countering extremism and radicalization. The two countries held the 11th Meeting of Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism at Canberra on May 3, 2019. The two sides discussed contemporary counter terrorism challenges such as financing of terrorism, the use of the internet for terror purposes, radicalization and Foreign Terrorist Fighters. IRCON wins rail contract in Sri Lanka

IRCON International Ltd has bagged an international railway contract worth $91.27 million (around Rs. 635 crore) from Sri Lanka Railways under the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, Government of Sri Lanka. The contract is for upgradation of the Northern Railway line from Maho to Omanthai in Sri Lanka. Under the contract, IRCON will the upgrade single line broad gauge track of around 128 km length, including associated infrastructure works. This is an item rate contract, financed through Exim Bank of India as per Indian lines of credit.

IIT-Madras-Sydney varsity tie-up to address issue of cheaper housing

IIT-Madras on May 2, 2019 announced a collaboration with University of Technology-Sydney to address the need of the urban poor for quality, cheaper and durable housing. The partnership includes broad range of research collaborations, a series of joint PhD supervisions, IIT-Madras said in a statement. The project is funded by Australia-India Council of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Australia.

NEWSMAKERS

Israel honours 1971 war hero Lt Gen JFR Jacob

Israel on April 30, 2019 honoured Lt. Gen. (Retd) Jack Farj Rafael (JFR) Jacob, who negotiated the historic surrender of Pakistani troops in Dhaka after the 1971 Bangladesh’s liberation war, with a plaque on the Wall of Honour at the Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem. Lt. Gen. Jacob, who died in 2016 at the age of 92, was one of the most prominent members of India’s relatively small Jewish community, serving as a Lieutenant General in the Indian Army and later as a Governor of two Indian states-Goa and Punjab. The Wall of Honour at the Ammunition Hill pays tributes to the heroism and courage of Jewish soldiers who fought in the defence of their countries they lived in “implementing values of bravery, loyalty, commitment and dedication to a mission, leadership, creativity, camaraderie and sanctity of life”.



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Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

World Bank gives 545 million dollars for cyclone-hit southern Africa

The World Bank will extend more than half-a-billion dollars in grants for cyclone-ravaged southern African countries. A total of up to 545 million US dollar will be disbursed to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi - the three countries hit by Cyclone Idai in March. World Bank’s president David Malpass on May 3, 2019 made the announcement as he concluded his visit to Mozambique, the worst affected country. Cyclone Idai devastated the port city of Beira and its surrounding areas when it hit on March 14, killing more than 600 people. Weeks later a fresh massive storm, Cyclone Kenneth, lashed the northern coastal regions of Mozambique which killed 41 people. Mozambique, which received 350 million US dollar from the total aid, will use the funds to rebuild water supply systems and damaged public infrastructure. Malawi, will get 120 million US dollar while Zimbabwe will receive 75 million US dollar for social welfare programmes for cyclone victims. India, Pakistan hike defence spending in 2018: SIPRI

India increased its defence spending by 3.1 per cent to USD 66.5 billion in 2018 while Pakistan hiked it by a hefty 11 per cent to touch USD 11.4 billion, according to a new report on global military expenditure released on April 29, 2019 by Swedish think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The total world military expenditure rose to USD 1,822 billion in 2018, representing an increase of 2.6 per cent from 2017, SIPRI said in its annual report. The five biggest spenders in 2018 were the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, India and France, which together accounted for 60 per cent of global military spending. US remained world’s biggest defence spender in 2018 with $649 billion (+4.6%), accounting for 36% of total global military expenditure. Spanish PM’s Socialists win snap polls marked by far-right gains

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s Socialists won snap elections on April 29, 2019 without the necessary majority to govern solo in a fragmented political landscape marked by the far-right’s entry into parliament. A significant development was the rise of the ultra-nationalist Vox party, which garnered just over 10 per cent of the vote and 24 seats. Sanchez’s Socialist Party (PSOE) got 123 seats out of 350, or close to 29 per cent of votes -- short of an absolute majority but much better than the 85 seats it got in 2016. The big loser was the conservative Popular Party (PP), which bagged 66 seats compared to 137 in the previous election that saw it govern Spain with a minority government. Sanchez came to power in June 2018 after ousting conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote. The centre-right Ciudadanos party won 57 seats. Two Catalan separatist parties gained even more lawmakers in the national parliament than they did in 2016 -- up to 22 from 17. Beirut sets new Guinness World Record on number of national flags

Lebanon’s capital Beirut has set a new Guinness World Record for the ‘most national flags displayed in one city in 24 hours. The Beirut Alive Association in the national capital on April 28, 2019 raised a total of 26,852 Lebanese flags breaking New York’s Waterloo record of 25,599 flags. The event was organised under the patronage of Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

European Union extends ban on selling arms to Myanmar

The European Union has extended a ban on selling arms to Myanmar and prolonged sanctions against high-ranking officials till 30th April 2020, over their role in the Rohingya crisis. The EU said in a statement that the sanctions include an embargo on arms and equipment that can be used for internal repression, an export ban on dual-use goods for use by the military and border guard police, and export restrictions on equipment for monitoring communications that might be used for internal repression. In August 2017, almost 750,000 Rohingya refugees fled a military crackdown in northern Myanmar to cross into Bangladesh, where 300,000 members of the persecuted Muslim minority were already in camps.



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Pakistan to observe its retaliatory action against India on Feb 27 as ‘Operation Swift Retort’ The Pakistan Air Force on May 1, 2019 said that it has decided to mark its retaliatory action on February 27 against the Indian air strikes on the Balakot terror camp as ‘Operation Swift Retort’. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the February 14 attack by a Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide bomber in Pulwama that killed 40 CRPF soldiers. Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting what it said was a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. On February 27, the PAF retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was later released and handed over to India on March 1. World Press Freedom Day celebrated on May 3

The World Press Freedom Day was celebrated on May 3, 2019 with its theme as ‘Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation’. According to UNESCO, every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. “Press freedom is the cornerstone of democratic societies. All States, all nations, are strengthened by information, debate and the exchange of opinions. At a time of growing discourse of mistrust and delegitimization of the press and journalism, it is essential that we guarantee freedom of opinion through the free exchange of ideas and information based on factual truths”, said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day. The 26th celebration of World Press Freedom Day was jointly organized by UNESCO, the African Union Commission and the Government of Ethiopia. The main event was held in Addis Ababa, on 1 – 3 May at the African Union Headquarters. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Defence Ministers’ Meet held in Kirghizstan

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met her Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meet in Bishkek, Kirghizstan on April 29, 2019. International Dance Day celebrated on April 29

International Dance Day was celebrated on April 29, 2019. It was introduced in 1982 by the International Dance Council (CID–Conceal International de la Danse), a UNESCO partner NGO, and is celebrated yearly, on April 29.

Labour Day celebrated on May 1

Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day and May Day, was celebrated on May 1 in India. The occasion pays tribute and respect to workers. World Tuna Day observed on May 2

The World Tuna Day was observed on May 2, 2019 to highlight the importance of sustainably managed fish stocks. As migratory tuna species account for 20 per cent of the value of all marine capture fisheries and over eight per cent of all globally traded seafood, the celebration by the United Nations of World Tuna Day is an important step in recognizing the critical role of tuna to sustainable development, food security, economic opportunity, and livelihoods of people around the world. International Dawn Chorus Day celebrated on May 5

International Dawn Chorus Day was celebrated on May 5, 2019. The day is celebrated worldwide on first Sunday of May every year where the public are encouraged to rise early to listen to bird song, at organised events.



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Senegal MPs pass reform to scrap post of prime minister

Senegalese lawmakers on approved a constitutional reform to scrap the post of prime minister in capital Dakar on May 5, 2019. The move had been initiated by President Macky Sall. The motion passed with 124 MPs voting in favour and only seven against in the National Assembly. Sall has been in power since 2012 and secured 58 percent of the popular vote in the recent election in February. Russia President Vladimir Putin signs into law a sovereign internet bill

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on May 2, 2019 signed into law a sovereign internet bill which will allow Russian authorities to isolate the country’s internet. Russian lawmakers insist the new law is necessary to ensure the security of Russia’s online networks but critics say the vaguely worded bill gives new censorship powers to government monitors. The new law will come into effect from November. The measures include creating technology to monitor internet routing and to steer Russian internet traffic away from foreign servers, ostensibly to prevent a foreign country from shutting it down. UK becomes first parliament to declare climate emergency

Britain on May 2, 2019 became the first country in the world to vote to declare a climate emergency. The vote was taken following 11 days of protests organised by climate activists Extinction Rebellion that brought several London sites to a standstill.

NEWSMAKERS

King Maha Vajiralongkorn crowned Rama X of Thailand

Thailand has crowned its new King Maha Vajiralongkorn, marking the first ascension of a new monarch in seven decades. The key rituals of the elaborate three-day coronation ceremony were held in Bangkok from May 3 to 5, 2019. He is now known as Rama X, or the 10th King of the Chakri dynasty, which has reigned since 1782. Earlier on May 2, 66-year old Vajiralongkorn married a former flight attendant turned royal guard and designated her Queen Suthida. In 2014, Vajiralongkorn appointed Suthida Tidjai, a former flight attendant for Thai Airways, as a deputy commander of his bodyguard unit. The last coronation was held in 1950 for the king’s father Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thailand has been run by an arch-royalist junta since 2014. The monarchy takes primacy in the country but it is buttressed by the army. UN designates Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist

The United Nations on May 1, 2019 designated Masood Azhar as a “global terrorist” after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief. A UNSC designation will subject Azhar to an assets’ freeze, travel ban and an arms embargo. An assets’ freeze under the sanctions committee requires that all states freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities. A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China was the sole hold-out in the 15-nation body on the bid to blacklist Azhar, blocking attempts by placing a “technical hold” and asking for “more time to examine” the proposal. All decisions of the committee are taken through consensus. Benjamin Netanyahu sworn-in as Israel’s PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the 120 newly-elected members who were sworn-into country’s new Parliament on April 30, 2019, three weeks after his victory in national election. Netanyahu will seek to form a governing coalition in the days ahead. His Likud party won 35 seats in the election, the same as his main opponent from the centrist Blue and White alliance, led by former military chief Benny Gantz. Support from smaller right-wing parties allied to Likud led to a majority of 65 parliament members supporting Benjamin Netanyahu to continue on as Premier. But Netanyahu also faces the prospect of becoming the first sitting Prime Minister to be indicted.



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The attorney general has announced he intends to indict him for bribery, fraud and breach of trust pending a hearing. He is not required to resign if indicted, only if convicted with all appeals exhausted. Nepal’s Bandana sets new Guinness WR on ‘Longest Dancing Marathon by an Individual’ Nepal’s 18-year old girl Bandana danced continuously for 126 hours to set a Guinness World Records on ‘Longest Dancing Marathon by an Individual’. At a function held in his official residence in Kathmandu on May 4, 2019, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli honoured Bandana Nepal, for achieving the feat. Bandana beat the record set by India’s Kalamandalam Hemlatha, who danced continuously for 123 hours and 15 minutes in 2011.

John Singleton, maker of ‘Boyz N the Hood,’ dies at 51

Director John Singleton, who made one of Hollywood’s most memorable debuts with the Oscar-nominated “Boyz N the Hood”, died at the age of 51 on April 29, 2019. Singleton was in his early 20s when he wrote, directed and produced “Boyz N the Hood.” Based on Singleton’s upbringing and shot in his old neighbourhood, the low-budget production starred Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ice Cube and cantered on three friends in South Central Los Angeles, where college aspirations competed with the pressures of gang life. ‘Star Wars’ actor Peter Mayhew dies at 74

Actor Peter Mayhew, best known for his role as ‘Chewbacca’ in the Star Wars movie series, died at the age of 74 on May 3, 2019. Producer Charles H Schneer found Peter Mayhew in London where he was working as a hospital attendant. Schneer cast Mayhew in Ray Harryhausen’s “Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger.” Thereafter he was cast as Chewbacca, the 200-year-old Wookiee.

U.K. Defense Secretary fired over Huawei leaks

British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson was summarily fired on May 1, 2019 after an investigation into leaks from a secret government meeting about Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei. Prime Minister Theresa May told Williamson that there was “compelling evidence” suggesting his “responsibility for the unauthorized disclosure” from the National Security Council. Penny Mordaunt, the International Development Secretary, has been appointed as Williamson’s replacement. She becomes the first woman to hold the post. An investigation was launched recently after newspapers reported that the security council, which meets in private, had agreed to let Huawei participate in some aspects of Britain’s new 5G wireless communications network. The government insists that no decision has been made about Huawei.


ICRISAT-led team cracks genetic code to develop climate-resilient chickpea

In a breakthrough, scientists have successfully completed sequencing of 429 chickpea lines from 45 countries to identify genes that are tolerant to drought and heat, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) said in Hyderabad on April 30, 2019. For instance, India, the biggest consumer of pulses in the world, faces increasing production gap. This new research could take India closer towards attaining self-sufficiency in pulse production, it said. The study also confirms that chickpea came to India from Fertile Crescent of Mediterranean via Afghanistan and may have been introduced back to the primary centres of origin after 200 years.



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“This is the largest-ever exercise of whole-genome re-sequencing of chickpea... What this means to the agricultural community is potential development of newer varieties of chickpea with higher yields, which are disease-and-pest-resistant, and better able to withstand the vagaries of weather,” the ICRISAT said in a statement. ICRISAT said it led a team in close collaboration with the BGI-Shenzhen, China, involving 39 scientists from 21 leading research institutes world over. More than 90 per cent of chickpea cultivation area is in South Asia. Drought and increasing temperatures are said to cause more than 70 per cent yield loss in chickpea globally. Chickpea being a cool season crop is likely to suffer further reduction in productivity due to rising temperatures. “This new-found knowledge will enable breeders to enhance the use of diverse germplasm and candidate genes in developing improved (climate-change ready) varieties that will contribute significantly to the increased productivity and sustainability of agricultural development in developing countries,” ICRISAT Director-General Peter Carberry said. The study established a foundation for large-scale characterisation of germplasm, population genetics and crop breeding. It also helped understand domestication and post-domestication divergence of chickpea. The study mapped the origins of chickpea and its ascent in Asia and Africa. It also speculates about the possible introduction of chickpea to the New World directly from Central Asia or East Africa rather than the Mediterranean.

Section E: AWARDS

2019 Goldman Environmental Prizes awarded

Six grassroots environmental activists were presented the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in San Francisco USA, on April 29, 2019. Dubbed the Green Nobel Prize, the Goldman Prize honours environmental activists from each of the six continental regions: Europe, Asia, North America, Central and South America, Africa, and islands and island nations. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Prize founded in 1989 by U.S. philanthropists Rhoda and Richard Goldman. To date, 194 winners from 89 different nations have received this award. This year’s winners are: Alfred Brownell from Liberia: An environmental and human rights lawyer who stopped the destruction of Liberia’s tropical forests Bayarjargal Agvaantseren from Mongolia: A conservationist who helped create a large protected area in Mongolia Ana Colovic Lesoska from North Macedonia: A biologist who fought against hydropower plants planned inside a critical habitat of the

rare Balkan lynx Jacqueline Evans from the Cook Islands: A marine conservationist who campaigned to protect the Cook Islands’ marine biodiversity Alberto Curamil from Chile: An indigenous leader who led a movement against two hydroelectric projects on a sacred river Linda Garcia from the United States: An activist who rallied residents to stop the construction of a massive oil export terminal that could

have threatened the health and safety of the local community.

Article on coal scam wins ACJ Award for Investigative Journalism

The article titled ‘Coalgate 2.0’ authored by Nileena M S and published in The Caravan magazine in March 2018 has won the 2018 Asian College of Journalism’s Award for Investigative Journalism. “The piece meets the criteria of what comprises a solid work of investigative journalism, combining extensive research uncovering new evidence to reveal a truth, hitherto unknown to most, and of essential public interest,” said the jury citation. The award, which comprises a trophy, a citation and Rs 2 lakh cash prize was presented to the winner in Chennai on May 3, 2019 at the journalism school’s annual convocation ceremony.



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Nileena’s story investigates the allotment of captive coal blocks in Chhattisgarh’s Parba East and Kanta Basan regions. The article explores deforestation, re-locations of people, loss of livelihood, and denial of forest rights to tribals. Coalgate 2.0’ is a sterling example of investigative journalism in the field of financial reporting, said the release. Other stories that were considered as final nominations and have been awarded special mentions by the jury are: The Chronicle of Crime Fiction That is Adityanath’s Encounter Raj’ authored by Neha Dixit and published by The Wire. The Death of Judge Loya’ written by Nikita Saxena for The Caravan magazine. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conferred with ‘Order of St George’ Award in Kerala

Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was conferred with ‘Order of St George’ Award at St George Orthodox Church in Kottayam district of Kerala on May 5, 2019.


RBI imposes fines on PPIs for violating norms

The Reserve Bank of India on May 4, 2019 said that it has imposed penalties on five prepaid payment instrument (PPI) issuers, including Vodafone m-pesa and PhonePe, for violation of regulatory norms. Also, penalties have been imposed on Western Union Financial Services Inc and MoneyGram Payment Systems Inc, both US firms, for non-compliance of guidelines. The central bank said in a statement that a penalty of Rs 3.05 crore was imposed on Vodafone m-pesa and Rs 1 crore each on Mobile Payments, PhonePe, Private and GI Technology. Also, a penalty of Rs 5 lakh has been imposed on Y-Cash Software Solutions. In another statement, the RBI said it has imposed penalty of Rs 29,66,959 and Rs 10,11,653 on Western Union Financial Services Inc, USA, and MoneyGram Payment Systems Inc, USA, respectively, for non-compliance of regulatory guidelines. Penalty on Western Union and MoneyGram has been imposed by the RBI under the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for compounding of the contravention.

Section G: ECONOMY

Eight Core Industries growth at 4.7% in March

+ The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 per cent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). The combined Index of Eight Core Industries stood at 145.0 in March, 2019, which was 4.7 per cent higher as compared to the index of March, 2018. Its cumulative growth during April to March, 2018-19 was 4.3 percent. Coal: Coal production (weight: 10.33 per cent) increased by 9.1 per cent in March, 2019 over March, 2018. Its cumulative index increased by 7.3 percent during April to March, 2018-19over corresponding period of the previous year. Crude Oil: Crude Oil production (weight: 8.98 per cent) declined by 6.2 per cent in March, 2019 over March, 2018. Its cumulative index declined by 4.1 percent during April to March, 2018-19 over the corresponding period of previous year. Natural Gas: The Natural Gas production (weight: 6.88 per cent) increased by 1.4 per cent in March, 2019 over March, 2018. Its cumulative index increased by 0.8 percent during April to March, 2018-19 over the corresponding period of previous year. Refinery Products: Petroleum Refinery production (weight: 28.04 percent) increased by 4.3 percent in March, 2019 over March, 2018. Its cumulative index increased by 3.1 percent during April to March, 2018-19 over the corresponding period of previous year.



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Fertilizers: Fertilizers production (weight: 2.63 per cent) increased by 4.3 percent in March, 2019 over March, 2018. Its cumulative index increased by 0.3 per cent during April to March, 2018-19 over the corresponding period of previous year. Steel: Steel production (weight: 17.92 percent) increased by 6.7 per cent in March, 2019 over March, 2018. Its cumulative index increased by 4.7 percent during April to March, 2018-19 over the corresponding period of previous year. Cement: Cement production (weight: 5.37 percent) increased by 15.7 per cent in March, 2019 over March, 2018. Its cumulative index increased by 13.3 percent during April to March, 2018-19 over the corresponding period of previous year. Electricity: Electricity generation (weight: 19.85 percent) increased by 1.4 percent in March, 2019 over March, 2018. Its cumulative index increased by 5.1 percent during April to March, 2018-19 over the corresponding period of previous year. Registration of all motor vehicles stopped

The issuing of certificate of registration (RC) for all classes of motor vehicles has been blocked from May 2, 2019 in the country for not integrating high security registration plate (HSRP) with the ‘Vahan’ database. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) blocked access to the Transport Mission Mode Project’s pan-India application ‘Vahan’ for vehicle registration on a directive of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, With this drastic step, RC cannot be issued for new motor vehicles in any State, except in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. These three States are using their own software instead of ‘Vahan’ and, therefore, can issue RC to newly registered vehicles. April 1 was the date from when all classes of motor vehicles hitting the road and being registered had to be fitted with tamper-proof high security registration plate having many inbuilt security features. Automobile manufacturers had been entrusted by MoRTH with the task of issuing the “security licence plate, including the third registration mark”. At the local level, it is for the automobile dealer to place a mark of registration on such plates and affix them on all new vehicles. India Ratings lowers country’s GDP growth projection for FY20 to 7.3%

India Ratings and Research on April 30, 2019 marginally lowered country’s GDP growth projection for 2019-20 fiscal to 7.3 per cent mainly due to below normal monsoon prediction and loss of momentum in industrial output. The Fitch group company had earlier projected India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 7.5 per cent. The key reasons for the downward revision are the prediction of lower-than-normal monsoon for 2019 and continued agrarian distress, and the loss of momentum in the industrial output growth, especially manufacturing and electricity. Besides, the slow progress on cases referred to the National Company Law Tribunal under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, was another reason cited by the company for lowering the growth forecast. On the prices front, India Ratings and Research expects wholesale and retail inflation to remain benign at 3.4 per cent and 4 per cent in 2019-20, respectively.

Foreign exchange reserves rise to USD 418.515 billion in the week to April 26

The country’s foreign exchange reserves soared by USD 4.368 billion to USD 418.515 billion in the week to April 26, RBI data showed on May 3, 2019. Foreign currency assets, which are a major component of the overall reserves, rose by USD 4.387 billion to USD 390.421 billion. Expressed in US dollar terms, foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation/depreciation of non-US currencies like the euro, pound and yen held in the reserves. Gold reserves remained unchanged at USD 23.303 billion. The special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund was down by USD 5.9 million to USD 1.449 billion. The country’s reserve position with the Fund also declined USD 13.6 million to USD 3.341 billion. Economy slowed down slightly in 2018-19: Finance Ministry

The Finance Ministry has admitted that the economy ‘appears to have slowed down slightly in 2018-19’. Until now the government has been maintaining that there has been no economic slowdown. The Department of Economic Affairs’ monthly economic report for March,



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published on May 1, has listed reasons for the slowdown. “The proximate factors responsible for this slowdown include declining growth of private consumption, tepid increase in fixed investment, and muted exports,” it said. On the supply side, it said, the challenge is to reverse the slowdown in growth of agriculture sector and sustain the growth in industry. Manufacturing PMI dips to 51.8 in April

Manufacturing activity expanded at a slower rate in April compared to its levels in March, according to the Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index. The Index registered a reading of 51.8 in April, lower than the 52.6 in March. A reading over 50 indicates an expansion while one below 50 denotes a contraction. “A softer increase in new orders created a domino effect in the Indian manufacturing industry, restricting growth of output, employment, input buying and business sentiment,” the report said. “The one bright spot in April was exports, which expanded solidly and at a slightly quicker pace than in March.” “Broken down by sector, capital goods was the key source of weakness, recording contractions in new business and output,” the report added. India imported 207.3 million tonnes of crude oil in 2018-19

India provisionally imported 207.3 million tonnes of crude oil in 2018-19, down from 220.4 million tonne in the previous financial year. Iraq has become India’s top crude oil supplier for the second consecutive year, meeting more than one-fifth of the country’s oil needs in the 2018-19 fiscal year. According to data collected by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, Iraq sold 46.61 million tonnes of crude oil to India during April 2018 and March 2019. This is two per cent more than 45.74 million tonne it had supplied in 2017-18 fiscal. Saudi Arabia has traditionally been India’s top oil source, but it was for the first time dethroned by Iraq in 2017-18 fiscal year. In 2018-19, Saudi exported 40.33 million tonnes of crude oil, up from 36.16 million tonne of oil sold in the previous year. India is 80 per cent dependent on imports to meet its oil needs. Income tax e-filers fall by more than 660,000 in FY19

In a first in recent history of tax filings, income tax e-filings in FY2019 have dropped by more than 6.6 lakh. According to statistics put out on Income Tax Department’s e-filing website, income tax e-filings in FY 2018-19 was 6.68 crore, down from 6.74 crore in the previous fiscal. E-filers in FY 2016-17 were 5.28 crore. In signs of lower compliance, the ratio of actual filings to registered filers was 79 per cent in FY2018-19, down from 91.6 per cent in the previous fiscal.

NEWSMAKERS

Chief economic advisor included in Finance Commission’s Advisory Council

Chief Economic Advisor Krishnamurthy Subramanian has been included in the Advisory Council of the 15th Finance Commission as its member. The Advisory Council was set up in April 2018 to advise the commission on any issue or subject related to the terms of reference (ToR) of the commission, and also to assist in the preparation of any paper or research study which would enhance the commission’s understanding on the issue contained in its ToR. The council now has 12 members, including NIPFP Professor Pinaki Chakraborty, noted economists Surjit Bhalla, Arvind Virmani, Indira Rajaraman and M. Govinda Rao. The council had also been mandated to help in broadening the 15th Finance Commission’s ambit and understanding to seek best national and international practices on matters pertaining to fiscal devolution and improving the quality and reach and enforcement of its recommendations. In December 2018, the government appointed Subramanian of Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, as the chief economic advisor in the finance ministry for three years.



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Delhi HC directs J&J to make interim payments to four patients in hip implants case

The Delhi High Court on May 2, 2019 directed Johnson & Johnson to make an interim payment of Rs. 25 lakh each to four patients, after verifying that they had undergone revision surgeries on receiving faulty hip implants made by the company. The court’s direction came after the company said it was willing to pay Rs. 25 lakh as compensation to those affected by the implants. The court asked the company to give a list of all the claimants who are registered with it, after verifying that they have undergone revision surgeries. The court set the next hearing for May 29 and asked the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation to give the details of all the claimants it has to the company. The court was hearing the company’s plea challenging a press release issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare asking it to pay compensation to all the affected patients, as determined by the reports of the Committees formed to examine the issues relating to its faulty hip implants. Google to allow users auto-delete location history, web activity

In a major milestone for internet privacy, search giant Google is rolling out a new feature that will allow users auto-delete their location history and web and app activity permanently from Google’s records. While controls to stop data gathering, which Google uses to personalise recommendations and ads, already exists on Google account settings page, the Alphabet-owned company has gone a step ahead to assure users’ data is not misused, or harvested without consent. More often than not, people, by blindly agreeing to terms and conditions for internet services, allow their data and online activity to be tracked. Google, which owns the Chrome browser, Google Maps, YouTube, and Android mobile platform, maintains intricate user profiles that are constantly fed with users’ searches, places they have been to, ads they have clicked on, apps installed, and so on. Google will introduce a bunch of settings in the coming weeks, allowing users to delete all data older than either 3 months of 18 months. Once the feature is turned on, data that is older than 3 months or 18 months, depending on the choice of the user, will get deleted automatically. GRSE to build 8 ASWSWCs for Indian Navy

Kolkata-based defence CPSE Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd on April 29, 2019 signed a contract to build eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASWSWCs) for the Indian Navy. The order value for the eight vessels is Rs 6311.32 crore. The first ship is to be delivered within 42 months from contract signing date and subsequent ships delivery schedule will be two ships per year. The project completion time is 84 months from date of signing the contract. The Kolkata-based GRSE is currently handling major projects for making three stealth frigates under P17A Project, corvettes, landing crafts and four survey vessels for the Navy and fast patrol vessels for Indian Coast Guard.

Defence Ministry clears Navy’s Rs 3600 crore deal with Russia for 10 Kamov-31 choppers

The Defence Ministry on May 3, 2019 approved Indian Navy’s proposal to acquire 10 Kamov-31 Airborne Early Warning and Control helicopters from Russia at a cost of around Rs 3,600 crore to strengthen its capability against aerial threats to its aircraft carriers and large warships. The decision was taken by the Defence Ministry at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council led by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Navy already has a fleet of 12 of these Kamov-31 choppers which sanitise the air space around the aircraft carriers and destroyers operating in open seas. For the anti-submarine warfare operations, the Navy has a fleet of Russian Kamov-28 choppers along with the Seaking choppers.



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MakeMyTrip acquires majority stake in corporate travel firm Quest2Travel

Online travel firm MakeMyTrip on April 30, 2019 said it has acquired a majority stake in Mumbai-based corporate travel management firm Quest2Travel.com for an undisclosed amount. MakeMyTrip Founder and Group CEO is Deep Kalra. Quest2Travel Founder and CEO is Abhay Rangnekar. Wipro Consumer Care to acquire Splash Corporation

Wipro Consumer Care (WCC) on April 29, 2019 announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Philippine based personal care company Splash Corporation. WCC Chief Executive Officer Vineet Agrawal said Splash Corporation has a presence in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Nigeria and the Middle East. Lenders approve Patanjali’s Rs 4,325 cr bid for Ruchi Soya

In its first major acquisition, Yoga guru Baba Ramdev-led Patanjali Ayurved is set to acquire debt-ridden edible oil firm Ruchi Soya in Madhya Pradesh with a bid of Rs 4,325 crore. Patanjali acquired Ruchi Soya Industries in an insolvency auction started by lenders to recover over Rs 9,300 crore loans. Lenders on April 30, 2019 approved the Patanjali’s revised bid of Rs 4,325 crore with around 96 per cent vote in favour. Patanjali was the lone player left in contention after the exit of Adani Wilmar. Ruchi Soya Industries owes around Rs 9,345 crore to financial creditors. Ruchi Soya has many manufacturing plants and its leading brands include Nutrela, Mahakosh, Sunrich, Ruchi Star and Ruchi Gold.

BHEL signs MoU with ARAI for e-mobility projects

Bharat Heavy Electricals and Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), an autonomous body affiliated to the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises have signed an MoU for cooperation on various projects related to e-mobility. BHEL’s unique strength as technology developer and implementer and ARAI’s advanced facilities and expertise in design, testing and certification of mobility products, will generate synergies in implementing solutions for Electric & Trolley Bus, EV Chargers, Battery & Charger testing, etc. Airtel launches music streaming app Wynk Tube

Telecom major Bharti Airtel on April 30, 2019 launched its new music streaming app Wynk Tube targeting smartphone users in non-metros and small towns. Wynk Tube, which is an extension of Airtel’s over the top (OTT) music streaming app Wynk Music, allows users to stream audio and video of popular tracks within the same interface. Airtel said the app will be available to users in 12 Indian languages including Kannada, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil and Bhojpuri, besides English and Hindi. L&T buys VG Siddhartha, Coffee Day stake in Mindtree for Rs 3,210 crore

Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro has purchased around 20 per cent stake of V G Siddhartha and Coffee Day in Mindtree through block deal for about Rs 3,210 crore. L&T bought 3.27 crore shares held by Siddhartha and Coffee Day Trading Limited on May 1, 2019. The infrastructure major is in fray to buy up to 66 per cent stake in the Mindtree for around Rs 10,800 crore. Mindtree’s promoters have called L&T bid as hostile and raised corporate governance issues at L&T and culture difference between the two companies.

OYO to acquire Amsterdam’s vacation rental firm Leisure Group for $ 415-mn

Hospitality firm OYO has agreed to acquire Amsterdam-based vacation rental company @Leisure Group from Axel Springer for an estimated $415 million (over Rs 2,885 crore). The acquisition will help OYO move a step closer in realising its vision of becoming a global real estate brand while maintaining leadership in the hospitality industry, OYO said in a statement. Commenting on the development, OYO founder & Group CEO Ritesh Agarwal said that @Leisure Group has proven capabilities in helping develop Europe into a vacation rentals hotspot.



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Godrej Properties buys R K Studios land in Chembur, Mumbai

Realty firm Godrej Properties on May 3, 2019 announced the acquisition of iconic R K Studios’ land in Chembur, Mumbai, where it would develop mixed-use project housing luxury flats and retail space. “Spread across 2.2 acres, this project will offer approximately 33,000 square meters (about 0.35 million square feet) of saleable area comprising modern residential apartments of various configurations as well as a luxury retail experience,” the company said in a statement. JSW forays into paints business

JSW Group has forayed into the Rs. 42,000-crore organised paints business in the country with the launch of JSW Paints. The company will manufacture and market both industrial coatings as well as decorative paints.

Section I: STATES

Shops and businesses can remain open 24X7 now in Gujarat

Shops and other businesses in Gujarat can remain open round the clock now with the Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2019 coming into force from May 1, the government said. The act, passed by the state Assembly in February, was notified on May 1, a government release said on May 4, 2019. With this, commercial establishments in municipal corporations’ limits, or those near national highways, railway stations, state transport depots, hospitals and petrol pumps will be allowed to operate 24 hours. The shops and commercial entities operating near state highways and within municipality limits can now operate between 6 am to 2 am. The act replaced the Gujarat Shops and Establishments Act of 1948, which prohibited shops and other businesses from operating between 12 am to 6 am. Under the new act, shops and commercial entities employing more than 10 workers will require one-time registration with no need for renewal, while those with less than 10 employees will need no registration. Employees will get twice the regular salary for working overtime, against the one-and-a-half-time as provided under the earlier act. Under the new act, working hours for women employees can be between 6 am and 9 pm, which could be relaxed only if a written request is made and after the authorities consider safety issues. Karnataka limits weight of school bags

Children weighed down by school bags will finally get some relief. The Karnataka government on May 3, 2019 issued an order directing all schools in the State, including government, aided and unaided institutions, to ensure that the weight of a school bag is not more than 10% of the child’s weight. As per the order, a bag of a student in Class 1 or 2 should weigh no more than 2 kg. It can weigh anywhere between 2 and 3 kg for students from Class 3 to 5. The prescribed weight increases progressively, with students in Class 9 and 10 allowed to carry bags in the 4-5 kg range. The order also states that students in Classes 1 and 2 should not be given any homework. Schools must set a timetable in advance, which will limit the number of books that have to be brought to class every day. All classwork should be kept in the school itself, either in files or books. Schools have also been directed not to ask students to keep books of more than 100 pages, while the third Saturday of every month should be followed as a “No School Bag Day”. On that day, teachers have to engage students without any books or supplementary materials. Suggested activities include field visits, general knowledge clubs, art classes, indoor and outdoor games, abacus, dance classes, and debates.



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16 security personnel killed as Naxals trigger IED blasts in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli

As many as 15 security personnel and a driver were killed in an IED blast in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra on May 1, 2019. The Naxals triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) to blow up a police vehicle, which was carrying 16 security personnel from the Kurkheda Quick Response Team of Gadchiroli police. The blast took place between Jamborkheda and Lendhari. Earlier on May1, Naxals allegedly set ablaze 27 machines and vehicles at a road construction site in Kurkheda of Gadchiroli district. Uttarakhand HC orders state’s former CMs to pay market rent for govt. accommodation

The Uttarakhand High Court in Dehradun on May 3, 2019 ordered state’s former chief ministers to pay market rent for the entire period they continued to occupy government accommodation since demitting office. The court declared all government orders from 2001 till date providing housing and other facilities to former chief ministers in the state as illegal and unconstitutional. It said the amount shall be intimated to the former CMs who shall, within six months from the date of such intimation, pay the said amount to the state government. In case they do not pay such amount within the specified period, the state government can initiate recovery proceedings against them, the court said. 8 dead as Cyclone Fani hits Puri

The extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani barrelled into the Odisha coast on the morning of May 3, 2019, unleashing torrential rain and winds gusting up to 175 kmph, killing at least eight people, bringing rail and air transport to a halt, and swamping towns and villages. The cyclonic system made landfall at 8 a.m. near the coastal pilgrim town of Puri and brought heavy winds and rainfall to the State capital Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

NEWSMAKERS

Gujarat Governor disqualifies Independent MLA for invalid ST certificate

Gujarat Governor O.P. Kohli on May 4, 2019 disqualified Independent MLA Bhupendrasinh Khant from reserved Scheduled Tribe seat of Morva Hadaf in Panchmahal district after his ST certificate was found to be invalid. Khant had won the 2017 assembly election as an Independent candidate, was disqualified after his Scheduled Tribe certificate was found to be invalid and the matter was in the courts. Kannada actor Hirannaiah Narasimha Murthy passes away

Noted Kannada theatre artist and film actor Hirannaiah Narasimha Murthy died in Bengaluru on May 2, 2019 at the age of 84. Hirannaiah was born in Mysuru, Karnataka on February 15, 1934, and had been part of more than 30 movies. He had also won the Karnataka State Award. Known by his stage name - Master Hirannaiah - the late veteran established the Hirannaiah Award in memory of his actor-writer father K. Hirannaiah.



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Section J: SPORTS

World Table Tennis Championship organised in Budapest

The World Table Tennis Championship concluded in Budapest (Hungary) on April 28, 2019. Men’s Singles title was won by China’s Ma Long who beat Sweden’s Mattias Falck in final 11–5, 11–7, 7–11, 11–9, 11–5. Women’s Singles title was won by China’s Liu Shiwen who beat compatriot Chen Meng in final 9–11, 11–7, 11–7, 7–11, 11–0, 11–9. Men’s Doubles title was won by Ma Long and Wang Chuqin (China) who beat Ovidiu Ionescu (Romania) and Álvaro Robles (Spain) in final 11–3, 8–11, 11–7, 11–3, 11–5. Women’s Doubles title was won by China’s Sun Yingsha and Wang Manyu who beat Hina Hayata & Mima Ito (Japan) in final 8–11, 3–11, 11–8, 11–3, 12–10, 11–8. Mixed Doubles title was won by China’s Xu Xin and Liu Shiwen who beat Maharu Yoshimura & Kasumi Ishikawa (Japan) in final 11–5, 11–8, 9–11, 11–9, 11–4 Indian finish with 6 medals at Feliks Stamm International Boxing Tournament in Warsaw

Gaurav Solanki (men’s 52kg) and Manish Kaushik (men’s 60kg) won gold medals as Indian boxers collected a rich haul of two gold, one silver and three bronze to finish their campaign on a high at the XXXVI Feliks Stamm International Boxing Tournament in Warsaw on May 4, 2019. Solanki outpunched England’s William Cawley 5-0 in final to win gold. Kaushik defeated Morocco’s Mohamed Hamout 4-1 to win gold. Mohammed Hussamuddin (men’s 56kg) lost 1-4 to Russia’s Mukhammad Shekhov in final to win silver medal. Besides them, three Indian pugilists had to settle for the bronze after losing their respective semi-final contests. These were Mandeep Jangra (men’s 69kg), Sanjeet (men’s 91kg) and Ankit Khatana (men’s 64kg). The six-day competition saw boxers from all over the world participating in 10 categories in the men’s section, and in five categories in the women’s section. Ghosal & Chinappa win Asian Individual Squash Championship titles

Indian squash players Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa won the Men’s and Women’s singles titles respectively at the Asian Individual Squash Championship titles in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 5, 2019. Ghosal defeated Leo Au Chun Ming of Hong Kong in final 11-9, 11-2, 11-8. Chinappa beat Annie Au of Hong Kong, 11-5, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6 in the final. Serbian Dragan Mihailovic appointed Indian men’s volleyball team coach

The Volleyball Federation of India on May 3, 2019 appointed Serbian Dragan Mihailovic as head coach of the men’s national team. The VFI also announced the appointment of Pryemyslaw Gaszyoski and Valadimir Radosevic as the team’s physio trainer and physiotherapist respectively. Besides the men’s national team, the trio will also look after the men’s U-23 team and other junior teams representing India. All the three have been appointed for five months and will work with the team for the Asian Championships scheduled to be held in Iran in September. Mihailovic has more than 25 years of experience as a coach and has won several medals as an assistant coach with Serbia at the World Championships, European Championships as well as Olympics. Bajrang Punia wins gold medal at Ali Aliyev wrestling tournament in Russia

Bajrang Punia defeated Russia’s Viktor Rassadin 13-8 in the final to win gold medal in men’s 65kg freestyle at the Ali Aliyev wrestling tournament at Kaspiisk, Russia on May 2, 2019.

Kumar Sangakkara to take over as MCC president on Oct 1

Having impressed one and all with his speech that he delivered at the 2011 Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture, former Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara will now become the first non-British president of the MCC on October 1. He will be in that position for a year and his nomination was announced at Lord’s by outgoing President Anthony Wreford at the MCC Annual General Meeting in London on May 2, 2019.

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