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Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Table of Contents
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS 1
JANUARY 2018
NATIONAL AFFAIRS 34

SCHEMES 63
Iceland became the first country to legalise
BANKING & FINANCE 88 Equal Pay at workplace

BUSINESS & ECONOMY 103 ● The law seeks to eliminate the current
pay gap of around 5.7 per cent between
JANUARY 2018 103
men and women. In fact, the country
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 119 aims to eradicate gender pay inequality
DEFENCE 131 by the year 2022.
● According to World Economic Forum,
BILLS & ACTS 140
Iceland already ranks first in terms of
AGREEMENTS & MoU 146
global gender equality index. In 2017, it
BUDGETS/TAXES 168 bagged the first place for the ninth

VISITS BY PRESIDENT/PM 174 consecutive year.

SUMMITS & CONFERENCE 183 Israel signaled its intention to withdraw from
SPORTS 201 UNESCO
● Israel Prime Minister Benjamin
ENVIRONMENT 219
Netanyahu instructed Israel's
AWARDS & HONOURS 248
ambassador to the United Nations
APPOINTMENTS/ RESIGNATIONS 267 Educational, Scientific and Cultural

OBITUARY 285 Organization (UNESCO) to submit a


formal letter to the organization's
IMPORTANT DAYS 295
director-general announcing Israel's
BOOKS AND AUTHOR 302 departure from the UN body.
INDEX/LIST 303 ● Israel's departure became effective on 31
December 2018.
FESTIVALS 307
● In 2011, UNESCO became the first
QUIZ CORNER 314
United Nations body to recognize the
State of Palestine as a full member
state. In response, Israel and the US
froze their annual funding of the body
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

and, in 2014, both countries lost their ● The six countries which left the Security
voting rights. Council on December 31, 2017 were
● Israel was the member of UNESCO Egypt, Italy, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine
since 1949. and Uruguay.
● Both Israel and the US have filed its
China becomes Nepal’s second Internet
own withdrawal notice in October 2017.
Service Provider
Saudi Arabia and UAE introduce VAT for ● China Telecom Global (CTG), a
first time company founded in 2012 located in
● These are the first two countries in the Hong Kong and Beijing has formed a
Gulf which have introduced the value- group with Nepal Telecom to provide
added tax (VAT) system. alternative cyber-connectivity for Nepal.
● The 5% levy is being applied to the ● Nepal had been linked to the global
majority of goods and services. internet network through Indian
● Petrol and diesel, food, clothes, utility telecom operators, using optical fiber
bills and hotel rooms all now have VAT connections in Biratnagar, Bhairahawa
applied. and Birgunj, among others.
● But some outgoings have been made
Malta's Valletta became Europe's Capital of
exempt from the tax, or given a zero-tax
Culture 2018
rating, including medical treatment,
● Valletta, the capital city of Malta, has
financial services and public transport.
been officially inaugurated as the
● In Saudi Arabia more than 90% of
European Capital of Culture. Over 140
budget revenues come from the oil
projects and 400 events have been
industry while in the UAE it is roughly
planned in 2018 around three main
80%.
themes: island stories, future baroque
Six countries enter the UN Security Council and voyages.
● Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, ● In 2018, Valletta shared European
Kuwait, Peru, Poland and the Capital of Culture status with
Netherlands formally joined the ranks Leeuwarden in the Netherlands.
of the non-permanent members of the ● With about 6,000 inhabitants, Valletta is
United Nations Security Council. the smallest capital in the European
● The UN Security Council has 15 Union. It is a UNESCO World Heritage
members, including five with Site.
permanent seats who have the power to
veto resolutions - Britain, China,
France, Russia and the United States.
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World Economic Forum launched Global ● The compact could undermine


Centre for Cybersecurity America's right to enforce its
immigration laws and secure its borders.
● The 48th World Economic Forum
(WEF) Annual Meeting took place on
Bermuda became the first Country in World to
23-26 January 2018 in Davos-Klosters,
abolish Same-Sex Marriage
Switzerland, under the theme “Creating
● Bermuda becomes the first country to
a Shared Future in a Fractured World”.
legalize and then repeal same-sex
● In a bid to safeguard the world from
marriage.
hackers and growing data breaches -
● Bermuda’s governor John Rankin
especially from nation-states - WEF
approved a bill reversing the right of gay
announced a new Global Centre for
couples to marry, despite a supreme
Cybersecurity.
court 2017 ruling authorizing same-sex
● Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland,
marriage.
the centre became operational from
● The Domestic Partnership Act 2017
March 2018.
replaces same-sex marriage with
domestic partnerships.
FEBRUARY 2018

World's First Autonomous Pods Unveiled In


Donald Trump pulls US out of UN global
Dubai
compact on migration
● Each pod (autonomous vehicle) has an
● In 2016, the 193 members of the UN
average speed 20 kilometres per hour,
general assembly unanimously adopted
and measures 2.87 metres in length, 2.24
a non-binding political declaration, the
metres in width and 2.82 metres in
New York declaration for refugees and
height, and weighs about 1,500
migrants, pledging to uphold the rights
kilograms – enough to carry 10 riders.
of refugees, help them resettle and
● The Dubai Autonomous Transport
ensure they had access to education and
Strategy aimed at converting 25 percent
jobs.
of mobility journeys in Dubai to
● There are currently 60 million people
autonomous transportation by 2030.
who have been displaced worldwide.
● The US decision to withdraw will
delight Trump’s “America first”
Amazon rolls out Food Retail Business Pilot
political base, but will do little to
In Pune
improve his standing in developing
● Amazon becomes the first foreign e-
countries.
commerce firm to start its own food
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retail venture in India called Amazon


Retail, piloting its services in Pune.
● It will reportedly be available on UAE launched world's longest zip line
Amazon India platform and sell locally ● The United Arab Emirates has made a
made and packaged food to the record by opening the world’s longest
consumers directly. zip line, measuring 2.83 kms in length.
● Amazon also launched Amazon Now ● Guinness World Records officials
app, which connects retailers with certified the zip line in Ras al-Khaimah.
customers for sale of groceries. ● The Jebel Jais Flight takes thrill-seekers
atop the country's largest mountain
Singapore to impose Carbon Tax from 2019
peak, from a launch pad 1,680 meters
● Singapore will impose a 'carbon tax'
(5,512 feet) above sea level.
from 2019 to cut its greenhouse gas
emissions and make companies more Rwanda becomes first poor country to provide
competitive as global agreements on eye care for all
climate change take effect. ● Rwanda has become the first low-
● Finance minister Heng Swee Keat stated income country to provide universal eye
that the tax would be levied on all care for its 12 million population.
facilities producing 25,000 tonnes or ● The government has partnered with the
more of greenhouse gas emissions a organisation Vision for a Nation
year. (VFAN) to train more than 3,000 eye
● The tax, to be applied to all sectors, will care nurses based in 502 local health
be Sg$5.0 ($3.8) per tonne of greenhouse centres, prescribing glasses and
gas emissions from 2019 to 2023. referring those with serious eye
problems to national clinics.
● This goes in line with Rwanda’s VISION
Dubai named the world's busiest International
2020 initiative, signed in 2002, which
Airport in 2017
aims to eliminate preventable blindness.
● Dubai International Airport has held
● The country ranks 159th on the Human
on to its No 1 ranking as the world's
Development Index, and only 19.8% of
busiest airport for international travel,
the population have access to electricity.
after seeing some 88.2 million
● Poor vision is a significant health and
passengers in 2017.
development challenge. Globally, 253
● Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
million people live with vision
International Airport in Georgia
impairment.
remains the world's busiest airport
overall.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

MARCH 2018 ● Venezuela in February month became


the first country to launch its own
India, Russia, Bangladesh signed tripartite cryptocurrency when it launched the
pact for civil nuclear cooperation virtual Petro, backed by crude oil
reserves.
● In a landmark development India for the ● Marshall Islands currency - US Dollar
first time signed a tripartite agreement ● Marshall Islands Capital – Majuro
with foreign partners -- Russia &
Bangladesh -- for civil nuclear
Indian Military ranked 4th strongest in World,
cooperation.
USA Tops
● The MoU will be helpful for cooperation
● Out of 133 countries, India is ranked
in construction of Rooppur Nuclear
fourth on a global index for its military
Power Plant, which is being built by
strength. Only the United States, Russia
Russia in Pabna, Bangladesh. This will
and China are ranked above India on the
be first ever nuclear power plant in
list, according to the latest report of the
Bangladesh.
Global Firepower index 2017.
● The Rooppur project is the first
● The Neighbouring Pakistan is ranked
initiative under an Indo-Russian deal to
13th.
undertake atomic energy projects in
● The Indian Army is equipped with 4,426
third countries.
combat tanks, 6,704 armored fighting
vehicles, and 7,414 towed artillery guns,
Marshall Islands became the first country in as per the list.
the world to adopt a Cryptocurrency as its ● The Top 5 countries in the list are:
official currency ○ The USA
● The parliament of island has passed law ○ Russia
to create the digital currency called ○ China
“Sovereign” with symbol SOV to raise ○ India
some hard cash to pay bills and boost ○ France
economy.
● The Marshall Islands is partnering with Angela Merkel Elected To 4th Term As
Israeli fintech startup Neema to launch German Chancellor
its SOV. ● Germany’s Parliament elected Angela
● In the nation of 60,000, the Merkel for her fourth term as
cryptocurrency will have equal status chancellor, putting an end to nearly six
with the U.S. dollar as a form of months of political drift in Europe’s
payment. biggest economy.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Lawmakers voted 364-315 to re-elect to construct a new electrified rail line,


Merkel, Germany’s leader since 2005, with India’s financial support.
who ran unopposed. ● The rail line will connect the border city
● The coalition of Merkel’s conservative of Raxaul in
Christian Democratic Union, its ● India to Kathmandu in Nepal.
Bavaria-only sister party, the Christian
Iran banned Banks from using
Social Union and the centre-left Social
Cryptocurrencies
Democrats has 399 of the 709 seats in
● Iran banned the use of bitcoin and other
parliament.
cryptocurrencies by its banks and
financial institutions.
WHO Member-Countries Commit To End TB ● As per the central bank of Iran, the ban
By 2030 was necessary since all cryptocurrencies
● Member-countries of the World Health have the capacity to be turned into a
Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia means for money-laundering and
Region, including India, committed to financing terrorism and in general can
intensifying efforts to eradicate be turned into a means for transferring
tuberculosis (TB) by 2030. criminals' money.
● The WHO South-East Asia Region,
which comprises 11 countries including
Indian-origin scientist Veena Sahajwalla
North Korea and India, is host to one
launched the world’s first micro-factory to
fourth of the global population but a
help tackle e-waste hazard
disproportionate 46 per cent of the
● The microfactory can transform
global TB burden.
electronic waste (e-waste) like
smartphones and laptops into valuable
material for re-use.
APRIL 2018 ● These microfactories can also turn many
types of consumer waste such as glass,
India and Nepal agreed to strengthen bilateral plastic and timber into commercial
relations in key areas materials and products.
● The two countries agreed to develop
inland waterways for overall economic
development of the region.
Swaziland changes its name to Kingdom of
● Aiming to expand cross-border rail
eSwatini
linkages, the two sides have also decided
● Swaziland's King Mswati III, Africa's
last absolute monarch, announced that
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he was officially renaming the country ● According to United Nations estimates,


as the “Kingdom of eSwatini”, to mark some 13 million people including six
the 50th anniversary of independence -- million children are in need of
and to avoid confusion with humanitarian aid in Syria, ravaged by a
Switzerland. seven-year war that has displaced
● eSwatini meaning - “land of the Swazis” millions.
● It was the name the king used when he ● French President Emmanuel Macron
addressed the UN general assembly in announced that France would
2017 and at the state opening of the contribute 50 million euros ($61.9
country's parliament in 2014. million) toward urgent humanitarian aid
● Swaziland's leadership has been for Syria following a meeting with a
criticised by human rights activists for group of non-governmental
banning political parties and organizations (NGO) in Paris.
discriminating against women.

UN launched road safety trust fund MAY 2018


● The United Nations Road Safety Trust
Fund, launched in New York City, aims 14 Indian Cities Figure In World’s 20 Most
to accelerate progress in improving Polluted Cities List: WHO
global road safety by bridging the gaps ● As per the data released by the World
in the mobilization of resources for Health Organisation (WHO), 14 Indian
effective action at all levels. cities figure in a list of world's 20 most
● The initiative was launched by the UN polluted cities in terms of particulate
Deputy Secretary-General Amina matter PM2.5 levels in 2016.
Mohammed. ● The particulate matter PM2.5 includes
● UN Economic Commission for Europe pollutants like sulfate, nitrate and black
(UNECE) estimates that every $1,500 carbon, which pose the greatest risk to
contributed to the Road Safety Trust human health.
Fund could: ● The WHO Global Urban Ambient Air
○ save one life Pollution Database ranked Kanpur as
○ prevent ten serious injuries the most polluted city among 4300
○ leverage $51,000 in road safety world cities which were monitored for
investment. their air pollution levels in the year
2016.
● The other Indian cities that registered
France announced 50 million euro
very high levels of PM2.5 pollutants
humanitarian aid for Syria
were Faridabad, Varanasi, Gaya, Patna,
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Delhi, Lucknow, Agra, Muzaffarpur, WHO launched 'REPLACE' to eliminate Trans


Srinagar, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Patiala, and Fat in Foods by 2023
Jodhpur. ● The World Health Organization (WHO)
launched a comprehensive plan to
eliminate industrially-produced
USA Withdrew From Iran Nuclear Deal
artificial trans fats from the global food
● President Donald Trump announced US
supply by 2023.
withdrawal from the 2015 landmark
● WHO calls on governments to use the
nuclear deal with Iran.
'REPLACE' action package to eliminate
● Mr. Donald Trump signed a fresh set of
industrially-produced trans-fatty acids
sanctions against Iran and warned
from the food supply.
countries against any cooperation with
● Elimination of trans fats is key to
Tehran on its controversial nuclear
protecting the health and saving lives.
weapons programme.
● The global health body estimates that
● According to the President, the deal
every year, trans fat intake leads to over
gave Iran millions in cash and did not
5,00,000 deaths worldwide from
prevent it from acquiring nuclear
cardiovascular diseases.
weapons.
● The historic nuclear deal was reached in North Korea pledges to dismantle its nuclear
Vienna in July 2015 between Iran and site between 23 to 25 May
the P5 (the five permanent members of ● Nuclear tests have taken place in a
the UN Security Council) along with system of tunnels dug below Mount
Germany and the European Union. Mantap, near the Punggye-ri site.
● Six nuclear tests have been carried out
UNDP to set up skill development centre in
there since 2006.
Hyderabad
● The dismantling of the Punggye-ri site,
● The United Nations Development
the exact date of which will depend on
Programme (UNDP) would soon be
weather conditions, will involve the
setting up a skill development centre at
collapsing of all tunnels using explosives
'Bharosa,' an integrated support centre
and the removal of all observation
for distressed women and children in
facilities, research buildings and
Hyderabad, Telangana.
security posts.
● The centre would be aimed at
● DPRK is an acronym for North Korea’s
empowering vulnerable and
official name, the Democratic People’s
marginalised women by imparting skills
Republic of Korea.
training.
● North Korean leader - Kim Jong-un
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Atlantic Treaty that was signed


India Stands 44th In Competitive Rankings, on 4 April 1949.
USA Tops: Report ○ It is headquartered in Brussels,
● India rose one place to 44th this year in Belgium.
the global competitive rankings out of
63 countries that were ranked by the
Nepal becomes first country in south-east Asia
IMD World Competitiveness Center.
to eliminate Trachoma: WHO
● In contrast, China bagged the 13th rank
● World Health Organization (WHO) has
in 2018 as compared to the 18th rank in
validated Nepal for having eliminated
2016.
trachoma, a contagious bacterial
● The top 5 most competitive economies
infection of the eye.
in the world are:
● It makes Nepal first country in WHO’s
○ 1. The USA,
South-East Asia Region to defeat
○ 2. Hong Kong,
trachoma, world’s leading infectious
○ 3. Singapore,
cause of blindness.
○ 4. The Netherlands and
● The eye disease was second leading
○ 5. Switzerland.
cause of preventable blindness in Nepal
in 1980s.
Colombia joined NATO as global partner
● It makes it first Latin American to join
Forbes Released 2018 List Of The World's
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Most Powerful People - Narendra Modi among
(NATO).
top 10
● The announcement came after
● Modi ranks 9th on the Forbes 2018 list
Organization for Economic Cooperation
of 75 of the World's Most Powerful
and Development (OECD) approved
People who make the world turn.
Colombia as a new member.
● Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh
● Other global partners of NATO include
Ambani, with a net worth of 41.2 billion
Afghanistan, Australia, Iraq, Japan,
dollars, is the only other Indian on the
South Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand
power list, ranking 32nd. Microsoft's
and Pakistan.
India-born CEO Satya Nadella is on the
● About NATO:
40th spot.
○ NATO is an intergovernmental
● The list has been topped for the first
military alliance between 29
time ever by Chinese President Xi
North American and European
Jinping, Vladimir Putin Dropped to No.
countries based on the North
2.
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● President Donald Trump falls to the ● The United Nations Human Rights
No. 3 spot. Council consists of 47 member states,
with a specific number of seats given to
each region of the world.
Nobel prize in literature 2018 cancelled after
● Members are elected by the U.N.
sexual assault scandal
General Assembly for three-year terms
● The Nobel Prize in literature will be
and cannot serve more than two terms
not awarded this year following sex-
in a row.
abuse allegations and other issues
within the ranks of the Swedish
Academy that selects the winner. UK Queen approved Brexit Bill, allowed UK to
● For the first time since 1949, the leave European Union
secretive jury that hands out the world’s ● Britain's Queen Elizabeth II granted
most prestigious literary prize will not royal assent to Prime Minister Theresa
unveil a winner this autumn, instead May's flagship Brexit legislation, that
revealing two laureates in 2019. will formally end the country's
European Union membership.
● The EU withdrawal bill repeals the 1972
JUNE 2018
European Communities Act through
which the UK became a member of the
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos became the Richest
bloc.
Person in the World
● Brexit is an abbreviation for "British
● Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos
exit," referring to the UK's decision in a
has become the richest man in the
June 23, 2016 referendum to leave the
world with a net wealth of USD 141.9
European Union (EU).
billion, as per the Forbes World's
Billionaires list.
● Bill Gates, the principal founder of India And Nepal agreed to have Four New Air
Microsoft Corporation, is the second- Gateways
richest man in the world with USD 92.9 ● India has agreed to open four new air
billion. entry points to Nepal in the eastern and
● Warren Buffet ranked third place with western parts of the country.
a total of wealth of USD 82.2 billion. ● This aims at facilitating movement of
international traffic.
● The four routes that India agreed to
United States withdrew from the United
make two-way are
Nations Human Rights Council
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

○ 1)Kathmandu-Biratnagar- ● The FATF is an inter-governmental


Dhaka, body established in 1989 to combat
○ 2)Kathmandu-Janakpur-Kolkata money laundering, terrorist financing
○ 3)Kathmandu-Janakpur-Patna and other related threats to the integrity
in the eastern part of Nepal and of the international financial system.
○ 4)Kathmandu-Mahendranagar-
JULY 2018
Delhi (L626) in the west.

Imran Khan announced his victory in


Nine EU member states agreed to establish a Pakistan’s Parliamentary election
joint military force ● In Pakistan’s Parliamentary election,
● Ministers from France, Germany, cricket star Imran Khan’s Pakistan
Belgium, Britain, Denmark, the Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) won by a
Netherlands, Estonia, Spain and majority of 115 seats but needs allies to
Portugal signed a letter of intent in form govt.
Luxembourg, to establish a joint ● Shehbaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim
European military intervention force. League-Nawaz (PML-N) won 64 seats.
● The campaign to establish an ● Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won 43
autonomous European defence force seats.
was spearheaded by French President ● Women in Dir district in the northwest
Emmanuel Macron. province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, came
out to vote for the first time in the
country's history. Female voters
Pakistan placed on 'Grey list' by Financial
constitute 44.1 percent of the total
Action Task Force
eligible voters across Pakistan. In
● The placement on the “grey list” could
previous elections, women were not
hurt Pakistan's economy as well as its
allowed voting rights.
international standing.
● Quick Review on Pakistani general
● The announcement comes a day after
election, 2018:-
Pakistan submitted a comprehensive 26-
point action plan to the FATF (Financial ♦ General elections were held in
Action Task Force) to choke the Pakistan on 25 July 2018 to elect the
funding of militants groups, including members of the 15th National Assembly
Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz and to the four Provincial Assemblies of
Saeed-led JuD and its affiliates, to avoid Pakistan.
being blacklisted by it.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

♦ More than 20 people were killed in a people every minute, while it continues
suicide bomb blast near a polling station to fall in India.
in Quetta.

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif sentenced


♦ Important Contesting parties are:
to 10 years in jail
►Pakistan Muslim League (PML (N)) -
● Mr. Sharif was disqualified as Prime
Leader:- Shehbaz Sharif
Minister in July 2017 by the Supreme
► Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) -
Court over the purchase of high-end
Leader:- Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
properties in London, worth over £200
► Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) -
million.
Leader:- Imran Khan
● His daughter Maryam Nawaz was
sentenced to seven years in jail and and
World's first digital art museum opened in
son-in-law captain (retired) Safdar
Japan
awarded one-year jail term.
● The world's first all-digital art museum
● The court also imposed a fine of £8
has opened at the MORI Building
million on Mr. Sharif and £2 million on
Digital Art Museum in Japan's Tokyo.
Ms. Maryam.
● It features around 50 kaleidoscopic
installations triggered by motion
sensors, which are projected across
Epidiolex is the world's first medicine made
every surface of the 100,000-square-foot
from marijuana:
exhibit space with the help of lights.
● The US Food and Drug Administration
● The museum appears to be a set of halls
(FDA) approved the first medical drug
with black walls without the lights.
made from marijuana named
"Epidiolex" which will be used to cure
severe forms of epilepsies in children.
● The drug will be used to cure two severe
forms of epilepsy - Lennox-Gastaut
Nigeria has replaced India to become world’s
syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
largest poor population
● About Marijuana:-
● According to Brookings report, with
○ Cannabis, also known as
the persistent decline in poverty, India
marijuana, is a psychoactive
is no longer a nation having the largest
(mood-altering) drug from the
number of poor people in the world.
Cannabis plant used for medical
● The study also highlighted that extreme
or recreational purpose.
poverty in Nigeria is growing by 6
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

○ The possible effects of Mark Zuckerberg becomes the 3rd richest


marijuana include mood person in the world
changes, suicidal thinking, and ● According to Bloomberg, Facebook's
disruption to normal learning 34-year-old CEO Mark Zuckerberg
abilities. became the World's third-richest person
with $81.6 billion wealth.
China approved 1 billion dollar aid to Pakistan
● Amazon's Jeff Bezos remains the
● After Pakistan has been placed in 'grey
world's richest, while Microsoft's Bill
list' by Financial Action Task Force
Gates second-richest.
(FATF), China approved USD 1 billion
● Previously, the world's third-richest
loan to Pakistan.
person was Berkshire Hathaway CEO
● The idea behind putting Pakistan in the
Warren Buffett.
FATF grey list is to deplete its economy
● It's the first time that the three
and eventually pull the plug on terror
wealthiest people on the ranking made
groups.
their fortunes from technology.
● About FATF:

♦ Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is


India surpassed France to become world's
an intergovernmental organization
sixth largest economy
founded in 1989 on the initiative of the
● According to World Bank data on a
G7 to develop policies to combat money
gross domestic product (GDP) of
laundering and terrorism financing.
countries for 2017, India has recorded a
♦ Headquarters: Paris, France
GDP of USD 2,597,491 million,
♦ President: Roger Wilkins
followed by USD 2,582,501 of France.
● United States has topped the list
Miss Spain Angela Ponce 1st transgender
recording a GDP of USD 19,390,604
model at Miss Universe
million, followed by China with USD
● Angela Ponce has become the first-ever
12,237,700 million.
transgender woman to be crowned Miss
Universe Spain.
● She will also compete in the Miss World Cities Summit 2018 held in Singapore
Universe 2018 pageant in Philippines in ● The 6th edition of biennial 'World
December 2018. Cities Summit' was held in Singapore
● Transgender contestants were first from July 8 to 12, 2018, with the theme
allowed to compete in Miss Universe in of "Liveable & Sustainable Cities:
2012. Embracing the Future through
Innovation and Collaboration".
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● The summit will be held together with ● This year, India ranked as the 57th
the Singapore International Water Week most innovative nation in the world, and
and the CleanEnviro Summit Singapore. has improved its ranking from 60th
position last year.
● Since 2011, Switzerland has been
Iceland replaced US and joined as new
ranked at the top every year.
member of UN Human Rights Council
● Top 10 Countries in Global Innovation
● The U.N. General Assembly has elected
Index 2018 are:
Iceland for the U.N. Human Rights
Council (UNHRC), filling the seat 1. Switzerland,
vacated by the United States, which 2. The Netherlands,
withdrew from UNHRC last month. 3. Sweden,
● Iceland was nominated by the group of 4. The United Kingdom,
Western nations and received 172 votes. 5. Singapore,
● Iceland’s term begins immediately and 6. United States of America,
it will serve until December 31, 2019. 7. Finland,
8. Denmark,
9. Germany,
Forbes released 2018 List of America's Richest
10. Ireland.
Self Made Women
Diane Hendricks, co-founder and chairman of
Mukesh Ambani set to become Asia's richest
ABC Supply, reclaims the top position on Forbes
person, Now Jack Ma is at Second Spot
2018 list of America's most successful women
● According to Bloomberg Billionaires
entrepreneurs, with a net worth of $4.9 billion.
Index, Reliance Industries Ltd chairman
● 20-yr-old Kylie Jenner youngest among
Mukesh Ambani overtakes China's
US richest self-made women, with a net
Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma to
worth of $900 million.
become Asia's richest person.
● Two Indian-origin women featured on
● Ambani's net worth now stands at $44.3
this list are Computer networking
billion as compared to Jack Ma's $44
company Arista Networks CEO,
billion wealth.
Jayshree Ullal (ranked 18th with a
● Ambani has added $4 billion to his
fortune of $1.3 billion) and IT consulting
fortune this year as Reliance doubled its
firm Syntel Co-Founder Neerja Sethi
petrochemicals capacity.
(ranked 21st with $1-billion).

UN Security Council adopted a resolution


Global Innovation Index: Switzerland Tops,
2427 to protect children in armed conflict
India Ranks 57th
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● By the terms of resolution 2427 (2018), (West End), Beijing (Finance Street) in
the 15‑ member UN Security Council China, Hong Kong (Kowloon) and
committed to taking concrete action in Beijing (CBD) in China.
response to serious abuses and ● Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex
violations of human rights - including (BKC) slipped to 26th position with an
those of children - which could annual prime rent of USD 96.51 per sq ft
constitute early indications of descent from 16th rank.
into conflict.
● The Council strongly condemned
Boxer Mayweather tops Forbes' list of World's
attacks against schools and hospitals,
highest paid celebrity
which impede children’s access to
● American Boxing champion Floyd
education and health care, as well as
Mayweather has been named the
violations involving the recruitment and
world's highest paid celebrity by Forbes
use of children, rape, sexual violence
with earnings of $285 million in the last
and abductions, among other crimes.
12 months.
● About UN Security Council (UNSC):-
● Actor George Clooney take the No. 2
○ UNSC is most powerful and one
spot with the highest annual pay of his
of the six principal organs UN.
career.
○ It has 15 members, including
● Reality star Kylie Jenner, 20, came in
five permanent members which
third on the annual Forbes Celebrity 100
are China, France, Russia, UK
list.
and US.
● Lionel Messi (ranked 8th with $111
○ It's primary responsibility is to
million) and Cristiano Ronaldo (ranked
maintain international peace
10th with $108 million) were the only
and security.
other athletes in the top 10.

Delhi's Connaught Place ranked world's 9th


most costliest office location
Israeli parliament passed bill defining the
● According to American property
country as Jewish state
consultant CBRE, New Delhi's
● This bill is assumed to be granting an
Connaught Place is the 9th most
advantageous status to Jewish-only
expensive location globally to set up or
communities and downgrading Arabic
rent an office, with an annual rent of
from an official language to one with a
₹10,512 per square feet.
“special status.”
● Hong Kong (Central) is at the first
● 62 lawmakers voted in favor of this bill
position with an annual rent of $306.57
and 55 opposed it.
per square feet, followed by London
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Currently, in Israel, 74.5% of the Center on Public Diplomacy, France


population are Jews. Arabs make up 20% placed second and Germany as third
of Israel’s population. followed by the US.
● India does not figure on the list, but this
● About Israel:- year's report also features a chapter
dedicated solely to Asia, listing 10
♦ Capital and largest city -
countries in the region, ranking India's
Jerusalem.
soft power as eighth.
♦ Currency - New shekel
♦ Official languages - Hebrew
♦ Second language - Arabic EU and Japan signed major trade deal
♦ President - Reuven Rivlin ● Japan and the EU (European Union)
♦ Prime Minister - Benjamin signed a trade deal, as an act against
Netanyahu protectionism, as Washington puts up
♦ Israeli parliament is called as - barriers and threatens a trade war.
Knesset (Hebrew: "Assembly"). ● The deal which is signed in Tokyo is the
largest ever negotiated by the EU.
Qatar ranked first in overall 4G mobile ● It is aimed to create a massive free trade
internet speeds zone, eliminating tariffs for everything
● According to data speed tester Ookla, from Japanese cars to French cheese.
India ranks 109th in overall 4G mobile ● The agreement is expected to enter into
internet speeds with an average force in 2019.
download speed of 9.12 Mbps which is ● Japan's Prime Minister - Shinzo Abe
less than Pakistan (14.03 Mbps). ● EU Council President - Donald Tusk
● Out of the list comprising 124 countries,
Qatar ranked first in the list with 63.22
AUGUST 2018
Mbps average download speed.
● Norway stood second in the list with
Forbes released its 2018 top 10 lists of World’s
62.14 Mbps download speed.
highest paid Actors, Sportswomen and
Actresses
UK topped Global Ranking of Nations' soft World’s Top 10 Highest Paid Actors 2018
power ● Akshay Kumar has emerged as the
● In 2018 'Soft Power 30' index, published seventh highest-paid actor in the world
by UK-based strategic communications by earning USD 40.5 million in 2018.
consultancy firm Portland and the ● Salman Khan ranked ninth place with
University of Southern California USD 38.5 million.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Hollywood star George Clooney tops PV Sindhu is the only Indian to feature
the list of 'World's Highest-Paid Actors in Forbes' list of top 10 highest-paid
2018' with $239 Million. female athletes of 2018.
● Placed seventh, Sindhu is the only
badminton player in the list, which
Rank Actor features eight tennis players and one
race car driver- Danica Patrick.
● Twenty-three-time Grand Slam
1 George Clooney
champion Serena Williams tops the
list, with $18.1-million total earnings.
2 Dwayne Johnson

Rank Sportswomen
3 Robert Downey Jr

1 Serena Williams
4 Chris Hemsworth

2 Caroline Wozniacki
5 Jackie Chan

3 Sloane Stephens
6 Will Smith

4 Garbine Muguruza
7 Akshay Kumar

5 Maria Sharapova
8 Adam Sandler

6 Venus Williams
9 Salman Khan

7 P.V. Sindhu
10 Chris Evans

8 Simona Halep

World’s Top 10 Highest Paid Sportswomen


9 Danica Patrick
● With earnings of $8.5 million (nearly
₹60 crore), Rio Olympic silver medallist
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

10 Angelique Kerber 8 Cate Blanchett

9 Melissa McCarthy
World’s Top 10 Highest Paid Actresses
● Scarlett Johansson’s role as Marvel
10 Gal Gadot
superhero Black Widow catapulted her
to the top of Forbes’ annual list of the
world’s highest-paid actresses, with
$40.5 million. Scott Morrison elected as New Prime Minister
● With $28 million, Angelina Jolie ranked Of Australia
second and is followed by Jennifer ● Scott Morrison was sworn in as
Aniston. Australia's seventh prime minister in 11
● Indian actress Deepika Padukone and years after a stunning party revolt
Priyanka Chopra are also renowned against Malcolm Turnbull.
names in the west.

Imran Khan elected as 22nd Prime Minister


Rank Actress
Of Pakistan, took oath on 18th August
● Former cricketer and Pakistan Tehreek-
1 Scarlett Johansson e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan was
administered the oath by President
Mamnoon Hussain.
2 Angelina Jolie
● Pakistan’s 15th National Assembly
election was held on July 25, in which
3 Jennifer Aniston Imran Khan’s PTI emerged as the
largest party securing 116 seats.

4 Jennifer Lawrence

UN E-Government Index: India ranked 96th


5 Reese Witherspoon Denmark tops the list
● India jumped 22 places to 96th rank in
the top 100 of the United Nations E-
6 Mila Kunis
Government Development Index (EGDI)
2018.
7 Julia Roberts ● Denmark, with an index value of 0.9150,
topped the 2018 E-Government
Development Survey.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● The E-Government survey is released by ● Apple CEO - Tim Cook.


the United Nations in every two years.
● The 2018 edition was titled as 'Gearing
Emmerson Mnangagwa again won
E-Government to Support
Presidential election in Zimbabwe
Transformation towards sustainable and
● Current Zimbabwe President,
resilient societies'.
Emmerson Mnangagwa won 50.8
percent of total votes.
● Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa of
Rank Country EGDI Index
Movement for Democratic Change party
Value
(MDC) party secured 44.3 percent votes.
1 Denmark 0.9150 ● Emmerson Mnangagwa has been sworn
in as Zimbabwe's president on
November 2017, just days after Robert
2 Australia 0.9053
Mugabe resigned.

3 Republic of 0.9010
Korea NASA selects Indian origin Sunita Williams
among 9 astronauts for human spaceflight
4 The United 0.8999
● Williams has been named for the
Kingdom
Boeing programme to the ISS
5 Sweden 0.8882 (International Space Station), the first
test flight scheduled to take place in the
6 Finland 0.8815 middle of 2019.
● The eight active NASA (National
Aeronautics and Space Administration)
Apple becomes First $1 Trillion Company in astronauts and one former astronaut-
History turned-corporate crew member will
● Apple Inc. became the first U.S.-based launch on Boeing CST-100 Starliner
company with a market value of $1 and SpaceX Dragon Capsule to the
trillion, four decades after it was co- International Space Station beginning in
founded by Steve Jobs in a Silicon 2019.
Valley garage and later revolutionized ● The Eight other astronauts are:
the worlds of computing, music and ○ Victor Glover,
mobile communications. ○ Robert Behnken,
● The iMac desktop computer, the iPod, ○ Michael Hopkins,
iPhone, and iPad were smash hits. ○ Douglas Hurley,
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

○ Eric Boe, ○ Capital - Tokyo.


○ Christopher Ferguson, ○ Currency - Japanese Yen.
○ Josh Cassada, and ○ Prime Minister - Shinzo Abe
○ Nicole Mann. (Since 2012)

Japan overtakes China as World's 2nd biggest Oscar Academy is adding a New Category for
stock market Popular Films
● As a result of China's trade war with the ● The new Oscar will be awarded for
US and its campaign to cut debt, the "Outstanding Achievement in Popular
value of China's stock market fell to Film" and will be introduced this
$6.09 trillion, losing its position as the coming year, at the 91st Oscars.
World's second biggest stock market to ● The Academy of Motion Picture Arts
Japan ($6.17 trillion). and Sciences, which awards the Oscars,
● The U.S. has the world's largest stock has added a new category after 17 years
market at just over $31 trillion. to recognise popular films.
● China's stock market overtook Japan's ● The last category to be added was 'Best
in 2014 and soared to an all-time high Animated Feature Film'.
of over $10 trillion in 2015. ● President of Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences - John Bailey.

Japan commemorates 73rd Anniversary of


Hiroshima and Nagasaki Atomic Bombings Macau set to overtake Qatar as world's richest
● On August 6, 1945 at 8:15 a.m., the US place by 2020
B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped the 20 ● According to the Inter-national
kiloton atomic bomb "Little Boy," on Monetary Fund (IMF), Macau in China
Hiroshima, which devastated most of would overtake oil-rich Qatar with the
the city, killing 80,000 people instantly, highest per-capita gross domestic
leaving 12,000 missing and 40,000 product of any country or jurisdiction on
wounded. earth, by 2020.
● On August 9, 1945, at 11:01 a.m., ● Macau is the only place in China where
another US bomber dropped the 21 casinos are legal and its gross domestic
kiloton atomic bomb "Fat Man" on product has more than tripled from
another Japanese city - Nagasaki - about $34,500 per capita in 2001, the
killing about 40,000 people and leaving IMF data shows.
60,000 injured. ● Three European countries --
● About Japan: Luxembourg, Ireland, and Norway --
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

made the top 10 places expected to be ● Osaka in Japan came third followed by
the world’s wealthiest by 2020, while the Calgary in Canada while Sydney is fifth.
US came in at No.12. ● Syrian city Damascus was placed at the
bottom of the list.

BBC's ‘Women Who Changed The World List’:


Marie Curie Topped Asad Qaiser has been elected as the Speaker of
● BBC History magazine compiled a list of Pakistan parliament
“100 women who changed the world”, in ● Asad Qaiser of Pakistan Tehreek-e
which, Polish-born Marie Curie, who Insaf (PTI) party has been elected as the
undertook pioneering research into Speaker of Pakistan’s parliament.
radioactivity in the early 20th century, ● He secured 176 votes and defeated
was voted number one. She was the first Khursheed Shah.
person to win two Nobel prizes. ● He was sworn in as the Speaker of the
● Top 10 in the BBC History Magazine National Assembly, Parliament’s lower
list: house on 15th August.

1. Marie Curie
2. Rosa Parks Mario Abdo Benitez sworn in as the 50th
3. Emmeline Pankhurst President of Paraguay
4. Ada Lovelace ● Benitez clinched the top spot after
5. Rosalind Franklin defeating his closest rival, Efrain Alegre
6. Margaret Thatcher from the liberal opposition alliance, by
7. Angela Burdett-Coutts four percentage points in the nation’s
8. Mary Wollstonecraft elections.
9. Florence Nightingale ● 46-year-old Benitez replaces Horacio
10. Marie Stopes Cartes. Both are from the conservative
Colorado Party.
Vienna named world's most liveable city, ● About Mario Abdo Benítez:
Melbourne at 2nd
♦ Got involved in politics in
● For the first time, Austria's capital
2004.
Vienna has topped the Economist
♦ Founded a political faction
Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability
with the grandson of Paraguay's
Index for 2018, beating Australian city
former dictator Alfredo
Melbourne, which had topped the list
Stroessner.
for the past seven years.
♦ Opposes same-sex marriage
and the legalisation of abortion.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Yemen, Libya, Venezuela and Equatorial


Ibrahim Boubacar Keita re-elected as Mali Guinea.
president
Scotland 1st country in the World to give
● Keita won with 67 percent of the vote in
students free sanitary products
a runoff against opposition candidate
Soumaila Cisse.
● Scotland has become the world's first
● Keita, who is 73, will take office on
country to provide free sanitary
September 4. His immediate challenges
products to all students in a bid to tackle
include strengthening a 2015 peace
"period poverty".
accord between the government, its
● Scottish government approved a £5.2
allies, and former Tuareg rebels.
million ($6.7 million) initiative that will
● About Mali:
make sanitary products free at all
○ Mali is the eighth-largest
schools, colleges and universities.
country in Africa.
Nearly 4 lakh pupils and students are
○ Population - 18 million
expected to benefit from the Scottish
○ Capital - Bamako
government's scheme.
○ Official language - French
● One UNESCO report estimates that one
○ Currency - West African CFA
in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss 20
franc
percent of the school year because of
their period.

Greece exits eurozone bailout programme


after 8 years
Germany offers Rs 990 crore loan for Clean
● Greece emerged from the eurozone
Ganga Mission
bailout programme after eight years,
● In an effort to clean the river Ganga,
successfully completing its third
Germany is providing a soft loan of
bailout programme worth €61.9
euro 120 million (approx. Rs 990 crore)
billion.
to India to strengthen sewage water
● The European Union, European Central
treatment infrastructure in
Bank and IMF had loaned Greece €289
Uttarakhand.
billion under the three bailout deals, in
● The purpose of the project ‘Clean Ganga
support of macroeconomic adjustment
Mission’ is to reduce the inflow of
and bank recapitalization.
untreated wastewater in River Ganga
● According to the International
and, thus, to improve the water quality
Monetary Fund (IMF), only four
of the river.
countries have shrunk economically
● The initiative also includes construction
more than Greece in the past decade:
of 13 sewage pumping stations.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Purpose:- To launch India's first bullet


SEPTEMBER 2018 train by 2022.
● The 508-km high speed train corridor
Arif Alvi is elected as new President of between Mumbai and Ahmedabad at an
Pakistan estimated cost of Rs 1,10,000 crore is
● Arif Alvi is a close ally of Prime expected to be operational by 2022.
Minister Imran Khan and one of the ● National High-Speed Rail Corporation
founding members of the Pakistan Limited (NHSRCL) will be responsible
Tehreek-e-Insaf ( PTI) party. for executing the project of the high-
● The 69-year-old former dentist defeated speed train corridor.
Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Aitzaz
Ahsan and Pakistan Muslim League-
Facebook to open its 1st ever Asian data centre
Nawaz’s (PML-N) Maulana Fazlur
in Singapore
Rehman to become the 13th President.
● Facebook will invest over $1 billion to
● Arif Alvi took the oath of office on
build its first Asian data centre in
September 9 as the outgoing President
Singapore, which is expected to open in
Mamnoon Hussain’s five-year tenure
2022.
ends on September 8.
● The new site is at Tanjong Kling,
located in the western part of Singapore,
Amazon hits USD 1 trillion market and in an area formerly known as Data
capitalisation after Apple Centre Park.
● World's richest man Jeff Bezos-led e- ● Facebook runs 15 other data centres
commerce major Amazon became the worldwide, mostly in the US and
2nd publicly traded US company to hit European markets such as Ireland and
$1 trillion in market capitalisation after Sweden.
iPhone maker Apple.
● Amazon stock has more than doubled in
First ever bus services between Bihar and
the last 12 months and has gained more
Nepal flagged off
than 70% in 2018.
● Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar
flagged off the first bus service between
Bihar and Nepal.
India to buy 18 bullet trains from Japan for Rs
● Four buses will ply from Bodhgaya to
7,000 crore
Kathmandu via Patna,Raxaul and
● Each train will have 10 coaches and
Birgunj. Similar four buses will ply from
would be able to cruise at the speed of
350 km per hour.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Patna to Janakpur that will go via


Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi. SpaceX to send Japanese billionaire Yusaku
as the first ever
● Elon Musk-led startup SpaceX revealed
India to supply 160 railway coaches to Sri
that Yusaku Maezawa,founder of
Lanka
Japan's largest clothing website
● The agreement to supply the railway
Zozotown, has signed up to be the
passenger coaches custom-made in
world's first private passenger to fly
India, valued at around $82.64 million,
around the Moon.
was signed between RITES Limited of
● Only 24 humans have been to the Moon
India and Sri Lankan government in
in history.
Colombo.
● India has already completed projects
close to $1 billion under concessional U.N. declared 2019-2028 as the Nelson
financing in the railway sector in Sri Mandela Decade of Peace
Lanka including railway lines to Jaffna ● This incident took place at the Nelson
and Talaimannar. Mandela peace summit honouring the
South African leader at the UN.
● He also unveiled a statue of Nelson
India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline Project
Mandela at the UN marking the 100th
inaugurated
anniversary of Mandela’s birth.
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his
Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina
jointly inaugurated the construction of OCTOBER 2018
the India-Bangladesh Friendship
Pipeline Project through video Nikki Haley resigned as U.S. Ambassador to
conferencing. the United Nations
● The 130-kilometre-long pipeline will ● Indian American Nikki Haley resigned
connect Siliguri in West Bengal and as the United States Ambassador to the
Parbatipur in Bangladesh Dinajpur United Nations (UN).
district, and will be used for importing ● Despite her statement that she will not
oil. run for the 2020 election, it is expected
● The third and fourth Dual Gauge line of that she might contest in the 2020
Dhaka-Tongi section and Dual Gauge presidential election.
Double line of Tongi-Joydebpur section ● In her political career, she was the
of Bangladesh Railway were also Governor of South Carolina. She was
inaugurated.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

elected as the State’s first woman ● The world’s longest sea-crossing bridge
Governor in 2010. will be at the heart of an integrated
● She was offered the job of Ambassador Greater Bay Area (GBA) covering 11
to the UN by President Donald Trump. major neighbouring cities, which
● Ms.Haley has carved out a space for include Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou
herself in the Republican politics in and Shenzhen.
America. She raised her voice against ● The giant GBA comprises of 68 million
racism and on issues of gender. people.
● Her tenure at the UN has been marked ● The bridge has been built to withstand
by her strident campaign against Russia, super-typhoons, a magnitude 8
Iran and Syria. Mr.Trump appreciated earthquake, as well as hits by super-
her service. sized cargo ships.
● A 6.7 km underground sea tunnel to
allow the uninterrupted flow of shipping
Clear Sky 2018: Ukraine Launches Air
above, along with the super-busy Pearl
Exercises With NATO Countries
River Delta, is also part of the bridge’s
● Ukraine began a series of large-
design. In the end, it will cut the travel
scale air force exercises with the
time between the three cities from three
United States and other NATO
hours to just 30 minutes.
countries.
● It took about a decade to build the $20
● The "Clear Sky 2018" war
billion bridge.
games are being held in western
Ukraine.
Seychelles launches World’s First Sovereign
● The main aim is to enhance regional
Blue Bond
capabilities to secure air sovereignty and
● The Republic of Seychelles has launched
promote peace and security through
the world’s first sovereign blue bond - a
cooperation.
pioneering financial instrument
designed to support sustainable marine
Xi inaugurated world’s longest sea bridge and fisheries projects.
● The Seychelles blue bond is partially
● Xi Jinping, Chinese President
guaranteed by a US$5 million
inaugurated a 55-km, world’s longest
guarantee from the World Bank (IBRD)
sea-crossing bridge Hong Kong-Macau-
and further supported by a US$5
Zhuhai Bridge (HMZB).
million concessional loan from the
● It will deepen the integration of Hong
GEF which will partially cover interest
Kong and Macao with the rest of China.
payments for the bond.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Seychelles capital - Victoria; ● India was elected to the United Nations’


● Currency - Seychellois rupee. top human rights body for a period of
three years beginning January 1, 2019.
● India got total 188 votes, the highest
India donates 3 lakh dollars for United
number of votes among all candidates in
Nations' peacekeeping initiative
the Asia-Pacific category.
● India has donated three lakh dollars for
● The 18 new members were elected by
a peacekeeping initiative at the United
absolute majority through a secret
Nations.
ballot. Countries needed a minimum of
● India's Permanent Representative at the
97 votes to get elected to the Council.
UN, Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin.
● In the Asia Pacific category, India got
● The UN Department of Field Support
188 votes followed by Fiji with 187 votes,
announced that the Indian government
Bangladesh 178, Bahrain and
donated the amount for the 'Pipeline to
Philippines 165 each.
Peacekeeping Command Programme'
with a specific focus on issues of
conduct and discipline among the NOVEMBER 2018
peacekeeping personnel.
G20 Summit 2018 begun in Argentina

Canada Becomes 2nd Country to Legalize


● The 2018 G20 Summit began on
Recreational Cannabis
November 28, 2018 in the city of Buenos
● Canada has become the second country
Aires, Argentina. It is the 13th meeting
after Uruguay to legalize possession and
of Group of Twenty (G20) and the first
use of recreational cannabis.
G20 summit to be hosted in South
America
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be
Global Hunger Index 2018: Important
representing India at the Summit and is
Highlights
scheduled to meet US President Donald
● India has been ranked at the 103rd
Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping,
position among 119 countries.
UN Secretary-General Antonio
● The 2018 global hunger index is
Guterres, Argentina President Mauricio
prepared by Welthungerhilfe together
Macri, Chilean President Sebastian
with Concern Worldwide.
Pinera and German Chancellor Angela
India wins election to UN Human Rights Merkel, on the sidelines of the summit
Council ● Member Countries:
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● The members of the G20 consist of 19 ● Overall 25 cities across the world have
individual countries plus the European been selected in five categories by the
Union (EU) UN Global Sustainable Development
● The 19 member countries of the forum Goals (SDG) cities initiative
are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, ● In September 2015, the UN General
China, France, Germany, India, Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for
Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Sustainable Development that includes
Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, 17 SDGs, otherwise known as the Global
Turkey, United Kingdom and the Goals, a universal call to action to end
United States poverty, protect the planet and ensure
that all people enjoy peace and
prosperity
Global Wage Report 2018 Released,
Bangladesh's gender wage gap lowest in the
globe Ohio becomes the first US state to accept taxes
in Bitcoin
● According to the report the global ● Ohio will become the first US state to
average monthly gender pay gap was accept payment of taxes by businesses in
21.2% in 2017, while Bangladesh gender Bitcoin, beginning this week
pay gap was only 2.2%, the lowest in the ● Businesses can pay 23 different taxes
world with Bitcoin, from employee
● Pakistan topped the gap chart by 43.8% withholding tax to fuel and sales tax,
● Nepal topped the low income group through an online cryptocurrency portal
with 26.7% gap and the average gender ● The state will use BitPay, a
pay gap is 21.2% cryptocurrency global payment system,
to complete the process

UN selects Noida, Greater Noida to participate


in Global Sustainable Cities 2025 initiative World's largest airport under one roof opened
in Istanbul, Turkey
● A senior UN official said the twin-cities ● World’s largest airport terminal under
in Gautam Buddha Nagar district, one roof with a capacity to serve 90
adjoining the national capital, have been million passengers was opened in
selected in the "University City" Istanbul, Turkey
category ahead of Mumbai and ● It has been constructed as a part of the
Bengaluru as the only invitee from India phase-1A of the project, Istanbul New
Airport
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● It has been constructed by – IGA and Union Cabinet approves opening up of


the first phase costed 7.5 billion Euro. It International Solar Alliance membership to all
has five pier blocks as well as 77 UN countries
boarding gates and 143 aero-bridges ● The decision was taken to put solar
energy on the global agenda with the
universal appeal for developing and
India to extend USD 310 mn loan for
deploying solar energy
Zimbabwe power plant
● International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an
● India announced that it would extend a
alliance dedicated to the promotion of
$310 million loan to Zimbabwe to
solar energy among its member
finance a rehabilitation project for a
countries and is headquartered at
thermal power plant that would entail
Gurugram, India
upgrading the station and extending its
● The main objective of ISA is to include
lifespan
global deployment of over 1,000GW of
● A fund of $2.9 million will also be
solar generation capacity and
extended to upgrade the Indo-Zim
mobilisation of investment of over $1000
Technology Centre, which India had
billion into solar energy by 2030
gifted to the African country

India and Japan signed a loan agreement


Singapore is Asia’s most sustainable city
worth Rs.1,817 crore for Hydel power project
● Singapore maintained its rank as
in Bengal
number one Asian city in the
● Turga pumped storage hydel power
Sustainability Index by engineering
project is to be constructed at Purulia in
firm Arcadis
West Bengal
● The Sustainability Index assessed cities
● This project will contribute to the
based on 3 pillars: profit pillar, people
industrial development and living
pillar and planet pillar
standards in the state
● Singapore secured fourth place in global
● The deal was signed by the Additional
rankings
Secretary of the Department of
● As per the study, Singapore ranked first
Economic Affairs (DEA), C.S.
for the profit pillar that assesses the
Mohapatra, and Katsuo Matsumoto,
business environment and economic
chief representative of the Japan
performance of cities
International Cooperation Agency
(JICA)
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

UNSC agreed to lift sanctions against Eritrea remaining 21 percent was provided by
after nine years Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United
Arab Emirates
● The United Nations Security Council ● Morocco bought 12 high speed trains
(UNSC) lifted a range of sanctions from French train manufacturer Alstom
against Eritrea four months after that
country and Ethiopia signed a peace
IISc, IIT-Delhi among top 100 in Global
agreement that UN chief António
University Employability Ranking 2018
Guterres described as 'a wind blowing
● The Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
in the direction of peace'
in Bangalore (28th position) , Indian
● An arms embargo, asset freeze, and
Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
travel ban were imposed in 2009 amid
(53rd position) and Bombay are among
claims that Eritrea supported militancy
the top education institutions from
in Somalia
India that have made it to the top 150
● The resolution was drafted by the
list of the 'Global University
United Kingdom and backed by the
Employability Ranking'
United States and its allies
● The Harvard University topped the list,
followed by the California Institute of
Morocco unveils Africa's first ever high speed Technology and Massachusetts Institute
train line of Technology

● French President Emmanuel Macron


100 years of World War 1 - India marks
and Morocco's King Mohammed VI
Armistice day in Paris, France
have inaugurated Morocco's first high-
● Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, on a
speed rail line, the first ever such line in
three-day visit to Paris, represented
Africa. Known as the LGV, it will
India at the Armistice of World War I
connect the economic hubs of Tangier
centenary commemoration
and Casablanca in 2 hours 10 minutes at
● He inaugurated the Indian Armed
a speed of up to 320 kph (199 mph)
Forces Memorial at Villers Guislain in
instead of almost 5 hours on a regular
France, the first India-built war
train
memorial in the country, as a tribute to
● The $2 billion project was launched in
Indian soldiers who lost their lives
September 2011 by the king and Nicolas
during World War I
Sarkozy, then president of France
● Nearly 1.3 million Indian soldiers
● France financed 51 percent of the
fought during World War I, out of which
project, Morocco 28 percent and the
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

1,40,000 Indian soldiers took part in Myanmar, citing her defense of the
World War I in France and Belgium military’s deadly crackdown against
● The main motif of the Indian War Rohingya Muslims and growing
Memorial at Villers Guislain is the restrictions on free speech
Indian national emblem which consists ● The international human rights group
of Ashoka lions along with a bronze 'Amnesty International' named Ms Suu
wreath, plaque, and lances which have Kyi as its 2009 Ambassador of
been designed in India Conscience Award recipient when she
● Brief About World War I: was still under house arrest for her
○ World War I (or the First World opposition to Myanmar's oppressive
War) was a global war which military junta
began on July 28, 1914 and
lasted until November 11, 1918.
U.S. suspended USD 1.66 billion assistance to
The war lasted exactly four
Pakistan
years, three months and 14 days
● The U.S. suspended $1.66 billion in
○ 135 countries took part in World
security assistance to Pakistan. This
War I, and nearly 10 million
happened days after President Donald
people died while fighting
Trump said the country does not do “a
○ The war was ended by the
damn thing” for America alleging that
signing of many different
its government had helped al-Qaeda
treaties, the most important
chief Osama bin Laden hide near its
being the Treaty of Versailles
garrison city of Abbottabad
● Ties between the US and Pakistan
World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) is
strained after Trump, while announcing
observed from Nov 12 to Nov 18
his Afghanistan and South Asia policy
● The main aim is to increase global
in August last year, hit out at Pakistan
awareness of antibiotic resistance and
for providing safe havens to "agents of
to encourage best practices among the
chaos" that kill Americans in
general public
Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that
it has "much to lose" by harboring
Amnesty International withdraws Human terrorists
Rights Award from Myanmar's Aung San Suu ● In September, the Trump administration
Kyi cancelled $300 million in military aid
● Amnesty International had withdrawn to Islamabad for not doing enough
its highest human rights honor from against terror groups like the Haqqani
Aung San Suu Kyi, the civilian leader of
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Network and the Taliban active on its ○ HCL Tech Vice Chairperson
soil Roshni Nadar Malhotra
(ranked 51st)
○ Biocon Chairperson Kiran
DECEMBER 2018
Mazumdar-Shaw (ranked 60)
○ HT Media MD Shobhana
Vanessa Ponce de Leon crowned as Miss
Bhartia (ranked 88th)
World
○ Actress Priyanka Chopra
(placed at 94)
● Miss Mexico Vanessa Ponce de Leon,
26, a Mexican model and volunteer, has have been named in Forbes' World's 100
been crowned Miss World at a glitzy Most Powerful Women list 2018
event on the tropical Chinese island of ● The list, which featured four Indians,
Hainan. She holds a degree in has been topped by German Chancellor
international business, volunteers for Angela Merkel for the eighth
“Migrantes en el Camino” and is on the consecutive year
board of directors of a rehab centre for ● Others in the list include Serena
girls Williams and Melinda Gates
● She was crowned as the 68th Miss
World by last year’s winner, Manushi
As many as 164 countries adopted first-ever
Chhillar of India, in the coastal city of
global migration agreement in Morocco
Sanya
● First runner-up was Thailand’s
● The UN's Global Compact for Safe,
Nicolene Pichapa Limsnukan, a 20-
Orderly and Regular Migration aims to
year-old studying business
enhance international cooperation on
administration. Miss Belarus Maria
migration issues
Vasilevich, Miss Jamaica Khadijah
● The US, Australia, Austria, Chile,
Robinson and Miss Uganda Quiin
Hungary and Poland are among the
Abenakyo were among the final five
nations that have pulled out from the
● It is the eighth time the Miss World
non-binding pact
final has been held in Sanya, which first
● It comprises 23 objectives for better
hosted the pageant in 2003
management of migration at local,
national, regional and global levels
World's 100 Most Powerful Women List 2018
US, Mexico and Canada sign new trade deal to
by Forbes
replace NAFTA
● Four Indian women namely
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● US President Donald Trump, Mexican ● Children from smaller countries are


President Enrique Peña Nieto and recruited in orphanages in the West for
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau signed the purpose of profit through foreign aid
the new US-Mexico-Canada
Agreement (USMCA) which will
UAE passport tops the Global Passport Power
replace the 24-year-old North American
Rank 2018
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
● As per the ratings released by Passport
● USMCA will govern over a trillion
Index, the United Arab Emirates
dollars worth of trade between the three
(UAE) has topped the Global Passport
countries
Power Rank 2018, emerging as the
● The new agreement requires that 40% of
country with the most powerful passport
cars eventually be made in countries
in world
that pay auto workers at least $16 an
● UAE passport holders can now fly to
hour – that is, the US and Canada and
113 countries without a visa, and 54
not Mexico – to qualify for duty-free
others with a visa-on-arrival
treatment under the trade pact
● Singapore and Germany ranks second
with 166 countries
Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador became first ● India ranked 66th in Global Passport
leftist president of Mexico Power Rank 2018
● He became as President and signed an
agreement with three Central American
Qatar to pull out from OPEC
counterparts to create a plan to stem the
● Qatar is to leave the Organization of
flow of migrants seeking asylum in the
the Petroleum Exporting Countries
USA
(OPEC) in January 2019 in order to
● About Mexico:-
focus on gas production
○ Capital: Mexico City
○ National language: Spanish
○ Currency: Peso (MXN)
● Qatar has been a member of OPEC
since 1961, and the decision to pull out
after all these decades comes at a
Australia Become first Country To Recognise
turbulent time in Gulf politics, with
Orphanage Trafficking As Slavery
Doha under a boycott by former
● Australia becomes the first country in
neighboring allies, including Saudi
the world to recognize ‘orphanage
Arabia, for 18 months
trafficking’ as a form of modern slavery
● Qatar is the world's biggest supplier of
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG),
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

producing almost 30 percent of the First International Conference on Sustainable


world total Water Management Held in Mohali
● The decision to increase the supply of ● The first International Conference on
natural gas is to develop a future ‘Sustainable Water Management’ was
strategy based on growth and expansion, held at Indian School of Business (ISB)
both in its activities at home and abroad in Mohali, Punjab
● The theme of the international
conference is ‘Sustainable Water
Luxembourg to become first country to make
Management’
all public transport free
● Luxembourg is set to become the first
country in the world to make all public Climate Change Performance Index: Sweden
transport free, implementing the move tops in the Ranking, India at 11th position
in 2020 ● U.S. dropped from 56th to 59th place
● The move is aimed at addressing due to high emissions and poor ratings
environmental issues and the problem of for the federal government’s policies
traffic congestion ● The bottom 5 consisted of: Saudi Arabia
● Earlier this year, Luxembourg (60), US (59), Iran (58), Korea (57),
introduced free transport for all people Chinese Taipei (56)
under the age of 20.

Philippines' Catriona Gray crowned Miss


Japan chose Disaster as symbol for 2018 Universe 2018
● Japan selected the Chinese character for ● Catriona Elisa Gray became the fourth
‘disaster’ as its ‘defining symbol’ for woman from the country to win the title
2018. The country selected it as it was ● Tamaryn Green from South Africa was
hit by deadly floods, earthquakes, and named the first runner-up while Miss
storms. The event was organized by the Venezuela Sthefany Gutiérrez stood
Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing third at the pageant which was held in
Foundation Bangkok, Thailand
● Japanese TV stations broadcast the ● India was represented by 22-year-old
annual announcement live, with Seihan Nehal Chudasama, who couldn't qualify
Mori, master of the ancient Kiyomizu for top 20.
temple in Kyoto, writing the character
India overtakes Germany to become seventh
on a huge white panel with an ink-
largest Stock Market
soaked calligraphy brush
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● India's stock market has overtaken ● The IWC, established in 1946 to


Germany's to become the seventh- conserve and manage the world's whale
largest in the world with a market and cetacean population, introduced a
capitalisation of $2.08 trillion moratorium on commercial whaling in
● This is the first time in seven years that 1986
India moved past the equity market of
Europe's largest economy, according to
Thailand becomes 1st country in Southeast
Bloomberg
Asia to legalize medical marijuana
● The junta-appointed parliament voted
● At $27.07 trillion, US is world's biggest 166-0 to amend the Narcotic Act of
stock market, followed by China ($5.46 1979 to legalise the medicinal use of
trillion) and Japan ($5.41 trillion) marijuana
● Marijuana was used in Thailand to
relieve pain and fatigue until its use
Burundi names Gitega as new capital
was criminalised in the country in the
● Burundi confirmed the small central city
1930s
of Gitega the country’s new political
● In Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia,
capital
marijuana traffickers who are caught,
● About Burundi:
face capital punishment
○ Capital: Gitega

○ Currency: Euro
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
○ President:Frank-Walter
JANUARY 2018
Steinmeier

○ Language: Kirundi, French, and Women & Child Development Ministry Inaugurated

English Online Portal NARI

● Women and Child Development Minister


Japan announces IWC withdrawal, will resume
Maneka Gandhi inaugurated an online
commercial whaling
portal NARI in New Delhi for the
● Japan is withdrawing from the
empowerment of women.
International Whaling Commission
● The portal will provide women with easy
(IWC) and will resume commercial
access to information on government
whaling in July 2019, in a move expected
schemes and initiatives for women.
to spark international criticism
● The portal summarises over 350
government schemes and other important
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

information. It provides links to the need attention and is appreciated by the


Ministries, Departments and autonomous people for this unique move of the
bodies offering these schemes as well as authorities and officials.
easy access to online applications and ● Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
grievance redressal. approved and tweeted to let 40
electronic buses run on the streets of
Mumbai.
Union Cabinet approves establishment of new AIIMS
● This concept was coined by three
at Bilaspur
members Armaan Jain, Murtuza
Kothawala and Shyam Dyate working
● The Union Cabinet approved the
under the CM Fellowship program.
establishment of new All India Institute of
● With the aim of contributing their
Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Bilaspur in
share, they came up with the idea of
Himachal Pradesh under Pradhan Mantri
providing Mumbai with electronic
Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).
buses.
● The new AIIMS will be completed in a
● The BEST issued tender of buying new
period of 48 months.
buses in order to put this idea into
● It will consist of a hospital with a capacity
action.
of 750 beds and trauma center facilities. It
will also have a Medical college with an
intake of 100 MBBS students per year. Indian Railways to Equip All 8,500
● Under this scheme, AIIMS have been Stations With Free Public Wi-Fi
established in Bhubaneshwar (Odisha), Facility
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Raipur
● All railway station nearly 8,500 across
(Chhattisgarh), Jodhpur (Rajasthan),
the country, including those in rural and
Rishikesh and Patna (Bihar) while work of
remote areas will be equipped with Wi-
AIIMS Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh) is in
Fi facilities at an estimated cost of Rs.
progress.
700 crore ($110 million).
● As part of the government's ambitious
Mumbai to get 40 electronic buses
Digital India initiative, the national
announcement by CM Fadnavis
transporter has currently commissioned
● Pollution is hitting hard on people and
Wi-Fi services at 216 major stations
in order to curb this situation, the
enabling about seven million rail
officials are trying hard to take out ways
passengers to log on to the free Internet
to get away from this problem.
facility. 1,200 stations have been
● Electric buses and train working on
identified for this facility to primarily
solar energy have garnered the much
cater to rail passengers, about 7,300
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

stations have been earmarked to not doubling the farmer’s income and ‘Make
only serve passengers but also local in India’ initiative of the government.
people in rural and remote areas.
● Railway stations in rural areas will have
Chhattisgarh bags 'Water Digest Award' for
kiosks with Wi-Fi that will become
best water conservation and irrigation facility
digital hot spots offering services like
● Chhattisgarh bagged the National
digital banking,
'Water Digest Award' for Water
● Aadhaar generation, issuing
Conservation-Diversion and for
government certificates, including birth
increasing the irrigation capacity in the
and death certificates, and filing taxes
State.
and paying bills, among others.
● This is the first time that Chhattisgarh
Water Resources Department had been
FEBRUARY 2018 given national Award during the past 17
years.
Maharashtra gets its very own first ever Mega ● The Union Minister of State for Water
Food Park in Satara Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal
● Maharashtra got its own 1st ever Mega presented the award to Chhattisgarh
Food Park in Satara Mega Food Park Water Resources Department Secretary
Pvt. Ltd was inaugurated at Village Sonmani Bora.
Degaon in Satara district. ● The Award is presented every year by
● Minister of Food Processing Industries the globally renowned magazine 'Water
Harsimrat Kaur Badal unveiled the Digest'-which focuses mainly on water
Satara Mega Food Park in the presence resources.
of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. ● Chhattisgarh State bagged the award for
Satara Mega Food Park, first in increasing the irrigation capacity,
Maharashtra, is the 12th Mega Food community participation, water
Park operationalized in the country so management -water diversion, water
far and the 10th operationalized during conservation, efforts towards inter-
the tenure of present government", linking of rivers, better techniques
Ministry of Food Processing Industries utilized in irrigation facilities.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal
● The Ministry is focusing on boosting
South Central Railway Becomes 1st Rail Zone
the food processing industry so that
With 100% LED Lighting At Stations
agriculture sector grows exponentially
and become a major contributor to
● The South Central Railway (SCR)
become the first railway zone in the
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

country to complete 100% LED lighting Ministry of Food Processing Industries


at all the stations under its jurisdiction. Harsimrat Kaur Badal
● The SCR has been on the forefront of ● The Ministry is focusing on boosting
adopting energy conservation measures. the food processing industry so that
● It has attained the status of becoming agriculture sector grows exponentially
the first zone in the Indian Railways to and become a major contributor to
complete 100% LED lighting in all the doubling the farmer’s income and ‘Make
733 stations under its jurisdiction. in India’ initiative of the government.

Avani Chaturvedi Became 1st Indian Woman IRCTC introduced Billing Through Point Of
To Fly Fighter Aircraft Solo Sale In Trains
● Flying officer Avani Chaturvedi scripted ● Indian Railway Catering and Tourism
history by becoming the first Indian Corporation (IRCTC) introduced billing
woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo. through Point of Sale (POS) hand-held
● She flew a MiG-21 bison in her first solo machines in trains to check
flight from Jamnagar base of Indian Air overcharging by vendors.
Force (IAF) in Gujarat. ● This move will help not only making
passengers aware of relevant
information but also in improving the
MARCH 2018
passenger satisfaction.
● The POS billing machines will be
Maharashtra gets its very own first ever Mega
introduced in trains in a phased manner.
Food Park in Satara
● IRCTC has already introduced POS
● Maharashtra got its own 1st ever Mega
machines in New Delhi -Karnataka
Food Park in Satara Mega Food Park
Express on a pilot basis.
Pvt. Ltd was inaugurated at Village
Degaon in Satara district.
● Minister of Food Processing Industries Kerala Declares Jackfruit as Official Fruit Of
Harsimrat Kaur Badal unveiled the State
Satara Mega Food Park in the presence ● Jackfruit attained a respected status
of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. with the state government declaring it
Satara Mega Food Park, first in as the official fruit of Kerala.
Maharashtra, is the 12th Mega Food ● Kerala has been producing around 30 to
Park operationalized in the country so 60 crore jackfruits every year.
far and the 10th operationalized during ● As per the officials, the state can
the tenure of present government", generate a revenue of around Rs 30,000
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

crore through value-added jackfruit


products. ● India's first liquefied natural gas cargo
from the United States landed at the
Dabhol regasification terminal in
Chhattisgarh bags 'Water Digest Award' for
Maharashtra. Petroleum Minister
best water conservation and irrigation facility
Dharmendra Pradhan received the first-
ever shipment of 1.2 lakh tonne LNG
● Chhattisgarh bagged the National
under the long-term contract of 20
'Water Digest Award' for Water
years.
Conservation-Diversion and for
● He describes the arrival of the first
increasing the irrigation capacity in the
shipment and the conclusion of the
State.
long-term contract with the US-based
● This is the first time that Chhattisgarh
Cheniere Inc as a new beginning in the
Water Resources Department had been
Indo-US energy partnership and trade.
given national Award during the past 17
● The LNG supplies will help achieve the
years.
vision of moving towards a gas-based
● The Union Minister of State for Water
economy.
Resources Arjun Ram Megwal presented
● He also announced a 700-crore rupees
the award to Chhattisgarh Water
investment by the newly-created Gail
Resources Department Secretary
arm Konkan LNG to complete an under-
Sonmani Bora.
construction breakwater facility, that on
● The Award is presented every year by
completion will make the terminal an
the globally renowned magazine 'Water
all-weather facility. Gail will be getting
Digest'-which focuses mainly on water
22-24 shipments per annum till the
resources.
breakwater is built.
● Chhattisgarh State bagged the award for
● Once that is done we will be handling
increasing the irrigation capacity,
80-90 ships a year.
community participation, water
management -water diversion, water
conservation, efforts towards inter- State Bank of India Launches UK Subsidiary
linking of rivers, better techniques With 225 Millions Pounds Capital
utilized in irrigation facilities.
● State Bank of India SBI announced the
APRIL 2018
launch of its UK subsidiary, SBI (UK)
Limited, with an initial capital
India receives first consignment of LNG from commitment of 225 million pounds from
United States its parent entity.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● India's largest state-owned bank, which dollar mark, making it the first Indian
celebrated the new subsidiary with a company to achieve the mark.
special event in London, becomes the ● TCS shares rose by 2% to Rs. 3476.75,
first foreign bank in the UK to ring pushing the market capitalization of
fence its retail division from its India's biggest outsourcer to Rs. 6,64,918
wholesale business. crore.
● Shares of TCS had surged by nearly 7%
recently, making investors richer by
Deepika Padukone, Virat Kohli Among
over Rs. 40,000 crores in a day.
TIME's 100 Most Influential People

● The TIME Magazine released the 100 Google Ranked As Most Trusted Internet
Most Influential People List of 2018 Brand In India: Report
designating individuals whose time is
● Online search engine Google is the most
now.
trusted Internet brand in India, followed
● The 2018 list features the names of four
by Facebook, as per the TRA Brand
self-made Indians- Bollywood actress
Trust Report 2018.
Deepika Padukone, Indian cricket
● With 1.2 trillion searches per year,
captain Virat Kohli, Ola co-founder
Google has become the first port of call
Bhavish Aggarwal and Microsoft’s CEO
for all things on the Internet. Google
Satya Nadella.
was followed by Facebook, Amazon and
● The list also features the US President
eBay.
Donald Trump. The list of 100 Most
● The biggest falls in trust were seen by
Influential People of 2018 includes the
Snapdeal, who fell by 142 ranks over last
names of actress Nicole Kidman,
year.
'Wonder Women' starring Gal Gadot,
● The top trust gainers this year were
Prince Harry and his fiance Meghan
Netflix (up 506 ranks over last year).
Markle and singers Rihanna and
Jennifer Lopez.
TRA’s Brand Trust Report 2018 report covers
2488 consumer-influencers across 16 cities in
TCS is the first Indian Company With 100 India and generated 5 million data points.
Billion Dollar Market Value

MAY 2018
● Tata Consultancy Services created the
history as the market capitalization of
the company has hit the 100 billion 'Go To Village' Mission Launched In Manipur
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh


launched 'Go to Village' mission ● India signed a loan deal worth $ 200
throughout the state from Konuma million with the World Bank for the
ground. National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN
● The mission was launched in 60 villages Abhiyan).
of all the 60 Assembly constituencies. ● The loan would help India in achieving
● The mission is aimed at identifying the its goal of reducing stunting in children
eligible and deserving beneficiaries in 0-6 years of age from 38.4% to 25% by
every corner of the state and delivering the year 2022.
government services at their doorstep. ● A large component of POSHAN
Abhiyaan involves gradual scaling-up of
the interventions supported by the
ongoing World Bank assisted Integrated
EPFO launches View Pension Passbook
Child Development Services (ICDS)
Service on Umang App
Systems Strengthening and Nutrition
Improvement Project (ISSNIP) to all
● Retirement fund body Employees’
districts in the country Google Names
Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
Nitin Bawankule Head Of India Cloud
launched View Pension Passbook
Business.
Service for pensioners on Umang App.
● Umang app UMANG (Unified Mobile
Application for New-age Governance) India ranked 6th wealthiest country in the
app aims to build common, unified world - AfrAsia Bank Global Wealth
platform and mobile app to facilitate Migration Review
single was launched part of EPFO’s plan
to go paperless by August this year and ● The AfrAsia Bank Global Wealth
provide all services online. Migration Review ranked India as the
● It will allow pensioners view their 6th wealthiest country in the world with
pension passbook on mobile phones a total wealth of $8,230 billion, while the
with the help of Umang app. United States was ranked as the
● EPFO is already providing various e- wealthiest with a total wealth of $62,584
services for its stakeholders through billion.
Umang. ● The review ranked China with a total
wealth of $24,803 billion in the second
position and Japan with $19,522 billion
at the third place.
India Signs USD 200 Million Loan Deal With
World Bank For National Nutrition Mission
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Karnataka To Become 2nd State In Country Singapore's 33-year old Network for
To Unveil Its Own Flag Electronic Transfers (NETS).
● Holders of Singapore NETS will be able
● Karnataka government unveiled the
to make an online purchase on any
State flag (nada dhwaja ) for the state.
National Payment Corporation of
● If approved by the Centre, Karnataka
India (NPCI) e-commerce merchant
will be the second State to have a flag
website in India, using 2.8 million
after Jammu and Kashmir.
RuPay point of sale terminals in India.
● The yellow-white-red flag has the State
emblem at the center.
● The proposal will be now sent to the
India’s first national sports university to be set
Union Home Ministry for approval since
up in Manipur:
a State has no powers to announce its
● President Ram Nath Kovind gave his
own flag.
assent to an ordinance to set up the
country’s first national sports university
BHEL Secures Order Worth Rs 736 Crore
in Manipur.
From NPCIL
● National Sports University Ordinance,
● The public sector Bharat Heavy
2018 will be on the lines of the National
Electricals Limited (BHEL) secured
Sports University Bill, 2017 which was
significant orders worth 736 crores after
introduced in Lok Sabha in 2017.
competitive bidding, for supplying
Steam Generators for the Nuclear Power
Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
Andhra Pradesh Got Its Own Symbols:
● The generators will be manufactured at
● Neem is declared as the state tree of
the Tiruchirappalli plant of BHEL and
Andhra Pradesh.
will be installed at the Pressurized
● Black buck is declared as the state
Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR),
animal.
Gorakhpur, Haryana.
● The rose-ringed parakeet will be the
state bird
JUNE 2018
● while jasmine will be the state flower.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Launches


International Rupay Card, Bhim App And UPI India hosted European Union Film Festival
In Singapore: from 18th June:
● With the launch, India's RuPay digital ● The European Union Film Festival
payments system was linked up with (EUFF) 2018 was held in New Delhi on
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

18th June, 2018 at the Siri Fort ● Addressing the governing council of
Auditorium. NITI Ayog in New Delhi, Puducherry
● The festival is organised in 11 Indian Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy has
cities: New Delhi, Chennai, Port Blair, renewed the demand for Statehood with
Pune, Puducherry, Kolkata, Jaipur, special status for the Union Territory.
Visakhapatnam, Thrissur, Hyderabad ● He claimed Puducherry faces the same
and Goa from 18th June till 31st August. issues as Delhi.
● The Festival was inaugurated by the ● Puducherry Lieutenant Governor -
Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Kiran Bedi
Information and Broadcasting, Mr.
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.
States have collected taxes worth Rs.10,000
crore since the rollout of Transport Mission
Mode Project (MMP):
Union Minister inaugurated three 100 MW
solar power projects erected at Virudhunagar ● Over 19 crore vehicles and 10 crore
and Tirunelveli districts: driving license records have come under
● Union Minister for Railways, Coal, the National Register.
Finance & Company Affairs, Shri ● Two flagship applications under
Piyush Goyal inaugurated Neyveli Transport MMP -- "Vahan" and
Lignite Corporation India Limited "Sarathi" are implemented.
(NLCIL)’s three 100 MW Solar Power ○ Vahan -- deal with vehicle
Projects which are situated at registration, taxation, permit,
Thoppalaakkarai and Sethupuram in fitness and associated services;
Virudhunagar District and Sellaiya ○ while Sarathi is related to
Sezhiyanallur in Tirunelveli District of driving licence, learner licence,
Tamil Nadu. driving schools and related
● These projects were erected at a cost of activities.
Rs.1300 Crores, which includes
Operation & Maintenance cost for 15
World’s first International Centre for
Years.
Humanitarian Forensics (ICHF) launched in
Gujarat:
● ICHF is launched by the Gujarat
Puducherry demanded full statehood, after Forensic Sciences University (GFSU) in
Delhi Assembly passed the resolution for full collaboration with the International
statehood: Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
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Regional Delegation for India, Bhutan, ● To help deliver passports to applicants


Nepal and the Maldives. at their residence, External Affairs
Minister Sushma Swaraj launched the
"mPassport Seva" mobile application
PM Modi inaugurates Rs 3,866 cr Mohanpura
on the occasion of 'Passport Seva
irrigation project in Madhya Pradesh:
Divas'.
● The Rs. 3,866-crore Mohanpura
● She also scrapped the marriage
irrigation project in Rajgarh district in
certificate’s compulsion, required for
Madhya Pradesh includes a dam and a
obtaining passports.
canal system, which benefit 727 villages
in the state.
● It would irrigate 1.25 lakh hectares of Indian Railways installed plastic bottle
land and would also provide drinking crushers at 4 stations:
water to over 400 villages.
● The South Central Railway has
● Madhya Pradesh chief minister - Shivraj
installed plastic bottle crushers at
Singh Chouhan.
Telangana's Kachiguda, Secunderabad,
and Nizamabad, and Andhra Pradesh's
India plans to cut oil imports from Iran amid
Vijayawada stations in order to promote
US request:
environmental protection.
● After US re-imposed sanctions against
● The machines can crush up to 5,000
Iran after it withdrew from the 2015
bottles a day.
nuclear deal, India is planning to cut oil
● The crushed plastic pieces can be reused
imports from Iran, and replacing them
to make bags or t-shirts.
with more purchases from Saudi Arabia
● At Vadodara railway station, the railway
and Kuwait.
authorities have set up bottle crushers,
● This comes after the US Ambassador to
by which Passengers earn up to Rs 5 by
the UN Nikki Haley asked PM
feeding the machine with a plastic
Narendra Modi to reduce India's
bottle.
dependence on Iran.
● Iran is India’s third largest oil supplier
Madhya Pradesh announced Outstanding
behind Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
“Power Bill Waiver Scheme”:

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj ● The state cabinet headed by Chief
launched the “mPassport Seva” mobile Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
application: approved the Bijli Bill Mafi Yojana
2018 (Power Bill Waiver Scheme) which
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is expected to benefit about 77 lakhs ♦ former BJP lawmaker Ram Shakal,


people of the state. ♦ CITU state general secretary Elamaram
● Laborers falling under the unorganized Kareem,
sector in Madhya Pradesh will get ♦ CPI's Binoy Viswam,
power supply at a subsidized rate. ♦ Jose K Mani of Kerala Congress (Mani).
● The state cabinet also approved
Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) ● The nominees enter the Rajya Sabha to
Yojana 2018 (a scheme to provide replace Sachin Tendulkar, actor Rekha,
subsidized power) in the meeting. former AG of India K Parasaran and
businesswoman Anu Agha.
● The President of India has the power to
JULY 2018
nominate 12 members to the Rajya
Sabha with special knowledge or
Aadhaar, PAN Linking Deadline Extended To
experience in fields like literature, art,
March 31 Next Year:
science and social service.
● The Central Board of Direct Taxes
● Facts about Rajya Sabha:-
(CBDT) has extended the time for
linking PAN with Aadhaar till 31
March 2019. ♦ Present Chairman - Venkaiah Naidu (Vice-
● This is the fifth time that the President of India)
government has extended the last date. ♦ Leader of the House - Arun Jaitley, BJP
● The earlier deadlines for linking ♦ Leader of the Opposition - Ghulam Nabi Azad,
Aadhaar-PAN were July 31, August 31 INC
and December 31, 2017, March 31 and ♦ Seats - 245 (233 Elected, 12 Nominated)
June 30 this year. ♦ Tenure of the member - six years
● India had launched Aadhaar, now the
world's biggest biometric database, in PM Narendra Modi Government won no
2009 to streamline welfare payments confidence vote which was raised by TDP:
and reduce wastage in public spending. ● With 325 votes, Narendra Modi
government won the no-confidence
motion, which was raised by Telugu
Desam Party (TDP), in the lower house
Seven new members take oath in Rajya Sabha
of parliament.
on July 18, 2018:
● The Congress and the other parties that
The newly elected members for Rajya Sabha are:
supported the no-confidence motion
♦ RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha,
had about 152 seats.
♦ classical dancer Sonal Mansingh,
♦ sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra,
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● The Institute costing Rs 160 crore will


India inaugurated World's largest visa centre come up over five acres of land and have
in Bangladesh: state-of-the-art facilities.
● To reduce the waiting time for VISA ● The Centre has introduced an array of
applicants, Home Minister Rajnath national and State level projects like
Singh, who is in Dhaka on a three-day Make in India, Digital India, Smart
visit inaugurated the world's largest visa Cities, Clean India, Urja Ganga gas
centre along with his Bangladeshi pipeline project and Sagarmala port
counterpart Asaduzzaman Khan. project which needs skilled workforce.
● The new integrated state-of-the-art
Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC)
spread in an 18,500 square feet
Udaipur ranked 3rd among World's 15 Best
commercial area at Jamuna Future
Cities:
Park in Dhaka will replace all the
● The heritage city of Udaipur has been
existing centres (Motijheel, Uttara,
ranked third among a list of 15 best
Gulshan and Mirpur Road) in Dhaka in
cities in the world by Travel + Leisure.
two phases.
● The first two cities on the list are San
● Bangladeshis constitute one of the
Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca, both in
largest number of visitors from a single
Mexico.
country to India. Last year, India issued
● Udaipur city in Rajasthan is also known
1.4 million visas to Bangladeshi
as "City of Lakes" and the "Venice of
nationals.
the East".

World famous Rath Yatra celebrated in


Odisha to get India's First skill training centre
Odisha:
● Union Minister for Skill Development
● Popularly known as the ‘Festival of
and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra
Chariots’, Rath Yatra festival in honour
Pradhan announced that the Centre is
of Puri’s Lord Jagannath is one of the
planning to set up one National Skill
most awaited festivals of Orissa. Every
Training Institute (NSTI) in every State
year, this festival is observed on July 14.
to meet the rising demand for skilled
● This yatra is conducted from Jagannath
manpower in the country.
temple to Gundicha temple.
● He laid the foundation stone of
● Apart from Indian, this festival attracts
country’s first such skill training
a large number of international tourists
institute at Barang near Bhubaneswar.
in Puri.
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Bengaluru to get India's first government run Kong, Israel, Malta, Singapore, South
e-Waste recycling plant: Africa and Taiwan.

● Union minister of chemicals and


fertilisers Ananth Kumar announced
World's largest bird sculpture Jatayu sculpture
that India's first e-waste recycling unit
will be inaugurated in Kerala
will come up in Bengaluru.
● Bengaluru is also the third in terms of e-
● The Jatayu sculpture at the Jatayu Earth
waste generation in the country.
Center (JEC) at Chadayamangalam in
Kollam district, Kerala, said to be
world’s largest bird sculpture, will be
Central Government approved hike in Support
inaugurated on August 17 by Chief
Price of Kharif Crops:
Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The government hiked the minimum support
● This Rs 100 crore-project is a creation
price (MSP) for paddy by a record Rs 200 per
by film director and sculptor Rajiv
quintal (per 100 kg) that will cost the exchequer
Anchal.
over Rs 15,000 crore.

Government introduced four GST amendment


AUGUST 2018
Bills
● The government introduced four Bills to
India became 3rd Asian nation to get STA 1
amend the Goods and Services Tax
status from US:
(GST) laws in order to make the return
● India has become the third Asian nation
forms simpler and raise the turnover
after Japan and South Korea, 37th
threshold for availing composition
overall, and first south Asian nation to
scheme to Rs. 1.5 crore.
get the Strategic Trade Authorization-
● The four amendment Bills are
1 (STA - 1) status from the US.
● Central GST (Amendment) Bill,
● This status paves way for high-
● Integrated GST (Amendment) Bill,
technology product sales to New Delhi,
● GST (Compensation to States)
particularly in civil space and defence
Amendment Bill and
sectors.
● Union Territory GST (Amendment) Bill.
● The US made an exception for India,
which is yet to become a member of
GST council announced Cashback For Digital
Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
Transactions
● India so far was listed in STA-2
● Finance Minister Piyush Goyal
category along with Albania, Hong
announces 20% Cashback upto Rs 100
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for the Digital Transactions done via ● The Khangchendzonga Biosphere


BHIM, Rupay or USSD mode. Reserve (KBR) of Sikkim, the highest
● The main aim of the meeting on the biosphere reserve in India that includes
concerns and suggestions of the Micro, the third highest mountain peak in the
Small and Medium Enterprises. world, Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), has
● About GST been included in the UNESCO’s World
● Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an Network of Biosphere Reserve (WHBR).
indirect tax (or consumption tax) levied ● India has 18 biospheres reserves, of
in India on the supply of goods and which 11 have been included in the
service. WNBR.
● The GST was launched at midnight on ● The last biosphere reserve to be
1st July 2017 by the President of India, included was the Agasthyamalai
Pranab Mukherjee, and the Government Biosphere Reserve in Kerala in 2016.
of India. ● The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the
first reserve from India to be included in
the WNBR.
Goa becomes first state by starting its own app
based taxi service called "GoaMiles"

● Goa CM Manohar Parrikar and


India ranked 177 on the Environmental
Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar
Performance Index 2018:
flagged off the Goa Tourism
● According to the World Economic
Development Corporation's app-based
Forum (WEF) ranking, India has been
taxi service called "GoaMiles".
placed 177th rank out of 180 countries
● A taxi owner did not have to pay
on the Environmental Performance
anything and GTDC’s charges would be
Index 2018.
recovered from the consumer. GTDC
● India slipped 36 points from 141 in the
will charge the consumer around Rs 20-
2016 report, prepared by Yale and
80 as service fee.
Columbia Universities along with the
● Customers will get honest service and
WEF.
will get to know the fare before the
● This hike will give farmers 50 percent
journey starts.
more rate than their cost of production.
● There is a panic-cumemergency button
● This decision was taken by the Cabinet
available on the app.
Committee on Economic Affairs
(CCEA) headed by Prime Minister
India’s Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
Narendra Modi
enters UNESCO list
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SEPTEMBER 2018 ● India has a total of 111 companies and $839


billion total market capitalization.
TCS becomes second Indian company to cross
● Korea came in fourth place, with 43 companies
Rs. 8 trillion market cap:
(USD 434.1
● Mumbai-headquartered Tata Consultancy
billion market capitalisation), followed by
Services (TCS)
Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and
became only the second Indian company to cross
Thailand, each with 26 companies.
₹8 trillion (Rs 8 lakh crore) in market
capitalisation after Mukesh Ambani-led
Reliance Industries. Jammu and Kashmir becomes 3rd State to
● Earlier on August 23, Reliance Industries (RIL) adopt RADMS software
became the first Indian company to cross the Rs
8 lakh crore market capitalisation mark. ● The Road Accident Data Management System
● TCS CEO - Rajesh Gopinathan. (RADMS)
software is a Geographical Information System
(GIS) solution for identification of black spots,
Nagaland Government declared Singphan
wrong driving practices, overloading issues,
Wildlife Sanctuary as an elephant reserve:
driver issues and other factors causing or related
● The Singphan Elephant Reserve which is the
to road accidents.
30th elephant
● In 2015, the 'Supreme Court committee on
reserve in India, is located in Mon district of
road safety' had mandated all states to use
Nagaland and spreads over an area of 5825 acres
RADMS.
(2357 hac).
● As per recent census report (2017) Nagaland
Union Government approved 100%
has around 446 Elephants.
Electrification of Railways by 2021-22
● The creation of new Elephant Reserve
will result in protection and
● This initiative will cost the government
conservation of the elephants.
around Rs 12,134 crore.
● The main aim is to electrify 108 sections of the
India ranked 3rd globally in terms of railways covering 13,675 route kilometres of
number of family-owned businesses: tracks.
● According to the 'Credit Suisse Family 1000 in ● Indian Railways is the largest rail networks in
2018' report, published by the Credit Suisse the world with 67,368 km of tracks and 22,550
Research Institute (CSRI), in terms of number of trains that carry 22.24 million passengers and
family owned businesses, within the non-Japan 3.04 million tonnes of freight every day.
Asian region, China, India and Hong Kong
dominate the list.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

India got first ever gender-neutral hostel in


Mumbai TISS: ● After Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
 After the Supreme Court scrapped Governor ESL Narasimhan flagged off
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code the 16-km stretch of Hyderabad Metro
(IPC) that criminalised homosexuality, between Ameerpet and L B Nagar,
India has become the first-ever country Hyderabad Metro became the second
to have a gender-neutral hostel. biggest rail network in India with a total
 The Tata Institute of Social Sciences of 46 km service, next only to Delhi.
(TISS) in Mumbai's ● It is also the world's largest metro
 Deonar has become the first campus in project under the public-private-
India to have a gender-neutral hostel. partnership (PPP) model with a total
 The hostel has 10 twin-seater rooms that estimated cost of over Rs 20,000 crore
will host transgender, or gender non- courtesy time and cost overruns before
conforming students. and after the formation of Telangana
state.
Cyclone-30 becomes operational in Kolkata, to
boost cancer diagnosis:
OCTOBER 2018
 India's biggest cyclotron facility named
Cyclone-30 that will produce
Kolkata launched India’s first flood forecast
radioisotopes vital for diagnosis and
system with USD 1 mn assistance from ADB
treatment of cancer became operational
at the Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre
● Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC)
(VECC) in Kolkata.
launched a Flood Forecasting and Early
 Cyclone-30 will become the first and
Warning System (FFEWS) for Kolkata
only facility in the country to produce
City. It is also India’s first
Germanium 68 isotopes, which is used
comprehensive city-level FFEWS.
in the diagnosis of breast cancer.
● It will reduce economic loss and
 At present, many radioisotopes are
impacts on livelihood and improve flood
imported while some are produced in
awareness and safety at the community
nuclear research reactors such as the
level.
Apsara at the Bhabha Atomic Research
Centre (BARC), and remaining in
cyclotrons facilities run by large private Petroleum Minister Launches SATAT

hospitals. Initiative
● Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Union

Hyderabad Metro becomes India's 2nd largest Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas

metro rail network & Skill Development and


Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Entrepreneurship launched an  IAF is the fourth largest air force in the


innovative initiative titled SATAT world, after the United States, Russia
(Sustainable Alternative Towards and China. IAF has around 1,500 aircraft
Affordable Transportation). in its fleet that operates out of 60 air
● This initiative would benefit both bases. It has more than 600 combat
vehicle-users as well as farmers and aircraft and over 500 transport carriers
entrepreneurs. and choppers.
● It has been launched with PSU Oil  The Indian Air Force has five
Marketing Companies (OMCs). commands across India: the Western Air
Command, with its headquarters in New
Delhi, the Southwestern Air Command
at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, the Eastern Air
Assam, First State To Launch Wage
Command at Shillong in Meghalaya, the
Compensation Scheme For Pregnant Women
Central Air Command at Allahabad in
In Tea Gardens
Uttar Pradesh, and the Southern Air
Command at Thiruvananthapuram in
● The scheme will be launched by Assam
Kerala.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in
 Indian Air Force (IAF):
Guwahati.
 Founded: 8 October 1932
● The announcement was made by the
 Headquarters: New Delhi
state’s Health and Finance Minister
 Part of: Indian Armed Force
Himanta Biswa Sarma.
 Motto: Touch the Sky with Glory
● Under the scheme, an amount of
 Chief of the Air Staff (CAS): Air Chief
Rs.12,000 will be given to the pregnant
Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa.
women so that they can take care of
themselves and the unborn baby.
Tushar Mehta appointed as Solicitor General
Of India
India celebrates its 86th Air Force Day on 8th ● Tushar Mehta will assume the office of
October the Solicitor General till June 30, 2020.
 India celebrates its 86th Air Force Day Presently, Mehta is serving as the
on 8th October 2018. The Indian Air Additional Solicitor General (ASG) of
Force (IAF) is to hold a grand parade- India.
cum-investiture ceremony at the Air ● Solicitor General is the second highest
Force Station at Hindon in Ghaziabad, ranking law officer of the government
Uttar Pradesh. President Ram Nath after the Attorney General.
Kovind congratulated the valiant air
warriors of IAF on its 86th anniversary.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Environment Ministry launches Harit Diwali, NOVEMBER 2018


Swasth Diwali campaign
● This campaign was initiated in 2017-18 Maneka Gandhi Inaugurated fifth Edition Of
wherein a large number of school Women of India National Organic Festival
children especially from eco-clubs
participated and took a pledge to ● The 5th edition of the ‘Women of India
minimize bursting of crackers and also National Organic Festival’ was
discouraged the neighborhood and their inaugurated by Smt. Maneka Sanjay
friends from bursting of crackers. Gandhi, Union Minister for Women and
● During this intensive campaign, the Child Development, at the Indira
children were advised to celebrate Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
Diwali in an environment-friendly (IGNCA), New Delhi
manner by gifting plant sapling to their ● The Festival celebrates and promotes
relatives and friends along with sweets, women entrepreneurs/producers and
undertake cleaning of houses, farmers in the organic field from across
neighbourhoods, schools, collect old India.
books and unused notebooks gift to
needy children, donate old warm
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Statue of
clothing, blankets to night-shelters and
Unity
other homeless people.
● PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the
India most outward migrants in 2017
Statue of Unity or Sardar Patel’s
according to ADB report
statue, the world’s largest statue, on the
 The number of international
statesman's 143rd birth anniversary in
migrants was topped by India,
Gujarat. The statue has been dedicated
followed by China and Bangladesh.
to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, fondly
known as the Iron Man of India
● The statue stands in the midst of the
● One-third of international migrants
Narmada River, on the islet of Sadhu Bet
were from Asia in 2017.
Sardar Patel is credited for unifying all
● India had the most outward migrants in
of the 562 princely states in pre-
2017 (17 million), followed by China (10
independence India to form what is
million) and Bangladesh (7.5 million).
today the Republic of India

● The global stock of international ● The statue is made up of 1,700 tonnes of

migrants from Asia rose 3.9 percent bronze, 1,850 tonnes of bronze cladding,

from 83.6 million in 2015 to 86.9 million 70,000 metric tonnes of cement and

in 2017. 24,500 metric tonnes of steel.


Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh laid ● Mr.Conte’s visit is the first since he took
foundation stone of Technology Facility charge in June 2018. He also showed his
Center at Jorhat, Assam support for India’s quest for
membership in the Nuclear Suppliers
Group and underlined Rome’s support
● Union Minister of State (Independent
to India’s membership in the global
Charge) Development of North Eastern
technology export groups.
Region (DoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh laid
the foundation stone of new Science
Uttar Pradesh Ayodhya Deepotsav 2018 enters
Centre, the “Technology Facility
Guinness Book of World Records: Over 3 lakh
Centre” (TFC) in Jorhat, Assam.
diyas lit
● For setting up the new Science Centre,
● A Guinness certificate was issued to UP
the Ministry of Development of North
government's tourism department and
Eastern Region (DoNER) had allocated
Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Avadh
Rs.40 crore for its construction.
University, Faizabad, for over 3,01,152
● It would be institutionalized by
earthen lamps illuminated on the bank
Department of Science & Technology
of River Sarayu on Chhoti Diwali as
(S&T) and CSIR.
part of Deepotsava
● The feat was achieved in the presence of
India invited Italy to invest in defence sector
Adityanath and South Korean first lady
Kim-Jung Sook
● India invited Italy to participate in the
defence sector under the “Make in
India” scheme. The invitation also World Bank and Centre and Andhra govt
included an agreement to counter signed an MOU to USD 172 million loan to
terrorist financing and state sponsors of make farming viable in Andhra Pradesh
terrorism ● Features of the project are:
● This latest announcement was the first ● To work with 1000 Small-Scale
time when the two countries have Community-Based Irrigation (SSCBI)
agreed on joint defence production systems spread over an area of 90,000
since the AugustaWestland case hectares (ha), covering over 1000 villages
exploded in 2013 across 12 most climate vulnerable
● During the 9th Military Group Meeting districts of Andhra Pradesh
that was held between India and Italy, ● The project will improve the capacity of
both the countries agreed on Farmer Producers Organizations to
cooperation in 2019 operate as sustainable, market-oriented,
agri-enterprises
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● This will benefit the Andhra Pradesh ● As per survey conducted by the World
Integrated Irrigation and Agriculture Bank, the student dropout rate in
Transformation Project (API ATP) and Nagaland's upper primary (VI-VIII) and
over 200,000 families of poor and the secondary (IX-X) class stood at 17.7
marginalized farmers. percent and 35.1 per cent respectively
● The student dropout rate in Nagaland's
primary schools, in Grades I-V, stood at
Mo bus service launched in Odisha
19.4%, four times above the national
● Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik
average of 4.3%, making it the state with
launched the technology-driven and
highest school dropout rate in the
citizen-friendly ‘Mo bus’ service in
country
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
● This data was presented by Community
● The bus has some facilities such as free
Avenue Network (CAN) Youth of
wifi, CCTV surveillance, public
Nagaland Chief Functionary Jenpu
information display system and on-
Rongmei during the launching
board announcements
programme of "My Scholarship
● It will cover 9 routes in Bhubaneswar in
Foundation" at Tourist Lodge in
the first phase
Dimapur.
● Mo Bus mobile app will also be
launched through which passengers can
book tickets and find the locations of Gujarat to introduce new digital platform for
the vehicle. Agriculture land
● Gujarat government decided to launch a
digital platform for the conversion of
Gujarat to introduce new digital platform for
agricultural land to Non-Agriculture
Agriculture land
(NA).
● Gujarat government decided to launch a
● Under the scheme of Digital India, all
digital platform for the conversion of
district collector offices and District
agricultural land to Non-Agriculture
Panchayats will be covered and
(NA).
monitored through a dedicated online
● Under the scheme of Digital India, all
system.
district collector offices and District
Panchayats will be covered and
monitored through a dedicated online India celebrates the 130th birth anniversary of
system. Pt Nehru
● The nation celebrates the 130th birth
anniversary of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru,
Nagaland records highest school dropouts in
India
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

the first prime minister of independent first trial run on tracks at Moradabad-
India Rampur section of Northern Indian
● Pt Nehru was born on November 14, Railways.
1889. He was known for his love for ● The train comprises of as many as 16
children and was fondly called Chacha coaches including the driving coach.
Nehru ● According to Railways, the train was
● Before 1964, Children’s day was made to run at three different speeds of
celebrated in India on November 20. It 30 kilometers per hour (Km/hr), 50
was observed as the Universal Km/hr and 60 Km/hr respectively. The
Children’s Day by the United Nations. maximum speed of the "Train 18" is 220
But after Nehru’s death in 1964, the Km/hr.
nation decided to celebrate his birthday ● Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in
(November 14) as Bal Diwas (Children’s Chennai rolled out Train 18, a semi-
Day) to honor his memory high speed train on October 29 to
replace the classic Shatabdi Express.

Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Trivandrum among 6


airports to be privatised India celebrates the 130th birth anniversary of
Pt Nehru
● The Union Cabinet gave its approval for
● The nation celebrates the 130th birth
leasing out six airports namely
anniversary of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru,
Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Jaipur,
the first prime minister of independent
Mangaluru, Trivandrum, and
India
Guwahati - for operating, managing and
● Pt Nehru was born on November 14,
developing under the Public Private
1889. He was known for his love for
Partnership (PPP) model
children and was fondly called Chacha
● This comes 12 years after Delhi and
Nehru
Mumbai airports were privatised in
● Before 1964, Children’s day was
2006
celebrated in India on November 20. It
● The private player will hold at least 75
was observed as the Universal
per cent stake
Children’s Day by the United Nations.
But after Nehru’s death in 1964, the
India's 1st engineless train 'Train 18' conducts nation decided to celebrate his birthday
trial run successfully (November 14) as Bal Diwas (Children’s
● India's first indigenously developed Day) to honor his memory.
engineless train "Train 18" on
November 18 successfully conducted its
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Rs 75 coin to be issued by government to mark ● Akshay Kumar came third on the


75th anniversary of Tricolour hoisting by Forbes India Celebrity 100 2018 with
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Rs.185 crore, followed by Deepika
● Ministry of Finance issued a notification ● The fifth spot went to former Indian
regarding the release of the Rs 75 coin to cricket team captain Mahendra Singh
commemorate the 75th anniversary of Dhoni who earned Rs.101.77 crore
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose hoisting during 2018
the Tricolour for the first time at Port
Blair in Andaman Nicobar Islands
Deepika Padukone becomes first woman to
● The commemorative Rs 75 coin will be
rank among the Forbes top five richest
made out of 50 per cent silver, 40 per
celebrities in India
cent copper, and 5 per cent each of
● The 32-year-old Indian actress was
nickel and zinc, and will weigh 35
placed fourth in the Forbes India
grams
Celebrity 100 list with her earnings
● This coin will bear the portrait of 'Netaji
reaching Rs 112.80 crore during 2018
Subhash Chandra Bose' saluting the flag
● Other women to feature on the Forbes
on the background of Cellular Jail in
India Celebrity 100 include:
Port Blair
○ Actresses Alia Bhatt (Rank 12,
● A numeral 75th along with inscription
Rs 58.83 crore)
“anniversary” will be depicted below the
○ Anushka Sharma (Rank 16, Rs
portrait.
45.83 crore)
○ Katrina Kaif (Rank 21, Rs 33.67
DECEMBER 2018 crore)
○ Priyanka Chopra (Rank 49, Rs 18
Salman Khan tops Forbes richest Indian crore)
celebrity list for third time ○ Shuttlers PV Sindhu (Rank 20,
● Salman Khan has been named the Rs 36.50 crore)
highest-earning celebrity in India for ○ Saina Nehwal (Rank 58, Rs 16.54
the third time in a row by Forbes, with crore)
earnings of Rs.253.25 crore ○ Comedian Bharti Singh (Rank
● The second spot was captured by Indian 74, Rs 13.95 crore)
cricket team skipper Virat Kohli, with
Rs.228.09 crore to his name, to become
the first sportsperson to reach the Kohli India's top-paid sportsperson of 2018 at
position 228 crore: Forbes
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Team India captain Virat Kohli has reasons for witnesses turning hostile is
featured as the highest-earning that they are not given security by the
sportsperson in the 2018 Forbes India State
Celebrity 100 list with ₹228.09-crore ● It also announced that the Witness
earnings Protection Scheme, 2018 will come
● Kohli was also the top-paid into effect immediately across all
sportsperson in 2016 and 2017 with States. This scheme is aimed at
₹134.44 crore and ₹100.72 crore earnings enabling a witness to depose fearlessly
respectively and truthfully, would be the law of the
● Former captain MS Dhoni follows Kohli land till Parliament enacted suitable
as the second highest-paid sportsperson legislation
in the 2018 list with ₹101.77-crore ● Under the scheme, the witness
earnings. protection may be as simple as
providing a police escort to the witness
up to the courtroom or, in more complex
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate
cases involving an organized criminal
India's longest railroad bridge on December 25
group, taking extraordinary measures
such as offering temporary residence in
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi will
a safe house, giving a new identity, and
inaugurate the Bogibeel Bridge, India's
relocation at an undisclosed place
longest rail-cum-road bridge, falling in
the eastern part of Assam and
Arunachal Pradesh on December 25 India is the third-highest contributor of CO2
● This project was first cleared by former
Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda in ● Researchers at the University of East
1997 Anglia (UEA) and the Global Carbon
● The bridge spans over the Brahmaputra Project said that Global carbon
river in the north eastern state of Assam emissions are set to hit an all-time high
between Dhemaji district and Dibrugarh of 37.1 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2018
district. ● India has projected to see emissions rise
by 6.3% from 2017
● Limiting global warming to the 2015
SC introduced Witness Protection Scheme,
Paris Agreement goal of keeping the
2018 in India
global temperature increase this century
to well below 2°C, would need carbon
● The Supreme Court (SC) introduced a
dioxide emissions to decline by 50% by
witness protection regime in the
2030 and reach net zero by about 2050
country noting that one of the main
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for the implementation of the ERSS
inaugurated the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland project across the nation. Nagaland
alone has been allocated Rs 4.88 crore
● Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for the project
inaugurated the 10-day-long Hornbill ● The Justice Verma Committee, in the
Festival of Nagaland at Naga Heritage backdrop of the unfortunate Nirbhaya
Village Kisama on 1st December 2018. incident in December 2012, suggested
More than 60,000 people have visited for the implementation of the
the Hornbill Festival ‘Emergency Response Support System’
● The assistant director of Tourism (ERSS) across India
department (Statistics) T. Khakihe Sumi
said that altogether 63,032 visitors with
Punjab cabinet approves international airport
780 foreigners have visited the
near Ludhiana
picturesque venue. The inaugural day
● The Punjab Cabinet approved the
had 19,953 visitors. The count increased
setting up of a new international civil
up to 43,079 on the second day of the
terminal at Indian Air Force (IAF)
festival
Station, Halwara 32 kms from Ludhiana
● The visitors were treated with cultural
● The terminal will be jointly developed
performances from across the country
by the state government and Airports
including Odisha, Assam, Manipur,
Authority of India (AAI). While AAI
Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya and Jammu
would have majority stake of 51 per
and Kashmir
cent, the Punjab Government, through
the Greater Ludhiana Development
Nagaland becomes second state to adopt pan- Authority (GLADA), will have 49 per
India women helpline cent stake in the project
● The state already has two international
● Nagaland became the first state in the
airports at Mohali and Amritsar.
Northeast and second in the country,
● The state Government would provide
after Himachal Pradesh, to launch a
135. 54 acres of land free of cost to the
pan-India single emergency number
JVC by way of its equity in the project.
‘112’ under the Emergency Response
Support System (ERSS).
TN government approved Rs.7.60 crore for
● The launch coincided with the state’s
clearing fallen trees
formation day and the inaugural day of
the 2018 edition of the Hornbill Festival.
● The Tamil Nadu State government has
● The Union Government has allocated Rs
approved Rs.7.60 crore for procuring
321.69 crore under the Nirbhaya Fund
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

heavy duty chainsaws, winch machines, off the maiden Air India Express flight
shredders, and wood splitter machines to Abu Dhabi
to clear trees that were felled by Cyclone ● International flights to the UAE, Oman
Gaja in delta districts and Qatar will be operated from Kannur
● The government would be procuring 500 airport. For regional connectivity,
chainsaws and 20 winches, 20 wood flights to Hyderabad, Bengaluru and
splitters, 20 shredder-cum-pulverizers Mumbai will be available
and 20 wood chipper machines with ● Kerala already has three international
trolley and rent them to farmers at airports, at Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram
nominal rates or lent to them to clear and Kozhikode
their farmlands ● Kochi, also built under PPP model, is
● The proposal is to pulverize leaves and one of the fastest growing airports of
small branches and convert them into the country
organic manure, drag trunks out of
fields and place them on the boundary
so that they can be chopped later. Used
India’s first underwater museum to open off
the wood chipper machine, the trunks
Puducherry coast in INS Cuddalore
can be pulverized.
● Indian Navy agreed to gift INS
Cuddalore, a decommissioned
India opposes move to declare Gilgit-Baltistan Pondicherry-class vessel, to the Union
as fifth province territory of Puducherry for the creation
● India voiced strong opposition to of country’s first underwater museum
Pakistan's reported move to declare ● The 60 m long and 12 m wide vessel was
Gilgit-Baltistan as its fifth province decommissioned in March 2018 after
● The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir sailing 13000 nautical miles
has been and shall remain part of India ● It would be sent to the seabed at a depth
● India called upon Pakistan to vacate all of 26 m and 7 km off the Pondicherry
occupied territory coast to act as an underwater marine
museum for scuba diving and snorkeling
activities
Kerala gets its 4th international airport in
● This would enhance tourism in the UT.
Kannur
● Kerala’s fourth international airport at
Kannur (north Kerala) was inaugurated Shi Yomi becomes 23rd district of Arunachal
jointly by Union Civil Aviation Pradesh
Minister Suresh Prabhu and Chief
Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by flagging
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● The number of districts in Arunachal Fresh bill introduced in Lok Sabha to make
Pradesh increased to 23 with the formal triple talaq penal offence
inauguration of Shi Yomi district by
Chief Minister Pema Khandu in ● The Muslim Women (Protection of
presence of Union Minister of State for Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018,
Home Kiren Rijiju commonly known as the Triple Talaq
● Two more districts would be formally Bill, was introduced in the Lok Sabha
inaugurated in the state within this on December 17
week taking the total to 25 ● Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar
● The state Assembly on August 29 this Prasad introduced the Bill, despite
year passed a bill for the creation of opposition from Congress member
three new districts, Pakke-Kesang, Shashi Tharoor
Lepa Rada and Shi Yomi, in the state. ● Under the proposed law, giving instant
triple talaq will be illegal and void and
will attract a jail term of three years for
Allahabad University to be renamed as
the husband
Prayagraj State University
● The introduced bill seeks to replace the
● In October 2018, the Uttar Pradesh
Triple Talaq ordinance that was passed
government had officially renamed
by the government in September 19
Allahabad as Prayagraj
● A formal proposal has now been sent to
the state's Governor seeking his Assam government approved Rs 600 crore
approval to rename Allahabad farm loan waiver
University as Prayagraj State University ● According to the Assam government
scheme, it will write off 25 per cent
loan of farmers up to a maximum of Rs
India’s first private UAV factory inaugurated
25,000 of all farm debts
in Hyderabad
● The waiver will be for all the loans taken
● India‘s first private sector unit for
through Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and
manufacturing unmanned aerial
from PSU banks
vehicles (UAVs) was inaugurated by
● The cabinet also approved subsidy up to
Telangana Home Minister Mohammad
Rs 10,000 to incentivise farmers if they
Mahmood Ali at Adani Aerospace Park
take loan from KCC
in Hyderabad, Telangana.
● Assam is the third state to waive farm
● The 50,000 square feet facility has been
loans in the last few days after the newly
built by the Adani Group and Israel-
formed Congress governments in
based Elbit Systems.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh ● Each will add 100 Undergraduate


announced it on December 17 (MBBS) seats and 60 B.Sc (Nursing) seats
● The two new institutes will be set up
under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya
Goa celebrates 57th Liberation Day
Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)
● Goa was liberated from around 450 years
● Construction of new AIIMS is fully
of Portuguese rule on 19th December
funded by the central government
1961
● At the state-level Goa Liberation Day
programme to be held in Panaji in Jammu and Kashmir Becomes first State To
North Goa, speaker of Goa legislative Bring Law Against Sextortion
assembly Pramod Sawant will unfurl the ● Jammu and Kashmir become the first
tricolor, address the gathering and state in the country to enact a law
review the parade banning sexual exploitation of women
● School students will present patriotic “by those in positions of authority,
songs and other cultural performances having a fiduciary relationship or a
at the programme, which will be also public servant”, Under Section 354E of
attended by freedom fighters the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC)
● In South Goa, the main function will be ● Any person committing the offence of
held at Margao, where state town and sextortion shall be punished with
country planning minister Vijay rigorous imprisonment for a term not be
Sardesai will hoist the national flag less than three years, but may extend to
● Programmes to mark Liberation Day five years and with fine.
have been organized across Goa’s 12
talukas and major towns including
India to host the first ever India China Film
Mapusa, Ponda, and Vasco
Festival strengthening the cultural
understanding amidst
Cabinet approves Two new AIIMS in Tamil
Nadu and Telangana ● A three day India China Film Festival is
● The Union Cabinet approved the set to begin in New Delhi from 22nd of
establishment of two new All India December this year culminating on 24th
Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at of December. In order to strengthen and
Tamil Nadu and Telangana deepen cultural understanding between
● Tamil Nadu's AIIMS will be set at the two countries, the film festival is
Madurai and Telangana's will be set at being organized during the first India-
Bibinagar at the cost of ₹1,264 crore China High-Level Mechanism on
and ₹1,028 crore respectively
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Cultural and People-to-People GST Council cuts rates on 17 items, 6 services;


Exchanges. rationalises 28% slab
● Jackie Chan's 2012 action movie "CZ12" ● The GST rate on cinema tickets above
will open the India-China Film Festival ₹100 was cut from 28% to 18% and on
here. tickets up to ₹100 from 18% to 12%
● The three-day Festival will be organized ● Seven items that saw tax rates being
at Siri Fort Auditorium II, New Delhi by slashed from the 28%bracket are:
the Directorate of Film Festivals, ● certain vehicle parts used in agriculture,
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting ● monitors and TVs up to 32 inches,
and the Indian Government. ● retreaded tyres,
● The duo cultural and people-to-people ● power banks,
exchanges will probably be encouraged ● digital cameras,
by way of this initiative.
● A total of seven films including four ● Video game consoles (all from 28% to
Chinese and three Indian Films will be 18%), and
screened during the Festival. ● parts and accessories for the carriages
● The opening film of the Festival will be for disabled persons (from 28% to 5%).
‘CZ12’ also known as ‘Chinese Zodiac’. ● Only 28 items remain in 28% slab

Andhra, Himachal and Madhya Pradesh best


Union Government Launches Asiatic Lion
performing states under maternity benefit
Conservation Project
programme PMMVY
● The Union Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change launched
● Minister of State for the Women and
the “Asiatic Lion Conservation Project”
Child Development Ministry Virendra
to protect and conserve the population
Kumar released the performance of
of Asiatic Lion and its associated
states and UTs under the maternity
ecosystem.
benefit programme named Pradhan
● The Asiatic Lion Conservation Project
Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
is aimed at the conservation and
(PMMVY)
recovery of Asiatic Lion with the help of
● Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and
up to date techniques, instruments,
Madhya Pradesh topped the charts as
regular scientific research studies,
the best performing states
disease management, modern
● According to the finding, 51.70 lakh
surveillance and patrolling techniques.
beneficiaries are covered annually under
the PMMVY
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Indian Railways launches new EMU train with commemorative coin in the memory of
130 kmph speed the former premier
● Railway passengers will soon get ● The front of the Rs 100 coin features the
another high-tech train from the stable National Emblem of India along with
of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) ‘Satyamev Jayate’ in Devanagari script
● The new train –Electrical Multiple inscribed below
Unit (EMU) – commonly known as an ● The reverse side of the Rs 100 coin
electric train, running at a speed of 130 features a portrait of Atal Bihari
Kmph is ready for its trial launch Vajpayee. The former PM’s name is
● The EMU train with higher passenger written in both Hindi and English
capacity already set off for Delhi ● The new Rs 100 coin is an alloy of silver,
(December 19), Sudhanshu Mani, copper, nickel and zinc
General Manager

UP tops in atrocities by police


NGT bans mining within 10 km of Sariska
● According to the National Crime
Tiger Reserve
Records Bureau (NCRB), Uttar Pradesh
registered 236 cases against police
● The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has personnel for human rights violations
banned all mining activities within 10 between 2014 and 2016, the highest in
km of the Sariska Tiger Reserve in the country's total of 411 such cases
Rajasthan during the same period
● The order was issued following a plea ● Uttar Pradesh was followed by Delhi
challenging the environmental clearance where 63 cases of atrocities by police
granted to 24 mines within the 10 km personnel were registered in the same
radius period
● The Supreme Court in 2006 had
prohibited mining within 1 km of
national parks and sanctuaries
● The cases of human rights violations by
police personnel include disappearance
PM Modi releases Rs 100 commemorative coin
of persons, illegal detention or arrests,
in honour of ex-PM Vajpayee
fake encounter killings, extortion,
assault on women with intent to outrage
● On the eve of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s
her modesty, atrocities on scheduled
94th birth anniversary, Prime Minister
castes, scheduled tribes, torture among
Narendra Modi released a ₹100
others
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Jharkhand CM announced Rs 2,250 crore ● The other two of the Trinity are
scheme for farmers Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama
● Jharkhand CM Raghubar Das Sastri
announced a ₹2,250 crore scheme to ● The Tyagaraja Aradhana Music Festival
help 22.76 lakh small and marginal which is held annually in January in
farmers of the state Thiruvaiyaru attracts musical talents
● Named Mukhyamantri Krishi from all over the world.
Ashirwad Yojana, the scheme will
provide farmers with a yearly financial
SCHEMES
assistance of ₹5,000 per acre for Kharif
JANUARY 2018
crops
● The scheme will start from 2019-20 Govt relaxes norms for Atal Pension Yojana

financial year ● The Union Finance Ministry has relaxed


norms of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) to
allow small finance banks and payment
Odisha Government announced Rs. 10,000
banks to offer APY distribution. The
Crore Scheme for Farmers Development
move is expected to help expand
● Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik announced
coverage of the scheme.
a ₹10,000 crore scheme named Krushak
About APY:
Assistance for Livelihood and Income
● This scheme replaced Swavalamban
Augmentation (KALIA), which will
scheme
provide farmers with ₹10,000 a year at
● It is a social security scheme
the rate of ₹5,000 each for Kharif and
● The age limit to avail the scheme is 18 –
Rabi season
40 years
● Additionally, crop loans of up to
● Under scheme, subscriber will receive a
₹50,000 will be interest-free under the
minimum guaranteed pension of
scheme
Rs.1000 to Rs.5000 per month,
depending on his contribution, from age
India's first music museum to be set up in of 60 years.
Thiruvaiyaru ● There is no exit to the scheme before the
● The country’s first music museum will age of 60.
be set up with assistance from the
Central government in Thiruvaiyaru, Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Vikas Yojana
Tamil Nadu, the birthplace of Saint (MGSVY)
Thyagaraja, one of the Trinities of ● Punjab government launched the
Carnatic music 'Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Vikas Yojana'
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

(MGSVY) aimed at the inclusive growth attaining the age of 50 years (earlier it
of the distressed sections of the society. was 60 years) and female artist can get it
at age of 40 years (earlier it was 50
Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjivani Yojna years).
● This scheme was launched by
Maharashtra state government. The National Programme for Control of Viral
scheme aims at promoting the climate- Hepatitis scheme
resilient agriculture in the state. ● The scheme will be launched by the
● The budget allotted for this is scheme is Union Ministry of Health and Family
Rs.4,000 crore. Welfare
● The scheme will be rolled out in 2018-19 ● It will focus on anti-viral treatment of
and continue till 2023-24. Hepatitis C which will be provided free
● The Scheme has been named after social at all government health set-ups.
activist Nanaji Deshmukh who has ● The budget allotted for the program is
worked in fields of education, health, Rs.600 crore for the next three years.
and rural self-reliance, and has been
honoured with Padma Vibhushan.

Swasth Bachche, Swasth Bharat launched by Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative


HRD Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar in ● The Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative
Kochi, Kerala. was launched by the Ministry of
● The programme is an initiative of Electronics and Information Technology
Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan to (MeITY)
prepare a physical Health and Fitness ● It aims to strengthen cyber security
Profile Card for more than 12 lakhs of ecosystem in India in line Government’s
Kendriya Vidyalaya students. vision for a ‘Digital India’.
Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana ● It was launched in association with
● Odisha state government launched the National eGovernance Division (NeGD)
yojana assistance scheme for Artists in and industry partners.
the state ● Cyber Surakshit Bharat is first public-
● The objective of the scheme is to private partnership of its kind. It will
provide financial assistance to the leverage the expertise of the IT industry
artists of the state in cybersecurity.
● The government has decided to give ● The founding partners include leading
Rs.1,200 per month as artist assistance. IT companies such as Microsoft, Intel,
● As per new eligibility criteria, a male WIPRO, Redhat and Dimension Data.
artist can get assistance under after
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

FEBRUARY 2018 ● Aim: The aim of Operation Green


KUSUM scheme 2018 scheme is to promote farmer producers
● Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan organisations, agrilogistics, processing
Mahaabhiyan scheme announced in the facilities and professional management.
Union Budget 2018. ● It is a price fixation scheme that aims to
● Objective: to encourage farmers for ensure farmers are given the right price
solar farming across the country. for their produce.
● Budget allocation - Rs. 48,000 crore ● The operation aims to aid farmers and
● Benefits help control and limit the erratic
Govt. will provide Solar Agricultural fluctuations in the prices of onions,
Pumps to the farmers. potatoes and tomatoes.
Target: Doubling farmers income by 2022. ● Budget Allocation: Rs. 500 crore
● Objective - to double the income of
Ayushman Bharat Scheme farmers by the end of 2022.
● In the Union Budget 2018 two major National Bamboo Mission (NBM)
initiatives in health sector as part of ● Terming Bamboo as ‘Green Gold’, the
Ayushman Bharat programme Union Finance Minister launched
announced by the Union Finance announced the scheme in the Union
Minister Arun Jaitely. Budget 2018. It is a wholly-sponsored
(i) Health and Wellness Centre - Under this 1.5 central scheme.
lakh centres will bring health care system closer ● Objective - to promote the bamboo
to the homes of people. These centres will also sector in the country. This will help the
provide free essential drugs and diagnostic people of rural and tribal areas.
services. Budget - The Budget has allocated ● Budget Allocation - Rs.1,290 crore
Rs.1200 crore for this flagship programme.
(ii) National Health Protection Scheme - Gobar Dhan Yojana
National Health Protection Scheme will cover ● Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro
over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families. It Resource Fund Scheme
will have 50 crore beneficiaries. This scheme ● In Union Budget 2018, the Finance
will be world’s largest government funded health Minister Arun Jaitely has announced the
care programme. new scheme for the villagers.
● Objective - To make the villages open
Operation Green defecation free and improving the lives
● On the lines of ‘‘Operation Flood’’ a new of villagers.
Scheme ‘‘Operation Greens’ is ● Key points
announced in the Union Budget 2018. ● Under this scheme the solid waste and
cattle dung will be composed into useful
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

elements such as Bio-CNG and Bio-Gas and culture, besides providing training
that are needed in agricultural sector. in sports and skill development.

Affordable Housing Fund (Kifayati Aawas Revitalising Infrastructure and Systems in


yojana) Education (RISE)
● In Union Budget 2018, the Finance ● To make India produce better research
Minister Arun Jaitely has announced the and make its institutions climb up in
new scheme to provide homes at low global rankings.
cost. Objective
● Objective ● To step up investments in research and
● To boost demand and supply of low-cost related infrastructure in premier
homes. educational institutions, including
● Key points health institutions.
● Government will establish a dedicated ● Higher Education Financing Agency
Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) in (HEFA) would be suitably structured for
National Housing Bank, funded from funding this initiative.
priority sector lending shortfall and fully ● Budget allocation - a total investment of
serviced bonds authorized by the ₹1 lakh crore in the next four years.
Government of India. ●
Prime Minister Fellowship Scheme
Ekalavya Model Residential School ● A ‘Prime Minister Fellowship Scheme’
● In the Union Budget 2018, the Finance was announced for top 1,000 BTech
Minister Arun Jaitely has announced the students in the country to provide
scheme to educate children from the opportunity to the students to pursue a
Tribal Community. PhD in IITs and Indian Institute of
Objective Science (IISc).
● To bring major revolutions in the
education sector. MARCH 2018
● Under this mission, it has been decided
that by the year 2022, every block with Ama Gaon, Ama Vikas (Our Village, our
more than 50% Scheduled Tribes (ST) development) programme
population and at least 20,000 tribal ● Odisha state launched ‘Ama Gaon, Ama
persons, will have an Ekalavya Model Vikas’ programme
Residential School. ● Aim - to reach out to the people in rural
● Ekalavya schools will be on a par with areas and involve themselves in the
Navodaya Vidyalayas and will have developmental activities.
special facilities for preserving local art
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

KHUSHI’ Scheme ● The purpose of the SAUBHAGYA


● Odisha government launched KHUSHI (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar
scheme to provide free sanitary napkins Yojna) scheme is to achieve universal
to school girls across the state. household electrification in all parts of
the country in a time bound manner.
Udyam Sakhi Portal
● Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium APRIL 2018
Enterprises launched the Udyam Sakhi
Portal for women entrepreneurs of ‘Project Dhoop’
India. ● In order to address rising incidence of
Vitamin 'D' Deficiencies, particularly
SATH-E project amongst the young people, Food Safety
● The project is to introduce system-wide and Standards Authority of India has
Governance Transformation in school launched a unique initiative, 'Project
education. Dhoop' in association with NCERT,
● The expand form of SATH-E is NDMC and North MCD Schools.
Sustainable Action for Transforming ● This unique initiative urges schools to
Human Capital in Education. shift their morning assembly to noon
● It is an initiative launched by the NITI time mainly between 11:00 a.m. to 1:00
Aayog. p.m. to ensure maximum absorption of
Vitamin D in students through natural
Saubhagya scheme sunlight.
● Ministry of Skill Development & ● Food Safety and Standards Authority of
Entrepreneurship union ministry India is an autonomous body established
partnered with the Ministry of Power to under the Ministry of Health & Family
support household electrification Welfare, Government of India.
scheme ‘Saubhagya’. ● Current Union Minister of Shri Jagat
● The Union Ministry of Power has Prakash Nadda.
partnered with the Ministry of Skill ● He is a member of Rajya Sabha from
Development & Entrepreneurship to Himachal Pradesh.
train the manpower in six states –
Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, UTTAM App - for Coal Quality Monitorin
Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh – ● The Union Minister for Railways and
for speedy implementation of its Coal Shri Piyush Goyal launched
household electrification scheme UTTAM App for Coal Quality
‘SAUBHAGYA’. Monitoring.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● UTTAM stands for Unlocking with the Ministries of Road Transport


Transparency by Third Party and Highways, Housing and Urban
Assessment of Mined Coal Affairs, Agriculture and Family Welfare,
● UTTAM App ensures accountability, Drinking Water & Sanitation and the
transparency, effectiveness and Railway Board.
efficiency in coal ecosystem.
● It provides a platform for monitoring of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan
sampling and coal dispatches. ● The Ministry of Human Resource
Development (HRD) launched the
Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan second edition of the Unnat Bharat
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi Abhiyan in New Delhi.
launched the ‘Rashtriya Gram Swaraj ● The objective of this mission is to
Abhiyan’ at Ram Nagar in Mandla students from 750 colleges and
district of Madhya Pradesh. universities across the country will
● The objective of the scheme is to adopt the nearby villages and visit them
enhance capacities and effectiveness of to get familiar with the life of the village
Panchayats and the Gram Sabhas. people and the problems faced by them
in the day to day life.
Atal New India Challenge ● In April 18, the Government of India
● On 26th April 2018, NITI Aayog (GoI) has launched its flagship ‘Study in
launched Atal New India Challenge India’ programme to attract
under Atal international students to study in India.
● Innovation Mission (AIM) with an aim ● It was jointly launched by External
to bring-in innovations and Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and
technologies relevant to the people. Minister of State for Human Resources
● Grant - Under the Atal Innovation Development Satya Pal Singh in New
Mission grants of up to Rs 1 crore will Delhi.
be provided to the applicants showing
capability, intent, and potential to Rupshree Yojana
productize technologies. ● West Bengal introduced 'Rupshree
● Objective - The objective of this Yojana' for marriage of poor girls of the
initiative is to solve problems in state
different 17 areas, which would have ● In this scheme, there is a proposal to
direct impact on improving lives of extend the financial assistance of
citizens and also generate employment. Rs.25,000 to the girl's family, whose
● Partnership - Under this new initiative, annual income is Rs 1.5 lakh.
Atal Innovation Mission has partnered
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● The State Government of West Bengal RPLI policies at Branch Post Offices
had earlier initiated a scheme called anywhere in India.
Kanyashree Scheme to promote ● DARPAN stands for - Digital
education among women. Advancement of Rural Post Office for a
New India.
Atal Amrit Abhiyan
● Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu MAY 2018
launched an ambitious health assurance
scheme Atal Amrit Abhiyan in Assam Samagra Shiksha scheme:
state. ● Human Resource Development Minister
● The scheme will offer free medical care Prakash Javadekar launched 'Samagra
of up to 2 lakh rupees for every Shiksha scheme' for school education.
individual from Below Poverty Line ● The scheme focuses on improving
(BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) quality of education, enhancing the
families. Learning outcomes and using
● The scheme will cover 92% of the state's technology to empower children and
population with annual income below 5 teachers.
lakh rupees. ● An annual grant of 5,000 to 20,000
● The Assam govt. earmarked 400 crore rupees will be provided for
rupees for the scheme in the financial strengthening libraries in schools.
year 2018-19. ● The scheme will be focused on digital
Ganga Haritmala Scheme (Ganga Hariyali education. Samagra Shiksha is a
Yojana) program that unifies learning from the
● This scheme was launched by the state pre-school to class 12 levels and
of Uttar Pradesh. encapsulates elements of the Sarva
● The main objective of this scheme is to Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamk
increase the green cover in the Shiksha Abhiyan, and teacher
catchment areas of Ganga river and to education.
control the erosion of land.
Union Ministry of Power launched PRAAPTI
App
DARPAN-PLI App ● The app will bring transparency in
● Minister of Communications Manoj electricity payments to Generators.
Sinha launched the DARPAN-PLI App Note:
in New Delhi. ● The Union Ministry of Power launched
● The DARPAN-PLI App will help in the web portal (www.praapti.in) and app
collection of a premium for PLI and namely PRAAPTI (Payment Ratification
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And Analysis in Power procurement for Hybrid Policy to promote new projects
bringing Transparency in Invoicing of as well as hybridization of the existing
generators). ones.
● The webportal and app aims to bring ● Note:
transparency in power purchase ● The objective of the policy is to provide
transactions between Generators and a framework for the promotion of large
Discoms. grid connected wind-solar PV hybrid
system for efficient utilization of
The union minister Shri Suresh Prabhu transmission infrastructure and land.
launched the Intellectual Property (IP) mascot ● These projects can be set up anywhere
IP Nani at the conference in New Delhi across the country depending on
● Mascot IP Nani is a tech-savvy feasibility and land availability with
grandmother who helps the government bidders.
and enforcement agencies in combating ● The MNRE is also in the process of
IP crimes with the help of her grandson launching a scheme for new hybrid
“Chhotu” aka Aditya. projects under this policy.
● The IP mascot will spread awareness
about the importance of Intellectual Digital India Internship Scheme
Property Rights (IPRs) among people, ● In May 2018, Union Minister Ravi
especially children, in an interesting Shankar Prasad launched the website of
manner. Digital India Internship Scheme in New
Delhi.
Gujarat govt. launch free treatment scheme for ● Under this scheme, 25 interns will be
the road accident victims. inducted for a period of three months,
● Note: Under this scheme, the state govt. paid a stipend of 10 thousand rupees per
will bear medical expenses of up to month.
50,000 rupees for each victim of road ● The internship is an opportunity for a
accident in the state for the first 48 student to secure first hand and
hours. practical work experience under the
● Free treatment includes dressing of guidance of qualified and experienced
wounds, Xray, blood transfusion, Supervisor and Mentor.
treatment in ICU and MRI, and all other ● It also aims at active participation in the
treatment available in a hospital. learning process through
experimentation and putting into
National Wind-solar Hybrid Policy practice the knowledge acquired in the
● Ministry of New and Renewable Energy classrooms.
(MNRE) launched National Windsolar
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Rythu Bandhu scheme ● President Ram Nath Kovind launched


● The Telangana government launched Solar Charkha Mission under which
Rythu Bandhu (friend of farmers) Government will disburse subsidy of Rs
scheme at Dharmarajupalle-Indiranagar 550 crore to thousands of artisans,
village in Karimnagar district on May generating employment in rural areas.
10, 2018. ● It was launched during the event of
● The scheme is a first-of-its-kind Udyam Sangam (National MSME
initiative providing investment support Conclave) on the occasion of World
to farmers, who own land. MSME Day (observed on 27 June).

‘SWAYAM’ Gujarat Govt launches solar scheme,


● Human Resource Development Ministry Suryashakti Kisan Yojna:
has launched an initiative ‘SWAYAM’ to ● This pilot project, estimated to cost Rs
train teachers using digital platform. 870 crore, will cover 12,400 cultivators
● The government will use the Massive and will be launched from July 2.
Open Online Courses platform ● Under Suryashakti Kisan Yojna (SKY),
SWAYAM aims to update the teaching grid-connected solar panels will be
technique of 1.5 million higher provided to over 12,000 cultivators who
education faculty with focus on new and have already taken regular electricity
emerging trends. connections for irrigation purpose.
● To achieve this, in the first phase, 75 ● This is a revolutionary step after Jyoti
discipline specific National Resource Gram Yojna that brought 24 x 7
Centres (NRCs) have been identified to electricity in the villages.
prepare online training material and
keep the teachers well-informed of Union Government launches new scheme
latest developments in their disciplines “SevaBhojYojna”:
through the online refresher course. ● This scheme is launched for financial
● Several institutions such as Central, years 2018-19 and 2019-20 with a total
State and Open Universities, National outlay of Rs. 325.00 crores.
Institutes for Technical Teachers ● It seeks to reimburse the central share
Training, IITs, IIITs, NITs and other of CGST and IGST on items for
have been notified as NRCs in this food/Prasad/langar/Bhandara offered
regard. free of cost by charitable religious
institutions.
JUNE 2018 ● Under this scheme, Centre’s share of
Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST)
Solar Charkha Mission: charged on the raw food materials
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purchased by the religious institutions ● The Madhya Pradesh government


will be refunded. announced an outstanding power bill
● The scheme has been launched for waiver scheme Bijli Bill Mafi Yojana
financial years 2018-19 and 2019-20 with 2018 for laborers and poor families.
a total outlay of Rs. 325.00 crores. Laborers falling under the unorganized
● sector in Madhya Pradesh will get power
Madhya Pradesh announced Outstanding supply at a subsidized rate.
“Power Bill Waiver Scheme” ● The state cabinet also approved
● The state cabinet headed by Chief Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal)
Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Yojana 2018 (a scheme to provide
approved the Bijli Bill Mafi Yojana 2018 subsidized power) in the meeting.
(Power Bill Waiver Scheme) which is
expected to benefit about 77 lakhs Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima
people of the state. Yojana a Health Insurance Scheme for
● Laborers falling under the unorganized Journalists:
sector in Madhya Pradesh will get power ● Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima
supply at a subsidized rate. Yojana is a new Health Insurance
● The state cabinet also approved Scheme for the journalists launched by
Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) the state government in Odisha.
Yojana 2018 (a scheme to provide ● This scheme provides Rs. 2 Lakh per
subsidized power) in the meeting. annum health insurance cover to all
working journalists of the state.
Swajal Scheme launched in 115 Aspirational
districts of India to provide clean drinking JULY 2018
water. Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme
● Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation ● The Union Government has reduced the
launched Swajal Scheme in 115 minimum annual deposit requirement
Aspirational districts of India to provide for accounts under Sukanya Samriddhi
clean drinking water. Yojana from Rs 1000 to Rs 250.
● It will involve outlay of Rs. 700 crores ● The minimum initial deposit to open the
through flexi-funds under existing account has also been reduced to Rs 250.
National Rural Drinking Water ● The move is aimed at enabling more
Programme (NRDWP) budget. people to take advantage of the girl
child savings scheme.
Bijli Bill Mafi Yojana 2018 for laborers and ● Aim: The scheme aims to provide
poor families: financial security to a girl till the time
that she gets married.
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● Age limit: The Sukanya Samriddhi ● The programme aims to build bridge
Account scheme is meant for girl between Police and larger community
children below the age of 10 years. through school students by inculcating
● The account matures in 21 years before values and ethics in them through
which it is in a lock-in period where classes in school and outside.
funds cannot be withdrawn.
● Also, the interest rate for the July- Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2018
September quarter is 8.1%. ● Union Ministry of Drinking Water and
● Flexible deposit amounts: Sanitation (MDWS) has launched
(i)The account can be opened with a Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2018 (SSG
minimum deposit of Rs.250 and in 2018) in New Delhi.
multiples of Rs.100 thereafter. ● It is a rural cleanliness survey to rank all
(ii)A maximum of Rs.1.5 lakhs can be states and districts on basis of
deposited per account every year. qualitative and quantitative evaluation.

MP Government launched Subsidised Power Govt. selects 734 athletes for Khelo-India
Scheme ‘Sambal’ scholarships
● The Madhya Pradesh State Government ● Sports Authority of India (SAI) under
launched an outstanding power bill Union Ministry of Sports and Youth
waiver scheme and subsidised power Affairs has cleared 734 athletes for the
scheme called ‘Sambal’ for labourers and scholarship under the Khelo India
poor families. Talent Development Scheme.
● Under Sambal Yojana, the Below ● They will be provided with annual
Poverty Line (BPL) families would be stipend of Rs. 1,20,000 on quarterly basis
provided electricity at a cost of Rs 200 to meet their out of pocket expenses,
per month. treatment of injuries and other
● expenses. Khelo India Talent
Govt. launches Student Police Cadet Development Scheme
Programme ● The scheme was introduced by Ministry
● Ministry of Home Affairs sponsored of Sports and Youth affairs to revive
Student Police Cadet sports culture in India at grass-root
● (SPC) Programme was launched level.
nationally in Gurugram, Haryana. ● Its objective is to build strong
● It was launched by Union Home framework for all sports played in our
Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence country and establish India as great
of Union Human Resources Minister sporting nation.
Prakash Javadekar.
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● It aims to help scout young talent from ● Smart India Hackathon is world’s
schools in various disciplines and groom biggest open innovation model which
them as future sports champions aims to provide students with platform
to solve some of pressing problems
AUGUST 2018 faced by people in their daily lives.

O-SMART’ scheme Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)


● The scheme is launched by the Ministry ● Govt. has appointed senior bureaucrat
of Earth Sciences Ashish Kumar Bhutani as Chief
● O-SMART stands for - Ocean Services, Executive Officer (CEO) of Pradhan
Technology, Observations, Resources Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
Modelling and Science. ● It is farmers’ welfare scheme launched
● O-SMART scheme encompasses 16 sub- in 2016 to ensure faster insurance
projects related to ocean development services or reliefs to farmers.
activities and science for ● It aims to reduce the premium burden
implementation during 2017-18 and on farmers and ensure early settlement
2019-20. of crop assurance claim for the full
● The CCEA approved the scheme for insured sum.
implementation during the period from ● Under this scheme, farmers need to pay
2017-18 to 2019-20 at an overall cost of uniform premium of only 2% for all
Rs 1623 crore. Kharif crops and 1.5% for all Rabi crops.
● In case of annual commercial and
HRD Ministry launches Innovation Cell at horticultural crops, farmers have to pay
AICTE premium of only 5%.
● Union Ministry of Human Resource ● The premium rates to be paid by farmers
Development has established Innovation are very low and balance premium will
Cell at AICTE premises in New Delhi. be paid by Government.
● It aims to systematically foster culture ● Moreover, there is no upper limit on
of innovation in all Higher Education Government subsidy, so farmers will get
Institutions (HEIs) across the country. claim against full sum insured without
any reduction.
Government launches third edition of Smart
India Hackathon 2019 PMS-OBC scheme
● Union Ministry of Human Resource ● Cabinet Committee on Economic
Development (HRD) has third edition of Affairs (CCEA) approved continuation
Smart India Hackathon 2019 (SIH-2019). and revision of Centrally Sponsored
Scheme of Post Matric Scholarship for
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Other Backward Classes Students for irrigation projects under Pradhan


studying in India (PMS-OBC) till 2020. Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
● PMS-OBC is flagship scheme of (PMKSY) through Long Term Irrigation
Ministry of Social Justice & Fund (LTIF).
Empowerment, in operation since 1998- ● PMKSY was launched in July 2015 with
99. overarching vision to ensure access to
● It is fully centrally sponsored scheme some means of protective irrigation for
that aims to provide financial assistance all agricultural farms in the country and
to OBC students studying at post- to produce ‘per drop more crop’, thus
matriculation or post-secondary stage to bringing much desired rural prosperity.
enable them to complete their ● It is implemented by Ministries of
education. Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural
● Under revised PMS-OBC, annual Development.
parental income ceiling has been ● It has outlay of Rs 50000 crore with
increased from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.5 lakh. implementation period of over five-year
● Now onwards, 30% of funds will be till April 2020.
earmarked for girl students and 5% for ● The government has approved a corpus
students with disabilities. of Rs.5,000 crore for the setting up of a
dedicated micro
CCEA approves continuation of Pradhan ● irrigation fund (MIF) under the National
Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Bank for Agriculture and Rural
● The scheme was launched on 25 Development (Nabard).
December 2000.
● It aims to provide single all-weather Govt. approves 122 new research projects
road connectivity to all eligible under IMPRINT scheme:
unconnected habitations in rural areas. ● Union Ministry of Human Resource
● Union Ministry of Rural Development is Development (MHRD) has approved 122
nodal ministry for implementation of new research project proposals worth
Scheme. Rs.112 crore for funding under its
IMPRINT-II (Impacting Research
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana Innovation and Technology) scheme.
(PMKSY) ● IMPRINT is first of its kind MHRD
● Union Government, NABARD and supported scheme to address major
National Water Development Agency science and engineering challenges and
(NWDA) have signed revised boost original scientific and
Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for technological research in 10 technology
funding of central share of 99 prioritized identified domains in the country.
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● It was launched in November 2015 with


an aim to develop new engineering Mukhyamantri Yuva Nestam
education policy and create road map to ● Andhra Pradesh Government has
pursue engineering challenges. approved Mukhyamantri Yuva Nestam,
an unemployment allowance scheme to
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Government provide Rs 1000 per month unemployed
achieves 5 crore Free LPG Connections Target youth in state.
● Union Government has announced that ● The allowance will directly credited in
it has reached target of providing 5 crore bank accounts of selected beneficiary
free LPG connections under Pradhan through biometric authentication in
Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) almost transparent manner. It will not be
eight months ahead of schedule (i.e. in applicable to those paying provident
27 months instead of 35 months). fund.
● World Health Organisation (WHO) has
recognised PMUY as one of decisive
intervention by Government to address
indoor air pollution which accounts for Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)
nearly 10 lakh deaths in year in the
country. ● NITI Aayog identified 117 Districts as
● Union Government launched PMUY in Aspirational Districts for RUSA
May, 2016 with tagline of Swachh Scheme.
Indhan, Behtar Jeevan. ● During the second phase of the
● It aims at providing clean-cooking fuel Centrally Sponsored Scheme of
to poor households, who are otherwise Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan
vulnerable to various health hazards (RUSA), central assistance is provided
associated with indoor air pollution and for opening of new Model Degree
bringing in qualitative charges in living Colleges(MDCs) in ‘Aspirational
standards. Districts’ identified by NITI Aayog and
● PMUY is implemented by Ministry of in unserved & underserved districts in
Petroleum and Natural Gas. North Eastern and the Himalayan
● Considering its huge success, States.
government had revised target to 8 ● RUSA is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme
crores with budgetary allocation of (CSS), launched in 2013 aims at
Rs.12,800 crore. Note: Uttar Pradesh has providing strategic funding to eligible
got the maximum number of LPG state higher educational institutions.
connections (87 lakh) followed by West
Bengal (67 lakh) and Bihar (61 lakh). SEPTEMBER 2018
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Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna: Petroleum Minister to launch ‘SATAT’
● The Employees’ State Insurance initiative
Corporation (ESIC) has approved a new ● Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister
scheme- Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Skill
for Insured Persons covered under the Development and Entrepreneurship
Employees’ State Insurance Act. launched SATAT initiative to promote
● This scheme is a relief payable in cash Compressed Bio-Gas as an alternative,
directly to their Bank Account in case of green transport fuel.
unemployment and while they search for ● Titled SATAT, the initiative is aimed at
new engagement. providing a Sustainable Alternative
● The eligibility for availing Super Towards Affordable Transportation
Specialty treatment for dependents of (SATAT) as a developmental effort that
Insured Person has now been relaxed to would benefit both vehicle-users as well
insurable employment of one year with as farmers and entrepreneurs.
156 days of contributions.
● The ESIC also approved the proposal for Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM)
increasing the funeral expenses from scheme
existing 10 thousand rupees to 15 ● Union Government has approved Rs
thousand rupees being paid on the death 8,606 crore for 60 projects being
of Insured Person. implemented under umbrella scheme of
Border Infrastructure and Management
Swayangsiddha scheme (BIM).
● In an attempt to combat human ● The projects are being implemented in
trafficking, the West Bengal government 111 border districts in 17 states having
rolled out a scheme, Swayangsiddha, in the international borders with Pakistan,
different districts of the State. As the China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and
per the NCRB data, West Bengal has Bangladesh.
highest recorded case of trafficking ● The scheme include construction of
among the States. roads, schools, primary health centres,
● The scheme aims to empower young promotion of rural tourism, border
boys and girls to make informed choices tourism, cleanliness mission, promotion
so that they are less vulnerable to of sports activities, supply of drinking
trafficking and child marriage. water, protection of heritage sites,
● Swayangsiddha means self-reliance and community centres, connectivity,
it will be executed by the West Bengal drainage, to enable sustainable living in
Police. border areas.
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kurinji (Strobilanthus kunthianus)


Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana: plants that flower only once in 12 years.
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi ● This scheme comes following
launched ambitious Pradhan Mantri Jan complaints that these rare and
Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), under ecologically unique flowers are being
Ayushman Bharat umbrella at Ranchi, packaged and sold on the commercial
Jharkhand. basis. Neelakurinji plant
● The scheme aims to provide annual ● Neelakurinji is a tropical plant species.
health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh to It is native to Shola forests in Western
10.74 crore beneficiary families i.e. over Ghats.
50 crore beneficiaries across India. ● It is also seen in Shevroys Hills in
● It is touted as world’s largest healthcare Eastern Ghats, Anamalai hills and Agali
scheme that will serve beneficiary hills in Kerala and Sanduru hills in
population that equals 27-28 European Karnataka.
countries and almost equal to
population of Canada, Mexico and US Delhi Government launches India’s first
put together. scheme for doorstep delivery of essential
● The scheme will become operational government services
from September 25, 2018 i.e. on birth ● Delhi Government has launched scheme
anniversary of Deendayal Upadhyay. for doorstep delivery of 40 essential
● PMJAY is government-sponsored health government services like caste and
insurance scheme, that will provide free marriage certificates, driving license
coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family and new water connections.
per year in any government or ● It is first home delivery scheme of
empanelled private hospitals all over various essential government services in
India. the country.
● It will cover beneficiaries families ● It will help to deal with corruption in
identified on the basis of Socio delivery of essential government
Economic Caste Survey (SECC) 2011 in services and promote transparent
444 districts of 30 states/Union governance.
Territories.
Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan
Tamil Nadu Government announces scheme Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)
for protection of exotic Neela Kurinji plants ● The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime
● Tamil Nadu government has announced Minister Shri Narendra Modi has
Scheme for protection of exotic Neela approved a new Umbrella Scheme
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“Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Key features of the schemes:


SanraksHan Abhiyan’ (PM-AASHA). ● Overdraft facility doubled: The Finance
● The Scheme is aimed at ensuring Minister Arun Jaitley stated that the
remunerative prices to the farmers for overdraft facility has been doubled from
their produce as announced in the Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 under the Yojana.
Union Budget for 2018. Age limit increased
● The scheme aimed at ensuring ● The age limit has been revised to 18 to
remunerative prices to the farmers for 65 years from the earlier 18 to 60 years.
their produce. Accidental insurance cover raised
● To empower farmers and strengthen the ● The accidental insurance cover has been
Agriculture sector. raised from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.2 lakh.
● The Cabinet has sanctioned Rs 15,053
crore to implement the PM-AASHA in Govt. revised Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan
the next two financial years, of which Rs Yojana (PMJDY)
6,250 crore will be spent this year. ● The government has revised the PMJDY
Components of PM-AASHA scheme, to further incentivize people’s
● Under the PM-AASHA, states would be participation in the scheme.
allowed to choose from three schemes ● Overdraft facility doubled - The Finance
● Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Minister Arun Jaitley stated that the
Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), overdraft facility has been doubled from
Pilot of Private Procurement & Stockist Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 under the Yojana.
Scheme (PPPS). Age limit increased
● The age limit for availing overdraft
facility under it has also been revised to
Govt. extends Atal Pension Yojana 18 to 65 years from the earlier 18 to 60
indefinitely years.
● Union Cabinet decided to indefinitely ● Accidental insurance cover raised - The
extended Atal Pension Scheme, which accidental insurance cover for new
had lapsed in August 2018. To further RuPay Cardholders has been raised from
incentivize people’s participation in the Rs.1 lakh to Rs.2 lakh.
scheme. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
● It is a social security scheme launched Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
by the government in 2015 to provide a ● Tourism Ministry sanctions Rs. 80.37
defined pension between Rs.1,000 to crore for developing cruise tourism in
Rs.5,000. Kerala.
● It had replaced earlier government-
backed pension Swavalamban scheme.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● The scheme was launched by Union ● Budget Outlay


Tourism Ministry with an objective to Human Resource Development (HRD)
develop theme based tourist circuits in Ministry announced a budget of Rs 418
the country. crore from 201820 on collaborative
● The first project under Swadesh research between Indian and foreign
Darshan Scheme ‘North East Circuit: institutes.
Imphal and Khongjom’ was inaugurated ● Collaboration with foreign countries:
in Manipur. SPARK scheme will facilitate academic
● The project covers two sites i.e. Kangla and research collaborations between
Fort and Khongjom in Manipur. Indian Institutions the best institutions
in the world from 28 selected nations.
OCTOBER 2018 National Coordinating Institute
● Indian Institute of Technology
SPARC scheme Kharagpur is the National Coordinating
● The Union Minister of Human Resource Institute to implement the SPARC
Development Prakash Javadekar programme.
launched the ‘SPARC’ scheme. ● Eligibility
● The objective of the scheme is to boost All Indian Institutions ranked in the
India specific research in social and overall top100 or category-wise top-100
pure sciences. in the India Rankings (NIRF) are eligible
● Here ‘SPARC’ stands for - 'Scheme for to apply.
promotion of Academic and Research Only such private institutions which are
Collaboration'. "SPARC will focus on falling in the above category, and also
joint research projects in focus areas, recognised under Section 12(8) of UGC
including technology, science and social Act are eligible.
sciences, which are of relevance to The partner institution shall be in the
India. Aim of the SPARC scheme top-500 of Q5 World University
● SPARC scheme aims at improving the Rankings or in the top-200 of Q5 World
research ecosystem of India’s higher University Rankings by subject.
educational institutions by facilitating
academic and research collaborations IMPRESS scheme launched
between Indian Institutions and the best ● With an aim to promote policy research
institutions in the world. in social science areas Union HRD
● The SPARC scheme envisages Minister Prakash Javadekar launched
supporting around 600 proposals for a ‘IMPRESS’ scheme in the country.
total outlay of Rs 418 Crores over two ● ‘IMPRESS’ stands for - Impactful Policy
years. Research in Social Sciences.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● The scheme will provide an opportunity State and Democracy


for social science researchers in any Urban Transformation
institution in the country which Media, Culture and Society
includes all universities (central and Employment Skills and Rural
state). Transformation
Budget Outlay Governance, Innovation and Public
The scheme will be implemented at a Policy
total cost of Rs. 414 crores till March Growth, Macro Trade and Economic
2021. Policy
Implementing Agency Agriculture and Rural Development
● The scheme will be implemented by the Health and Environment
Indian Council of Social Science and Science and Education
Research (ICSSR). Social Media and Technology
● The IMPRESS scheme will open up new Politics, Law and Economics
avenues in Research aiming at visible
impact on Technology, Economy, Govt. launches Youth Road Safety Learners
Society, Culture - B.B. Kumar (ICSSR Licence Programme
Chairman) ● Union Ministry of Road Transport &
● Under IMPRESS, 1,500 research Highways has launched Youth Road
projects will be awarded for two years to Safety Learners Licence programme in
support social science research in the New Delhi.
higher educational institutions. ● It is Public–private partnership (PPP)
Objective initiative in collaboration with Diageo
● The objective of the scheme is as follows India and Institute of Road Traffic
● To identify and fund research proposals Education (IRTE).
in social sciences with maximum impact ● This programme will help Government
on the governance and society. to achieve its target of reducing road
● To ensure selection of projects through accidents by 50% by 2020.
a transparent, competitive process on
online mode. Delhi Government launches Chief Minister’s
● To provide opportunity for social Urban Leaders Fellowship Programme:
science researchers in any institution in ● Delhi government has launched Chief
the country, including all Universities Minister’s Urban Leaders Fellowship
(Central and State), private institutions Programme that seeks to attract young
with 12(B) status conferred by UGC. leaders across the country to work with
● The identified domains under it on addressing some of the most
IMPRESS are as:
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

pressing urban challenges. It was ● RBI has notified rate of interest of 2.50%
announced by per annum on SGB bonds is payable on
● Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish half yearly basis.
Sisodia.
● The fellows will be paid remuneration of Digi Yatra:
Rs 1.25 lakh per month and Rs 75,000 Govt. releases policy on biometric based digital
per month to Associate Fellows. processing of passengers at airports
● Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has
Government opens new series of sovereign released policy on biometric based
gold bonds scheme for subscription digital processing of passengers at
● Union Government has opened new airports called Digi Yatra.
series of sovereign gold bonds scheme ● The initiative seeks to promote
for subscription paperless and hassle-free air travel.
● Under this scheme, sovereign gold ● It will be operational by end of
bonds will be issued every month from February, 2019 at Bengaluru and
October 2018 to February 2019. Hyderabad airports.
● This bond will be sold through Stock ● In later phase, Airports Authority of
Holding Corporation of India Limited, India (AAI) will roll out this initiative at
Post Office, Stock Exchange (NSE and Kolkata, Varanasi, Pune and Vijayawada
BSE). Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) airports by April 2019.
Scheme ● Under Digi Yatra, there will be one-time
● It is aimed at providing alternative to verification at departure airport while
buying physical gold. travelling for first time using ID.
● Under it, bonds are denominated in ● After successful verification, facial
units of one gram of gold and multiples recognition biometric will be captured
thereof. and stored in Digi Yatra ID.
● These gold denominated bonds are ● With this initiative, ticket booking,
restricted for sale to resident Indian airport entry and boarding pass security
entities, including individuals, Hindu check-in will be made digital.
undivided families (HUF), trusts, ● For this system, passengers will be
universities and charitable institutions. registered through centralized system
● The minimum subscription for and will be given Digi Travel ID.
individual and HUF is 1 gram and
maximum is 4 kg. Udyam Abhilasha
● For trusts and similar entities, ● SIDBI launches national level
maximum subscription is 20 kg per entrepreneurship awareness campaign
fiscal.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Small Industries Development Bank of ● A total of 1,878 students will get benefit
India (SIDBI) has launched Udyam from the programme.
Abhilasha a national level
entrepreneurship awareness campaign. Odisha govt. launch Food Security Scheme
● It was launched in 115 Aspirational ● Odisha government launched the State’s
Districts identified by NITI Aayog in 28 own food security scheme to cover the
States. poor people.
Objectives ● As per the provisions of the scheme, 25
● To inspire rural youth in aspirational lakh poor people left out from the
districts to be entrepreneurs by assisting benefits of the National Food Security
them to set up their own enterprise. Act, will get rice of 5 kg per month for
● To impart trainings through digital one rupee.
medium across the country
● To create business opportunities for Wage Compensation Scheme for pregnant
CSC-VLEs. women:
● To focus on women aspirants in ● Assam Government has become the first
aspirational districts to encourage Indian state to offer a Wage
women entrepreneurship. Compensation Scheme for pregnant
● To assist participants to become women working in the tea gardens of
bankable and avail credit facility from the state.
banks to set up their own enterprise. ● Under the scheme, an amount of Rs
12,000 will be given to the pregnant
Odisha govt. launched 'Nirman Kusuma' women so that they can take care of
scheme themselves and the unborn baby.
● Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ● The compensation of wages to pregnant
launched 'Nirman Kusuma' programme women will be given in 4 instalments -
for providing financial assistance to the Rs 2,000 in the first trimester, Rs.4,000
children of the construction workers for in the second trimester, Rs.3,000 for
their technical education in the state. institutional delivery and Rs.3,000 for
● The children of construction workers registration of the child's birth.
would get financial assistance for their
education in Industrial Training NOVEMBER 2018
Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics.
● While an ITI student will be entitled to Ministry of HRD launches faculty
get financial assistance of Rs.23,600, a development programmes - LEAP & ARPIT
diploma student to get Rs.26,300 per ● A unique initiative of online
annum. professional development of 15 lakh
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

higher education faculty using the ● There are built-in assessment exercises
MOOCs platform SWAYAM, Annual and activities as part of the academic
Refresher Programme in Teaching progression in the course.
(ARPIT) was launched on 13th Nov.
● The ministry of human resource Eight States achieve 100% household
development also launched Leadership electrification under Saubhagya scheme
for Academicians Programme (LEAP) ● 8 States which achieved 100% household
which will be implemented through 15 electrification under Pradhan Mantri
top institutions like IITs, TISS, DU, Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana - Saubhagya
JNU and IISERs and also include a week scheme are Madhya Pradesh, Tripura,
training in a foreign campus of the likes Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram,
of Harvard University, Oxford Sikkim, Telangana and West Bengal.
University, Purdue University and NTU ● With this, total 15 States in India have
Singapore, among others. 100% household electrification. Prime
● LEAP is a three-week flagship Minister Narendra Modi launched Rs
leadership development training 16320-Crore ‘Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli
programme (two-weeks domestic and Har Ghar Yojana'- Saubhagya on
one-week foreign training for second September
level academic functionaries in public ● 25, 2017 to mark the birth anniversary
funded higher education institutions. of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
● LEAP programme will be offered by 15 ● The scheme aims to achieve the goal of
NIRF top ranked Indian Institutions universal household electrification in
namely, IIT Roorkee, IIT Kanpur, NIT the country by March 31, 2019.
Trichy, Indian Institute of Science
Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, Gujarat tops in implementing Ayushman
Jawaharlal Nehru University, University Bharat
of Delhi, IIT Bombay and TISS Mumbai, ● Gujarat has emerged as the top
among others. performer of the Centre’s ambitious
Objective of LEAP health financing scheme - Ayushman
● The objective is to prepare second tier Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya
academic heads who are potentially Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which was
likely to assume leadership roles in the launched on September 23, promises
future. About ARPIT programme health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family
● ARPIT is a 40-hour module with 20 to over 10 crore poor families.
hours of video content offered in a ● Over 3.4 lakh beneficiaries have been
highly flexible format and can be done treated under the scheme since its
at one’s own pace and time.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

launch until November 24, according to ● The schemes aim for attracting youth to
the National Health Agency. cooperative business ventures.
● Tamil Nadu ranked second at 54,273 ● The scheme will be linked to Rs 1000
hospital and Chattisgarh third at 53,180. crore ‘Cooperative Start-up and
Innovation Fund
Health Ministry launches Integrated Disease ● (CSIF)’ created by the National
Surveillance Programme (IDSP) Cooperative Development Corporation
● Ms. Preeti Sudan, Union Health (NCDC).
Secretary did soft-launch of the
Integrated Disease Surveillance CCEA approves ACROSS scheme
Programme (IDSP) segment of the ● Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired
Integrated Health Information Platform Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs
(IHIP) in seven states. (CCEA) has approved continuation of
● The path-breaking initiative will nine sub-schemes of umbrella scheme
provide near real-time data to “Atmosphere & Climate Research-
policymakers for detecting outbreaks, Modelling Observing Systems &
reducing the morbidity and mortality Services (ACROSS)” during 2017-2020.
and lessening disease burden in the ● The scheme aims at improving skill of
populations and better health systems. weather and climate forecast through
sustained observations, intensive
Gau Samridhi Scheme launched by Kerala Research & Development.
govt. ● The scheme refers to the atmospheric
● Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan science programs of the Ministry of
launched the ‘Cow Samridhi Plus Earth Sciences (MoES). 8. Government
Scheme’ to provide insurance coverage Launches Bhasha Sangam initiative
to dairy farmers in the state. ● The government has launched a unique
● The government subsidized scheme, as initiative called Bhasha Sangam to
proposed, will give insurance coverage introduce school students to 22 Indian
to dairy farmers at low premium rates. languages.
● The initiative, under Ek Bharat
Yuva Sahakar Scheme launched by Agriculture Shreshtha Bharat, was active for the
Ministry period between 22nd November 2018 –
● Union Minister of Agriculture and 21st December 2018.
Farmers’ Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh ● Bhasha Sangam is a programme for
launched the ‘Yuva Sahakar-Cooperative schools and educational institutions to
Enterprise Support and Innovation provide multilingual exposure to
Scheme. students in Indian languages.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● There are five key aspects for


UP Govt launches Women empowerment facilitating the MSME sector which
resolution campaign include - access to credit, access to
● Uttar Pradesh Government launched the market, technology upgradation, ease of
Women Empowerment Resolution doing business, and sense of security for
Campaign to develop abilities in women employees.
for leadership and rights. Aim
● The purpose of this campaign is to ● It aims to boost MSME sector it is one
ensure the empowerment of women of important sector for major
through different programs in the state. generations of employment
● It was launched by Uttar Pradesh Chief opportunities.
Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow ● It will run for 100 days covering 100
on November 20, 2018. Districts throughout the country.
● Under Access to Credit aspect of this
Union HRD Minister launches ‘Institution’s porgramme, Government will launch 59
Innovation Council (IIC)’Program minute loan portal to enable easy access
● Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar to credit for MSMEs.
launched the ‘Institution’s Innovation ● Loans upto Rs.1 crore will be granted in
Council (IIC) program under Innovation principle approval through this portal,
cell in New Delhi. in just 59 minutes.
● HRD Ministry has established ● Government will give 2% interest
Innovation cell at AICTE with purpose subvention for all GST registered
to systematically foster culture of MSMEs, on fresh or incremental loans.
Innovation in all Higher Education ● For exporters who receive loans in pre-
Institutions (HEIs) across the country. shipment and post-shipment period will
get increase in interest rebate ranging
PM launches Support and Outreach from 3% to 5%.
Programme for MSME Sector ● All MSMEs or companies with turnover
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi more than Rs. 500 crore will now be
launched Micro, Small and Medium compulsorily brought on Trade
Enterprises (MSME) Support and Receivables e-Discounting System
Outreach Programme. (TReDS). Public sector companies have
● As part of this programme, PM unveiled now been asked to compulsorily procure
12 key initiatives which will help the 25 percent, instead of 20 percent of their
growth, expansion and facilitation of total purchases, from MSMEs.
MSMEs across the country. ● Out of the 25 percent procurement
mandated from MSMEs, 3 percent must
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

now be reserved for women the first phase of the FAME India
entrepreneurs. scheme to promote mass adoption of
electric vehicles, having extended the
Saura Jalnidhi scheme launched by the scheme four times, according to an
Odisha Govt. official notification.
● This scheme has been launched by the ● The phase-I of the Faster Adoption and
Odisha Government only for Former for Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric
their field irrigation. Vehicles (FAME India) scheme was
● Under this scheme, farmers will be supposed to be implemented over a two-
given 90% subsidy and 5,000 solar year period commencing from April 1,
pumps. 2015.
● This scheme is only for those who have
farmer identical and minimum land DECEMBER 2018
should be 0.5 acres.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme: SC introduced Witness Protection Scheme,
2018 in India
● Two North East Circuit Projects ● The Supreme Court (SC) introduced a
inaugurated in Arunachal Pradesh witness protection regime in the
● Union Ministry of Tourism has country noting that one of the main
inaugurated two important projects as reasons for witnesses turning hostile is
part of Development of North East that they are not given security by the
Circuit under Swadesh Darshan Scheme State.
in Arunachal Pradesh. Swadesh Darshan ● It also announced that the Witness
scheme Protection Scheme, 2018 will come into
● It was launched by Union Tourism effect immediately across all States.
Ministry in 2015 with objective to ● This scheme is aimed at enabling a
develop theme-based tourist circuits in witness to depose fearlessly and
the country. truthfully, would be the law of the land
● These tourist circuits developed will be till Parliament enacted suitable
developed under on principles of high legislation.
tourist value, competitiveness and ● The Witness Protection Scheme 2018
sustainability in integrated manner. was framed by the Central government
based on the inputs received from 18
Govt hikes outlay for first phase of FAME States/Union Territories, 5 States Legal
India scheme to Rs 895 crore Services Authorities and open sources
● The government has increased the including civil society, three High
outlay by Rs 100 crore to Rs 895 crore for Courts and police personnel, as well.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● The scheme is launched by the Ministry


Delhi Govt. launches Free Pilgrimage Scheme of Women and Child Development
for Senior Citizens Government of India.
● Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ● The programme, which became
launched the 'Mukhyamantri Tirth applicable from January 1, 2017 provides
Yatra Yojana' which offers free travel a cash incentive of Rs 5,000 in three
packages for senior citizens from Delhi instalments to pregnant women and
to five religious circuits. lactating mothers for the first child
● Under this free pilgrimage scheme, a through Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT).
Delhi resident above 60 years will be
eligible to take free pilgrimage along PRASAD Scheme of Ministry of Tourism
with his or her spouse. ● The Centre has included Gangotri and
● 1100 senior citizens from each Assembly Yamunotri in Uttrarakhand,
Constituency would now undertake free Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and
● pilgrimage every year, the expenses for Parasnath in Jharkhand under a central
which will be borne by the government. scheme to develop pilgrimage and
heritage destinations in the country.
● With the new additions, the number of
Jammu & Kashmir Govt. launches AB-PMJAY sites under the PRASAD scheme has
Scheme now become 41 in 25 states.
● Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal ● The scheme was launched by the
Malik launched the ambitious Ministry of Tourism in 2014-15.
“Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan ● PRASAD stands for -Pilgrimage
Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)” scheme Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage
which would benefit over 31 lakh Augmentation Drive.
residents in the state. ● Under the scheme ‘Prasad’, the Ministry
● The governor distributed golden cards of Tourism provides Central Financial
among 10 eligible beneficiaries for Assistance (CFA) to State
availing the annual health cover facility, Governments/Union Territory
marking the launch of the scheme in the Administrations for development and
state. beautification of the identified
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana pilgrimage destinations.
● Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
is a conditional cash transfer scheme for BANKING & FINANCE
pregnant and lactating women of 19
JANUARY 2018
years of age or above.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

New Rs 10 Banknote in Mahatma Gandhi loans last year & USD three billion more
Series in the pipeline.
● Reserve Bank of India has announced to ● Indonesia has emerged as the second
issue Rs 10 denomination banknotes in largest borrower with about USD 600
the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series, million loans.
bearing the signature of Dr. Urjit R.
Patel, Governor, RBI.
Paytm Money Ltd started its operation
● The new denomination has motif of Sun
● Paytm set up a new entity called Paytm
Temple, Konark on the reverse,
Money Ltd that will offer investment &
depicting the country's cultural
wealth management products & will
heritage.
invest close to $10 million upfront in
● The base colour of the note is Chocolate
the new entity.
Brown. The dimension of the banknote
● Paytm Money is the fourth product from
will be 63 mm x 123 mm.
One97’s stable after Paytm Mall, Paytm
RIL become 1st Indian company to cross Rs 6- Payments Bank & Paytm wallet.
lakh crore Market Cap
● Reliance Industries (RIL) become the
World Bank projected India’s growth rate at
first Indian company to cross the Rs 6-
7.3 percent in 2018
lakh crore mark in market
● World Bank projected India’s growth
capitalization.
rate at 7.3 percent in 2018 & 7.5 for the
● RIL is owned 40% by its chairman
next two years. India’s economy is
Mukesh Ambani, making him the
estimated to have grown at 6.7 percent
richest Indian as per Bloomberg’s
in 2017.
billionaire index.
● As per the HSBC report, India's growth
HDFC Bank Ltd sets record rate is expected to accelerate at around
● India’s most-valued lender HDFC Bank 6.5 percent in 2017-18 & is likely to
Ltd crossed Rs.5 trillion market improve further to 7.6 percent by 2019-
capitalisation for the first time, making 20.
it only the third Indian company to
FEBRUARY 2018
achieve this milestone.

YES BANK successfully completed its first


India emerged as a top borrower from AIIB in
USD 600 million bond issue
2017
● YES BANK successfully completed
● India emerged as a top borrower from
issuance of its first USD 600 million
AIIB with USD 1.5 billion worth of
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

(more than Rs. 3,847 crore) bond issue in Exim Bank Extends $500 Million Loan
the international debt markets. Facility To 15-Nation Group in Africa
● The Bond issuance is for a tenor of 5 ● The Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank)
years. It is listed on the London Stock announced that it will provide a USD
Exchange International Securities 500 million credit facility to Economic
Market (LSE ISM), the Singapore Community of West African States
Exchange Securities Trading (SGX), and (ECOWAS) to fund various development
the India International Exchange IFSC projects in western-south Africa.
at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. ● The line of credit (LoC) of USD 500
million is an umbrella limit for
MARCH 2018
financing developmental projects in 15-
member countries.
ICICI Bank announced instant overdraft
facility for MSME FPI Investment Limit In Government
● Private banking major ICICI Bank Securities Hiked
announced the launch of an instant ● In a move that could temporarily soften
overdraft facility for the Micro, Small bond yields, the Reserve Bank of India,
and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in consultation with the Government,
customers in a completely online and hiked the foreign portfolio investors
paperless manner. (FPI) investment limit in Central
● Titled 'InstaOD', this first-of-its-kind government securities (G-Sec) from 5%
offering in the Indian banking industry of outstanding stock now to 5.5% in FY
enables a few lakhs of prequalified 2019 and 6% in FY 2020.
current account customers of the bank ● The hike comes in the wake of 99.31% of
to instantly avail the facility without the upper FII investment limit in G-Secs
visiting a branch and submitting of Rs1,91,300 crore getting utilized.
physical documents. ● The FPI investment in State
Development Loans (SDLs) has been left
RBI imposed a penalty on Airtel Payments
unchanged at 2% of outstanding stock of
Bank
securities.
● Reserve Bank has imposed a penalty of
Rs 5 crore on Airtel Payments Bank for State Bank of India Launches UK Subsidiary
violating operating guidelines and With 225 Millions Pounds Capital
Know Your Customer (KYC) norms. ● State Bank of India SBI announced the
launch of its UK subsidiary, SBI (UK)
APRIL 2018
Limited, with an initial capital
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

commitment of 225 million pounds ● It is developed by the bank in


from its parent entity. partnership with Nuance, USA.
● India’s largest state-owned bank, which
Qatar-based Doha Bank sets up first branch in
celebrated the new subsidiary with a
Chennai
special event in London, becomes the
● Qatar-based Doha Bank has set up the
first foreign bank in the UK to ring
first branch in Chennai, taking the total
fence its retail division from its
number of branches in the country to
wholesale business.
three.
India Signed Loan Agreement With World ● The bank's CEO is R Seetharaman.
Bank for US$ 125 million
● A Loan Agreement for IBRD credit of MAY 2018
US$ 125 (equivalent) for the “Innovate
in India for Inclusiveness Project” was India signed USD 200 Million Loan Deal with
signed with the World Bank in New World Bank for National Nutrition Mission
Delhi.
● The Objectives of the project is to ● India signed a loan deal worth $ 200

nurture indigenous innovation, foster million with the World Bank for the

local product development and National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN

accelerate commercialization process by Abhiyan).

bridging critical skill and infrastructure ● The loan would help India in achieving

gaps to promote affordable and its goal of reducing stunting in children

innovative healthcare products 0-6 years of age from 38.4% to 25% by

generation for inclusive development the year 2022.

and increasing competitiveness in India. ● A large component of POSHAN

● The closing date of Innovate in India for Abhiyaan involves gradual scaling-up of

Inclusiveness project is 30 June, 2023. the interventions supported by the


ongoing World Bank assisted Integrated
Kotak Mahindra Bank launched 'Keya' an AI- Child Development Services (ICDS)
powered voice bot Systems Strengthening and Nutrition
● Kotak Mahindra Bank launched 'Keya' Improvement Project (ISSNIP) to all
an AI-powered voice bot integrated with districts in the country.
Kotak’s phone banking helpline aimed
at augmenting the traditional interactive
Karnataka ranks third in terms of ATM
voice response (IVR) system in both
density
English and Hindi.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Karnataka ranks third in terms of ATM ○ Senior citizens will get an


density with 29 ATMs per lakh interest rate of 7.15% as
population after Delhi (52/lakh) and compared to 6.9% earlier.
Tamil Nadu (35/lakh) respectively. ● SBI fixed deposits with a maturity of
● India has 18 ATMs per lakh of the two years to less than three years will
population, considerably lower than fetch an interest rate of 6.65%, higher
countries like China (63), Brazil (81), than 6.6% earlier.
Japan (107) and Australia (132). ○ Senior citizens will get 7.15% as
compared to 7.10%.

Sudha Balakrishnan appointed the first ever World Bank approved $700 mn to improve
CFO of RBI primary education in Bangladesh
● NSDL executive Sudha Balakrishnan ● It will also finance implementation of
has been appointed the first ever chief the government's Fourth Primary
financial officer (CFO) of the Reserve Education Development Program
Bank of India (RBI), in what is the (PEDP4).
biggest organisational change since ● This project will build about 95,000
Urjit Patel took over as RBI governor. classrooms, teachers rooms, and
multipurpose rooms.
JUNE 2018
● It will also build 80,000 Water,
Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) blocks
India and World Bank Signed $500 Million
and 15,000 safe water sources.
Additional Financing For PMGSY
● The projects will provide recruitment to
● The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak
about 100,000 teachers.
Yojana (PMGSY) Rural Roads Project,
implemented by Ministry of Rural Government panel selected 22 general
Development, Govt. of India. managers for Executive Director post at PSU
● It will build 7,000 km of climate resilient Banks
roads, out of which 3,500 km will be
The Banks Board Bureau (BBB) has
constructed using green technologies.
recommended 22 candidates from different
State Bank of India Hiked Interest Rate On banks for the Executive Director (ED) positions
Fixed Deposits in PSU Banks.
● The interest rate on SBI FDs with a
● The four general managers from PNB
maturity of one year to less than two
includes
years has been increased to 6.65% for
○ Manas R Biswal,
the public, from 6.4% earlier.
○ Gopal Gusain,
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

○ Vivek Jha and ● As of now, this company has disbursed


○ Alok Shrivastava. loans amounting to ₹2,500 crore to over
● The two GM from Union Bank of India 10 lakh beneficiaries through 50,000
are SHGs.
○ PR Rajagopal and
Money in Swiss banks: India moves to 73rd
○ Shenoy Vittal.
place, UK remains on top
● The two GMs from Bank of India are
● India has moved up 15 places to 73rd in
○ Ajay Kumar Azad and
terms of money parked by its citizens
○ Dinesh Kumar Garg.
with Swiss banks in 2017, while the UK
● Two GMs from Canara Bank are
remains on top.
○ Hemant Tamta and
● India had slipped to 88th place with a 44
○ Ajit Kumar Das.
per cent plunge in such funds during
JULY 2018 2016, but the latest data from the Swiss
National Bank (SNB) shows an increase
RBI plans to issue new Rs. 100 notes in violet of over 50 per cent during 2017 to CHF
colour 1.01 billion (about Rs 7,000 crore).
● RBI will issue new ₹100 notes in a ● Pakistan is now placed one place higher
smaller size than previous version and than India at 72nd position.
with violet colour as the base.
RBI issued license to Bank of China to operate
● This note will reportedly feature the
in India
picture of Rani-Ki-Vav (the Queen's
● The decision was based on the
Stepwell), which is in Gujarat's Patan, is
commitment made by Prime Minister
a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Narendra Modi to the Chinese President
● RBI is likely to release these notes in
Xi Jinping, during the Shanghai
August or September and all ₹100 notes
Cooperation Organization (SCO)
issued by it earlier will remain valid.
Summit in Qingdao, China.
● The Dewas-based Bank Note Press has
● Following this, the 106-year-old "Bank
started printing the new 100 rupee note.
of China" will open a branch in India.
● The Bank of China (BoC) opened its first
Repco Micro Finance Ltd received NABARD branch in South Asia in Pakistan's
2018 award Karachi last year.
● Repco Micro Finance Ltd got his Award ● Bank of China (BOC) headquarter:-
for its service to self-help group (SHG) Beijing.
linkage in Tamil Nadu for the fiscal year
IIFL is India's No. 1 investment bank for
2017-18.
Fiscal Year 2017 to 2018
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● As per Prime Database Investment ♦ Deposit Insurance and Credit


Bankers League table for FY 2017-18, Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) is a
IIFL is India's top investment bank for subsidiary of Reserve Bank of India.
equity issuances by private sector ♦ It was established on 15 July 1978
companies. under Deposit Insurance and Credit
● IIFL is a publicly listed company and is Guarantee Corporation Act, 1961.
engaged in Investment Banking, ♦ Purpose:- providing insurance of
Securities dealing, Wealth & Asset deposits and guaranteeing of credit
Management and Loans & Mortgages. facilities.
♦ DICGC insures all bank deposits, such
YES Bank gets SEBI nod to launch mutual
as saving, fixed, current, Recurring
fund business
deposit for up to the limit of Rs. 100,000
● India's fourth largest private sector
of each deposits in a bank.
lender, YES Bank received final
regulatory approval from the Securities
Asian Development Bank approved 503
& Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to
million US Dollar project for Bihar
start mutual fund business, named "YES
● This loan is used for the lining project
Asset Management India Limited
of the Son canal in Shahabad-Bhojpur
(YAMIL)".
region of Bihar which would benefit the
● YES Bank Director & chief executive
agriculture sector immensely in the
officer:- Rana Kapoor
region.
● The estimated cost of the project is US
RBI cancelled licence of Alwar Urban Co
$503 million out of which 352 million
operative Bank
dollars is being provided by ADB (Asian
● Alwar Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd.,
Development Bank).
Alwar, Rajasthan is prohibited from
● About Asian Development Bank:-
conducting the business of ‘banking’
which includes acceptance of deposits
♦ Established on:- 19 December 1966
and repayment of deposits.
♦ Headquartered in:- Manila,
● On liquidation, every depositor is
Philippines
entitled to repayment of his/her deposits
♦ President: Takehiko Nakao
up to a monetary ceiling of Rs 1,00,000
♦ Membership: 67 countries
from the Deposit Insurance and Credit
♦ Purpose: Economic development
Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
● About DICGC:-
Banks and Financial institutions in India
signed Pact on Bad Loan Resolution
Framework
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● 22 public sector banks (including India money, as it shows that over 99.3
Post Payments Bank), 19 private sector percent of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000
banks, 32 foreign banks and financial notes were returned.
institutions like LIC, HUDCO, PFC and ● Demonetised notes worth Rs 15.31 lakh
REC signed the Inter-Creditor crore, out of a total of Rs 15.41 lakh
Agreement (ICA) framework, which is crore, were returned.
part of project 'Sashakt', to take
concerted efforts towards resolving dud
RBI approved to transfer 50,000 crore surplus
loans under Rs. 500 crore.
to government
● This Project is proposed by a committee
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will
headed by Sunil Mehta (non-executive
transfer ₹50,000 crore of its surplus
chairman of PNB).
money to the government, for the year
● The new framework is applicable to
ended June 30, 2018.
accounts with exposures of over ₹2,000
● The RBI follows July-June accounting
crore where lenders must implement the
year.
resolution plan within 180 days.
● The RBI had transferred a surplus of
₹30,659 crore to the government for the
AUGUST 2018 fiscal ended June 2017.
● During the tenure of former governor
DBS named World's Best Bank in nod to its Raghuram Rajan, RBI transferred over
Digital Innovation ₹65,800 crore to the government for two
● DBS (Development Bank of Singapore) is consecutive years.
the first Asian bank to receive the
accolade from the New York-based
RBI increased the policy repo rate by 25 basis
publication ie, Global Finance
points to 6.5%
magazine.
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
● Headquarters: Marina Bay, Singapore
increased the repo rate by 25 basis
● DBS chief executive officer - Piyush
points to 6.5% and the reverse repo rate
Gupta.
to 6.25%.
● This is the third bi-monthly policy
As per RBI’s annual report 2017-18, 99.3 review of the 2018-2019 financial year.
percent of demonetised currency returned ● The marginal standing facility rate and
● The Reserve Bank of India's annual the bank rate have been adjusted to
report for 2017-2018 indicates that 6.75%.
demonetisation didn't curb black
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● This decision was made by the also a reference to Bondi Beach, an


Monetary Policy Committee headed by iconic spot in Sydney).
RBI Governor Urjit Patel.
● For Bank Exams:-- Repo rate is the rate
India and ADB Sign $375 Million Loan To
at which the RBI lends money to
Improve Irrigation Efficiency In Madhya
commercial banks in the event of a
Pradesh
shortfall of funds.
● The Madhya Pradesh Irrigation
Efficiency Improvement Project will
No ATM to be refilled with cash after 9 pm develop 125,000 hectares of new, highly
from February 2019 efficient and climate resilient irrigation
● To reduce attacks on cash vaults and networks.
ATM frauds, the Home Ministry has ● It will improve water use efficiency in
issued a directive stating that no ATM more than 400 villages, benefiting over
will be refilled with cash after 9 pm in 800,000 people in Madhya Pradesh.
cities, 6 pm in rural areas and 4 pm in ● About Asian Development Bank
Naxal-affected areas from February 8, ○ Asian Development Bank is a
2019. regional development Bank
● Every cash van will carry not more than established in 1966.
Rs 5 crore per trip. ○ Headquarters of ADB is in
● This move comes just a week after an Manila, Philippines.
estimated amount of Rs 94 crores was ○ Takehiko Nakao is Present
siphoned off from Cosmos bank in President of the Asian
Pune. Development Bank.

World Bank to issue world's first blockchain


bond State Bank of India ranked as India’s Most
● The World Bank has mandated the Patriotic Brand
Commonwealth Bank of Australia ● According to the survey conducted by
(CBA) to issue the world’s first UK-based online market research and
blockchain-based bond. data analytics firm YouGov, Country's
● The Kangaroo bond, referring to largest lender State Bank of India (SBI)
foreign bonds issued in Australia in the is considered to be the most patriotic
local currency, has been named bond-i, brand, followed by
an acronym standing for Blockchain ○ Tata Motors,
Offered New Debt Instrument. (It's ○ Patanjali,
○ Reliance Jio and
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

○ BSNL. NHAI inks MoU with SBI for Rs 25,000 Crore


● In terms of food brands, Amul grabbed loan
the top slot with one-third Indians ● National Highways Authority of India
considering it, followed by Patanjali. (NHAI) is getting an unsecured loan of
Rs 25,000 crore from State Bank of
India (SBI) for 10 years with 3 years of
SBI changes names, IFSC codes of nearly 1,300
moratorium on repayments.
branches across India, post merger with
● This is SBI's highest long-term
associates
unsecured loan to any entity and also
● Names and IFSC codes of a total of
the largest ever loan sanctioned to
1,295 SBI branches have been changed
NHAI.
across the country.
● The total sanctioned amount is to be
● The merger of six associate banks and
disbursed to NHAI within March 31,
Bhartiya Mahila Bank (BMB) with State
2019.
Bank of India (SBI) came to effect from
April 1, 2017 resulting into increase in
size and valuation of the bank. RBI bars Fino Payments Bank from enrolling
● SBI had 22,428 branches across India by new customers
the end of the first quarter of the current ● Reserve Bank of India observed that a
fiscal. few Fino Payments Bank accounts had
deposits in excess of the stipulated
amount of ₹1 lakh.
HDFC awarded best performing bank in CLSS
● According to RBI’s operating guidelines
schemes
for payments banks, a customer can
● HDFC has been awarded the best
make deposits of up to ₹1 lakh per
performing primary lending institution
account in a year. Such banks cannot
in Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme
accept deposits beyond this limit.
(CLSS) for the EWS (Economically
● RBI has imposed similar restrictions on
Weaker Section) and LIG (Low Income
Paytm Payments Bank (on June 20) and
Group) category.
Airtel Payments Bank(in January)
● The award was given by Prime Minister
which are also not able to on-board new
Narendra Modi.
customers.
● CLSS was introduced in June 2015
● Other payments banks that have started
under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (
operations are:-
PMAY) for home loans to customers
from the EWS as well as LIG. ♦ India Post Payments Bank
Ltd,
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

♦ Aditya Birla Idea Payments ● TReDS refers to Trade Receivables


Bank and Discounting System.
♦ Jio Payments Bank. ● During October 2017, the central
government mandated all major PSUs to
SBI launched unified payment terminal join TReDS platform to facilitate
MOPAD payments to MSME vendors.
● State Bank of India (SBI) launched its ● RXIL (Receivables Exchange of India) is
latest customer-friendly digital initiative India’s first TReDS platform operating
Multi Option Payment Acceptance since January 2017 and is promoted by
Device (MOPAD) at a shopping mall, in the National Stock Exchange, Small
Visakhapatnam. Industries Development Bank of India,
● The new device titled MOPAD is a State Bank of India, ICICI Bank and Yes
Point of Sale (PoS) terminal that would Bank.
along with cards accept payments
through UPI, Bharat QR, and SBI Buddy
Govt ranks PNB as best state-run bank for
wallet which till now required different
digital transactions
tools to receive payments.
● Department of Financial Services report
● So customers won’t have to carry cards
has rated Punjab National Bank (PNB)
for shopping, MOPAD can just scan the
as number one state-owned bank in
QR code to make the payment.
terms of digital transactions, with a
● A charge-slip as a proof of payment, will
score of 71.
be available for customers who pay
● Nirav Modi scam-hit PNB bank is also
through MOPAD.
rated as the sixth overall amongst all
banks in India for digital performance.
HAL becomes first public sector enterprise to ● The bank is fully committed to Digital
transact on TReDS India initiative.
● Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
has become the first public sector
SEPTEMBER 2018
enterprise to make a transaction on the
"TReDS platform", which is an online
RBI announces new rules for exchanging
electronic institutional mechanism for
damaged Rs 2000, 200 notes
facilitating the financing of trade
● As per the new Reserve Bank of India
receivables of micro, small and medium
(Note Refund) Amendment Rules, 2018,
enterprises (MSME) through multiple
"the undivided area of the single largest
financiers.
piece of the note" for a damaged Rs.2000
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

note must be 88 square cm for a full


refund, and 44 square cm for half refund. Cabinet doubles Jan Dhan accounts overdraft
● The Rs.2000 note is 109.56 square cm in cap to Rs 10,000
dimension. ● The government has doubled the overdraft cap
● For a damaged Rs.200 note, the criteria from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 under the Pradhan
is 78 square cm for a full refund, and 39 Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY),
square cm for half refund. which provides a bank account to every
● Rs.2,000 notes are issued in November individual.
2016 and Rs.2,00 notes are issued in ● The age limit for availing overdraft has been
September 2017. increased from 60 to 65 years.
● About PMJDY:
Argentina hikes interest rate to 60%, highest
○ Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana was
in the world
launched by
● Due to economic crisis, Argentina's central
Narendra Modi-led government in August 2014.
bank raised its benchmark interest by 15
○ It was the first big mission launched by Modi
percentage points to 60%, the highest in the
government
world.
after it assumed office in May 2014.
● Argentine peso is down 50% this year against
○ It first aimed to provide at least one bank
the dollar and the country's inflation is running
account for every
at over 30%.
household, along with an overdraft facility of
● Argentina President Mauricio Macri has asked
₹5,000, a
for an early release of a $50-billion loan from the
RuPay debit card and a personal accident
IMF (International Monetary Fund).
insurance of ₹1
lakh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) on
RBI directs banks with over 10 branches to
September 1
have an internal Ombudsman
● The Reserve Bank of India asked all scheduled
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the
commercial
IPPB at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi.
banks with more than 10 branches to appoint an
● IPPB is the largest payments bank in the
internal
country by network size.
ombudsman. It has excluded regional rural
● It carries out most banking operations but
banks (RRB) from its directive.
cannot give loans or issue credit cards directly.
● RBI has reviewed the arrangement and issued
● It will accept deposits of up to ₹1 lakh, offer
revised directions under Section 35A of the
remittance services,mobile payments and other
Banking Regulation Act, 1949 in the form of
banking services and third-party fund transfers.
Internal Ombudsman Scheme, 2018.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

may launch 5G internet service and


Centre to merge Bank of Baroda, Vijaya Bank, Internet of Things (IoT) technology by
Dena Bank 2020 in India.
● The Centre proposed the merger of ● BSNL has signed agreement with Nokia
state-owned Bank of Baroda, Dena Bank and Cisco as well for developing 5G
and Vijaya Bank in order to create ecosystem.
India’s third-largest bank.
● The decision was made during the
ADB approved USD 500 mn for Tamil Nadu
ministerial panel meeting that oversees
water supply, sewerage, drainage
merger proposals of state-owned banks.
infrastructure project
It was headed by Finance Minister Arun
Jaitley.
● Asian Development Bank (ADB)
● The decision is because Dena Bank had
approved financing of up to $500 million
been placed under the prompt corrective
for a Multitranche Financing Facility
action framework.
(MFF) infrastructure project in at least
10 cities of Tamil Nadu.
SBI to run 10,000 ATMs on solar energy in ● The main objective is to develop
Two years climate-resilient water supply, sewerage,
● At present, the State Bank of India (SBI) and drainage infrastructure.
has 1,200 ATMs which run on solar ● The first tranche of the program
power. amounts to $169 million will target the
● SBI is also planning to replace all its cities of Chennai, Coimbatore,
vehicles with electric vehicles by 2030. Rajapalayam, Tiruchirappalli,
● Aim:- To become carbon neutral and to Tirunelveli, and Vellore.
achieve it by 2030.
● SBI is organising a green marathon
OCTOBER 2018
starting September 30, to be held in 15
cities across the country.
RBI fined Rs 5 Crore Penalty On Karur Vysya
● SBI has nearly 59,000 ATMs in India.
Bank
● Reserve Bank of India imposed a penalty
BSNL signed deal with SoftBank, NTT to roll of Rs 5 crore on Karur Vysya Bank for
out 5G in India non-compliance of its directives.
● BSNL Chairman Anupam Shrivastava ● About Karur Vysya Bank:
announced that BSNL with Japan's ○ Headquarters: Karur, Tamil
SoftBank and NTT Communications Nadu
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

○ MD & CEO: PR Seshadri 2,800 kilometres all-weather rural roads


in the State of Madhya Pradesh under
the Prime Minister's Rural Roads
State Bank of India Reduced ATM Withdrawal
Program (PMGSY).
Limit
● Tranche 2 loan is part of the $500
● State Bank of India slashed the daily
million Second Rural Connectivity
withdrawal limit on its classic debit card
investment Program for India approved
from Rs.40,000 to Rs.20,000.
by the ADB Board in December 2017.
● There is no change in the daily
withdrawal limits on other cards.
● The new limit will be effective from NOVEMBER 2018
October 31st 2018.
Reliance Industries receives India's first LC
payment via blockchain
India and ADB Sign $240 Million Loan For
● In a first for India, British bank HSBC
Safe Drinking Water Service For West Bengal
Holdings Plc has executed a trade
● The Indian Government and the Asian
finance transaction using blockchain for
Development Bank (ADB) signed $240
a deal involving an export by Reliance
million loans for providing safe and
Industries to an American client, Tricon
sustainable drinking water to about 1.65
Energy
million people in three districts of the
● Blockchain massively reduced the time
state of West Bengal affected by arsenic,
taken for processing the documents
fluoride, and salinity.
● The signatories to the West Bengal
Drinking Water Sector Improvement Government of India and ADB signed USD
Project were Sameer Kumar Khare, 300 Million loan to support IIFCL in India
Additional Secretary (Fund Bank and ● The Asian Development Bank (ADB)
ADB), Department of Economic Affairs, and the Government of India signed a
Ministry of Finance; and Kenichi $300 million Loan Agreement to support
Yokoyama, Country Director of ADB lending by India Infrastructure
India Resident Mission. Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) in
New Delhi
● The Project entails:
India and ADB Signs $110 Million Loan To
○ Long-term finance for PPP
Improve Rural Connectivity In MP
projects,
● The government of India and Asian
○ Improvement of the operational
Development Bank (ADB) signed a $110
capacity of IIFCL, and
million loan to finance the upgrade of
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

○ Expansion of the portfolio of


infrastructure financing DECEMBER 2018
instruments available to IIFCL.
State Bank of Mauritius gets RBI approval for
RBI agreed to inject Rs.8,000 crore into the
subsidiary
market after 9 hour meeting
● Mauritius based SBM group granted a
● Reserve Bank of India (RBI) agreed to
license by Reserve Bank of India to
inject Rs.8,000 crore into the market by
operate SBM Bank (India) Limited
purchasing government bonds by
through Wholly Owned Subsidiary
November 22
(WOS) mode under the Banking
● RBI will buy these securities through
Regulation Act, 1949 with effect from
multi-security auction using multiple
December 1, 2018
price method
● Now at present SBM operate its
branches in Mumbai, Chennai,
● An increased cash flow was among the
Hyderabad, and Ramachandrapuram
issues behind an alleged rift between the
since 1994
Centre and RBI
● It plans to open six new branches in
India and World Bank Sign USD 310 million Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Pune,
Loan Agreement For Jharkhand Ahmedabad, and Jaipur by next year

● The Government of India, the


World Bank unveils USD 200 billion in
Government of Jharkhand and the
climate action investment for 2021-25
World Bank signed in New Delhi a $310
● World Bank unveiled USD 200 billion
million Loan Agreement for Jharkhand
in climate action investment for 2021-
Power System Improvement Project to
25, adding this amounts to a doubling of
provide reliable, quality, and affordable
its current five-year funding
24×7 electricity to the citizens of
● The move coincides with a UN climate
Jharkhand
summit in Katowice (Poland)
● The Jharkhand Power System ● The breakdown of 200 billion dollars
Improvement Project will help build would comprise approximately 100
new power transmission infrastructure, billion in direct finance from the World
as well as put in place systems to Bank. Around one-third of the
improve the technical efficiency and remaining funding will come from two
commercial performance of the state World Bank Group agencies with the
power sector utilities rest private capital mobilized by the
World Bank Group
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

recipient of remittances this year with


India and UAE signed 3,500 crore currency $80 billion
swap agreement
● India is followed by China, Mexico, the
● This agreement will boost investment
Philippines and Egypt, according to
and enable direct trade without using
World Bank's Migration and
dollars or other international currencies
Development Brief
● The agreement was signed after the 12th
● A foreign remittance is money
India-UAE joint commission meeting
transferred from a foreign worker to
co-chaired by External Affairs Minister
their family or other individuals in their
Sushma Swaraj and the UAE's Foreign
home countries
Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al
Nahyan in Abu Dhabi

Reserve Bank of India grants 40 branch


● In 2015, China's central bank extended a
licenses to Bandhan Bank
currency swap agreement with the UAE
● Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed
Central bank worth $5.54 billion
Bandhan Bank to open as many as 40
new branches, by the end of December
Exim Bank Extends USD 500 mn Loan To releasing the restriction that RBI has
Tanzania put on the Bandhan bank’s branch
● Export-Import Bank of India (Exim opening spree three months back
Bank) extended a credit facility of USD
● The RBI barred the bank from opening
500 million to Tanzania for water supply
new branches in September after the
projects in the country
private-sector lender failed to bring
● Exim Bank signed an agreement in May
down main shareholders stake to below
2018, with the Tanzania government for
40 % as mandated in the licensing norms
making available a Government of
for universal banks.
India-supported line of credit of USD
500 million for the purpose of financing
● Bandhan Financial Services (BFSL) the
water supply schemes
promoter of Bandhan Bank, currently
holds 82.28 % stake in the bank.
India to retain top position in remittances
with USD 80 billion: World Bank
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
● The World Bank has said India will
retain its position as the world’s top
JANUARY 2018
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Apple named the world's most admired


company for 2018 ● Google combined its two payment
● Technology giant Apple topped Fortune services, Google Wallet and Android
magazine's list of the 'World's Most Pay, into a new app called Google Pay.
Admired Companies' for 2018. ● The platform includes features like the
● E-commerce giant Amazon has retained ability to pay at checkout counters with
its second spot, followed by Google's a smartphone or pay for public
parent Alphabet. transportation.
● Social media giant Facebook lost its
Amazon Launches Its 1st Food Retail Service
place in the top ten most admired
In India
companies this year and was ranked
● Amazon becomes the first foreign e-
12th on the list.
commerce firm to start its own food
Saudi Arabia and UAE Introduce VAT for retail venture in India called Amazon
First Time Retail, piloting its services in Pune.
● Saudi Arabia and the United Arab ● It will reportedly be available on
Emirates (UAE) introduced value-added Amazon India platform and sell locally
tax (VAT). These are the first two made and packaged food to the
countries in the Gulf which have consumers directly.
introduced the VAT system. ● Amazon also has Amazon Now app,
● The 5% levy is being applied to the which connects retailers with customers
majority of goods and services. The for sale of groceries.
UAE estimates that in the first year,
Milkbasket Recognised As 'Startup Of The
VAT income will be around 12 billion
Year' 2017
dirhams.
● Milkbasket, India's first and largest
● Petrol and diesel, food, clothes, utility
micro-delivery platform recognized as
bills and hotel rooms all now have VAT
'Startup of the Year' 2017 at the 7th
applied.
Small Business Awards held in New
● But some outgoings have been made
Delhi.
exempt from the tax, or given a zero-tax
● The startup of the year award is
rating, including medical treatment,
dedicated to young SMEs, aged 7 years
financial services and public transport.
or less, with great potential to become
FEBRUARY 2018 big in local/international markets.

ONGC acquires 10 per cent stake in UAEs


Google Launches Google Pay To Take On
Zakum oilfield
Apple Pay
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Oil and Natural Gas Corporation


(ONGC)-led consortium of Indian state Google and NCERT Join Hands To Teach
oil firms have acquired 10% stake in Abu Students Digital Safety
Dhabi’s offshore Lower Zakum
Concession. ● Google and National Council of
● The acquisition is part of deal inked Educational Research and Training
between company executives and UAE (NCERT) signed a pact to integrate a
officials in presence of visiting Prime course on 'Digital Citizenship and
Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Safety' in information and
Dhabi. communication technology curriculum.
● The Lower Zakum Oil Field is located ● It was signed on the occasion of Safer
84 km north-west of Abu Dhabi Islands. Internet Day (06th February).
● It was discovered in 1963 and is owned ● The curriculum developed by NCERT in
and developed by Abu Dhabi National collaboration with Google will be used
Oil Company. to train students from class I - class XII
● The total proven reserves of it are across 1.4 million schools in India where
around 17.2 billion barrels and they will learn how to become good and
production is centered on 425,000 responsible digital citizens.
barrels per day (67,600 m3/d) ● The curriculum is spread into four
themes - being smart, being safe, being
India Retains Top Spot As Source Market For
a digital citizen and being future ready.
Dubai In 2017
MARCH 2018
● Dubai witnessed 15% growth in tourist
arrivals from India in 2017, hosting 2.1 India Becomes Fourth Largest Auto Market In
million visitors, retaining top spot as the The World
source market.
● It also became the first country to cross ● India overtaken Germany to become the
the 2 million mark in a single year, fourth largest automobile market in the
according to the latest data published by world, According to the latest global
Dubai’s Department of Tourism and data. Automobile sales, including
Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism). passenger and commercial vehicles, in
● The growth is mainly due to the success Asia’s third-largest economy, grew 9.5%.
of Dubai Tourism's ongoing ● It is the fastest among major global
collaboration with Bollywood superstar markets, last year to more than 4 million
Shah Rukh Khan in the 'BeMyGuest' units, outpacing Germany’s 3.8-million
campaign.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

vehicle sales, which rose by a modest entities, in a bid to take on its rival
2.8% in the same period. Amazon.
● Flipkart Limited had put 4472.4 crores
The top 5 countries on the list are-
into the marketplace unit of Flipkart
India, Another Singapore-based unit
1. China
Flipkart Marketplace Private Limited
had invested₹370.9 crore into Flipkart
2. USA
Internet Private Limited, which owns
and operates an online shopping portal
3. Japan
in India.
● The funding is expected to help Flipkart
4. India
build its war chest in the battle against
Amazon.com Inc., which is rapidly
5. Germany
gaining share in India’s online retail
market.
IRCTC Ties Up With Ola
● The investment comes at a time when
the company had raised about $4 billion
● With an aim to providing first-and-last-
last year in two funding rounds from
mile connectivity, railway PSU IRCTC
investors including Chinese Internet
announced a partnership with cab
giant Tencent, U.S.-based e-commerce
aggregator Ola, giving commuters an
firm eBay, software maker Microsoft
option book taxi on its app.
and Japan’s SoftBank Group.
● The tie-up, a six-month pilot project,
● Last August, SoftBank, led by CEO
will give customers access to Ola
Masayoshi Son announced an
booking services when they visit the
investment in Flipkart through its $100
IRCTC Rail Connect App and on its
billion technology-focused fund Vision
website.
Fund. Flipkart, which had in excess of
● The Ola cab facility will provide all the
$4 billion of cash on the balance sheet
services offered.
after that round, is now penetrating
deeper into the Indian market.

Flipkart Limited invests 4843.4 crore into its


Union Cabinet clears setting up of NFRA to
India units to take on Amazon
oversee auditors

● Singapore-based holding firm of Indian


● Union Cabinet approved the
online retailer Flipkart had invested
establishment of National Financial
4843.4 crores into two of its India
Reporting Authority (NFRA).
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Briefing media in New Delhi yesterday, India Becomes Fourth Largest Auto Market In
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, the The World
NFRA will act as an independent
regulator for the auditing profession ● India overtaken Germany to become the
which was one of the key changes fourth largest automobile market in the
brought in by the Companies Act 2013. world, According to the latest global
● The jurisdiction of NFRA for data. Automobile sales, including
investigation of Chartered Accountants passenger and commercial vehicles, in
and their firms will be extended to the Asia’s third-largest economy, grew 9.5%.
listed companies and large unlisted ● It is the fastest among major global
public companies. markets, last year to more than 4 million
units, outpacing Germany’s 3.8-million
India nods to export all edible oils in bulk
vehicle sales, which rose by a modest
2.8% in the same period.
● Cabinet Committee on Economic
● The top 5 countries on the list are- 1.
Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister
China 2. USA 3. Japan 4. India 5.
Narendra Modi has approved the
Germany.
proposal of Ministry of Commerce &
Industry for removal of the prohibition Flipkart Limited invests 4843.4 crore into its
on this export The CCEA also approved India units to take on Amazon
empowering the Committee, chaired by
Secretary, Department of Food & Public ● Singapore-based holding firm of Indian
Distribution and comprising Secretaries online retailer Flipkart had invested
of Department of Commerce, 4843.4 crores into two of its India
Department of Agriculture, Cooperation entities, in a bid to take on its rival
& Farmers Welfare, Department of Amazon.
Revenue, Department of Consumer ● Flipkart Limited had put 4472.4 crores
Affairs and DGFT, to review the into the marketplace unit of Flipkart
export/import policy on all varieties of India, Another Singapore-based unit
edible oils and consider measures such Flipkart Marketplace Private Limited
as quantitative restrictions, prior had invested₹370.9 crore into Flipkart
registration, imposition of Minimum Internet Private Limited, which owns
Export Price (MEP) and changes in and operates an online shopping portal
import duties depending on domestic in India.
production and demand, domestic and ● The funding is expected to help Flipkart
international prices and international build its war chest in the battle against
trade volumes. Amazon.com Inc., which is rapidly
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

gaining share in India’s online retail ● To make payments, users can add
market. money from their Paytm account by
● The investment comes at a time when scanning the QR code on the Tap Card
the company had raised about $4 billion and by authenticating it at any of the
last year in two funding rounds from add value machines (AVM).
investors including Chinese Internet
Google Ranked As Most Trusted Internet
giant Tencent, U.S.-based e-commerce
Brand In India: Report
firm eBay, software maker Microsoft
and Japan’s SoftBank Group. Last
● Online search engine Google is the most
August, SoftBank, led by CEO
trusted Internet brand in India, followed
Masayoshi Son announced an
by Facebook, as per the TRA Brand
investment in Flipkart through its $100
Trust Report 2018.
billion technology-focused fund Vision
● With 1.2 trillion searches per year,
Fund.
Google has become the first port of call
● Flipkart, which had in excess of $4
for all things on the Internet. Google
billion of cash on the balance sheet after
was followed by Facebook, Amazon and
that round, is now penetrating deeper
eBay.
into the Indian market.
● The biggest falls in trust were seen by
Snapdeal, who fell by 142 ranks over last
APRIL 2018
year.
Paytm Introduces 'Tap Card' Offline Payments ● The top trust gainers this year were
Solution Netflix (up 506 ranks over last year).
TRA’s Brand Trust Report 2018 report
● One97 Communications Limited, the covers 2488 consumer-influencers across
owner of digital payment major, Paytm, 16 cities in India and generated 5
announced the launch of its offline million data points.
payments solution - the Paytm Tap
Bloomberg Billionaires Top 100 Index
Card, in line with the company's vision
Released
to provide seamless payments solutions
for non-internet customers.
● Reliance Industries Chairman and
● This card uses Near Field
Managing Director Mukesh Ambani
Communication (NFC) technology to
have been ranked 19th on Bloomberg
enable safe and convenient digital
Billionaires Top 100 Index as he
payments, completely offline at Paytm-
becomes the third richest Asian on the
issued, NFC PoS terminals, in under a
list.
second.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● With a net worth of approximately $38.3 proposing certain changes in terms and
billion, Ambani’s wealth is pegged at conditions for operators to seek fresh
about over 1.5 percent of India’s GDP. call connect ports from other telcos.
● While Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has ● The 'draft Telecommunication
added $21.8 billion to his fortunes this Interconnection (Amendment)
year and takes the top spot, Microsoft Regulations 2018' proposed that a
founder Bill Gates was ranked 2nd. service provider can ask another
● From Asia, Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma operator for additional ports, in case the
(ranked 13th) is the richest with a net projected utilization of the capacity is
worth of $47.2 billion and is followed by likely to exceed 85% over 60 day period.
Tencent co-founder and CEO Pony Ma
JUNE 2018
(17) with a $41.1 billion net worth.

MAY 2018 India will get Black Money Data from Swiss
Bank by 2019
China's Alibaba Buys Pakistan E-Commerce ● As part of a bilateral treaty signed
Firm Daraz between the India and Switzerland,
● Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba India would start getting data on
purchased leading Pakistani online deposits made by Indians this year in
retailer 'Daraz', continuing its overseas Swiss Banks from 2019.
expansion by gaining a foothold in the ● Strong action would be taken against
growing South Asian consumer market. those found guilty of wrongdoing.
● China is seeking closer economic ties ● Under Liberalised Remittance Scheme
with Asian neighbors including (LRS) which was introduced by former
Pakistan through its Belt and Road Finance Minister P Chidambaram, an
initiative, a strategy to increase trade individual could remit up to USD
links that are led primarily by 2,50,000 per year.
infrastructure projects.
Tata to re enter fridge, washing machine
● Daraz, founded in 2012, was purchased
business after 20yrs
from Rocket Internet, a Berlin-based
● Through a joint venture between Voltas,
incubator of online startups.
a Tata company and Turkey's Arcelik,
TRAI Releases Draft Of Telecom Tata Group is re-entering the home
Interconnection Regulations appliances market after 20 years.
● Telecom regulator Telecom Regulatory ● The joint venture will manufacture
Authority of India (TRAI) issued a draft refrigerators, microwave ovens, washing
to amend interconnect regulations, machines and dishwashers under the
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Voltas Beko brand at a reported Maruti Suzuki introduced Suzuki Connect


investment of ₹1,000-crore. Application to provide additional services to
● Its first manufacturing facility in the the customers
country will be set up in Gujarat. ● Maruti Suzuki introduced Suzuki
Connect Application. It aimed at giving
Infosys concludes acquisition of US based
customers access to services such as
Wongdoody at $75 million
emergency alerts, vehicle tracking and
● Infosys completed the acquisition of
car assistance.
WongDoody Holding Company, a US-
● It will be available for the company’s
based digital creative and consumer
Nexa customers at a cost of Rs.9,999 for
insights agency, for a total consideration
a three-year subscription.
of up to $75 million.
● Once connected to the Nexa App on
● Founded in 1993, WongDoody has
their smartphone, customers can
clients across industries like
experience features such as driving
telecommunications, consumer
behaviour analysis and the driving
electronics, healthcare and consumer
analytics report.
packaged goods.
Rakesh Sharma is appointed as CCO of Bajaj
JULY 2018
Auto Ltd.
● Bajaj Auto Ltd. has appointed Rakesh
JSW Steel plans to invest Rs.45,000 crore to
Sharma as its first Chief Commercial
expand its steel making capacities
Officer (CCO). Rajiv Bajaj, Bajaj Auto
● JSW Steel is planning to invest about
MD, said that the post of CCO was
Rs.45,000 crore over a period of four
created to complement the offices of the
years from FY2017-18 to FY 2020-21.
Executive Director (ED) and Chief
● The investment is made for the
Technology Officer (CTO) and informed
expansion of steel making capacities,
all heads of departments to report to the
modernising and expanding capacities
CCO.
of its downstream businesses.
● He also said that the CCO would be
● Also, the National Company Law
responsible for product harmonisation
Tribunal (NCLT) recently approved a
leading to ‘one world, one product’
Rs.2,875 crore bid by a consortium of
marketing synergies, creating ‘one
Aion Investments and JSW Steel to
brand, one position,’ customer focus
acquire the bankrupt Monnet Ispat and
resulting in ‘one company, one quality’
Energy Limited (MIEL). MEIL owes
and corporate alignment facilitating
more than ₹11,000 crore to its lenders.
‘one stakeholder, one message.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Infosys Foundation and Bangalore Metro ● Iran has overtaken Saudi Arabia to be
signed MoU For Constructing Station the second largest supplier of crude oil
to Indian public sector firms during
● Infosys Foundation signed with the April-June quarter. Iraq remains India's
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation No:1 supplier of crude.
Limited (BMRCL) for the construction ● State firms that buy oil from Iran
of a station at Konappana Agrahara in include Mangalore Refinery and
Electronics City. Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL), Indian Oil
● The station is under the second phase of Corp (IOC) and Hindustan Petroleum
Bangalore Metro expansion plans and Corp Ltd (HPCL). New Delhi shipped in
the Foundation has committed to 7.27 million tonnes of oil from Iraq,
maintaining it for the next 30 years. while shipments from Saudi Arabia
● Infosys would contribute 200 crores to totalled 5.22 million tonnes.
the Bangalore Metro Rail for the
YES Bank gets SEBI nod to launch mutual
construction of Konappana Agrahara
fund business
Metro Station and railway track.
● India's fourth largest private sector
About Infosys
lender, YES Bank received final
● Founder:N. R. Narayana Murthy
regulatory approval from the Securities
● Founded:7 July 1981
& Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to
● Head Quarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
start mutual fund business, named "YES
Asset Management India Limited
Amazon is the second company To Hit $900
(YAMIL)".
Billion Valuation After Apple
● YES Bank Director & chief executive
● Amazon company crossed $900-billion
officer:- Rana Kapoor
market cap for the first time in its
history becoming only the second
Kawasaki launches India assembled Ninja ZX
company after Apple to achieve this
10R bike
milestone.
● India Kawasaki Motors, a subsidiary of
● Amazon sold over 100 million products
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Japan, has
during its Prime Day sale.
launched the ₹12.8 lakh Ninja ZX-10R
● Apple is currently the world's most
bike, which will be assembled in the
valuable company with a market cap of
country.
$935 billion.
● At the revised price of about Rs. 6.0
lakh, the 2018 Kawasaki ZX-10R is now
Iran becomes India's second largest oil
the most affordable 1000cc superbike in
supplier
India.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Weighing around 206 kg, the bike offers Japan overtakes China as World's 2nd biggest
a top speed of 299 kmph. stock market
● As a result of China's trade war with the
AUGUST 2018
US and its campaign to cut debt, the
value of China's stock market fell to
India’s Largest Business Incubator
$6.09 trillion, losing its position as the
Bhamashah Techno Hub Launched In Jaipur
World's second biggest stock market to
Japan ($6.17 trillion).
● The main aim of the Techno Hub is to
● The U.S. has the world's largest stock
strengthen the startup ecosystem in
market at just over $31 trillion.
Rajasthan.
● China's stock market overtook Japan's
● The incubator will provide end-to-end
in 2014 and soared to an all-time high of
support to startups, ranging from
over $10 trillion in 2015.
infrastructure, technology, angel
funding, access to venture capitalists,
Apple becomes First $1 Trillion Company in
mentorship, exposure to national and
History
international organizations and experts.
● Apple Inc. became the first U.S.-based
company with a market value of $1
HUL agreed to acquire Adityaa Milk ice
trillion, four decades after it was co-
cream business
founded by Steve Jobs in a Silicon Valley
● Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) garage and later revolutionized the
announced that it has signed an worlds of computing, music and mobile
agreement with Vijaykant Dairy and communications.
Food Products Limited (VDFPL) and it's ● The iMac desktop computer, the iPod,
group company to acquire Adityaa Milk iPhone, and iPad were smash hits.
ice cream business, its ice cream and ● Apple CEO - Tim Cook.
frozen desserts business.
Reliance Beats TCS and became India's Most
● The acquisition aimed at strengthening
Valued Company
its position in the rapidly-growing ice
● India's richest person Mukesh Ambani-
cream and frozen dessert market in
led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
India.
beat Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to
● According to the terms of the
become the most valued company in
agreement, until the completion of
India.
transaction VDFPL will manage the
● RIL's market capitalisation during the
business and will continue to
day was Rs7.44 trillion as compared to
manufacture for HUL for an agreed
TCS' Rs7.39 trillion.
period of time.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● RIL had recently reported its highest ● Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for
ever quarterly net profit of Rs9,459 Health and Family Welfare released the
crore, for the April-June quarter. user manual for NCD application under
Comprehensive Primary Health Care
SEPTEMBER 2018
(CPHC) IT Solutions.

Tata steel to acquire Usha Martin


Ola enters New Zealand
● Tata Steel decided to acquire Usha
● Ola, the Indian ride-hailing company,
Martin company, one-million-tonne
unveiled its plan to extend its territory
steel business, for Rs.4,700 crore. This
to New Zealand.
acquisition would lift the company’s
● The service will first begin in Auckland,
volume of long products by 24% and
Christchurch, and Wellington. Ola
expand its product mix.
offers the service with a commission
● Usha Martin alloy long steel products
rate of 9%.
cater to higher value-added automotive
● The company is to pay drivers daily
and engineering segments.
rather than weekly in order to benefit
● The existing capacity of Tata Steel is
the drivers.
29.5 million tonnes.
● The company earlier launched its
● Usha Martin assets are located in
service in Australia in February and the
Jamshedpur, near Tata Steel’s unit.
U.K. in August.
● Hence, the acquisition will have
● It said that it enables smart
operational and logistics synergies.
transportation to over 125 million users
● The HSBC Securities expects that the
in India, Australia and the U.K.
acquisition is marginally positive as it
will increase Tata Steel’s long product Kent RO to set up its second manufacturing
capacity to 4 million tonnes per annum. plant at Noida
● This acquisition has put Tata Steel as ● Kent RO Systems, a healthcare products
the preferred stock in the market. firm, is to set up its second
manufacturing plant at Noida. For this
project, it has invested more than Rs.150
Health Ministry Partners With Dell And Tata
crore.
Trusts
● The facility will be ready in 4-5 years.
● The main aim is to provide a
● Earlier, Kent RO signed a MoU with the
technological platform for nationwide
U.P. government to invest Rs.200 crore.
prevention, control, screening and
● Kent is aiming to cross Rs.950 crore
management program of Non-
revenue during the current fiscal.
Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Despite its other products like air Amazon hits USD 1 trillion market
purifiers, vegetable and fruit purifiers capitalisation after Apple
and water softeners besides a few home ● World's richest man Jeff Bezos-led e-
appliances, the water purifiers commerce major Amazon became the
contribute more than 85% of the total 2nd publicly traded US company to hit
revenue of the company. $1 trillion in market capitalisation after
iPhone maker Apple.
Reliance Infrastructure wins Rs 200 crore
● Amazon stock has more than doubled in
arbitration against NHAI
the last 12 months and has gained more
● Billionaire Anil Ambani-led Reliance
than 70% in 2018.
Infrastructure (RInfra) has won a ₹200
crore arbitration award against the Wipro signed a USD 1.6 billion with Illinois
National Highway Authority of India based Alight Solutions LLC
(NHAI). ● Wipro signed a $1.6 billion 10-year
● RInfra claimed that delay by NHAI in contract with Illinois-based Alight
providing land to it resulted in cost Solutions LLC.
overrun during construction and change ● This is the largest deal to date.
in location of a toll plaza in Tamil Nadu. ● The contract is to provide digital
● NHAI will have to pay interest at 12 per solutions to the company. Alight is a
cent per annum on the amount if they provider of benefits administration and
do not pay Rs 1.5 billion by the deadline. cloud-based human resources and
financial solutions.
Facebook to open its 1st ever Asian data
● It will be built through the strategic
centre in Singapore
investments in Wipro Digital, cloud
● Facebook will invest over $1 billion to
platforms and cognitive platform Wipro
build its first Asian data centre in
HOLMES.
Singapore, which is expected to open in
● It has 12 global centres.
2022.
● The deal will enable the digital
● The new site is at Tanjong Kling,
transformation of Alight’s offerings
located in the western part of Singapore,
across health, wealth, HR and finance
and in an area formerly known as Data
solutions, and enhance the employee
Centre Park.
experience of Alight’s clients by
● Facebook runs 15 other data centres
leveraging Wipro’s industry-leading
worldwide, mostly in the US and
strengths in digital technologies,
European markets such as Ireland and
cognitive automation, and data
Sweden.
analytics.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

OCTOBER 2018
VMware to invest USD 2 billion in India
Maruti Suzuki net reduces to 9.8 percent on ● U.S.-headquartered VMware, a
rising oil prices subsidiary of Dell Technologies,
● Maruti Suzuki Chairman R.C. Bhargava announced plans to invest $2 billion in
said that the overall demand for cars, India over the next five years. The
festival demand, in particular, has taken investment would enable VMware to
a hit due to rising oil prices and the new expand to new offices in Bangalore and
regulations on insurance. Pune.
● While announcing the company’s Q2 ● The investment will increase headcount,
financial results he said Maruti Suzuki invest in R&D and support growing
saw the number of vehicles it sold in Q2 sales operations in India.
fall by 1.5% to 4,84,848 compared with ● India is a key cornerstone of our overall
the same period of the previous year, global investment strategy, providing
and net profit falls 9.8% to Rs. 2,240.4 outstanding engineering talent for our
crore over the same period. global R&D operations that are helping
● Over the first half of the financial year to drive innovation across our entire
(April to September), the company saw product portfolio.
its net profit grow 4.3% to Rs. 4,215.7 ● VMware has also partnered with
crore and a 10% increase in the number Women Who Code, India, to train 15,000
of vehicles it sold. women over the next two years in
diverse technology areas.
TCS is the only Indian Firm Among Top 10 To
Get Foreign Labour Certification Google To Shut Down Google+ For
● Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is the Consumers Over The Security Lapse
only Indian company among top 10
● After a bug exposed the personal data of
firms to get foreign labor certification
up to 5 lakh users, Google stated that it
for the H-1B visas for the fiscal year
discovered and immediately patched"
2018, according to data from the US
the bug in March 2018 but found "no
Department of Labour. London-
evidence" that any data was actually
headquartered Ernst and Young, a
misused.
multinational professional services firm,
● Google company reportedly disclose the
has emerged as the top employer to have
security breach because it feared
received the certification.
regulation.
● The H-1B visas are the most sought-
● According to Google, Google+ currently
after among Indian IT professionals.
has “low usage and engagement” and
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

that 90 percent of Google+ user sessions implementation of the hospital


last less than 5 seconds. information management system across
all eight subsidiaries of CIL, covering 21
Flipkart teams up with Bajaj Allianz to offer
hospitals.
insurance for smartphones
● The primary objective of setting up an
● Insurance Regulatory and Development
integrated ERP system in CIL and its
Authority (IRDAI) gave Flipkart the
subsidiaries is to deploy state-of-the-art
license to go on a pact with Bajaj
information technology system, which
Allianz General Insurance for the
can provide all necessary information
scheme.
based on real-time data and help the
● According to the scheme, Customers
management in taking quick and timely
who buy the plan will be offered either a
decisions to achieve desired results.
cash payout or a free pickup, service,
and drop facility if their devices get Govt proposes Rs 13 crore subsidy for hybrid
damaged or stolen. cars in India
● The minimum insurance price for the ● The Department of Heavy Industry has
scheme is Rs. 99 for a year which will be proposed a subsidy of ₹13 crore to
operational the day the device is promote hybrid cars in India.
delivered to a customer. ● The move follows lobbying by
● The insurance offering will be available automobile manufacturers including
from October 10, 2018. Toyota, Maruti Suzuki and Honda.
● The incentives have been sought by the
NOVEMBER 2018
department for potential buyers of
10,000 hybrid cars fitted with lithium-
Tech Mahindra bagged Rs.270 crore deal from
ion batteries of 0.5-2 kilowatt-hour
CIL
(kWh) in a meeting with the committee
● Tech Mahindra bagged a Rs.270 crore
for the second phase of the Faster
deal to enable the digital transformation
Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric
of Coal India Limited (CIL). The deal
and Hybrid vehicles (FAME) scheme.
aimed at enterprise modernization and
is to span a five-year period. Mapletree to buy SP Infocity for Rs. 2,500
● In the first of the project, Enterprise crore
Resource Planning (ERP) would be ● Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd.,
implemented in CIL and its two Singapore-headquartered firm, acquires
subsidiaries, Mahanadi Coalfields SP Infocity, Tamil Nadu for Rs.2,500
Limited and Western Coalfields crore. SP Infocity is jointly owned by
Limited. It also includes the supply and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

and Shapoorji Pallonji Investment ● The firm recently entered into an MOU
Advisors Pvt. Ltd., a 100% subsidiary of with CSIR – CECRI (Central
Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Private Electrochemical Research Institute),
Limited. Karaikudi to explore collaborative
● The SP Infocity is spread over 2.7 technology for scaling up of
million sq. ft., SP Infocity, an IT park on manufacturing cathode materials for
MGR Salai, houses some of the big lithium-ion cells.
corporate names from across the globe.
DECEMBER 2018
● Automobile firm Ford runs its global
business services from its premises.
Pakistan Cabinet approved to issue 'Panda
Other tenants include Amazon, HSBC
bond' in Chinese currency
and BNP Paribas.
● Freshworks, a start-up, has over 1,000
● The federal cabinet approved the
employees working out of the facility.
issuance of Pakistan’s first renminbi-
● As on 31 March, Mapletree owns and
denominated bonds to raise loans from
manages Singapore $46.3 billion worth
Chinese capital markets, as the country
properties.
gradually moves towards giving the
● It also manages four real estate
Chinese currency a status at par with
investment trusts and six private real
that enjoyed by the US dollar.
estate funds, which hold a diverse
● The interest rate may range above 5.5%
portfolio of assets.
but the final price can only be
determined at the time of launching the
Tata Chemicals Limited plans capital
bond.
expenditure of Rs.2400 crore
● The Philippines has also raised
● The board of Tata Chemicals Ltd. has
RMB1.46 billion through renminbi-
approved a capital expenditure of
denominated bonds at an interest rate of
Rs.2,400 crore which would be deployed
4.75%.
towards debottlenecking of Mithapur
● In the Long-term Plan of the China-
facility.
Pakistan Economic Corridor (2017-30)
● The investment would enhance the
both countries had decided to use
company’s soda ash capacity by about
renminbi as the second international
1,50,000 MT, salt production by 4,00,000
currency to lessen Pakistan’s reliance on
MT and upgrade turbines for higher
dollar.
efficiency. Tata Chemicals is
● Current Finance Minister of Pakistan -
considering entry into the lithium-ion
Asad Umar
battery sector to develop cell
chemistries to meet Indian applications.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

L&T construction arm bagged orders worth ● Coal India and Power Grid Corporation
Rs.2,357 crore occupied the fourth and fifth spot in the
● Larsen & Toubro (L&T) said that its list of top 10 profit making CPSEs
construction arm bagged orders worth (Central Public Sector Enterprises) in
Rs.2,357 crore from APCRDA and the 2017-18 fiscal.
MPJNM. ● BSNL, Air India and MTNL incurred
● L&T’s water and effluent treatment and the highest losses for the second
transportation infrastructure business consecutive year.
had secured an order worth Rs.1,281
GST Council cuts rates on 17 items, 6 services;
crore from Andhra Pradesh Capital
rationalises 28% slab
Region Development Authority
(APCRDA). The order is for activities
The GST rate on cinema tickets above ₹100 was
including investigation, design and
cut from 28% to 18% and on tickets up to ₹100
construction of roads, bridges, storm
from 18% to 12%.
water drains, culverts, water supply
systems, sewerage systems for the
Seven items that saw tax rates being slashed
villages of Kurugalla, Nidamarru in
from the 28% bracket are:
Zone 12A area at Amaravati Capital
City, Andhra Pradesh.
♦ certain vehicle parts used in agriculture,
● The firm’s water and effluent treatment
business had also secured orders worth
♦ monitors and TVs up to 32 inches,
Rs.1,076 crore from the Madhya Pradesh
Jal Nigam Maryadit (MPJNM). The
♦ retreaded tyres,
order is for the execution of multi
village rural water supply schemes in
♦ power banks,
Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Seoni and
Damoh districts of Madhya Pradesh.
♦ digital cameras,

Indian Oil, ONGC, NTPC most profitable


♦ Video game consoles (all from 28% to 18%), and
PSUs in FY18

♦ parts and accessories for the carriages for


● Indian Oil Corporation, Oil and Natural
disabled persons (from 28% to 5%).
Gas Corporation (ONGC) and NTPC
emerged as the top three most profitable
Only 28 items remain in 28% slab.
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in
2017-18.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Cox & Kings Ltd. started a new business called GlaxoSmithKline merges with HUL
Tour to Feast
● GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
● Cox & Kings Ltd. has started a new Ltd. is to merge with Hindustan
business called ‘Tour to Feast’ to Unilever Ltd. (HUL), India’s biggest
promote food-related travel across consumer goods company, in a deal
India’s popular culinary destinations. worth Rs.31,70 0 crore.
● Tour to Feast will offer journeys across ● Because of this transaction HUL’s
the most popular culinary destinations parent, Unilever will gain control of
in India like Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, popular health drink brand Horlicks
Varanasi, Jaipur, Agra, and Goa. while other brands from GSK CH, such
● Travellers can choose from an array of as Boost, Maltova, and Viva, will be a
customized culinary holidays. part of the merged entity in India. GSK
● Each of these journeys has been CH had acquired Maltova and Boost
designed to be accompanied by hand- from Jagatjit Industries in 2000.
picked experts who will take travellers ● On the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE),
through the evolution of the indigenous HUL shares gained 4.12%, or Rs.72.30, to
cuisines of each region. close at Rs.1,825.90. Shares of GSK CH
closed the day at Rs. 7,542.85, rising
Paisabazaar.com launches India's first chance
3.75% or Rs.272.90.
of approval feature for lending products

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY


● India’s largest online marketplace for
financial products, Paisabazaar.com
JUNE 2018
launched a first of its kind feature
chance of approval, that will help loan
Russia Launched Soyuz 2.1b Carrier Rocket
applicants choose their most-suited
With Glonass-M Navigation Satellite:
lender on its platform in India.
● GLONASS - the Russian acronym for 'Global
● Chance of Approval’, is an advanced
Navigation Satellite System'.
predictive algorithm that has been
● The Glonass network provides real-time
created by Paisabazaar.com using the
positioning data for surface, sea and airborne
last four years of lending data.
objects around the globe, at an accuracy
● Globally a few leading players, like
reportedly on par with the U.S. Global
Credit Karma in the US, have developed
Positioning System (GPS).
similar features to improve the
● With this Launch, there are now 26 Glonass
acceptance rate on their platforms but
satellites in orbit.
this is the first such initiative in India.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

US scientists unveiled world’s most powerful JULY 2018


and smartest scientific supercomputer:
● US scientists have unveiled the world’s most Election Commission of India launched
powerful and smartest scientific supercomputer Mobile App cVIGIL:
named "Summit" that can complete over 200,000 ● The Chief Election Commissioner Shri. O.P.
trillion calculations per second. Rawat, along with the Election Commissioners
● This supercomputer called Summit will be Shri Sunil Arora and Shri Ashok Lavasa
eight times more powerful than its previous top- launched a mobile app, called ‘Cvigil,’ which
ranked system, Titan. stands for “citizens’ vigil”, for citizens to report
any violation during elections.
Instagram launched 0.5 MB Lite app for ● The app will be operational only where
Android devices: elections are announced.
● At just 573 kilobytes, "Instagram Lite" app is ● The app was test on a pilot basis in Bengaluru.
1/55th the size of Instagram’s 32 megabyte main ● The service is now being extended Madhya
app. Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram
● This app is currently being tested in Mexico. for the upcoming assembly polls.
● Users can filter and post photos to the feed or
Stories, and browse the Explore page, but cannot BSNL unveiled internet telephony service
share videos or Direct message friends yet. 'Wings':
● Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will roll out
NASA To Launch World's Lightest Satellite its new internet telephony service with brand
Designed By Chennai Students: name "Wings" from August 1.
● The first-year engineering students ● Those subscribing to "Wings", entailing one-
Harikrishan, Amarnath, Sudhi and Giri Prasad time registration fee of Rs.1,099, will be able to
from Hindustan Institute of Technology and make calls using any internet connection
Science near Chennai built the 4cm ‘cube’ including broadband, WiFi, 3G or 4G data
satellite 'Jaihind-1S' with a 3D printed outer network of any operator, thus overcoming
casing from polylactic acid (PLA) nylon material, connectivity problems even in areas having
making it lighter than a medium sized egg, at patchy signals.
just 33.39 grams. ● Those subscribers can avail free domestic calls
● This satellite will be launched from a NASA for one year, while the overseas calls will be
facility in the US by August. priced as per international tariffs of BSNL
● The previous lightweight satellite developed landline.
by Rifath Sharook, also from Tamil Nadu, and CBIC launched GST 'Verify App':
launched in the same competition in 2017 had ● Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
weighed 64 grams. (CBIC) has launched a mobile app
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

'GSTVerify' developed by B.Raghu Kiran, Joint letters of the alphabet. ♦ Android 1.5 Cupcake
commissioner GST Hyderabad. ● It is an android (April 2009)
app to verify if the person collecting GST from ♦ Android 1.6 Donut (September 2009)
the consumer is eligible to collect it or not. ♦ Android 2.0/2.1 Éclair (October 2009, January
2010)
AUGUST 2018 ♦ Android 2.2 Froyo (May 2010)
♦ Android 2.3 Gingerbread (December 2010)
NASA launched Parker Solar Probe to touch ♦ Android 3.0/3.1/3.2 Honeycomb (February 2011,
Sun: May 2011, July 2011)
● National Aeronautics and Space ♦ Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (October
Administration (NASA) launched off a $1.5 2011)
billion spacecraft toward the Sun to protect the ♦ Android 4.1/4.2/4.3 Jelly Bean (July 2012,
Earth by unveiling the mysteries of dangerous November 2012, July 2013)
solar storms. ♦ Android 4.4 KitKat (October 2013)
● The probe is designed to plunge into the Sun's ♦ Android 5.0/5.1 Lollipop (November 2014,
mysterious atmosphere, known as the corona. March 2015)
● It is the first major mission under NASA’s ♦ Android 6.0 Marshmallow (October 2015)
Living With a Star program with 1.5 billions. ♦ Android 7.0/7.1 Nougat (August 2016,
● It is also the first NASA mission to be named December 2016)
after a living person, a scientist called Eugene ♦ Android 8.0/8.1 Oreo (August 2017, December
Parker. In 1958, he published a paper about the 2017)
existence of solar wind, which this mission will
be investigating. Chandrayaan-I data confirms presence of ice
on Moon:
Google officially launches Android 9.0 named ● Using data from the Chandrayaan-I spacecraft,
'Pie': Scientists have found frozen water deposits in
● Google announced 'Pie' as the name for the the darkest and coldest parts of the Moon’s polar
latest version of the Android operating system, regions.
succeeding Android Oreo. ● M3, aboard the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft,
● The Android P or 'Pie' version has begun launched in 2008 by the Indian Space Research
rolling out to Pixel phones and will be available Organisation (ISRO), was uniquely equipped to
to other devices later this year. confirm the presence of solid ice on the Moon.
● Other Important Highlights:
● Since Android 1.5, Google has named each NASA introduced two apps to take space
version of its mobile operating system after a selfies:
sweet food - moving sequentially through the ● NASA has introduced two virtual reality
apps which will allow users to take
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

selfies in front of gorgeous cosmic Hindi-speaking humanoid robot called


locations. Rashmi.
● The two apps,the Selfies app and ● The robot will speak Bhojpuri, Marathi,
Exoplanet Excursions virtual reality app, and English, and is equipped with facial
were released to celebrate the 15th expressions and recognition systems.
anniversary of the launch of NASA’s
Spitzer Space Telescope. Govt launched e-Aksharayan Software in 7
● The app will let you take snapshots of Indian languages:
yourself in a virtual spacesuit, posing in ● E-Aksharayan is free, desktop software
front of gorgeous cosmic locations, like for converting scanned printed Indian
the Orion Nebula or the centre of the Language documents into a fully
Milky Way galaxy. It also provides editable text format in Unicode
information about the science behind encoding.
these stunning / images. ● The software supports editing in seven
Indian languages - Hindi, Bangla,
NASA set to launch Ice, Cloud Land Elevation Malayalam, Gurmukhi, Tamil, Kannada
satellite to track earth's melting ice: & Assamese.
● The Ice, Cloud and land Elevation
Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) will measure the India's moon mission Chandrayaan 2 launch
average annual elevation change of land delayed for 2nd time:
ice covering Greenland and Antarctica ● The launch of India's second Moon
to within the width of a pencil, mission Chandrayaan-2 has been
capturing 60,000 measurements every delayed for the second time from
second. October to January next year.
● ICESat-2 which is scheduled to be ● Chandrayaan-2 will be ISRO’s first time
launched on September 12 represents a attempt to land a rover on the Moon.
major technological leap in our ability to ● The launch was first planned in April
measure changes in ice height. and was pushed to October.
● Its Advanced Topographic Laser ● Reason for Delay in Launch:-
Altimeter System (ATLAS) measures ○ ISRO faced two setbacks this
height by timing how long it takes year, losing communication
individual light photons to travel from with GSAT-6A satellite and
the spacecraft to Earth and back. failing PSLV-C39 mission.

World's 1st Hindi-Speaking Robot Rashmi: ISRO to launch its heaviest satellite GSAT-11
● Ranchi-based software developer Ranjit on November 30:
Srivastava is developing the world's first
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● Indian Space Research Organisation's rate their elected representatives and


(ISRO) heaviest satellite so far - the hold them accountable as well.
GSAT-11 (weighing over 5.7 tonnes i.e.,
5,700-kg) which the space agency had Google launched 'Navlekha' for Indian
cleared for launch in June, will take off a language publishers:
spaceport in French Guiana on 30th ● At the fourth 'Google for India' event,
November. Google has unveiled Project Navlekha to
● GSAT-11 carries 40 transponders in the help Indian language publishers take
Ku-band and the Ka-band frequencies, their content online.
and is capable of providing high ● Navlekha is a word derived from
bandwidth connectivity with up to 14 Sanskrit meaning 'a new way to write.'
GB per second data transfer speed. ● The new platform will allow 1.35 lakh
● GSAT - Geosynchronous SATellites. Indian publishers to digitise their
● ISRO chairman - K Sivan. offline content by creating instant web
pages using scanned documents or
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced PDFs.
manned space mission taking Indian
astronauts to space on board 'Gaganyaan' by SEPTEMBER 2018
2022: ISRO launched its technology incubation
● The Indian Space Research centre in Agartala, Tripura:
Organisation (ISRO) will have two ● The centre at Agartala is the first of six
unmanned missions and spacecraft will such centres which are planned to build
be launched using GSLV Mark-III. capacity in new locations. It is aimed to
● GSLV Mark III launch vehicle will be have a good presence in academia and
fully equipped with crew module and industry.
life support system for a manned ● These space research activities are to
mission in the next two years. tap the talents of the locations and
● If successful, India would be fourth include them in the space footprint.
nation to achieve that feat. ● ISRO’s Capacity Building Programme
directorate is to invest Rs.2 crore for
Former President Pranab Mukherjee launched such centres in Jalandhar, Bhubaneswar,
NETA App To Rate MPs And MLAs: Tiruchi, Nagpur and Indore. These
● NETA National Electoral centres will not have activities related to
Transformation (NETA) Leaders Report space.
Card App, the brain child of 27-year-old
entrepreneur Pratham Mittal is a France to collaborate on India's first
platform where voters can review and human space mission 'Gaganyaan':
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● India and France inked an agreement to ISRO plans to set up its First Overseas Ground
collaborate on Gaganyaan, ISRO's first Station at North Pole:
human space mission. ● The ground station will augment the
● ISRO and CNES, the French space Indian Remote Sensing (Indian Remote
agency, will be combining their Sensing (IRS) operations crucial not just
expertise in fields of space medicine, for civilian needs like disaster
astronaut health monitoring, life management but also for the armed
support, radiation protection, space forces.
debris protection and personal hygiene ● However, ISRO has already two ground
systems. stations - IMGEOS at Shadnagar and
● These two space agencies also plan to AGEOS in Antarctica.
work on Mars, Venus and asteroids.
● India plans to send three humans to UAE revealed the names of its first 2
space before 2022. It would make India astronauts for the space mission:
one of the four countries in the world ● The United Arab Emirates has disclosed
after Russia, US and China to launch a its first two astronauts to go on a
manned space flight. mission to the International Space
Station.
ISRO to launch 19 missions in just 7 months: ● Prime Minister of the United Arab
● Indian Space Research Organisation Emirates - Sheikh Mohammed bin
(ISRO) will conduct 19 missions, Rashid al-Maktoum named the new
including 10 satellites and nine launch astronauts as:
vehicles, in the next seven months ○ Hazza al-Mansouri, 34-year-old
between September and March. ○ Sultan al-Neyadi, 37-year-old.
● It will include the launch of India's ● The UAE has its sights set on space
second moon mission Chandrayaan-2. with a programme worth 20 billion
ISRO planned to launch two satellites dirhams i.e, $5.4 billion.
within 30 days consecutively for months. ● UAE has announced its plans to become
● The services would be resumed on the first Arab country to send an
September 15 with the PSLV C42 unmanned probe to orbit Mars by 2021.
mission, which will carry UK satellites - The probe is named as “Hope”.
Novasar and S1-4 as the main payload.
● Then, ISRO will launch GSLV Mk III- World's first lion cubs born via artificial
D2, also known as ‘Bahubali’. insemination:
● ISRO Chairman - K Sivan. ● In a world first achievement, a lioness at
the Ukutula Conservation Center and
Biobank in South Africa's North West
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province has given birth to two cubs ● Three scientists, Arthur Ashkin of the
conceived via non-surgical artificial U.S., Gerard Mourou of France and
insemination, using fresh semen from Donna Strickland of Canada, won the
an adult male lion at the same facility. Nobel Physics Prize for inventing
● The research is a breakthrough for optical lasers that have paved the way
saving endangered species like tiger and for advanced precision instruments used
snow leopard. in corrective eye surgery
● Arthur Ashkin won one half of the 9
OCTOBER 2018 million Swedish kronor (about $1.01
million) prize, while Gerard Mourou of
Scientists found 59 Indian plant species under France and Donna Strickland of Canada
IUCN threat categories shared the other half
● Scientists have found that 59 Indian ● Mr.Ashkin invented optical tweezers
plant species are under threat status that grab particles, atoms, viruses and
based on criteria used by the other living cells with their laser beam
International Union for Conservation of fingers
Nature (IUCN) ● He made this discovery while working at
● Dr.S.K.Barik, Director of Lucknow's AT&T Bell Laboratories from 1952 to
CSIR- National Botanical Research 1991
Institute and experts from several ● Mr.Mourou and Ms.Strickland won for
institutes selected 59 plant species that helping develop a method to generate
are at risk of elimination if the threat ultra-short optical pulses that are the
levels they face are not assessed soon shortest and most intense laser pulses
● Based on their assessment they assigned ever created by mankind. Their
each species a threat status based on technique is now used in corrective eye
IUCN criteria surgery
● This included the extent and area of ● Ms.Strickland is the only the third
each plant's geographical range, which woman to win the Physics Prize
revealed that 10 species are critically
endangered, 18 endangered, 6 DST boosts solar cooking
vulnerable, 5 near threatened and one ● In order to commemorate the 150th
species each are data deficient and least birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi,
concern the Department of Science and
Technology (DST) introduced a project
Three scientists, laser pioneers, won Nobel to boost the solar cooking
Physics prize ● DST has instituted Grand Challenge
Awards for the design of solar cooking
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

solutions at both household and variety of carbon compounds, depending


community levels to empower rural on the type of bacteria
people ● The bacteria used in the experiment are
● The government has been encouraging anaerobic, which means they can live in
the use of solar cookers environments without oxygen
● Financial incentives of 30% of the cost ● The MOF suit is impermeable to oxygen
of the solar cooker all over the country and reactive oxygen molecules, like
and 60% to special category States (hilly peroxide, that shortens bacteria’s
and northeastern States) are already in lifespan
place ● With the suit, the bacteria live five times
Ministry of Science and Technology longer at normal oxygen concentrations,
● Organisation: Department of 21% by volume, than without the suits
Biotechnology, Department of Science
and Technology, Department of Air purifier makers expects huge sales as
Scientific and Industrial Research pollution levels worsen in NCR and adjoining
● Minister: Dr.Harsh Vardhan areas
● Headquarters: New Delhi ● As the air quality in the National
● Formed: May 1971 Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining
areas are likely to deteriorate further in
Researchers developed spacesuits for microbes the coming weeks, the Air purifier
● Researchers from the University of makers are looking at a big spike in
California (UC) Berkeley developed their sales
spacesuits, a patchwork of mesh-like ● There is a rise in demand for air
pieces called a Metal-Organic purifiers from smaller and tier-II cities,
Framework (MOF), for bacteria which other than metros
might allow the microbes to survive ● Although the air purifier industry is
space environments that would small in size and limited to metro cities,
otherwise kill them makers are witnessing a high double-
● The protective suits pair up with a living digit growth in the segment due to
bacteria with light absorbing increased awareness among the people
semiconductors in order to capture who are willing to spend money to
carbon dioxide and convert it into improve the quality of air around them
chemicals that can be used by industry ● The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of
or, someday, in space colonies Delhi was recorded at 337 last week,
● The system mimics the photosynthesis which falls in the very poor category and
process in plants. The hybrid system is the highest for this season, creating
captures CO2 and light to make a hazy conditions, said data from the
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Central Pollution Control Board Miko 2 IIT-Bombay graduates launch India’s


(CPCB). Below given is the Air Quality first advanced personal robot for kids
Index (AQI) range ● Graduates of Indian Institute of
Technology –Bombay(IIT-B) who are
Supreme Court announced ban on toxic and Co-founders of a start-up called Emotix
loud firecrackers have launched India’s first advanced
● Supreme Court judgment declared a ban personal robot Miko 2 for Kids
on toxic and loud crackers during Diwali ● IIT Bombay graduates Sneh Rajkumar
● The ban has been declared to avoid the Vaswani along with his batchmates
air pollution caused due to the burning Prashant Iyengar and Chintan Raikar
of firecrackers which in turn have founded the Tech start-up Emotix
deterioration of air quality ● Miko2isIndia’sfirstadvancedrobotthatca
● The Bench acknowledges that there is a nsee,hear,sense,express, talk, recognize
necessity to tackle the other faces, remember names, Identify moods
contributory factors for air pollution and initiate a conversation
● Unregulated construction activity which
generates a lot of dust and crop burning ISRO launched HysIS on 29th November
in the neighbouring States are the two ● Indian Space Research Organisation
other major reasons. Vehicular pollution (ISRO) launched the Hyper Spectral
is also another cause Imaging Satellite (HysIS), being dubbed
‘Sharp Eye’, into space along with 30
World's oldest intact shipwreck found in black other foreign satellites on board the
sea workhorse PSLV rocket on 29th
• An ancient Greek trading ship dating back November
more than 2,400 years found virtually intact at ● HysIS with a mission life of five years
the bottom of the Black Sea was placed in an orbit 636 km
• The vessel is one of more than 60 shipwrecks above the earth
including Roman ships and a 17th-century ● While 23 satellites were from the US,
Cossack raiding fleet identified by the Black Sea the rest were from Australia, Canada,
Maritime Archaeology Project Columbia, Finland, Malaysia, the
• The ship, which is lying on its side with its Netherlands, and Spain. These satellites
mast and rudders intact, was dated back to 400 were commercially contracted for
BC a time when the Black Sea was a trading hub launch through Antrix Corporation
filled with Greek colonies Limited, the commercial arm of ISRO

NOVEMBER 2018 IIT-Madras researchers designed India's 1st


microprocessor 'Shakti'
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● The 'Shakti' family of processors was ● Three astronauts will be permanently


fabricated at ISRO's Chandigarh semi- stationed in the 60-tonne orbiting lab,
conductor laboratory, making it the first which will enable the crew to conduct
'RISC V Microprocessor' to be biological and microgravity research
completely designed and made in India ● The International Space Station (ISS), a
● Shakti microprocessor can be used in collaboration between the United States,
mobile computing devices, embedded Russia, Canada, Europe and Japan, has
low power wireless systems and been in operation since 1998, but is due
networking systems to be retired in 2024
● ‘Shakti’ will reduce dependency on ● China will then have the only space
imported microchips and the risk of station in orbit, though it will be much
cyber attacks smaller than the ISS which weighs 400
tonnes and is as large as a football pitch
World's largest supercomputer switched on for
the first time Definition of kilogram changed after 130 years
● The world's largest neuromorphic ● The world's standard definition of the
supercomputer SpiNNaker(‘Spiking kilogram, the ampere, the kelvin and the
Neural Network Architecture’ machine), mole has been changed, after
which was designed and built to work representatives from 60 countries voted
like a human brain, has been switched to redefine the International System of
on for the first time Units (SI) for weight, current,
● Made up ofone million processors, temperature and amount of chemical
SpiNNaker can complete over 200 substance
million-million actions per second ● The new definition of Kilogram will be
● The supercomputer will help scientists replaced by the Planck constant. It will
better understand how neurological adopted on May 20, which is World
diseases like Parkinson's impact the Metrology Day
brain China unveiled 'Heavenly Palace' ● The new definition of kg involves
space station, as International Space accurate weighing machines called '
Station retires in 2024 Kibble balance'
● With a lifespan of roughly10 years,
China's Tiangong space station, Neighbourly app launched in Bengaluru, Delhi
otherwise known as Heavenly Palaceis to gather information about a neighbourhood:
set to become the replacement of the Google NBU
International Space Station (ISS), which ● Google’s Next Billion Users (NBU) team
is due to retire in 2024 announced the national roll-out of
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

its Neighbourly app in Delhi and November 2017 by Vega rocket from
Bangalore Kourou space center
● The full-fledged app offers services in 8 ● Mohammed VI-B is the second satellite
vernacular languages and is a of Morocco’s ambitious space program-
targeted app with a geographic radius the first in Africa
between 1 to 5 km ● The satellite is named after Mohammed
● The initial phase was tested in Mumbai, VI, King of Morocco who launched this
followed by Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mysore, ambitious space program in 2013
Vizag, Kochi and Coimbatore
DECEMBER 2018
NASA picked ancient Martian river delta for
Mars 2020 rover landing First manned Soyuz mission to ISS was
● NASA has pickedJezero Crater, an launched successfully
ancient river delta, as the landing site ● After the October launch failure, a
for its Mars 2020 rover Soyuz rocket carrying Russian,
● The Mars 2020 mission is to hunt for American and Canadian astronauts took
evidence of past life on the earth’s off from Kazakhstan and reached orbit
neighboring planet on 3rd December in the first manned
● Even though the Red Planet is now cold mission
and dry, the landing site was filled with ● Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko,
a 500-meter deep lake that opened to a Anne McClain of NASA and David
network of rivers some 3.5 to 3.9 billion Saint-Jacques of the Canadian Space
years ago Agency were launched off for a six-and-
● Mars 2020 has been designed to land a-half month mission on the
inside the crater and collect samples International Space Station(ISS).
that will eventually be returned to Earth
for further analysis, perhaps by the later ISRO's heaviest satellite GSAT-11 launched,
2020s will increase internet speed
● The Mars 2020 will look at rocks on a ● France-based Arianespace successfully
finer scale to see what biosignatures are launched GSAT-11, the heaviest satellite
preserved built by ISRO from its port in French
Guiana
Mohammed VI-B: Morocco launches its ● Weighing 5,854 kg, the GSAT-11 will
second earth observation satellite boost broadband speeds and provide
● Morocco’s first satellite named high bandwidth connectivity with up to
MohammedVI-A was launched on 8th 14 gigabit per second (GBPS) data
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

transfer speed.The satellite’s designed ● The satellite was launched from a Long
lifetime is more than 15 years March 11 carrier rocket from the
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in
India successfully test-fired nuclear-capable north-western China
Agni-5 missile from Odisha coast ● The satellite is the first in the Hongyun
● Indigenously-developed surface-to- project planned by China Aerospace
surface missile Agni-5 has a strike range Science and Industry Corp (CASIC)
of 5,000 km. Agni-5 is a three-stage ● The Hongyun project, started in
missile and is 17 metre tall and 2 metre September 2016, aims to build a space-
wide. It is capable of carrying 1.5 tonne based communications network to
of nuclear warheads provide broadband internet connectivity
● The Agni-5 is the latest and most to users around the world, especially
advanced variant in terms of navigation those in the underserved regions
and guidance, warhead and engine
● India has in its armoury the Agni Russia successfully tested hypersonic missile
missile series: Agni-1 with a range of ‘Avangard’
700 km, Agni-2 with a range of 2,000 ● The hypersonic missile could fly at 20
km, Agni-3 and Agni-4 with 2,500 km to times the speed of sound and manoeuvre
more than 3,500 km range. up and down, meaning that it could
breach defence systems
India successfully test-fired Nuclear-Capable ● Russia's Avangard system would be
Agni-IV Missile ready for use from 2019
● India on 23rd December successfully ● The missile was launched from the
test-fired nuclear strategic ballistic Dombarovsky missile base in the
missile Agni-IV from Dr.Abdul Kalam southern Ural Mountains and hit its
Island off the Odisha coast as a part of target on a test site in Kamchatka, about
user trial by the Army 6,000km away
● The surface-to-surface missile has a ● Avangard is designed using new
4,000-km strike range and is equipped composite materials to withstand
with advanced avionics, 5th generation temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees
on board computer and distributed Celsius that come from a flight through
architecture the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds.
● This is the seventh trial of Agni-IV
missile. USTAAD: Railways develops AI-powered
robot to check for faults in trains
China launched first satellite for space-based ● The mechanical branch of Central
broadband to rival Google Railway Nagpur division developed a
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

new AI-powered robot named USTAAD first military exercise between the two
(Undergear Surveillance through countries.
Artificial Intelligence Assisted Droid) ● The six-day-long military exercise (from
which examines parts of the coach in January 29 to February 3, 2018) was
real time with an HD camera and conducted as part of joint training
transmits them over WiFi. undertaken with friendly foreign
● The new Artificial Intelligence (AI) countries by Indian Army.
powered robot will click photos and ● VINBAX-2018 was Table Top Exercise
record videos of the train, under the to carry out training for Peace Keeping
gears and then transmits them over Operations under United Nations (UN)
WiFi to engineers for maintenance and mandate.
repair. ● The Defence ties between India and
● Since USTAAD can watch and examine Vietnam have been on an upswing with
areas which cannot be seen and the primary focus being cooperation in
approached by humans usually, due to the maritime domain.
the narrow spaces between under-gear
Defence Ministry clears Rs.2420 Crore worth
parts, it will reduce chances of human
contracts for Navy, Army
error while examining undergear
equipment on Indian Railways trains.
● Union Ministry of Defence (MoD)
● The special features of the robot include
approved procurement of P-8I Training
HD (high-definition) camera that can be
Solution for Indian Navy and Low-
rotated in any direction as per
Intensity Conflict Electronic Warfare
commands are given by the engineer
System (LICEWS) for Indian Army at a
and can capture video as well as still
total cost of Rs 2419.32 crore.
photographs with zoom in or out
● These contract proposals were earlier
facility.
cleared by Defence Acquisition Council
(DAC) and now final approval has now
DEFENCE been given by Defence Minister Nirmala
JANUARY 2018 Sitharaman.
● This system will be procured from
VINBAX: India and Vietnam hold first Bharat Electronics Limited for Rs. 470
military exercise in Jabalpur crore. It will equip Indian Army with
● India-Vietnam Bilateral Army Exercise upgraded communications
(VINBAX-2018) was conducted at infrastructure.
Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. It is the
FEBRUARY 2018
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

DAC Approves Proposals Worth Rs. 15,935 ● It has an operational range of 500m to
Crore 4km (Land version).
● Defense ministry of India approved ● It also possesses advanced passive
capital acquisition proposals worth homing guidance system.
Rs.15,935 crore which included the ● It has been designed mainly to destroy
purchase of 7.40 lakh assault rifles, 5,719 modern main battle tanks.
sniper rifles, and light machine guns to
Navy Chief Sunil Lanba To Be On A 5-Day
bolster the strength of the armed forces.
Visit To USA
● The long-pending proposals were
● Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba is on a
cleared at a meeting of the Defence
five-day visit to the USA.
Acquisition Council (DAC), the defense
● The visit aims to consolidate relations
ministry's highest decision-making
between the Armed Forces of both the
body on procurement.
nations and to explore new avenues of
● The meeting was chaired by Defence
defense cooperation.
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
● During the visit, Admiral Lanba will
● For the Indian Navy, the DAC also
hold bilateral discussions with US
approved the procurement of Advanced
Defence Secretary James Mattis,
Torpedo Decoy Systems (ATDS) at a cost
Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer
of Rs.850 crore.
among others.
MARCH 2018 ● The Admiral will also visit the Pacific
Command Headquarters at Pearl
ATGM Nag successfully test fired in desert Harbour in Hawaii, the Naval Surface
conditions Warfare Centre Dahlgren, the Pentagon
● Indigenously developed Anti-Tank and Arlington National Cemetery.
Guided Missiles (ATGM) Nag was
APRIL 2018
successfully test-fired in desert
conditions against two tank targets at
Coastal Security Exercise 'Sagar Kavach' Held
different ranges and timings.
In Kerala
● It is one of five missile systems
● Exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ is being
developed indigenously by DRDO under
conducted to strengthen and assess the
integrated guided missile development
loopholes in the coastal security
programme (IGMDP).
mechanism along Kerala shores. Along
● The Nag missile is third generation
with Coastal Police and Marine
ATMG which works on “fire and forget”
Enforcement wing, Indian Coast Guard
principle.
and Indian Navy is also participating in
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’. 10 ships of MAY 2018


Indian Coast Guard, three ships of the
Indian navy, four fishing boats, and 20 Indian Navy Commissions 4th Ship Of
coastal police stations from Vizhinjam Landing Craft Utility MK-IV
to Kasaragod are among those taking ● Indian Navy commissioned the IN LCU
part in this exercise. L54, the fourth ship of Landing Craft
● The Exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ is held Utility MK-IV, into its fleet at Port
twice a year. Blair, Andaman, and Nicobar.
● The ship was commissioned by Vice
India Forms Committee To Reform Higher
Admiral GS Pabby, AVSM, VSM and
Defence Planning
Chief of Materiel.
● Union Government formed a new
● The Commissioning of L-54 is in line
integrated institutional mechanism,
with the Union Government’s Make in
Defence Planning Committee (DPC) to
India initiative.
reform the process of higher defense
planning. Indian Army Finalises Rs 15,000 Crore
● The permanent body would be chaired Ammunition Production Project
by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. ● Indian Army finalized a mega 15,000
● The committee is aimed at driving the crore rupees project under which a
country’s military and national security range of ammunition for its critical
strategy, draft capability development weapons and tanks will be produced
plans, and guide and accelerate defense indigenously.
equipment acquisitions. ● Around 11 private firms would be
● The Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to involved in the ambitious project.
the Chairman of the Chief of the Staff ● The immediate aim of the project is to
Committee (CISC) will be the member create an inventory of all major weapons
secretary of the committee. to enable the forces to fight a 30-day war
while the long-term objective is to cut
IPS Officer Rajesh Ranjan appointed as DG Of
dependence on imports.
CISF
● The army has set a specific target for the
● Senior IPS officer Rajesh Ranjan was
next 10 years in terms of the volume of
appointed as Director General of
ammunition to be produced.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Mr Ranjan is at present Special Director
General, Border Security Force (BSF). He
JUNE 2018
has been appointed as the chief of the
CISF till 2020.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

World’s Largest Multilateral Naval Exercise aircraft that could be gifted to the
RIMPAC begun off Hawaii Indian Ocean Region.
● Twenty Sixth edition of two month long ● An Indo-French-Seychelles trilateral
exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) cooperation may safeguard India’s
begun off Hawaii in the Western Pacific strategic interests in the key Indian
Ocean. Ocean country amid China’s growing
● Navies of 26 countries including India is interests in the region.
participating in this exercise, which is
JULY 2018
scheduled off Hawaii from June 27 to
August 27.
MiG 21 fighter Jet crashed in Himachal
● INS Sahyadri, Commanded by Captain
Pradesh
Shantanu Jha, reached the Pearl
● Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-21 fighter
Harbour, Hawaii, to participate in
jet which was on a routine sortie,
RIMPAC 2018.
crashed in Patta Jattian village in
● Subsequently, the 25th edition of the
Himachal Pradesh Kangra district after
exercise was attended by INS Satpura in
taking off from Pathankot air base.
2016.
● Squadron Leader Meet Kumar, who was
U.S. and South Korea agree to suspend joint flying the MiG-21 aircraft died in the
military exercise scheduled for August accident.
● South Korea and the United States have ● The MiG-21 jets were inducted into IAF
agreed to suspend all planning activities in 1963 and many of these planes were
regarding the "Freedom Guardian" lost in crashes.
military drill scheduled for August.
● Last year, 17,500 American and more
International Army Games 2018 will be
than 50,000 South Korean troops
conducted from July 28 to August 11
participated in the Ulchi Freedom
Army games are organised annually by Russia
Guardian drills, although the exercise is
and this year 28 competitions will be held in
mostly focused on computerized
seven countries including Armenia, Azerbaijan,
simulations rather than live field
Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan and Russia.
exercises that use weapons, tanks or
This year the Games will bring together 181
aircraft.
teams from 32 countries. Military servicemen
India is planning to gift a Dornier aircraft to from Algeria, Vietnam, Myanmar, Pakistan,
Seychelles Sudan and the Philippines will demonstrate
● India plans to gift Seychelles a Dornier their skill for the first time. The Indian Army
aircraft this month -- second such will be participating in two team competitions -
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

the Tank Biathlon and Elbrus Ring - being held There are 60 similar firing ranges
in Russia. The army will also be participating as existing across India.
observers in two events in Russia and three
events in China. The events in China would be Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra Gets
the ‘Suvorov’, ‘Seaborne assault’- an amphibious Additional Charge Of DRDO Chairman
operation, and ‘Safe Route’.
● Eminent scientist S Christopher
completed his term as the chief of the
DRDO successfully test fired BrahMos Missile
Defence Research and Development
from Odisha
Organisation (DRDO), and Defence
Secretary Sanjay Mitra was given
● Defense Research Development
additional charge of the post. Mr.
Organization (DRDO), and the Indian
Christopher was in May 2015 appointed
Army have test fired a supersonic
as Director General of the DRDO for a
BrahMos cruise missile under "extreme
two-year term.
weather conditions", in Balasore district
● He was then working as Distinguished
in the eastern Indian state of Odisha.
Scientist and Programme Director
● The missile - named after the
(airborne early warning and control
Brahmaputra River in India and the
system) and Director, Centre for
Moskva River in Russia - is a derivative
Airborne Systems in the DRDO.
of the Russian-made P-800 Oniks over-
the-horizon supersonic anti-ship cruise
AUGUST 2018
missile.
● The missile’s range is estimated at
India to participate in SCO Peace Mission
around 300 to 400 kilometers. BrahMos
2018 exercise at Russia
is considered one of the the world’s
● India will participate for the first time in
fastest cruise missile currently in
the joint SCO Peace Mission Exercise, a
operational use.
part of Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO) initiatives, being
Defence ministry approves 17 'baffle' shooting
conducted by Central Military
ranges for Indian Army
Commission of Russia from August 22-
● At a cost of Rs 238 crore, defence
29 at Chebarkul.
ministry has approved the construction
● India became a full member of the SCO
of 17 new "baffle" firing ranges to
in June 2017. The Shanghai Cooperation
prevent accidents due to stray bullets,
Organization (SCO) is an eight-member
for the Army.
multilateral organization, established on
● The proposed baffle shooting ranges can
15 June 2001 in Shanghai, China.
facilitate firing from 300 to 500 meters.
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● 8 members of SCO are:- China, (AAD) from Abdul Kalam Island,


Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Odisha.
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and ● The endo-atmospheric missile, capable
Pakistan. of intercepting incoming targets at an
altitude of 15 to 25 km was launched
against multiple simulated targets of
1500 km class ballistic missile.
India gets its first all women 'SWAT' unit
● The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief
● Delhi Police inducted India's first all-
Marshal BS Dhanoa witnessed the flight
woman Special Weapons and Tactics
test along with other senior officials.
(SWAT) team for anti-terrorist
● About DRDO
operations.
Sanjay Mitra (Present Defence
● 36 women commandos from the
Secretary) is the present Chairman of
northeastern states have been inducted
DRDO.
into this squad.
Headquarters in New Delhi.
● While 13 members are from Assam, rest
of them hail from Arunachal Pradesh,
Sikkim and Manipur.
SEPTEMBER 2018

Defence Minister Launched Defence India


IAF successfully test fired BVRAAM Astra
Startup Challenge
Startup challenge was launched with a vision to
● Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully test
build an ecosystem of innovation and
fired the indigenously developed Beyond
entrepreneurship in defence sector and make
Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile
India self-reliant for meeting defence
(BVRAAM) Astra from a Su-30 aircraft.
requirements. The defence ministry also signed
● It was tested at the Kalaikunda Air
a MoU with 5 incubators. IIM Ahmedabad, IIT
Force Station.
Mumbai, Forge IIT Madras, and T hub who will
● The test missions included engagement
work in tandem to provide solutions for defence
of target at very long range, engagement
requirements in Airforce, Navy and for Army.
of high manoeuvring target at medium
range and multiple launches of missiles
Ballistic Missile Interceptor AAD successfully in a salvo to engage multiple targets.
Flight Tested ● India has attained a high level of
● Defence Research & Development capability in the indigenous design and
Organisation (DRDO) conducted the development of advanced weapon
successful test of the Ballistic Missile systems.
Interceptor Advanced Area Defence
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● This effort for building a state-of-the-art ● The upgraded version will have the
BVRAAM by Defence Research and seeker technology and the coverage will
Development Organisation (DRDO) be of 360-degree.
together with IAF completed the ● It will have a compact configuration.
development phase of the weapon ● To provide protection to vital assets, the
system successfully. Hindustan operation of the missile has been made
Aeronautics Limited (HAL) played a role critical.
in modifying the aircraft for weapon
About Akash Missile:
integration.

 It was developed by Defence Research


and Development Organisation (DRDO)
DRDO Successfully Flight Tested Tactical
as part of the Integrated Guided Missile
Missile Prahar
Development Programme initiated in
1984.
● It is a contemporary weapon system
 It was manufactured by Bharat
capable of carrying multiple types of
Dynamics Limited (BDL).
warheads and neutralizing a wide
 The range of the missile is 25 km and
variety of targets.
can engage multiple targets at a time in
all-weather conditions.
About DRDO  It has a large operational envelope, from
● Headquarters: New Delhi, 30 meter to a maximum of 20 km All
● Founded:1958. regiment in the missile consists of six
● Chairman:Dr G Satheesh Reddy launchers, each having three missiles.

DAC approved for the enhancement of Akash OCTOBER 2018


missiles
First Indigenously Overhauled Su-30MKI
● Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) Handed Over To Indian Air Force
gave its approval for the upgradation of ● The 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) of the
the indigenously developed Akash Indian Air Force in Maharashtra Nashik
short-range surface-to-air missile district handed over its first
(SRSAM) system. indigenously overhauled Sukhoi Su-
● Akash missile was to be inducted by the 30MKI fighter jet to the IAF at a
Army. This approval will let Akash ceremony held at the Air Force Station
missile to be upgraded. Ojhar.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● It is a twin-jet multi-role air superiority ● He passed out from the Indian Military
aircraft developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Academy (IMA) with the Sword of
and built under licence by India’s Honour in 1981.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).
INS Tarangini returned after 205-day world
Website for Aero India 2019 launched by tour
Minister of Defence  The sail training ship of Indian Navy,
● The Website for Aero India 2019 is: INS Tarangini based at Kochi, returned
https://aeroindia.gov.in/Aero-India after a seven-month sail across the
● The portal facilitated payment of world.
registration fee online for business  The ship sailed over 22000 nautical
visitors. miles across 15 ports in 13 countries in
● Furthermore, it has been integrated 205 days.
with multi-currency Payment Gateway
where Indian companies would be able
DECEMBER 2018
to pay in Indian Rupees using Credit
Card/DebitCard/NetBanking/UPI/
India successfully test-fired Nuclear-Capable
NEFT /RTGS and foreign companies
Agni-IV Missile
would be able to pay in US dollars using
● India on 23rd December successfully
credit card/debit card.
test-fired nuclear strategic ballistic
missile Agni-IV from Dr Abdul Kalam
NOVEMBER 2018 Island off the Odisha coast as a part of
user trial by the Army.
Lt General PC Thimmaya assumed charge as ● The surface-to-surface missile has a
General Officer Commander-in-Chief of 4,000-km strike range and is equipped
ARTRAC with advanced avionics, 5th generation
● Lieutenant General PC Thimmaya took on board computer and distributed
charge as the 21st General Officer architecture.
Commander-in-Chief of Shimla-based ● This is the seventh trial of Agni-IV
Army Training Command (ARTRAC) missile.
facility.
IAF tested military aircraft using blended bio
● He was earlier posted as the
jet fuel
Commandant of Army War College in
● An An-32 transport aircraft of the
MHOW, Madhya Pradesh.
Indian Air Force (IAF) flew with
blended bio-jet fuel produced from
Jatropha oil, unlocking the possibility of
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

gradually expanding it to the entire Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) system: ♦ The


service at some point. This has the dual flyaway Deep Sea Submarine Rescue
benefit of reducing the carbon footprint System can be operated in very rough
as well as usage of fossil fuels. conditions with a wave height of 4 to 6
● It was flown by highly qualified test metres ♦ It can be operated at a depth of
pilots from the Aircraft and System 650 meters with 12-14 hours endurance
Testing Establishment (ASTE). time ♦ It can rescue 14 people at a time ♦
● The IAF intended to fly the An-32 with It is also equipped with a decompression
10% bio-jet fuel at the Republic Day chamber that can accommodate
flypast on January 26, 2019. submariners and a Remotely Operated
● This bio-jet fuel technology was Vehicle (ROV), which can be used to
developed by the Indian Institute of beam images and provide immediate
Petroleum (IIP) under the Council of assistance.
Scientific and Industrial Research
(CSIR) in 2009 and tested between 2011
USAF and IAF calls for more joint air
and 2013.
exercises
● Cope India 2018, the 12-day joint
Indian Navy launched DSRV system at exercise between the U.S. Air Force
Mumbai (USAF) and Indian Air Force (IAF) is
● Indian Navy launched its first non- being held at the Kalaikunda air station
tethered Deep Submergence Rescue in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur
Vehicle (DSRV) system at the Naval district.
Dockyard in Mumbai. ● As the bilateral military exercise draws
● The DSRV is used to rescue crew close to the climax, the officials of both
members from submarines stranded the countries said that such joint
underwater in the high seas. exercises should be held more
● The cost of one system is Rs.1,000 crore. frequently.
In March 2016, the Indian Navy had ● More than 100 personnel of the U.S. Air
signed a Rs.2,000 crore contract with the Force, along with 400 personnel of the
U.K.-based James Fisher Defence (JFD) Indian Air Force, are participating in
for two submarine rescue systems as the exercise that will conclude on
well as maintenance for 25 years. December 14.
● Admiral Lanba said the second system ● The U.S. Air Force has sent a dozen F-
would be inducted in April and would be 15 whereas the IAF is participating with
based at the Eastern Naval Command in a fleet of 10 Sukhoi 30, six Jaguars and
Visakhapatnam. Deep Submergence four Mirage 2000.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

superseded in their parent


Defence Ministry approves military organizations.
procurement worth Rs 3000 crore ● Once absorbed, the officers will be
● The approved deal includes treated as civilian scientists for pay and
procurement of indigenous BrahMos promotion.
missiles for two Indian Navy ships that
Air forces of the US and India to hold joint
are to be built in Russia.
exercise 'Cope India 2019'
● The Defence Acquisition Council also
● Air forces of the United States and India
approved the procurement of Armoured
are scheduled to participate in a 12-day
Recovery Vehicles (ARVs) for the Indian
joint exercise 'Cope India 2019' at two
Army’s main battle tank, Arjun. Jointly
air force stations in West Bengal this
developed by India and Russia, the
month.
BrahMos missile flies at almost three
● The exercise will be held from
times the speed of sound.
December 3 to 14 at Air Station
DRDO invites applications from military Kalaikunda and Air Station Arjan Singh
officers into DRDS (Panagarh).
● Defence Research and Development ● The Cope India exercise is being held
Organisation (DRDO) invited after a gap of eight years, with the last
applications from serving officers of the one having taken place in 2010.
three services already working with it ● Cope India began in 2004 as a fighter
for permanent absorption as civilian training exercise held at Air Station
officials into its Defence Research and Gwalior.
Development Cadre (DRDS).
● The deadline for submitting BILLS & ACTS
applications is December 20, after which
a committee would shortlist eligible
16 important bills passed by Parliament in
officers based on their research
2018
experience to the equivalent ranks and
● Various new policies such as the Goods
research aptitude, among other criteria.
and Services Tax (GST), the Scheduled
● The broad eligibility criteria are: the
Caste and Scheduled Tribe Judges bill
service officers on tenure should not be
are some of the policies amended in
above the age of 50 years as on
2018 under the Modi Government have
December 20, 2018, while there is no
created a buzz among the common
such stipulation for PS officers.
people of the country.
● Another important criterion is that the
officers should not have been fully
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Out of the 2,554 total bills passed in the The Insolvency July 31, August 10,
parliament, 33 bills have been passed in and Bankruptcy 2018 2018
the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha in Code Bill
2018.
The Commercial August 1, August
Here is a list of 16 important bills that have been Courts, 2018 10,2018
amended in 2018: Commercial
Division and
Bills passed in Passed in Passed in
Commercial
2018 Lok Sabha Rajya
Appellate
Sabha
Division of High
The High Court January 4, Courts Bill
and the Supreme 2018
The National August 3, August 9,
Court Judges
Sports University 2018 2018
(Salaries and
Bill 2018
Conditions of
Service) Bill, 2017 The Scheduled August August 9,
Castes and the 6,2018 2018
The Specific March 15, July 23,
Scheduled Tribes
Relief Bill, 2017 2018 2018
(Prevention of
atrocities) bill
The Payment of March 15, March 22,
Gratuity Bill 2017 2018 2018 The Goods and August 9,
Services Tax bill, 2018
The Fugitive July 19, July 25,
2018
Economic 2018 2018
Offenders Bill, The Union August 9,

2018 Territory Goods 2018


and Services Tax
The Negotiable July 23, July 26,
Bill, 2018
Instruments Bill, 2018 2018
2017 The Integrated August
Goods and 9,2018
The Criminal Law July 30, August 6,
Services Tax Bill,
Bill, 2018 2018 2018
2018

The Homoeopathy July 30, August 9, The Central August 9,


Central Council 2018 2018 Goods and 2018
Bill Services Tax Bill
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

by President Ram Nath Kovind in April


NOTE:- 2018, once Rajya Sabha passes it.
Parliament Sessions in India:
The period during which both the houses (Rajya
Lok Sabha passed the Trafficking of Persons
Sabha and lok Sabha) meet to conduct their
(Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation)
routine business, is called a session.
Bill, 2018
● Budget session: February to May
● The Lok Sabha passed the Trafficking
● Monsoon session: July to September
of Persons (Prevention, Protection and
● Winter session: November to December
Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018. The Bill
Legislative proposals are brought before either aimed at preventing human trafficking
house of the Parliament in the form of a bill, of women and children, providing
which, when passed by both houses of rehabilitation to the victims and
Parliament and assented to by the President, prosecuting offenders. The Bill was
becomes an Act of Parliament. introduced in the House by the Women
and Child Development Minister
JULY 2018 Maneka Gandhi.
● The Bill approves severe punishment of
Lok Sabha passed the Criminal Law 10 years to life imprisonment for
(Amendment) Bill, 2018 aggravated forms of trafficking. It also
● Lok Sabha passed the Criminal Law proposes establishing a National Anti-
(Amendment) Bill, 2018. The Bill Trafficking Bureau (NATB) for
provides a death sentence for raping coordinating, monitoring and
girls aged under 12. surveillance of trafficking cases. It
● It enhances the punishment for rape of a allocated Rs.10 crore for Relief and
woman from a minimum of seven to ten Rehabilitation Committee and
years and a maximum of a death Rehabilitation Fund.
sentence or life imprisonment. For gang
rape of a girl below 12, the punishment
Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of
will be life imprisonment or death.
Corruption Amendment Bill 2018
● The Bill amends the Indian Penal Code,
● The Lok Sabha passed the Prevention
the Code of Criminal Procedure, the
of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018.
Indian Evidence Act and the Protection
The Rajya Sabha passed amendments to
of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988,
● The Bill will replace the Criminal Law
which will make giving bribes to a
(Amendment) Ordinance, promulgated
public servant an offence.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● The Bill provides for jail terms of three


to seven years, besides fine, to those Lok Sabha passed the Fugitive Economic
convicted of taking or giving bribes to Offenders Bill, 2018
public officials. ● The Lok Sabha passed the Fugitive
● The Bill also extends in removing the Economic Offenders Bill, 2018. It will
provision of prior government sanction now replace the Ordinance by the same
for the prosecution of public servants. name promulgated by the President in
● The amendment bill also redefines April 2018.
criminal misconduct to cover just the ● The Bill empowers special courts to
misappropriation of property and the direct the Central government to
possession of disproportionate assets. It confiscate all the assets belonging to a
narrows definitions and penalties for a fugitive economic offender, including
range of offences and outlines powers those assets that are proceeds of the
and procedures for seizing the property crime and that do not belong to the
of public servants accused of corruption. offender. The legislation gains
importance against the background of
high-profile cases where individuals
Rajya Sabha passed the State Banks Repeal
such as Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi
and Amendment Bill 2017
escaped the country.
● Parliament has approved the bill to
● Ordinance
merge six subsidiary banks with the
● Ordinances are laws that are
State Bank of India (SBI). The bill
promulgated by the President of India
repeals the State Bank of India
on the recommendation of the Union
(Subsidiary Banks) Act, 1959, and State
Cabinet. They can only be issued when
Bank of Hyderabad Act, 1956 besides
Parliament is not in session. They
amending the State Bank of India (SBI)
enable the Indian government to take
Act, 1955.
immediate legislative action.
● The State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur,
Ordinances cease to operate either if
State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of
Parliament does not approve of them
Patiala and State Bank of Travancore
within six weeks of reassembly.
were constituted under the State Bank
of India (Subsidiary Banks) Act, 1959.
● The Bill was introduced in the Lok Cabinet approves Central University for
Sabha by the Finance Minister Arun Andhra Pradesh
Jaitley on July 21, 2017, and has been ● The Cabinet approved Universities
passed by the lower house (Lok Sabha). (Amendment) Bill, 2018, to set up
Central University in Andhra Pradesh.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Minister Prakash Javadekar tweeted ● The Lok Sabha had passed the bill in
that the Central University of Andhra December last year.
Pradesh will start its academic session ● Aim:- To amend the regulations
on 5th August. Also, this will result in governing the compensation payable
more facilities for Andhra Pradesh in for acquisition of immovable property
higher education. by the Centre for defence and security
purposes.

AUGUST 2018
Rajya Sabha passed the SC and ST (PoA)
Supreme Court clarified second marriage is Amendment Bill 2018
valid even if plea against divorce is pending ● Rajya Sabha passed the Scheduled
● Interpreting section 15 of Hindu Castes and Scheduled Tribes
Marriage Act, SC bench observed that (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment
restriction placed on the second Bill, 2018. The Bill will reverse the
marriage in Section 15 of the Act till the Supreme Court order that provides the
dismissal of an appeal would not apply provision for the immediate arrest of the
to a case where parties have settled and accused booked under the SC/ST law.
decided not to pursue the matter. Now the Bill rules out any provision for
● Section 5(1) of the Hindu Marriage Act anticipatory bail for a person accused of
places a bar on marriage by a person atrocities against people from SC and
who has a spouse living at the time of ST communities.
the marriage. ● It states that there will be no need for a
● Section 11 makes such a marriage null preliminary enquiry to register a
and void. criminal case. An arrest under this
● Section 15 tells when a divorcee can proposed law would not be subject to
marry again. any approval. An FIR will be filed based
on complaints of crimes against people
from Dalit and tribal communities
Rajya Sabha passes Immovable Property
without any questions, it entails.
Amendment Bill
● The Requisitioning and Acquisition of
Immovable Property (Amendment) Bill, Lok Sabha passed The Muslim Women
2017 which was moved by Union Urban (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill
Development Minister Hardeep Singh ● Lok Sabha passed the Muslim Women
Puri, was adopted by a voice vote. (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill,
outlawing talaq-e-biddat. According to
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

the Bill, talaq-e-biddat has been made a Lok Sabha with more than a two-thirds
cognizable and non-bailable offence. majority on 2nd August 2018.
● Three provisions of the Bill: ● It was recommended that the
● Instant triple talaq is illegal government should make public the
● It imposes a jail term of up to three caste census findings, based on which
years and fine the reservation policy should be
● It provides additional safeguards from formulated.
the Act being misused ● The demand for having a woman
● It also provides for subsistence member in the NCBC would be
allowance to Muslim women and considered and the other demand that
custody of minor children as may be one member in the five-member body
determined by the magistrate. must be from the minority community
was dropped.

Government introduced four GST amendment SEPTEMBER 2018


Bills
Supreme Court decriminalised a portion of
● The government introduced four Bills
Section 377 of IPC
to amend the Goods and Services Tax
● On 6th September 2018, the Supreme
(GST) laws in order to make the return
Court headed by Chief Justice of India
forms simpler and raise the turnover
Dipak Misra overruled its own 2013
threshold for availing composition
decision and decriminalised a portion of
scheme to Rs. 1.5 crore.
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code
● The four amendment Bills are the
(IPC), that criminalises private
Central GST (Amendment) Bill, the
consensual sexual acts between same
Integrated GST (Amendment) Bill, the
sex adults (homosexuality).
GST (Compensation to States)
● Section 377 was introduced in 1861
Amendment Bill and the Union
during the British rule of India, and
Territory GST (Amendment) Bill.
targeted in particular Lesbian, Gay,
Initially, the Bill was aimed to help the
Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex
MSME sector and small traders.
(LGBTI) individuals and communities.
Modelled on the Buggery Act of 1533, it
Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution (123rd criminalised sexual activities "against
Amendment) Bill, 2018 the order of nature", including
● The Bill gives statutory powers to the homosexual sex.
National Commission for Backward
DECEMBER 2018
Classes (NCBC). The Bill was passed in
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Maharashtra Governor approved the Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha in


granting reservation to Marathas November 2016 and was later referred to
● Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao a parliamentary standing committee on
approved the Bill granting 16% health and family welfare in January
reservation to Marathas. He signed the 2017.
reservation under the state for Socially ● The Bill stated:
and Educationally Backward Classes ● Singles, homosexuals and live-in couples
(SEBC) Act, 2018. cannot apply for surrogacy
● The Maratha community, which forms ● The couples who already have children
30% of the state population, will be will also not be allowed to opt for
entitled to reservation benefits and surrogacy
advantages enshrined in the Articles ● It entitles only Indian citizens to avail of
15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution as surrogacy, whereas foreigners, NRls and
the quota has been provided under the PIOs are not allowed to commission
Socially and Educationally Backward surrogacy in the country
Class (SEBC) category. ● Women within the age group of 23 years
● In September 2014, the Congress- to 50 years and men aged between 26
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)-led and 55 years will be eligible to go in for
state government had promulgated an surrogacy. The child, thus born, will be
ordinance for Maratha quota. However, deemed to be the legal offspring of the
it failed the legal test. In June 2017, the intended couple
State Backward Class Commission ● A woman can be a surrogate only once
(SBCC) was asked to study the social, in her lifetime.
financial and educational status of the
Maratha community. AGREEMENTS & MoU

Lok Sabha passed the Surrogacy Regulation


Bill DECEMBER 2018

● The Lok Sabha passed the Surrogacy


(Regulation) Bill 2016. The Bill aimed Bahrain and Maharashtra Government signed

at banning commercial surrogacy to MoU on fintech

protect women from exploitation.


● Economic Development Board (EDB),
● It also proposed to allow only altruistic
the investment promotion arm of the
surrogacy by infertile Indian couples
Kingdom of Bahrain signed a
from a "close relative" only.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
● The Surrogacy Bill was approved by the
with the Maharashtra Government to
Cabinet in August 2016. It was
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

provide a framework for Co-operation camps and also I-League side Indian
between the two authorities to promote Arrows.
FinTech in their respective markets. ● The training and connected
● The MoU is in line with the EDB’s aims infrastructure like gymnasiums,
of exploring greater synergies between swimming pool, etc, will be housed at
Bahrain and India in the financial the Kalinga Stadium Complex.
technology space and will last for an
initial period of three years.

India and Morocco signed Agreement on


As many as 164 countries adopted first-ever
Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters
global migration agreement in Morocco

● The main aim of the MOU is to


● UN's Global Compact for Safe, Orderly
strengthen bilateral cooperation,
and Regular Migration aims to enhance
provide a broad legal framework for
international cooperation on migration
prevention, investigation and
issues.
prosecution of crimes.
● The US, Australia, Austria, Chile,
● It will also help in tracing, restraint and
Hungary and Poland are among the
confiscation of funds meant to finance
nations that have pulled out from the
terrorist acts.
non-binding pact.
● It comprises 23 objectives for better
management of migration at local,
national, regional and global levels. India and Malawi Sign MoUs in Extradition
Treaty, Atomic Energy and VISA Waiver

November
● India and Malawi signed three MoUs on
Extradition Treaty, cooperation in the
Odisha government signed MoU with AIFF
field of Atomic Energy for peaceful
● Odisha government signed a
purposes and VISA Waiver for
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Diplomatic and Official Passports.
with the All India Football Federation
● The MoU was signed during Vice
(AIFF) at the Kalinga Stadium complex,
President Venkaiah Naidu visit in
Bhubaneswar, Odisha in the presence of
Malawi.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
● As per the agreement, the State
government will host National team
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

India and Japan signed a Loan Agreement ● To provide the beneficiaries the above
worth Rs. 1,817 crore for Hydel power project OMCs service near to their home,
in Bengal accessing through Digital Seva Portal.

● Turga pumped storage hydel power


India and South Korea signed a MoU for
project is to be constructed at Purulia in
strengthening cooperation in the field of
West Bengal.
Tourism
● This project will contribute to the
industrial development and living
● Cabinet approved a Memorandum of
standards in the state.
Understanding (MoU) between India
● The deal was signed by the Additional
and South Korea for strengthening
Secretary of the Department of
cooperation in the field of Tourism.
Economic Affairs (DEA), C.S.
● The objectives of the MoU is to expand
Mohapatra, and Katsuo Matsumoto,
bilateral cooperation in the tourism
chief representative of the Japan
sector, encourage cooperation between
International Cooperation Agency
tourism stakeholders including hotels
(JICA).
and tour operators, increase the
exchange of information and data
OMCs and CSC SPV signed MOU for related to tourism, encourage
collaboration in LPG Services participation in travel fairs/exhibitions
in each other’s country and promote
● Oil Marketing Companies (IOCL, HPCL safe, honourable and sustainable
& BPCL) and CSC e-Governance tourism.
Services India Limited signed an MOU
for collaboration in LPG services.
● This will be done under Pradhan Mantri
October
Ujjawala Yojana (PMUY). Minister of
Law & Justice and Electronics &
Information Technology (MeitY),
British Council and Arunachal Pradesh signed
● Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad,and The MOU
MoU on educational collaboration
consists of the following: Booking new
LPG connection (Ujjwala & General
● According to the MOU 70 Years of the
category) Booking of LPG refills (14.2 Kg
relationship between the two countries
cylinders) Supply & distribution of LPG
will be celebrated,50 faculty members
cylinders (storage up to 100 Kgs,)
from government higher education
through CSCs.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

institutions of the state would be trained Corporation and Tanzania Industrial


by the British Council every year, Research and Development Corporation.
starting in December 2018, Supporting
improvements in the teaching of
mathematics and science.
India and Sri Lanka Sign Two MoU For
Construction Of 1200 Houses

India and Bangladesh etch pacts enhancing ● The MoUs were signed by Mr. Taranjit
inland and waterways connectivity Singh Sandhu, High Commissioner of
India to Sri Lanka, and Mr. Bernard
● India and Bangladesh signed several Vasantha, As per the new MoUs, 600
milestone agreements today, for houses will be constructed in the
enhancing inland and coastal waterways Southern and Northern Provinces.
connectivity between the two countries
for trade and cruise movements.
The two sides also signed agreements
NSE Signs Pact With Uttarakhand
to use Chattogram and Mongla Ports in
Govt To Fuel SMEs Growth In State
Bangladesh for movement of goods to
and from India.
· National Stock Exchange
signed a pact with the
Uttarakhand government to
India and Tanzania sign 2 MoUs in New Delhi
provide access to capital to
MSMEs, which will fuel the
● The MoUs were signed following India-
growth of such entities in
Tanzania 9th Session of Joint
the state.
Commission on Economic, Technical
· The bourse play an active
and Scientific Cooperation in New
role in nurturing the SMEs
Delhi.
and start-ups by increasing
● They were signed in the presence of
awareness along with the
Indian External Affairs Minister
government on the
Sushma Swaraj and Tanzanian Foreign
opportunities to raise
Minister Dr. Augustine Mahiga.
capital, SME exchange
● The MoUs are signed between Foreign
guidelines, listing
Service Institute of India and Centre for
processes, compliances with
Foreign Relation, Tanzania and
listing agreement among
National Research Development
others.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Indian Railways Signed Agreements With


Government Of Russian Federation ● The MoU was signed by CMD, National
Small Industries Corporation (NSIC),
● The MoC intends to carry forward the Ravindra Nath and Director General,
activities taken up under the MoU Maroc PME, Mr Rabri Barrazouka.
signed between the two countries on ● Through this MOU, the NSIC and
24th December 2015. Maroc PME will work together to
● A MoU was signed between Ministry of enhance cooperation opportunities for
Railways and Ministry of Transport of MSMEs of both countries.
Russian Federation for development of ● Ms Alka Arora, Joint Secretary in the
cooperation in transport education. Ministry of MSME, held bilateral
meetings with Mr Othman El Ferdaous,
Secretary of State in the Ministry of
USA and Canada Sign Trade Deal Replacing
Industry, Investment and Trade and
NAFTA
Digital Economy and with other related
Departments for enhancing cooperation
● Canada agreed to sign a trade deal with
in MSME Sector.
the United States and Mexico,
revamping the North American Free
Trade Agreement (NAFTA) after almost
a year of negotiations.
● The new deal has been named the
India, Sri Lanka inks MoU for Construction
United States-Mexico-Canada
Of 5000-MT Temperature Controlled
Agreement (USMCA).
Warehouse
● Under the agreement, Canada has
agreed to export a quota of 2.6 million
● The warehouse will be constructed with
vehicles to the United States in the wake
an Indian grant assistance of 30 crore
of 25% global autos tariffs imposed by
Sri Lankan rupees.
the US on national security grounds.
● The construction of a 5000-metric ton
temperature controlled warehouse will
used for fruits and vegetables to
minimize its post-harvest losses.
September

India and Morocco Signed MoU To Enhance Bangladesh govt approved India to use the
Cooperation In MSME Sector Chittagong and Mongla seaports
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● Paddy and Sugarcane crop residues will


● Bangladesh’s Cabinet approved a be supplied as raw material for this
proposed agreement with India to allow plant in cyclic manner.
it to use the Bangladesh seaports. The ● Purpose:- Bioethanol can be easily
approved agreement will be effective for blended with petrol or diesel, thus
five years. making it sustainable transport fuel.
● The agreement would allow India to ● It also reduces air pollution.
Chittagong and Mongla seaports for
transporting goods to and from the
northeastern States.
● Only Bangladeshi vehicles may be used
as freight transport to move the goods India, U.S. signed COMCASA agreement
while they are in Bangladeshi territory.
India must also follow GATT and ● Communications Compatibility and
Bangladeshi regulations and also pay Security Agreement (COMCASA) will
the customs duties and buy tax facilitate access to advanced defence
equivalent bonds. systems and enable India to optimally
● Any cargos that move through utilise its existing US-origin platforms.
Bangladesh will be monitored by a ● The 2+2 ministerial dialogue between
tracking system. The decision by the two countries was attended by U.S.
Bangladesh is a step toward improving Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo
the friendly relations between and Secretary of Defense James N.
Bangladesh and India. Mattis and their Indian counterparts
Sushma Swaraj and Nirmala
Sitharaman.
Haryana govt signs MoU with Indian Oil to set
up Ethanol plant
Internet Society & ISPAI sign pact to secure
● An ethanol plant will be set up in Bohali Internet infrastructure in India
village, Panipat with an outlay of over Rs
900 crore. ● Internet Society (ISOC) partnered with
● The MoU will be valid for one year. Internet Service Providers Association
● The proposed capacity of this ethanol of India (ISPAI) to promote and secure
plant will be of producing 100 kilolitres internet infrastructure.
of ethanol per day. ● They signed an agreement for the to
promote ‘Mutually Agreed Norms for
Routing Security (MANRS) which will
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

improve security infrastructure. About ● The main aim of the agreement is to


ISOC: Members: 100,000. ♦ Founded: 11 maintain cooperation and collaboration
Dec 1992 ♦ Headquarters: Virginia, in broadcasting and envisions content-
USA. ISPAI: Headquarters: New Delhi. sharing covering a wide range of genres,
including culture, entertainment,
education, science, news and sports
India and Cyprus signed MoUs on curbing
along with other areas of mutual
money laundering
interest.

● India and Cyprus signed two


Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) About Prasar Bharati
on combating money laundering and
cooperation in the field of environment. ● Prasar Bharati is India's largest public
● The MoU was signed between Financial broadcasting agency. It is a statutory
Intelligence Unit, India, and Unit for autonomous body set up by an Act of
Combating Money Laundering of Parliament and comprises the
Cyprus. Doordarshan Television Network and
● Mr.Kovind and Mr.Anastasiades held All India Radio, which were earlier
discussions on issues of mutual interest, media units of the Ministry of
including promotion of business Information and Broadcasting.
collaboration in the fields of IT and IT-
enabled services, tourism, shipping and
PHDCCI and CNI signed MoU To Set Up
renewable energy. They also reviewed
Indo-Nepal Centre
the ongoing bilateral and multilateral
engagements and discussed issues of
● The MoU was signed by Anil Khaitan,
regional and global concern.
President of PHD Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) and
Hari Bhakta Sharma, President of
August
Confederation of Nepalese Industries
(CNI) in Kathmandu.
Myanmar Media Group inks MoU With Prasar
● The main aim of the MOU is to promote
Bharati
Indian investment in Nepal, work with
Indian ventures in Nepal, resolve
● The agreement was signed in the
problems being faced by them and also
presence of Prasar Bharati CEO, Shashi
to promote industrialization in Nepal,
Shekhar Vempati and Editor-in-chief
and MD, Mizzima in New Delhi.
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also to provide training to Nepali ● Invest India and Business France signed
entrepreneurs. a MoU to promote investment
facilitation and cooperation between
startups of India and France. The main
Health Ministry signed MoU With Ministry
goal is to facilitate direct foreign
Of Electronics And Information Technology
investment by providing practical
investment information to enterprises
● National Health Agency (NHA) under
and support the companies.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,
● Invest India and Business France will
the apex body for the implementation of
collaborate to promote business and
Ayushman Bharat-National Health
startup ecosystem cooperation through
Protection Mission (AB-NHPM), and
joint activities and exchange
Common Service Centres (CSC) scheme
experiences to strengthen institutional
under the Digital India Programme,
knowledge and identify opportunities
have signed a MoU to provide
between businesses in the French and
information and eligibility validation
Indian private sector, creating a
services to beneficiaries, especially in
dedicated support structure to facilitate
remote areas.
inbound companies and startups.
● JP Nadda, Minister of Health and
● About Invest India ♦ Invest India is the
Family Welfare and Ravi Shankar
National Investment Promotion and
Prasad, Union Minister for Law and
Facilitation Agency of India and acts as
Justice & Information Technology
the first point of reference for investors
presided over the MoU signing
in India. ♦ Deepak Bagla is the MD and
ceremony.
CEO Invest India. ♦ It is a non-profit
● The main benefits under AB-NHPM are
venture under the Department of
based on entitlement and not on
Industrial Policy and Promotion,
enrolment, over 3 lakh CSCs spread
Ministry of Commerce and Industries,
across rural India can become the key
Government of India.
point of information for potential
beneficiaries and help in validating their
entitlement. India signed 4 MoUs with Uganda, agreed 2
LOC worth nearly $200 million

Invest India and Business France signed MoU


To Promote Investment
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)


spokesperson Raveesh Kumar
announced that two MOUs on Cultural
Exchange Programme and on
Delhi AIIMS signed MoU with IIT Kharagpur
cooperation between Bureau of Indian
for education and research purposes
Standards and Ghana Standards
Authority.
● The AIIMS has signed a MoU with the
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT),
About Ghana
Kharagpur, for collaboration in
♦ Captial: Accra
education, research outreach and
♦ Currency: Ghanaian cedi.
medical services.
● The agreement included initiating joint
degrees such as PhD, M.D.-PhD, M.Sc-
PhD and coordinated internship
programmes.
● It is aimed to promote interaction and
collaboration among faculty members,
scientists and students of the two
premier institutes in their respective
domains, to carry out joint academic July
and research programmes, joint
supervision of masters and doctoral ISRO signed with 3 partners
students, and collaborative research.
● The nodal satellites division U.R. Rao
Satellite Centre (URSC) of Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO) has
signed with three partners, two private
and one government-run firm, to help it
assemble 27 satellites at a quick pace
India and Ghana signed two Memorandum of
over the next three years.
Understanding
● The partners are Alpha Design
Technologies P Ltd and its six
● India and Ghana signed two agreements
consortium members, Bharat
in an effort to enhance the bilateral
Electronics Ltd, Tata Advanced Systems
cooperation between the two countries.
Ltd, Hyderabad. A URSC official signed
the agreements with the three entities in
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

the presence of URSC Director M.


Annadurai.

O.P. Jindal Global University signed a MoU


IIPH-H to introduce Drone delivery system for with Harvard University for an annual study
medical supplies programme

● Indian Institute of Public Health – ● O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat,


Hyderabad (IIPH-H) is developing a Haryana signed a MoU with Harvard
drone delivery system for medical T.H. Chan School of Public Health for
supplies, with a temperature-controlled an annual study programme. Nearly 30
payload box, to be delivered to a remote students of Jindal Global University has
village in the State without delay. taken the annual study-abroad
● The aim of the Digital Drone-based programme at Harvard University.
Real-Time Advanced Medical Modular ● At the successful completion of the
Logistics system (2DREAM) project is to programme, Jindal students will earn
reach the remote areas and deliver the academic credits, and the course will be
temperature-sensitive payload in 30 reflected in the transcript. It provides
minutes. IIPH-H has partnered with the joint conferences to be organised by the
prestigious US-based Johns Hopkins two institutions and paves the way for
University to develop the temperature- other research and educational
controlled vaccine box. activities.

India and Ghana signed two Memorandum of


Understanding
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● India and Ghana signed two agreements Electronics Ltd, Tata Advanced Systems
in an effort to enhance the bilateral Ltd, Hyderabad.
cooperation between the two countries. ● A URSC official signed the agreements
● The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) with the three entities in the presence of
spokesperson Raveesh Kumar URSC Director M. Annadurai.
announced that two MOUs on Cultural
Exchange Programme and on
cooperation between Bureau of Indian
Indian Army signed MoU with SBI on the
Standards and Ghana Standards
Defence Salary Package
Authority.

● Defence Salary Package will include free


personal accident death, free permanent
About Ghana
total disability cover and other
♦ Captial: Accra
accidental benefits to the deceased
♦ Currency: Ghanaian cedi.
soldier and family.
● The first MoU between SBI and the
Indian Army was signed in 2011 and was
renewed in February 2015.
● The renewed MoU will be valid till
January 3, 2019.

ISRO signed with 3 partners

● The nodal satellites division U.R. Rao India and UK signed an agreement on
Satellite Centre (URSC) of Indian Space exchange of experience by legal professionals
Research Organisation (ISRO) has
signed with three partners, two private
and one government-run firm, to help it
assemble 27 satellites at a quick pace
over the next three years.
● The partners are Alpha Design
Technologies P Ltd and its six
consortium members, Bharat
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● It will also train 500 faculty members.


● The initiative is to enhance the youths’
● India and the United Kingdom signed
employability and empower them with
an agreement on the exchange of
technical education and to improve the
experience by legal professionals and
standards of digital literacy in
government functionaries for resolution
Rajasthan.
of disputes before various courts and
tribunals.
● The agreement was signed by Law
India and South Korea signed 5 MoUs in the
Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and UK’s
field of Science & Technology
Secretary of State for Justice David
Gauke in London.
● India signed 5 MoUs with South Korea
● The MoU sought to enhance bilateral
in the field of Science and Technology
cooperation in legal affairs which would
in New Delhi. Science and Technology
provide a framework for promoting
Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan and his
greater cooperation between the judicial
South Korean counterpart Mr. You
and legal professionals in both countries
Young Min signed three MoUs for (i)
through the exchange of expertise and
Programme of Cooperation 2018-21; (ii)
training.
Establishment of Future Strategy Group;
● The MoU was cleared by the Union
(iii) Cooperation in Biotechnology &
Cabinet.
Bioeconomy. Two other MoUs were
signed between Council of Scientific
and Industrial Research (CSIR), South
Korean National Research Council for
Science and Technology, IIT Mumbai,
Korea Institute of Science and
Technology, to further accelerate future-
oriented cooperation.
● The MoUs were signed at the
conclusion of the 4th India-Korea
Rajasthan government signed MoU with
Science & Technology Ministers
Microsoft
Steering Committee Meeting. Both
countries renewed the Programme of
● Rajasthan government signed a MoU
Cooperation in the field of Science and
with Microsoft to provide digital
Technology for 2018-21 to augment the
training to 9,500 students of government
colleges.
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cooperation in Science, Technology, and leveraging the power of data generated


Innovation. by their devices.
● The initial focus will be on customers in
the manufacturing, energy, utilities,
healthcare, pharmaceutical,
NSG becomes 1st central force to opt for
transportation, and logistics industries
eticketing

June

● Indian Railway Catering and Tourism


NITI Aayogs WEP signs SoI with Financial
Corporation (IRCTC) signed a MoU
Institutions and social organization
with the National Security Guard (NSG)
at the headquarters of the special force,
● NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurs
New Delhi.
Platform (WEP) inked five Statement of
● This system will eliminate the need for
Intent (SoIs) with Shri Mahila Sewa
carrying railway warrants by the NSG
Sahakari Bank Limited, Indiabulls
personnel.
Housing Finance Limited, SREI
● The NSG is the first central paramilitary
Infrastructure Finance Limited,
force to opt for e-ticketing instead of the
Sreemanta Sankar Mission and the Self
railway warrant under an agreement
Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
signed with the IRCTC.
in order to provide assistance to women
● The IRCTC is also developing an e-
entrepreneurs and address the finance-
ticketing-cum-warrant management
related challenges faced by them.
system for the Central Reserve Police
● Through its partner organizations, the
Force.
WEP aims to create opportunities and
support women to help them realize
Infosys ink pact with Siemens to develop their entrepreneurial aspirations, scale
advanced IoT solutions up innovative initiatives, and chalk out
sustainable and long-term strategies for
their businesses.
● Infosys signed a new partnership with
Siemens PLM Software to develop
applications and services for Cabinet apprised of the Agreement between
MindSphere, the open cloud-based IoT India and Denmark over Agriculture, Science
operating system from Siemens. BHEL signs agreement with Korean firm for
● This partnership will help the customers emission controlling equipment
to improve competitiveness by
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) ● Details of the six agreements are yet to
signed the Technology Collaboration be disclosed.
Agreement (TCA) with Korean firm
Nano Co Ltd. for design and
manufacture of emission controlling
equipment for coal-based power plants.
● To comply with the norms of SOx and
NOx emission, issued by the Ministry of
Environment and Forest (MoEF) for
thermal power plants, BHEL is up to
provide solution known as SCR
(Selective Catalytic Reduction) Catalysts.
● It will be commissioned or retrofitted
with high capacity emission control
equipment for De-NOx application in
coal-fired power plants. Following this,
BHEL will be the first Indian company India and Tajikistan agree to enhance mutual
to possess technology and cooperation for sustainable water development
manufacturing capabilities for Plate
type SCR Catalysts as part of the ‘Make
in India’ initiative. ● India and Tajikistan have reaffirmed
their commitment to promote bilateral
relations and agreed to enhance
economic cooperation, particularly in
sustainable water development.
● Tajikistan President - Emomali Rahmon
● Tajikistan currency - Somoni
Seychelles President Danny Faure signed ● Tajikistan capital - Dushanbe
MoUs on his first bilateral visit to India

● Faure arrived in India for a six-day visit


on June 22. Indian government had
given Seychelles $100 million on credit
for the defence sector. India and
Seychelles signed six memorandums of
understanding (MoUs).
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Understanding (MoU) with the


Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
China unveils 4 point vision for future
to extend the cooperation within the
cooperation with India
health sector.
● The cooperation will be extended
● On June 18, 2018, Chinese envoy to
through the Norway India Partnership
India Luo Zhaohui unveiled a four-point
Initiative (NIPI) for a period of three
vision for future cooperation with India.
years starting from 2018 to 2020.
● This is followed by the informal summit
between PM Narendra Modi and
Chinese President Xi Jinping.
● The four-point vision are: 1) Sign a
Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation 2)
Negotiate a bilateral Free Trade
Agreement 3) Enhance connectivity 4)
Work for early harvest on boundary
issues.

India and Denmark sign MoU in the


field of sustainable and smart urban
India and Norway sign MoU to extend health development
cooperation

● India and Denmark signed a


● Union Ministry of Health and Family Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Welfare signed a Memorandum of
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

in the field of Sustainable and Smart


Urban Development.
● The MoU will create employment in the
areas of integrated solid waste
management including waste to energy,
sustainable transport systems, water and
sanitation management, energy
efficiency, resource mobilization. Four States Ink MoUs With Centre On Health

● The objective of this MoU is to promote Protection Mission

bilateral cooperation in the field of


sustainable and smart urban ● The states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu

development on the basis of reciprocity and Kashmir, Haryana and Uttarakhand

and mutual benefit through the agreed to implement the ambitious

exchange of knowledge, institutional national health protection mission,

cooperation, research and development which aims to provide an annual

and commercial relations on related coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family.

issues. ● The four states and the Union Territory

● Areas of cooperation include smart of Chandigarh inked MoUs with the

urban solutions, liveability, sustainable Union Health Ministry for the

and integrated urban planning, re- implementation of Ayushman Bharat-

development and land use, integrated Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Swasthya

solid waste management including Suraksha Mission.

waste to energy, sustainable transport ● Union Health Minister J P Nadda

systems, water and sanitation presided over the MoU signing

management, energy efficiency, ceremony at a regional workshop for

resource mobilization and other related northern states in Shimla, Himachal

areas mutually agreed upon. Pradesh.

May
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NSIC signed MoU With MSME Ministry For narcotics, drugs and psychotropic
Financial Year 2018-19 substances and related matters in New
Delhi.
● National Small Industries Corporation
Limited (NSIC) signed a MoU with
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium
April
Enterprises (MSME) for the year 2018-
19.
● The MoU envisages provision of
enhanced services by NSIC under its
marketing, financial, technology, and India signed Loan Agreement With World

other support services schemes, for Bank For USD 48 Million For Meghalaya

MSMEs in the country.


● The corporation projects to increase its ● A Loan Agreement for IBRD loan of

total business by 21.30% from Rs. 22,258 USD 48 million for the “Meghalaya

crore in the year 2017-18 to Rs. 27,000 Community - Led Landscapes

crore in the year 2018-19. Management Project (MCLLMP)” was


signed with the World Bank.
● The main Objective of the Project is to
strengthen community-led landscapes
management in selected landscapes in
the State of Meghalaya.
● The Project consists of three
components: (i) Strengthening
Knowledge and Capacity for Natural
India and Sri Lanka Agree On Information
Resource Management; (ii) Community-
Exchange For Drug Control
led landscape planning and
implementation and (iii) Project
● India and Sri Lanka agreed on
Management and Governance.
cooperation on exchange of information
and other aspects to tackle smuggling of
drugs in both countries.
● A decision to this effect was taken at the
third bilateral meeting between
delegations from India's Narcotics
Control Bureau (NCB) and Sri Lanka's
Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) on
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

L&T, BEL Ink MoU For Defence Products the project cost is estimated at around
Rs3 lakh crore ($44 billion).
● In line with the efforts to indigenize the ● The refinery will be capable of
defense sector under the 'Make in India' processing 1.2 million barrels of crude
initiative, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and oil per day (60 million tonnes per
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed annum). The plan is to finish the project
a MoU to cater to the needs of evolving by 2025.
domestic and export markets for defense
products and systems.
● The MoU seeks to leverage the
capabilities of both the firms for
meeting the growing requirements of
the Indian Armed Forces.
● The MoU also intends to leverage the
well-developed supply chain, vast
experience and expertise of BEL and
L&T to synergize and enhance exports India and Morocco Sign Pact To Promote
in the defense sector. Mineral Exploration

● India inked a pact with Morocco under


which focus would be laid on the
evaluation of potential mineral
resources and promoting exploration
and mining through the participation of
both public and private sector.
● The MoU was signed in New Delhi after
the bilateral discussions between Mines
Indian Consortium And Saudi Aramco Sign Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and his
MoU For Refinery In Maharashtra counterpart Aziz Rabbah of Morocco.

● An Indian consortium consisting of


India Signs MoU With World EXPO 2020
IOCL, BPCL and HPCL signed a MoU
Dubai
with Saudi Aramco on the sidelines of
● India and World Expo 2020 signed
the16 International Energy Forum
participants contract for India’s pavilion
Ministerial.
in the prestigious World Expo 2020 held
● According to the Minister for Petroleum
once in 5 years.
and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan,
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● The contract provides for the setting up ● India and Azerbaijan have inked two
of India pavilion at Expo 2020 on an documents for the visa waiver for
extra large plot (about one acre) in the diplomatic, official and service
‘Opportunity’ segment. passports holders and cooperation
between diplomatic training institutes.
● The agreements were signed during the
ongoing visit of External Affairs
Minister Sushma Swaraj to that country.
Ms. Swaraj is there to be part of 18th
NAM Ministerial Conference in Baku.

Singapore and China Signed MoU Along Belt


And Road Initiative

Singapore and China signed a MoU in Beijing,


China to promote greater collaboration between
Singapore and Chinese companies in third-party
March
markets along the Belt and Road. Under the
MOU, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI),
India Signs Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty
NDRC (China's lead agency for BRI) and
With Hong Kong
Enterprise Singapore will form a working group
to identify sectors and markets of mutual
● India and Hong Kong signed a double
interest, and organise business matching
taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA)
activities and forums to facilitate third-party
that seeks to improve transparency in
market cooperation between Singapore and
tax matters and help curb tax evasion
Chinese companies along the Belt and Road.
and avoidance.
● The agreement between India and the
Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region (HKSAR) of the People's
Republic of China

India and Azerbaijan signed two agreements was signed by Indian Ambassador to
China Gautam Bambawale and Hong
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Kong Finance Secretary Paul Chan Mo- (APSPDCL) will use the programmes to
Po in Hong Kong. evaluate its benefits to the utility as well
as to the consumers in the state.

India Signs MoU With Canada’s


International Development Research
Centre (IDRC)
· A MoU between the
Government of India and
Canada’s International
February Development Research
Centre (IDRC) was signed in
Andhra Pradesh inks MoU with US New Delhi.
based AutoGrid to transform and · The agreement was signed
uplift electricity sector to usher the “programme
based research support” in
Andhra Pradesh inked MoU with US- addressing current and
based AutoGrid to help transform future global and local
electricity sector of the state. With this developmental challenges.
Andhra Pradesh will adopt smart grid · IDRC funded 551 research
and Internet of Things (IoT) based activities worth CA$159
solutions of AutoGrid to improve energy million in India through
utilities' financial health and customer institutions, researchers,
experiences. The state government on and NGOs. During the last
Sunday signed a Memorandum of five years (2012-17), 96
Understanding (MoU) with AutoGrid, a research projects worth
US-based leading provider of flexible CA$ 51 million were funded
management software for the energy by the IDRC in India.
sector, at the CII Partnership Summit.
The initiative involves demand-side
management (DSM) programmes
covering key segments, including
February
agricultural pump-sets,
residential/commercial ACs, and
Telangana, Taiwan Sign MoU For
industrial units. Andhra Pradesh
Better Technology Partnership
Southern Power Distribution Company
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

· Telangana Government
signed an MOU with
Cochin Shipyard Limited Signs MoU With
Taoyuan City of Taiwan for
Russian Firm USC
better technology
partnership in the state.
● Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and
· The agreement was signed
Joint Stock Company United
after the World Congress on
Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), Russia
Information Technology
have signed an MoU to collaborate and
(WCIT) 2018 in Hyderabad.
engage in Design, Development and
· IT Minister K T Rama Rao
Execution of contemporary, State-of-Art
and principal secretary
vessels for Inland and Coastal
Jayesh Ranjan signed the
Waterways. The MoU will give a push to
agreement with Robert
the Government’s Make-in-India
Huang, Director of the
programme, as also its plans to develop
Board of Taiwan company
eco-friendly and economic
at World IT Congress 2018.
transportation along India’s inland
waterways and coastal shipping routes
under SAGARMALA.

Botanical Survey of India inks MoU with UK’s


Natural History Museum

● Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and UK’s


Natural History Museum (NHM) have
signed Memorandum of Understanding January
(MoU) for cooperation in the field of
genetic and taxonomic studies, research
and training, conservation in India,
including species and habitat
conservation assessments.
● The Open up mediums of collaboration
in science, support further research and
boost scientific study for benefit of both
India and UK.
IOB and NHB Tie Up For Rural Housing Push
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Indian Overseas Bank signed a MoU ● The MoU for cooperation was signed by
with National Housing Bank for the Union minister for Information
Rural Housing Interest Subsidy Scheme Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad with
(RHISS) of the Ministry of Rural his Sri Lankan counterpart, during his
Development. visit to Colombo.
● The main aim of the RHISS is to prove a
subsidy for housing loans taken by those
India and Israel sign 9 agreements in space,
living in rural areas for construction and
defence, cybersecurity
modifications of their dwelling units.
● India and Israel have signed nine
● The interest subsidy under the scheme
agreements to boost cooperation in the
is 3 per cent for a loan amount of Rs2
areas of space, cyber security and oil and
lakh for 20-year tenure.
gas between both countries.
● Indian Overseas Bank has become one
● The agreements were signed following
of the first public sector banks to
delegation-level talks headed by Prime
implement the scheme.
Ministers Narendra Modi and his Israeli
● The subsidy is offered at three per cent
counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in
for a loan amount of Rs. 2 lakh and with
New Delhi.
a loan tenure of 20 years.
● Netanyahu is first Israeli Prime Minister
to visit India in the span of last 15 years
India and Sri Lanka Sign 4 Agreements for and second one overall.
Collaboration in ICT Sector ● Agreement on Film-co-production.
Protocol on Amendments to Air
Transport Agreement MoU on Cyber
● India and Sri Lanka signed four
Security Cooperation between India and
agreements for collaboration in the
Israel Memorandum MoU between the
Information and communication
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
technology (ICT) sector, setting up of an
and the Ministry of Energy on
e-office system and connecting of
Cooperation inOil and Gas Sector LoI
National Knowledge Network (NKN) for
between IOCL and Yeda Research MoU
collaboration among universities and
between Central Council for Research in
academics.
Homeopathy and Ministry of AYUSH
● With the move, Sri Lanka has become
and Centre for Integrative
the first country to be connected to
Complementary Medicine, Shaare Zedek
India’s NKN through a Gigabyte optical
MoU between Indian Institute of Space
fiber network.
Science and Technology (IIST) and
Technion- Israel Institute of
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Technology for cooperation in the field India and Myanmar Land Border Crossing
of space. Agreement approved

● Union Cabinet approved the Agreement


between India and Myanmar on Land
Border Crossing.
● The Agreement will facilitate regulation
and harmonization of already existing
free movement rights for people of both
countries.
● It will also facilitate movement of
people on the basis of valid passports
Indian Navy Signed MoU with Cochin Port and visas which will enhance economic
Trust and social interaction between the two
countries.
● The Agreement is an enabling
● Indian Navy inked a MoU with the arrangement for movement of people
Cochin Port Trust (CPT), Kerala across India-Myanmar border.
towards leasing of 228 meters of berths
at Mattancherry Wharf for a period of
BUDGETS/TAXES
five years.
● The MoU has been concluded to cater
The Union Budget 2018
for the futuristic requirements of the
Navy with the sizeable increase in its
● Union Finance minister Arun Jaitley
fleet scheduled in the near future.
presented Union Budget 2018 in
● This is the first time such an agreement
Parliament. It is last full budget of
has been signed between the Navy and
Narendra Modi Government before 2019
CPT.
Lok Sabha elections.
● As per the FM in the Union Budget,
India is expected to become the fifth
largest economy very soon.
● The Growth rate is expected between
7.2-7.5% in the second half of 2017-18.
● Exports are expected to grow 15% in
2018.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● As per the FM, India is a Rs2.5 trillion ● Jaitley proposes to increase the target of
economy. providing free LPG connections to 8
● Minimum Support Price (MSP) of all crore to poor women.
crops shall increase to at least 1.5 times ● Ujjwala Yojana, the free LPG
that of the production cost. connection scheme expanded to eight
● The government will set up a fund of Rs crore households.
2,000 crore for developing agricultural ● Six crore toilets have been built already,
markets. and in the next year, two crore
● Our focus is on productive and gainful additional toilets will be constructed.
on-farm and non-farm employment for ● The government will provide 4 crore
farmers and landless families, says electricity connections to the poor under
Jaitley. Saubhagya Yojana.
● MSP for Kharif cost will be 1.5 times the ● Kisan credit card to be extended to
cost of production.As per the FM, fisheries,animal husbandry farmers.
APMCs will be linked with ENAM. ● The government will establish a
● The government will develop 22,000 dedicated affordable housing fund.
Gramin agricultural markets. ● Loans to self-help groups will increase
● The cluster-model approach will be to Rs.75,000 crore.
adopted for agricultural production. ● Govt. allocated Rs5,750 crore to
● Allocation in food production sector National Livelihood Mission and
doubled to Rs 1400 crore. Rs2,600 crore to the groundwater
● Operation Green will be launched for irrigation scheme.
agriculture and the Minister allocates ● 24 new government medical colleges.
Rs500 crore for this. ● Government is implementing a
● Agricultural corpus worth Rs 2000 crore comprehensive social security scheme.
will be set up. 470 APMCs have been ● Govt. will initiate an integrated B-Ed
connected to eNAM network, the rest to programme for teachers.
be connected by March 2018. ● Government proposes to launch the
● A fund for the fishery, aquaculture Revitalising of Infrastructure and
development and animal husbandry will Systems of Education (RISE) by next
be set up with a total corpus to be Rs year.
10,000 crore. We will also allocate Rs ● Govt. proposed to set up two new full-
1290 crore for a bamboo mission, as it is fledged schools of planning and
green gold. architecture.
● In all, we are providing Rs 10 lakh crore ● 18 new schools of planning and
to Rs 11 lakh crore as credit for architecture will be set up in the IITs
agricultural activities. and NITs.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Rs. 1 lakh crore over 4 years for ● The government increased allocation for
initiative for Infrastructure Devt. in SC-ST earmarked programmes:
education. Rs.56,000 crore for SCs and Rs 39,000
● 2 major initiatives as part of Ayushman crore for STs.
Bharat program. ● By 2022, every block with more than 50%
● National health protection scheme to ST population and at least 20,000 tribal
cover 10 cr poor families. Health cover people will have 'Ekalavya' school at par
of up to 5 lakh per family per year for with Navodaya Vidyalas.
poor & vulnerable. National health ● The government will announce
protection scheme to benefit 50 crore measures to address non-performing
people. assets of MSMEs.
● 24 new govt medical college & hospitals. ● As per the FM, Rs.3 lakh crore for
● Rs. 600 crore for nutritional support to lending under is being allocated in FY
all TB patients. 19 for PM's MUDRA Yojana.
● Rs. 1200 crore for health and wellness ● Smart city Mission and AMRUT
centres. discussed.
● Loans to women self-help groups of ● Smart city command control centre
women to be increased to 75,000 cr by discussed.
March 19. ● Govt to contribute 12% of wages of new
● Govt. is launching a new national health employees to EPF for 3 yrs.
protection scheme – Rashtriya Samaj ● Rs.7148 crore allocation for the textile
Beema Yojana. This will have 50 crore sector.
beneficiaries and 10 crore families will ● Govt. will launch a scheme for
get 5 lakh per year for their families to Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro
cover secondary and tertiary hospital Resources Dhan (GOBARDHAN).
expenses. This is the world's largest ● Under the Smart City mission, 99 cities
government-funded healthcare selected with the outlay of Rs. 2.04 lakh
program. crores.
● A Rs.600 crore corpus is being set up to ● EPF contribution has been reduced to
help Tuberculosis patients. This will 8% for the first 3 years of employment
build a new India in 2022 and enhance and 12% government contribution to
productivity and will also generate lakhs EPF in sectors employing a large
of jobs for women. number of people, however, there will be
● PM Jeevan Beema Yojana benefitted no changes in employer contribution.
more than 2 crore families. ● 10 tourist cities to be developed into
● Jan Dhan Yojana will be extended to all iconic tourist destinations.
60 crore bank accounts. ● 600 railway stations to be redeveloped.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Over 3600 km railway track renovation ● 5 lakh WiFi spots to be installed for
targeted in the current year. benefit of 5 crore rural citizens.
● Scheme for revitalizing school ● As per the FM, The Airport Authority of
infrastructure, with an allocation of 1 India has 124 airports.
lakh crore rupees over four years. Called ● The government announced AMRUT
RISE - Revitalizing Infrastructure in program to focus on water supply to all
School Education. households in 500 cities. Water supply
● The Bharatmala project has been contracts for 494 projects worth 19,428
approved and we are confident of core will be awarded.
completing 9000 km of highway ● Proposal for Railway University in
construction. Vadodara.
● In Railways, 18,000 kms of doubling of ● Niti Aayog to establish a national
tracks would eliminate capacity program to direct efforts in artificial
constraints. intelligence.
● We are moving towards optimum ● Department of Science will launch a
electrification of the railway. Over 3,600 national program for cyberspace.
km of track renewal is being targeted in ● Allocation of Digital India has been
2018-19. doubled and the government proposes
● 150 km additional suburban railway to set up 5 lakh WiFi hotspots.
network at the cost of Rs.40,000 cr. ● Government does not consider
● Regional air connectivity scheme shall cryptocurrency as legal tender and will
connect 56 unserved airports. work towards eliminating illicit
● Airport capacity to be hiked to handle 1 transactions going on through crypto
billion trips per year. assets.
● Training for 50 lakh youth by 2020. ● Disinvestment target of Rs. 80,000 crore
● Govt. to eliminate over 4,267 unmanned for 2018-19.
level crossings in the next two years. ● Bank recap to help banks lend
● All railway stations and trains will have additional Rs. 5 lakh crores.
WiFi and 150 kilometres of additional ● 24 Public Sector Units to be divested.
suburban corridors in being planned. ● The government will involve a scheme
● Rs. 17,000 crore is being set aside for to assign every enterprise a unique ID
Bengaluru Metro. just like Aadhaar.
● UDAN will connect 56 unserved ● The Department of Investment and
airports and 36 unserved heliports. Public Asset Management will come up
● Rs 11,000 crore is being allocated for with debt Exchange Traded Fund.
Mumbai Suburban Railways. ● Gold monetisation scheme to be
revamped.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Govt revised fiscal deficit for 2017-18 ● Government to set up two industrial
was Rs 5.95 lakh crore or 3.5% of GDP. defence industrial development
Jaitley projects deficit of 3.3% of GDP corridors in 2018-19.
next fiscal. ● 100% tax deduction for farmer
● National Logistics Portal as a single production firms with 100 cr turnover.
online window will link all stakeholders, ● 100% tax deduction for the first five
to be developed by Department of years to companies registered as farmer
Commerce. producer companies with a turnover of
● Government insurance companies to be Rs 100 crore and above.
merged into a single entity, and ● 12.6% growth in direct taxes in 2017-
subsequently listed in the stock 18.
exchange, as part of the disinvestment ● 18.7% growth in indirect taxes in
programme. 2017-18.
● Target for 2017-18 has been exceeded ● Employment-based tax incentives will
and will reach Rs 1 lakh crores. be extended to footwear and leather
● Salaries of President, VP and industry.
Governors will be increased. Rs. 5 lakh ● The benefits of corporate tax by
for President, Rs 4.0 lakh for VP and bringing down the tax rate to 25% for
Rs 3.5 lakh for governors. Salaries of firms that reported turnover up to Rs
Members of Parliament will also be 250 crores.
raised. ● No change in income tax slabs, but
● A new law will be introduced that will assesses can avail of a standard
automatically revise MPs' emoluments deduction of Rs40,000.
every five years, indexed to inflation. ● Long term capital gains over Rs. 1 lakh
● Govt. announced a Rs 150 crore fund to to be taxed at the rate of 10%.
celebrate the 150th anniversary of ● Railway Capital Expenditure is set at Rs.
Mahatma Gandhi. 1.48 lakh crore.
● Rs 11,000 crores will be allocated to ● All stations and trains to have WiFi.
Mumbai rail network. ● Relief on tax for senior citizens from
● GST revenue for only 11 months, income coming from bank interest
instead of the usual 12 months, is 21.5 increased from 10,000 to 30,000.
lakh crore. ● Fixed Deposit/Post office interest to be
● Tax buoyancy for 2017-18 is at 2.11%. exempt till Rs 50,000 {80D benefit
● Number of tax payers has increased enhanced to Rs 50,000 (from 30,000)}.
from 6.47 lakh crores to 8.27 lakh crores. ● Short-term capital gains taxed at 15% to
continue for a one-year hold period.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Standard deduction of Rs 40,000 with The GST Council headed by finance Minister
respect to transport reimbursements. Arun Jaitley has finalised tax rates and has
● Standard deduction is in lieu of travel approved all the seven rules for the GST regime
and medical expense reimbursement, that is scheduled to be implemented from July 1.
which amounts to Rs 30,000. So the The remaining two rules of the GST pertaining
actual tax benefit would Rs 10,000 for to transition and return is under the
each taxpayer. examination of the legal committee. In total, the
● Customs duty increased on mobile council has fixed the rates of 1211 items. It will
phones from 15% to 20%. decide rates of some other items an services In
● 4% health and education cess; currently the coming days.
it's 3%. Salient Highlights
● Estimates 1.38 trillion rupees ● Out of 1211 items, 81% of the items will
expenditure on health, education and attract tax of 18% or less. Only the
social security. Railway capital remaining 19% of items will attract a
expenditure set at 1.49 trillion rupees for highest rate of 28%
2018/19. ● Household items like Sugar, Tea, Coffee

Railways and edible oil will attract 5% levy.


Cereals and milk will be exempted from
● Railways Capital Expenditure pegged at
the tax.
Rs.1,48,528 crore
● Manufactured goods will attract 18%
● 4000 kilometers of electrified railway
levy.
network to be commissioned
● Luxury cars will attract 28% GST in
● Work on Eastern and Western,
addition to a cess of 15%. Small petrol
dedicated freight corridors
cars will attract 28% GST plus a 1% cess,
● Over 3600 km of track targeted to be
and diesel cars will be taxed at 28% plus
renewed in current fiscal
3% cess.
● 600 major railway stations will be
● Capital goods, a key asset for the
redeveloped.
manufacturing sector, will be taxed at
● Mumbai's local train network to have 90
28%.
kilometers of double line tracks
● Aerated drinks will fall under the 28%
at Rs.11,OOO crore cost
tax bracket.
● 150 km of additional suburban network
● Significance
planned for Mumbai
● The GST Council has not increased the
overall tax in but have reduced tax on
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
many items. For example, Soap, which is
now taxed at the rate of 22-24%, will be
taxed at 18%. The present tax incidence
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

in excess of 28% on luxury items will be FEBRUARY 2018


treated as cess and will be deposited in
the corpus for compensating states if Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates
they suffer any revenue loss. Food items projects worth 1,000 crore rupees at Daman
are expected to become cheaper. Daily ● Prime Minister Narendra Modi
use items like hair oil, toothpaste, and inaugurated various developmental
soap are kept in the 18% tax slab instead projects in Daman in Union territory of
of 28%. Daman and Diu.
● The cost of energy_generation is ● He launched the helicopter service
expected to become less as tax incidence between Daman and Diu. Mr. Modi also
on coal has been reduced from 11% to launched Air Odisha flight service
5%. connecting Ahmedabad with Diu under
● GST regime is expected to unify the UDAN Scheme.
whole of the country into a common ● Besides, Mr. Modi laid the foundation
market eliminating both Central and stones for various local developmental
State levies. Also, GST is expected to projects in Daman and Diu.
increase state and federal tax revenues,
ease inflation and boost economic MARCH 2018
growth by 1-2% points in the medium
term. President Ram Nath Kovind Lays Foundation
Stone of 5 National Highway Projects In
VISITS BY PRESIDENT/PM Varanasi
● President Ram Nath Kovind visited

JANUARY 2018 Varanasi on a one-day visit to Uttar


Pradesh. During his temple city visit,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presents Mr. Ram Nath Kovind laid the
National Bravery Awards to 18 children foundation stone of five projects of the

· Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored 7 National Highway Authority of India. It


includes the second phase of the outer
girls and 11 boys with the National Bravery
ring of the city and four-lane roads
Awards. Praising the resolve of the awardees.
between Varanasi and Rewa in Madhya
· The children felicitated by him in the past
Pradesh.
hailed from "rural and simple background".
● He was welcomed by State Governor
· The awardees include a 14-year-old
Ram Naik and Chief Minister Yogi
Karnataka girl who died while trying to save two
Adityanath at the Varanasi Airport (Lal
boys from drowning.
Bahadur Shastri International Airport).
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

President Ram Nath Kovind Inaugurates President of India Inaugurates World Hindi
Festival of Innovation And Entrepreneurship Secretariat In Mauritius
● President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurates ● President Ram Nath Kovind
a Festival of Innovation and inaugurated World Hindi Secretariat in
Entrepreneurship and present Gandhian Mauritius capital, Port Louis.
Young Technological Innovation awards ● The Secretariat is fully financed by India
at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi. and a grant of 33 crore rupees was
● The five-day festival is an initiative to provided. The land was provided by the
recognize, respect, showcase, reward Mauritius government. Prime Minister
innovations and to foster a supportive Narendra Modi had laid the foundation
ecosystem for innovators. stone of this building in 2015.
● It is being organized by Rashtrapati ● Hindi played an important role in
Bhavan in association with the culture and society building in both
Department of Science and Technology India and Mauritius.
and the National Innovation
Foundation-India.
APRIL 2018

Prime Minister inaugurates 105th Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Launches Van
Science Congress Dhan Scheme To Help Increase Tribal Income
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi ● Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi
inaugurated 105th session of Indian launched the Van Dhan Scheme of
Science Congress (ISC) at Manipur Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED,
Central University in Imphal. during the celebrations of Ambedkar
● The focal theme of 5-day ISC is Jayanti at Bijapur, Chattisgarh. The Van
“Reaching the Unreached Through Dhan scheme along with others like Jan
Science & Technology". Dhan and Gobar-Dhan schemes had the
● The ISC 2018 was organized by the potential to change the tribal-rural
Indian Science Congress Association economic system.
(ISCA), a premier scientific organization ● Under Van Dhan, 10 Self Help Groups
of India. Approximately, 5,000 delegates of 30 Tribal gatherers would be
from all over the country and 2,000 constituted.
scientists along with four Nobel
Laureates are participating in this year Vice President Venkaiah naidu Inaugurates
mega event. Civil Services Day Event In New Delhi
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu ● Prime Minister Narendra Modi


inaugurated the two-day Civil Services inaugurated Dr Ambedkar National
Day event in New Delhi. Memorial in New Delhi. The memorial
● The Day focuses on the topic ‘Evolving is dedicated to the life and contributions
Strategies for Transforming of Dr. Ambedkar, the principal architect
Aspirational Districts’. of the Constitution.
● The Vice President also released a book ● The foundation stone for the Memorial
'Emulating Excellence- Takeaways for was laid by the Prime Minister in 2016.
Replication'. ● The memorial has an exhibition area,
● The day is celebrated for the civil meditation hall with the Buddha Statue
servants to rededicate themselves to the and 12 feet high bronze statue of Dr.
cause of citizen and renew their Ambedkar.
commitments to public service and ● It is equipped with a sewerage
excellence in work. treatment plant, a rainwater harvesting
System and rooftop solar energy.

Venkaiah Naidu Launches Assam Govts


Cashless Health Scheme May 2018

● Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu


Prime Minister Narendra Modi Leaves on 3-
launched a health scheme of the Assam
Nation Tour To Indonesia, Malaysia,
government named Atal Amrit Abhiyan
Singapore
that offers free medical care of up to 2
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi
lakh rupees for every individual from
embarked on a three-nation visit to
Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above
Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Poverty Line (APL) families.
● During his five-day visit, the PM will
● The state government has earmarked
hold delegation level talks with the
400 crore rupees for the scheme in the
leadership of the three countries, on
financial year 2018-19.
matters of mutual interest.
● The cashless scheme Atal Amrit
● This will be Prime Minister’s first
Abhiyan will cover 92 percent of the
official visit to Indonesia and second
state’s population with annual income
official visit to Singapore.
below 5 lakh rupees.
● The visit assumes significance in the
light of India’s thrust on “Act East”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates policy under which New Delhi desires to
Dr Ambedkar National Memorial enhance the bilateral relationship with
the 10-member ASEAN grouping. In the
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

first leg of his visit, Mr. Modi will arrive get development projects worth 25,000
in Indonesia. crore rupees.
● He said these projects will have a
positive impact on the people of the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates
states.
330-MW Kishenganga hydel power project in
● There is great scope for agricultural
Srinagar
growth across the state.
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi
● Jammu and Kashmir can play a key role
inaugurated the 330-MW Kishenganga
in holistic healthcare.
hydel power project in Srinagar. Jammu
and Kashmir Governor, Chief Minister
Mehbooba Mufti and Union Ministers President Ram Nath Kovind to inaugurate
Nitin Gadkari and Jitendra Singh were Global Exhibition on Services-2018
present on the occasion. ● President Ram Nath Kovind will
● The project has been built by the inaugurate the Global Exhibition on
National Hydroelectric Power Services-2018 in Mumbai this morning.
Corporation in north Kashmir’s ● He will also launch 12 champion sectors
Bandipora district. in services. 25 Indian states and around
● It has been constructed at a cost of 5200 100 countries are expected to participate
crore rupees. It is expected to generate in Global Exhibition on Services, this
1,713 million units of electricity per year, with 625 exhibitors and 500
annum. Jammu and Kashmir would get overseas delegates.
12 percent of power from the project. ● The event will also feature roundtables
● He also laid the foundation stone of the and seminars, state investment summits,
ring road project in Srinagar. This will Business-to-business meetings, an
boost connectivity with Bandipora, Uri, exhibition of key services sectors,
and Ganderbal. cultural activities, country and
● Earlier, PM Modi laid the foundation international pavilions, among others.
stone of Zojila Tunnel, providing all- ● He will also visit the Bhabha Atomic
weather connectivity between Srinagar, Research Centre, where he will be
Kargil, and Leh. The Zojila pass will be attending an exhibition on Department
Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel. of Atomic Energy technologies and
● It is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet inaugurate DAE facilities in Trombay,
on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Mumbai.
Highway which remains closed during
winters. Jammu and Kashmir is going to
JUNE 2018
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Prince William becomes first British royal to for diplomatic and official passport
visit Israel and Palestine holders, ♦ cultural exchange programme,
● UK’s Prince William became the first and ♦ material testing laboratory. The
member of the royal family to visit Israel Indian government has also decided to
on an official visit. Prince William met gift a cancer therapy machine to the
Holocaust survivors, Israeli President Uganda cancer institute in Kampala.
Reuven Rivlin and PM Benjamin ● The Prime Minister Modi was accorded
Netanyahu as part of his three-day visit. a ceremonial reception in Uganda's
● Prince William will also meet Entebbe town.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ● He is on a three-nation tour to the
which will mark the first royal visit to African countries including Rwanda,
the West Bank. Uganda and South Africa. Important
Points About Uganda: ♦ President -
Yoweri Museveni ♦ Prime Minister -
China unveils 4 point vision for future
Ruhakana Rugunda ♦ Currency -
cooperation with India
Ugandan shilling ♦ Capital - Kampala
● On June 18, 2018, Chinese envoy to
India Luo Zhaohui unveiled a four-point
vision for future cooperation with India. India extended Rs. 1,378 crore Lines of Credit
● This is followed by the informal summit to Rwanda
between PM Narendra Modi and ● PM Narendra Modi and Rwanda's
Chinese President Xi Jinping. The four- President Paul Kagame signed
point vision are: 1) Sign a Treaty of agreements on industrial and
Friendship and Cooperation 2) agricultural development.
Negotiate a bilateral Free Trade ● PM Modi is the first Indian Prime
Agreement 3) Enhance connectivity 4) Minister to visit Rwanda and also
Work for early harvest on boundary announced that India will soon open its
issues. mission in Rwanda.
● India extended two lines of credit - one
of $100 million for development of
JULY 2018
industrial parks and Kigali special
economic zone (SEZ) in Rwanda and
India signed 4 MoUs with Uganda, agreed 2
another one for $100 million for
LOC worth nearly $200 million
agriculture.
● As part of Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi's visit to Uganda, India
and Uganda signed four agreements on PM Modi to gift 200 cows to a village in
♦ defence cooperation, ♦ visa exemption Rwanda
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Modi will travel to Rweru model village Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates
in Rwanda eastern province and gift the Various Projects In Junagadh, Gujarat
cows to mark India's contribution to ● The scheme includes the Government
Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s Civil Hospital, a milk processing plant
flagship programme named 'Girinka'. and some buildings of the Junagadh
Girinka is the Rwandan government’s Agriculture University.
“one cow for one poor family” ● There are nine initiatives, worth over Rs
programme, launched in 2006. 500 crore, which are either being
● PM Modi will also visit Uganda and dedicated today, or their foundation
then South Africa, which is organising stones are being laid.
the 10th BRICS leaders' Summit under
the theme "BRICS in Africa:
President Ram Nath Kovind to inaugurate
Collaboration with Developing
International Buddhist Conclave in New Delhi
Countries for Inclusive Growth and
● The theme of the conclave is Buddha
Shared Prosperity in the Fourth
Path - The Living Heritage.
Industrial Revolution".
● The main aim is to showcase Buddhist
Heritage in India and boost tourism to
South Korean President Moon Jae-in visits the Buddhist sites in the country.
India
● South Korean President Moon Jae-in
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address
arrived in Delhi, India for his four-day
World Biofuel Day conference
visit.
● World Biofuel Day is observed every
● He will visit the Prime Minister
year on August 10 to create awareness
Narendra Modi to hold a discussion on
about the importance of non-fossil fuels
key issues such as the situation on the
as an alternative to conventional fossil
Korean peninsula, and ways to boost
fuels.
trade and defence cooperation.
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi will
● The discussion would also include
address a diverse gathering consisting of
India’s expectation to open new avenues
farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs,
for expanding the bilateral partnership,
students, government officials and
particularly in the economic domain.
legislators in New Delhi to mark the
● The two leaders will address an India-
World Biofuel Day 2018.
Republic of Korea CEO's roundtable.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to launch 650


AUGUST 2018
branches of India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)
on the 21st of this month
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● The event will take place at the capital's ● The 21st century is being called the
Talkatora stadium. Asian century and India will certainly
● The government is planning to utilize have an important role in it.
650 branches as controlling offices for ● The Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis
servicing and monitoring post offices. will call on President Ram Nath Kovind.
● These branches will be linked to IPPB
by the end of this year.
President Ram Nath Kovind on a 3-nation tour
● There are 370 million different types of
● On September 2, President Ram Nath
accounts at post offices, which will be
Kovind embarked on a 8 day three-
linked to IPPB gradually.
nation tour to Europe - Cyprus, Bulgaria
and the Czech Republic.
President Ram Nath Kovind to inaugurate ● Cyprus is the eighth largest investor in
centenary celebrations of St Thomas College India with a cumulative investment of
Thrissur over $9.2 billion.
● President Ram Nath Kovind meet Chief
♦Cyprus President - Nicos Anastasiades
Justice and other Judges of Kerala High
♦Bulgarian president - Radev and Prime
Court at Kochi before proceeding to
Minister - Boyko Borissov.
Thrissur.
♦Czech President - Milos Zeman and Prime
● President will return to New Delhi this
Minister - Andrej Babis.
evening after a 3-day visit to Kerala.

SEPTEMBER 2018
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches India
Post Payments Bank
Government sets up Ayush Information Cell in
● India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) like
Romania
any other banks but its operations will
● To encourage practice of ayurveda, India
be on a smaller scale without involving
has set up an 'Ayush Information Cell'
any credit risk.
at its embassy premises in Romania to
● It will carry out most banking
create awareness about the traditional
operations like accepting deposits but
Indian system of medicine.
won’t advance loans or issue credit
● The cell was digitally inaugurated by
cards.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu during
● The payments bank will accept deposits
his visit to Romania earlier this month.
of up to Rs 1 lakh, offer remittance
services, mobile
payments/transfers/purchases and other
President Ram Nath Kovind to meet Czech
banking services like ATM/debit cards,
republic President Milos Zeman in Prague
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

net banking, and third-party fund President of India Inaugurates 29th


transfers. Accountants General Conference
● President Ram Nath Kovind
OCTOBER 2018 inaugurated the 29th Accountants
General Conference at the Comptroller
President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated and Auditor General (CAG) building, at
three-day Vishwa Shanti Ahimsa Sammelan in Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, in New
Maharashtra Delhi.
● The conference was organized by the ● The theme of this year’s conference is:
Bhagwan Rishabhdev Murti Nirman “Auditing and Accounting in a Digital
Samiti. Era”.
● The President presented the 1st
international “Bhagwan Rishabhdev
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates
Award” to the Teerthanker Mahaveer
Modern Food Processing Facilities And
University of Moradabad in Uttar
Pipeline Projects In Gujarat
Pradesh.
● Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the
● The award consisted of a cash prize of
state-of-the-art chocolate plant of Amul
Rs. 11 lakh, a memento, and a citation.
dairy set up with an investment of about
● It was received by the chancellor of
190 crore rupees at Mogar village in
Teerthanker Mahaveer University
Anand district of Gujarat.
Suresh Jain.
● He inaugurated a take-home ration
plant of 600 tonnes per day and a ready-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Dedicated to-use therapeutic food plant with a
National Police Memorial To The Nation In monthly capacity of 600 tonnes along
New Delhi with the incubation centre cum centre
● It has been built in recognition of the of excellence in food processing for
supreme sacrifice made by police promoting entrepreneurs and startup.
personnel since independence.
● Since Independence of the country, NOVEMBER 2018
34,844 police personnel have been
martyred, with 424 losing their lives this
President Ram Nath Kovind began 6 day visit
year.
to Vietnam, Australia
● The memorial has been erected on 6.12
acres of land in Chanakyapuri, at the
● On the first leg of his two-nation tour,
northern end of Shanti Path.
Kovind visit Vietnam from 18-20
November 2018 on the invitation of Mr.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Nguyen Phu Trong, President of the the first convocation of the AIIMS,
Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Rishikesh.
● In Hanoi, President will address the ● He will also inaugurate the first Gyan
Indian community and the Vietnam- Kumbh.
India Business Forum. India and
Vietnam have robust trade and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu embarked on
economic relations with bilateral trade a 7 day visit to Botswana, Zimbabwe and
of US$ 12.8 billion in 2017-18. Malawi
● The President's second leg of the visit ● He will inaugurate the 13th Annual
will be in Australia from November 21 Global Expo Botswana 2018.
to 24. ● He will also inaugurate the Jaipur Foot
● This is the first visit by an Indian Camp in Malawi to mark the 150th
President to Australia. Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
● He will unveil a statue of Mahatma ● About Botswana:
Gandhi in Parramatta, a prominent ♦ President: Mokgweetsi Masisi
suburb of Sydney, in the state of New ♦ Capital: Gaborone
South Wales. ♦ Currency: Botswana pula
● About Zimbabwe:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate ♦ President: Emmerson Mnangagwa
several projects in Varanasi on Nov 12 ♦ Capital: Harare
● The newly constructed Multi-Modal ● About Malawi:
Terminal on River Ganga to the nation. ♦ President: Peter Mutharika
● This is built as part of the Government’s ♦ Capital: Lilongwe
Jal Marg Vikas project that aims at ♦ Currency: Malawian kwacha
developing the stretch of River Ganga
between Varanasi to Haldia for
DECEMBER 2018
navigation of large vessels.
● The Prime Minister will also receive
President Ram Nath Kovind to begin a 5 Day
India’s first container vessel that sailed
Tour of Myanmar from December 10
from Kolkata on 30th of last month.
● President Ram Nath Kovind will visit
Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon and will
President Ram Nath Kovind to address first
interact with his host, President U Win
convocation of AIIMS in Uttarakhand
Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi.
● President Ram Nath Kovind will visit
● Several agreements are expected to be
Uttarakhand on Saturday and address
signed during the visit.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● The magazine is planned to carry forward the


Denmark's Foreign Affairs Minister Anders great initiative of Mr. Modi and Mr. Netanyahu
Samuelsen arrives on two-day visit to India to strengthen India-Israel relations.
● External Affairs Minister Sushma
Swaraj and Foreign Affairs Minister of 16th International Energy Forum (IEF)
Denmark Anders Samuelsen on Ministerial meeting was held in New Delhi in
December 17 co-chaired the 2nd session April 2018.
of Joint Commission Meeting in New
Delhi. World Economic Forum Summit held in –
● Both the leaders took stock of the ties Davos, Switzerland
and identified cooperation in renewable
energy, agriculture, food processing, India-ASEAN business and investment
shipping, Smart Cities, digitization and conference held in New Delhi.
culture.
● Mr Samuelson last visited India in • The theme of the conference was “Shared
November 2017 to participate at the Values, Common Destiny”.
Global Entrepreneurship Summit. • The conference was held to celebrate the 25th
anniversary of the establishment of sectoral
SUMMITS & CONFERENCE dialogue between two sides.

The first International Dam Safety


JANUARY 2018
Conference-2018 was held in Kovalam,
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala).
Israel PM Addresses India-Israel Business
Summit in Mumbai
India has announced to host informal
● Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Ministerial meeting of World Trade
visited Mumbai during the final leg of his visit
Organisation (WTO) in March 2018 in New
to India.
Delhi to muster support for issues and help to
● He addressed the India-Israel Business
multilateral process.
Summit at the iconic Taj Mahal hotel in south
Mumbai.
The 10th edition of Global Forum for Food &
● Later in the day, Mr. Netanyahu will attend the
Agriculture was held in Berlin, Germany.
‘Shalom Bollywood’ event at the Taj hotel.
The theme of this year’s event is “Shaping the
● A monthly magazine titled ‘Namaste Shalom’
future of livestock – sustainably, responsibly,
will also be launched to mark Israeli Prime
efficiently”.
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Mumbai visit.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

The first-ever Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) 4th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on
Parliamentary Conference was held in the Agriculture & Forestry held in New Delhi.
Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra (PBK) in New Delhi on 5th Bilateral Technical Meeting on
the occasion of Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD). cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems
• This year’s PBD celebrated ASEAN-Indian of Medicine India and Malaysia held in New
partnership and was themed Ancient Route, Delhi.
New Journey: Diaspora in the Dynamic ASEAN
INDIA Partnership. 4th International Dharma Dhamma
• The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is Conference held in Rajgir in Bihar.
celebrated every year on January 9 to mark the
contribution of Overseas Indian community in The 105th Indian Science Congress (ISC) will
the development of India. be held from March 16 to 20 at Manipur
University in Imphal.
7th International Coffee festival – Bengaluru.
FEBRUARY 2018
World Future Energy Summit held in - Abu
Dhabi. Global Investment Summit held in - Assam

India-Israel Business Summit held in Mumbai. 7th India Energy Congress – New Delhi
• The theme of the summit is 'Energy 4.0:
India for the first time took part in a meeting of Energy Transition Towards 2030'.
the international military cooperation
departments of the Shanghai Cooperation 7th Asia Steel International Conference –
Organisation (SCO) in Beijing, China. Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

3rd edition of the Geo-Political conference, International Bird Festival will be held at the
'Raisina Dialogue' held in New Delhi. Dudhwa National Park, Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar
• This year's topic of Raisina Dialogue is Pradesh in February 2018.
'Managing Disruptive Transitions - Ideas,
Institutions and Idioms.' MARCH 2018
• The conference was inaugurated Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The first G20 meeting of finance ministers and
central bank governors held in Buenos Aires,
International Workshop on Disaster Resilient Argentina
Infrastructure (IWDRI) held in New Delhi. Note:
• The 2018 G20 summit will be the 13th meeting
of Group of Twenty (G20).
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

• The summit will be held on 30 Nov – 1 Dec The India Mobile Congress will be held from
2018 in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. 25th – 27th October 2018 in New Delhi • The
• It will be the first-ever G20 summit to be theme of the 2018 India Mobile Congress is -
hosted in South America. • G 20 Summit in 2017 “NEW DIGITAL HORIZONS: Connect. Create.
was held in Hamburg, Germany. Innovate”.

106th edition of the Indian Science Congress The first ‘Happy Cities’ Summit - Amaravati,
will be held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh
Note:
• The event will be from January 3-7, 2019 at 7th edition of Home Expo India 2018 - Greater
Barkatullah University Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Noida
• The theme for 2019 ISC will be “Future India:
Science & Technology”. The 10th edition of “DefExpo India- 2018” -
• 105th Indian Science Congress was held at Tamil Nadu
Manipur University, Imphal. • The theme of the expo is “India: The Emerging
• The theme for 2018 ISC is “Reaching the Defence Manufacturing Hub”.
Unreached Through Science & Technology”.
• 104th Indian Science Congress 2017 was held The World Expo 2020 - Dubai
in Tirupati (S. V. University), Andhra Pradesh.
• 103rd Indian Science Congress 2016 was held First International conference on ‘Water,
in Mysore. Environment and Climate Change: Knowledge
Sharing and Partnership’ - Nepal
APRIL 2018
The 18th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Mid-
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019 - Varanasi Term Ministerial conference - Baku,
Explanation: Azerbaijan • The theme of the conference is -
• The next Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held “Promoting International Peace and Security for
on 21-23 January 2019, in the holy city of Sustainable Development”.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. ● External Affairs Minister Sushma
• The theme of the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Swaraj attended the meeting.
is “Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New
India”. International Buddhist Conference 2018
• Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth Lumbini, Nepal
will be the Chief Guest at Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas 2019. First meeting of BRICS Finance Ministers and
Central Bank Governors - Washington D.C.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

• Ministry of Finance, Government of India was 9th edition of ‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav’ -
represented in the meeting by Shri Subhash Tehri, Uttarakhand.
Chandra Garg , Secretary , Department of • Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav’ was held to
Economic Affairs (EA). promote India’s rich cultural Heritage which
was organised by the Ministry of Culture.
The 2018 Global Malaria Summit - United • Mahesh Sharma, Union Minister of Culture -
Kingdom Minister of State (Independent Charge)
• The 2018 Global Malaria Summit was held
alongside the 25th Commonwealth Heads of The 71st World Health Assembly was held in:
Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London, Geneva, Switzerland.
United Kingdom. • The Union Health Minister Mr. J P Nadda led
the Indian Delegation at World Health
25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Assembly.
Meeting (CHOGM) 2018 - United Kingdom • The Event was held under the theme "Health
• The 25th Commonwealth Heads of for All: Commit To Universal Health Coverage".
Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018 is being
hosted by United Kingdom from 16-20 April The 3rd Mission Innovation Ministerial
2018. meeting was held at -Malmo, Sweden.
• The theme of the CHOGM 2018 is "Towards a • The Indian delegation was led by Dr.Harsh
Common Future". Vardhan, Union Minister for Science,
• Rwanda has been selected as host of the next Technology and Earth Sciences.
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting • The ‘Mission Innovation’ is a global platform
(CHOGM), to be held in 2020. of 23 countries and European Union aimed at
accelerating clean energy innovations through
MAY 2018 enhanced Government funding, greater public
private sector partnership and enhanced global
Global Wind Summit 2018: Hamburg, cooperation.
Germany.
• The first edition of the Global Wind Summit Climate summit 2019 – New York
will be held in Hamburg, Germany in September • Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
2018. announced to hold a climate summit in
• The conference on wind is the largest and September 2019 in New York to review the
most important meeting of the wind industry commitments of the 2015 Paris Agreement on
worldwide. Climate Change.
• India is fourth largest country, after China, the
US and Germany, in terms of wind energy
installation capacity.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

The third edition of ‘United Nations Electronics and Information Technology, K. J.


Peacekeeping course for African Alphons attended the conference.
Partners(UNPCAP)’ - New Delhi • It was the first meeting of SCO tourism
• The third edition of ‘United Nations ministers since the organization was established
Peacekeeping course for African in 2001 in Shanghai.
Partners(UNPCAP)’ was held in New Delhi.
First meeting of the BIMSTEC Working
15th Asia Media Summit 2018 - India Group on Customs Cooperation - India
• India hosted 15th Asia Media Summit 2018 in • The first meeting of the BIMSTEC Working
New Delhi. Group on Customs Cooperation was held in
• The theme of this summit is “Telling our New Delhi, India on 10-11 May 2018.
Stories Asia and More”. • Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
• The AMS 2018, an annual summit of the Asia Technical and Economic Cooperation
Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (BIMSTEC) is an international organization
(AIBD) Kuala Lumpur, is a prestigious summit involving a group of countries in the South Asia
in the Asia Pacific Region and India hosted the and SouthEast Asia namely, Myanmar, India,
event for the first time. Bangladesh, Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal & Sri
Lanka.
• BIMSTEC was established on 6 June 1997
2018 World Robot Conference (WRC) – China through the Bangkok Declaration. It is
• China will host the 2018 World Robot headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Conference (WRC) in August 2018.
• The theme of the conference is - Creating new 2018 Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-
intelligent power and sharing the new opening- Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
up era. (BIMSTEC) summit – Nepal
• It will offer a venue where academic thoughts • Nepal will host the 2018 Bay of Bengal
can be exchanged at high levels and the latest Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and
achievements demonstrated. Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit.

2018 Shanghai Cooperation Organization First-ever joint conference of Indian Customs


(SCO) Tourism Ministers’ conference - China and Department of India Posts - New Delhi
• China hosted the Shanghai Cooperation • The first-ever joint conference of Indian
Organization (SCO) Tourism Ministers’ Customs and Department of India Posts at
conference in Wuhan, on 9th May 2018. Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi to deliberate on
• From India, the Minister of State (Independent streamlining of imports and exports by post.
Charge) for Tourism and Minister of State for
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

India- South Africa Business Summit 2018 was


held in - Johannesburg JUNE 2018
• India- South Africa Business Summit 2018 was
held in Johannesburg. Haryana to host World Union of Wholesale
• Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Markets Conference.
and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu attended the • Haryana Government is going to host 2018
event. World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM)
• The tagline of the India- South Africa Business Conference at Gurugram in 10-13 October 2018.
Summit is – United by Legacy, Unified for
Prosperity. World Environment Day 2018: India • India
hosted 2018 World Environment Day on June 5,
The 4th Regional Conference on ‘Futuristic, 2018.
Resilient and Digital Infrastructure’ 2018 was • With “Beat Plastic Pollution” as the theme for
held in - Bengaluru this year’s edition, the world is coming together
• The conference was organised by the Ministry to combat single-use plastic pollution.
of Finance. • India ranks at 177 positions out of 180 in
• The conference was held to discuss three Environmental Performance Index 2018.
broad areas which include -
• the Challenges as well as Opportunities in the The 11th edition of Geo-Intelligence Asia
context of need for Futuristic, 2018 – New Delhi.
• Resilient and Digital Infrastructure, • The 11th edition of Geo-Intelligence Asia 2018
• Resource Mobilisation and Emerging was held at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi,
Challenges among others. India.
• The aim of the event was to provide platform
The 12th informal meeting of SAARC Finance to showcase innovative applications of
Ministers 2018 was held in Manila. Geospatial technologies.
Note:
• The twelfth informal meeting of SAARC 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization
Finance Ministers was held in Manila, the (SCO) summit 2018 - China
capital of Philippines. • The 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization
• Finance Minister of Nepal Yuba Raj (SCO-2018) was hosted by China in the city of
Khatiwada chaired the meeting. Qingdao in June 2018.
• The meeting was held on the sidelines of the • 17th SCO summit 2017, was held in Astana,
51st Annual Meeting of Asian Development Kazakhstan in June 2017.
Bank (ADB). Finance Ministers/Heads of • Kyrgyzstan has taken over the SCO rotating
Delegations from the SAARC member states presidency, and the 19th SCO summit will be
attended the meeting. held in Kyrgyzstan next year.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

• The SCO is consisting of China, Russia, 1st Nepal-India Think Tank Summit –
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kathmandu, Nepal.
India and Pakistan.
10th BRICS Summit 2018 - Johannesburg,
44th G7 Summit 2018 – Canada South Africa.
• The 44th G7 summit was held on June 8–9, Note:
2018, in Quebec, Canada. The theme for this summit is ‘BRICS in Africa:
• This was the sixth time since 1981 that Canada Collaboration for inclusive growth and shared
has hosted the meetings. prosperity in the 4th Industrial Revolution'.
• The 45th G7 summit or next G7 summit will be • 11th BRICS Summit 2019 - Brazil
held in 2019 in France. ● First BRICS Summit was held in June 2009 in
• The Group of Seven (G7) is a group consisting Yekaterinburg, Russia.
of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the ● BRICS is a grouping acronym that refers to the
United Kingdom, and the United States. countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and
South Africa.
An International Conference on Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) - The 6th India-UK Science & Innovation
Kathmandu, Nepal Explanation: Council (SIC) meeting - New Delhi, India.
• The International Conference on Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) was held Global Disability Summit 2018 – London, UK
in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• The Theme of the two-day conference is The 8th BRICS Health Ministers’ meeting -
“Sustainable Development Goals for Smart Durban, South Africa.
Society”.
• The conference is organised by the Federation India and Japan fourth round of Maritime
of Computer Association Nepal (CAN). Affairs Dialogue - New Delhi, India

11th World Hindi Conference - Mauritius 8th India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting -
• The 11th World Hindi Conference will be held Muscat
in Mauritius in August 2018 with an aim to
increase the popularity of Hindi globally. 17th World Sanskrit Conference - Vancouver,
• The main theme of the Conference is ‘Hindi Canada.
Vishwa Aur Bhartiya Sanskriti’.
6th edition of biennial World Cities Summit –
JULY 2018 Singapore.
Note:
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

The theme was “Liveable & Sustainable Cities: • Sri Lanka has become the new chair of the
Embracing the Future through Innovation and BIMSTEC. Hence, Sri Lanka will host the fifth
Collaboration“ summit of the BIMSTEC.

International Union of Food Science and International Buddhist Conclave 2020 - India
Technology 2018 – India to host 19th edition of will host the Conclave in August 2020.
its prestigious global event to be held in Navi
Mumbai, India in October 2018. First SAARC Agri Cooperative Business
Forum Begins – Kathmandu, Nepal
17th World Sanskrit Conference held in
Canada: Human Resource Development G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting -
Minister Prakash Javadekar inaugurated the Salta, Argentina.
17th World Sanskrit Conference held at ● The theme of the meeting was 'Building
Vancouver, Canada. consensus for fair and sustainable
development'.
6th edition of biennial World Cities Summit
held in Singapore: The sixth edition of biennial The 8th meeting of India-Kenya Joint Trade
World Cities Summit was held in Singapore Committee - Nairobi, Kenya.
from July 8 to 12, 2018. Its theme was “Liveable
& Sustainable Cities: Embracing the Future Fourth Asian electoral stakeholders forum
through Innovation and Collaboration“. (AESF-IV) – Colombo, Sri Lanka

The 5th Regional Comprehensive Economic India Banking Conclave 2018 - New Delhi.
Partnership (RCEP) Intersessional ministerial Note: The India Banking Conclave 2018 was
meeting was held in Tokyo, Japan. It was first organized by Centre for Economic Policy
RCEP ministerial gathering to be held outside Research (CEPR)
ASEAN countries.
International Buddhist Conclave 2018 – New
Delhi, India Note:
• The theme of the conclave is 'Buddha Path –
The Living Heritage'
AUGUST 2018 • This year Japan is the partnering country for
the Buddhist conclave.
4th BIMSTEC Summit - Kathmandu, Nepal
• The theme of the summit is 'Towards a 11th World Hindi Conference - Port Louis,
peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Bay of Mauritius.
Bengal region' Note:
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Theme – ‘Vaishvik Hindi Aur Bharatiya


Sanskriti’ 23rd Meeting of India-Russia
Intergovernmental Commission held in
The 24th World Congress of Philosophy Moscow
(WCP) - Beijing, China.
Note: Theme was “Learning To Be Human”. The Global Climate Action Summit 2018 was
held at San Francisco, California, United States
‘One District One Product’ Summit - The
President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, G-20 Trade and Investment Ministerial
inaugurated the ‘One District One Product’ Meeting held in Argentina.
Summit in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
 Uttar Pradesh contributes around 44% The Jaipur Literature Festival held in Houston
in the total handicraft exports of the at the Asia Society of Texas.
country.
 Under the ‘One District One Product’ 4th World Summit on Accreditation (WOSA-
scheme, the state government has set a 2018): New Delhi Note: WOSA is a biennial
goal of providing employment to 25 lakh Summit organised by National Board of
people in five years through the Accreditation (NBA).
financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 crores.
World Hindu Congress - Chicago, the USA
51st ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting - Note: The theme of World Hindu Congress is
Singapore 'think collectively, achieve valiantly'.

Indo-US Military Cooperation Meeting – New India's first Global Mobility summit 'MOVE' -
Delhi, India New Delhi.
• It was inaugurated Prime Minister Narendra
SEPTEMBER 2018 Modi.
• The summit was organised by NITI Aayog.
Conference on Academic Leadership on • The main focus of the summit is to make cities
Education for Resurgence - New Delhi of India pollution free.
• The Summit includes three designated
High Level Meeting on Tuberculosis at 73rd components – The Conclave, Digital Exhibition,
session of United Nations General Assembly and Featured Events.
(UNGA) at New York’.
87th Izmir International trade show – Izmir,
India-Morocco Tourism Bilateral Meeting Turkey. Note: India is the partner country in the
held in New Delhi tradeshow.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Defence & Homeland Security Expo & 25th DST – CII Technology Summit 2019
Conference – New Delhi. • The Kingdom of Netherlands will be the
Partner Country 25th DST – CII Technology
India and the US hold the first edition of the Summit to be organized in 2019 in India.
two-plus two talks in New Delhi.
5th National Summit on Public Health Care
International Women Entrepreneurs Summit held at Kaziranga in Assam.
2018 - Kathmandu, Nepal. Note: The theme is
“Equality begins with Economic The 22nd National Level Meeting between
Empowerment”. India and Myanmar was held in New Delhi.

International Aviation Summit - New Delhi, Gandhian Thought and Swachhata Seminar
India. Organized in Wardha
• The Ministry of Drinking Water and
6th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Sanitation has organised a seminar on Gandhian
Meeting - Singapore thoughts and Swachhta to make India a Swachh
Bharat by 2019 -150 the birthday celebration of
15th India-ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Mahatma Gandhi.
Meeting - Singapore • It was being organized in the Wardha district
of Maharashtra with a focus on achievement of
4th International Ayurveda Congress - the objectives of sanitation and Gandhian
Netherlands thoughts via Swachh Bharat Mission. About
● Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA)
Yesso Naik inaugurated the event. • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) was launched
on 2 October 2014 with two submissions, SBA
(gramin) and SBA (urban).
OCTOBER 2018 • The mission is jointly managed Ministry of
Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS) (for
India Mobile Congress 2018 held in New Delhi gramin) and the Ministry of Urban Development
• The second edition of India Mobile Congress (for urban).
(IMC-2018) was held New Delhi.
• It was organised by Department of North East Festival and Experiencing the
Telecommunications (DoT) and Cellular North East held in New Delhi
Operators Association of India (COAI). The • The sixth edition of North East festival is
theme was “New Digital Horizons. Connect. organized in New Delhi and the 15th edition of
Create. Innovate”.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Indian International Centre festival is also held • The conference is a collective initiative of
in New Delhi. Government of Kazakhstan, WHO and UNICEF.
• The festival is organised by Indian • From India J P Nadda, Union Minister for
International Centre as 15th anniversary of its Health and Family Welfare addressed the
annual festivals. conference.
• The theme for this year is “Experiencing the
North East”. 7. 7th Meeting of Education 20th Edition of WETEX 2018 held in Dubai
Ministers of SCO Member States held in Astana, • The 20th Water, Energy, Technology, and
Kazakhstan 8. 12th ASEM Summit held in - Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2018 was held
Brussels, Belgium at Dubai International Convention and
• The theme of summit was ‘Global Partners for Exhibition Centre, in Dubai, United Arab
Global Challenges’. Emirates.
• It was chaired by European Council President • WETEX is organized by Dubai Electricity and
Donald Tusk. Water Authority (DEWA) every year.
• The summit was attended by heads of state of • WETEX 2018 is the largest edition in the 20
51 European and Asian countries, year history of WETEX.
representatives of European Union and
Secretary General of Association of Southeast India hosts the highest number of outward
Asian Nations (ASEAN). international migrants in 2017
• India was represented by Vice President M. • The Asian Economic Integration Report 2018
Venkaiah Naidu. was presented by Asian Development Bank.
• The report is an annual publication of ADB
13th India-Japan Annual Summit – Tokyo, with a focus on progress in cooperation and
Japan migration.
• The annual bilateral summit of India –Japan • The report revealed that India hosts the
held on 28, 29 October 2018 in Japan. highest number of outward international
• The Indian prime minister visited Japan to migrants in 2017.It was followed by China and
attend the summit. Bangladesh.
• Japan-India Investment Promotion Roadmap • About one third of international migrants were
enhanced the contribution of Japan in India’s from Asia in 2017.
Make in India initiative with establishment of
Business Support Centre in Ahmedabad. 2018 UN Day Concert Held in New York
• The 2018 United Nations Day Concert was
2nd International Conference on Primary held in the General Assembly Hall at United
Health Care, Kazakhstan Nations Headquarters in New York.
• The second conference on PHC inaugurated • The theme of this year’s concert is “Traditions
on 25 October 2018 in Astana, Kazakhstan. of Peace and Non-violence”.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

• The Global Agriculture Leadership Summit


12th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting and 2018 held in New Delhi.
5th ADMM-Plus – Singapore • The theme of the 2-day summit is, ‘Connecting
• The 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Farmers to Market’.
(ADMM) and 5th ADMM-Plus was held on • The summit was inaugurated by the Secretary
October 19 and 20, 2018 Singapore. Agriculture and Co-operation, Sanjay Agrawal.
• The conferences were attended by defence
ministers from India, Australia, China, Japan, 1st Trilateral meeting among India,
New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and US. India Afghanistan & Iran held in Tehran
was represented by Defence Minister Nirmala • The first trilateral meeting among India,
Sitharaman. Afghanistan and Iran of the Coordination
• This was second time Singapore has chaired Council of the Chabahar Agreement took place
ADMM since its establishment in 2006 and first in Tehran, Iran.
time to chair ADMM-Plus since its • The Indian delegation was led by Secretary
establishment in 2010. (Economic Relations) TS Tirumurti.

PM Modi Inaugurated Krishi Kumbha in 27th IAEA Fusion Energy Conference held in
Lucknow Gandhinagar, Gujarat • The 27th IAEA Fusion
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a Energy Conference (FEC 2018) was held in
farmers’ conclave ‘Krishi Kumbh 2018’ in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. • The Chair of the Board of IAEA for 2018-2019
• The Kumbh witnessed two of the world’s top is Ambassador Leena Al-Hadid of Jordan.
economies, Israel and Japan, as official partners
while Haryana and Jharkhand as partner states. 4th Edition of Global Partners' Forum in
December 2018
10th Nuclear Energy Conclave held in New • India will host the fourth edition of Global
Delhi Partners' Forum in December 2018 in New
• The Union Minister of State (Independent Delhi.
Charge) for Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. • The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn &
Jitendra Singh inaugurates 10th Nuclear Energy Child Health (PMNCH) will unite over 100
Conclave in New Delhi. countries' representatives to discuss issues,
• The theme: ‘Nuclear Power- Towards a Clean strategies and solutions to women's, children's
& Base Load Energy’. and adolescents' health.
• It will be co-hosted by the Ministry of Health
Global Agriculture Leadership Summit 2018 and Family Welfare and PMNCH. Dr Michelle
held in New Delhi Bachelet, former President of Chile is the chair
of PMNCH.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

India International Science Festival (IISF-


12th Asia Europe Meeting Summit held in 2018) - Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Brussels • Theme - “Science for Transformation”
• Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu attended
the 12th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit First Uttarakhand Investors Summit –
Brussels, Belgium. Dehradun, Uttar Pradesh.
• Mr Naidu lead the Indian delegation at the
Summit. 10th Biennial International Exhibition &
• The theme of this year’s ASEM Summit is Conference held in - Mumbai
“Global Partners for Global Challenges”. First Regional Conference on 'Women in
Detention and Access to Justice – Shimla,
6th Meeting of UAE-India High-Level Joint Himachal Pradesh
Task Force held in Mumbai
NOVEMBER 2018
6th RCEP Inter-sessional Ministerial Meeting
(IMM) – Singapore
The Minister of State for Commerce & Industry India to Chair Kimberley Process from January
and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public 2019
Distribution C. R. Chaudhary, attended the • India will chair the Kimberley Process (KP), a
event. global initiative to remove conflict diamonds
from the global supply chain, from January next
The 46th edition of world’s largest IHGF- year.
Delhi Fair was held at India Expo Centre & • The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme
Mart, Greater Noida. (KPCS) Plenary 2018, was held in Brussels,
• It was inaugurated by Union Minister of State Belgium.
(MoS) for Textiles Ajay Tamta. • EU handed over the Chairmanship of KPCS to
India from 1st January, 2019.
17th Council of Heads of Government, CHG, • Botswana and the Russian Federation will
meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation serve as Vice-Chair during the period of 2019-
Organization - Dushanbe, Tajikistan 2020.
Note:
2nd World Conference on Access to Medical • Kimberley Process (KP) is a joint initiative of
Products – New Delhi different countries, industry and civil societies
to control flow of conflict diamonds, which are
India–West Africa Conclave held in - Abuja, used by rebel movements to finance wars against
Nigeria. legitimate governments in the world.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

• India is the founding member of Kimberley


Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) and is 27th BASIC Ministerial Meeting on Climate
actively involved in KP activities to ensure that Change held in New Delhi
almost 99 per cent of the diamond trade in the • The 27th BASIC Ministerial Meeting on
world is conflict free. Climate Change was held in New Delhi, India.
• Since August 2013, the KP has 54 participants, • The meeting was chaired by H.E. Dr Harsh
representing 81 countries. Vardhan, Minister of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change of India.
The 2nd International Ambedkar Conclave • The BASIC countries comprise Brazil, South
inaugurated in New Delhi Africa, India and China.
• The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, • Brazil will host the next meeting of BASIC in
inaugurated the 2nd International Ambedkar 2019.
Conclave in New Delhi as part of the
commemoration of Constitution Day. General Conference on Weights and Measures
(CGPM) held in France
12th World Congress on Mountain Medicine • The 26th meeting of the General Conference
held in Kathmandu on Weights and Measures (CGPM) was held at
• The 12th World Congress on Mountain Versailles (Paris), France.
Medicine started in Kathmandu, the capital of • The members have voted for the redefinition
Nepal. of 130 years old “Le grand K – the SI unit of kg”
• The theme of the 4-day congress is “Mountain in terms of the fundamental Planck’s
Medicine in the Heart of the Himalayas”. constant(h).
• The event is hosted by Mountain Medicine • The new definitions will come into force on 20
Society of Nepal (MMSN). May 2019.

Sushma Swaraj Co-Chairs 9th Meeting of 49th International Film Festival of India
India-Lao PDR Joint Commission concludes in Goa
• External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj co-
chaired the 9th Meeting of India-Lao PDR Joint Sustainable Blue Economy Conference held in
Commission on Bilateral Cooperation with her Nairobi, Kenya
counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith in Vientiane,
Capital of Laos. 7th International Tourism Mart 2018 being
organised in Agartala
India to host 50th Union World Conference on
Lung Health in 2019 9th Annual Defence and Security Dialogue
• The 50th Union World Conference on Lung between India and China held in Beijing
Health will be held in Hyderabad.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Regional meeting of World Customs • APEC stands for - Asia-Pacific Economic


Organisation being held in Jaipur Cooperation.
• Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is
6th Indian Social Work Congress in New Delhi an intergovernmental forum for 21 Pacific Rim
member economies that promotes free trade
10th Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Seminar throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
held in Kochi
9th Session of India-Kyrgyz IGC held in New
Indo-Japan Business Council’s Business Delhi
Festival held in Pune • The 9th Session of the India-Kyrgyz
• Indo-Japan Business Council’s Business InterGovernmental Commission on Trade,
Festival was held in Pune. Economic, Scientific and Technological
• The Indo-Japan Business Council (IJBC), Cooperation (IKIGC) was held in New Delhi.
hosted KONNICHI WA PUNE – a first of its • The IK-IGC was co-chaired by The Union
kind business festival in Pune. Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil
• The festival was aimed to boost investment, Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, and Mr. Kosmosbek
promote businesses and cultural exchange Cholponbaev, Minister of Health, Government
between India and Japan. 16. South Asia Youth of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Peace Conference held in New Delhi
• The three-day South Asia Regional Youth 34th ASEAN Summit 2019 – Thailand
Peace Conference was held in New Delhi as part • In 2019, the 34th edition of the ASEAN
150th birth anniversary celebrations of father of Summit will be held in Thailand.
nation Mahatma Gandhi. • The official theme for the ASEAN
• It was organised by Gandhi Smriti and chairmanship next year will be “Advancing
Darshan Samiti, UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Partnership for Sustainability”.
Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable
Development (MGIEP) and STEP (Standing 3rd ASEAN Summit 2018 held in Singapore
Together to Enable Peace). • Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong
• It was inaugurated by Krishna G Kulkarni, hosted the summit.
great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi • The theme of the Summit was “Resilience” and
“Innovation”.
APEC Summit 2018 held in - Papua New • This is the second ASEAN summit of this year
Guinea as the 32nd edition of the ASEAN Summit 2018
• The summit was held in Port Moresby, Papua was held in Singapore from 27-28 April 2018.
New Guinean capital. • The ASEAN members are - Indonesia,
• This is the first time Papua New Guinea Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, The Philippines,
(PNG), has hosted the summit. Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei and Laos.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

• INSPIRE stands for - International Symposium


FinTech Festival held in Singapore to Promote Innovation & Research in Energy
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the Efficiency.
first head of a country who has been invited to • It was jointly organized by Energy Efficiency
give the keynote address. 22. 13th East Asia Services Limited (EESL) and the World Bank.
Summit 2018 held in Singapore
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 26th Conference of Central and State
13th East Asia Summit. Organizations held In Himachal Pradesh
• It was Prime Minister Modi's 5th East Asia • The 26th edition of Central and State
Summit. Statistical Organizations(COCSSO) Conference
• India has been participating in the East Asia was organized by the Ministry of Statistics and
Summit since its very inception in 2005. Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in
• The first summit was held in Kuala Lumpur, collaboration with Directorate of Economics and
Malaysia on 14 December 2005. 23. 2nd Statistics, Government of Himachal Pradesh at
Regional Comprehensive Economic Summit, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. • The theme
(RCEP) held in Singapore of the 26th Conference was “Quality Assurance
• PM Modi attended the second RCEP Summit in Official Statistics”.
in Singapore with 16-member states.
1st WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution
ASEAN-India Breakfast Summit held in and Health held in Geneva
Singapore • The First WHO Global Conference on Air
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in Pollution and Health took place at WHO
the ASEAN-India Breakfast Summit in headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Singapore
First-ever India-US Dialogue on Intellectual
The 17th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Property held in New Delhi
Council Meeting was held in Singapore • The first ever India-US Dialogue on
• The meeting was attended by the ASEAN Intellectual Property was held in Delhi to
Economic Ministers and AEC Ministers. deepen bilateral strategic cooperation on IP
policy.
The second edition of ‘INSPIRE 2018’ held in • The dialogue was launched by US Chamber of
New Delhi Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center
• The second edition of INSPIRE was (GIPC) and FICCI in partnership with the US
inaugurated in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by India Business Council.
Shri R K Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) for
Power and New & Renewable Energy. India Mobile Congress held in New Delhi
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

• India Mobile Congress is one of the biggest ● The announcement was made by Prime
marquee Mobile, Internet, and Technology event Minister Narendra Modi at the closing
for South-East Asia organized by COAI and ceremony of the 13th G20 summit in the
DoT. Argentinian capital on 1st December 2018. The
• IMC 2018 was held in Aerocity, New Delhi. Prime Minister thanked Italy for allowing India
• The congress was held under the theme of to play the host as it was to host the summit in
NEW DIGITAL HORIZONS. 2022.
G – 20 Summit 2018 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Netherland to be partner Country for 25th DST- • The theme of the G20 summit is ‘Building
CII Technology Summit 2019 Consensus for a Fair and Sustainable
• The Kingdom of Netherlands will be the Development.’
Partner Country 25th DST – CII Technology G – 20 Summit 2019 – Osaka, Japan
Summit to be organized in 2019, announced Dr. • The 2019 G20 summit will be held on 28–29
Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & June 2019 in Osaka, Japan.
Technology, Earth Sciences, Environment, • Japan will host its first ever G20 Summit.
Forest and Climate Change. G – 20 Summit 2020 – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia •
The 2020 G20 summit will be held in Riyadh,
4th NITI Aayog- DRC Dialogue Held in Saudi Arabia.
Mumbai G – 20 Summit 2021 – Italy
• The Fourth Dialogue of the NITI Aayog – • The 2021 G20 summit will be held in Italy.
Development Research Centre (DRC) of the G – 20 Summit 2022 – New Delhi, India
State Council, Peoples’ Republic of China was • India will host the G-20 summit in 2022.
held in Mumbai. About G-20
• The G-20 is a grouping of the world’s 20 major
World Tolerance Summit held in Dubai, UAE economies.
• The theme of the Summit was ‘Prospering • G-20 members comprise Argentina, Australia,
from Pluralism: Embracing Diversity through Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union,
Innovation and Collaboration’. France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan,
Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa,
DECEMBER 2018 South Korea, Turkey, the UK and the U.S.
• Collectively, the G-20 economies account for
India to host G20 summit in 2022 nearly 90% of the gross world product, 80% of
● India is to host the annual G20 summit in world trade, two-thirds of the world population,
2022 as it will be celebrating its75th anniversary and approximately half of the world land area.
of Independence. This will be India’s first time • Spain is a permanent guest invitee.
to host the G20 summit • In 2008, the first G20 Leaders’ Summit was
held in Washington DC, US.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

• Union Minister for Water Resources, River


Climate Change Conference 2018 held in Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin
Poland Gadkari inaugurated the summit.
• The Climate Change Conference 2018 was • The discussions this year will be on
held in Katowice, Poland. rejuvenation of the Ganga River Basin.
• Previously, Poland hosted them twice – in • The spotlight is on the 5 states, Uttarakhand,
2008, in Poznań and in 2013, in Warsaw. Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, and Bihar.
Note:
• The UN climate summits, i.e. so-called COP Government holds Workshop on Developing
(Conference of the Parties) are global ‘Ganga Museum’
conferences, in the course of which action for • The National Mission for Clean Ganga
climate policy is negotiated. organised workshop on ‘Developing a Ganga
Museum Concept: Exchanging Experiences and
Global Agriculture & Food Summit 2018 held Ideas between India and Europe’ in Delhi.
in Jharkhand
• The Global Agriculture & Food Summit 2018 13th Edition of CII Agro Tech India – 2018
was held in Ranchi, Jharkhand. inaugurated in Chandigarh
• Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan • The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind,
Singh inaugurated the summit. inaugurated the 13th edition of CII Agro Tech
• The aim of the Summit is to promote India-2018 in Chandigarh.
Jharkhand as a key player to attract investment
in the agriculture sector. Asia Pacific Summit-2018 held in Kathmandu
• The Asia Pacific Summit-2018 held in
First India-ASEAN InnoTech Summit held in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
New Delhi • The theme of two-day Summit is “Addressing
• The first India-ASEAN InnoTech Summit was the Critical Challenges of Our Time:
held in New Delhi. Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity, and
• It was organized by Federation of Indian Universal Values”.
Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) in
association with Department of Science & 12th session of the India-UAE Joint
Technology (DST) and Ministry of External Commission Meeting held in Abu Dhabi.
Affairs. • The 12th session of the India-UAE Joint
Commission Meeting for Economic and
India Water Impact Summit-2018 held in New Technical Cooperation with UAE Foreign
Delhi Minister was held in Abu Dhabi.
• The India Water Impact Summit-2018 was
held in New Delhi.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

• External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj


visited United Arab Emirates to co-chair the G Sathiyan is India’s highest-ranked player in
meeting. ITTF rankings
● G Sathiyan become India’s highest-
ranked player in the latest International
SPORTS Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)
rankings.
JANUARY 2018
● He surpasses his compatriot the
legendary Sharath Kamal.
Roger Federer won the Australian Open 2018
● The current ranking of Sathiyan is 49.
● The 2018 Australian Open was the
106th edition of the tournament. Roger
Federer was the defending champion &
Meghalaya signed contract for hosting
successfully defended his title, defeating
National Games in 2022
Marin Cilic in the final.
● Meghalaya signed the Host City
● It was Federer's 20th Grand Slam title.
Contract with the Indian Olympic
● In women's' single, Caroline Wozniacki
Association (IOA) for hosting the 39th
became the first Danish player to win a
National Games in 2022.
Grand Slam singles title, defeating
Simona Halep in the final.
FEBRUARY 2018
Men's Singles - Roger Federer (Switzerland)
Women's Singles - Caroline Wozniacki
Jhulan Goswami 1st Woman In The World To
(Denmark)
Take 200 ODI Wickets
Men's Doubles - Oliver Marach (Austria) Mate
● Indian women's cricket team pacer
Pavic(Croatia)
Jhulan Goswami become the first
Women's Doubles - Kristina Mladenovic
woman in the world to take 200 wickets
(France) - Tímea Babos (Hungary)
in ODI cricket.
Mixed Doubles - Gabriela Dabrowski (Canada) -
● Goswami achieved the feat playing in
Mate Pavic (Croatia).
her 166th ODI against South Africa.
● Goswami had become the leading
India beat Pakistan to win the Blind Cricket
wicket-taker in women's ODI in May
World Cup 2018
2017, overtaking former Australian
● India beat Pakistan by two wickets to
pacer Cathryn Fitzpatrick's record of
win the Blind Cricket World Cup 2018
180 wickets.
for the second time.
● Sunil Ramesh was declared the man of
the match. India Won U-19 World Cup 2018
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● India defeated Australia to lift the Haryana emerges as first champion of Khelo
Under 19 World cup for the fourth time. India School Games with 38 gold medals
● The Men in Blue defeated the three- ● The sports powerhouse won 102 medals
time champions Australia at Bay Oval, including 38 gold medals, 26 silver
New Zealand. medals, 38 Bronze medals.
● Manjot Kalra was the Hero of the ● Maharashtra (110) finished second
match with his brilliant century. overall while Delhi (94) came third.

Kishan Gangolli Wins 13th Edition Of MARCH 2018


National Chess Championship For Blind
● The championship was organized by All India beat Pakistan to win Snooker Team
India Chess Federation for the Blind World Cup
(AICFB). ● The Indian combine of Pankaj Advani
● Gujarat’s Ashwin Makwana stood and Manan Chandra defeated Pakistan
second with 9.5 points, Soundarya in the best-of-five final played in Doha.
Kumar Pradhan of Orissa with 9 points
came third.
MS Dhoni became Brand Ambassador Of
Gaming Platform Dream 11
Intel sets a Guinness world record with 1,218 ● The former India Test skipper had led
drones at 2018 Winter Olympic Games the country to a famous triumph in the
● The opening ceremony of the Winter inaugural World T20 Championship in
Olympic Games 2018 saw a record- 2007.
setting performance of 1,218 drones ● He would be the new face of the gaming
(unmanned aerial vehicles), flying in platform's multi-channel marketing
sync to create huge formations of campaigns and brand engagement
various Olympic sports and the iconic activities.
Olympic rings. ● Currently, the gaming platform has a
● This record was set by Intel. user base of 2 crore sports fans playing
● The drones set a world record for the "fantasy cricket, football, kabaddi, and
'most unmanned aerial vehicles airborne NBA".
simultaneously,' which was previously
held by 500 drones during a 2016
Australia Beat England 2-1 To Lift 27th
performance in Germany.
Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
● Australia won the prestigious
tournament for the 10th time.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Earlier, in the classification match for demolishing his practice partner B


the 3rd place, Argentina finished third Bhaskar 6-1 in the summit clash in
after beating Malaysia 3-2, which ended Yangon, Myanmar.
at the 4th spot. ● With this win, Advani remains the
reigning Indian, Asian and world
champion in billiards for 2017-18.
Deepa Malik Becomes Asian Rank 1 In Javelin
● This is Advani's 11th gold medal at the
F-53 Category
Asian level of cue sports.
● Indian para-athlete Deepa Malik won a
● India's Amee Kamani won the Asian
gold medal in the F-53/54 category
Women's Snooker title by blanking her
javelin event at the World Para
Thai opponent Siripaporn
Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai.
Nuanthakhamjan 3-0.
● With this, she became the Asian rank
one in the F-53 category.
APRIL 2018

Elavenil Valarivan Wins Gold In Junior ISSF


2018 CommonWealth Games (CWG) -
World Cup Shooting
Complete Highlights
● Indian shooter Elavenil Valarivan
● The 2018 Commonwealth Games
shattered the qualification world record
(officially known as the XXI
in 10-meter women’s air rifle event of
Commonwealth Games) has been held
the season’s first junior ISSF World Cup
in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
in Sydney, Australia.
● It is the fifth time Australia has hosted
● Her 631.4 in the qualification was a new
the Commonwealth Games. The
world record.
● Motto of CWG 2018 is "Share the
● Besides her individual podium finish,
Dream".
Elavenil also combined with Shreya
● 'Borobi' was named as the mascot of the
Agrawal and Zeena Khitta to claim the
2018 Commonwealth Games in 2016.
team gold medal.
Borobi is a blue koala, with indigenous
● Arjun Babuta bagged his second junior
markings on its body.
world cup medal, claiming a bronze in
● India finished third in the medals tally
men’s 10-meter air rifle event.
at the Commonwealth Games 2018,
courtesy 66 medals including 26 gold, 20
silver and 20 bronze medals.
Pankaj Advani Wins Asian Billiards
● Australia with 198 medals topped the
Championships Title
chart and England with 136 stood
● Pankaj Advani defended his Asian
second.
Billiards Championships title by
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Neeraj Chopra from Haryana became 8. Anish BHANWALA Men's 25m Rapid
the first Indian javelin thrower to claim Fire Pistol
a Gold medal at the Games. 9. Sanjeev RAJPUT Men's 50m Rifle 3
● Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who Positions
claimed India's first Gold, in the
10. Heena SIDHU Women's 25m Pistol
Women's 48 kg, broke three Games
11. Tejaswini SAWANT Women's 50m Rifle
records in the ‘snatch’ section, the ‘clean
3 Positions
and jerk’ and the overall Games record.
12. Shreyasi SINGH Women's Double
Trap

Flag Bearers: Wrestling


1. PV Sindhu was the flag bearer for the 13. Kumar SUSHIL Men's Freestyle 74
inauguration ceremony. kg
2. MC Mary Kom was the flag bearer for the 14. SUMIT Men's Freestyle 125
concluding ceremony. kg
15. Rahul AWARE Men's Freestyle 57
Gold Medals (26)
kg
16. BAJRANG Men's Freestyle 65
S. Winners Sports Category
kg
No.
17. Vinesh PHOGAT Women's Freestyle
Weightlifting
50 kg
1. Chanu Saikhom Women's 48kg
Boxing
MIRABAI
18. Gaurav SOLANKI Men's 52kg
2. Venkat Rahul Men's 85kg
19. Vikas KRISHAN Men's 75kg
RAGALA
20. MC Mary KOM Women's 45-48kg
3. Sanjita Chanu Women's 53kg
Table-Tennis
KHUMUKCHAM
21. India Men's Team
4. Sathish Kumar Men's 77kg
SIVALINGAM 22. Manika BATRA Women's Singles

5. Punam YADAV Women's 69kg 23. India Women's Team

Shooting Badminton

6. Manu BHAKER Women's 10m Air 24. Saina NEHWAL Women's Singles

Pistol 25. India Mixed Team Event


7. Jitu RAI Men's 10m Air Athletics
Pistol 26. Neeraj CHOPRA Men's Javelin Throw
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

MAY 2018 JUNE 2018

South Korea Won Asian Champions (Hockey) Mithali Became First Indian to Score 2,000
Trophy 2018 T20I Runs
● South Korea has lifted the title for the ● Indian cricketer Mithali Raj become the
third time after having won it in 2010 first batter from the country to score
and 2011. 2,000 runs in T20I cricket.
● India, on the other hand, finished ● She achieved the feat during India's
second best for the second time after Women's T20 Asia Cup match against
having lost to Japan in the final of the Sri Lanka in Kuala Lumpur.
2013 edition. ● Mithali has now scored 2015 runs in 74
● Indian striker Vandana Katariya was T20Is with the help of 14 half centuries.
declared player of the tournament ● Mithali is the seventh woman batter to
while youngster Lalremsiami was score 2,000 runs in T20Is, a list which is
named as the upcoming player of the topped by Charlotte Edwards (2,605),
tournament. followed by Stafanie Taylor (2,582) and
Suzie Bates (2,515).
● When it comes to men's T20I, the list is
AB De Villiers Retired from International
led by Martin Guptill (2271) followed by
Cricket
Brendon McCullum (2140) and Virat
● Star South African batsman AB de
Kohli (1983).
Villiers announced his decision to retire
from international cricket with
immediate effect. Tennis Player Roger Federer returns to No.1
● In his 14-year career, he played 114 ranking after winning his 98th career singles
Tests, 228 One-Day Internationals (ODI) title
and 78 T20 Internationals. ● Twenty-time Grand Slam champion
● Some of the Phenomenal Records of Roger Federer clinched his 98th career
ABD are: The World Record for the singles title by defeating Milos Raonic
fastest ODI 50 (16 balls), 100 (31 balls) in the Stuttgart Open final and reached
and 150 (64 balls), the second highest the world number one ranking.
individual Test score for South Africa ● Now Rafael Nadal is in World No:2
(278*), the highest points (935) by a South ranking.
African on the ICC Test rankings and ● Roger Federer is 36 years old, born at
has claimed the coveted SA Cricketer of Basel, Switzerland.
the Year award twice (2014 and 2015).
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

R Praggnanandhaa has become the second


England registered new ODI record score of youngest Grandmaster in chess history
481 against Australia ● Soon after Chennai's R Praggnanandhaa
● England registered the highest-ever completed his third norm - beating
ODI total (481/6) in men's cricket history Italian Grandmaster Luca Moroni in the
and defeated Australia by 242 runs to eighth round of the Gredine Open at
take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five- Ortisei in Italy, he has become the
match series. second youngest Grandmaster in chess
● The 242-run defeat was Australia's history at the age of 12 years, 10 months,
heaviest-ever in ODIs. 13 days.
● With this, England beaten their own ● The youngest Grandmaster ever is
previous best of 444 runs which they Russia's Sergey Karjakin, who achieved
registered against Pakistan in 2016 at the feat aged 12 years, 7 months and has
the same venue. held the record since 2002.

Kidambi Srikanth wins “Sportsperson Of The Indian shooter Manu sets world record, wins
Year award” 8th gold of year
● The Commonwealth Games 2018 gold- ● 16-year-old Manu Bhaker won gold
medal winning shuttler Kidambi medal in 10m air pistol event at ISSF
Srikanth, was adjudged as the Junior World Cup in Germany.
"Sportsperson of the Year for 2017" by ● This was Manu's seventh ISSF
the Sports Illustrated India magazine. individual gold in the year, third with a
● Here are the award categories in which world record.
the athletes were felicitated:
○ Team of the Year: Women’s
JULY 2018
Cricket Team
○ Coach of the Year: Stephen
FIFA WORLD CUP 2018:
Constantine
● FIFA Full Form - Fédération
○ Young Sportsperson of the
Internationale de Football Association
Year: Manav Vikas Thakkar
● FIFA 2018 Host country - Russia
○ Lifetime Achievement Award:
● France defeated first-time finalists
Dhanraj Pillay
Croatia 4-2 in the final match and won
○ Special Award Living Legend:
FIFA World Cup after 20 years.
Balbir Singh Sr.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● France became the first team since 2018 Wimbledon Championships:


Brazil in 1970 to score four goals in a ● Edition - 132nd tennis tournament
World Cup final. ● Took place at - All England Lawn
● Previously, France won FIFA World Tennis and Croquet Club in
Cup in 1998. Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom
● It is the third Grand Slam tournament
of the year.
2018 Champions France ● Novak Djokovic (Serbia) wins fourth
(2011/2014/2015/2018) Wimbledon title.
Runners-up Croatia
2018 Wimbledon Champions:

Third place Belgium


Event Winner Runners-Up

Fourth place England


Men’s Novak Djokovic Kevin
Singles (Serbia) Anderson

FIFA World Cup 2018 Award Winners:- (South


Africa)

Award Player Country Women Angelique Serena


’s Kerber Williams
Golden Boot Harry England Singles (Germany) (USA)
award (Top Kane (Captain) - 6
Men’s Mike Bryan Michael
Scorer) goals
Doubles (USA) Venus (New
Golden Ball Luka Croatia Zealand)
award (Best Modric
Jack Sock (USA) Raven
Player)
Klaasen(Sout
Golden Glove Thibaut Belgium h Africa)
award Courtois (Goalkeeper)
Women Barbora Nicole
(Best goalkeeper)
’s Krejcikova Melichar
Tournament's Kylian France (19- Doubles (Czech (USA)
best young player Mbappe year-old) Republic)

Fair play award Spain Katerina Kveta


Siniakova Peschke(Cze
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● India lost 1-3 to Australia in the final


(Czech ch Republic)
match of "Champions Trophy Hockey
Republic)
2018" held in Breda, the Netherlands.
● India captain PR Sreejesh receives the
Mixed Alexander Peya Victoria
award for the best goalkeeper of the
Doubles (Austria) Azarenka(Bel
tournament.
arus)
● The Netherlands beat Olympic
Nicole Melichar Jamie champions Argentina 2-0 to win the
(USA) Murray (UK) bronze medal playoff.

Hima Das becomes first woman to win gold in


Rahul Dravid becomes the fifth Indian
World Jr Athletics C'ships:
cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Hall of
● Hima Das, 18-year-old from Dhing
Fame:
village in Assam is first Indian woman
● Former Team India captain Rahul
to win gold at the IAAF World Under-
Dravid (45-year-old) has become the
20 Athletics Championships.
fifth Indian cricketer after Anil Kumble,
● She won the women's 400 metres final
Sunil Gavaskar, Bishan Singh Bedi and
competition in Tampere, Finland,
Kapil Dev to be inducted into the ICC
clocking 51.46 seconds.
Hall of Fame.
● Andrea Miklos of Romania clocked a
● He scored 24,208 runs in 509
personal best of 52.07 seconds to finish
international matches in his nearly 16-
second while Taylor Manson of the
year-long playing career.
United States was third in 52.28
● Australia captain Ricky Ponting and
seconds.
retired England woman wicketkeeper-
batter Claire Taylor are also inducted

India clinched the Kabaddi Masters Dubai into the ICC Hall of Fame.

2018 title:
● The Indian kabaddi team beat Iran 44-
Vikram Dogra become the first Indian Army
26 and lifted the "Kabaddi Masters
officer to complete world's toughest Ironman
2018" title in Dubai.
Triathlon:
● India's captain - Ajay Thakur
● Ironman Triathlon comprises three
● Iranian captain - Mohammad Maleki.
consecutive events: a 3.8-km swim, 180-
km cycling and 42.2-km marathon, to be

Australia won Hockey Champions Trophy completed within 17 hours.

Final 2018, India finish Runners Up:


Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Major General Vikram Dogra ● India's ace squash player Dipika


completed the triathlon in 14 hours and Pallikal has been appointed as Asia’s
21 minutes to earn the 'Ironman' title. representative in the prestigious
● Ironman Austria was held in the scenic Athletes Advisory Commission of the
town of Klagenfurt and over 3000 Commonwealth Games Federation
athletes participated in the event. (CGF).

♦ The CGF Athletes Advisory Commission is the


Dipa Karmakar clinched gold medal at body that represents and speaks on behalf of all
gymnastics World cup: Commonwealth athletes.
● Dipa Karmakar clinched the gold medal ♦ CGF president - Louise Martin
at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World ♦ Indian Olympic Association (IOA) secretary
Challenge Cup in Mersin, Turkey. general - Rajeev Mehta
● She scored 14.150 to win the top prize.
● she is now the first Indian gymnast to Mohammad Kaif retires from competitive
win a gold in a world level event. cricket:
● Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif
announced his retirement from all forms
Satyarup Siddhanta became second Indian to
of competitive cricket.
climb world's highest volcano:
● The 37-year-old Kaif played 13 Tests and
● Satyarup Siddhanta has become the
125 ODIs for India and will always be
second Indian mountaineer after Malli
remembered for his match-winning
Mastan Babu to climb Mt Ojos del
knock of 87 at the Lord's during the epic
Salado, the highest volcano in the
NatWest Trophy final in 2002.
world.
● Kaif was the captain of Under 19 cricket
● Satyarup is also set to be the first Indian
team that won the U-19 World Cup in
to climb Mt Sidley, the highest volcano
2000 against Sri Lanka.
of Antarctica.
● Mount Ojos del Salado is a
stratovolcano (a volcano built up of Indian women's compound archery team
alternate layers of lava and ash) in the reached World No: 1 rank:
Andes on the Argentina-Chile border ● With India's archery twin silver medal
and the highest active volcano in the winning effort in the Antalya and Berlin
world at 6,893 metres (22,615 ft). World Cups, the Indian women’s
compound archery team lead the chart
with 342.6 points, six points ahead of
Dipika Pallikal to represent Asia in CGF
second-placed Chinese Taipei.
Athletes Advisory Commission:
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● The team comprises of V Jyothi cherry blossoms and also sounds a bit
Surekha, Trisha Deb, P Lily Chanu, like the English words "so mighty".
Muskan Kirar, Divya Dhayal, and ● The next Olympic Games will be held in
Madhumita. Tokyo between July 24 and August 9,
● Recurve archer Deepika Kumari had 2020 and Paralympic Games from
been a former world number one. August 25 to September 6, 2020.
Deepika and Abhishek Verma are the
only Indians in top-10 in the individual
All India Football Federation (AIFF) Awards
categories.
2017 Announced:
● India and Bengaluru FC Captain Sunil
Youngest Indian girl scales Kilimanjaro in 3 Chhetri named as the AIFF Player of
days: the Year 2017.
● Shivangi Pathak, the 17-year-old from ● Kamala Devi bagged the AIFF Woman
Haryana, who became the youngest Player of the Year 2017.
woman from India to reach the peak of
Mount Everest from Nepal side, has now
AUGUST 2018
scaled Africa's highest peak, Mount
Kilimanjaro, in three days.
Asian Games 2018 - Important Highlights:
● Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro measures
5,895 metres in height.
Asian Games 2018 Jakarta Palembang
Also known as 2018
Tokyo introduced mascots for 2020 Olympic
Games:
Edition 18th
● The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Organising
Committee launched the official
Host Country Indonesia
Olympic Game mascot named
'Miraitowa' and Paralympic Game
Motto “Energy of Asia”
mascot christened 'Someity'.
● A big-eyed, blue-checked character
Opening ceremony 18 August
"Miraitowa" name was a combination of
the Japanese words for future and
Closing ceremony 2 September
eternity, expressing "hope for a bright
future stretching off forever."
Nations 45
● The pink, pointy-eared "Someity" name
participating
comes from the word for Japan's iconic
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Mascots 1) Bhin Bhin - a greater ng freestyle 50 kg

bird-of-paradise, Saurabh Shootin Men's 10 metre


2) Atung - a Bawean Chaudhary g air pistol
deer, and
Rahi Sarnobat Shootin Women's 25
3) Kaka - a Javan
g metre pistol
rhinoceros
Sawarn Singh, Rowing Men's
First Asian Games 1951 in New Delhi, Dattu Baban Quadruple
held in India Bhokanal, sculls
Om Prakash,

● Young javelin-thrower Neeraj Chopra Sukhmeet Singh

carried India’s flag at the Asian Games


2018 opening ceremony. Rohan Bopanna, Lawn Men's Doubles
● Rani Rampal was named as the flag Divij Sharan Tennis
bearer for the closing ceremony.
● India brought home a total of 69 medals Tajinder Pal Athleti Men's shot put
– 15 gold, 24 silver and 30 bronze from Singh Toor cs
the Asian Games 2018 in Indonesia. Neeraj Chopra Athleti Men's javelin
● Neeraj Chopra won India's first javelin cs throw
throw gold medal in Asian Games
Manjit Singh Athleti Men's 800
history.
cs metres
● Swapna Barman becomes first Indian
Arpinder Singh Athleti Men's triple
to win Asian Games gold medal in the
cs jump
women's Heptathlon event, which
consists of seven events including 100m Swapna Barman Athleti Women's

race, high jump, shot put, 200m race, cs heptathlon

long jump, javelin throw and 800m race. Jinson Johnson Athleti Men's 1500
cs metres

M. R. Poovamma, Athleti Women's 4 x


India's Gold Medal Winners at the Asian
Saritaben cs 400 m relay
Games 2018:
Gaikwad,
GOLD MEDAL Spor Event
Hima Das,
WINNERS t
Vismaya.
Bajrang Punia Wrestli Men's freestyle
ng 65 kg
Amit Panghal Boxing Light flyweight
Vinesh Phogat Wrestli Women's (49 kg)
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Pranab Bardhan, Bridge Men's pair ● She beat P.V.Sindhu of India by 21-19,
Shibhnath Sarkar (Card Game) 21-10.
● Here is the complete list of the winners
of World Badminton Championship
Kho-Kho gets recognition from Olympic 2018:
Council of Asia (OCA): ○ Men's Singles - Kento Momota
● Kho-Kho will be included as an (Japan)
exhibition game in Asian Indoor Games ○ Women's Singles -Carolina
by this decision. Marin (Spain)
● Also, it has the possibility to be included ○ Men's Doubles - Li Junhui
as a discipline in the next Asian Games. (China) and Liu Yuchen (China)
● Secretary General of Indian Olympic ○ Women's Doubles - Mayu
Association (IOA) - Rajeev Mehta Matsumoto (Japan) and Wakana
● Union Sports Minister - Rajyavardhan Nagahara (Japan)
Singh Rathore. ○ Mixed Doubles - Zheng Siwei
(China) and Huang Yaqiong
Pacer Jhulan Goswami announced her
(China)
retirement from Women's T20 Internationals:

● Goswami is currently the leading Karman becomes 6th Indian woman to enter
wicket-taker in the women's ODI top 200 Tennis rankings in Singles:
format and also the first woman to pick ● Karman Kaur Thandi, 20-year-old Delhi
up 200 ODI wickets. girl, jumped 32 places and now ranked
● She played 68 T20 Internationals and 200th in the WTA (Women's Tennis
took 56 wickets at an economy rate of Association) list.
5.45. ● In April, India's top singles player
Ankita had broken into the top-200 and
is now ranked 195 (-4).
Carolina Marin won gold in BWF World
● Earlier, Sania Mirza, Nirupama
Championships 2018, P.V. Sindhu won Silver:
Vaidyanathan, Shikha Uberoi and
● Spanish badminton ace Carolina Marin
Sunitha Rao had made it to the top-200.
won gold in Badminton World
● In the men’s singles, Yuki Bhambri was
Federation (BWF) World
unchanged at 86 while Ramkumar
Championships 2018, in Nanjing. Ramanathan climbed four places to a
● She created history by becoming the career-best 111.
first woman to win three badminton
World titles with an emphatic victory.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Germany's Mario Gomez retires from Triple jumper Arpinder Singh creates history
International Football: by becoming first Indian to win a medal in
● Veteran German striker Mario Gomez IAAF Continental Cup:
(33-year-old), who made his debut for ● He clinched a bronze with a modest
Germany in 2007, scored 31 goals in 78 effort of 16.59m.
international appearances. ● Arpinder had won a gold in the Asian
● He represented his country at the FIFA Games in Jakarta
World Cup in 2010 and 2018 and the
Euro Cup in 2008 and 2012.
Sajan Bhanwal becomes first Indian to win
● He is now looking to pay his full
back-to-back medal at World Junior Wrestling
attention to the domestic football
● 20-year-old Haryana wrestler won the
league, Bundesliga.
silver medal in 77kg category in Greco-
Roman style at the Junior World
India improved to World No: 96 in FIFA ● Championships in Trnava, Slovakia.
rankings: ● He had won a bronze medal in the same
The Top five positions in the latest Fédération category at the Tampere World
Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Championships last year.
rankings are: ● He also clinched the gold at Junior Asia
Championship in July
Rank Country

OCTOBER 2018
1 France

India defeated Bangladesh to win 7th Asia


2 Belgium
Cup Title
● It was the second successive Asia Cup
3 Brazil
final where India took on Bangladesh.
● In 2016, India had decimated
4 Croatia
Bangladesh in the final (of the Asia Cup
T20).
5 Uruguay
● Overall, this was India's seventh Asia
Cup triumph.

SEPTEMBER 2018

36th National Games in Goa will be held from


March 30 to April 14 next year
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) Executive


Cricketer of the year Prithvi Shaw
Director V.M.Prabhudesai made the
announcement in Panaji after a meeting
Ranji Trophy Cricketer of Siddhesh Lad
with visiting officials of the Indian
the year
Olympic Association.
● Shooting and cycling events will be held Woman Cricketer of the Jemimah
in New Delhi as Goa does not have year Rodrigues
facilities for these two sports.
Junior Cricketer of the Yashasvi Jaiswal
year

Rahul Aware was awarded the Best


Team of the year Maharashtra
Sportsperson of the Year by SJAM
kabaddi team
● Wrestler Rahul Aware, the
Commonwealth Games gold medallist,
Mumbai Team won Vijay Hazare Trophy title
was awarded the Best Sportsperson of
for third time
the Year award at the annual Sports
● Mumbai defeated Delhi by four wickets
Journalists’ Association of Mumbai
to win their third Vijay Hazare Trophy
(SJAM) award function.
title at M Chinnaswamy Stadium,
● The awards function was sponsored by
Star Sports. Other awardees of SJAM are Bengaluru.

listed below:
NOVEMBER 2018

Awards Name
India win eighth consecutive ODI series
Sportsman of the year Rahul Aware against Windies

Sportswomen of the year Heena Sidhu ● India defeated Windies by 9 wickets in


Tejaswini Sawant the fifth ODI at Thiruvananthapuram to
clinch the five-match series 3-1 and win
their eighth consecutive ODI series
Junior Sportsman of the Kisan Tadvi
against Windies
year
● With scores of 140, 157 not out and 107
in the first three games, Kohli became
Junior Sportswoman of Durga Deore
the year the first Indian to score three
consecutive hundreds in the 50-over
Sportsman of the year, Rishank Devadiga format
Indian Games ● India Team Captain - Virat Kohli
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Windies Team Captain - Jason Holder Windies at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal
Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket
Stadium in Lucknow. He now has 2,196
Pankaj Advani becomes first Indian to win
runs in the format
Asian Snooker Tour title
● He also overtook Virat Kohli (2,102
runs) to become India's leading run-
● The 33-year-old from Pune, Pankaj
getter in T20Is, and ended up second on
Advani became the first Indian to win
the list of the highest run-getters in the
an Asian Snooker Tour event after
world, just behind New Zealand's
defeating China's Ju Reti 6-1 in the final
Martin Guptill
in Jinan, China
● He also became the first captain to score
● Pankaj is Nineteen-time world
two T20I hundreds
champion
● He won Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri,
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award Australia won the ICC Women's World T20
for Billiards & Snooker title for the fourth time

● Australia defeated England by eight


Vietnam to host a Formula One race in April
wickets in the final at North Sound,
2020
Antigua
● Overall Meg Lanning (Australia) has
● Vietnam capital Hanoi will be the
made the most runs in any tournament
second Southeast Asian city to host a
257 runs, while Anya Shrubsole
race in 2020 along with Singapore
(England) has got the overall/most
● Vietnam will be only the third
wickets in the women's T20 world cup
Southeast Asian country to host a
with 13 wickets
Formula One race in history after
● Harmanpreet Kaur (India) has been
Malaysia and Singapore
appointed as the skipper for the ICC
● Formula One (F1) was taken over by US
Women’s World T20 XI
firm Liberty Media last year for $8
billion
Mary Kom Won Sixth World Championship
Title, Creates History
Rohit Sharma sets record, becomes first
cricketer in history to score 4 T20I hundreds
● MC Mary Kom created history by
becoming the first woman to win six
● He achieved the milestone in 58 balls
boxing world titles by clinching the 48
during the second T20I against the
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

kg gold at the 2018 AIBA Women’s


World Boxing Championships in New
DECEMBER 2018
Delhi
● The 35-year-old Indian legend got the
Delhi Daredevils renamed as Delhi Capitals
better of Ukrainian Hanna Okhota in
ahead of 2019 IPL season
the summit clash
● The change in name comes close on the
heels of JSW Sports picking up a 50
Harmanpreet Kaur becomes first Indian percent stake in the franchise
women to hit century in T20I cricket ● Ahead of the 2019 IPL auctions, the
● Captain Harmanpreet Kaur became the Delhi Daredevils released former
first ever Indian woman to smash a captain Gautam Gambhir and a host of
hundred in T20I cricket, achieving the international stars which include Jason
feat against New Zealand in the Roy, Glenn Maxwell and Liam Plunkett,
Women's World T20 2018 along with Indian paceman Mohammed
● The 29-year-old scored 103 runs off 51 Shami
balls, which included eight sixes and
seven fours
Belgium beat Netherlands to win men's
● Further, Harmanpreet is only the third
Hockey World Cup for 1st time
cricketer to smash a century in Women's
● Belgium defeated Netherlands in the
World T20
final at the Kalinga Stadium in
Bhubaneswar to clinch the men's
Indian Wrestler Bajrang Punia becomes Hockey World Cup for the first time
World No.1 in 65 kg category ● This is the second consecutive time that
Netherlands finished second in the
● The 24-year-old, who won silver in tournament
World Championships recently, is on ● Australia crushed England 8-1 to win
top of the United World Wrestling Bronze medal in Odisha World Cup
rankings with 96 points, 30 points 2018
ahead of the second-placed wrestler
PV Sindhu 1st Indian to win gold at BWF
● He's the lone male Indian to figure in
World Tour Finals
top-10 in any category
● PV Sindhu defeated world number five
● Cuban Alejandro Enrique Valdes Tobier
Nozomi Okuhara of Japan to record her
is a distant second with 66 points
300th career match victory across
● Russia's Akhmed Chakaev (62) is in
categories and clinch the BWF World
third place
Tour Finals women's singles title
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Sindhu, who is ranked sixth worldwide,


won the final with scoreline of 21-19, 21- India submits official interest to host 2032
17 Olympics
● It was the 23-year-old shuttler's first ● The Indian Olympic Association (IOA)
title victory in 2018, after having lost has submitted a formal expression of
five finals this year interest to bid for 2032 Olympics
● Mumbai and Delhi are the top two
options under consideration by Indian
Magnus Carlsen retains World Chess
Olympic Association (IOA), which has
Championship 2018 title
approached the International Olympic
Committee
● World number one Norwegian Magnus
● India is holding on to its dream of
Carlsen has retained his World Chess
hosting the Olympic games for the first
Championship title, beating US
time
opponent Fabiano Caruana in a tie-
● The bidding process is expected to start
breaker event.
in 2022 and a host city will be decided by
● Carlsen's peak rating of 2882, achieved
2025
in 2014, is the highest in history.
● Carlsen became World Champion in
2013 by defeating Viswanathan Anand. Gautam Gambhir announces retirement from
all forms of cricket
Ullas Narayana won India’s first international
medal in ultra running
● Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir
represented India in 58 Tests, 147 ODIs
● Ullas Narayana became the first Indian
and 37 T20Is
individual medal winner in an
● He made his debut in 2003 and last
international ultra running event by
played for India in a Test against
winning bronze in the 2018
England in Rajkot in 2016. He retires
International Association of Ultra
with nine Test centuries and 11 ODI
Running (IAU) 24 Hour Asia & Oceania
centuries to his name
Championships in Taipei, Taiwan
● He played key roles in India's title
● Ultra races consisted of running over
victories in the 2007 World T20 and the
extremely long distances which are
2011 World Cup, top-scoring for India
much longer than the traditional races
with 75 and 97 in the respective finals
● They are contested in 2 different types
of race modalities: over a set distance or
a set time
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

International Cricket Council ropes in Royal


Stag as official sponsor for next five years 2) Delhi Capitals (Delhi Daredevils)

● International Cricket Council (ICC) 3) Kolkata Knight Riders


signed a contract with Pernod Ricard
India Pvt Ltd, the makers of whiskey 4) Mumbai Indians
brand Royal Stag for a five-year global
partnership as an official sponsor 5) Kings XI Punjab
● The size of Royal Stag’s sponsorship
deal is estimated to be $5-6 million per 6) Rajasthan Royals
year
● The partnership which will last until 7) Chennai Super Kings
2023 would allow Royal Stag a
comprehensive presence across 8) Sunrisers Hyderabad
broadcast, digital and on-ground
activations of all ICC global India's Vedangi Kulkarni becomes fastest
tournaments, including the 2019 World Asian to cycle the globe
Cup, T20 World Cup, World Test ● Vedangi Kulkarni, a 20-year-old cyclist
Championship and U19 World Cup and from Maharashtra's Pune, achieved the
Women’s World Cup. feat by completing the 29,000-km
distance required to qualify as bicycling
across the globe in 159 days
IPL 2019 Auction: 8 teams spend Rs 106.80
● She reached Kolkata on December 23
crore on 60 players
after pedalling up to 300 km a day in 14
countries across the 159 days
● A total of 60 players were sold out of the
● British adventurer Jenny Graham (38) is
351, where 40 were Indians (Capped and
the fastest woman to have cycled the
Uncapped) and a total of 20 overseas
globe in 124 days in 2018, which was
players were sold
three weeks faster than the previous
● Kings XI Punjab spent ₹32.5 crore and
record
bought the most number of players (13)
in the auction, while Chennai Super Belgium ends the year as No. 1 in FIFA global
Kings spent ₹5.2 crore to fill their two rankings
available slots ● Belgium will end the year as No. 1
● IPL 2019 Eight Teams: ahead of world champions France in the
global rankings released by FIFA
1) Royal Challengers Bangalore
recently
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Belgium have 1,727 points by FIFA's 2003 and 2007), Ponting did a lap of
calculations to 1,726 for France. Brazil honor as part of his induction during the
are third on 1,676 tea break on Day-1 of the Boxing Day
● FIFA rankings 2018: Test between India and Australia at
○ 1. Belgium, MCG
○ 2. France, ● In February 2018, he was also inducted
○ 3. Brazil, into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame
○ 4. Croatia, ● Ponting is the highest run scorer for
○ 5. England, Australia in both Tests and ODIs, with
○ 6. Portugal, 13,378 runs in the longest format and
○ 7. Uruguay, 13,704 runs in the 50-over format
○ 8. Switzerland,
○ 9. Spain,
○ 10. Denmark

ENVIRONMENT
Mithali, Harmanpreet retained as India
captains for New Zealand tour
● Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur MARCH 2018
were named as Indian women's ODI
and T20I captains respectively for the Third Edition of National Conclave On Mines
tour of New Zealand And Minerals
● India will play three ODIs in New The Ministry of Mines organized the 3rd
Zealand beginning January 24 as part of National Conclave on Mines & Minerals in New
the ICC Women’s Championship before Delhi. The event was inaugurated by the
playing three T20 Internationals Minister of Mines, Narendra Singh Tomar.
Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI)
has agreed to partner in the event. A portal on
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting
Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojna
inducted into ICC Hall of Fame
(PMKKKY) scheme was also launched on the
● Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting
occasion.
became the 25th Australian cricketer to
be officially inducted into the
JUNE 2018
International Cricket Council’s Hall of
Fame at the iconic Melbourne Cricket
Orange colored crocodiles found in Gabon,
Ground (MCG)
West Africa
● A three-time World Cup winner
Scientists have recently found orange colored
(including two World Cups as captain in
crocodiles in the Omboue region, West African
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State of Gabon. The reason for the change in in European countries. Essential nutrients like
color is because of their food. In the total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium from the soil in
darkness, the animals survive on a diet of bats exchange for carbon from the tree is provided by
and crickets, unlike above-ground crocodiles of Mycorrhizal fungi which are hosted by the tree
the same species which feed on fish and in its roots. High level of nutrition elements like
crustaceans. This has caused a specific ‘genetic nitrogen and phosphorus in the mycorrhizae
signature’ in the cave-dwelling crocodiles. changes them to act as pollutants rather than
nutrients.
Rare Nevada toad species may get endangered
species tag JULY 2018

U.S. wildlife officials have agreed to consider


Endangered Species Act protection for a rare Wildlife scientists has satellite collared a

toad in northern Nevada. The toad was Dhole

discovered in 2007 in the Dixie Valley. It is 2- A team of wildlife scientists from the Wildlife
inch-long with flecks of gold on its olive-colored Institute of India (WII) have collared a dhole, the
body. Conservationist produced scientific shreds Indian wild dog, with a satellite transmitter. It is
of evidence that the Dixie valley toads could be a measure taken to study and track the habits of
at a risk of extinction. the endangered species. It took over 10 days for
the scientists to track down a pack of 14 dholes
UNESCO may drop the Mesoamerican Reef, in Bishanpura meadow in the Mukki range of
Belize from threatened sites list the Kanha National Park. An adult female was
tranquilised and tested for its health. The
scientists then fixed a tracking collar around its
The Mesoamerican Reef was marked as a World
neck. Conservation ecologists believe such
Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1960. It was placed
efforts can help protect dholes.
on endangered status in 2009 because of Belize’s
plans to allow oil exploration. To protect the
Harrier birds visit to India declined as
site a number of measures were taken by the
grasslands disappears
Belizean government and the activists. Now, UN
body is considering to remove the reef from the Harrier birds, a migratory raptor species that

UNESCO’s list of threatened World Heritage regularly visits vast swathes of India, are

sites. declining. India has one of the largest roosting


sites in the world for Pallid Harriers and

Toxic air is causing malnutrition in trees Montagu’s Harriers. The researchers focused on
six of the 15 major roosting sites in six States,
Researchers found that air pollution is affecting
where consistent observations had been made
trees by causing malnutrition in the form of
for over five years. The study observed that there
discolored leaves and excessive falling of leaves
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is a general decline in all the monitored sites


and researchers noted the most dramatic Krill fishing poses serious threat to Antarctic
changes at the Rollapadu Bustard Sanctuary in ecosystem
Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district, one of the A new report says that Industrial fishing for krill
largest. The gravest concern is the loss of in the pristine waters around Antarctica is
grasslands, either to urbanization or to threatening the future of one of the world’s last
agriculture. Of the 15 roosting sites surveyed, great wildernesses. A study by Greenpeace
eight no longer exist as grasslands, and only five found industrial fishing taking place in the
are protected. feeding grounds of whales and penguins, with
vessels involved in oil spills and accidents. It
A mysterious epidemic causes mass death of also highlights incidents of fishing boats being
turtles in Alappuzha involved in groundings, oil spills and accidents
An unknown epidemic caused mass death of pose a serious threat to the Antarctic ecosystem.
tortoises in areas like Kanjikuzhi, Mararikulam A global campaign has been launched to create a
South, Cherthala, Mannancherry, Thakazhi, network of ocean sanctuaries to protect the seas
Edathua, and Mararikulam. The sudden mass in the region. The commission for the
turtle deaths have sparked fears of a disease Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living
outbreak. The dead turtles include Softshell Resources who manages the seas around
turtle and Indian black turtle. The Animal Antarctica will decide on the sanctuary proposal
Husbandry Department has collected the carcass at a conference in Australia in October.
of a turtle and sent it to a laboratory at Villas poses a threat to endangered
Thiruvalla for examination. The cause of death Mediterranean monk seals
could not be examined as the carcass was in a A colony of monk seals, the most endangered
decayed condition. mammals in the Mediterranean, has found
refuge in a string of caves along the coast of
Scientists discover world's oldest colours from Cyprus. But villas on top of the caves are now
Sahara desert in Africa posing a threat to their habitat. Their numbers
1.1 billion-year-old bright pink pigments diminished through centuries of being disturbed
extracted from rocks deep beneath the Sahara by fishermen, the mammals abandoned beaches
desert in Africa. The pigments taken from over-exploited by humans. Urbanisation and
marine black shales of the Taoudeni Basin in tourism have been the key drivers of the seals'
Mauritania, West Africa, were more than half a decline.
billion years older than previous pigment
discoveries. The fossils range from blood red to Climate change threatens Nilgiri tahr
deep purple in their concentrated form, and The sure-footed Nilgiri tahr, the endangered
bright pink when diluted. species that are found only in high altitudes in
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India’s Western Ghats, could be losing their Seven new wasp species discovered in the
footing with increasing climate change. Amazon forests
Scientists have predicted that even under From Peru, Venezuela and Colombia in the
moderate scenarios of future climate change, Amazon forests, 7 new wasp species of the genus
tahrs could lose approximately 60% of their Clistopyga were discovered.
habitats from the 2030s. As per the The new wasp species are:
International Union for Conservation of Nature, · Clistopyga crassicaudata
their population shows a decreasing trend as · Clistopyga kalima
there are only around 2,500 tahrs left in the wild. · Clistopyga panchei
· Clistopyga taironae
Nepal returns the dancing bear to India · Clistopyga nigriventri
Nineteen-year-old sloth bear Rangila which was · Clistopyga splendida
smuggled into Nepal in December 2017 is being · Clistopyga isayae
sent back to India. The Indian and Nepalese
governments, Nepal’s Jane Goodall Institute, Tamil Nadu CM allotted Rs.150 crore for
and the Indian non-profit, Wildlife SOS, preventing pollution of Noyyal river
facilitated the repatriation. Wildlife SOS also Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K. Palaniswami
launched a campaign requesting Nepalese announced in the Assembly that a sum of Rs.150
authorities to help the bear. Eventually, a crores would be allocated for preventing
Cabinet decision by the government of Nepal pollution of Noyyal river within Tirupur
approved the bear’s repatriation to India. Corporation limits. The river was polluted
Fossils of the first giant dinosaur species primarily due to effluents discharged by
found in Argentina industrial units and residential houses in
A team of excavators in Argentina discovered Tirupur Corporation.
the remains of a 200-million-year old giant
dinosaurs species. The species, Ingentia prima, Fungus causing fatal skin disease to frogs in
was about three times the size of the largest western ghats
Triassic dinosaurs from its era. It was discovered ‘Scientific Reports’ revealed that the chytrid
in the Balde de Leyes dig site in San Juan fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium
province, 1,100 km west of the Argentine capital dendrobatidis, which causes the infectious and
Buenos Aires. Excavators found several fatal skin disease chytridiomycosis, is present in
vertebrae from the neck and tail as well as fore frogs across the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats,
and hind leg bones. It’s believed that the species Himalaya, northeastern hill ranges, and the
grew to eight to 10 meters tall and weighed Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Seven years ago,
around 10 tonnes. Indian scientists discovered a dreaded chytrid
fungus, which is notorious for causing frog
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declines and extinctions worldwide, in the around 300 milliliters of semen from the last
Western Ghats. Now, a team has detected that four bull rhinos. They hope to re-establish the
the pathogen is spread in all major biodiversity species population by In Vitro Fertilization
hotspots in India. In Maharashtra, scientists (IVF) technique. It is also hoped that this
studied 21 of the frog species and 14 species of method will lead to a northern white rhino calf
them are tested positive for the pathogen, these being born in 3 years.
included the critically endangered endemic
Amboli toad and four species of caecilians. Four critically endangered species has been
added in recovery programme by NWBL
MoEFCC declared the area around Mudumalai National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has recently
as an ESZ added four critically endangered species. The
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests species are Northern River Terrapin, Clouded
and Climate Change (MoEFCC) declared 438 Leopard, Arabian Sea Humpback Whale and Red
sq.km. of the area around the Mudumalai Tiger Panda. They were added into the center’s
Reserve in the Nilgiris as an eco-sensitive zone recovery Programme on the recommendation by
(ESZ). This is to prohibit construction and Wildlife Division of Ministry of Environment
commercial mining activities and restrict hotels and Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
and resorts near the reserve. The reserve, The programme is one of the three components
comprising the wildlife sanctuary and the of the centrally funded scheme, Integrated
national park, extending over an area of 321 Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH). It
sq.km, was declared a tiger habitat in 2007. was started in 2008-09. So far, 17 species were
Besides the tiger habitat, 367 sq. km. is the identified under this recovery programme.
buffer area for a total of 688 sq. km. reserve area.
The reserve is a critical part of the Nilgiris Tenth endangered rhino died in Kenya after
Biosphere Reserve spread over 5,500 sq. km. transfer

The tenth critically endangered black rhino died


Test-tube embryos may save the northern after a transfer from Nairobi and Lake Nakuru
white rhinos from extinction national parks to Tsavo East in southern Kenya.
Scientists have grown hybrid embryos from the The cause of death is believed to be multiple
sperm of near-extinct northern white stress syndrome intensified by salt poisoning
rhinoceroses in the laboratory, hoping to save and dehydration. The one surviving animal from
the species. The northern white rhino is the last month's attempt to transfer 11 rhinos from
world's most endangered mammal. The last Nairobi and Lake Nakuru national parks to
male northern white rhino, Sudan is dead and 2 Tsavo East is in a critical condition as it has
infertile females live in Kenya's Ol Pejeta been attacked by lions.
Conservancy. Scientists did manage to collect
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Delhi Development Authority to plant 10 lakh Sumatra triggered a tsunami that killed 2,30,000
saplings people in many countries.

During the ongoing monsoon season, Delhi


Development Authority (DDA) has set a target of U.S. and Mexico border wall endangers more

planting nearly 10 lakh saplings across various than 1000 species at risk

green spaces in Delhi including parks and the Scientists said that more than 1,000 species of
Yamuna flood plains. animals are severely endangered due to the
Some of the DDA parks having rich green cover construction of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico
include border. The wall reduces the available area and
· Japanese Park in Rohini quality of land. The construction would severely
· Coronation Park in Burari hinder movement, thus fragmenting
· Astha Kunj Park in south Delhi. populations, and affecting food cycles and
mating patterns. The Peninsular Bighorn sheep,
Karnataka Chief Minister seeks Wipro's help Mexican gray wolf and the Sonoran pronghorn
to fight air pollution antelope would be among the species most at

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy risk. Sixty-two of the 1000 species are already

met Wipro Chairman Azim Premji to propose a listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or

partnership to combat issues like air pollution in Vulnerable by the International Union for

the state, especially Bengaluru. Plans to Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

implement zero budget natural farming in


Karnataka were also discussed. Waste bins to be installed in fishing boats

Department of Fisheries has asked the


AUGUST 2018 fishermen to install waste bins in fishing boats.
The aim to prevent the fishermen engaged at the
Magnitude 7 Earthquake struck Indonesia sea from disposing the wastes into the deep sea.
Powerful earthquake hit the popular Indonesian The department observed that the trawl boats
resort island of Lombok and Bali. The National dispose the wastes like plastic carry bags,
Disaster Management Board reported that the sachets of masala, Old plastic fishing nets and
death toll had risen to 37, then to 82. Earlier on other waste into the sea. Also, the government
July 29, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake hit Lombok urged the fishermen to use square cod-end nets
and killed 16 people. Important Notes: Indonesia which have a mesh size of 35 mm. The
is prone to earthquakes due to its location on the government has allocated Rs.7 lakh for the
Pacific "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanoes and purpose.
fault lines in the Pacific Basin. In December
2004, a massive magnitude 9.1 earthquake off Animal species in Peru are facing extinction
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Among Peru's total of 389 threatened species


around 186 species of animals are facing An invasive agriculture pest Fall Armyworm is
extinction and 203 animal species are made found in Karnataka
vulnerable due to their declined population The Indian Council for Agricultural Research
numbers. According to the Red Book of the (ICAR) discovered an invasive agricultural pest
Endangered Wildlife of Peru, 64 species among Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in
the 186 species are critically endangered species. Karnataka. Shivamogga’s University of
Birds and amphibians are among the most Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences
threatened wildlife as they have restricted Entomologists C.M.Kalleshwara Swamy and
distribution ranges; in the case of amphibians, Sharanabasappa suspected the unusual
they directly suffer from the impacts of climate happening in maize crops in Shivamogga this
change, environmental pollution, and some year. A major maize pest in North America, the
fungi. Other factors like habitat loss and Fall Armyworm arrived in Africa in 2016. It has
degradation, illegal wildlife trade and the threatened the continent’s maize crop, a staple
presence of invasive alien species remain as which feeds 300 million people. The pest feeds
threats to the animals. on around 100 different crops, such as
vegetables, rice, and sugarcane and it spreads in
Air pollution increased the rate of chronic no time. The Karnataka finding is the first
cough and Asthma among the children report of the pest in Asia.
In Bengaluru, the increase in air pollution has
increased the rate of the prevalence of a chronic Scientists found that marine reefs could
cough and asthma among children under 18 survive global warming
years. Studies have proved that the poor air Scientists found that the marine reefs could
quality affects lungs and overall health and survive global warming as the combination of
causes allergic airway disease, such as asthma, coral reefs and the mutualistic micro-algae
allergic rhinitis and chronic cough. It is also withstood various climate change events since
causing a major psycho-socio-economic health the Mesozoic era. The micro-algae, commonly
burden to the country. According to the April called zooxanthellae, lives inside the cells of
issue of the Indian Journal of Pediatrics, the coral reefs. It allows them to acquire energy
number of children affected with a chronic from sunlight and to build the massive,
cough has risen from 8% in 1999 to 21.25% in economically valuable reef formations upon
2017. Almost 23% of all global deaths are linked which countless marine organisms rely for
to environmental pollution. These findings were habitat. After conducting genetic tests and
announced at the inaugural meeting of C40 Air classical morphological techniques they
Quality Network, a global initiative to tackle air observed that the algae family is far more
pollution. diverse and comprises of 15 genera. The fossil
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record shows that the corals are 160 million Arunachal Pradesh is threatened by the high
years old. water discharge from China. The government
has been asked to take immediate measures to
NGT asked UP government to pay the price prevent yet another state from flooding post the
for contaminating the underground water devastating Kerala floods.

In Uttar Pradesh, the survey reports indicated River Siang:

that the groundwater is highly contaminated. It · The Brahmaputra enters India in the

has been alleged that consumption of polluted state of Arunachal Pradesh, where it is

water from rivers Kalinadi, Krishna and Hindon called Siang.

has developed several diseases including liver · It makes a very rapid descent from its

damage, cancer and kidney failure to the original height in Tibet and finally appears

residents. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in the plains, where it is called Dihang.

said that the State government and the polluting · It flows for about 35 km (22 miles) and

industries should bear the cost to treat the is joined by the Dibang River and the Lohit

people who have been affected because of the River at the head of the Assam Valley.

contamination. NGT also suggested that the


State government and the Central Pollution Census revealed that the population of Nilgiri

Control Board (CPCB) formulate appropriate tahr has increased

schemes. It also said that the State may consider A recent census has revealed that the population
giving employment to a dependent of the of the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered mountain
affected victims. goat, at the Mukurthi National Park has grown
by 18% from 480 to 568 in the last two years. The
Delhi vehicles to get blue sticker for petrol and population estimation exercise was conducted
orange for diesel by the Forest Department and the Department

For better tackling of air pollution related issues of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, Government

in the Delhi, Supreme Court has approved the Arts College, Udhagamandalam. Nilgiri tahr

central government's proposal to use hologram- also faces several threats. The continuing spread

based colour-coded stickers for vehicles in Delhi of invasive species of flora, such as wattle and

based on the fuel used. The vehicles that run on pine, and exotic weeds like the scotch broom

petrol and CNG will have light blue stickers, (Cytisus scoparius) and gorse diminish the

while the diesel vehicles will have orange grazing land for the tahrs. The Forest

stickers. The scheme is based on a model used in Department is stepping up efforts to eliminate

Paris. those weeds in over 125 hectares of Shola


grasslands.

Arunachal Pradesh is threatened by high Mahabaleshwar beats Cherrapunji to become

water discharge from China India's wettest place this year


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Maharashtra's Mahabaleshwar has become the sludge/septage and sewage in drains, water
wettest place in India this year, leaving behind bodies or open areas.
Meghalaya's Cherrapunji. India Meteorological
Department (IMD) data revealed that the hill NGT directed UP government to submit an
station in the state of Maharashtra received a action plan on e-waste management
staggering 5661.6 mm rainfall this season till The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed
now, much more than Cherrapunji's 4735 mm. the Ministry of Environment and Forests
Cherrapunji holds two Guinness world records (MoEF), the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control
for receiving the maximum amount of rainfall in Board and the Central Pollution Control Board
a single year, 26,471mm (1,042.2 in) of rainfall to submit an action plan on e-waste
between August 1860 and July 1861 and the management within three months. NGT stated
maximum amount of rainfall in a single month that as a measure to combat pollution and
(9,300mm) in July 1861. protect the environment the scientific disposal
of e-waste is an important factor. NGT, while
SBM-U added elimination of public urination disposing of a plea against unauthorised
in its agenda recycling, collection, dismantling, burning,
Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) has officially selling of e-waste and other solid waste on
included the elimination of public urination in roadsides directed the State and riverbanks in
its agenda. Under new norms, if any city or town violation of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
wants to be declared Open Defecation Free Plus and E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016. NGT
(ODF+), then it must be free of public urination, said that electronic waste accounted for 40% of
not just open defecation. The original ODF lead and 70% of all heavy metal found in
protocol which was issued in March 2016 said a landfills. It also states that burning and selling
city/ward can be declared as ODF city/ward if no of e-waste and other solid waste has resulted in
person is found defecating in the open at any groundwater contamination and air pollution.
point of the day. So far, 2,741 cities have been
certified as ODF, based mostly on third-party Centre ruled out the ban on fire crackers on
verification of toilet construction. As per the Diwali
new ODF+ protocol, which was issued last week, The Centre announced a national ban on
a city could be declared ODF+ if no person is firecrackers in order to combat pollution during
found defecating and/or urinating in the open Diwali. It also suggested an alternative measure
and also all community and public toilets are as the production of green crackers community
functional and well-maintained. It also added fireworks events in major cities and to freeze the
that faecal sludge/septage and sewage must be production of series crackers or laris. The
safely managed and treated, with no discharging Supreme Court announced the blanket ban on
and/or dumping of untreated faecal fireworks in its reply to the plea sought by the
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

people for a complete nationwide ban on the nearby. It also recommended the Kerala
use, manufacture, licensing, sale, resale or government to provide it sincere efforts in the
distribution of firecrackers and sparklers to rescue mission for the people trapped in floods.
fight pollution on an emergency basis. The
Tamil Nadu government asked for the restrained India's first Humboldt penguin was born at
use of firecrackers but not a total ban on the Mumbai's Byculla zoo
firecrackers for Diwali. After an incubation of 40 days, India's first
Humboldt penguin was born on 15th August at
India banned petroleum coke import for use as Mumbai's Byculla zoo. As it was born on
fuel Independence Day, it was named as “The
Among polluting fuels, petroleum coke (Petcoke) Freedom Baby”. The zoo authorities will be
remains one of the most polluting ones as it conducting DNA test to find out its gender. The
emits 11% more greenhouse gas compared to chick weighed 75 gm and was reported to be
coal. India is the world's biggest consumer of healthy.
Petcoke. Industries use pet coal because it's Humboldt penguin:
much cheaper than coal and is easier to handle · The Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus
as fuel. Import of Petcoke is allowed for only humboldti) is a South American penguin
cement, lime kiln, calcium carbide and that breeds in coastal Chile and Peru
gasification industries, when used as the · The penguin is named after the cold
feedstock or in the manufacturing process on water current it swims in, which is itself
actual user condition. This is in an effort to named after Alexander von Humboldt, an
tackle India’s severe air pollution. explorer
· The species is listed as Vulnerable by
SC asked NCMC to find ways to reduce the the IUCN
water level in the Mullaperiyar dam

The Supreme Court suggested the National SEPTEMBER 2018

Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), the


Disaster Management Sub-committee, and the India to introduce helpline number for

supervisory panel who monitors the tobacco users

Mullaperiyar dam to find ways to reduce the India has introduced a quit-line number, 1800-
water level in the reservoir to 139 feet as it hit 11-2356, on tobacco products. The Union Health
141.5 feet. The court directed that Kerala should Ministry has already been creating awareness
follow any instructions given by the NCMC on among people by making mandate display of
rescue and rehabilitation and Tamil Nadu must pictorial health warning on both sides of packets
comply with any instructions to bring down the containing cigarettes, bidis, and chewing
level of the dam without disturbing the people tobacco. The quit-line number is to be printed
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on all tobacco products that will be Climate Action Summit at San Francisco. The
manufactured after September 1, 2018. India is goal of carbon neutrality is to achieve a zero
the first country among the SAARC countries to carbon footprint. M&M is to work along with
have introduced such a helpline. India is the the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), an
fourth country in Asia after Thailand, Malaysia international non-profit organization, to fulfil
and Singapore to have this government helpline the carbon neutrality commitment. EDF works
for those looking at quitting tobacco. with leading companies to raise the bar for
corporate sustainability leadership.
Lions died in Gir forest

Around 11 lions died within a week in Dalkhania IWC defeated the proposal to create Whale

range of Gir forest in Amreli district of Gujarat. Sanctuary

It has been eight lions died owing to infections, The International Whaling Commission (IWC)
one due to food poisoning and three due to defeated a proposal to create a whale sanctuary
infighting. Upon seeing the carcasses of the 11 in the South Atlantic at a meeting in Brazil. The
dead lions in Gujarat’s Gir forest, the state proposal received support from 39 countries but
government has ordered to conduct an inquiry. was opposed by 25. Brazil first introduced the
The probe is on. According to the 2015 census, proposal in 2001. Japan and few other nations
Gir is home to 520 lions. argued that there is no need for sanctuary
because countries are not currently doing
Philippines hit by world's strongest storm this commercial whaling in the South Atlantic.
year Other environmental groups and

Super Typhoon Mangkhut, the world's strongest conservationists argued that the sanctuary

storm this year, hit the northern coast of the would protect whales from being hunted,

Philippines, brought winds of up to 200 kmph trapped in fishing gear or struck by ships.

and heavy rains. The name 'Mangkhut' means


mangosteen fruit in Thai language. The UN alarms the rise of global hunger due to

deadliest storm on record in the Philippines was climate change

Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. The United Nations said that the number of
hungry people in the world is growing again. In
Mahindra & Mahindra to become a carbon much of the developing world, it is due to
neutral company by 2040 climate change that causes havoc on crop

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) announced that it production. South America and Africa face acute

aims to become a carbon neutral company by food insecurity and malnutrition. UN agencies

2040 with focus on energy efficiency and usage said in an annual report that the number of

of renewable power. This decision was stated by hungry people facing chronic food deprivation

Chairman Anand Mahindra at the Global increased to 821 million in 2017 from 804 million
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in 2016. The analysis in the report found that in Faridabad district of Haryana. The Court
climate variability, extreme drought and floods instructed to raze down the structures by
are the reasons that affect the production of December 31, 2018. The Bench accused the State
wheat, rice and maize in tropical and temperate town and country planning department for
regions. UN is to target groups that are most supporting the illegalities and completely
vulnerable to malnutrition, including infants, vitiating the efforts of the forest department as
children, adolescent girls and women. It called well as the orders of the Supreme Court.
for greater efforts to promote policies that help Aravallis Range:
communities build resilience. · The Aravalli Range is the oldest range
of fold mountains in India
Haryana govt signs MoU with Indian Oil to set · It was formed when the Indian Plate
up Ethanol plant was separated from the Eurasian Plate by an

An ethanol plant will be set up in Bohali village, ocean

Panipat with an outlay of over Rs.900 crore. The · It is a range of mountains that runs

MoU will be valid for one year. The proposed approximately 692 km in the in a southwest

capacity of this ethanol plant will be of direction

producing 100 kilolitres of ethanol per day. · It passes through Delhi, Haryana,

Paddy and Sugarcane crop residues will be Rajasthan and Gujarat

supplied as raw material for this plant in cyclic


manner. Nagaland Government declared Singphan

Purpose: Wildlife Sanctuary as an elephant reserve

Bioethanol can be easily blended with petrol or The Singphan Elephant Reserve which is the
diesel, thus making it sustainable transport fuel. 30th elephant reserve in India, is located in Mon
It also reduces air pollution. district of Nagaland and spreads over an area of
5825 acres (2357 hac). As per recent census
SC orders to demolish structures that report (2017) Nagaland has around 446
threatens the Aravallis elephants. The creation of new Elephant Reserve

The Supreme Court ordered to demolish the will result in protection and conservation of the

structures built illegally by a prominent builder elephants.

in the protected forests of the Aravallis. The


order said that the colonizers have caused Typhoon Jebi: Japan hit by strongest storm of

irreversible ecological damage to the ancient 25 years

hills. A Bench of Justices Madan B. Lokur and Jebi, Japan's most powerful storm in 25 years,
Deepak Gupta ordered to demolish all the has killed at least 10 people. It recorded winds of
structures that were built after August 18, 1992, up to 216km/h (135mph). In a separate incident, a
in the area known as ‘Kant Enclave’ at Anangpur
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6.6 magnitude earthquake caused a landslide on Scientist warns that the trapped heat below
Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. Arctic surface could melt ice in the entire
♦ Japan Prime Minister - Shinzo Abe. region

Scientists warned that the Archived heat


Supreme Court banned all construction trapped below the surface of the Arctic has the
activities in 4 states potential to melt the entire region’s sea ice. They
The Supreme Court has banned all construction found that the warmer water that originated
activities in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, hundreds of miles away has penetrated deep into
Uttarakhand and Chandigarh till October 9. A the interior of the Arctic. This heat is trapped
bench, led by Justice Madan Lokur, announced below the surface layer presently. If it gets
the ban citing the failure of these States and the mixed up to the surface then the heat produced
UT to implement a solid waste management can melt the sea-ice pack that covers this region.
policy. Arctic:
· Location: Northernmost part of Earth
Kerala Health Department issued warning · Life in the Arctic: Includes organisms
about the spread of leptospirosis living in the ice, zooplankton and

In Kerala, the Health Department has phytoplankton, fish and marine mammals,

announced warning about the spread of birds, land animals, plants and human

leptospirosis with pulmonary hemorrhagic societies

syndrome disease in the post-flood period. · The Arctic consists of the Arctic

People have been asked to approach a hospital Ocean, adjacent seas, and parts of Alaska

in case of any symptom of fever or myalgia (pain (United States), Northern Canada (Canada),

in the muscles). So far, there have been 15 Finland, Greenland(Kingdom of Denmark),

leptospirosis deaths in the State since August 24. Iceland, Norway, Russia and Sweden

The Health Department has suggested that · Arctic Polar desert is the second-

people who have been exposed to flood waters largest desert in the world by area

should take 200 mg of Doxycycline drug as (13,985,000 km²)

prophylaxis every week. Current measures by · The Arctic land is bordered by the

the department were adequate, given the fact subarctic

that even when lakhs were exposed to flood · Arctic sea ice decline has been caused

waters. It also suggested early penicillin therapy by global warming

to prevent the patient progressing to pulmonary


haemorrhage and subsequent death. Air purifier makers expects huge sales as
pollution levels worsen in NCR and adjoining
areas
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As the air quality in the National Capital Region registering their opposition to the infrastructure
(NCR) and adjoining areas are likely to project.
deteriorate further in the coming weeks, the Air
purifier makers are looking at a big spike in Seven snake eggs were incubated and released
their sales. There is a rise in demand for air into the wild
purifiers from smaller and tier-II cities, other A clutch of seven tiny snakes was released into
than metros. Although the air purifier industry the wild after spending nearly 80 days in an
is small in size and limited to metro cities, incubator at the civic body’s Wildlife
makers are witnessing a high double-digit Paramedical Centre, Karnataka. While
growth in the segment due to increased incubating the snakes resembled no more than
awareness among the people who are willing to little worms. A BBMP wildlife rescue volunteer
spend money to improve the quality of air rescued the clutch of seven snake eggs from a
around them. The overall Air Quality Index sump in Hegde Nagar. The mother, a common
(AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 337 last week, Kukri species, was also rescued. While common
which falls in the very poor category and is the Kukri is found widespread across the sub-
highest for this season, creating hazy conditions, continent, it's sighting in the city has become
said data from the Central Pollution Control rare owing to habitat loss. The mother was
Board (CPCB). rescued and released in a nearby garden, while
the eggs were taken to BBMP Forest Cell’s
Save Bandipur activists protested against the wildlife centre. When snakes lay their eggs, they
elevated highways through national parks choose a variety of factors including predators
Activists protested against the proposed and temperature (25 to 26 degrees Celsius). It is
elevated highways through national parks. difficult to replicate this process in gardens.
Around 150 activists protested at Hence the eggs were artificially incubated. After
Melkamanahalli gate, Karnataka. The Save all seven eggs hatched, it was released into
Bandipur drive gained traction against the gardens of the city.
proposed elevated highways through national
parks. Earlier, the Ministry of Road Transport Climate warming threatens Pacific Walrus
and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, Center for Biological Diversity petitioned U.S.
proposed that it wanted to develop five stretches Fish and Wildlife Service to list Pacific Walrus
of 1 km each, of elevated roads, through the as a threatened species because of diminished
national park to ensure that there was the 24x7 sea ice brought on by climate warming. Pacific
movement of vehicles along the National walrus prefers sea ice for moulting, mating,
Highway 212 (renamed as NH 766). The activists nursing and resting between dives for food.
of Bandipur Ulisi or Save Bandipur campaign Pacific walrus males grow to 12 feet long and up
submitted a memorandum to the authorities to 1,815 kg. Females reach half that weight.
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Walruses dive and use sensitive whiskers to find metre-deep net to trap floating plastic under the
clams and snails in dim light on the seafloor. water’s surface. A boat will visit the spot every
Fish and Wildlife Service said that few months to remove the debris.
inaccessibility protected walruses for decades,
but a rapid decline in summer sea ice has made Aussie same sex penguin couple incubate egg
them vulnerable. In the Chukchi Sea between Two Aussie male penguins, gentoo penguins
Alaska and Russia, where Pacific walrus females Sphen and Magic, who have paired up as a same-
and juveniles spend their summer, ice could be sex couple have become so good at nesting that
absent during that season by 2060 or sooner. they have been given a real egg to look after.
Such an incident has happened in 2009. Two
Study says climate change threatens World male penguins, Z and Vielpunkt, successfully
Heritage sites hatched and reared a chick that was rejected by
A study published in the journal Nature its heterosexual parents at a zoo in Berlin.
presented a risk index that ranks the sites Penguin:
according to the threat they face from today · Kingdom: Animalia
until the end of the century. It stated that the · Phylum: Chordata
UNESCO World Heritage sites in the · Class: Aves
Mediterranean such as Venice, the Leaning · Order: Sphenisciformes
Tower of Pisa and the Medieval City of Rhodes · Family: Spheniscidae
are under severe threat of coastal erosion and · Penguins are a group of aquatic,
flooding due to rising sea levels within the next flightless birds
100 years. It also included Venice and its · Most penguins feed on krill, fish, squid
Lagoon, Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, and its and other forms of sea life
Po Delta and the Patriarchal Basilica of · They live almost exclusively in the
Aquileia. Heritage sites face many challenges to Southern Hemisphere, with only one
adapt to the effects of sea-level rise as it changes species, the Galapagos penguin, found north
the value and spirit of place for each site. of the equator

Ocean Cleanup Foundation launched floating R.R.Sonde recommended hydrogen based


pipe to gather ocean plastic technology for green energy production

The Ocean Cleanup Foundation has launched a R.R.Sonde, Fellow of National Academy of
project to collect the plastic in the middle of the Engineers (FNAE) and Executive Vice-President
Pacific Ocean. Wilson, a 2,000-foot-long floating of THERMAX Ltd. said that the development of
pipe has begun its mission to collect the plastic methanol and hydrogen-based technology for
in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The pipe is green energy production could turn energy-
constructed in U shape. It features a three- importing India into the energy-exporting
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country at the Dr.Abdul Kalam Memorial · It is responsible for maintaining


Lecture at Central University of Karnataka. The national standards under a variety of
biggest challenge the world is facing today is the environmental laws, in consultation with
global warming and energy crisis. He also said zonal offices, tribal, and local governments
that an innovative and multidisciplinary
approach could help in addressing them. The Elephant successfully radio collared in
meeting was held to mark former President Chhattisgarh
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s birth anniversary. Forest Department of Chhattisgarh in
collaboration with Wildlife SOS has radio-
Centre launched Pollution forecast system collared a wild elephant. This is to help create
The Centre launched a Pollution forecast system rapidly growing human-elephant conflict in
that can alert about the likelihood of extreme areas of Chhattisgarh. A team of elephant
pollution events and dust storms three days in trackers form Wildlife SOS and the Chhattisgarh
advance. The system was unveiled by the Union Forest Department tracked a herd of elephants,
Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan. It will be which were causing troubles to the local area
made available to the public via the Central people in Chhattisgarh, every single day for
Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the several months to understand their movement
Environment Pollution Control Authority in the patterns. After several repeated attempts, the
next two days. The National Centre for Medium team of veterinarians and biologists successful
Range Weather Forecasting, the IMD and the in tranquilised and radio-collared the matriarch
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, of the herd.
are involved with developing the application.
· Central Pollution Control Board TN government intensifies vehicle check at
(CPCB): the Kalakkad tiger reserve
· Formed: 22 September 1974 Tamil Nadu government is to intensify the
· Head Office: New Delhi Vehicle checks at the Kalakkad tiger reserve.
· Chairman: Sh. S.P. Singh Parihar This is after the felling of 11 teak trees by a gang
· Member Secretary: Dr.Prashant with the assistance of an anti-poaching watcher
Gagawa inside the Kalakkad–Mundanthurai Tiger
· CPCB of India is a statutory Reserve.
organisation under the Ministry of Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve:
Environment, Forest and Climate Change · Location: Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
(MoEFCC) · Established: 1988
· The board conducts environmental · IUCN Category: IV
assessments and research · Governing body: Tamil Nadu Forest
Department
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ZSI scientists says Moths are key pollinators


Nilgiris district administration proposed a 10 in Himalayan ecosystem
km road through tiger reserve The scientists of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
The Nilgiris district administration has has revealed that Moths (Lepidoptera), which is
proposed a 10 km road that would cut through widely considered as pests, are pollinators to a
the core area of the Sathyamangalam Tiger number of flowering plants in the Himalayan
Reserve in Erode and the buffer zone of the ecosystem. The scientists collected moth
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Udhagamandalam. samples from states such as Arunachal Pradesh,
Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary: Sikkim and West Bengal. The analysis of
· Country: India proboscis, a long and thread-like organ used to
· State: Tamil Nadu suck flower sap, of a dozen moth species’
· Region: Kongu Nadu revealed the presence of pollen grains.
· District: Erode Researchers have pointed out that almost two-
· Established: 3 November 2008 thirds of common large moth species have
· IUCN Category: IV declined over the last 40 years in some parts of
· Governing body: Tamil Nadu Forest the world. One of the main reasons for the
Department decline is light pollution.

CDV is responsible for the death of Gir lions KAU initiated a mission to rejuvenate hill
said ICMR garlic

The Indian Council for Medical Research The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has
(ICMR) confirmed that the reason for the death initiated a study on the farming practices of
of lions that happened in between the month of garlic followed in the hills of Kanthalloor and
September and October 2018, in the Gir forest of Vattavada areas of Idukki district of Kerala. This
Gujarat is the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). It move is to promote the variety Malai poondu or
also recommended that the remaining Gir lions hill garlic that is on the verge of extinction.
should be vaccinated to prevent further Malai poondu or hill garlic are known for its
outbreaks. The wildlife biologists are against the unique flavour, pungency, taste, medicinal
lions being vaccinated. The Pune-based ICMR- properties and longer shelf life, that is 180 days.
NIV compared the available CDV sequences Due to long duration of cultivation the tribal
with the East African strains and found that the farmers of the area started to cultivate hybrid
genetic sequence of the virus is related. Thus it varieties or short duration, 90 to 120 days,
made sure that CDV is responsible for the death varieties. The study by KAU said that the major
of the Gir lions. problems faced by the hill garlic cultivation are
the small size of the bulb, lack of awareness on
scientific cultivation practices and wild animal
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attack. KAU also suggested that by following Organization (PESO), which is the nodal agency
scientific practices, the crop duration can be for safety requirements in manufacture, storage,
reduced. transport of all types of explosives.

NOVEMBER 2018 Vision 2030 plan of Forest Department runs


into trouble
Delhi observes 'Clean Air Week' from Many environmentalists and groups oppose the
November 1-5 to fight against the worsening decision to outsource the process to map a long-
air quality term vision for the Forest Department of the
Centre in collaboration with the Delhi, UP and government. Because of the opposition, the
Haryana governments organise 'Clean Air Week' long-term vision is facing trouble. The
between November 1-5 in Delhi and four other department is undertaking a Vision Document
National Capital Region (NCR) cities - 2030 which would set a governance strategy for
Faridabad, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad and Noida. This the management of forests and wildlife in the
decision was taken in a meeting held in Delhi State for the next 20 years in a sustainable
under the Chairmanship of Union Environment manner.
Secretary CK Mishra to discuss the urgent steps
for air pollution reduction and regulating fire Scientists said that the oceans are heating up
crackers in the light of the Supreme Court's 60 percent faster
Order. On October 23, 2018, the Supreme Court Scientists from the Intergovernmental Panel on
had allowed the sale of "green firecrackers." On Climate Change (IPCC) said that the world’s
Diwali, citizens would be allowed to burst oceans have absorbed 60% more heat than
crackers only between 8 pm to 10 pm. previously thought over the last quarter of a
CSIR developed Less Polluting Firecrackers century leaving Earth more sensitive still to the
named SWAS, SAFAL and STAR effects of climate change. The Scientists also
These crackers developed by Council of said that the world’s oceans have absorbed 90%
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) are 15- of the temperature rise caused by man-made
20 percent cheaper than the conventional ones carbon emissions. But new research found that
and free from harmful chemicals. for each of the last 25 years, oceans had
SWAS, SAFAL & STAR: absorbed heat energy equivalent to 150 times the
● SWAS stands for Safe Water releaser amount of electricity mankind produces
● SAFAL stands for Safe minimal annually. That is 60% higher than what previous
Aluminum studies showed. The IPCC warned that drastic
● STAR stands for Safe Thermite cracker. measures need taking in order to limit global
The crackers will come in the market after the warming to 1.5 Celsius by the end of the century
approval from Petroleum and Explosive Safety
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but the world produced a record amount of the betterment of air quality and related
carbon emissions in 2017. health issues.

AQI of Delhi remains very poor FAO report says climate change puts food

National Capital Region has been tested with air security at risk

quality still at very poor range. The Centre-run The U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization
System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (FAO) said that climate change and depletion of
(SAFAR) recorded the Capital’s Air Quality land and other resources that undermine food
Index at 368, which denotes a very poor range. It systems increase the risk of feeding the hungry
also said if it is maintained so, then there are planet. UNFAO renewed its appeals for better
chances that the next three days will see little policies and technologies to reach zero hunger.
improvement. It stated that about 12% of The report also said that the population growth
pollution by PM 2.5 (presence of particles in the requires supplies of more nutritious food at
air with a diameter of fewer than 2.5 affordable prices, but increasing farm output is
micrometres) was caused due to stubble burning. hard given the fragility of the natural resource
System of Air Quality Forecasting and base as the humans have outstripped Earth’s
Research (SAFAR): carrying capacity in terms of land, water, and
● SAFAR functions under the planning climate change. About 820 million people are
scheme “Metropolitan Advisories for malnourished. The FAO and International Food
Cities for Sports, Tourism (Metropolitan Policy Research Institute released the report at
Air Quality and Weather Services), the outset of a global conference aimed at
Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), speeding up efforts to achieve zero hunger
Govt. of India around the world.
● The SAFAR system is developed by
Indian Institute of Tropical Brazil lost forests equal to 1 mn football
Meteorology, Pune, along with ESSO pitches due to deforestation
partner institutions namely India In Brazil, the deforestation has reached its
Meteorological Department (IMD) and height that an area equivalent to one million
National Centre for Medium Range football pitches was lost in just one year.
Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) According to the governmental institution of
● The objective of the project is to special investigations said that between August
increase awareness among the general 2017 and July 2018, deforestation increased by
public regarding the air quality in their almost 14%, with an area of 7, 900 sq km, it’s
cities well in advance so that more or less one million football fields, of forest
appropriate mitigation measures and cleared. Between 2004 and 2012, deforestation in
systematic action can be taken up for
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Brazil was slowed through controls imposed at a the migratory season has already begun. From
government level as well as by the private sector. Pulicat to Pallikaranai marshland, all the
Brazil: migratory birds that arrive at a particular date
· Capital: Brasília have arrived. About 400-500 pelicans are also
· President: Michel Temer there and nesting has started. At Pulicat, Oyster
· Official language: Portuguese Catchers, Plovers and Flamingoes were seen this
· Currency : Real (R$) (BRL) year.

NGT imposed Rs.5 crore fine on West Bengal Jammu and Kashmir’s civil secretariat to
government become plastic free

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has Jammu & Kashmir’s Civil Secretariat would soon
imposed a fine of Rs.5 crore on the West Bengal be made plastic-free and its use would be
government as it failed to take steps to improve discarded absolutely in the secretariat premises.
the air quality of Kolkata and Howrah. Subhas The Chief Secretary of J&K assured that
Datta, the petitioner, said that the cost has been Secretariat would soon be made free from plastic
imposed for failing to comply with an earlier and a notification to that effect will be issued
order of the NGT in August 2016. The NGT soon. The announcement was made by the
directed that the cost should be paid within two Secretary during the celebrations of World
weeks to the Central Pollution Control Board Toilet Day, 2018. He also assured that Estates,
(CPCB). If the government failed to do so, it Hospitality, and JKTDC shall be directed not to
would have to pay an additional Rs.1 crore as use plastic bottles, cups etc. in meetings or
fine for every month’s delay. The 2016 order otherwise in the Secretariat. The move of the
included taking steps like augmentation of air J&K’s secretariat appeals to all the government
monitoring network, traffic management, departments to shun the use of plastic in their
streamlining of efficiency auto emission training respective meeting halls so that an example is
centres, and phasing out of commercial vehicles set for the public to emulate.
more than 15-years-old.
Environment Ministry approved to induce
Despite rain the migratory birds arrived in artificial rain via cloud seeding to clear smog
Chennai, Tamil Nadu in Delhi

Despite the rain, migratory birds have started The Environment Ministry approved a project
arriving this year in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. With led by scientists at the Indian Institute of
water levels low in many lakes and reservoirs, Technology (IIT) Kanpur to induce artificial rain
their numbers have been low in some places, but via cloud seeding in Delhi. The objective is to
nevertheless, the birds have kept their date with clear smog in Delhi. The success of the project
the city. The arrival of the birds indicates that depends on the presence of a minimum quantity
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of rain-bearing clouds over Delhi. In the project, more than one continuous monitoring system.
an aircraft has been planned to fly into the Experts say that a single Continuous Ambient
clouds and inject silver iodide, which will lead to Air Quality Monitoring System would make a
the formation of ice crystals that will make the solution to this problem. But such a device
clouds denser, cause them to condense into rain cannot represent an accurate picture of air
and settle atmospheric dust enough to clear the pollution for the entire city. And this, according
sky. Researchers at IIT-Kanpur will use an to them, becomes a problem when emergency
aircraft of the National Remote Sensing Agency, measures need to be taken.
an ISRO-affiliated body for the exercise. The
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) will IKEA to launch Better Air Now initiative
provide forecasts on the likelihood of conducive IKEA, the Swedish home furnishing company,
clouds. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) on 20 announced its ‘Better Air Now’ plan to turn rice
November was in the very poor category. straw into a new renewable material source for
its products. The initiative aims at reducing
Odisha CM cancelled brewery project in global air pollution. This project of IKEA will
Dhenkanal begin from India and is focussed on New Delhi,
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik cancelled Gurugram and Faridabad, which are among the
the setting up of a brewery plant in Dhenkanal world’s most air-polluted cities. Earlier IKEA
district. The cancellation is due to the protests was developing air purifying curtains and air
made by the villagers. Mr. Patnaik took the purifiers.
decision based on the recommendations of
Revenue Divisional Commissioner D.V. Swamy, NGT imposed Rs.50 crore fine on Odisha
who probed the felling of trees in Jhinkargadi government
forest. The government went back on its The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered the
decision following a massive public outcry. The Punjab government to submit a penalty of Rs.50
brewery plant was to come up on 12 acres of crore as environmental compensation for
forestland in Jhinkargadi. polluting rivers Sutlej and Beas due to industrial
discharge. The bench, headed by Justice AK
Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Goyal, has asked the Punjab government to
System for an entire city recover the fine from industries in two weeks.
Indian cities are finding it difficult to monitor The bench considered several similar cases,
the air pollution for the entire city using a single including the one dealing with the death of fish
monitoring system. Nowadays real-time due to untreated discharge from sugar
monitoring of air quality has become absolutely Industries and passed the penalty to the State
necessary for the timely intervention to check government.
pollution levels. Most Indian cities do not have
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Rise in Indian AC units increases risks in World leaders marked the centenary of the
Climate change Great War Armistice

A report says, by 2022, India is expected to have World leaders gathered to lead global
a fourth of the world’s air conditioning units. commemorations marking 100 years since the
This could immensely affect the climate change end of First World War in Paris. Around 70
and increase the risk rate. Hydrofluorocarbons leaders, including U.S. and Russian Presidents
(HFC) are a family of gases that are largely used Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, marked the
in refrigerants at home and in car air- centenary of the 1918 Armistice in the French
conditioners. This greenhouse gas substantially capital at 11 a.m. local time (10:00 GMT). The
worsen global warming. India, China, the leaders paid homage to the fallen soldiers at the
United States and Europe have committed Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de
themselves to reducing the use of HFC by 85% Triomphe. The memorial ceremony included
by 2045. An estimation says, that about 4.5 classical music and the reading aloud of letters
billion room air-conditioners are to be installed by the First World War soldiers.
by 2050, under a business growth trajectory.
SC scans the ecological damage caused in Adeeb quit KSMDFC
Nainital K.T.Adeeb, a relative of Kerala’s Minister for
Jilling Estate of Nainital district in Uttarakhand Minority Welfare K.T.Jaleel, has resigned from
has come under the scanner of the Supreme the post of General Manager, Kerala State
Court for ecological damage. Jilling estate is a Minorities Development Finance Corporation
home to the threatened species of leopards. It (KSMDFC). This is after the Muslim Youth
had recently shaken under the heavy thuds of an League (MYL) accused the Minister of nepotism
earth mover. Birendra Singh, a resident, filed an in Mr. Adeeb’s appointment. The opposition
appeal in the apex court saying the earth mover alleged that Adeeb was posted without giving
was laying the ground for the construction of at any advertisement and qualifications diluted to
least 44 massive villas and other huge structures, favour him. Mr. Adeeb, a senior manager with
including a helipad, resort cottages and South Indian Bank, has expressed his wish to
hospitality zone. On October 1, a bench of return to his parent organisation.
Justices Rohinton F. Nariman and Indu
Malhotra acknowledged the seriousness of the IMD alerted Tamil Nadu that the Cyclone
issue. The Bench issued a notice to the Gaja will bring rain for 2 days
respondents, including the Ministry of India Meteorological Department (IMD), Under
Environment and Forests. It ordered status quo. the Ministry of Earth Sciences Government of
The case is now due to come on November 16 India, officials said that the deep depression
for hearing. over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into
Cyclone. It has been named ‘Gaja’ by Sri Lanka.
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The cyclone lay 840 km east of Chennai and 880 layout” that is being built on the lake land.
km east of Nagapattinam. North Tamil Nadu Residents and civic body officials scrambled to
and Puducherry are likely to get good rain on stop construction of concrete houses on the lake
November 14 and 15. bund of the encroachment-prone Mestripalya
lake in Koramangala, Bengaluru.
Scientists found microplastics in marine life

Scientists at the Integrated Coastal and Marine Plans for Antarctic sanctuary was shot down

Area Management Project Directorate at The plan to create the world’s largest marine
Chennai’s National Institute of Ocean sanctuary in Antarctic waters was shot down as
Technology recorded fluorescent blue and green the environmentalists denounced a lack of
microplastic particles and fibres are found in scientific foresight and hence the key
species of marine worms. Research says that conservation summit failed to reach a
Microplastics are practically everywhere. consensus. Member states of the organisation
Microplastics are an issue because once inside tasked with overseeing the sustainable
the bodies of marine life forms, they can cause exploitation of the Southern Ocean failed at an
internal lesions. Apart from accumulating annual meeting to agree over the 1.8 million sq
toxins, microplastics can threaten microfauna km maritime protection zone. The proposed
such as plankton (tiny, single-celled creatures sanctuary is around five times the size of
that fish and even whales feed on) that thrive in Germany. The proposed sanctuary would ban
oceans. Now, scientists have recorded these tiny fishing in a vast area in the Weddell sea,
plastic particles, less than one millimetre in protecting key species including seals, penguins
length, closer home, in the marine life off the and whales. A consensus is needed from all 24
Kochi coast. Invertebrates dwelling on the ocean members of the Commission for the
floor as well as fish now house microplastics. Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living
Species found with microplastics are: Resources (CCAMLR) and the European Union.
♦ Marine worms (Sternaspls scutata & Magelona
cinta) Delhi AQI falls to moderate level
♦ Bivalve (Tellina) The National Capital Region’s air quality
♦ Sardines (Mathi) (All fished off Kochi coast) improved significantly and fell to moderate
♦ Anchovies (Natholi) - Punnapra levels. The Delhi Police seized over 800 kg of
banned firecrackers during raids in the north
Bengalurus Mestripalya lake faces a threat and west Delhi. This move is after the order by
again Supreme Court which said only ‘green crackers’
A Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike will be sold in Delhi-NCR during Diwali.
Regional (BBMP) engineer filed a complaint According to the Central Pollution Control
with the Koramangala police against the “illegal Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index
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(AQI) on 4th November was 171. This range falls greenhouse gas emissions. But shifting to plant-
in the moderate category. Earlier, the AQI based plastics could have less positive effects
ranged 336 on 3rd November. than expected. An increased consumption of
bioplastics in the following years is likely to
DECEMBER 2018 generate increased greenhouse gas emissions
from cropland expansion on a global scale.
NGT appointed committee to look into Plastics cause fossil fuel depletion and climate
hazardous units in Sarita Vihar change. It is estimated that by 2050, plastics
could already be responsible for 15% of the

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) appointed a global CO2 emissions. On the other hand,

joint committee to look into a plea alleging bioplastics are in principle climate-neutral since

operation of hazardous industries in south-east they are based on renewable raw materials such

Delhi’s Sarita Vihar. The instructions came as maize, wheat, and sugarcane. These plants get

after a plea moved by the Aali Vihar Vikas the CO2 that they need from the air through

Manch, which alleged that hazardous dyeing their leaves. The study found that it takes a lot of

units were operating in Bhim Colony, Aali time for the switch to bioplastics to pay off.

Vihar, and Sarita Vihar. A Bench headed by


NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel COSEWIC warned that the polar bear are at
appointed a joint committee comprising the risk of disappearing
representatives from the Central Pollution Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife
Control Board (CPCB), the Delhi Pollution in Canada (COSEWIC) experts warned that the
Control Committee and Sub-Divisional polar bear, Canada’s largest land predator, is at
Magistrate of South-East district, to take action. the risk of disappearing from its vast Arctic
The Bench made this decision as it observed at landscape. The reason has been cited as the
least 50 factories are causing air, water, and melting Arctic sea ice makes hunting prey a
noise pollution in the area and also choking the challenge to the polar bear. However, the Inuit
water-flow systems. If the drains get choked, the are cautiously optimistic the bears will adapt. In
water spills out onto the roads. The hazardous its latest assessment, COSEWIC incorporated
chemicals are highly affecting the water quality. both science and Inuit knowledge.

Study says Bioplastics may not be a viable China plans to increase green coverage rate to
alternative to plastic 30 percent
Researchers at the University of Bonn in China is planning to increase its green cover by
Germany found that Bioplastics, often promoted building 20,000 national forest villages by 2020
as a climate-friendly alternative to petroleum- in the country. As the country has been facing
based plastics, may lead to an increase in the problem of severe pollution, it has spent over
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$100 billion on trees and its total forest cover to see emissions rise by 6.3% from 2017.
area is almost 22%. Liu Dongsheng, Deputy Representatives from more than 190 countries
Director of China’s National Forestry and have begun discussions at the U.N. Climate
Grassland Administration said that the country Change Conference (COP 24) in Katowice,
will continue to enhance the ecological Poland. The discussion is to set ways to
environment in villages across the country. It equitably cut carbon emissions. Limiting global
also plans to bring the green coverage rate in warming to the 2015 Paris Agreement goal of
rural areas to 30%. keeping the global temperature increase this
century to well below 2°C, would need carbon
TN government approved Rs.7.60 crore for dioxide emissions to decline by 50% by 2030 and
clearing fallen trees reach net zero by about 2050.

The Tamil Nadu State government has approved


Rs.7.60 crore for procuring heavy duty Researchers found Microplastics in all sea

chainsaws, winch machines, shredders, and turtle species

wood splitter machines to clear trees that were Researchers from the University of Exeter and
felled by Cyclone Gaja in delta districts. The Plymouth Marine Laboratory, London working
government would be procuring 500 chainsaws with the Greenpeace Research Laboratories
and 20 winches, 20 wood splitters, 20 shredder- conducted tests on over 100 sea turtles, spanning
cum-pulverizers and 20 wood chipper machines 3 oceans and all 7 species. The test revealed
with trolley and rent them to farmers at nominal microplastics in the guts of every single turtle.
rates or lent to them to clear their farmlands. Synthetic particles were found, the most
The proposal is to pulverize leaves and small common being fibres, which can come from
branches and convert them into organic manure, clothing, tyres and cigarette filters, and
drag trunks out of fields and place them on the equipment such as ropes and nets. Out of the
boundary so that they can be chopped later. studied 102 turtles, more than 800 synthetic
Used the wood chipper machine, the trunks can particles were found. As the researchers only
be pulverized. tested part of each animal’s gut, the total
number of particles is estimated to be about 20
Researchers found that the CO2 levels has times higher. It is not known how synthetic
been increased particles are ingested by turtles, but the likely

Researchers at the University of East Anglia sources are polluted seawater and sediments and

(UEA) and the Global Carbon Project said that eating via prey or plants.

Global carbon emissions are set to hit an all-


time high of 37.1 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2018. Electric vehicles launched at Nandi Hills

Among all the countries India is the third- Three electric vehicles have been launched at
highest contributor of CO2. India has projected the hilltop of Nandi Hills, Karnataka. These
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

electric vehicles are being maintained by a government failed to comply with the orders, a
private company in association with the State sum of Rs.10 crore per month will be levied. The
government. It will take visitors on a 2 km tour tribunal further, said that a performance
of the historic sites as well as sight-seeing of guarantee of Rs.25 crore has to be provided by
flora and fauna of the area. Currently, the the State government and in case of non-
department runs four electric vehicles in compliance of orders, the amount will be
Lalbagh Botanical gardens. The response has forfeited. The Chief Secretary has been directed
encouraged the department to attempt this in to file a compliance affidavit by March 31, 2019.
other tourist spots.
IMD announced that winter will be warmer Kashmir touched minimum temperature of
than normal this year minus 7 degree Celsius

India Meteorological Department (IMD) The Meteorological Department said that the
announced that winter is likely to be warmer Kashmir Valley has touched the minimum
than average, with fewer ‘cold wave’ days temperature of minus 7° Celsius in Srinagar for
between December and February. The forecast the first time in 28 years. Several waterbodies,
suggested that ‘above normal’ seasonal including the Dal Lake, were covered in sheaths
minimum temperatures (>0.5° C) are most likely of ice. Srinagar’s minimum temperature, which
over most of the subdivisions of the country. was five degrees below normal, plummeted to a
However, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, record minus 7° Celsius for the first time since
Uttarakhand, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and December 7, 1990, when it was minus 8.8°
Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Celsius. The day temperature hovered around 8°
Chhattisgarh in central India, would most likely Celsius.
see ‘normal’ (between 0.5°C and -0.5°C) seasonal Meteorological Department:
minimum temperatures prevailing. The forecast ● Established on: 1875
report was delivered by K.J. Ramesh, Director- ● Type: Government agency
General, IMD. ● Headquarters: New Delhi
● Ministers incharge: Harsh Vardhan,
NGT instructed Delhi government to pay a Union Minister of Earth Sciences
fine of Rs.25 crore ● Agency executive: K.J. Ramesh, Director

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) instructed General of Meteorology

the Delhi government to deposit an ● Parent department: Ministry of Earth

environmental compensation of Rs.25 crore with Sciences

the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for


failing to curb air pollution in the Capital. A GHMC is awarded the Best Capital City in the

Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swachh Survekshan 2018 rankings

Adarsh Kumar Goel said in case the State


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The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation


(GHMC) has been awarded Best Capital City in Israel permits medical marijuana exports
the Solid Waste Management in the Swachh Israel’s Parliament approved a law to permit
Survekshan 2018 rankings. Swachh Survekshan exports of medical marijuana, allowing Israel to
was launched by the Ministry of Housing and tap the lucrative global market. Israel will
Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under Swachh Bharat become the third country, after the Netherlands
Mission (Urban). The Swachh Survekashan and Canada, to take its medical cannabis global.
survey ranks cities on various sanitation The Israeli Cabinet is yet to approve. This step
parameters. The GHMC was also at the 27th is seen as a formality. iCAN, the Israeli medical
place among 4,041 cities. The GHMC said that cannabis company, said that the global industry
as a part of the Swachh Survekshan 2019, will reach $33 billion in the next five years, as
maintaining the timing of toilets, i.e., from 4 stigma fades and demand grows for the few
a.m. to 10 p.m. and proper signage will be an countries certified to export. The law was
important parameter. As a part of this, the approved on 25th December 2018, sending
GHMC has requested the Hyderabad Metro Rail cannabis company shares rising by about 10%.
to ensure that public toilets in all metro The law was stalled for years over fears from
corridors are open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. security officials that medical marijuana would
leak into the black market. To assuage concerns,
Study says Ganges River Dolphins dereases as the law empowers police to supervise licensing.
the salinity increases

A recent study covering 100 km of rivers and Delhi records 2nd Highest Pollution Level in
channels around the Sunderbans found that an 2018
increase in salinity in the water system has While the Central Pollution Control Board
resulted in a decrease in population of the (CPCB) data showed the overall air quality index
Ganges River Dolphins in the region. It also said (AQI) at ‘severe’ level of 450, the Centre-run
that the national aquatic animal is no longer System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting
sighted in the central and eastern parts of the (SAFAR) showed a higher level at 471. This is the
archipelago. The species are available only in the second highest pollution level this year. The
western part of Sunderbans, where the salinity is highest was recorded on November 8, a day after
lower. Ganges River Dolphins has been Diwali, when the AQI touched 571. An AQI
classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List. between 100 to 200 comes under the 'moderate'
The species was once found in tributaries of the category, 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301
Ganga in West Bengal. Researchers and experts and 400 'very poor', while that between 401 and
said the sighting of the dolphin has dipped over 500 is 'severe'.
the years in the 534-km stretch from Farakka
Barrage to Sunderbans.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Genetically Modified plant that cleans indoor agreement, which commits countries to keeping
air a limit on rising global temperatures.

Researchers have Genetically Modified (GM) a Researchers found Global warming causes

common indoor plant, golden pothos or Devil’s feminisation of turtles

ivy (Epipremnum aureum), to remove pollutants Researchers at the University of Exeter in the
inside the house. It has been modified to U.K. and the Marine and Environmental
produce a liver enzyme called cytochrome p450 Sciences Centre in Portugal found that up to
2e1, which is taken from rabbits, that breaks 93% of green turtle hatchlings could be female
down a wide range of pollutants. The by 2100, as climate change causes “feminisation”
researchers put the modified plant and normal of the species. The figures are specific to the
pothos ivy in glass tubes and added either study site in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. The
benzene or chloroform gas into each tube. They sex of turtle hatchlings is determined by
found that the concentration of either gas did temperature, and at present about 52% of
not change for normal plants. However, for the hatching green turtles, one of seven species of
modified plants, the concentration of sea turtle, are female. It has been found that in
chloroform dropped by 82%, and it was almost warmer temperatures predicted by the
undetectable by day six. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
scenarios, 76-93% of hatchlings would be female.
Blind amphibian is named after US President Ridleys gathered for mating in Berhampur,
Donald Trump Odisha

A newly-discovered blind amphibian from As part of their annual mating season,


Panama is to be named after Donald Trump in thousands of olive ridleys have assembled near
recognition of the U.S. President’s stance on the Rushikulya rookery on the Odisha coast. The
climate change. EnviroBuild, a U.K.-based forest department has stepped up its patrol in
sustainable building materials company, the area to safeguard the turtles.
announced that it would be using Dermophis Olive ridley sea turtle:
donaldtrumpi as the name for the amphibian ♦ Species: Lepidochelys olivacea
with no legs and poor eyesight. The small ♦ The olive ridley sea turtle, also known as the
creature is blind and has the ability to bury its Pacific ridley sea turtle, is the smallest and most
head in the ground. Mr. Aidan Bell, the boss of abundant of all sea turtles found in the world
the firm, said that these features of the ♦ This species of sea turtle is found in warm and
amphibian match the U.S. leader’s opinion on tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and
climate change. Mr. Trump in June last year Indian Oceans
withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate change ♦ They can also be found in the warm waters of
the Atlantic Ocean
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♦ These turtles, along with the related Kemps project was initiated by Natuurmonumenten, a
ridley turtle, are best known for their unique Dutch non-governmental organization working
mass nesting called arribada, where thousands for the preservation of nature. The project cost
of females come together on the same beach to around 60 million euros (USD 68 million).
lay eggs
♦ It falls under Vulnerable Category in the Scientists create bee vaccine to fight off
IUCN Red list microbial disease

Researchers at Helsinki University in Finland


WPSI reported that 460 leopards died in India
have developed the world’s first vaccine to
this year
protect bees against disease to fight off severe
Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) microbial diseases that can be fatal for
reported that 460 leopards died in India in 2018. pollinator communities. This vaccine raises
It recorded the highest mortality rate of the hopes for tackling the drastic decline in insect
particular big cat species across the country in numbers which could cause a global food crisis.
the past four years. According to official records, The treatment is administered to the queen bee
the highest leopard mortality rate was recorded via a sugar lump, similar to the way many
in Uttarakhand with 93 deaths. This is followed children are given polio vaccines. The queen
by Maharashtra (90), Rajasthan (46), Madhya then passes the immunity to her offspring,
Pradesh (37), Uttar Pradesh (27), Karnataka (24), spreading it through the bee community. Bees
and Himachal Pradesh (23) among others. In are vital for growing the world’s food as they
2018 only, 29 leopards were killed by villagers help fertilize three out of four crops around the
and eight leopards considered to be man eaters globe, by transferring pollen from male to
were killed by the forest department workers. female flowers. But in recent years bee
populations around the world have been dying
Dutch built 5 artificial islands in Markermeer off from colony collapse disorder, a mysterious
to bring wildlife back scourge blamed on mites, pesticides, virus,

A new artificial archipelago of five islets was fungus, or some combination of these factors.

created in Markermeer, one of Europe's largest


freshwater lakes under an ambitious project. Migratory birds at Chilika faces flu threat
The five islets were built in two and a half years The migratory birds at the Chilika lake, Odisha
and have already served as a resting place for are facing a threat to their lives due to the
30,000 swallows this year. It has already detection of avian influenza virus. Some crows
attracted greylag goose, common tern, and and chickens were found dead inside poultry
several species of waders. Experts recently farms in Krushnaprasad block last week. When
counted 127 kinds of plants, most of which have sent for testing to the National Institute of
been brought in by windborne seeds. The High-Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal, it was
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

found that the birds were tested positive for


H5N1 virus. The State government has planned Padma Awards 2018 announced - Full List Of
for a massive culling operation inside private Recipients
poultry farms in the affected villages. The Puri ● The President approved the awards for
district administration would cull birds within 85 individuals, which includes 3 Padma
one km radius of the place where the carcasses Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan, and 73
were found. Besides, officers of the animal Padma Shri.
husbandry department have been asked to ● The Fourteen of the awardees are
intensify surveillance in 10 km-radius area. It women and 3 persons have been
should be noted that around seven lakh awarded posthumously.
migratory birds have arrived at the Chilika lake ● In sports personalities, former India
this year. cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni
and multiple world champion cueist

Cabinet approved the submission of India’s Pankaj Advani have been conferred

second BUR to UNFCCC with the third-highest civilian award,


Padma Bhushan.
The Union Cabinet approved the submission of
● The 2017 World Weightlifting
India’s second Biennial Update Report (BUR) to
Champion Saikhom Mirabai Chanu
the United Nations Framework Convention on
and former Asian Games gold medallist
Climate Change (UNFCCC). BUR has been
tennis player Somdev Devvarman have
prepared based on a range of studies conducted
been conferred with the Padma Shri.
at the national level. The scope of BUR is to
● The awards are announced on the eve of
provide an update to India’s first BUR to
the Republic Day every year.
UNFCCC.
The Five major components of Biennial Update
Padma Vibhushan
Report (BUR):
Name Field State
♦ National Circumstances
♦ National Greenhouse Gas Inventory
♦ Mitigation Actions Shri Ilayaraja Art-Music Tamil
♦ Finance Nadu
♦ Technology and Capacity Building Needs and
Shri Ghulam Art-Music Maha
Support Received Domestic Monitoring,
Mustafa Khan rashtr
Reporting and Verification (MRV) arrangement.
a

Shri Parameswaran Literature Keral


AWARDS & HONOURS
Parameswaran and a
Education
JANUARY 2018
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Ms. Sharda Sinha Art-Music Bihar


Padma Bhushan

Name Field State

Shri Pankaj Sports- Karna


Advani Billiards/Snoo taka Grammy 2018 award announced
ker ● The 60th Annual Grammy Awards were
Shri Philipose Mar Others- Kerala held at Madison Square Garden in New
Chrysostom Spiritualism York City, the USA.
● James Corden was the host of the
Shri Mahendra Sports-Cricket Jhark
ceremony for the second year in a row.
Singh Dhoni hand
● It was Bruno Mars' night at the Grammy
Shri Alexander Public Affairs Russia Awards held in New York, with the
Kadakin three biggest wins - Album of The Year
(Foreigner/Posthu & Record of The Year for 24K Magic &
mous) Song of The Year for 'That's What I
Like'.
Shri Others- Tamil
Ramachandran Archaeology Nadu The list of winners is given below:
Nagaswamy ● Album of The Year: Bruno Mars
● Song of the Year: Bruno Mars', That's
What I Like
Shri Ved Prakash Literature and USA ● Record of The Year: Bruno Mars, 24K
Nanda Education Magic
(OCI) ● Best Pop Solo Performance: Ed Sheeran,
Shape of You
● Best Pop Vocal Album: Ed Sheeran,
Shri Laxman Pai Art-Painting Goa
Divide
● Best Dance Recording: LCD
Soundsystem, Tonite
● Best Music Film: The Defiant Ones
● Best Children's Album: Feel What U
Shri Arvind Parikh Art-Music Mahar
Feel, Lisa Loeb
ashtra
● Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual
Media: La La Land
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Producer of the Year, Classical: David PM Narendra Modi conferred Grand Collar of
Frost Palestine by President Mahmoud Abbas
● This award is granted for recognising
his key contribution to promote
Outstanding Parliamentarian Awards
relations between India and Palestine.
● Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG)
● Modi is the first Indian PM to make an
headed by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra
official visit to Palestine.
Mahajan announced that five members
of parliament (MPs) selected for the
Outstanding Parliamentarian Awards. Umang App named winner of the Best M-
● This includes, Government Service Award
India’s Umang App was named winner of the
Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad (2015),
Best M-Government Service Award in the
Trinamool Congress’ Dinesh Trivedi (2016),
Accessible Government category while Aadhar
Manipur’s governor Najma A Heptulla (2013),
won the best emerging technology award at the
BJP’s Lok Sabha member Hukumdev Narayan
World Government Summit 2018 in Dubai,
Yadav (2014) &
where India had the status of ‘Guest of Honour’
five-time Rajya Sabha member Bhartruhari
country.
Mahatab of the Lok Biju Janata Dal (BJD) (2017).
The Aadhaar project was recognized as the
world’s largest biometric enabled identification
MAS Chief Ravi Menon named Best Central
programme which provides access to service
Bank Governor in Asia-Pacific 2018
income tax, passport services, bank accounts,
● MD of the Monetary Authority of
social services benefits aimed at providing 1.2
Singapore (MAS), Ravi Menon, named
billion citizens unique identification card with
the best central bank governor in Asia-
fingerprint, eye-print and other vital data.
Pacific for 2018 by UK-based magazine,
The Banker.
● Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat was
MARCH 2018
also given this award in 2011 when he
was then MAS's managing director.
Oscar Awards 2018: Complete List Of Winners
● Over the last three years, the award
● The 90th Annual Academy Awards
went to the central bankers of Vietnam,
(also known as Oscar Awards) were held
India, and Bangladesh.
at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the
USA.
● The Shape Of Water won the top prize
FEBRUARY 2018
of the night - Best Picture. Jimmy
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Kimmel hosted the ceremony for the ● 19. Best Production Design - The
second year in a row. Shape Of Water
● He has become the first host since Billy ● 20. Best Cinematography - Blade
Crystal to do. Runner
● 1. Best Picture - The Shape Of Water ● 21. Best Makeup And Hair - Darkest
● 2. Best Director - Guillermo del Toro, Hour
The Shape Of Water ● 22. Best Costume Design - Phantom
● 3. Best Actress - Frances Thread
McDormand, Three Billboards Outside ● 23. Best Film Editing - Dunkirk
Ebbing, Missouri ● 24. Best Visual Effects - Blade Runner
● 4. Best Actor - Gary Oldman, Darkest
Hour
BV Doshi becomes first Indian to win Pritzker
● 5. Best Supporting Actress - Allison
Prize
Janney, I, Tonya
● Indian architect, urban planner, and
● 6. Best Supporting Actor - Sam
educator Balkrishna Vithaldas (BV)
Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside
Doshi has won the 2018 Pritzker Prize
Ebbing, Missouri
for ‘deeply personal, responsive, and
● 7. Best Original Screenplay - Get Out
meaningful’ architecture.
● 8. Best Adapted Screenplay - Call Me
● Born in Pune in 1927, Doshi is the oldest
By Your Name
ever recipient of the prize, which is
● 9. Best Animated Feature Film - Coco
regarded as the highest accolade in
● 10. Best Foreign Language Film - A
international architecture and is worth
Fantastic Woman, Chile
$100,000 (£72,000). He is also the first
● 11. Best Original Score - The Shape
winner from India.
Of Water
● 12. Best Original Song - Remember
Me, Coco
Canadian mathematician Langlands wins Abel
● 13. Best Documentary Feature -
Prize
Icarus
● Canadian mathematician Robert
● 14. Best Documentary Short - Heaven
Langlands on March 20 won the
Is A Traffic Jam On The 405
prestigious Abel Prize for developing a
● 15. Best Live Action Short - The
programme connecting representation
Silent Child
theory to number theory.
● 16. Best Animation Short - Dear
● Named after the 19th century
Basketball
Norwegian mathematician Niels
● 17. Best Sound Editing - Dunkirk
Henrik Abel, the prize was established
● 18. Best Sound Mixing - Dunkirk
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

by the Norwegian government in 2002 Olga Tokarczuk Wins Man Booker


and first awarded a year later, to honour International Prize for 'Flights'
outstanding scientific work in the field ● Polish author Olga Tokarczuk has won
of mathematics, a discipline not the Man Booker International Prize
included among the Nobel prizes. 2018 for her book Flights, translated to
English by Jennifer Croft and published
by Fitzcarraldo Editions.
APRIL 2018
● The Man Booker International Prize
was started in 2016 to celebrate fiction
Dadasaheb Phalke Award winners 2018
that has been translated into English
The award honoured the individuals from the
from around the world.
entertainment industry for their outstanding
● “Flights,” according to the Man Booker
contribution towards the growth and
website, “is a novel of linked fragments,
development of cinema and/or television.
from the 17th century to the present day,
Here's the list of the winners:
connected by themes of travel and
● Best actor (male): Shahid Kapoor
human anatomy.”
● Best actor people's choice award:
Ranveer Singh
● Entertainer of the year: Kartik Aryan India’s Neeraj Goyat is WBC Asia Boxer of the
● Best actress (critics): Aditi Rao Hydari Year
● Lifetime achievement award: Simi ● Indian pugilist Neeraj Goyat has been
Garewal conferred with the WBC Asia Boxer of
● Pride of Indian cinema: Sanjay Dutt the Year Award.
● Path breaking producer of the year:
Anushka Sharma and Karnesh Sharma
JUNE 2018
● Best director: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
● Outstanding performance male: Raj
Indian International Film Awards (IIFA) 2018:
Kumar Rao, Rana Daggubati
● 19th IIFA Awards were announced on
● Outstanding performance female:
24 June, 2018 in Thailand's Siam
Tamannaah Bhatia, Kriti Sanon
Niramit.
● Promising face of the year: Aahana
● Sridevi won Best Actress
Kumra
(posthumously) for her role in 2017 film
MOM, her husband Boney Kapoor
MAY 2018 collected the prize at the Indian
International Film Awards (IIFA), held
in Bangkok.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Irrfan Khan won the prize for Best


Best Debut Konkona Sen for “A Death
Actor in a leading role for Hindi
Director Sharma in the Gunj”
Medium.

Best Music Amaal Mallik, for


Director Tanishk “Badrinath Ki
Award Person/Film Work Bagchi, Akhil Dulhania”
Sachdeva
Best Film Tumhari Sulu
Best Pritam for “Jagga
Backgroun Jasoos”
Best Saket for “Hindi
d Score
Director Chaudhary Medium”

Best Arijit Singh for


Best Actor Irrfan Khan for “Hindi
Playback "Hawayein" -
In A Medium”
Singer Jab Harry
Leading
(Male) Met Sejal
Role

Best Meghna Mishra for "Main


Best Sridevi for “Mom”
Playback Kaun Hoon" -
Actress In
Singer Secret
A Leading
(Female) Superstar
Role

Best Lyrics Manoj for "Mere


Best Actor Nawazuddin for “Mom”
Muntashir Rashke
In A Siddiqui
Qamar" —
Supporting
Baadshaho
Role

Best Meher Vij for “Secret


Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje conferred
Actress In Superstar”
with “Chief Minister of the Year” award
A
● The award was given at the 52nd Skoch
Supporting
Summit held in New Delhi.
Role
● Union Steel Minister Chaudhary
Best Story Amit V for “Newton” Birender Singh was the chief guest at
Masurkar the function.
● Efforts of the chief minister and state
Best Nitesh Tiwari for “Bareilly
government were appreciated in
Screenplay and Shreyas Ki Barfi”
implementing the prime minister’s
Jain
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

“Digital India” campaign for ● Anukreethy Vas was previously crowned


benefitting the common man. fbb Colours Femina Miss Tamil Nadu.
● Meenakshi Chaudhary from Haryana
was the first runner-up.
Yuvraj Singh Awarded 'Most Inspiring Icon Of
● Shreya Rao Kamavarapu from Andhra
The Year For Social Welfare'
Pradesh secured the second runner-up
● He was awarded by award by the
position.
Dadasaheb Phalke International Film
● Anukreethy Vas will now represent
Festival (DIFF) for his exemplary
India at Miss World 2018.
contribution in the field of social
welfare.
● Yuvraj was diagnosed with cancer Pallavi Durua crowned as first Tribal Queen in
(mediastinal seminoma) shortly after the India
World Cup. ● Pallavi Durua, who belongs to Odisha's
● After successfully completing his Koraput district, was crowned as the
chemotherapy cycle in the United first "Tribal Queen" at the Adi Rani
States, Yuvraj returned to India in 2012 Kalinga Tribal Queen competition held
and made his international comeback in at Utkal Mandap.
a Twenty20 match against New Zealand. ● The prime objective of the event was to
promote tribal art and culture.

Kendrick Lamar Receives Pulitzer Prize In


Music World Food Prize 2018 awarded to Economist
● Kendrick Lamar received the Pulitzer Lawrence Haddad, Dr. David Nabarro:
Prize in music for his album “Damn.” ● Lawrence Haddad, who is a British
● Lamar is the first rapper in history to be economist and food policy researcher,
given the award. and Dr. David Nabarro, who has
worked with the World Health
Organization and United Nations on
Anukreethy Vas From Tamil Nadu Crowned
health and hunger issues, were named
2018 Femina Miss India
the 2018 World Food Prize recipients.
● Anukreethy Vas, a 19-year-old Tamil
● They dedicated their careers to
Nadu college student, has been crowned
improving the availability of nutritious
Femina Miss India 2018 in a grand
food for pregnant women and children
ceremony in Mumbai hosted by
in an effort to reduce the effects of
filmmaker Karan Johar and actor
malnutrition in developing countries.
Ayushmann Khurrana.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

JULY 2018 ● Madhya Pradesh government honoured


noted artist Anjolie Ela Menon (aged 78)
Irrfan Khan honoured with Icon Award at the with the National Kalidas Samman for
London Indian Film Festival visual arts.
● Irrfan, who is undergoing treatment in ● Artist A. Ramachandran was also
London for a neuroendocrine tumour, conferred with the Kalidas Award.
accepted his award privately.
● Richa Chadha won the Outstanding
Ishwar Sharma, 8 year old Indian-origin Boy
Achievement Award, while Manoj
named 'British Indian of the Year'
Bajpayee was also awarded an Icon
● An eight-year-old Indian-origin
Award.
schoolboy, Ishwar Sharma who is the
● British comedy 'Eaten By Lions' won
under-11 UK national yoga champion
this year's top prize, voted by the
has been named the "British Indian of
audience.
the Year" in the Young Achiever
category for his achievements in the
Himachal gets national award for best field of Yoga.
performance under PMSMA ● He has won a gold medal representing
● For the performance under the Pradhan Great Britain at the World Student
Mantri Surakshit Matritav Abhiyan Games 2018 in Winnipeg, Canada.
(PMSMA) in the country, Himachal
Pradesh has been adjudged first among
Ramon Magsaysay award winners 2018
state.
● Two Indians Bharat Vatwani, Sonam
● This award was conferred by Union
Wangchuk won 2018 Ramon Magsaysay
Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda.
Award, the Asian version of the Nobel
● Himachal Pradesh government had
Prize.
launched PMSMA in August, 2016, and
● Bharat Vatwani is a psychiatrist who
established around 495 clinics in which
works for the mentally-ill street persons.
ante-natal check-ups were conducted by
● Sonam Wangchuk works to harness
the doctors.
science and culture creatively for
● Under PMSMA pregnant women are
economic progress that has improved
supposed to get antenatal check up on
the lives of the Ladakhi youth.
9th of every month by a doctor.
● Here is the complete list winners of the
Ramon Magsaysay Award 2018:
Artist Anjolie Ela Menon and Ramachandran
conferred the Kalidas Award
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Awards won by Indian films in the 3rd


S.N Winners Countrie
BRICS Film Festival, Durban, South
o s
Africa are:
1 Bharat Vatwani India
1. Best Actress: Bhanita Das, Village
Rockstars,
2 Sonam Wangchuk India
2. Best Film: Newton by Amit Masurkar,
3. Special Jury Award: Village Rockstars
3 Youk Chhang Cambodi by Rima Das.
a
AUGUST 2018
4 Maria de Lourdes Martins East
Cruz Timor
Gopalkrishna Gandhi awarded the Rajiv
5 Howard Dee Philippin Gandhi Sadbhavana Award 2018
es ● He is the Former West Bengal Governor.
● The award was presented on 20th
6 Vo Thi Hoang Yen Vietnam
August 2018 on the birth anniversary of
former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

3rd BRICS Film Festival - Awards Winners


from India Five MPs conferred Outstanding
● The Third BRICS Film Festival took Parliamentarian award
place in Durban, South Africa, along ● President Ram Nath Kovind granted
with the International Durban Film “Outstanding Parliamentarian” award
Festival (DIFF). ○ for the year 2013 to Dr Najma
● The last day of the festival (27th July) A. Heptulla (Manipur's
was celebrated as India Country Day, Governor and five time Rajya
followed by Awards and Closing Sabha member ).
Ceremony. ○ for the year 2014 to Hukumdev
● The film festival is aimed at celebrating Narayan Yadav (Bharatiya
world-class film productions from the Janata Party's (BJP) Lok Sabha
BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, member)
China, South Africa) with the objective ○ for the year 2015 to Congress
of inspiring more collaboration from leader Ghulam Nabi Azad,
these nations. ○ for the year 2016 to Dinesh
Trivedi (Trinamool Congress)
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

○ for the year 2017 to achievements, humanitarian record and


Bhartruhari Mahatab (Biju advocacy for women and girls around
Janata Dal [BJD] Member of the world.
Parliament [MP] from Odisha's
Cuttack).
S.K. Arora bagged WHO World No Tobacco
● The Outstanding Parliamentarian
Day 2018 Award
Award was established in 1995.
● Delhi government’s additional director
of health S.K. Arora has been awarded
Indian Origin Mathematician Akshay the prestigious WHO World No
Venkatesh won Prestigious Fields Medal Tobacco Day 2018 Award for his
● Akshay Venkatesh, a renowned Indian- extraordinary contribution towards
Australian mathematician, is one of four tobacco control.
winners of mathematics’ prestigious ● Tobacco prevalence in Delhi has come
“Fields medal”, which is known as the down by 6.5% in the past six years,
Nobel prize for math. which is more than the rest of India
● Each winner receives a 15,000 Canadian- average figures.
dollar cash prize.
● The other three winners are
SEPTEMBER 2018
○ Caucher Birkar, a Cambridge
University professor of Iranian
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awards 2018
Kurdish origin;
● Cricket captain Virat Kohli and world
○ Germany’s Peter Scholze, who
champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu
teaches at the University of
will jointly be conferred with Rajiv
Bonn and
Gandhi Khel Ratna award 2018, India's
○ Alessio Figalli, an Italian
highest sporting honour.
mathematician at ETH Zurich.

►Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is


given for the most outstanding
Indra Nooyi to get Asia Game Changer of the
performance in the field of sports by a
Year award
sportsperson over a period of four year.
● PepsiCo's India-born Chairman and
►Arjuna Award is given for consistency
CEO Indra Nooyi will be honoured with
outstanding performance for four years.
the 2018 Asia Game Changer of the
►Dronacharya Award for coaches for
Year award by global cultural
producing medal winners at prestigious
organisation Asia Society, in
International sports events.
recognition of her business
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

► Dhyan Chand Award for lifetime


5 Shri Clarence Lobo Hockey
contribution to sports development and
(Lifetime)
►Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar
is given to the corporate entities (both in 6 Shri Tarak Sinha Cricket

private and public sector) and (Lifetime)


individuals who have played a visible
7 Shri Jiwan Kumar Judo (Lifetime)
role in the area of sports promotion and
Sharma
development.
8 Shri V.R. Beedu Athletics
(Lifetime)
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awards

Arjuna Awards
2018
S.N Name of the Discipline
S. Name of the Discipline
o Sportsperson
No. Sportsperson

1 Ms. S. Mirabai Chanu Weightlifting 1 Shri Neeraj Chopra Athletics

2 Shri Virat Kohli Cricket 2 Naib Subedar Jinson Athletics


Johnson

3 Ms. Hima Das Athletics


Dronacharya Awards
2018
4 Ms. Nelakurthi Sikki Badminton
Reddy
S.N Name of the Coach Discipline
o. 5 Subedar Satish Kumar Boxing

1 Subedar Chenanda Boxing


6 Ms. Smriti Mandhana cricket
Achaiah
Kuttappa
7 Shri Shubhankar Golf
2 Shri Vijay Sharma Weightlifting Sharma

8 Shri Manpreet Singh Hockey


3 Shri A. Srinivasa Rao Table Tennis

9 Ms. Savita Hockey


4 Shri Sukhdev Singh Athletics
Pannu
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

♦ Best lead actor in a drama series -


10 Col. Ravi Rathore Polo
Matthew Rhys for The Americans.

11 Ms. Rahi Sarnobat Shooting


Indian film won the Toronto International
Film Festival's prestigious Award
12 Shri Ankur Mittal Shooting
● Director Vasan Bala's action thriller
'Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota' (The Man
13 Ms. Shreyasi Singh Shooting
Who Feels No Pain) has won the top
award ie., Grolsch People’s Choice
14 Ms. Manika Batra Table Tennis
Midnight Madness Award at the 43rd
Toronto International Film Festival
15 Shri G. Sathiyan Table Tennis
(TIFF).
● This is the first ever Indian film to be
16 Shri Rohan Bopanna tennis
screened in the Toronto festival's
Midnight Madness programme.
17 Shri Sumit Wrestling

18 Ms. Pooja Kadian Wushu OCTOBER 2018

19 Shri Manoj Sarkar Para Nobel Prize Winners 2018


Badminton
● 2018 Nobel Prize were announced in 5
20 Shri Ankur Dhama Para Athletics
different fields viz. Physiology or
Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, Peace, &
Economic Sciences. This is for the first
Game of Thrones' won 9 Emmy Awards
time that no Literature Prize was given
● HBO series 'Game of Thrones' won nine
in 70 years because of a #MeToo
awards including 'Outstanding Drama
scandal.
Series award' at this year's Emmy
Awards.
● The 70th annual Primetime Emmy
Field Winner Description
Awards have taken place in Los
Angeles.
Physiolo James P for their discovery of
● The winners of 2018 Emmy Awards are:-
gy or Allison (USA) cancer therapy by
♦ Best lead actress in a drama series - Medicine and Tasuku inhibition of negative
Claire Foy for The Crown Honjo (Japan) immune regulation
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Physics Arthur for groundbreaking analysis.


Ashkin inventions in the field
(USA), Gerard of laser physics
Mourou
(France)
and Donna
Strickland
(Canada)

Chemistr a) one half to (a)for the directed Prema Gopalan won Social Entrepreneur of
y Frances H. evolution of enzymes the Year (SEOY) award 2018
Arnold (USA) (b) for the phage
(b) other half display of peptides ● She was awarded for her work in
jointly to and antibodies promoting women’s entrepreneurship
George P. and rural livelihood. She is the founder
Smith (USA) of Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP).
and Sir ● SEOY awards was founded by Schwab
Gregory P. Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship
Winter (UK) and Jubilant Bhartia Foundation in 2010.

Peace Denis for their efforts to


Mukwege end the use of sexual
Anna Burns won Man Booker Prize for fiction
(Congo) and violence as a weapon
for Milkman
Nadia Murad of war and armed
(Iraq) conflict.
● Anna Burns won the prestigious Man
Booker Prize for fiction for Milkman, a
Economi (a) William D. for integrating
vibrant, violent story about men,
c Nordhaus climate change into
women, conflict and power set during
Sciences (USA) long-run
(b) Paul M. macroeconomic Northern Ireland’s years of Catholic-
Protestant violence.
Romer (USA) analysis.
● She is the first writer from Northern
for integrating
Ireland to win the £50,000 (Rs.48 lakh)
technological
prize, which is open to English-
innovations into
language authors from around the
long-run
world.
macroeconomic
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● She said her books took a long time to ● Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave
complete, and she has often struggled awards to top Ranked State, District and
financially since her first novel, No State with maximum citizen
Bones, was released in 2001. participation based on the National
Swachh Survekshan Gramin 2018
commissioned by Ministry of Drinking
Haryana girl Nishtha Dudeja won Miss Deaf
Water and Sanitation.
Asia 2018 crown
● Overall Ranking:

● She is the first Indian to have won any


title at the Miss Deaf World Pageant. (A) Top 3 States-
● She is the brand ambassador for
1. Haryana,
Sivantos India Pvt Ltd. (Formerly
Siemens hearing Instruments Pvt Ltd.), 2. Gujarat,
the world’s leading brand of hearing
aids. 3. Maharashtra.

(B) Top 3 Districts-


PM Modi honoured with Champions of the
1. Satara, Maharashtra,
Earth award

2. Rewari, Haryana,
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi was
presented the UN's Champions of the 3. Peddapalli, Telangana.
Earth Award by United Nations
Secretary General Antonio Guterres in (C) States with maximum citizen

New Delhi. participation-

● Prime Minister Modi and French


1. Uttar Pradesh,
President Emmanuel Macron were
jointly awarded the UN's highest 2. Gujarat,
environmental honour for their
3. Maharashtra.
pioneering work in championing the
International Solar Alliance and (D) Districts with maximum citizens’
promoting new areas of cooperation on participation-
environmental action.
1. Nashik, Maharashtra,

Swachh Survekshan Gramin Awards 2018 2. Solapur, Maharashtra,


Announced
3. Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Malala Yousafzai will be honored by


NOVEMBER 2018 Harvard University for her work
promoting girls' education
Prof. M S Swaminathan Received first World ● Harvard's Kennedy School stated that
Agriculture Prize Yousafzai will be conferred with the
2018 Gleitsman Award at a ceremony on
● Prof. MS Swaminathan, chief architect 6th December
of India’s Green Revolution was ● The Gleitsman Award provides 125,000
awarded the World Agriculture Prize for US dollars for activism that has
2018 improved quality of life around the
● He received the award from Vice- world
President M.Venkaiah Naidu at the
event hosted by the Indian Council of
Super 30 founder Anand Kumar honoured
Food and Agriculture
with education award Global Education Award
● The M.S. Swaminathan Junior Research
in Dubai
Fellowship to be awarded from 2019
● This was awarded by Malabar Gold &
onwards was also instituted on the
Diamonds’, flagship company of
occasion
Malabar Group, a leading Indian
● The fellowship would help promote
business conglomerate
linkages between agriculture, nutrition
● He was honored for his “pioneering”
and health, through a ‘Farming Systems
contributions to the field of education
for Nutrition’ programme

Actor Anupam Kher honoured with


Clara Sosa Won Miss Grand International
'Distinguished Fellow Award' in Boston
2018 In Myanmar
● He was awarded at the 3rd India Global
● She won the Miss Grand International
Summit held at MIT Sloan School of
2018 title at the 6th edition of the beauty
Management in Boston
pageant in Yangon, Myanmar
● The Summit discussed the growing
● She succeeds Miss Grand International
importance of relationship between
2017 Maria Jose Lora of Peru
India, USA and China
● Anupam Kher holds the record for
Malala Yousafzai to be honoured by Harvard winning the Filmfare Award for Best
University for her work promoting girls Comedian five times in total for: Ram
education Lakhan (1989), Lamhe (1991), Khel (1992),
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Darr (1993) and Dilwale Dulhania Le those honored at the ‘Asian of The
Jayenge (1995) Year’ awards at Singapore on 28th
November
● The two were acknowledged for their
N Ram chosen for Raja Ram Mohan Roy
selfless service and bravery in rescue
Award by Press Council of India (PCI)
operations during the Kerala floods.
● The award was presented on November
They were awarded for their death-
16, 2018, on the occasion of the National
defying rescue flying during the floods
Press Day
in Kerala earlier this year
● Award winners under various categories
● Others awarded included the ASEAN
are listed below:
Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian
○ Rural Journalism: Ruby Sarkar,
Assistance on Disaster Management
Chief Correspondent,
(AHA Centre), and Singapore NGO
Deshbandhu, Bhopal & Rajesh
Mercy Relief, who operated amid large-
Parshuram Joshte,Daily
scale flooding, earthquakes and a variety
Pudhari, Ratnagiri
of other disasters
○ Developmental Reporting: VS
Rajesh, Deputy Editor, Kerala
Kaumudi DECEMBER 2018
○ Photojournalism-Single News: Ada Hegerberg won the first ever women's
Subhash Paul, Rashtriya Sahara, Ballon d'Or
Delhi ● Olympique Lyonnais striker Ada
○ Photojournalism-Photo Hegerberg became the first woman to
Feature: Mihir Singh of the be awarded a Ballon d’Or at a grand
Punjab Kesari, Delhi ceremony in Paris
● The 23-year-old was announced the first
ever winner of the Women’s Ballon d’Or
ATP World Tour Awards 2018 announced
by former France international player
David Ginola before she gave an
● The Complete list of Winners of
inspiring speech encouraging more girls
Association of Tennis Professionals
to play football
(ATP) World Tour Awards 2018:
● She has won four league and three
Champions League titles with Lyon
Vijay Varma and P. Rajkumar were awarded
the Asian of The Year awards

Shyam Sundar Besra conferred with Sahitya


● Indian Navy commander Vijay Varma
Akademi Award 2018
and Captain P. Rajkumar were among
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Shyam Sundar Besra, Chief Inspector ○ Sanjib Chattopadhyay (Bengali)


of Ticket, working in Asansol Division ○ Rituraj Basumatary (Bodo)
of Eastern Railway of Indian Railways ○ Mushtaq Ahmad Mushtaq
has been conferred with the Sahitya (Kashmiri)
Akademi Award 2018 for his novel ○ Prof. Bina Thakur (Maithili)
'Marom' ○ Bidhan Chandra Heisnamba
● Written in Santali language, "Marom" is (Manipuri)
primarily based upon natural, social, ○ Lok Nath Upadhyay Chapagain
economic and political conditions of (Nepali)
Santhal Pargana, one of the divisions of ● Literary Criticism Section:
Jharkhand headquartered at Dumka ○ K. G. Nagarajappa (Kannada)
● Sahitya Akademi announced its annual ○ Ma. Su. Patil (Marathi)
Awards in 24 languages on December 5, ○ Dasarathi Das (Odia)
2018. Seven books of poetry, six novels, ● Essays Section:
six short stories, three literary criticism ○ Sharifa Vijliwala (Gujarati)
and two essays have won the Sahitya ○ Dr. Kolakaluri Enoch (Telugu)
Akademi Awards 2018
● Sahitya Akademi Awards 2018
Kipchoge and Ibarguen won 'IAAF Athletes of
Winners List:
the Year' awards
● Poetry Section:
● World marathon record holder Eliud
○ Samanta Tanti (Assamese)
Kipchoge of Kenya and 2018 triple and
○ Paresh Narendra Kamat
long jump Diamond League champion
(Konkani)
Caterine Ibarguen of Colombia are the
○ S Ramesan Nair (Malayalam)
2018 IAAF Male and Female Athletes of
○ Dr Mohanjit (Punjabi)
the Year
○ Dr Rakesh Kumar Vyas
● Both are first-time winners of the
(Rajasthani)
award. Kipchoge is just the second
○ Dr Rama Kant Shukla (Sanskrit)
Kenyan ever to win the award after
○ Khiman U Mulani (Sindhi)
David Rudisha in 2010
● Novels Section:
○ Inderjeet Kesar (Dogri)
○ Anees Salim (English) Slain Journalist Khashoggi named Time
○ Chitra Mudgal (Hindi) Magazine's Person of the Year
○ Shyam Besra (Santali) ● Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who
○ S Ramakrishnan (Tamil) was murdered in October 2018 at his
○ Rahman Abbas (Urdu) country’s Istanbul consulate, has been
● Short stories Section:
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

named Time magazine’s “Person of the ● Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha
Year” alongside several other journalists Ghulam Nabi Azad and BJP MP
● The magazine also honored Philippine Nishikant Dubey were selected for the
journalist Maria Ressa, Reuters Best Parliamentarians award
reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, ● Four women MPs from both Houses
currently imprisoned in Myanmar and were also be awarded for their
the staff of the Capital Gazette in contribution
Annapolis, Maryland, including five ● While actor-turned-politician Hema
members killed in a June shooting Malini was awarded for her outstanding
work inside and outside Parliament as a
first-time MP, Lok Sabha MP Rama
Manika Batra was awarded ITTF
Devi was selected as the Best Woman
Breakthrough Star Award 2018
Parliamentarian
● DMK leader Kanimozhi was presented
● Manika Batra, India’s star paddler, was
the award for the Best Woman
awarded the International Table Tennis
Parliamentarian in the Rajya Sabha
Federation’s (ITTF) Breakthrough Star
● The Best Debut Woman
Award 2018 during a ceremony at the
Parliamentarian award was be presented
Grand Hyatt Hotel
to Chhaya Verma. The Lokmat
● In the Commonwealth Games 2018 at
Parliamentary Awards is the brainchild
Gold Coast, Manika won four medals
of Lokmat Media group chairman Vijay
including a historic women’s singles
Darda
gold, team gold, women’s doubles silver
(with Mouma Das) and mixed doubles
bronze (with G.Sathiyan) Deepika Padukone named top Indian star of
● She had also bagged the bronze in mixed 2018 by IMDb
doubles (with A. Sharath Kamal) at the ● The '2018 Top 10 Stars of Indian
2018 Asian Games Cinema' list, based on global film and
TV website Internet Movie Database’s
(IMDb) 'StarMeter' stats and page
Eight parliamentarians were honoured by
views, was released
Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu
● Shah Rukh Khan was second on the
list, followed by Aamir Khan and
● NCP chief and Rajya Sabha MP Sharad
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Pawar and veteran BJP leader Murli
Manohar Joshi were presented the
Lifetime Achievement award
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Pakistani activist Asma Jahangir wins UN ● The state's Kanyashree scheme for the
Human Rights Prize for 2018 girl child has earned Banerjee much
● Late Pakistan lawyer and human rights acclaim and the highest public service
activist Asma Jahangir was announced honour from the United Nations
as one of the four winners of the UN ● In the field of agriculture, West Bengal
Human Rights Prize for 2018. Her has won five consecutive Krishi
daughter Munizae Jahangir received Karman awards and bagged the IPPAI
the prestigious award on behalf of her Award for rural electrification in the
mother state
● Other winners included: ● Besides Banerjee the Skoch Group, has
also awarded Andhra Pradesh Chief
Women’s rights activist in Tanzania - Rebeca
Minister N Chandrababu Naidu with
Gyumi;
the 'SKOCH Sprinter of the Year' and
Activist for the rights of indigenous Brazilian
Commerce and Industry and civil
communities - Joenia Wapichana and
aviation minister Suresh Prabhu as the
Ireland’s human rights organisation Front Line
'Steady Reformer'
Defenders.

● United Nations Human Rights Prize, an Indian Railways Bags 17 Awards For Energy
award given every five years since 1968. Conservation
● President of the UN General Assembly -
María Fernanda Espinosa. ● Indian Railways bagged 17 awards at
the ‘National Energy Conservation
Awards (NECA) 2018’ held in New Delhi
Mamata Banerjee awarded the Skoch Chief
Minister of the Year 2018 Award ● Under ‘transport‘ category, Indian
● West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Railways obtained 10 awards for the
Banerjee has been chosen as the best subsector railway station. Vidisha
chief minister of the country by the railway station in Madhya Pradesh won
Skoch Group the first prize
● The chief minister of Bangla was given
● Under ‘building‘ category, Indian
the award on the basis of the State’s
Railways got three awards for subsector
performance as measured on five
Railway hospitals. Railway hospitals of
parameters – governance, culture,
Izzatnagar division won the first prize
finance, urban development and rural
development
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Madhya Pradesh’s Divya Patidar Joshi


Taxes and Taxes and
crowned Mrs. India 2018 title in New Delhi
Customs Customs
(CBIC),
● Divya Patidar Joshi from Madhya
Pradesh was crowned with Mrs. India
Charles Resigne Belgium -
2018 title at the Mrs. India My Identity
Michel d Prime
Beauty Pageant 2018 finale held in New
Minister
Delhi.
● She defeated 24 promising contestants Uday Appoint Federation Federation
and won all the rounds of Beauty with Shankar ed of Indian of Indian
Brain contest along with Best Catwalk Chambers of Chambers
title. Commerce of
and Industry Commerce

APPOINTMENTS/ RESIGNATIONS (FICCI). and


Industry
(FICCI).
Name of Appoint Institution/ Important Shankar
the ed / Country points to entered
Person Resigne be noted media as a
d political
journalist
P V Appoint Corporation Executive
with The
Bharathi ed as Bank Director at
Times of
MD and Canara
India and
CEO Bank.
rose to
Nilanjan Appoint Infosys CFO become the
Roy ed as CEO and
CFO editor of
'Star News'.

Harsh Indian Country New Indian Andreas Appoint Thyssenkrup He is

Vardhan Ambass Ambassado Goss ed p Tata Steel currently

Shringla ador r to US B.V the CEO of


Thyssenkru
Pranab K Chairma Central Central pp’s steel
Das n Board of Board of division.
Indirect Indirect
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Madhavi Appoint Additional Shamila Appoint South


Divan ed Solicitor Batohi ed Africa's 1st
General in female chief
Supreme prosecutor
Court
T.S Appoint Yes Bank He was the
Bhupesh Appoint Chhattisgar Vijayan ed Independent only
Baghel ed h third Chief Director external
Minister member in
the search
Arundhat Appoint SWIFT
and
i ed India
selection
Bhattach
committee.
arya
He has

Sameer Appoint Walmart Walmart been given

Aggarwal ed India Inc. a five-year

(formerly term.

Wal-Mart
A.S Appoint MD and He will
Stores, Inc.)
Rajeev ed CEO Bank hold the
is an
of position for
American
Maharashtra a period of
multination
three years
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corporation David Appoint World Gold World Gold
that Talit ed Council Council is
operates a the market
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hypermarke nt
ts, discount organisatio
department n for the
stores, and gold
grocery industry. It
stores. works
across all
parts of the
industry,
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

from gold freedom.


mining to
investment.

Salome Appoint Georgia


Zurabish ed First
vili Women
President IAS Appoint Chief
Ranbir ed Electoral
Arvind Appoint Chairman of Union Singh Officer of
Saxena ed UPSC Public Delhi
Service
Commissio Sunil Appoint New Chief A 1980-

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and
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Firhad Appoint He was promoted


Hakim ed Mayor of elected as the Chief
Kolkata unanimousl Executive
Municipal y by the Officer
Corporation councillors (CEO) on
of the April 1,
Trinamool 2016.
Congress
on
November
22. The
Binny Resigne Flipkart
councillors
Bansal d Group
decided on
his name in Gaddam Appoint India He is
the Dharmen ed Ambassador Additional
presence of dra to Iran Secretary at
Chief Headquarte
Minister rs of
Mamata Ministry of
Banerjee. External
Affairs.
O.P. Resigns Yes Bank
Bhatt CEO Gafur Appoint President of Internation
Rakhimo ed AIBA al Boxing
Vinod Appoint CEO & MD He has
v Association
K.Dasari ed of Ashok been a
(AIBA)
Leyland whole-time
director of Atul Goel Appoint MD, CEO of About
the ed UCO Bank UCO Bank:
company ♦ Tag line –
since May Honors
8, 2008. He Your Trust
was ♦
appointed Headquarte
MD on rs – Kolkata
April 1,
2011, and
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Mary Appoint Brand Sandeep Appoint MD and Mr.Bakhshi


Kom ed ambassador Bakshi ed CEO of was
of Women's ICICI bank elevated
World from the
Boxing post of
Championsh Chief
ips Operating
Officer
Ashok Appoint Competition He would
(COO) to
Kumar ed Commission replace
MD and
Gupta of India acting
CEO after
chairperson
the
Sudhir
resignation
Mital.
of Chanda
Gupta, a
Kochhar on
former IAS
October 4.
officer of
the Tamil Priyank Appoint National
Nadu Kanoong ed Commission
cadre, o for
would Protection
receive a of Child
consolidate Rights
d salary of (NCPCR)
Rs 4,50,000
Tushar Appoint Solicitor He will
per month,
Mehta ed General of hold office
house and
India till June 30,
car.
2020.
Mehta was
Gujarat
advocate
general
when
Prime
Minister
Narendra
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Modi was Tushar Appoint Solicitor He is


the chief Mehta ed General Of serving as
minister of India the
the state. Additional
Solicitor
General
(ASG) of
India.
Solicitor
Milind Appoint Global CEO This is a
General is
Pant ed of Amway new
the second
position for
highest
Amway, a
ranking law
business
officer of
that has
the
been family
governmen
run since
t after the
its
Attorney
beginning
General.
in 1959.
Asim Appoint Inter- He replaces
Mahesh Appoint PHDCCI He holds 28
Munir ed Services Lt. Gen.
Reddy ed Secretary- years of
Intelligence Naveed
General experience
(ISI). Mukhtar.
in national
His office
level trade,
will assume
infrastructu
charge
re and
from
industry
October 25.
bodies in
various
capacities.

Pravin Appoint India's 3rd His tenure


Srivastav ed Chief will be till
a Statistician August 31,
2020.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Sunil Appoint MD and He was was Boursa


Bhaskara ed CEO of the vice- Kuwait,
n AirAsia president, Tunis Stock
India Corporate Exchange,
Services at China
Tata Steel. Securities
He has Depository
more than and
three Clearing
decades’ Corporatio
experience n and
in the fields Nairobi
of Securities
manufactur Exchange.
ing, export
Rakesh Appoint Head of IDBI Bank:
and
Sharma ed IDBI Bank Type:
commercial
Public
operations
Sector
with the
Bank
Tata
Industry:
Group.
Banking,
Vikram Appoint Chairman of He Financial
Limaye ed Working admitted 6 services
Committee new Owner:
and Director members. Governmen
on the Board They are t of India
of WFE Multi Founded: 1
Commodity July 1964
Exchange Headquarte
of India rs:
(MCX), Mumbai,
London India Key
Stock people:
Exchange Mr.Rakesh
Group, Sharma
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Rangacha Appoint National He is a to Air


ri ed Financial retired 1983 Marshal
Sridharan Reporting batch IAS Amit Deo.
Authority officer of
(NFRA), the
Karnataka
cadre.

Rajni Appoint Director- Mr.Mishra Justice Appoint Chief Justice He will


Kant ed General of is currently Ranjan ed of India assume
Mishra Border the head of Gogoi charge
Security the from
Force (BSF) Sashastra outgoing
Seema Bal CJI Dipak
(SSB). He is Misra on
to head the October 3
BSF till and hold
August 31, office till
2019. November
Special D- 17, 2019. He
G (BSF) was
S.S.Deswal, elevated to
will replace the
Mr.Mishra Supreme
in SSB. Court on
April 23,
Anil Appoint Vice Chief New
2012.
Khosla ed of Indian Deputy
Air Force Chief of Air Anshula Appoint Deputy
Force will Kant ed Managing
be Air Director and
Marshal VR Chief
Chaudhari, Financial
New DG of Officer
Air (CFO) of
operations' SBI.
post went
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Dr Arif Appoint 13th Dr Arif ur Anil Resigne Director of RNAVAL:


Alvi ed president of Rehman Ambani d Reliance Industry:
Pakistan Alvi is Naval and Defence,
succeeding Engineering Shipbuildin
Mamnoon Limited g, Heavy
Hussain. (RNAVAL) Industry
Founded:
Akshay Appoint Honorary l Bahadur
1997
Kumar ed Ambassador Shastri. Lal
Headquarte
of Lal Bahadur
rs:
Bahadur Shastri
Mumbai,
Shastri gave the
India
Memorial motto of
Location:
Foundation 'Jai Jawan
Pipavav,
Jai Kisan'.
Gujarat

Taranjeet Resigne Twitter Services:

Singh d India Ships &

Director Offshore
Platforms,
Srinivasa Appoint Vedanta He served Pressure
n ed Resources as the CEO Vessels
Venkatak Plc. of Design,
rishnan AngloGold constructio
Ashanti n, repair
Ltd, the and
world's conversion
largest Parent:
emerging Reliance
market Infrastruct
gold ure
producer.
Emmerso Appoint President of
n ed Zimbabwe
Mnangag
wa
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Lalji Appoint Governor of He started the


Tandon ed Bihar his political company.
career in He
the 1970s. succeeded
He served his late
as a father
member of Rajan
the Uttar Nanda.
Pradesh
Legislative
Council for
two terms.
In May
Ms.Nooyi Appoint CEO of Indra
2009, he
ed PepsiCo Krishnamu
was elected
rthy Nooyi,
to the 15th
62, resigned
Lok Sabha
her
from
position as
Lucknow.
CEO of

Nikhil Appoint Chairman Escorts, PepsiCo.

Nanda ed and MD of Farm and She has

the Escorts constructio been

company n leading the

equipment company

maker, since 2006.

unanimousl She studied

y appointed at the

Nikhil Madras

Nanda as Christian

the College.

Chairman
and
Managing
Director
(CMD) of
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Chief Appoint Chief Justice She is the Rishi CEO & Tata AIA His
Justice ed of J&K HC first Srivastav MD Life appointme
Gita woman a nt as CEO
Mittal Chief & MD of
Justice of Tata AIA
J&K HC. Life
Justice B.D. Limited is
Ahmed, the subject to
State’s last regulatory
Chief approval
Justice, was from
retired on insurance
March 15, regulator
2018. IRDAI
(Insurance
Surendra Appoint CEO for He
Regulatory
Rosha ed HSBC India. previously
and
held the
Developme
position of
nt
HSBC’s
Authority
Head of
of India).
Financial
Institutions Rakesh Appoint CCO of Rajiv Bajaj,
Group Sharma ed Bajaj Auto Bajaj Auto
(FIG) for Ltd. MD, said
Asia- that the
Pacific. He post of
has been CCO was
working created to
with complemen
HSBC’s t the offices
Indian of the
operations Executive
since 1991. Director
(ED) and
Chief
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Technology TCA Appoint Director- Dr. T.C.A.


Officer Raghavan ed General of Raghavan
(CTO) ICWA has served
as India’s
High
Commissio
ner to
Islamabad
and
Singapore
and has
Justice Appoint Chief Justice He is the
served in
Menon ed Delhi High CJ of Patna
India’s
Court HC. The
missions at
acting
London,
Chief
Thimphu,
Justice of
and
the Delhi
Kuwait.
HC is
Justice Gita Martin Appoint Mercedes He is is
Mittal. She Schwenk ed Benz India currently
has been the CFO of
recommend Beijing
ed for Mercedes-
appointme Benz Sales
nt as Chief Service Co.
Justice of in China.
Jammu and
Kashmir
HC.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Manoj Appoint MD of Manoj S Ramesh Appoint Central He


Kumar ed NFDC Kumar ed Board of was
Pingua Pingua, a Indirect appointed
joint Taxes and as chief of
secretary of Customs the Central
Ministry of (CBIC) Board of
Informatio Excise and
n and Customs
Broadcastin (CBEC),
g is which has
appointed now been
as the rechristene
acting d as the
Manager of CBIC, in
National March last
Film year.
Developme
Recep Appoint Turkish Erdogan
nt
Tayyip ed President has won
Corporatio
Erdogan several
n (NFDC).
consecutive
Vijay Appoint Director and He was elections to
Srinivas ed GM of serving become
United India National Turkey's
Insurance Insurance longest-
Company serving
Ltd as its leader.
Chief
Marketing
Officer and
General
Manager.
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Brian Resigns Intel CEO Intel Corp. Party


Krzanich removed (PDP),
Brian potentially
Krzanich as pushing the
chief state
executive towards
officer after Governor’s
the rule. She
chipmaker handed
learned he over her
had a "past resignation
consensual to
relationshi Governor
p" with an NN Vohra.
employee, a
violation of HD Appoint New
the Kumaras ed Karnataka
company's
wamy Chief
policies.
Minister

Mehboob Resigns CM of Mehbooba Pravin BHEL State-run


a Mufti Jammu and Mufti
Agrawal Director power
Kashmir resigned as
equipment
Chief Jammu and
maker
Minister Kashmir’s Bharat
chief Heavy
minister, Electricals
after the Ltd (BHEL)
Bharatiya
appointed
Janata
Pravin L.
Party (BJP)
Agrawal as
ended its a part-time
alliance official
with her director on
Peoples its board.
Democratic
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Subhash Appoint New IRDAI Subhash Martin Appoint Peru's New Martin
Chandra ed Chairman Chandra Vizcarra ed President Vizcarra
Khuntia Khuntia, a was sworn
1981-batch in as the
Indian country's
Administra new
tive president
Services of Peru.
(IAS) Before the
officer who appointme
was a nt, he was
former Peru's first
Karnataka vice
Chief president
Secretary and
appointed ambassador
as to Canada.
Chairman He has
of replaced
Insurance Pedro
Regulatory Pablo
and Kuczynski
Developme who has
nt resigned
Authority from the
of India post
(IRDAI). recently.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Cyril Appoint President Of Cyril Dilip Asbe


Ramapho ed South Africa Ramaphosa as its
sa , head of managing
the ruling director
African and CEO.
National
Congress
(ANC)
sworn in as
Jerome H Appoint 16th Jerome H
South
Powell ed Chairman Powell was
Africa's
Of Federal sworn in as
new
Reserve the 16th
President.
Chairman
He was
of the
elected as
Federal
the new
Reserve for
president
a four-year
of South
term. Mr
Africa by
Powell has
the ruling
succeeded
party
Janet
politicians
Yellen, the
after the
first
resignation
woman to
of Jacob
lead the US
Zuma.
central
Biswamo Appoint National He bank in its
han ed Payments succeeds B 100-year
Mahapatr Corporation Sambamurt history.
a of India hy who was
(NPCI) the interim
chairman.
Last month
NPCI had
appointed
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Mahmud Appoint New Chief Justice S Appoint Security Union


Hossain ed Justice Of Hossain is Selvakum ed Printing and Governmen
Bangladesh the 22nd ar Minting t appointed
chief Corporation senior IAS
justice of of India Ltd officer S
Bangladesh (SPMCIL). Selvakumar
. President as
administere Chairman
d the oath and
of office to Managing
Justice Director
Hossain. (CMD) of
Security
Usha Appoint First woman Usha
Printing
Ananthas ed IBA Chief Ananthasu
and
ubramani bramanian,
Minting
an MD and
Corporatio
CEO,
n of India
Allahabad
Ltd
Bank
(SPMCIL)
elected the
first V J Appoint V J Mathew
woman Mathew ed Maritime was
chairman Board appointed
of Indian Chairman Maritime
Banks’ Board
Association Chairman.
(IBA). The
decision in
this regard
was taken
by the
Kerala
cabinet.
Mathew is
the legal
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

consultant Indian
of High
Vizhinjam Commissio
Internation ner to
al container Malaysia in
terminal the past.
company
and Indian
Maritime
Association
Co-
President.

Vinay Appoint ICCR Chief National


Vijay Appoint Foreign Senior Sahasrab ed vice-
Keshav ed Secretary of diplomat uddhe president
Gokhale India Vijay of the BJP,
Keshav Vinay
Gokhale Sahasrabud
has been dhe, who is
appointed a also a
foreign member of
secretary of Rajya
India. He Sabha has
has been
succeeded appointed
S the
Jaishankar. President
Mr. of Indian
Gokhale Council of
served as Cultural
Indian Relations.
Ambassado He will
r to China, replace
Germany Lokesh
and as
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● She was a Padma Shri recipient in 1998


Chandra
and was also known as “Asomiya Lata
who had
Mangeshkar.”
been
● She was honored with The Axiom
appointed
Srestho by The Telegraph, Silipi Bota
by the NDA
(2010) and Aideu Handique Silpi Award
governmen
(2012) among others.
t in
October
2014 and
Former Mumbai Mayor and Padma Shri Nana
has
Chudasama dies at 85
completed
his three-
● He was born in the Saurashtra region of
year term.
Gujarat, Chudasama was awarded
Padma Shri in 2005 in recognition of his
work in the social sector.
● He founded an NGO, Giants
International, which has presence in
several cities in India as well as abroad.
OBITUARY
● Nana Chudasama carried out social
DECEMBER 2018 work through his NGOs such as I Love
Former Union minister Jai Narain Prasad Mumbai, the National Kidney
Nishad passed away at 88 Foundation and the Forum Against
Drugs and AIDS.
● Nishad was a four-time Lok Sabha
member from Muzaffarpur constituency
of Bihar, and served as a member of Padma Shri historian and former Jamia VC,
Rajya Sabha between 2004-2008. Mushirul Hasan passed away at 71
● His son Ajay Nishad is an elected ● Renowned historian and former vice-
Member of Parliament (MP) from chancellor Jamia Millia of Islamia,
Muzaffarpur Lok Sabha constituency Professor Mushirul Hasan, passed away
itself and belongs to the Bharatiya at 71.
Janata Party. ● He was the former director of National
Archives of India.

Nightingale of Assam singer Dipali Borthakur Former US President George HW Bush passed
passed away at 77 away at 94
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● George HW Bush became 41st president ● He was 77 years old.


of the United States in 1989 after serving ● Parida is survived by his wife, a son and
as vice-president under Ronald Reagan. a daughter.
● His son, George W. Bush was also ● He was a prominent politician, writer,
elected president and served two terms and promoter of Odia language. Parida
between 2001 and 2009. was elected to the Rajya Sabha in July
● George HW Bush presided over the end 2010 and his term had ended in July
of the Cold War and routed Saddam 2016.
Hussein's Iraqi army but lost a chance
for a second term after breaking a no-
Brigadier Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, hero of
new-taxes pledge.
Longewala battle, passed away at 78
NOVEMBER 2018
● Brigadier (retired) Kuldip Singh
Chandpuri is known as the hero of the
InterGlobe Aviation Chairman Devadas
Longewala battle against Pakistan in
Mallya Mangalore passed away
1971.
● Brigadier Chandpuri had joined the
Indian Army in 1962 and was
● InterGlobe Aviation said its chairman
commissioned to the 23rd Battalion of
Devadas Mallya Mangalore passed away
The Punjab Regiment.
in the morning of November 25, 2018.
● For his bravery, valour and spirit,
● InterGlobe Aviation is the country’s
Brigadier Chandpuri was the recipient
largest airline IndiGo.
of many awards and honours.
● Mr.Devadas Mallya was also a non-
● Prominent among these were the Maha
executive independent director.
Vir Chakra - for defending the
● He had served as the CMD of Bank of
Longewala Post, and the Vishisht Seva
Baroda and Bank of Maharashtra.
Medal.

Baishnab Charan Parida Ex MP of Odisha Padma Shri awardee ad filmmaker Alyque


passed away Padamsee passes away at 90
● He is also known for portraying
● Baishnab Charan Parida, the former Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the 1982 film
Biju Janata Dal Rajya Sabha member, 'Gandhi'. A renowned theatre
passed away after a prolonged illness personality, Padamsee had also received
here on November 22. a Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● He was Chairman of the London ● He served as the Minister of External


Institute of Corporate Training and also Affairs in the Rajiv Gandhi Cabinet
served as an adviser to Andhra Pradesh between 1986 and 1987.
CM Chandrababu Naidu. ● He was thrice elected Chief Minister of
Uttar Pradesh in varied stints between
Union Minister Ananth Kumar passes away at
1976 and 1977, 1984 and 1985, 1988 and
59 in Bengaluru
1989, and was for one term the Chief
Minister of Uttarakhand, between 2002
● He held two portfolios in the NDA
and 2007.
Government; of Parliamentary affairs
● Mr.Tiwari was known for being a canny
and Chemicals and Fertilizers.
politician and a good administrator.
● Kumar had represented the Bengaluru
● He was credited with much of the
south parliamentary constituency six
manufacturing industry that made its
times since 1996.
way to Uttar Pradesh.
● In 1998, he was inducted into the Union
cabinet headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee Natwar Thakkar passed away
as the minister for civil aviation and was
● Eminent Gandhian Natwar Thakkar
instrumental in the signing of the MoU
passed away on 7th October 2018 due to
for the Bengaluru international airport.
his ill health. His efforts to spread
● Kumar was the youngest minister in the
Gandhian philosophy and peace had
Vajpayee cabinet.
earned him the title 'Nagaland's
OCTOBER 2018 Gandhi'.
● He was the founder of Nagaland Gandhi
N D Tiwari, former CM of UP and
Ashram. He was honoured with the
Uttarakhand, passed away
Padma Shri award.
● Mr.Thakkar had been chosen as a
● N D Tiwari, former Chief Minister of
member of a committee constituted by
Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, passed
Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the
away after a prolonged stint of
year-long celebration of Mahatma
hospitalisation in New Delhi.
Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary across
● Mr.Tiwari began his career with the
the country.
erstwhile Praja Socialist Party (PSP) to
● He went Nagaland from Maharashtra in
then serve his entire career in the
1955 when the movement for secession
Congress was 93 at the time of his
from India under the legendary Naga
death.
leader A.Z. Angami was gaining
momentum.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● His Gandhian mission was viewed as a ● He was conferred with the Padma
front for espionage by New Delhi and he Bhushan in 2008 and was bestowed with
was often told, at gunpoint, to leave the the honour of Rajasthan Ratna in 2014.
Naga domain. The Naga Hoho, the apex
body of all tribes in Nagaland, mourned
Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang dies aged
Mr.Thakkar’s death.
61
● Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio
● Before being appointed Vietnam's
conveyed his condolence and said that
President in 2016, Quang served as the
Mr.Thakkar made significant
Public Security Minister.
contributions towards the betterment of
● He was also a member of the
society.
Communist Party of Vietnam's
Politburo, the party's top decision-
Jasdev Singh, an eminent commentator, making body.
passed away ● Vice-President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh
● Jasdev Singh, the renowned Hindi will take over as acting president until a
commentator, passed away 26th new president is chosen by the
September due to prolonged illness. communist party's Central Committee
● He was 87 and is survived by a son and and voted on by the National Assembly.
daughter. Jasdev grew up in Jaipur. He
started his career with All India Radio’s
Anna Rajam Malhotra, first Indian woman
(AIR) Jaipur station in 1959.
IAS officer, passed away
● He was impressed by the renowned
● Anna Rajam Malhotra, first Indian
Melville de Mello’s non-stop seven-hour
woman IAS officer after Independence,
English commentary during Mahatma
died in Mumbai on 17th September.
Gandhi’s funeral. He decided to be a
● She was 91 years old. The officer worked
Hindi commentator.
under seven Chief Ministers and at the
● His career spanned five decades. Jasdev
Central government.
covered nine Olympics, eight hockey
● Rajaji had cited Ms.Malhotra as an
World Cups and more than 45 Republic
example of progressive women. The
Day and Independence Day celebrations
officer served in the Madras State under
for All India Radio and Doordarshan.
then Chief Minister C.Rajagopalachari.
● Jasdev received the Padma Shri in 1985
● She also served with Rajiv Gandhi, when
and the Olympic Order in 1988 for his
as an MP in 1982.
contribution to the Olympic movement.
● She also accompanied former Prime
Minister Indira Gandhi on an eight-
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

nation tour and had served in the ● He received Ranjitram Suvarna


personnel section of the Union Home Chandraka in 1984 and Sahitya Academy
Ministry. award in 1988 for his novel ‘Assoryalok’.
● During her tenure, the construction of
AUGUST 2018
India’s first computerised port Nhava
Sheva (Jawaharlal Nehru Port) in
Mumbai was completed.
Former Union Minister and senior Congress
leader Gurudas Kamat passes away at 63
SEPTEMBER 2018

● Gurudas Kamat who was an advocate by


Satya Prakash Malaviya, the former Union
profession, was also served as Union
Petroleum Minister, passed away
Minister of State for Communications
and Information Technology. Kamat
● Satya Prakash Malaviya, the former
was a Member of Parliament for the
Union Petroleum Minister, 84, passed
Mumbai North-West constituency in
away on 16th September at a private
2009 and the Mumbai North East
hospital in New Delhi.
constituency in 1984, 1991, 1998 and
● He was suffering from prostate cancer.
2004.
● Mr.Malaviya was the Petroleum
Minister in the Chandra Shekhar
government at the Centre.
Veteran Journalist Kuldip Nayar passes away
● He also served as Environment Minister
at 95
in Uttar Pradesh. Initially, he was with
● Veteran journalist had started his career
the Praja Socialist Party. Later he joined
with an Urdu newspaper.
the Congress. He was jailed during the
● Nayar was also an author, with 15 books
Emergency.
to his name, and was appointed as High
Commissioner of India to the United
Kingdom in 1990.
Gujarati Author And Journalist Bhagwati
● He was also nominated as a Member of
Kumar Sharma Passes Away
Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha in
● The best novels include ‘Aarti ane
1997.
Angara’ published in 1957, ‘Man Nahi
Mane’ in 1962, ‘Rikta’ in 1968,
‘Vyaktamadhya’ in 1970, ‘Samaydvip’ in
Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General
1974 and ‘Urdhvamool’ in 1981.
passed away
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Kofi Annan, 80 years old, passed away


due to illness. ● He became the governor of
● He is the first black African secretary- Chhattisgarh in July 2014 and has served
general of the United Nations. on various other posts including the
● He served two terms as secretary- Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab.
general from January 1, 1997, to ● Tandon was one of the founding
December 31, 2006. Kofi Annan and the members of the Jan Sangh which later
UN were jointly awarded the Nobel became the BJP.
Peace Prize in 2001. ● In his 65 years of political career,
Tandon was six-time MLA and state BJP
president of Punjab for two years.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister,
● Tandon has served as cabinet minister
passed away on 16th August
in 1977-79 and in 1997-2002 in the
ministries headed by Punjab Chief
● Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Minister Parkash Singh Badal.
Vajpayee, 93 years old, passed away on
● He was elected from Amritsar five times
16th August due to his prolonged ill
between 1960 and 1977, and was again
health.
elected from Rajpura in 1997.
● He was one of the greatest leaders of
India.
● The veteran leader was Prime Minister Former Indian skipper Ajit Wadekar passed
thrice in 1996, 1998-1999 and 1999-2004. away
● He was born on December 25, 1924, in ● Former Indian Skipper Ajit Wadekar, 77
Gwalior. years old, passed away on 15th August.
● He was one of the founding members of Due to his ill health, he was hospitalized
the Jan Sangh in 1951 and became its since the month of July.
president in 1968. ● He played for the Indian national team
● He was elected 10 times the Lok Sabha between 1966 and 1974.
from four different States. He was twice ● He was the first Indian captain to
the member of Rajya Sabha. achieve overseas wins while touring the
● He was also a poet and his poetry West Indies and England in 1971.
collections were compiled in his book ● India won over five matches in the West
Meri Ekyaavan Kavitayein (My 51 Indies in the early 1970s and then
Poems). defeated England over three.
● He has been awarded the Arjuna Award
Chhattisgarh Governor Balram Das Tandon
(1967) and Padmashri (1972).
passes away at 90
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Gandhi, Rajinder Kumar Dhawan


passed away at the age of 81 years in
Nobel Prize Winner Vidiadhar Surajprasad
Delhi.
Naipaul died at 85
● Dhawan joined Indira Gandhi as a
● He was born in Trinidad wrote more
personal assistant in 1962 and worked
than 30 books and won the Nobel
with her until she breathed her last.
Literature Prize in 2001.
● He was elected to the Rajya Sabha twice,
● He is known for his comic early novels
from April 1990 to April 1996, and July
set in Trinidad and Tobago.
2004 to July 2010.
● His notable works are A House for Mr
● He was appointed Minister of State
Biswas In a Free State A Bend in the
(independent charge) Housing and
River The Enigma of Arrival.
Urban Development (1995-1996).

JULY 2018
Five time Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M
Karunanidhi passes away
World's Oldest Person, Chiyo Miyako, died at
● DMK chief, Muthuvel Karunanidhi,
age 117 in Japan
passes away at 94. He was made Chief
Minister of Tamil Nadu for the first
● Miyako, born on May 2, 1901, became
time in 1969.
the world’s oldest person in April after
● His five reigns as chief minister spanned
Nabi Tajima, a fellow Japanese national
from 1969-1971, 1971-1976, 1989-1991,
from the southern Kikai island, died at
1996-2001 and 2006-2011.
age 117.
● He also became a popular screenwriter
● Guinness World Records has confirmed
for Tamil films.
that she was the world’s oldest person.
● After independence, Periyar’s
● Her replacement is yet to be announced
movement split into two. Karunanidhi
by Guinness, but according to media
followed Annadurai, establishing the
reports, the new oldest person is Kane
Davidar Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in
Tanaka, a 115-year-old woman who lives
1949.
in a nursing home in Fukuoka, a city in
● He was the party’s first treasurer and
southern Japan. ♦ The world’s oldest
was elected to the assembly in 1957.
man, Masazo Nonaka, 113-year-old lives
in Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.
♦ Jeanne Louise Calment from France
Former PM Indira Gandhi's aide RK Dhawan
holds the Guinness World Record for
passes away aged 81
the oldest person ever. Born in 1875, she
● Senior Congress leader and long-time
was 122 when she died in 1997.
aide of former Prime Minister Indira
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● He was conferred with Padma Shri in


Veteran Sports Journalist Swapan Sarkar 1991 and Padma Bhushan in 2007.
passed away
● Veteran sports journalist Swapan Sarkar
Former MP and Marwar Rajmata, Krishna
passed away due to diabetic
Kumari passed away aged 92
complications.
● Rajmata of the Marwar principality and
● He was 67 years old.
former MP, Krishna Kumari passed
● He worked for a number of dailies and
away aged 92 in Jodhpur. Born in a royal
was also the Delhi sports correspondent
family in Gujarat, she had married
of Ananda Bazaar Patrika (ABP) from
Jodhpur's then-ruler Hanwant Singh in
mid-1990's.
1943.
● He was a regular in the Delhi sports
● About Marwar: The Jodhpur city was
circuit having covered events like 1982
founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput
Asian Games, 2010 Commonwealth
chief of the Rathore clan.
Games along with tournaments like
● Jodha succeeded in conquering the
Nehru Cup, Federation Cup, Durand
surrounding territory and thus founded
Cup and DCM. He has covered events
a state which came to be known as
like Davis Cup, National Athletics meet.
Marwar.
His last rites were performed at the
Nigambodh Ghat.
Pulitzer Prize winning political commentator
Charles Krauthammer dies at 68
Renowned Poet Gopal Das Neeraj Passed away
● Charles Krauthammer, a longtime Fox
● Hindi poet Gopal Das Neeraj passed News contributor, Pulitzer Prize winner,
away in New Delhi due to a prolonged Harvard-trained psychiatrist and best-
illness. selling author who came to be known as
● He was 94. the dean of conservative commentators,
● His poetic works include Asawari, Lahar died at 68.
Pukare and Paran Geet. ● He is credited with coining the term
● He was Born in Etawah district of Uttar ‘The Reagan Doctrine’, a reference to
Pradesh and he created a name for his former US President Ronald Reagan’s
lyrics for films like Prem Pujari, Tere support for those fighting communism.
Mere Sapne, Chanda Aur Bijli and
Sharmili. Australian golfing great Peter Thomson dies
● He won 3 Filmfare awards and penned aged 88
some of the all-time hits like Likhe jo ● Peter Thomson won five British Open
khat tujhe. titles in the 1950s and 1960s and is the
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

only player since the turn of the 20th to prolonged illness at a private hospital
century to win golf's oldest major in Indore.
championship three times in a row. ● She was 71.
● He passed away at home in Melbourne ● Belonging to a family of freedom
surrounded by family on 20 June. fighters, Singh was appointed as the
governor of Himachal Pradesh in 2010.
Veteran journalist Adiraju Venkateswara Rao
● Prior to that, she had served as the
passes away
chairman of the National Scheduled
Tribes Commission (NCTC).
● 80 year Old Veteran journalist and
author Adiraju Venkateswara Rao
MAY 2018
passed away in Hyderabad, Telangana.
● His native is Khammam district. In a
Alan Bean fourth man To Walk On The Moon
career spanning over five-and-a-half
Died
decades, he worked for several Telugu
● Former US astronaut Alan Bean, who
and English dailies and news agencies
was the fourth man to walk on the Moon
including Andhra Jyothi, Udayam,
died in Texas, United States.
Deccan Chronicle, Indian Express,
● He was 86.
Himachal Times and Hindustan
● Bean went into space twice, the first
Samachar at Hyderabad and Delhi.
time in November 1969 as the lunar
module pilot on the Apollo 12 moon-
landing mission.
'Rasaraj' Narayan Prasad Singh Passed Away
● In 1973 he was commander of the
● Odisha's most popular lyricist, Narayan
second crewed flight to Skylab-
Prasad Singh was popularly known as
America's first space station.
'Rasaraj' passed away at his residence in
● Bean retired from NASA in 1981 and
Bhubaneswar. Singh was 86.
carved a successful career as an artist.
● Born on May 28th, 1933 at Koeli village,
● His paintings, inspired by space travel,
Singh earned his name in the world of
featured lunar boot prints as well as
Odia music.
small pieces of his mission patches
● He was the lyricist of several popular
which were stained by Moondust.
melodious songs in Odia cinema.

Noted Lyricist, Poet, Politician Balkavi


Bairagi Passes Away
Former Himachal Pradesh Governor Urmila
● Noted Hindi film lyricist, Nandram Das
Singh Passes Away
Bairagi, popularly known as Balkavi
● Former Himachal Pradesh governor and
Bairagi, passed away in his sleep.
Congress leader Urmila Singh died due
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

● Bairagi, a Lok Sabha member between ● Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice
1984 and 1989 and also a former Rajya Rajinder Sachar passed away. He was 94.
Sabha MP. ● Sachar, who was Chief Justice from
● He was 87. August 6, 1985, to December 22, 1985,
● He wrote several Hindi poems, among has since his retirement been associated
which, "Jhar gaye paat, bisar gayi tehni" with the People’s Union for Civil
is considered a gem by many Hindi Liberties, a rights group.
poets. He was the chairperson of a committee
set up by the previous UPA government
Eminent Economist Ashok Mitra Passes Away
to look at the social, economic and
● The first Finance Minister in the Left
educational status of Muslims in India.
Front government in West Bengal
Ashok Mitra passed away in Kolkata. Veteran Journalist S Nihal Singh Passes Away
● He was 90.
● Veteran journalist S Nihal Singh passed
● Besides serving the State Government,
at the age of 88 following an illness.
he also worked with the Central
● He was suffering from kidney-related
Government as the Chief Economic
ailments.
Adviser and was a member of Rajya
● Nihal Singh had worked with several
Sabha.
leading newspapers including The
APRIL 2018 Indian Express, The Statesman and
Khaleej Times.
Veteran Journalist T V R Shenoy Passes Away
● Veteran journalist and columnist TVR MARCH 2018
Shenoy passed away at Manipal Hospital
Pulitzer Prize Winner Les Payne Dies
in Karnataka.
● Shenoy was famous for his deeper ● Les Payne, a Pulitzer Prize-winning
analysis and narrative style writing in journalist, and columnist for Newsday
his illustrious career. who fiercely championed racial equality
● Shenoy was awarded the prestigious passed away.
Padma Bhushan award in 2003. ● He was 76.
● He won Pulitzer Prize for “Heroin Trail”
series in 1974.
Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice
FEBRUARY 2018
Rajinder Sachar Passes Away
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Noted Odia litterateur Chandrasekhar Rath Ursula K. Le Guin, Best-Selling Science


passes away Fiction Author Passes Away
● Eminent Odia author and poet ● Ursula K. Le Guin, the award-winning
Chandrasekhar Rath passed away at the science fiction and fantasy writer who
age of 89. explored feminist themes and was best
● He was nominated for a Padma Shri this known for her Earthsea books passed
year for his contribution in Odia away at the age of 88.
literature. ● Le Guin won an honorary National Book
● His three novels, Yantrarudha (The Award in 2014. Le Guin’s first novel was
Instrumented) 1967, Asurya Upanivesh Roncannon’s World in 1966.
(The Sunless Colony) 1974 and Nav Jatak ● Her book, 'The Left Hand of Darkness'
(Regenesis) 1981, have given him a won the Hugo and Nebula awards top
special place in Odia literature. science fiction prizes.
● He has also received literary awards like
Sahitya Akademi Award and Sarala
Iconic Cartoonist Chandi Lahiri Passes Away
Award.

JANUARY 2018 ● Famous Cartoonist Chandi Lahiri


passed away after a brief period of
illness, marking the end of a chapter in
Veteran Bengali Actress Supriya Devi Passes
Bengal's history of the cartoon. Lahiri
Away
was 86.
● Veteran Bengali film actress and
● Marked by simplicity and ease, Lahiri
Padmashri awardee, Supriya Devi,
left generations of Bengalis enthralled
passed away in Kolkata, following a
with his brand of humor that was non-
severe cardiac arrest.
acerbic for the past five decades.
● She was 83.
● Supriya Devi made her debut in the
Uttam Kumar-starrer Basu Parivar in IMPORTANT DAYS
1952.
● She was also awarded the Banga
Vibushan - the highest-ever civilian Date Remarks

award given by the Bengal Government,


and a Life Time Achievement Award by JANUARY 2018

Filmfare during their eastern India


version of the award show.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

15th 70th Army Day 21 International Mother Language Day;


Janua Febr The 2018 theme is "Linguistic
ry uary diversity & multilingualism count for
2018 sustainable development".

25th 8th National Voters’ Day 28 National Science Day (NSD);


Janua Febr The theme of NSD-2018 is “Science
ry uary and Technology for a Sustainable
2018 Future”.

12 National Youth Day; MARCH 2018


Janua This is the day when Swami
ry Vivekananda, one of the greatest 3 World Wildlife Day (WWD);
social reformers, thinkers, & Marc The theme for WWD 2018 is “Big
philosophers of India, was born. h cats: predators under threat".

FEBRUARY 2018 8 International Women’s Day;


Marc Theme for 2018 is -
4th World Cancer Day; h #PressforProgress.
Febr The theme for 2016-18 is 'We can, I
uary Can'. 15th World Consumer Rights Day;
Marc Theme for 2018 is ‘Making Digital
12 National Productivity Day (NPD); h Marketplaces Fairer’.
Febr Theme for 2018 is 'Industry 4.0
uary Leapfrog Opportunity for 20th International Day of Happiness;

India' Marc The theme for 2018 is "Share


h Happiness".

13 World Radio Day 20 World Sparrow Day


Febr Marc
uary h

20th World Day of Social Justice (WDSJ) 22 World Water Day;


Febr Marc The theme this year is, ‘Nature for
uary h Water’.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

24 World Tuberculosis Day; 22nd World Earth Day;


Marc The theme of World TB Day 2018 - April The theme for 2018 is 'End Plastic
h ‘Wanted: Leaders for a TB-free world’. Pollution'.

23 World Book & Copyright Day


27th World Theatre Day April
Marc
24th National Panchayati Raj Diwas
h
April
APRIL 2018
25th World Malaria Day
April
2 World Autism Awareness Day;
April The theme for 2018 is "Empowering 26th World Intellectual Property Day;
Women & Girls with Autism". April The theme for 2018 is 'Powering
change: Women in innovation &
creativity'.
5th This year 55th edition of National
April Maritime Day was celebrated all over MAY 2018
India.
The theme for National Maritime Day 1 International Labour Day - also
2018 is: ‘Indian Shipping – An Ocean May known as International Worker's Day,
of opportunity’ Labour Day & May Day.
The theme was “Uniting Workers for
7th World Health Day;
Social & Economic Advancement”.
April Theme is: Universal health coverage:
everyone, everywhere. 3 World Press Freedom Day;
The slogan is “Health for All”. May This year’s global theme was ‘Keeping
Power in Check: Media, Justice & The

17th World Haemophilia Day; Rule of Law’

April The theme of 2018 is 'Sharing


8 World Red Cross Day
Knowledge Makes Us Stronger'.
May

18th World Heritage Day;


11 National Technology Day;
April This year the theme is 'Heritage for
May The theme of 2018 is “Memorable
Generations'.
smiles from around the world”.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

12 International Nurses Day 12 World Day Against Child Labor


May June

15 International Day of Families 14 World Blood Donor Day


May June

17 World Telecommunication and 20 World Refugee Day


May Information Society Day June

21 Anti Terrorism Day 21 International Yoga Day;


May June The theme for Yoga Day 2018 is
"Yoga for Peace".
22 International Day for Biological
May Diversity
World Music Day.

29 International Day of UN
May Peacekeepers;
The theme is ‘UN Peacekeepers: 70 23 International Widows' Day

Years of Service and Sacrifice’. June

26 International Day against Drug Abuse


31 World No Tobacco Day;
June & Illicit Trafficking
May The theme for 2018 is "Tobacco and
heart disease." 29 National Statistics Day;
June The theme for 2018 is ‘Quality
JUNE 2018
Assurance in Official Statistics’.

3 World Bicycle Day;


June The day, which is celebrated for the JULY 2018
first time this year, was approved on
12 April 2018 as an official United 1 July GST Day
Nations day.

5 World Environment Day; 7 July International Day of Cooperatives;

June Theme for 2018 is 'Beat Plastic The 2018 theme of the Day is the

Pollution'. ‘Sustainable societies through


cooperation’.
8 World Oceans Day
June
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

18th Nelson Mandela International Day; SEPTEMBER 2018


July This year's Mandela Day is dedicated
to 'Action Against Poverty'. 1 - 30 National Nutrition Month
Septe (September) is being celebrated across
mber India to mark the fight against
26 Kargil Vijay Diwas;
malnutrition.
July
5 International Day of Charity
28 World Hepatitis Day
Septe
July
mber

29 International Tiger Day


8 International Literacy Day;
July
Septe This year’s theme is ‘Literacy & skills

30 World Day against Trafficking in mber development.’

July Persons
14 Hindi Divas
AUGUST 2018 Septe
mber
7 National Handloom Day
15 Engineer's Day - Mokshagundam
Augu
Septe Visvesvaraya's birthday is celebrated;
st
mber
9 International Day of the World's International Day of Democracy.
Augu Indigenous Peoples ;
st The theme was ‘Indigenous peoples’
migration and movement’. 21 International Day of Peace;
Septe Theme is “The Right to Peace - The
10 World Biofuel Day
mber Universal Declaration of Human
Augu
Rights at 70”.
st
27 World Tourism Day
19 World Humanitarian Day;
Septe
Augu The campaign launched on World
mber
st Humanitarian Day is "#NotATarget".
28 World Rabies Day
Septe
29 National Sports Day
mber
Augu
st
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

29th World Heart Day ber


Septe
mber 17 United Nations‟ (UN) International
Octo Day for the Eradication of Poverty
OCTOBER 2018
ber

1 International Day of Older Persons 24 United Nations Day


Octo Octo
ber ber

4 World Animal Day 27 World Day for Audiovisual Heritage


Octo Octo
ber ber

5 World Teacher’s Day 29th Vigilance Awareness Week;


Octo Octo The theme is, “Eradicate Corruption –
ber ber to Build A New India”
3rd
9 World Post Day
Nove
Octo
mber
ber
31 National Unity day (also known as
10 World Mental Health Day
Octo Rashtriya Ekta Diwas)
Octo
ber
ber
NOVEMBER 2018
11 International Day of the Girl
Octo
7 National Cancer Awareness Day
ber
Nove
13 International Day for Disaster mber
Octo Reduction
10 World Science Day
ber
Nove
15 International Day of Rural Women; mber
Octo Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas.
ber

16 World Food Day


Octo
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

14 World Diabetes Day; 1st World AIDS Day


Nove Dece
mber The theme for World Diabetes Day mber
2018 and 2019 is 'The Family and
4 Indian Navy Day
Diabetes'
Dece
mber
16 International Day for Tolerance
Nove 5 World Soil Day
mber Dece
mber
19 World Toilet Day
Nove 10 International Day of Human Rights;
mber Dece
mber 2018 marked the 70th anniversary of
19th- Qaumi Ekta Week
the Universal Declaration of Human
25th
Rights (UDHR), adopted in 1948 by
Nove
the United Nations General Assembly
mber
(UNGA).

20 United Nations Universal Children‟ s


11 International Mountain Day;
Nove Day;
Dece The Theme for the 2018 edition is:
mber
mber “#MountainsMatter”.
Africa Industrialization Day
14 National Energy Conservation Day
Dece
26 National Milk Day;
mber
Nove
mber Indian Constitution Day 22nd National Mathematics Day
Dece
mber
27 Indian Organ Donation Day
23rd Kisan Divas
Nove
Dece
mber
mber
DECEMBER 2018
24th National Consumers Day
Dece
mber
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Winning Like Abhirup Bhattacharya


Sourav: Think &
BOOKS AND AUTHOR Succeed Like
Ganguly

Books Author Straight Talk Abhishek Manu


Singhvi

Radio Kashmir in Dr Rajesh Bhat Across the Bench – Gyan Bhushan


Times of Peace & Insight into the
War Indian Military
Judicial System
Yoga And Mansi Gulati
Mindfulness Calling Sehmat Harinder S. Sikka

The Rule Breakers Preeti Shenoy


Smart Cities Dr. Samir Sharma
Unbundle
Atal Ji Ne Kaha Brijendra Rehi

My Journey from C. H. Hanumantha Rao


281 and Beyond VVS Laxman (veteran Marxism-Leninism
cricketer) to Nehruvian
autobiography Socialism

No Spin Shane Warne (veteran India’s Heritage of Meeta Pandit


cricketer) Gharana Music:
autobiography Pandits of Gwalior

Gandhi: The years Ramachandra Guha Paramveer Parwane Prabhakiran Jain


that changed the
world (1914-1948) Exam Warriors Prime Minister of
India Narendra Modi
Warlight Michael Ondaatje
(named in Man Booker A Century is Not Sourav Ganguly
Prize list) Enough

The English Patient Michael Ondaatje Imperfect Sanjay Manjrekar


(winner of Golden Man (cricketer-turned-
Booker International commentator)
prize 2018)
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Citizen Delhi: My Former Delhi Chief Environment India’s rank - 177;


Times, My Life Minister Sheila Dikshit al Switzerland leads the list,
Performance followed by France, Denmark
Indian Instincts Dr. Miniya Chatterji Index (EPI) & Malta.
2018
The Diary of a The Widows of
FEBRUARY 2018
Domestic Diva Malabar Hill

Vedvigyan Alok Acharya Agnivarat International India’s rank - 44;


Naishthik Intellectual The top 3 countries on the list
Property (IP) are The USA, The United
The Paradoxical Shashi Tharoor
Index Kingdom and Sweden.
Prime Minister
‘Healthy ---> released by NITI Aayog;
Arivu Dr.Murali Mohan
States, Kerala, Punjab and Tamil
Chuntharu
Progressive Nadu have ranked top among
Timeless Laxman Usha Srinivas Laxman India Report the larger states in terms of
overall performance.
A Rural Manifesto: Feroze Varun Gandhi
Global India’s rank - 81;
Realizing India’s
corruption New Zealand & Denmark
Future through Her
perception were placed the highest, with
Villages
index for scores of 89 & 88, respectively.
2017

INDEX/LIST
Inclusive India’s rank - 47;
Internet
Index by the
INDEX/LIST Remarks
Economist
Intelligence
JANUARY 2018
Unit (EIU)

Inclusive India’s rank - 62; Global India’s rank - 42;


Development Democracy The top 5 Countries in the list
Index Index are: Norway, Iceland, Sweden,
of World New Zealand & Denmark.
Economic
Forum (WEF) MARCH 2018
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Global index India’s rank - 4; 2018 World India’s rank - 138;


for military Only the United States, Press The Top 3 countries in World
strength Russia & China are ranked Freedom Press Freedom Index Report
above India on the list. Index are: 1. Norway, 2. Sweden, 3.
The Netherlands.
Knight Frank Mumbai ranks 16th among
Wealth the top 20 costliest cities in TRA Brand Google is the most trusted
Report 2018 the world. Trust Report Internet brand in India,
2018 followed by Facebook,
World Finland tops the list;
Amazon & eBay.
Happiness Burundi in East Africa is the
Report 2018 unhappiest place in the world. MAY 2018

Swachh Indore emerged as the


World India’s rank - 78;
Survekshan- cleanest city in India.
Economic The Top 3 Countries in the
2018 results
Forum’s List are- Sweden, Norway &
(WEF) energy Switzerland. Global India’s rank - 44;
transition competitive The top 3 most competitive
index rankings economies in the world are: 1.
The USA, 2. Hong Kong, 3.
Worldwide Singapore remains the most
Singapore.
Cost of expensive city in the world.
Living report Damascus, the capital of war- Foreign India at the 11th spot;
2018 ravaged Syria, is the cheapest Direct United States (US) topped the
city for living in the world. Investment index.
(FDI)
Largest India is at 3rd position;
Confidence
electricity The top 2 Producers of
Index 2018
producer in Electricity in the world are- 1.
the world China, 2. The USA. Global India’s rank - 6;
Optimism Top five nations in the report
APRIL 2018
Index are Austria, Finland,
Indonesia, the Netherlands &
2018 India fetched 10th position;
the US.
Commonweal United Kingdom, Singapore &
th Innovation Canada ranked first 3 spots. JUNE 2018
Index
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

First Delta → Launched by NITI Aayog; Forbe’s Boxer Floyd Mayweather


ranking, Dahod district of Gujarat 'Celebrity captures the top spot;
incremental improved 19.8 points to rank 100' list of From India, Akshay Kumar
progress, for first. World's (40.5 million dollars) is ranked
the Highest-Paid 76th while Salman Khan (37.7
Aspirational Entertainers million dollars) is on the 82nd
Districts in spot.
India
Public Affairs Kerala is the best-governed
Global India’s rank - 177; Index 2018 state in the country.
Environment The Top 3 countries on the As per the report, Tamil
Performance list are: 1. Switzerland, 2. Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka
Index (EPI) France, & 3. Denmark. & Gujarat are among the top
rankings five states delivering good
governance.
Save the India’s rank - 113;
Children’s Singapore & Slovenia are AUGUST 2018
"End of placed at the top sharing the
Childhood first place in the index & Forbes “List Serena Williams with
Index 2018 Niger figures in end of the Of Highest earnings of $18.1 million tops
list. Paid Female the list.
Athletes The other top spots are
QS World Indian Institute of
2018" captured by 2. Dane Caroline
University Technology, Bombay (IIT-B),
Wozniacki ($13 million), 3.
Rankings Indian Institute of Science
Sloane Stephens ($11.2
2019 (IISc), Bangalore, & Indian
million).
Institute of Technology, Delhi
(IIT-D) are in the top 200. United India’s rank - 96
Nation’s E-
JULY 2018
Government
Development
Global India’s rank - 57;
Index (EGDI)
Innovation The Top 3 Countries in
2018
Index (GII) Global Innovation Index are:
1. Switzerland, 2. The Global India’s rank - 57
Netherlands, 3. Sweden. Innovation
Index 2018
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Ease of Top 3 cities in the list are: 1. destinations.


Living Index Pune, 2. Navi Mumbai, 3.
2018 Greater Mumbai.
Bottom 3 Cities in The List
are: Rampur (111th), Kohima
(110th), Patna (109th).

Global Austria’s capital Vienna has


Human India’s Rank - 115;
Liveability been ranked as the world’s
Capital Index Singapore topped the poll.
Index 2018 most liveable city.
(HCI)
Delhi was ranked at 112th
position and Mumbai fetched 2018 Global India’s Rank - 103
117th spot.
Hunger Index
(GHI)
SEPTEMBER 2018

Global India’s Rank - 58;


Ease of → rankings launched by the Competitiven United States ranked No: 1
Living Index Ministry of Housing & Urban ess Report again with a score of 85.6.
Affairs (MoHUA). 2018
Andhra Pradesh has topped
the charts, followed by NOVEMBER 2018

Odisha & Madhya Pradesh.


India Skills Andhra Pradesh topped the
OCTOBER 2018
Report 2019 list of states with the highest
employability followed by
Forbes India Mukesh Ambani emerged as Rajasthan and Haryana.
Rich List the richest Indian for the 11th
2018 consecutive year with a net IMD World India’s Rank - 53;

worth of USD 47.3 billion. Talent


Ranking 2018 Switzerland topped the list for
Henley Japan's passport has been the fifth year in a row,
Passport named the most powerful in followed by Denmark (2nd)
Index 2018 the world. and Norway (3rd).

Indian passport has secured Fortune 2018 Indian-American Shantanu

the 81st rank with visa-free or Business Narayen, the Chief Executive

visa-on-arrival access to 60 Person of the Officer (CEO) of Adobe tops


Year list the list.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Index for the Bangalore tops and Mumbai Forbes India Salman Khan has been
most in the second position. Celebrity 100 named the highest-earning
congested List 2018 celebrity in India for the third
city in India time in a row by Forbes, with
earnings of ₹253.25 crore.
World Bank's India’s Rank - 77 out of 190
The second spot was captured
Ease of countries in 2018.
by Indian cricket team
Doing
skipper Virat Kohli, with Rs
Business New Zealand topped the list,
228.09 crore.
Index 2019 followed by Singapore,
Denmark, and Hong Kong.
Deepika Padukone was

DECEMBER 2018 placed fourth in the list with


her earnings reaching Rs

Global Iceland tops; India ranks 112.80 crore during 2018.

Gender Gap 108th


Global United Arab Emirates has
Report 2018
Passport topped;

Forbes' German Chancellor Angela Power Rank India ranked 66th;

World's 100 Merkel tops for the eighth 2018 Singapore and Germany ranks

Most consecutive year. 2nd with 166 countries.

Powerful
Women list Indian’s in the list are:-
● HCL Tech Vice
Chairperson Roshni FESTIVALS
Nadar Malhotra
(ranked 51st), JANUARY 2018
● Biocon Chairperson
Kiran Mazumdar- Goa to Host 3rd Edition of Science Film
Shaw (ranked 60), Festival
● HT Media MD
Shobhana Bhartia
● Goa will be hosting the third edition of
(ranked 88th), and
the Science Film Festival of India in
● actress Priyanka
January 2018.
Chopra (placed at 94)
● The festival, titled SCI-FFI Goa, is being
organized by the state-based Vidnyan
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Parishad, Goa Department of Science Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali,


and Technology. and Mohiniattam.
● The competition aims to boost the
culture of science films, all the films MARCH 2018
submitted should be related to science
and technology. President Ram Nath Kovind tributes to Dr
Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary
World’s Largest Ice Festival Held in China ● President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime
● World’s largest Ice Festival Minister Narendra Modi have paid
'International Ice and Snow Festival' tributes to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia on
was held in Harbin, China. his birth anniversary.
● This is one of China’s coldest cities in ● Dr. Lohia dedicated his life to quest for
the winter. a just, fair and egalitarian society and he
● It is the 34th annual Ice Festival in remains an inspiration for welfare-
Harbin, north-east China. It features oriented governance.
sculptures of Moscow’s Red Square and ● He described Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia
Bangkok’s Temple of the Emerald as one of the most remarkable
Buddha. personalities of the 20th century.
● The socialist leader combined scholarly
FEBRUARY 2018 zeal with a penchant for grassroots level
politics and his rich thoughts continue
Forty Fourth Khajuraho Dance Festival Held
to shape socio-political discourse.
In Madhya Pradesh

● The 44th edition of Khajuraho Dance


APRIL 2018
Festival 2018 was held at Khajuraho
temple, a UNESCO world heritage site
Bisket Jatra Being Celebrated In Nepal
in Madhya Pradesh.
● The Jatra begins in Nepal. It is believed
● It was inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh
that the festival started during Malla
Governor Anandiben Patel and was
dynasty. In Nepal, the famous Bisket
organized by culture department of state
Jatra is being celebrated in Bhaktapur
government.
and other parts of Kathmandu valley.
● Khajuraho Dance Festival is an annual
● The nine-day annual festival marks
cultural festival that highlights the
beginning of Nepali new year. The Jatra
richness of various Indian classical
begins four days before the start of new
dance styles.
year.
● The 6-day festival showcased classical
dances including Kathak, Odissi,
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

MAY 2018

● The Third BRICS Film Festival took


Main Event Of 4th International Yoga Day place in Durban, South Africa, along
Celebrations To Be Held At Dehradun with the International Durban Film
● The main event of 4th International Festival (DIFF).
Yoga Day celebrations will be held at ● The last day of the festival (27th July)
Dehradun in Uttarakhand on 21st of was celebrated as India Country Day,
June. followed by Awards and Closing
● Secretary AYUSH Ministry Vaidya Ceremony. The film festival is aimed at
Rajesh Kotecha announced that celebrating world-class film productions
Dehradun has been selected as the from the BRICS nations with the
venue for Mass Yoga Demonstration of objective of inspiring more
International Yoga Day. collaboration from these nations.
● Mr. Kotecha is in Dehradun to initiate ● Awards won by Indian films in the 3rd
the preparations regarding this mega BRICS Film Festival, Durban, South
event. Africa:
1. Best Actress: Bhanita Das, Village
JUNE 2018 Rockstars
2. Best Film: Newton by Amit Masurkar
Three day annual Sindhu Darshan Festival 3. Special Jury Award: Village Rockstars
begins in Jammu and Kashmir by Rima Das.

● Sindhu Darshan Festival is celebrated


on the bank of Indus River in Ladakh Cricket Curry festival organised in Japan to

region of Jammu and Kashmir. promote cricket

● The Festival is focused at national International cricket's governing body, ICC,


integration, communal harmony and organised the 'Sano Cricket Curry Festival' in
national pride. the Japanese city of Sano to promote cricket in
● This year mark the 22nd Sindhu the nation. A cricket match between the
Darshan festival and it was started by Japanese cricket team and an Indian team was
the former Deputy Prime Minister L K held at the event. The festival also featured
Advani in 1997. cultural events and food from cricket-playing
nations like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal
and Sri Lanka.
JULY 2018

World famous Rath Yatra celebrated in


Third BRICS Film Festival concluded:
Odisha
Complete List Of Indian Winners
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Popularly known as the ‘Festival of Chariots’, The Kandy Esala Perahera also known as 'The
Rath Yatra festival in honour of Puri’s Lord Festival of the Tooth' is a grand festival
Jagannath is one of the most awaited festivals of celebrated in July or August in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Orissa and is falling on July 14. This yatra is This historical procession is held annually to pay
conducted from Jagannath temple to Gundicha homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord
temple. Apart from Indian, this festival attracts Buddha, which is housed at the Sri Dalada
a large number of international tourists in Puri. Maligawa in Kandy.

Behdienkhlam Festival held in Meghalaya Pineapple festival organised in Manipur's

The famous 4-day Meghalaya Annual Cultural Thayong

Festival, "Behdienkhlam", held every year at the A 10-day pineapple festival showcasing different
small peripheral town of Jowai, Meghalaya. varieties of the fruit has been organised in
Union Minister of State for Development of Manipur's Thayong village, which produces 20-
North Eastern Region (I/C), Dr. Jitendra Singh 30 tonnes of pineapple in a year. The Thayong
attended the Festival. The festival witnessed a village has a population of approximately 750
colourful display of 12 rots or ‘rath’ at the sacred people with more than 90 percent of their major
pool, Aitnar. sources of income lying in farming of pineapple.

AUGUST 2018
SEPTEMBER 2018
International Water Colour Festival in Ranchi

Five-day long 'International water colour Eight-day long Indra Jatra festival begins in

festival' is held in Ranchi at Audrey House, to Kathmandu

promote the rich art and culture of Jharkhand. Indra Jatra festival is one of the most exciting
This is the first time in the country that and revered festivals of the Newari community
international artists will paint together. In this of the Kathmandu Valley. During the
program 24 countries of the world, 25 states of celebrations of this festival dedicated to Indra,
India and 24 districts of the state are the god of rain and king of heaven, Lakhe
participating. On this occasion, the artist dances are performed on the streets of
Victoria from Ukraine and artist Uttam Kathmandu.
Karmakar from Italy did the live painting and
presented it to the Chief Minister Raghubar Das. Jaipur Literature Festival Begins In Houston

The festival is the world’s largest free literary


Ten day long 'Esala Maha Perahera' festival gathering, started with a soulful music
begins in Sri Lanka performance by Indian Sufi singer Zila Khan.
The inaugural session also saw Congress leader
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

and writer Shashi Tharoor discuss his book About Gwalior State: Madhya Pradesh
“Why i am a Hindu” with writer Namita Region:Gird
Gokhale. District:Gwalior
Founded by:Suraj Sen (according to a legend)
New Website for 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
2019 Inaugurated Kati Bihu festival celebrated across Assam

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj, Assam celebrated its 3rd Bihu festival known as
along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi the ‘Kati Bihu’ festival across the state. The
Adityanath inaugurated the website for the 15th name of the other 2 Bihu festivals is: Rongali
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019, and Bohagi Bihu. The festival derives its name
www.pbdindia.gov.in. The online registration from the Assamese month of Kati.
for participation has started for this biennial
event. Seventh edition of Old World Theatre festival
will commence from October 20th
Festival of Nuakhai celebrated in Odisha It is organized by India Habitat Centre. It is
Nuakhai Bhetghat is the reap celebration of being recognized by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece
individuals of Western Odisha. The festival of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of
bears significance among the farmer community Humanity”. Also for the first time, a National
as they perform puja on their farmland to thank Theatre Live Broadcast of “Julie” by British
‘Mother Earth’ for being so bountiful. theatre director Carrie Cracknell will be seen. It
On Ganesh Chaturthi, 580-kg laddu prepared will showcase 15 plays on a pan-Indian
in Hyderabad constellation of original scripts from Chennai,

The sweetmeat was prepared by Suruchi Food at Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai,

Tapeswaram in East Godavari district of Andhra and Kerala.

Pradesh. The laddu costs about ₹3 lakh, with 220


kg sugar, 145 kg cow ghee, 175 kg Bengal gram National Khadi Festival 2018 Held In Mumbai

flour, 25 kg cashew, going into its making The National Khadi Festival 2018 is being
besides other ingredients. organised by Khadi and Village Industries
Commission (KVIC) to promote Khadi products.
OCTOBER 2018 The festival was inaugurated by Union Minister
for Micro Small & Medium Enterprises, Giriraj
Gwalior Hosts 4-Day International Dance Singh in Mumbai on the occasion of Gandhi
Festival Jayanti 2018. The main aim of the festival is to

Dance troupes from Bulgaria, Turkey and Sri promote the products of cottage industry and

Lanka, apart from 25 teams from India, create awareness regarding the art of states.

participated in the event.


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NOVEMBER 2018 harvest, peace, and prosperity of the community


was celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm
International Gita Festival to be held from Dec by the inhabitants of the Khasi Hills in Shillong,
7-23 in Kurukshetra Meghalaya. The unique dance is performed by

The International Gita Festival, 2018, will be the members of Hima Khyrim, a sub-tribe of the

organised in Kurukshetra in Haryana from indigenous Khasi tribe.

December 7-23, in which Mauritius will be the


partner country and Gujarat the partner state. Aadi Mahotsav festival begins in New Delhi

About 200 famous painters from across the The 15-day Aadi Mahotsav festival is beginning
country would reach Kurukshetra to draw in the national capital Delhi. Briefing media,
paintings on the walls of Kurukshetra on the Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram more than 600
theme of the Mahabharata under the 'paint-the- artisans from 23 states will participate in the
wall' competition. The objective behind this event. The theme of the festival is 'celebration
event is to spread the message of Gita to the of the spirit of tribal culture, craft, cuisine and
world. commerce'. It will feature exhibition-cum-sale
of tribal handicrafts, art, paintings, fabric,
Open Forum at International Film Festival of jewelry and much more through one hundred
India to begin in Goa stalls. The highlights of the festival will be a

It provides a platform to filmmakers, actors, jury fashion show for tribal textiles and tribal

members, senior government officials, an cuisines.

organizers of film festivals from India and The 4th edition of annual “Aadi Mahotsav”, a

abroad to exchange their views in a free and National Tribal Festival organized by Ministry

frank manner. The topic for today’s Open Forum of Tribal Affairs in association with TRIFED

is the role of film festivals in promoting film and Ministry of Culture to celebrate and cherish

culture and the need for spreading film festivals the spirit of tribal culture, craft, cuisine and

across the country. The Speakers include veteran commerce held at Dilli Haat, Shri Aurobindo

filmmaker Rahul Rawail, IFFI Head Chaitanya Marg, INA, Delhi. This year, more than 600

Prasad, Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) Vice tribal artisans from 23 states, 80 tribal chefs

Chairman Rajendra Talak, OSD to IFFI Senthil hailing from 20 States besides 14 cultural

Rajan and Karnataka Chalchitra Academy troupes comprising more than 200 artists are

Chairman N Chandrasekhar. taking part in the Mahotsav.

Nongkrem Dance Festival Celebrated In United Nations Issues Diya Stamps to

Meghalaya Celebrate Diwali

Nongkrem dance festival, an annual event


during which prayers are offered for good
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The UN Postal System has issued two stamps year, boosting the local economy by 300 per cent.
with diyas in celebration of Diwali as "the quest Meghalaya Chief Minister - Conrad K Sangma
for the triumph of good over evil". The stamps
are in the $1.15 denomination, which is the basic DECEMBER 2018
rate for international air mail letters.
International Camel festival to be held at
New York's Empire State Building lit up for Bikaner from 12 Jan 2019
Diwali for 1st time The 26th International Camel Festival will be
held in Bikaner, Rajasthan on January 12 and 13,

New York's iconic Empire State Building was lit 2019. On the second day of the festival, heritage

in orange for the first time to celebrate Diwali. It walk will be organized from the Rampuriya

was organised by the Federation of Indian Haveli to Bikaji's Tekri, in which the tourists

Associations in cooperation with the Empire will be welcomed by the city's architecture, art,

State Realty Trust. Miss America 2014 Nina culture, customs and recipes.

Davuluri and singer Jay Sean flipped the switch


to turn on the lights on top of the building. Dwijing Festival Begins in Assam

In Assam, the third Dwijing Festival begun on


Uttar Pradesh Ayodhya Deepotsav 2018 enters the bank of Aye river at Chirang district. Around
Guinness Book of World Records: Over 3 lakh 15 lakh tourists will participate in the festival.
diyas lit Assam PHE minister Rihon Daimary

A Guinness certificate was issued to UP inaugurated the festival in presence of several

government's tourism department and Dr Ram dignitaries. Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal

Manohar Lohia (RML) Avadh University, will attend the event. Adventure sports, food

Faizabad, for over 3,01,152 earthen lamps mart, cultural events, traditional games are

illuminated on the bank of River Sarayu on being organized in the 12-day long event.

Chhoti Diwali as part of Deepotsava. The feat Karavali Utsav to be inaugurated on 21st

was achieved in the presence of Adityanath and December in Mangaluru

South Korean first lady Kim-Jung Sook. The Karavali Utsav to be inaugurated on 21st
December in Mangaluru. A host of cultural
Shillong to host Indian Cherry Blossom activities are set to enthral people during the
Festival from Nov 14 festival. The district in-charge Minister U.T.

Shillong is set to host the second edition of the Khader will inaugurate the exhibition at a

India International Cherry Blossom Festival formal function at 6 p.m., music director

between November 14 and 17. This is the world’s Gurukiran will inaugurate the festival at 6.30

only autumn cherry blossom festival. This p.m. at Karavali Grounds. Utsav cultural

festival attracted more than one lakh visitors last committee president Narendra L. Nayak a
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

variety of cultural programmes are slated for 2) Which country joined as 43rd Member of
nine days from Saturday at the Karavali Australia Group?
Exhibition Grounds and Kadri Park between 6
p.m. and 9.15 p.m. Cultural programmes, the A. India
main attraction of the festival, will be organized B. Indonesia
at Karavali Grounds as well as Kadri Park. C. Albania
D. South Africa
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh
inaugurated the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland Answer A

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh


inaugurated the 10-day-long Hornbill Festival of 3) Which State Government has published first

Nagaland at Naga Heritage Village Kisama on draft of Supreme Court monitored National

1st December 2018. More than 60,000 people Register of Citizens (NRC)?

have visited the Hornbill Festival. The assistant


director of Tourism department (Statistics) T. A. Manipur

Khakihe Sumi said that altogether 63,032 visitors B. Mizoram

with 780 foreigners have visited the picturesque C. Assam

venue. The inaugural day had 19,953 visitors. D. Nagaland

The count increased up to 43,079 on the second


day of the festival. The visitors were treated with Answer C

cultural performances from across the country


including Odisha, Assam, Manipur, Madhya 4) After Sikkim, Which state was declared as the

Pradesh, Meghalaya and Jammu and Kashmir. second state in the Northeast to be declared
Open Defecation Free (ODF)?

QUIZ CORNER A. Manipur

1) Which country celebrated World’s Largest Ice B. Mizoram

Festival? C. Nagaland
D. Arunachal Pradesh

A. Pakistan
B. Iran Answer D

C. Australia
D. China 5) Who won the Ranji Trophy title for the first
time by defeating Delhi in the final match?

Answer D
A. Salil Mishra
B. Vijay Hazare
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C. Rajneesh Gurbani 9) Which state launched ‘Chah Bagichar Dhan


D. Syed Mushtaq Puraskar Mela 2017-18’?

Answer C A. Assam
B. Manipur
6) Uttarayan festival is celebrated in which C. Mizoram
state? D. Nagaland

A. Gujarat Answer A
B. Rajasthan
C. Uttar Pradesh 10) To make political funding more transparent,
D. Punjab electoral bonds scheme was introduced by the
government. These bonds would be valid for
Answer A how many days?

7) Upto how much Rupees Finance Ministry A. 10 days


stated that there will be no charges on debit card B. 15 days
transactions? C. 25 days
D. 50 days
A. Rs 1000
B. Rs 1500 Answer B
C. Rs 1750
D. Rs 2000 11) India has excluded which country from the
list of South Asian Association for Regional
Answer D Cooperation (SAARC) member countries with
which it will be connecting its state-of-the-art
8) In which state GAIL India Ltd it has National Knowledge Network (NKN)?
commissioned India’s second largest rooftop
solar power plant? A. Maldives
B. Pakistan
A. Gujarat C. Bhutan
B. Karnataka D. Bangladesh
C. Bihar
D. Uttar Pradesh Answer B

Answer D
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12) Name the Housing finance company, which


has raised Rs 1000 crore by selling the India's A. Netherlands
first "Social Bonds"? B. Iceland
C. Finland
A. LIC Housing Finance Limited D. Argentina
B. Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Limited
C. GIC Housing Finance Limited Answer B
D. Indiabulls Housing Finance
16) Who was awarded the best central bank
Answer D governor in Asia-Pacific for 2018 by UK- based
magazine, “The Banker?”
13) Which country’s Navy successfully
conducted a test fire of a naval cruise missile A. Ravi Shankar
named ‘Harba’? B. Bhaskaran
C. Ravi Menon
A. Pakistan D. Seetha Raman
B. Afghanistan
C. Iran Answer C
D. Iraq
17) Which state announced the setting up of
Answer A 24X7 'Gudiya helpline' for reporting crimes
against women?
14) Union Defence Ministry had sanctioned how
much money for the procurement of simulated A. Himachal Pradesh
training solutions for Indian Navy’s P-8I long B. Gujarat
range maritime patrol aircraft and electronic C. Kerala
warfare systems for the Army? D. Karnataka
Answer A
A. Rs. 2220 crore
B. Rs. 2320 crore 18) In which city of telangana state, India's first
C. Rs. 2420 crore National Park for differently abled people was
D. Rs. 2520 crore inaugurated?
Answer C
A. Warangal
15) Which is the first country in the world to B. Karimnagar
legalise equal pay for men and women for the C. Nizambad
same work? D. Hyderabad
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Answer A
Answer D
22) The UIDAI launched 'Virtual ID' to reduce
19) According to All India Survey on Higher privacy issues, which an Aadhaar-card holder
Education (AISHE), which Indian state topped can generate from UIDAI website. This Virtual
in terms of Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in ID will have how many digits?
higher education?
A. 6-digits
A. Kerala B. 9-digits
B. Tamil Nadu C. 15-digits
C. Karnataka D. 16-digits
D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer D
Answer B
23) Which is the first railway station in the
20) Which is the first State in India to launch country to have Sanitary Napkin Vending
High Risk Pregnancy (HRP) Portal which helps Machine?
in early identification of high-risk pregnant
cases, ensures timely referral of such cases to the A. Mumbai Station
civil hospitals for further management and B. Bhopal Station
delivery by specialists? C. Kolkata Station
D. Pune Station
A. Punjab
B. Assam Answer B
C. Kerala
D. Haryana 24) China had set up the world’s first 3D-printed
bus stop in which of its city?
Answer D
A. Shanghai
21) Which company launched the world’s B. Beijing
thinnest laptop? C. Chongqing
D. Anshan
A. Acer
B. Apple Answer A
C. Toshiba
D. HP 25) Who was appointed the new chairman of
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)?
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

D. Assam
A. Dr. Aadharsh
B. Dr. Shankar Answer D
C. Dr. Sivan K
D. Dr. Bala 29) What is the rank of India on Global
Manufacturing Index, released by World
Answer C Economic Forum (WEF)?

26) Which country has become the top borrower A. 30th


from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank B. 40th
(AIIB) with USD A.5 billion worth of loans in C. 25th
2017? D. 10th

A. Russia Answer A
B. India
C. Argentina 30) What is the contribution of India to the
D. South Africa United Nations’ youth mission?

Answer B A. USD 50000


B. USD 40000
27) Which of the following Polar Satellite C. USD 30000
Launch Vehicle carried 100th Satellite launched D. USD 20000
by Indian Space Research Organisation?
Answer A
A. PSLV-D40
B. PSLV-E40 31) When is the Indian Army Day celebrated in
C. PSLV-A40 India?
D. PSLV-C40
A. January 13
Answer D B. January 14
C. January 15
28) In which state Bhogali Bihu festival is D. January 16
celebrated?
Answer C
A. Bihar
B. Mizoram
C. Manipur
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32) Name the Professional Wrestler, who is the C. Manipur


first to be listed in the WWE’s 2018 Hall of Fame D. Meghalaya
class?
Answer B
A. Goldberg
B. Mikey Whipwreck 36) According to Census on Foreign Liabilities
C. Stan Stasiak and Assets of Indian Direct Investment
D. George Steele Companies 2016-17, released by Reserve Bank of
India (RBI), which country was the largest
Answer A source of foreign investment (FDI) in India
during 2016-17?
33) Which state became the first state in India to
completely implement door-to-door garbage A. Mauritius
collection in all areas under urban bodies? B. Singapore
C. Thailand
A. Karnataka D. France
B. Kerala
C.Madhya Pradesh Answer A
D. Goa
37) In which state, the World War II Memorial
Answer C Museum was inaugurated?

34) Which is the first Bank to reach Rs 5 lakh A. Maharashtra


crore market capitalisation (m-cap)? B. Arunachal Pradesh
C. Bihar
A. Yes Bank D. Rajasthan
B. Canara Bank
C. ICICI Bank Answer B
D. HDFC Bank
38) ‘Kachra Mahotsav 2018’, India’s first garbage
Answer D festival was organised by which state?

35) In which state the first Blockchain academy A. Chhattisgarh


was inaugurated? B. Uttarakhand
C. Punjab
A. Gujarat D. Haryana
B. Kerala
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Answer A
A. 75th
39) What is the rank of India on the annual B. 81st
‘Inclusive Development Index 2018’ released by C. 84th
World Economic Forum (WEF)? D. 91st

A. 60th Answer B
B. 62nd
C. 65th 43) Who has become the first female
D. 70th cinematographer to be nominated for Oscar
awards?
Answer B
A. B R Vijayalakshmi
40) Which city of Malta was officially B. Deepti Gupta
inaugurated as the European Capital of Culture? C. Anjuli Shukla
D. Rachel Morrison
A. Mosta
B. Birgu Answer D
C. Mdina
D. Valletta 44) When is the National Voters’ Day was
observed all over India?
Answer D
A. 25th January
41) Japan has sanctioned the Official B. 22th January
Development Assistance loan for Yen 45 billion C. 26th January
for which Indian state’s Water Supply and D. 24th January
Sewerage Project (Phase 3)?
Answer A
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Karnataka 45) India with which country launched the first
C. Telangana ever set of commemorative postage stamps to
D. Gujarat highlight the bilateral ties between them with
the theme of ‘ancient architecture’?
Answer B
A. Thailand
42) What is the position of India in 2018 Global B. Poland
Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI)? C. Vietnam
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

D. Argentina 49) Which State Cabinet launched


‘Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana Gramin’, a new
Answer C scheme to construct houses in rural areas?

46) In which Indian city the first floating market A. Karnataka


was inaugurated? B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Punjab
A. Pune D. Jharkhand
B. Kolkata
C. Patna Answer B
D. Srinagar
50) Name the Bollywood playback singer who
Answer B will be awarded the ‘Yash Chopra Memorial
Award’?
47) Name the 10-year-old Indian-origin boy in
UK, who has become the youngest applicant to A. Asha Bhosle
achieve the highest score in the Mensa IQ test? B. Shreya Ghoshal
C. Lata Mangeshkar
A. Nikhil Joseph D. Sonu Nigam
B. Mehul Garg
C. Albrecht Beutelspacher Answer A
D. Günther Jauch
FEBRUARY 2018
Answer B
51) Name the India's first integrated mobility
48) According to a report by New World Wealth, platform launched by a Health-tech startup
India is in which position among the wealthiest ‘mCURA’, that reduces waiting time in counters
countries in the world, with total wealth of USD and provides e-prescriptions?
8230 billion?
A. Smart OPD
A. Third B. Smart Service
B. Fifth C. Smart Card
C. Sixth D. Smart Cura
D. Ninth
Answer A
Answer C
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52) The world's longest zip line, measuring B.83 C. Australia


kilometres in length D. Sri Lanka
was opened at __________.
Answer C
A. Iraq
B. Iran 56) Which State Government has approved
C. United Arab Emirates Ghodazari as a new wildlife sanctuary in the
D. China state?

Answer C A. Madhya Pradesh


B. Maharashtra
53) In which State the first ever Butterfly Park C. Punjab
was inaugurated? D. Bihar

A. Karnataka Answer B
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Maharashtra 57) When is the World Cancer Day observed all
D. Punjab over the world?

Answer B A. 1st February


B. 2nd February
54) India’s first defence industrial corridor links C. 3rd February
which two cities of India? D. 4th February

A. Chennai and Mumbai Answer D


B. Chennai and Ahmedabad
C. Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram 58) Who is the author of the book 'Exam
D. Chennai and Bengaluru Warriors'?

Answer D A. Sumitra Mahajan


B. Ram Nath Kovind
55) By defeating which country, India country C. Arvind Kejriwal
won the U-19 Cricket World Cup at the Bay D. Narendra Modi
Oval, Mount Maunganui, in New Zealand?
Answer D
A. New Zealand
B. South Africa
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

59) Which State Government, in association with 62) Who was re-elected as the Bangladesh
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) President for another five-year term?
launched ‘DASTAK’, a door to door campaign to
eradicate deadly Acute Encephalitis (AE) A. Mohammad Shafiul Alam
Syndrome and Japanese Encephalitis (JES) B. M. Morshed Khan
disease from the state? C. Abdul Hamid
D. Saifur Rahman
A. Gujarat
B. Odisha Answer C
C. Maharashtra
D.Uttar Pradesh 63) Who became the first Indian female cricketer
to score 200 ODI (One Day International)
Answer D wickets?

60) Name the first indigenous RTOS developed A. Runa Basu


from scratch in India by Hindustan Aeronautics B. Smriti Mandhana
Limited (HAL)? C. Jhulan Goswami
D. Diana Edulji
A. Hunk-w
B. Hawk-i Answer C
C. Shell-1
D. Shark-7 64) Name the eight year old Indian-origin school
girl who has entered into the UK’s Mathletics
Answer B Hall of Fame?

61) Which is the first country in the world to A. Sohini Roy Chowdhury
legalise and then repeal same-sex marriage, as B. Angeline Jerald
Legislation replacing same-sex marriage with C. Simran Nia Roy
domestic partnerships? D. Suhaelina Suresh

A. Cuba Answer A
B. Jamaica
C. Haiti 65) According to a report by New World Wealth,
D. Bermuda which city of India holds a place in the top 15
wealthiest cities globally?
Answer D
A. Pune
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

B. Mumbai 69) Which is the first state to launch “Modicare”,


C. Kolkata a National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS)?
D. Bangalore
A. Assam
Answer B B. Bihar
C. Jharkhand
66) Asma Jehangir, the Iron lady of which D. West Bengal
country passed away?
Answer D
A. Iran
B. Afghanistan 70) Hampi monuments, will be one among 10
C. Pakistan tourist destinations across India to be developed
D. Iraq as ‘Iconic Tourism Site’ by Central Government.
In which state, these monuments are located?
Answer C
A. Karnataka
67) When is the National Productivity Day B. Odisha
observed all over India? C. Goa
D. Uttar Pradesh
A. 10th February
B. 11th February Answer A
C. 12th February
D. 13th February 71) Which two countries have been suspended
from voting in the United Nations (UN) General
Answer C Assembly because of millions of dollars in
unpaid dues?
68) Name the India’s first online radio station
that was launched recently? A. Venezuela and Somalia
B. Venezuela and Libya
A. Radio Peace C. Venezuela and North Korea
B. Radio Umang D. Venezuela and South Africa
C. Radio Web
D. Radio Happy Answer B

Answer B 72) Name the cricketer who has created a world


record by becoming the first batsman ever to
score 500 runs in a bilateral ODI series.
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

C. KSR Bengaluru City railway station,


A. M S Dhoni Bengaluru
B. Hardik Pandya D. Gandhi Nagar railway station, Jaipur
C. David Warner
D. Virat Kohli Answer D

Answer D 76) Who is the first Indian woman to fly a fighter


aircraft solo?
73) Who is the first Indian bowler to take a five-
wicket haul in all three formats in international A. Avani Chaturvedi
cricket? B. Bhawana Kanth
C. Mohana Singh
A. Shikhar Dhawan D. Chitra Devi
B. Jasprit Bumrah
C. Bhuvneshwar Kumar Answer A
D. Zaheer Khan
77) Which Indian state is considered as the
Answer C vaccine hub of India and the world?

74) Which country successfully tested Arrow-3 A. Assam


advanced missile defence system? B. Maharashtra
C. Telangana
A. USA D. Gujarat
B. India
C. China Answer C
D. Israel
78) Who is the first Indian gymnast to win an
Answer D individual medal at the Gymnastics World Cup
by bagging a bronze medal in the women's vault
75) Which is the India’s first major railway event, in Melbourne, Australia?
station to be completely managed by women
personnel? A. Aruna Budda Reddy
B. Trilok Singh
A. Egmore railway station, Chennai C. Bandu Bhosle
B. Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station, D. Khushi Ram
Thiruvananthapuram
Answer A
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79) Unique Identification Authority of India A. Japan


(UIDAI), introduced a ‘Baal Aadhaar’ card for B. China
children below the age of _________ years? C. Russia
D. Australia
A. 8
B. 7 Answer C
C. 5
D. 10 83) Which city will host the 2020 Summer
Olympics?
Answer C
A. Bern
80) Which country hosted the XXIII Olympic B. Beijing
Winter Games 2018? C. Tokyo
D. Greece
A. South Africa
B. South Korea Answer C
C. China
D. Japan 84) As per Hurun Global Rich List 2018, which
country has the highest number of billionaires in
Answer B the world?

MARCH 2018 A. Germany


B. USA
81) Which company launched the world’s first C. China
5G commercial chip? D. India

A. NELCO Answer C
B. Huawei
C. Aplab 85) In which state, the world’s largest solar park
D. Valiant ‘Shakti Sthala’ was inaugurated?

Answer B A. Kerala
B. Rajasthan
82) Which country was banned by International C. Karnataka
Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2014, to which, D. Madhya Pradesh
now the membership was restored in 2018?
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Answer C
A. Rs 2500 crore
86) Which state government launched 'Khushi', a B. Rs 2000 crore
scheme that offers free sanitary pads to 17 lakh C. Rs 1500 crore
girl students in the state? D. Rs 1000 crore

A. Goa Answer D
B. Bihar
C. Punjab 90) As per a survey by Airports Council
D. Odisha International (ACI), which Airport has been
rated as the world number one among airports
Answer D handling more than 40 million passengers per
annum?
87) When is the “World Wildlife Day” celebrated
all over the world? A. Bilbao Airport, Spain
B. Carrasco International Airport, Uruguay
A. 28th February C. Changi International Airport, Singapore
B. 3rd March D. Indira Gandhi International Airport, India
C. 2nd March
D. 1st March Answer D

Answer B 91) Name the Indian Architect who won the


architecture's highest honour - the Pritzker
88) In which Indian city, the first helicopter taxi Prize 2018 for the first time?
service (heli taxi) was launched?
A. Charles Correa
A. Bengaluru B. Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi
B. Mysore C. Raj Rewal
C. Kolkata D. Rahul Mehrotra
D. Pune
Answer B
Answer A
92) Who has become the first woman to be
89) What is the fund allocated by the Central directly inducted as combat officer into the
Government for the second phase of the ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police)?
Impacting Research Innovation and Technology
(IMPRINT) India programme? A. Sukruthi
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

B. Prakriti 96) Which country unveiled the world’s biggest


C. Sophiya flag?
D. Seema
A. Chile
Answer B B. Argentina
C. Bolivia
93) Which railway station of Bengaluru became D. Libya
the first all-woman railway station in South
Western Railway zone? Answer C

A. Whitefield 97) Member-countries of the World Health


B. Carmelaram Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia Region,
C. Banaswadi including India, committed to intensifying
D. Channasandra efforts to eradicate __________ by 2030?

Answer C A. Poverty
B. Tuberculosis
94) Which country won the "Best Exhibitor C. HIV/AIDS
Award" at 2018 ITB – Berlin? D. Diabetes

A. Canada Answer B
B. India
C. Malaysia 98) After implementation of 7th Central Pay
D. Australia Commission recommendations, ceiling of
gratuity amount for central government
Answer B employees was increased from Rs 10 lakh to
Rs_____________?
95) Which country won the Sultan Azlan Shah
Cup 2018 title, in Malaysia? A. 1B.5 lakh
B. 15 lakh
A. Australia C. 20 lakh
B. Libya D. 30 lakh
C. Switzerland
D. USA Answer C

Answer A
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

99) Which is the first country in the world to B. Hong Kong


deploy blockchain technology in election C. Singapore
process? D. Oslo

A. Sierra Leone Answer C


B. Liberia
C. Guinea 103) Name India’s first all-composite light
D. Gambia aircraft.

Answer A A. Hansa-2
B. Hansa-3
100) Which country informed the UN Secretary- C. Hansa-4
General its withdrawal from the International D. Hansa-13
Criminal Court (ICC)?
Answer B
A. Bahrain
B. Kuwait 104) Which fruit was declared as official fruit of
C. Oman Kerala?
D. Philippines
A. Apple
Answer D B. Orange
C. Papaya
101) KUSUM scheme is related to which of the D. Jackfruit
following?
Answer D
A. Solar Power Plants and Farmers
B. Oil Seed Production and Petroleum 105) BJP has won how many Rajya Sabha seats
C. Cotton Production out of the 10 seats in Uttar Pradesh in the Rajya
D. Fish Production Sabha elections held on 23rd March 2018?

Answer D A. 5
B. 6
102) Which is the most expensive city in the C. 9
world as per Worldwide Cost of Living 2018 D. 8
report by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)?
Answer C
A. Paris
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

106) Which country hosted the 2018 Formula D. Agriculture


One Grand Prix?
Answer C
A. Canada
B. Australia 110) India is _________ largest electricity
C. Germany producer in the world?
D. India
A. Second
Answer B B. Third
C. Fourth
107) Which District of Gujarat has become the D. Fifth
first district in India to have 100 percent solar
powered Primary Health Centers (PHC)? Answer B

A. Surat APRIL 2018


B. Porbandar
C. Jamnagar 111) On April 1, 2018, United States and _____
D. Gandhinagar kicked off the annual military exercise ‘Foal
Eagle drill’?
Answer A
A.Philippines
108) In which state, India’s first insect museum B.France
was inaugurated? C.Russia
D.South Korea
A. Kerala
B. Tamil Nadu Answer D
C. Karnataka
D. Odisha 112) Which state government has launched the
"Rupashree" scheme aimed at providing
Answer B marriage assistance to girls coming from
economically weaker families?
109) SAUBHAGYA scheme is related to which
of the following? A.Gujarat
B.West Bengal
A. Farmers C.Tamil Nadu
B. Women empowerment D.Maharashtra
C. Electrification Programme Answer B
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

116) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided


113) Name the Indian who has become Asia’s to use ____ instead of Gross Value Added (GVA)
third-richest man and has secured 19th rank in to measure economic activity in India?
the Bloomberg Billionaires Index as of 2nd April
2018? A.Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI)
B.Gross National Product (GNP)
A.Shiv Nadar C.Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
B.Mukesh Ambani D.Non-Performing Asset (NPA)
C.Lakshmi Mittal
D.Azim Premji Answer C

Answer B 117) On April 10, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra


Modi unveiled India's first 12000 horsepower
114) Which state won the 72nd Santosh Trophy electric locomotive from Madhepura locomotive
(Football) at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, factory. Where is Madhepura locomotive factory
West Bengal, on 1st April 2018? located?

A.West Bengal A.Assam


B.Arunachal Pradesh B.Bihar
C.Manipur C.Andhra Pradesh
D.Kerala D.Karnataka

Answer D Answer B

115) Which country has become the world’s 118) Who has been appointed as Nasscom
second largest producer of crude steel in chairman for 2018-19?
February 2018, according to Steel Users
Federation of India (SUFI)? A.Azim Premji
B.Vinay Mittal
A.India C.Rishad Premji
B.China D.Riaz Khan
C.United States
D.Japan Answer C

Answer A 119) Which state is to set up India’s largest 5,000


MW solar park in Dholera Special Investment
Region (DSIR)?
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

D.Raipur Smart City


A.Maharashtra
B.Gujarat Answer B
C.Madhya Pradesh
D.Karnataka 123) Name the person who has become the first
woman firefighter appointed by Airports
Answer B Authority of India (AAI)?

120) Who is the 17-year-old swimmer from Pune A.Taniya Sanyal


who has set a world record to double cross the B.Sanya Shrinivas
Bangla Channel? C.Anu Aravindan
D.Pallavi Singh
A.Sampanna Ramesh Shelar
B.Anil Kumar Singh Answer A
C.Himanshu Sircar
D.Karthik Nagarajan 124) Name the first woman lawyer to be
appointed as Supreme Court judge directly from
Answer A the bar?

121) What was the official motto for the 2018 A.Indu Bhushan
Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, B.Indu Malhotra
Queensland, Australia? C.Roshini Malhotra
D.Seethalaxmi Parida
A.Dream High as the stars
B.Share the Dream Answer B
C.Reach the stars
D.Set new highs 125) What is the rank of India out of 180
countries in the 2018 ‘World Press Freedom
Answer B Index’ released by Reporters Sans Frontières
(RSF), also known as Reporters Without
122) _____ Smart City has become the first city Borders?
in India to function on 100% renewable energy
during daytime? A.133
B.147
A.Noida Smart City C.138
B.Diu Smart City D.115
C.Bangalore Smart City
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Answer C Answer: A

126) Who Introduces 'Tap Card' Offline


Payments Solution ? 130) Who took Oath As Jammu & Kashmir
A.Paytm Deputy chief Minister recently?
B.Snapdeal
C.Payzapp A.Shri Kavinder Gupta
D.Mobikwik B.Shri Suresh menon
C.Shri Vijay Raghavan
Answer: A D.Shri Naresh Singh

127) Which state Free dengue testing extended Answer: A


in 33 government hospitals ?
A.Punjab 131) Which country joined with India Business
B.Kerala Summit Concludes In Johannesburg?
C.Andhra Pradesh
D.Tamil Nadu A.South Africa
B.Pakistan
Answer: A C.Indonesia
D.Iran
128) Which state to promote cultural tourism at
Darjeeling hills ? Answer: A
A.West Bengal
B.Tamil Nadu 132) For which framework Union Cabinet
C.Kerala Approves Accession To Protocol?
D.Andhra Pradesh
A.WHO
Answer: A B.UNESCO
C.UNO
129) Who is the Best Actor in a Character Role D.NALCO
recently?
Answer: A
A.Shri Rajesh Sharma
B.Shri Suresh Sharma 133) Who won Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2018?
C.Shri Naresh Singh A.Lewis Hamilton
D.Shri Raj Kapoor B.Don Garlits
C.Alain Prost
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

D.Jackie Stewart 137) Which country rises to 5th Spot In World's


Top Five Defense Spenders?
Answer: A A.India
B.Pakistan
134) Who is honoured with PC Chandra C.Saudi Arabia
Puraskaar recently? D.Indonesia

A.Asha Bhosle Answer: A


B.Anil Kapoor
C.Sunil Raj 138) Who chairs the 27th GST Council meeting
D.Dinesh Karthik intending to simplify returns filing process ?

Answer: A A.Shri Arun Jaitley


B.Shri Suresh Kumar
135) Who is named as Writers Footballer Of The C.Shri Naresh Singh
Year recently? D.Shri Naresh Iyer

A.Mohamed Salah
B.Eden Hazard Answer: A
C.N'Golo Kante
D.Stanley Matthews 139) Which state Chief Minister Yogi
Adityanath cut shorts Karnataka campaign to
visit storm affected ?
Answer: A
A.Uttar Pradesh
136) Whom Cultural Festival In Egypt To B.Kerala
Commemorate 157th Birth Anniversary? C.Tamil Nadu
D.Andhra Pradesh
A.Rabindranath Tagore
B.Arundhati Roy Answer: A
C.Kiran desai
D.Amrita Pritam 140) Which person On 5-Day Visit To South
America recently?
Answer: A
A.Shri Venkaiah Naidu
B.Shri Ramesh Gupta
C.Shri Dinesh Gupta
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

144) Which book was Release By Chief Of Army


D.Shri Suresh Kumar Staff ?

Answer: A A.Across the Bench - Insight into the Indian


Military Judicial System'
141) Which state gets major fillip in industrial B.The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the
development of state; at least 21 mega Twenty-first Century C.Lincoln and His
companies to be set up in Ludhiana ? Generals
D.The Face of Battle: A Study of Agincourt,
A.Himachal Pradesh Waterloo, and the Somme
B.Punjab
C.Tamil Nadu Answer: A
D.Arunachal Pradesh
145) Which country India signed agreement with
Answer: B Venkaiah Naidu 3-Nation Visit?

142) Who is Conferred KISS Humanitarian A.Peru


Award 2018 ? B.Saudi Arabia
C.Indonesia
A.Prof Muhammad Yunus D.Iran
B.Prof Rajesh Sharma
C.Prof Suresh Yadav Answer: A
D.Prof Suresh Sharma
146) Who Conferred With Swara Mauli Award
Answer: A recently?

143) Which state launches investment support A.Lata Mangeshkar


scheme for farmers recently? B.Hrithik Roshan
C.Naresh Iyer
A.Teleganna D.Sudha Raghunathan
B.Andhra Pradesh
C.West bengal Answer: A
D.Himachal Pradesh
147) Who Flag Off 1st Consignment Of ADNOC
Answer: B Crude For India ?

A.Shri Ramesh gupta


Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

B.Shri Suresh Gupta 151) Who was honoured at Cannes Film Festival
C.Shri Vijay Kumar recently?
D.Shri Dharmendra Pradhan
A.Smt Late Sridevi
Answer: D B.Smt Madhuri Diskidhi
C.Shri Vivek misra
148) Which country is the Largest Remittance- D.Shri Nitya Bhaskar
Receiving Country In World ?
Answer: A
A.India
B.Pakistan 152) Under which scheme First Para-National
C.Iran Games recently?
D.Indonesia
A.Khelo India Scheme
Answer: A
B.Jan Dhan Yojana
149) Whom to Serve second term as ICC C.Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
Chairman recently? D.Suraksha Scheme

A.Shashank Manohar Answer: A


B.Suresh rajan
C.Naresh iyer 153) Who Becomes Youngest Indian Woman To
D.Karthik Rajan Scale Mount Everest ?

A.Shivangi Pathak
Answer: A B.Bachendri Pal
C.Nungshi & Tashi Malik
150) Which place President Ram Nath Kovind D.Anshu Jamsenpa
visits exhibition on DAE at BARC ?
Answer: A
A.Mumbai
B.Chennai 154) Which state to Build India's Next
C.Hyderabad Generation Defence Aircraft recently?
D.Secunderabad
A.Tamil Nadu
Answer: A B.Kerala
C.Andhra Pradesh
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

D.Madhya Pradesh A.2022


B.2016
Answer: A C.2035
D.2065
155) Who Receives Pulitzer Prize In Music ?
Answer: A
A.Kendrick Lamar
B.Ryan Kelly 159) Who Adopts Charminar Under Swachh
C.Maneulo Magneto Iconic Places Project ?
D.Andrew Marshall
A.NTPC
Answer: A B.BSNL
C.BHEL
156) Which country Successfully Test-Fires D.IOCL
SFDR Propulsion Based Missile ?
Answer: A
A.India
B.Pakistan 160) Which state Announces Outstanding Power
C.Finland Bill Waiver Scheme ?
D.Scotland
A.Madhya Pradesh
Answer: A B.Tamil Nadu
C.Kerala
157) Which country Ranked 113th On Childhood D.West Bengal
Index recently?
Answer: A
A.India
B.Iran 161) Which bank to announce its second bi-
C.Iraq monthly Monetary Policy of 2018-19 ?
D.Saudi Arabia
A.Canara Bank
Answer: A B.Reserve Bank of India
C.Dena Bank
158) By Which year NDA Government D.State Bank of India
committed to ensure a home for every Indian
recently? Answer: B
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

162) Which place Islamic State attacks kill 22 C.Space Applications Centre (SAC)
pro-regime fighters ? D.Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)

A.Syria Answer: A
B.Pakistan
C.Indonesia 166) Who scores 1st hat-trick of FIFA World
D.India Cup 2018 ?

Answer: A A.Cristiano Ronaldo


B.Massimo Luongo
163) Which country signed MoU with India to C.Alisson Becker
extend health cooperation ? D.Gabriel Jesus

A.Norway Answer: A
B.Pakistan
C.Indonesia 167) How many states Sign MoU For
D.South Arabia Implementing Ayushman Bharat - NHP Mission
?

Answer: A
A.20
164) Which state Government takes number of B.18
initiatives to preserve, promote cultural heritage C.16
? D.25

A.Tripura Answer: A
B.Indonesia
C.Iran 168) Which company was Honoured With
D.Saudi Arabia Japan's Nikkei Asia Prize?

Answer: A A.Sulabh Company


B.Ashok Leyland
165) Which space institute unmanned aircraft C.Reliance Industries
'Ikhana' will make search and rescue operations D.Larsen And Toubro Company
efficient?
A.NASA Answer: A
B.ISRO
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

169) MARG ERP Limited partners with which of C.Pune


the following bank? D.Mumbai

A.HDFC Bank Answer: D


B.ICICI Bank
C.YES Bank 173) Which country agrees to enhance mutual
D.IndusInd Bank cooperation with India for sustainable water
development?
Answer: B
A.Indonesia
170) Which state government launched a mobile B.Bhutan
app named "i-Hariyali" to offer free saplings for C.Pakistan
users? D.Tajikistan

A.Punjab Answer: D
B.Haryana
C.Gujarat 174) Which Company acquired Social Learning
D.Bihar Platform “Flipgrid”?

Answer: A A.Cognizant
B.Infosys
171) Who has been appointed as Uber’s new C.Dell
President of India and South Asia region? D.Microsoft

A.Pradeep Parameswaran Answer: D


B.Patwari
C.Amit Jain 175) Which company removed Brian Krzanich as
D.Vishpala Reddy chief executive officer, over "past consensual
relationship" with an employee , a violation of
Answer: A the company's policies?

172) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) corporator A.Intel


Yogiraj Dabhadkar has demanded to name B.Infosys
flyover after Sridevi in C.Philips
D.Motorola
A.Ahmednagar
B.Nagpur Answer: A
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

B.Central Bureau of Indirect Taxing and


Customs
176) Who has been awarded as Best Actor in C.Central Body of Initial Taxes and Customs
Indian International Film Awards (IIFA) 2018? D.Central Board of Immediate Taxes and
Customs
A.Irrfan Khan
B.Akshay Kumar Answer: A
C.Ranbir Kapoor
D.Adil Hussain 180) Which State Government is going to host
'World Union of Wholesale Market' 2018
Answer: A Conference?

177) US has threatened to impose sanctions A.Haryana


against Turkey if it purchases S-400 missile B.Bihar
systems from C.Gujarat
D.Maharashtra
A.Russia
B.Germany Answer: A
C.Australia
D.Japan 181) Monti Rajkhowa, the First Assamese
Woman to Scale
Answer: A
A.Mount Kamet
178) Where is the headquarters of Hindustan B.Vindhya Range
Aeronautics Limited (HAL) located? C.Mount Nanda Devi
D.Mount Kanchenjunga
A.Hyderabad
B.New Delhi Answer: D
C.Bangalore
D.Chennai 182) Which state will be awarded for reducing
Maternal Mortality?
Answer: C
A.Maharashtra
179) What is the full form of CBIC? B.Gujarat
C.Madhya Pradesh
A.Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs D.Haryana
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

Answer: C D.Anant Geete

183) India has set a fresh target of achieving 100 Answer: B


GW of solar power by
187) Turkey to sell four corvette warships to
A.2021 which country?
B.2022
C.2020 A.Myanmar
D.2019 B.Bhutan
C.Nepal
Answer: B D.Pakistan

184) Who scored the highest record in IT20? Answer: D

A.Aaron Finch
B.James Hopes 188) Piyush Goyal launched the 'Khan Prahari'
C.Michael Hussey App, which is related to
D.Stuart Clark
A.reporting illegal coal mining
Answer: A B.strengthen and empower women and child
C.providing information on education and
185) A conference of Power Ministers of States & offering guidance to students D.providing clean
Union Territories was held at drinking water

A.Shimla Answer: A
B.Vadodara
C.Bhubaneswar 189) Under Reliance Jio’s 'Monsoon Hungama'
D.Amritsar offer, customers can now exchange their
existing old feature phones for a new JioPhone
Answer: A by paying

186) Who is the present Union minister of A.₹851


chemicals and fertilisers? B.₹401
C.₹701
A.Uma Bharati D.₹501
B.Ananth Kumar
C.Ravi Shankar Prasad Answer: D
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

A.SAAB Gripen
190) The 67th Plenary meeting of the North B.Eurofighter Typhoon
Eastern Council held in C.Dassault Rafale
D.Boeing F-18
A.Shillong
B.Agartala Answer: A
C.Lucknow
D.Patna
194) As of now, India has how many operational
Answer: A satellites in space?

191) India and South Korea have agreed to A.43


cooperate on a “tripartite” basis in development B.22
assistance in third countries. With which C.19
country does this project begin? D.56

A.Afghanistan Answer: A
B.Pakistan
C.China 195) FIFA World Cup 2018 is currently ongoing
D.Nepal in

Answer: A A.Argentina
B.Germany
192) How many countries will take part in the C.France
RIMPAC drill this year? D.Russia

A.23 Answer: D
B.26
C.20 196) Scientists recently discovered world's oldest
D.25 colours from

Answer: B A.Sahara desert


B.Great Basin Desert
193) Recently, Six vendors bid to supply 110 C.Patagonian Desert
fighters to India. Which of the following is the D.Kalahari Desert
single-engine fighter?
Answer: A
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

C.Critically endangered species


197) How much money has been invested by D.Least concern species
YouTube to counter the spread of fake news on
its platform? Answer: A

A.$30 million 201) Sayani Panda is associated with


B.$20 million
C.$25 million A.Badminton
D.$35 million B.Table Tennis
C.Shuttle
Answer: C D.Gymnastics

198) Who has been appointed as new MD, CEO Answer: B


of Dhanlaxmi Bank for three years?
77) Neeraj Chopra wins gold at Sotteville
A.Usha Ananthasubramanian Athletics Meet in France. He is associated with
B.T Latha
C.Uma Shankar A.Discus throw
D.Sudha Balakrishnan B.Badminton
C.Javelin throw
Answer: B D.Table Tennis

199) Which country replaced US at UN Human Answer: C


Rights Council?
78) Which team tops in the latest list of Men's
A.Macedonia hockey world rankings issued by the
B.Algeria International Hockey Federation?
C.Iceland
D.France A.India
B.Australia
Answer: C C.Argentina
D.Belgium
200) Under which category does the IUCN
classify Indian black turtle? Answer: B

A.Near Threatened species 202) Which country signed a deal to sell 30


B.Vulnerable species Military Helicopters to Pakistan?
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

A.Iran Answer: A
B.Turkey
C.China 206) Which free software has been launched by
D.Sri Lanka the Union IT Ministry for converting scanned
printed Indian Language documents into a fully
Answer: B editable text format?

203) Which of the following companies has A.Darshan-Y


launched Electric Vehicle Charging and Battery B.e-Aksharayan
Swapping Infrastructure project, in India, C.Imagery
wherein it invested Rs. 1,750 crore? D.Saransh
Answer: A
A.Ampere vehicles
B.Essel Infraprojects Ltd 207) Which of the following is the only state in
C.Okinawa Autotech Pvt Ltd India that has an NRC (National Register of
D.AVERA Tech Pvt Ltd Citizens)?

Answer: A A.Punjab
B.Bihar
204) What is NASAMS-II? C.Assam
D.West Bengal
A.An advanced air defence system
B.A new technology to treat cancer Answer: A
C.Government's step for blockchain technology
D.Cyber technology 208) Which of the following firm makes history
by becoming first US company to reach $1
Answer: A trillion market value?

205) How many crores worth project was A.Apple


launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in B.Walmart
lucknow? C.Amazon
D.Microsoft
A.60,000
B.35,000 Answer : A
C.45,000
D.68,000
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

209) Who won Presidential election in D.Dinesh Gupta


Zimbabwe recently?
Answer: A
A.Emmerson Mnangagwa
B.Robert Mugabe 213) Who launches Dedicated Portal FOCAL For
C.Canaan Banana Cargo Owners And Shippers ?
D.Nelson Mandela A.IWAI
B.Indian Army
Answer : A C.Indian Navy
D.Indian Police
210) Which of the following firm makes history Answer: A
by becoming first US company to reach $1
trillion market value? 214) Which of the following test did the Navy
recently perform on the Shore Based Test
A.Apple Facility (SBTF) in Goa?
B.Walmart
C.Amazon A.LCA Naval Prototype 1
D.Microsoft B.LCA Naval Prototype 2
C.LCA Naval Prototype 3
Answer: A D.LCA Naval Prototype 4

211) Which Amendment Bill provides a National Answer: B


Commission for Backward Classes?
215) Who recently shared his Aadhaar number
A.122nd Constitutional Amendment Bill on Twitter and even wrote the first software for
B.123rd Constitutional Amendment Bill UIDAI for (Aadhaar) enrolment?
C.124th Constitutional Amendment Bill A.Ram Sewak Sharma
D.125th Constitutional Amendment Bill B.Ajay Bhushan Pandey
C.J. Satyanarayana
Answer: A D.Nandan Nilekani

212) Who will inaugurate conference For Answer: A


Development Of Islands?
216) The Karnataka cabinet approved to waive
A.Amitabh Kant Rs. _________ crore existing farm loans in
B.Suresh Kumar respect of cooperative banks.
C.Naresh Iyer
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

A.Rs.9,508.61 crore 220) Who to address World Biofuel Day


B.Rs.9,548.61 crore conference ?
C.Rs.9,348.61 crore
D.Rs.9,448.61 crore A.Shri Narendra Modi
B.Shri Arun Jaitley
Answer: D C.Shri Suresh Prabhu
D.Shri Vivek Chopra
217) Who was all set to ring the iconic Lord's
bell for the first time to indicate the start of the Answer: A
second Cricket Test match between India and
England at Lord's on August 9? 221) Who won the International Geography Bee
A.Kapil Dev World Championship ?
B.Rahul Dravid
C.Sachin Tendulkar A.Avi Goel
D.Sourav Ganguly B.Naresh Singh
C.Suresh Kumar
Answer: C D.Vijay Rajan

218) Central Government decided to provide a Answer: A


discount of Rs. ______ per kg on pulses for poor.
A.₹15/kg 222) India will participate for the first time in
B.₹20/kg the joint SCO Peace Mission Exercise, being
C.₹25/kg conducted from August 22-29 at
D.₹10/kg
A.Kazakhstan
Answer: A B.Pakistan
C.China
219) Which of the following is the first D.Russia
demutualized electronic exchange in the
country? Answer: D
A.BSE
B.NSE 223) Which state to inaugurate its first licensed
C.CSE Hisar Airport ?
D.ISE
A.Haryana
Answer: B B.Madhya pradesh
C.Tamil Nadu
Fresherslive.com Current Affairs Annual Edition 2018

D.Kerala 227) The Union government has proposed to


extend the reach of Ujjwala Yojana to how many
Answer: A poor women in 2018-19?

224). The Union government in its budget 2018 A. 4 crore


has proposed to launch a restructured mission B. 10 crore
with an outlay of Rs.1290 crore to promote C. 8 crore
which sector? D. 6 crore
Answer: C
A. Handloom
B. Bamboo 228) The Indian Railways is planning to re-
C. Traditional Craft develop how many major railway stations in
D. Rural Development 2018?

Answer: B A. 400
B. 540
225) Which among the following state C. 730
governments does not qualify for the special D. 600
scheme that the government is going to
introduce to tackle air pollution? Answer: D

A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Delhi 229) The government would be setting up an
C. Punjab institute to train manpower for high-speed
D. Haryana railway project in which city?
Answer: A
A. Ahmedabad
226). How much fund has the Union B. Surat
Government allocated for its new ‘Operation C. Pune
Green’ mission ? D. Vadodara
A.1000 crore
B. 680 crore Answer D
C. 500 crore
D. 1300 crore 230) What is the salary of President as per
Union Budget 2018?
Answer: C
A.Rs 5 lakh
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B. Rs 4 lakh
C. Rs 3 lakh Answer C
D. Rs 2 lakh
234) Which scheme will be launched this year as
Answer A per Budget 2018 to improve the Health Sector of
the country?
231) As per Union Budget 2018, the Customs
duty on mobile phones and parts of televisions A. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana
will be increased to what per cent? B. National Health Policy 2018
C. Swasth Bharat
A.20 per cent D. National Health Protection Scheme
B. 25 per cent
C. 30 per cent Answer D
D. 35 per cent
235) As per Budget 2018, which three firms will
Answer A be merged and then listed?

A.UTI, Oriental Insurance and National


232) What was the total fiscal expenditure of the Insurance
Union Government in 2017-18 as per Union B.LIC, Bharti AXA and United Insurance
Budget 2018? C.General Insurance, Max Bupa and UTI
D.None of the above
A. Rs 21.47 lakh crore
B. Rs 21.57 lakh crore Answer A
C. Rs 21.67 lakh crore
D. Rs 21.77 lakh crore 236) Which of the following State government
launched the Swayangsiddha scheme?
Answer B
A. Karnataka
233) As per Union Budget 2018, senior citizens B. Uttar Pradesh
will now be able to claim benefit of deduction of C. West Bengal
what amount in case of critical illnesses? D. Gujarat

A. Rs 50000 Answer C
B. Rs 75000
C. Rs 100000 237) Recently, the Centre launched SATAT
D. Rs 125000 initiative to promote Compressed Bio-Gas as an
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alternative, green transport fuel. What does Answer D


SATAT stand for?

A. Sufficient Alternative Towards Affordable 240) Which of the following countries hosted the
Transportation 6th East Asia Summit- Economic Ministers’
B. Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Meeting (EAS-EMM)?
Transportation
C. Service Assistant To Affordable A.USA

Transportation B.Singapore

D. Sustainable Assistant Towards Affordable C.Russia

Transportation D.Vietnam

Answer B Answer A

238)With the help of which organization,


241) Which of the following countries hosted the
Government of India signed a $ 375 million loan
International Women Entrepreneurs Summit
agreement for contribution to double
(IWES) 2018?
agricultural income by expanding irrigation
network and system efficiency in Madhya
A.Singapore
Pradesh?
B.North Korea
C.Nepal
A.DBS Bank
D.China
B. Westpac Banking Corporation
C.HSBC Ltd
Answer C
D.Asian Development Bank

242) Under 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana'


Answer D
(PMJDY) scheme the overdraft facility has been
revised from Rs.5000 to ____.
239) Which of the following banks has been
named as the World's Best Bank by Global
A.Rs.8,000
Finance magazine to its Dgital innovation?
B.Rs.10,000
Rs.15,000
Royal Bank of Scotland
Rs.12,000
ICICI Bank
HDFC Bank
Answer B
DBS Bank
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243) Which of the following cities is the venue of


the first ever India-US 2+2 dialogue? Answer A

A.New Delhi 247) What is the capital of Cyprus?


London
California A.Baku
Chicago Helsinki
Nicosia
Answer A Manama

244) What is the theme of the International Answer C


Literacy Day 2018?
248). Which of the following cities hosted the

A.Primary need-Literacy 4th edition of World Summit on Accreditation

Education for all (WOSA 2018)?

Future and role of Education


Literacy and Skills development A. New Delhi
B. Kolkata

Answer D C. Mumbai
D. Bengaluru
245) .Who among the following will be honoured
with the Sarala Award-2018? Answer A

A.Dr Gaurav Singh 249) How much amount has been provided by
Prafulla Das Germany to India for Clean Ganga Mission?
Satrughna Pandav
Achyutananda Pati A. Rs.800 crore
B. Rs.870 crore

Answer C C. Rs.990 crore


D. Rs.950 crore
246) Which country hosted the 4th International
Ayurveda Congress (IAvC) 2018? Answer C

A.Netherlands 250) What is the currency of Argentina?

Sweden
A. Dollar
Japan
B. Peso
China
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C. Euro 254) From which country does India plan to buy


D. Real 18 bullet trains from Japan for Rs.7,000 crore?

Answer B A.Russia
B.China
251) The 22-year old Indian Amit Panghal C.Japan
defeated reigning Olympic champion Hasanboy D.USA
Dusmatov to claim the gold medal in _______.

Answer C
A. 49kg boxing
B. 52kg boxing 255) Which of the following is India's 2nd largest
C. 55kg boxing metro rail network?
D. 57kg boxing A.Mumbai
B.Hyderabad
Answer A C.Chennai
D.Kolkatta
252) Who is appointed as the CEO of Vedanta
Resources Plc.? Answer B

A. Kuldip Kaura 255) Who is the President of Pakistan?


B. Tom Albanese
C. Srinivasan Venkatakrishnan A.Arif Alvi

D. Anil Agarwal B.Imran Khan


C.Aitzaz Ahsan

Answer D.Maulana Fazlur Rehman

253) Where is the Singphan Elephant Reserve Answer A

located?
256) U.N. declared _______ as the Nelson
Mandela Decade of Peace.
A.Assam
A.2017-2026
B.Manipur
B.2018-2027
C.Odisha
C.2019-2028
D.Nagaland
D.2016-2025

Answer D
Answer C
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257) Which of the following scheme was A.Hussain Muhammad Ershad


launched by Employees’ State Insurance B.Sheikh Hasina
Corporation (ESIC) for Insured Persons covered C.Abdul Hamid
under the Employees’ State Insurance Act? D.Zillur Rahman

A.Swayangsiddha scheme Answer B


B.Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna
C.Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan 261) Which Ministry launched the Swadesh

Abhiyan Darshan Scheme?

D.Mukhyamantri Yuva Nestam


A.Ministry of Home Affairs

Answer B B.Ministry of Culture


C.Misitry of Tourism
258) Which scheme will provide an annual D.Ministry of Coal
health insurance cover of Rs.5 lakh to Rs.10.74
crore beneficiary families? Answer C

A.Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana 262)Kolkata launched India’s first flood forecast

B.Pradhan Mantri Saubhagya Yojana system, FFEWS, with USD 1 mn assistance from

C.Ayushman Bharat Scheme ADB. What does FFEWS stand for?

D.Pradhan Mantri Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme


A.Flood Forecast and Early Warning System

Answer A B.Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System


C.Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System

259) Which of the following government D.Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System

launched India’s first scheme for doorstep


delivery of essential government services? Answer D

A.J&K government 263) Which of the following Indian State is first

B.Delhi government to launch Wage Compensation Scheme For

C.Puduchery government Pregnant Women In Tea A.Gardens

D.Chandigarh government B.Kerala


C.Uttarakhand

Answer B D.Assam

260) Who is the Prime Minister of Bangladesh? Answer C


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264) Who is the Chief Minister of Assam?


268) Which of the following is the world's
A.Sarbananda Sonowal longest sea bridge?
B.Himanta Biswa Sarma
C.Dharmendra Pradhan A.Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai Bridge
D.Tarun Gogoi B.Golden Gate Bridge
Answer A C.Hangzhou Bay Bridge
D.King Fahd Causeway
265)Who is appointed as the Solicitor General of
India? Answer A

A. Tushar Mehta 269)Which country launched World’s First


B. Rohinton Nariman Sovereign Blue Bond?
C. Ranjit Kumar
D. Mohan Parasaran A.India
B.Seychelles
Answer A C.Indonesia
D.Thailand
266)Who is the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of
Indian Air Force (IAF)? Answer B

A. Birender Singh Dhanoa 270)Who recently resigned the position as U.S.


B. Subroto Mukerjee Ambassador to the United Nations?
C. Anil Kumar Browne
D. Pradeep Vasant Naik A.Woody Johnson

Answer C B.Terry Branstad


C.Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr.
267)What was the name of the Air exercise that D.Nikki Haley
was launched between Ukraine and other NATO
countries? Answer D

A.Cope 2018 271) What is India's position in the Global

B.Clear Sky 2018 Hunger Index 2018?

C.Eastern Bridge II
D.SHINYUU Maitri 2018 A.97th
B.103rd
Answer B C.116th
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D.118th A.Harsh Vardhan


B.Prakash Javadekar
Answer B C.Piyush Goyal
D.Manohar Parikar
272)Where is the headquarters of DRDO
located? Answer A

A.Mumbai
B.Kolkata
C.New Delhi
D.Hyderabad

Answer C

273)Su-30MKI is a ________.

A. Transport
B. Tanker
C. Combat Aircraft
D. Electronic Warfare

Answer B

274)IUCN is aa international organisation and


the governing body of protected sites. What does
IUCN stand for?

A.Informative Union for Conserving the Nature


B.International Union for Conservation of
Nature
C.Initiative Under the Conservation of Nature
D.Initiation Under the Conservation of Nature

Answer B

275)Who is the Minister responsible for the


Ministry of Science and Technology?
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