Important Current Affairs 1st December 2018 English

(National News)

Kimberley Process Certification Scheme 
India will Chair Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) from 1st January 2018. It was was handed Chairmanship by the European Union during KPCS Plenary 2018, which was held in Brussels, Belgium. 

Commitments of India as KPCS Chair
1. Make KPCS stronger process in terms of inclusiveness, strengthened administration and implementation.
2. Make KPCS more efficient in terms of delivery of what it promises, more transparent and empathetic towards living standards of people who are dependent on production, trade and manufacture of diamonds.

eDrishti software launched to help Railways Minister keep track of punctuality of trains
Indian Railways unveiled ‘eDrishti’ software that will help Union Railway Minister to keep track of punctuality of trains as well as freight and passenger earnings and much more from anywhere in the country. 
eDrishti software
Using this software, Railway Minister can track any information with just a click of mouse — whether from his office or while on the move.

India and China sign agreement to inspect fish meal, fish oil imports
India and China signed protocol on hygiene and inspection requirements for exports of fish meal, fish oil imports from India to China.

Highlights of meeting
Both Indian and Chinese sides appreciated each other’s concerns and agreed to resolve market access issues expeditiously to achieve the vision of the leaders of both the countries by promoting a more balanced trade.

Indian Owl Festival, Indias first owl fest, held in Pune

The Indian Owl Festival, India’s first owl fest, was held at Pingori village in Purandar taluka of Pune, Maharashtra. The festival was organized by Ela Foundation.  It created awareness on owl conservation and feature art forms like pictures, paintings, lanterns, lamp shades, posters, origami, stitched articles, poems and stories on owls.  

(Space News)

ISRO successfully launches earth observation satellite HysIS 
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched country’s first advance earth observation satellite Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) along with 30 other satellites from eight countries.
Important
PSLV-C43 was 45th flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) with combined payload of 641.5kg. It was ‘Core Alone’ version of PSLV i.e. lightest version of the launch vehicle. PSLV is four stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages.