Important Current Affairs 7th August 2018

Important Current Affairs 7th August 2018

Current Affairs 7th August 2018: NATIONAL NEWS

External Affairs Minister on 3-nation central Asian tour

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on 2nd of August 2018 left on her first trip to the central Asian Nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

Important Takeaways

• Astana is the capital city of Kazakhstan and Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev.
• Bishkek is the capital city of Kyrgyzstan and Prime Minister Mukhammedkalyi Abylgaziev
• Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan and Prime Minister is Abdulla Aripov, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulaziz Kamilov.

Launch official Trailer Of Film “Halkaa” Under the Aegis Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban)

Shri Hardeep S Puri, Minister of State (I/C) for Housing and Urban Affairs launched the official trailer, music and poster of Bollywood film “Halkaa” under the aegis of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), in partnership with the New Delhi Municipal Council, on 6th August 2018.

Awards to Movie

The film has already won numerous awards and accolades in the international arena including two prestigious Grand Prix – Best Feature Film awards at Montreal International Children’s Film Festival and KINOLUB Film Festival for Children and Youth in Poland.

About “Halkaa” Movie

“Halkaa” poignantly captures the journey of this simple and under privileged child’s dedication, struggle, and aspiration for achieving the goal of owning a personal toilet for his family despite resistance from his father.

Important:

Film director of this movie is Nila Madhab Panda who is a Padma Shri awardee.

Budget for DRDO for the Financial Year 2018-19

• The total Budget of Department of Defence Research & Development (R&D) for the Financial Year 2018-19 is Rs. 17861.19 crore with manpower of approximately 24224 (including 7354 scientists).
• A total of 13 research projects in Technology Development (TD) and Science & Technology (S&T) category have been taken up in the year 2018-19 in the broad areas of hybrid power system, advanced materials, CBW Defence technologies, laser diode technology, technologies for insensitive munition etc. and since these are in design phase, outcome of research projects will be seen in the subsequent years.

Defence Research and Development Organisation

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is an agency of the Republic of India, charged with the military's research and development, headquartered in New Delhi, India.
• Formed in 1958.

Agency executives:

• Sanjay Mitra : Secretary, Department of Defence R&D
• G. Satheesh: Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister

Important:

Nirmala Sitharaman, the current defence minister of India is the second woman since Indira Gandhi to hold this major post.

Launch of Bidder Information Management System and Bhoomi Rashi - PFMS Linkage Portals

Shri Nitin Gadkari launched Bidder Information Management System (BIMS) and Bhoomi Rashi and PFMS linkage - two IT initiatives of the Road Transport & Highways Ministry that are aimed at expediting pre construction processes relating to bidding and land acquisition respectively.

What is BIMS?

• Bidder Information Management System BIMS is aimed at streamlining the process of pre-qualification of bidders for EPC Mode of contracts for National Highway works with enhanced transparency and objectivity.
• The portal will work as a data base of information about bidders, covering basic details, civil works experience, cash accruals and network, annual turnover etc

What is Bhoomi Rashi?

• Bhoomi Rashi, the portal developed by MoRTH and NIC, comprises the entire revenue data of the country, right down to 6.4 lakh villages.
• Bhoomi Rashi portal has been instrumental in reducing the time taken for approval and publication of notifications pertaining to land acquisition.

Important:

• Integration of Public Financial Management System (PFMS) with Bhoomi Rashi is one of the key functionalities to facilitate payment related to compensation for land acquisition to all the beneficiaries directly through the Bhoomi Rashi system.

About PFMS:

• PFMS is a web-based online software application developed and implemented by the Office of Controller General of Accounts (CGA) to facilitate sound public financial management system for Government of India (GoI).
• It provides various stakeholders with a real time, reliable and meaningful management information system and an effective decision support system, as part of the Digital India initiative of GoI.

Annual Awards for Excellence in National Highways Projects

• Annual Awards for Excellence in National Highways Projects from this year onwards, for recognizing concessionaires and contractors who are performing exceptionally.
• The Annual Road Awards to be presented every year starting 2018 are designed across five categories as follows:

1. Excellence in Construction Management

2. Excellence in Operation & Maintenance

3. Best Toll Plaza 

4. Safe Highway 

5. Innovation in Design or Construction Technology 

India among one of the highest growing tourist economies of the world

The Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism Shri K. J. Alphons informed the Lok Sabha on 6th August that India is among one of the highest growing tourist economies in the world in 2017.

Important Figures:

• More than 14.0% growth in number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India in 2017 over 2016 along with a 19.2% increase (in US dollar terms) in the Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism for the same period.
• In 2017, Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism was Rs. 1, 77, 874 crores.
• India ranks 26th in the world in arrivals of global tourists.
• Ministry has sanctioned 69 projects worth for Rs.5711.79 Crore to 29 States/UTs under the PRASHD scheme.
•  Under PRASHAD Scheme, Ministry has identified 26 sites in 19 states for development and till date, 24 projects have been sanctioned for Rs.727.16 Crore under the scheme.
• PRASHAD Scheme full form is Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive.

National Commission for Backward Classes (Repeal) Bill, 2017 Passed in Parliament

• National Commission for Backward Classes (Repeal) Bill, 2017 is passed by Rajya Sabha on 6th August 2018.
• Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot  moved in Rajya Sabha the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Third Amendment) Bill, 2017 and the further Amendments made by the Lok Sabha.
• This Amendment Bill is to repeal the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993 as passed by the Lok Sabha.

About Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill, 2017

• The Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill, 2017 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Mr. Thaawarchand Gehlot on April 5, 2017. 
• It seeks to grant the National Commission on Backward Classes (NCBC) constitutional status, at par with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

Functions:

• Under the Constitution Amendment Bill, the duties of the NCBC will include:
• Investigating and monitoring how safeguards provided to the backward classes under the Constitution and other laws are being implemented
• Inquiring into specific complaints regarding violation of rights, and
• Advising and making recommendations on socio-economic development of such classes.  The central and state governments will be required to consult with the NCBC on all major policy matters affecting the socially and educationally backward classes.

Parliament Passed Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2018

• The Parliament passed the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2018 with the Rajya Sabha clearing it by a voice vote. The Lok Sabha had passed the bill last month of July.
• The bill replaces the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance promulgated on April 21 this year.
• The bill stipulates stringent punishment for perpetrators of rape, particularly of girls below 12 years and death sentence has been provided for rapists of girls under 12 years.

An MoU signed between FAGMIL and Government of Himachal Pradesh

• FCI Aravali Gypsum and Minerals India Limited (FAGMIL), a CPSU under the administrative control of the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India has received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from the Government of Himachal Pradesh for grant of mining lease for setting up of White Cement Plant to cater to the demand of white cement in North India.
• An MoU will be signed between FAGMIL and Government of Himachal Pradesh for the same.
• This will be the first PSU white cement plant in India.

About Plant:

• The installed capacity of the proposed Plant will be 1000 TPD.
• Direct and indirect employment generation would be around 200 and 3000 respectively.
• The plant would be installed using the latest available environment friendly technology. 
• The project shall be a land mark in the development of Nohra Dhar and nearby areas of Himachal Pradesh.

Important:

• The Ministry is headed by Minister of Chemicals and fertilisers. Ananth Kumar is the current minister for the department.
• Smt. Alka Tiwari, Joint Secretary of Department of Fertilizers and Chairperson & Managing Director of FAGMIL.

Current Affairs 7th August 2018: INTERNATIONAL NEWS. SPACE

China successfully tests waverider hypersonic aircraft called Called Xingkong-2

China has successfully tested its waverider hypersonic aircraft which is capable of flying independently and of carrying nuclear warheads.

About Xingkong-2

• The Xingkong-2 - also called Starry Sky-2 - was fired at a target range in north-west China and tested for 10 minutes.
•  Xingkong-2 - designed by China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics reached an altitude of 30 kilometres at Mach 5.5.
• Xingkong-2 is a flight vehicle which flies in the atmosphere and glides at high speeds using shockwaves generated by its own hypersonic flight with the air.
• It can reportedly carry nuclear warheads and break past anti-missile defence systems currently in use the world over.
• This is primarily because Xingkong-2 has an unpredictable trajectory and has a superior in-flight speed to cruise and ballistic missiles.

Current Affairs 7th August 2018: SCHEMES

Implementation of Central Sector Scheme of ‘Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse’

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment implements Central Sector Scheme of ‘Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse’ for identification, counseling, treatment and rehabilitation of addicts through voluntary and other eligible organizations.

About the Scheme

• Under this Scheme, financial assistance is provided to NGOs/Voluntary organizations and other eligible agencies for setting-up/running Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCAs).
• At present the Ministry is supporting 74 IRCAs in Maharashtra and Rs.10.10 crores grant in aid has been released to them during 2017-18.

Current Affairs 6th August 2018: INTERNATIONAL RELATION

Indo - Thailand Joint Exercise Maitree 2018 Opening Ceremony

• Exercise Maitree is a joint military exercise between Indian Army and Royal Thai Army which will be conducted from 06 to 19 August 2018 in Thailand.
• It is a platoon level exercise which comprises of infantry component.
• The opening ceremony started with familiarization of organisation and display of weapons & equipment of both armies.
• The exercise will emphasize to hone the tactical and technical skills in joint counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in rural and urban scenario under UN mandate.

Important

Prime Minister of Thailand is Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Current Affairs 7th August 2018: OBITUARIES

DMK chief M. Karunanidhi passed away

DMK chief M. Karunanidhi passed away at 6:10 pm on Tuesday. Mr. Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital following a drop in his blood pressure in the early hours of July 28. Since then the five-time Chief Minister's medical status has gone through ups and downs.

The Tamil Nadu government has declared holiday on August 8, 2018, and announced a seven-day mourning period for the former chief minister.The DMK patriarch's last journey will be on Wednesday and the National Flag will be flown at half-mast during the mourning period.Mr. Karunanidhi's mortal remains will be kept at Rajaji Hall for the public to pay their last respects, a statement released by State Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan read. The Tamil Nadu government has refused permission to bury DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi at the Marina citing "legal hurdles and several cases pending in courts." Instead, the government is ready to allot two acres of land near the Gandhi Mandapam on Sardar Vallabhai Patel road. 

About M. Karunanidhi

Muthuvel Karunanidhi (3 June 1924 – 7 August 2018), popularly known as Kalaignar (artist), was an Indian politician who served as the chief minister of the state of Tamil Nadu for five separate terms in the 1969–2011 period. Before entering politics he worked in the Tamil film industry as a screenwriter. He has also made contributions to Tamil literature, having written stories, plays, novels, and a multiple-volume memoir.