Important Current Affairs 1st February 2018

Current Affairs 1st February 2018: NATIONAL NEWS

National Logistics Portal will be created as a single window online marketplace
 
●    The Finance Minister announced that the Department of Commerce will develop National Logistic Portal as a single window online marketplace to connect all stakeholders.
●    The government is making changes in its work system by implementing e-offices and other e-Governance in central ministries and departments.
●    A web based Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) has been launched in the monitoring of the Controller General of Accounts, in order to improve budgeting, accounting, expenditure and cash management.
●    All information related to purchase on the Central Public Purchase Portal will be available in one place.

Customs increased on mobile phones and TV components
 
●    There is a wide scope for domestic value addition in certain areas such as food processing, electronics, auto components, footwear and furniture.
●    Keeping this in view, the Finance Minister has proposed to reduce the customs duty on raw cashews from 5% to 2.5% with the aim of helping the cashew processing industry.
●    In order to encourage domestic value addition and 'Make in India' more encouraging, the Finance Minister has increased the customs duty on mobile phones from 15 percent to 20 percent, raising the customs duty on some of its components and accessories to 15 percent, Customs duty has been proposed to increase to 15 per cent on certain parts.

Congress won all seats in Rajasthan by-election
 
●    In Rajasthan, BJP has lost two Lok Sabha and by-elections for a seat in the Assembly.
●    The main opposition Congress has won a major victory on the Lok Sabha seat of Ajmer and Alwar and the Mandalgarh assembly seat.

Current Affairs 1st February 2018: SCHEMES

The exemption limit for income from the deposit schemes of senior citizens has been increased to 50 thousand rupees
 
●    In order to provide dignified life to senior citizens, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Shri Arun Jaitley has announced important concessions for senior citizens.
●    Rebate of interest income on deposited deposits in banks and post offices has been increased from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50 thousand and income tax will not be deducted at source under section 194A.
●    This benefit will also be available for interest receipts in fixed deposit schemes and recurring deposit schemes.

Allocation of 2600 crores under the Prime Minister's Agriculture Irrigation Scheme for irrigation in 96 districts
 
●    The government will spend more money on the livelihood of rural areas, agricultural and allied activities and rural infrastructure to provide more opportunities for livelihood in rural areas.
●    Pradhan Mantri Krishi Yojana- To strengthen the land under irrigation scheme for each farm, it will be started in 96 districts deprived of irrigation, for which 2600 crores has been allocated.

Ayushman India announces 2022
 
●    Government today announced two important initiatives in health sector under the Ayushmann program.
●    Presenting the General Budget 2018-19 in Parliament today, Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said that the objective of this scheme is to tackle the health related challenges in a holistic manner.
●    It will focus on improving health in primary, secondary and tertiary sectors.
 
 

Launch of Gobar-Dhan Yojana
 
●    In order to liberate the villages from open defecation and to improve the lives of the villagers, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Shri Arun Jaitley announced the launch of Gobar-Dhan Yojna in his budget speech today.
●    Under this scheme, solid wastes of cattle and dung fields will be converted into compost, bio-gas and bio-CNG.

Current Affairs 1st February 2018: ECONOMY

Non-Corporate Tax Providers working in International Financial Services Center will get 9% tax
 
●    Disbursement of derivatives and concessions in capital gains has been announced for the transfer of some securities by non-residents.
●    The non-corporate tax providers working in the International Financial Services Center will have an optional minimum tax of 9% (AMT), which will be similar to the minimum alternative tax on corporate (MAT).
●    The government has tried to develop a world-class international financial services center in India.
●    In order to fulfill this objective the government has announced several tax concessions.
 
Announcement of institutional credit to agriculture sector 11 lakh crore 
 
●    The government announced to raise institutional credit for agriculture sector from Rs 10 lakh crore in 2017-18 to Rs 11 lakh crore in 2018-19.
●    Moving forward to the government's vision, the Finance Minister announced the launch of 'Operation Greens' with an outlay of 500 crores in the budget of 2018-19.
●    'Operation Greens' launched on the lines of 'Operation Flood' will promote farming productive organizations (FPOs), agro-logistics, processing facilities and professional management in this area.
  
Increase in allocation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
 
●    The allocation for Scheduled Castes for the 279 programs was increased to Rs 52,719 crore in the year 2017-18 compared to Rs. 34,334 crore for the year 2016-17.
●    Similarly, for the ongoing 305 programs scheduled for scheduled castes, an allocation of Rs 21,811 crore was made in 2016-17, which was increased to Rs 32,508 crore in the year 2017-18.
●    Rs. 56,619 crores for Scheduled Castes and Rs. 39,135 crores for Scheduled Castes has been allocated.

Central Board of Trade and Customs (CBEC) will be renamed Central Inspection Tax and Customs Board (CBIC).
 
●    With the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST), Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Shri Arun Jaitley today announced the General Budget 2018-19 in Parliament that the name of Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) The Central Indirect Tax and Customs Board (CBIC) will be changed.
●    For this, necessary changes in law have been proposed in the Finance Bill.
 
 
Proposed amendment in the Customs Act for ease of business
 
●    Some amendments were announced in the Customs Act, 1962 with the aim of bringing ease in foreign trade and uniformity in certain provisions of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.
●    In order to ease the mutual dispute resolution process and reduce the number of disputes, before giving notice in these amendments, the negotiation will be deemed to terminate the dispute on the basis of a fixed period of time and not working according to the period of time, such as the provisions included. has been done.
 
3794 crore for loan and innovation to MSME
 
●    Announcing the provision of Rs. 3794 crore for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the Union Budget 2018-19, Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Shri Arun Jaitley said that such a sector should be given credit support, capital and interest subsidy and Has been done for innovation.
●    7148 crores have been allocated for textile sector.

Current Affairs 1st February 2018: SPORTS

India's first win in Durban
 
●    Team India defeated South Africa by 6 wickets in the first ODI of the 6-match series, thanks to the continuation of captain Virat Kohli's 33rd century and the fifth half century of Ajinkya Rahane.
●    The hosts first scored 269 runs at the loss of 8 wickets in the stipulated 50 overs.
●    In reply, the Indian team scored just 270 runs in 45.3 overs losing 4 wickets.

Current Affairs 1st February 2018: DAYS AND DATES

DSA will celebrate Sunil Chhetri's birthday as 'Football Day'
 
●    Delhi Soccer Association (DSA) has decided to celebrate the birthday of Sunil Chhetri, the current captain of the Indian football team, on August 3 as the Football Day.
●    Arjun Award-winning Sunil Chhetri has played both junior and senior categories for the Indian team.
●    He has also represented Mumbai City FC.

Current Affairs 1st February 2018: GLOBAL NEWS

America missile test failed
 
●    There is a challenge for North America's missile test after the United States, Washington faced a major setback on Wednesday.
●    The trial of US interceptor missile yesterday in Hawaii has failed.
●    This is another unsuccessful attempt in less than a year.
●    Missile Defense Agency spokesman Mark Wright said that using the Aegis Ashor system, this test was done at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kavai Island.
 

Important Current Affairs 31st January 2018

Current Affairs 31st January 2018: NATIONAL NEWS

Third scorpene submarine 'Karanj' was launched from Mazgaon Badargaon

●    On January 31, 2018, the third scorpion submarine manufactured by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited was launched by Mrs Reena Lamba, President of Navy Wives Welfare Association.
●    Earlier, the writings of Atharva Vedas were recited and after the traditional rituals the submarine was launched.
●    She named the submarine and named him Karanj.

To improve the quality of technical education, 1225 qualified graduates of higher institutions were appointed in backward areas.

●    In order to fulfill the vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's emphasis on imparting good quality and technical education to the backward areas of the country, the Human Resource Development Ministry has appointed 1225 graduates of IIT and NIT in Andaman and Nicobar, Assam, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir. States like Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand.
●    This is the first time that such a step has been taken to improve the quality of education.

IREDA and RUML signed the agreement for large solar parks in Madhya Pradesh

●    Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited and Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding for financial assistance for two big solar parks in Madhya Pradesh today.
●    To achieve the goal of achieving the additional solar capacity of 100 GHz by Narendra Modi, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, World Bank and IREDA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 100 million US Dollars Has shown the way to the proposal.
●    Under World Bank loan assistance, IREDA has approved the first loan of Rs 210.62 crore to RUMSL for the construction of two such solar parks in Madhya Pradesh.
 

Airports Authority of India allocated Rs 3400 crore for the development of airports in the North-East

●    The Airports Authority of India has allocated Rs 3,400 crore for the development and upgradation of airports in the North Eastern Region.
●    In 2016-17, the total number of passengers on this region's airports was 68.04 lakh. Last year it recorded an increase of 27.02%.
●    The Airports Authority of India has allocated Rs 1,720 crore for Assam, Rs 525 crore for Tripura, Rs 800 crore for Manipur, Rs 42 crore for Nagaland, Rs 211 crore for Arunachal Pradesh and Rs 60 crore for Mizoram.

India's second cheapest country to live in India: Survey

●    India is the second cheapest country in the world to live in the world.
●    Recently, a survey conducted among 112 countries has been South Africa in the first place in this case.
●    This survey has been done by Go Banking Rates. He has fixed the ranking of countries on four key parameters.
●    For this, he assessed data mobilized by Nobiobi.

Visit of Macron

●    During the visit of France's President Emmanuel Macron in March, there is hope for a major agreement between the two countries in the defense sector.
●    India can also have a similar agreement between India and France, which has done the Memorandum of Agreement of Logistics Exchange with America.
●    With this, Indian ships in the Indian Ocean will be able to get fuel from French military bases.

Unique lunar eclipse after 150 years

●    The first lunar eclipse of 2018 appeared on January 31.
●    This event is so special that this time the lunar eclipse was seen in three colors.
●    According to astronomers, the occurrence of Blue Moon in the month with the second full moon and lunar eclipse is the first time in 150 years.
●    The full lunar eclipse (Super Moon) is 77 minutes.

7 years record breaking heat in Delhi

●    In the capital Delhi, summer has broken the record of the past 7 years.
●    In January, the temperature of the cold has reached 27 degrees for the second time.
●    It is unusual to reach 27 degrees in the first month of the year.
●    Talking about the past 6 years, January 31st January 2016, the temperature reached 27.2 degree level.
●    Earlier on January 18, the temperature record reached 27.7 level.

Government of Maharashtra will provide sanitary napkins in Rs 5

●    The Maharashtra government will provide sanitary napkins to the women of the rural areas for five rupees.
●    To provide napkins, the government is also preparing an app so that whenever women want sanitary napkins, they can register their names.
●    The plan was approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday.
●    This scheme will be implemented from International Women's Day March 8.

Five star free toilets for women in Mumbai

●    For the first time a separate toilet has been made for women in front of Mumbai Central Station.
●    Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thakre and Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar will inaugurate it on February 2
●    The modern facility of Baby Changing Center has been made available in this newly built toilet.
●    There are a total of 10 sheets in this toilet, of which 8 are of Western style.

Capital of Yemen has been taken over

●    In Yemen the separatists have captured the capital Aden.
●    The ministers of the entire government are imprisoned in the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
●    On Tuesday, the Rashtrapati Bhavan is surrounded by separatist fighters from all sides.
●    President of Abid Rab Mansur Hadi is the government of Yemen.
●    Abid has the support of Saudi Arabia and he lives in Riyadh.
●    Earlier, the capital of Yemen used to be Sanah, where the 2014 Hushy rebels had been captured.
●    After this the government of Yemen had declared Aden a capital.

Current Affairs 31st January 2018: SPORTS

Tamil Nadu gets two gold, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Haryana 1-1 gold in India Games

●    On the first day of Athletic program of India School Games, Anu kumar of Uttarakhand won the first gold medal, while Tamil Nadu won two of the 6 gold medals.
●    Tamil Nadu athletes won 2 gold medals in the race held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium this morning, the remaining went to Uttarakhand, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
●    Anu Kumar has trained at sports college Raipur and has won silver medal for India in a 800 meter race in World School Games organized in France.
●    He completed the 1500 meter finals comfortably in 4: 04.77 seconds.
 

Current Affairs 31st January 2018: SCHEMES

Punjab Chief Minister launches Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat  Vikas Yojana

●    Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh started giving benefits to the government schemes to the needy under Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Development Scheme on January 26, 2018.
●    The objective of this scheme is to provide benefits to the needy people of the society.
●    Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh assured that the loan waiver scheme of farmers will be completed by November 2018.
●    Under this scheme 10.25 lakh farmers will be benefitted.

Madhya Pradesh Government launches Mission One Click Plan

●    Madhya Pradesh State Government has launched Mission One Click Scheme to distribute 30 types of scholarships in schools.
●    Madhya Pradesh Government has appointed the school education department as the nodal department to distribute online of 28 types of scholarship of 8 government departments through the overall education portal.
●    In this system, the profile of 1 million 48 lakh students studying in all government and private educational institutions of the state has been made online.
●    On the basis of which scholarship is calculated and its distribution has been ensured.

Current Affairs 31st January 2018: AWARDS

Five MPs were awarded 'Excellent MP Award'

●    Five leaders including Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and Trinamool Congress's Dinesh Trivedi were elected to the 'Best Parliamentary Award' on January 29, 2018.
●    Apart from those who have been selected for the award, Manipur Governor and five-time Rajya Sabha MP Najma A. Heptulla for the year 2013, the BJP's Lok Sabha member, Hukmdev Narayan Yadav for the year 2014, and the 5-time Rajya Sabha member Lok Bhujari Maha Janata Dal's Bhartrihari Mahatma are included for the year 2017.
●    Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and Trinamool Congress's Dinesh Trivedi have been selected for the year 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Current Affairs 31st January 2018: GLOBAL NEWS

US lifts ban from 11 high-risk refugees

●    The United States announced on January 29, 2018 that it is removing the restrictions imposed on refugees in countries with 11 'high risk' countries.
●    However, the US also said that those entering America will be subjected to very difficult scrutiny than before.
●    That is, under the new rules citizens of 11 countries will be examined more rigorously than before.
 

Important Current Affairs 30th January 2018

Current Affairs 30th January 2018: NATIONAL NEWS

Launch of test kit to check for adulteration of ammonia and formaldehyde in fish

●    Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Union Minister for Agriculture and Kisan Welfare, launched KIT - Quick Test Kit (Systest), a chemical detection or spraying kit in fishes developed by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology Kochi.
●    Ammonia and formaldehyde are used to prevent fishes from deteriorating quickly and to eliminate slippery in the snow.
●    The probe kit detects the presence of both chemicals in fish.

Nitin Gadkari will lay the foundation for Ghazipur Inter-Model Terminal

●    Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Conservation Minister, Shri Nitin Gadkari will lay the foundation for inter-terminal terminal in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.
●    The construction of this terminal at a cost of Rs.155 crore is being done by the Indian Inland Waterways Authority (IWAI) as part of the World Bank Assisted Water Road Development Project.
●    This construction is being done on Ganga or NW-1.
●    Its goal is to increase the river's navigational capacity.

Six million toilets were built under Swachh Bharat Mission

●    Swachh Bharat Mission is the world's largest program of change in behavior or attitudes of people.
●    Under this mission more than 60 million toilets have been constructed in rural India.
●    As a result, more than 3 lakh villages and 300 districts of Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh and Daman and Diu and open defecation (ODF) in 10 states and Union Territories, Has been announced.

Ministry of Women and Child Development today launched a quick information system for the scheme of the girls.

●    Secretary of Women and Child Development, Shri Rakesh Srivastava today launched the first phase of a quick information system (RRS) in relation to the plans of the girls here.
●    It is a web based online surveillance system that will monitor the plans for the teenager.
●    This portal has been developed in collaboration with National Informatics Center (NIC).
●    Under this scheme, aims to provide nutritional support to the girls at the rate of Rs 9.50 per day for 300 days in a year.

Ayush Minister laid the foundation stone of Homeopathy Research Institute in Jaipur

●    Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs Shripad Yaso Naik laid the foundation stone of the Homeopathy Research Institute in Jaipur on January 22, 2018.
●    This will be the third research institution, which will work under the Central Homeopathy Research Council. CCRH is an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH, which works for scientific research in the field of homeopathy with 23 institutions across the country.
●    While addressing the fundraising ceremony, Shri Naik said that the AYUSH Ministry has been paying special attention to the structural development of other methods of other AYUSH including Homeopathy.

Now no orange passport

●    Ministry of External Affairs has decided that the existing method of printing the last page of passport will be continued.
●    It has also been decided that a separate passport with orange cover will not be issued for the ECR passport holders.
●    Some time ago the ministry had decided that the last page of the passport booklet will not be printed.

PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate the first Hindu temple of Abu Dhabi

●    PM Narendra Modi is going to inaugurate the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.
●    During the visit to Palestine, UAE and Oman from February 9 to 12, PM Modi will participate in this program.
●    At present, there is only one Hindu temple in the UAE, which is located in Dubai.
●    During the visit of PM Modi in 2015, the UAE government announced the allocation of land for the construction of a temple in Abu Dhabi.
●    About 26 lakh Indians live in the UAE, which constitute 30 percent of the population.

Second convocation to be held in JNU after 46 years

●    All Universities often have a convocation function at intervals of a year but this has not happened in the country's prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for the last 46 years.
●    This practice is being restarted again.
●    The second convocation ceremony is going to be held in Delhi-based JNU after 46 years of long intervals.
●    Earlier, the University's first and last convocation was held in the year 1972.

At Taj Man Singh Hotel Auction, fewer agencies came in

●    After finishing the Lease Period of Taj Man Singh Hotel, NDMC has announced the online auction to give the hotel license to any other company.
●    The hotel will be auctioned online on January 30, but till now only three-four companies have applied to participate in this auction.
●    The issue of participation of so few companies in the auction was raised in the meeting, on which it was decided that the number of agencies in the process should not be delayed.
●    As many agencies have participated in this process, the further process will be started along with them.

Current Affairs 30th January 2018: SCHEMES

Prime Minister will launch 'Khelo India' program tomorrow in capital

●    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will launch the first 'Khelo India' program of school sports at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi on January 31, 2018.
●    The aim of the 'Khelo India' program is to revive sports culture at the grassroots level.
●    For this, a strong structure will be built for all sports played in the country so that India can be established as a leading nation in sports.

Current Affairs 30th January 2018: AWARDS

Dr. Vinod Paul, Member of the Policy Commission, the prestigious Ihsan Dogramachi Family Health Foundation Award

●    The World Health Organization (WHO) has awarded the prestigious Ihsan Dogramachi Family Health Foundation Award to Dr. Vinod Paul, Member of the Policy Commission.
●    He is the first Indian to receive this honor.
●    This award has been given for their services in the field of family health.
●    The Executive Board of WHO announced on January 27 this award.

Labor prizes will be given to 50 workers

●    Government has announced the Prime Minister's Labor Awards for the year 2016.
●    These awards will be provided to 50 workers employed in the PSUs, PSUs and private sector units of departmental enterprises, central and state governments.
●    Selection for these awards is done only by those undertakings in which 500 or more workers are employed.
●    These include 34 workers from public sector and 16 workers from private sector.

Current Affairs 30th January 2018: ECONOMY

Service Sector Best performance in 5 States and Union Territories

●    Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Shri Arun Jaitley presented the Economic Survey 2017-18 on the Table of Parliament today.
●    In the Economic Survey 2017-18, a specific state-wise comparison of private sector performance in India has been shown.
●    Out of 32 States and Union Territories (UTs), the performance of service sector was found to be the best in 15 states and Union Territories, which contributed more than half of the Gross State Value Added (GSVA).
●    In most states, major services were business, hotels and restaurants, followed by real estate, housing and ownership of business.
 

Current Affairs 30th January 2018: RANKING 

India is the sixth richest country in the world

●    India ranked sixth in the list of the world's richest countries.
●    The total assets of the country are $ 8,230 billion.
●    America is top ranked in this list.
●    This is said in the New World Wealth report.
●    In second place is China and Japan (19,522 billion dollars) in third place.

Leander arrived at the top 50

●    Leander Paes has returned to the top-50 in doubles rankings by winning the ATP Challenger title at Newport Beach in the US.
●    She has reached the 61st to the 47th position.
●    Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan, who lost in the third round of the Men's doubles at the Australian Open, reached number 20 and 45 respectively.

Current Affairs 30th January 2018: SPORTS 

India defeated Pakistan in final

●    At the breathtaking pace of Shubhaman Gill's glorious Century and Ishanchan Porrell, India defeated Pakistan by 203 runs in the second semi-final of the Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
●    In this match played in Christchurch, New Zealand, India batted first by winning the toss and scored 272 in the 50 overs losing 9 wickets in 50 overs.
●    In reply Pakistan's innings was reduced to 69 runs

Sharath Kamal becomes the national champion for the eighth time

●    Veteran Sharath Kamal defeated top seed Anthony Amalraj 4-1 to win the men's title in the Senior National Table Tennis Championship for the eighth time.
●    Along with this victory he equaled legend Kamlesh Mehta's record.
●    Sharat received two lakh rupees from this victory.

Important Current Affairs 29th January 2018

Current Affairs 29th January 2018: NATIONAL NEWS

Vijay Keshav Gokhale, India's new Foreign Secretary

●    Vijay Keshav Gokhale assumed charge as the new foreign secretary for a two-year term.
●    He succeeded former foreign secretary S Jaishankar. 
●    S Jaishankar completed his term of three-years, including one extended year.
●    Gokhale joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1981.

New Dress for Postmen/MTS launched by Shri Manoj Sinha

●    The Department of Posts has redesigned the uniform for Postman and MTS cadre in consultation with National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi (NIFT). 
●    The uniform has been redesigned keeping in view the functionality, comfort and durability. 
●    The uniform will provide a strong brand identity of the Department of Posts as it provides for easy identification of postmen staff.
 

‘Bharat Parv’ being organized by the Ministry of Tourism

●    ‘Bharat Parv’ being organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India  at  the Red Fort, Delhi  from  26th to 31st  January, 2018.
●    It is focusing on “Dekho Apna Desh”. 
●    The entry to the Parv is free and it open for public from 12.00 Noon to 10.00 pm. However, Identity proof  is  to  be  carried  for  entry  to  the event.

President Confers Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Sqn Ldr Kamal Sharma Flying (Pilot)

●    In June 2017, the Chhattisgarh Police and CRPF had launched "Operation Prahar", a major joint operation against Naxalites in Sukma district. 
●    Sqn Ldr Kamal Sharma Flying (Pilot), an experienced Helicopter Combat Leader was tasked to proceed immediately to Sukma.
●    Sqn Ldr Sharma displayed exceptional courage which has special significance not only for the IAF but also for the troops involved in these operations.
●    For his act of exceptional courage and fortitude in the conduct of a daring mission in Operation Triveni, Squadron Leader Kamal Sharma has been awarded Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

President Confers Shaurya Chakra to Corporal Devendra Mehta

●    Corporal Devendra Mehta was attached for active counter insurgency operations with 13 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion under the aegis of 'Op Rakshak' in Jammu & Kashmir. 
●    Cpl Mehta disregarding personal safety, displayed indomitable courage while assisting in the evacuation of his buddy Corporal Nirala who was critically injured in the gun fight and took over the LMG to retaliate in order to neutralise the six terrorists.
●    For this act of gallantry, Corporal Devendra Mehta has been awarded Shaurya Chakra.

Current Affairs 29th January 2018: SPORTS

Swiss tennis player Roger Federer won his 20th Grand Slam title

●    Roger Federer claimed a record-equalling sixth Australian Open title. 
●    This is the second consecutive time that Federer has won the Australian Open.
●    In total he has won 20 Grand slam titles.

Tableau of Youth Affairs & Sports Ministry adjudged best among all Ministries 

●    Tableau of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports for Republic Day 2018 has been adjudged as the best Tableau among all the Tableaux of the Ministries/Departments of the Government of India. 
●    In a ceremony in New Delhi yesterday (28.1.2018), Shri Rahul Bhatnagar, Secretary (Sports) received the Trophy and Certificate for best Tableau from Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman.  
●    Theme of the Tableau of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports was Khelo India.

Khelo India Pledge Launched at the Khelo India School Games Carnival 

●    Following the launch of Khelo India School Games earlier this month, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched the pledge for Khelo India at the Khelo India School Games Carnival in Delhi. 
●    The pledge is a promise to participate and encourage sportsmanship spirit and it is aimed at inspiring youngsters to build mass participation and excellence in sports. 
●    The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore took the pledge today at the carnival.

Current Affairs 29th January 2018: AWARDS

Maharashtra wins best tableau at Republic Day; Assam second

●    The Punjab Regiment has bagged the award for the best marching contingent among the three services.
●    Maharashtra got the first prize for the best tableau.
●    Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gave away the awards at Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment.
●    Maharashtra’s tableau was titled Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj coronation.
●    Assam’s tableau bagged the second prize.

Bruno Mars' album '24K Magic' wins 7 Grammy Awards

●    Bruno Mars won album of the year at the 60th Grammy Awards.
●    In a stacked category with Jay-Z’s “4:44,” Lorde’s “Melodrama,” Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN.,” and Childish Gambino’s “Awaken, My Love!” Mars won for his 2017 hit-filled album “24K Magic.”

PTM and TM awards for Indian Coast Guard personnel announced

●    The President of India has approved the President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and Tatrakshak Medal (TM) to Indian Coast Guard personnel.
●    The Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service) has been awarded to the following officers:
●    DIG Iqbal Singh Chauhan.
●    DIG Yedavalli Amarender Reddy.
●    Comdt Ebenezer Devadoss Anand Kumar Stanley. 

Current Affairs 29th January 2018: OBITUARIES

Billionaire Ikea Founder Ingvar Kamprad dies aged 91

●    Ingvar Kamprad, the farmer's son turned multi-billionaire who founded the Ikea empire that revolutionised furnishing,died.
●    He was 91.
●    He leaves behind a legacy of affordable interior design for households around the world.

Current Affairs 29th January 2018: ECONOMY

Finance Minister Present Economic Survey 2017-18 in Parliament 

●    A series of major reforms undertaken over the past year will allow real GDP growth to reach 6.75 percent this fiscal and will rise to 7.0 to 7.5 percent in 2018-19.
●    This was stated in the Economic Survey 2017-18 tabled in Parliament today by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley. 
●    It said that the reform measures undertaken in 2017-18 can be strengthened further in 2018-19.

GST data reveals 50% increase in number of Indirect Taxpayers 

●    A preliminary analysis of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) data reveals that there has been a 50% increase in the number of indirect taxpayers.
●    There were 9.8 million unique GST registrants.

Rs 20,339 Crore Approved for Interest Subvention in 2017-18

●    Rs.20,339 crore has been approved by the Government in 2017-18 to meet various obligations arising from interest subvention being provided to the farmers on short term crop loans.
●    This was stated in the Economic Survey 2017-18 tabled by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley in the Parliament.

In the year 2016-17, coconut products worth Rs.2084 crore has been exported

●    Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that the Coconut Development Board (CDB) major schemes are focusing on coconut production, productivity, processing for coconut products, value addition, marketing, and export promotion in Bihar. 
●    The Minister said this on the occasion of the inauguration of the Farmers’ Training Centre cum Regional Office Building of Coconut Development Board in Patna.
●    The Minister said that India is leading in the global coconut production and productivity.
●    He said that the annual coconut production is 2395 crore from 20.82 lakh hectare and the productivity is 11505 coconuts/hectare. 

Important Current Affairs 28th January 2018

Current Affairs 28th January 2018: SPORTS NEWS

Saina loses to world no 1, finishes 2nd at Indonesia Masters

●    Saina Nehwal was beaten by current world number one Tai Tzu Ying.
●    She finished as the runner-up at the Indonesia Masters. 
●    This was Saina's first appearance in an international competition final since her title triumph at Malaysia Masters in January last year. 

Current Affairs 28th January 2018: GLOBAL NEWS

World's 1st car to get speeding ticket was going at 13 km/h

●    The first ever instance of a car being charged for speeding occurred on January 28, 1896.
●    Vehicle was travelling at 13 km/h which was four times the allowed limit. 
●    The car was pulled over by a policeman who chased it on a bicycle. 
●    The speed limit was raised to 22.5 km/h soon after the incident.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono Hails Indo-Japan Ties In 2017

●    Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono has hailed the remarkable progress of Indo-Japan strategic ties in 2017.
●    He described it as a "great year" for bilateral relations.
●    Kono was speaking at the Republic Day celebration event hosted by India's Ambassador to Japan Sujan R Chinoy at the Indian Embassy yesterday.

Saudi Prince Alwaleed, The 'Warren Buffett Of Saudi Arabia'

●    Prince Alwaleed bin Talal -- the billionaire who has been released after nearly three months in detention -- has been dubbed the "Warren Buffett of Saudi Arabia" for his vast business interests.
●    Prince Alwaleed was the most high-profile detainee among 350 suspects rounded up since November 4 under a sweeping anti-graft campaign.

Current Affairs 28th January 2018: SCHEMES

Govt saved ₹65,000 crore through DBT schemes: NITI Aayog CEO

●    NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said that the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism in several government schemes helped the government save around ₹65,000 crore. 
●    He said that all government schemes should be linked to DBT, or else corruption cannot be ended. 
●    At present, about 300 schemes are implemented through DBT,.
●    It will benefit nearly 41 crore people.

Current Affairs 28th January 2018: AGREMENT NEWS

To Boost Influence In Indo-Pacific, India Signs Crucial Deal With Seychelles

●    India has signed an agreement with the Indian Ocean archipelago nation of Seychelles for the development, management, operation and maintenance of facilities on Assumption Island.
●    The island in Seychelles is leased to India for the operation of a naval base and air strip by the Indian navy.
●    Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and Seychelles Secretary of State Barry Faure signed the agreement.

Current Affairs 28th January 2018: NATIONAL NEWS

Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban Launches Smart Star-Rating for Garbage Free Cities

●    Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (I/C) for Housing and Urban Affairs along with the Chief Minister of Goa, Manohar Parrikar launched the ‘Protocol for Star Rating of Garbage-Free Cities’ in Goa. 
●    The star-rating initiative, developed by the Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban will be rating cities on a 7-star rating system based on multiple cleanliness indicators for solid waste management.
●    Cities can be rated as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 star based on their compliance with the protocol conditions specified for each of the rating. 

International Dam Safety Conference to be held at Thiruvananthapuram

●    India will be hosting the International Dam Safety Conference - 2018 at Thiruvananthapuram on January 23-24. 
●    Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala will inaugurate the conference and Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State for of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation will preside over the inaugural function.  
●    Central Water Commission is organizing the event in association with Kerala Water Resources Department (KWRD), Kerala State Electricity Board, National Institute of Technology Calicut and College of Engineering, Trivandrum.

AYUSH Minister lays foundation stone for Homeopathy Research Institute in Jaipur

●    The Minister of State (IC), for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik laid the foundation stone for Central Research Institute (CRI) in Jaipur 
●    This will be the third CRI under the aegis of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH).
●    CCRH is an autonomous body of Ministry of AYUSH for undertaking scientific research in Homoeopathy, with 23 institutes across the country. 

Ministry of Railways sets Zero scrap balance target for all Zonal Railways.

●    Earnings from sale of Railway scrap not only augments Railways revenue but also helps in keeping the Railway track, stations, workshops, depots neat and tidy.  
●    In this regard, Ministry of Railways has directed all Zonal Railway & Production units to achieve Zero scrap balance by end of March 2018.  
●    Total scrap sales till December 2017 of current financial year has reached to Rs. 1837 crores which is 22% higher than December 2016.

Election Commission of India Hosts International Conference on ‘Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the Election Process’ 

●    Election Commission of India (ECI) hosted a one-day International Conference on the subject ‘Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the Election Process’ in New Delhi.
●    Delegates at the Conference included Chairpersons/Commissioners / Senior Officials of five Election Management Bodies (EMBs) viz. Australia, Bhutan, Guinea, Moldova & Zambia.
●    It will also have heads of two International Organisations, International Foundation of Electoral Systems (IFES) and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA).

795 Police Officers get Republic Day Police Medals 

●    A total of 795 Police personnel have been awarded Medals on the occasion of the Republic Day this year.  
●    Police Medals for Gallantry (PMG) have been awarded to 107 personnel, President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service to 75 personnel and Police Medal for Meritorious Service to 613 personnel.
●    Among the 107 Gallantry Awards, 66 are from J&K theatre, 35 from the areas affected by Left Wing Extremism and three from the North-East Region. 

Foundation Stone laid for Rs.3618 crore Doubling with Electrification projects 

●    Union Minister of State of Railways Shri Rajen Gohain laid the foundation stone for Rs.3618 crore Doubling with Electrification projects covering 349 kms in Kanyakumari-Nagercoil-Thiruvananthapuram section.
●    Besides laying the foundation stone for three infrastructural projects, Shri Rajen Gohain inaugurated/dedicated Escalator facility, Wi-Fi services and 100% LED lighting facilities at Nagercoil Junction Railway station.

Current Affairs 28th January 2018: SCIENCE NEWS

Total Eclipse of Moon to take place on January 31

●    A total eclipse of the moon will occur on January 31, 2018.  
●    This is the first eclipse of the year, with a rare coincidence of a blue moon and a super full moon. 
●    The full moon on that day happens to be the second full moon of the calendar month of January, termed as a blue moon.  

Current Affairs 28th January 2018: ECONOMY NEWS

The Government of India announces details of Bank recap and Comprehensive Reform Plan

●    The Government of India unveiled details of the recapitalisation of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) announced in October, 2017.  
●    The capital infusion plan for 2017-18 includes Rs.80,000 crore through Recap Bonds and Rs.8,139 crore as budgetary support.  
●    The reforms agenda is based on the recommendations made at the PSB Manthan held in November, 2017 involving senior management of PSBs and representatives from Government.  

Current Affairs 28th January 2018: APPOINTMENT NEWS

Rawat appointed New Election Commissioner

●    The President appointed the senior-most Election Commissioner, Shri Om Prakash Rawat as the Chief Election Commissioner in the Election Commission. 
●    President also appointed Ashok Lavasa, as the Election Commissioner.
●    Chief Election Commissioner joined office with effect from the 23rd January, 2018
 

Important Current Affairs 27th January 2018

Current Affairs 27th January 2018: NATIONAL NEWS

Discovery on world's rarest fish doubles known population

●    Antonia Cooper and her research team from the University of Tasmania's Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies and the citizen science program Reef Life Survey, received a tip from the public about a rare species of fish.
●    Within a stretch of reef about the size of a badminton court, they found a total of eight red handfish.

27 newspapers in ASEAN countries publish PM Modi's editorial

●    ASEAN countries joined Modi to mark 25 years of India-ASEAN relations.
●    The prime minister wrote an editorial which was published in 27 newspapers from the 10 ASEAN countries. 
●    The article reflected on the "shared values" and "common destiny" of India and ASEAN nations.

Waste-pickers hoist National Flag at landfill in Delhi

●    Over 100 waste-pickers unfurled the Tricolour at one of the three landfills in Delhi on the Republic Day eve. 
●    The waste-pickers said that they wanted to draw government's attention towards their need for clean and healthy working and living environment.
 

Govt. relaxes Atal pension plan norms

●    The Centre would now allow small finance banks and payment banks to offer the Atal Pension Yojana.
●    It will significantly increase the coverage of the scheme.
●    As of January 23, 2018, there were more than 84 lakh subscribers registered under the APY with an asset base of more than ₹3,194 crore.

Fourteenth Meeting of the Special Committee for Inter-Linking of Rivers held today

●    Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation,  Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari has called upon state governments to cooperate with one another  and with the centre to expedite the projects for interlinking of rivers. 
●    He was addressing the fourteenth meeting of the Special Committee for Inter-linking of Rivers in New Delhi today. 
●    Gadkari  said that inter-linking of rivers will bring a big social economic change in the country, and usher in prosperity in many regions that are poorly developed today. 

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched Bid Round I under the innovative Open Acreage Licensing Programme in New Delhi 

●    Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has steered a plethora of reforms in the recent past years. 
●    The Government launched the Bid Round I under Open Acreage Licensing (OAL) Programme for international competitive bidding on 18 January, 2018.
●    The landmark event was presided by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan.

Current Affairs 27th January 2018: SPORTS

India beat Japan 4-2 in Four Nations Invitational Tournament

●    Indian men’s hockey team defeated Japan by 4-2.
●    After stunning victories against New Zealand (3-2) and Belgium (5-4), India overcame Japanese challenge.

Khelo India Anthem Scores a Double Century, Crosses 200m reach 

●    The Khelo India Anthem, which was unveiled on 15th January, has crossed an unprecedented reach of 200m reach across digital platforms YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
●    From Sachin Tendulkar to Amitabh Bachchan, everyone took to their social media channels and praised the effort that has gone behind revamping this program.

Current Affairs 27th January 2018: GLOBAL NEWS

China To Establish International Courts 

●    China has decided to set up three international courts to deal with disputes related to its multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative.
●    Under this initiative, China is making massive investments.
●    The Chinese Supreme People's Court will set up international courts in Beijing, Xi'an.

MoS, Textiles inaugurates 60th edition of India International Garment Fair

●    The 60th edition of India International Garment Fair (IIGF) was inaugurated by Minister of State for Textiles, Ajay Tamta, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. 
●    The three-day international fair is being held at Hall Nos. 11, 12 & 12A at Pragati Maidan.
●    Speaking on the occasion Chairman, AEPC, Mr. H. K. L Magu expressed satisfaction at the huge transformation the fair and the industry has witnessed in recent years.

International Solar Alliance Forum at World Future Energy Summit, Abu Dhabi

●    On receipt of 15 ratifications, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement entered into force on 6th December, 2017.
●    So far 19 countries have ratified and 48 countries have signed the ISA Framework Agreement.
●    In one of its first outreach programmes post-ratification, the ISA hosted a two Day Event ‘International Solar Alliance Forum’ during 17-18th January, 2018 at the Future World Energy Summit (WFES) 2018. 

Current Affairs 27th January 2018: SCHEMES

T.N. ranks third in Atal pension scheme

●    Tamil Nadu is the third biggest State in terms of number of subscribers under the Centre’s Atal Pension Yojana. 
●    The State has over 6 lakh subscribers.
●    Uttar Pradesh has about 11.27 lakh.
●    Bihar has over 8 lakh subscribers.

Current Affairs 27th January 2018: ECONOMY

Total milk production registers a growth of 4.7%

●    The Milk production in the country during 2016-17 has achieved a remarkable progress by showing 20.13% growth as compared to 2013-14.  
●    Further, the production have been estimated to be increased by 6.4% in 2016-17 over 2015-16. 
●    In past the growth rate has been 6.3% in 2014-15; 6.3% in 2015-16 and 6.4% in 2016-17. 
 

Current Affairs 27th January 2018: DEFENCE

Raksha Mantri takes to Skies in an IAF Su-30 MKI

●    Raksha Mantri Nirmala Sitharaman took to the skies in the formidable Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft of 31 Squadron. 
●    She is the first woman Defence Minister of India to fly a sortie in an IAF Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.

Current Affairs 27th January 2018: AWARDS

President of India presents Sangeet Natak Akademi’s fellowships and Akademi Awards for 2016 

●    The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the year 2016.
●    He presented it at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.
●    The President appreciated the Sangeet Natak Akademi for honouring artists who in the field of tribal music, dance, theatre and traditional folk arts.

Important Current Affairs 26th January 2018

Current Affairs 26th January 2018: NATIONAL NEWS

‘India-ASEAN ties to focus on freedom of navigation’

●    Security and freedom of navigation will be in the heart of India-ASEAN cooperation in the twenty-first century.
●    The leaders also agreed on establishing a joint mechanism to ensure safety and freedom of navigation in the maritime domain.
●    The statement on the maritime mechanism is significant as it is the first time that India has taken up forming of a special maritime mechanism with all the ASEAN heads of states at a single summit.

India-ASEAN Friendship at 69th Republic Day Parade

●    Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted 10 leaders of the ASEAN as guests of honour in republic day parade.
●    The Republic Day parade began at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.
●    The National Anthem was played with a 21-gun salute after the unfurling of the tricolour.

Tatkal passport no longer requires Class 1 officer letter

●    The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has decided to remove requirement of Class 1 officer’s recommendation for the application of a Tatkal passport.
●    Until now, a certificate by a Class 1 officer recommending the passport be issued under the tatkal category was required.
●    As per the new rules in effect from January 25, 2018, this is no longer required.
 

French lawmakers can’t wear religious symbols

●    France's parliament has banned lawmakers from wearing any religious symbols under a new "neutral" dress code.
●    Under the change approved, members of the National Assembly must avoid "the wearing of conspicuous religious symbols, uniforms, logos or commercial messages or political slogans."

Current Affairs 26th January 2018: AWARDS

Padma Shri awarded to one person from each ASEAN country

●    One individual from each ASEAN country has been chosen for the Padma Shri Award.
●    Achievers from ASEAN nations chosen for the Padma Shri are -- Haji Abdullah Bin MalaiHaji Othman of Brunei for medicine; Hun Many of Cambodia for public affairs; Nyoman Nuarta of Indonesia for art; Bounlap Keokangna of Laos for art and Thant Myint-U of Myanmar for public affairs.
●    Others include Jose Ma Joey Concepcion of the Philippines for trade and industry; Tommy Koh of Singapore for public affairs; Somdet Phra Ariya WongsaKhottayan of Thailand who is the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand; and Nguyen Tien Thien of Vietnam who is the Secretary General of the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

3 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan this year

●    The Government of India announced three Padma Vibhushan, nine Padma Bhushan and 73 Padma Shri Awards for 85 personalities. 
●    This includes a Padma Shri award to an individual from each of the 10 ASEAN countries. 

India's first Paralympic gold medalist awarded Padma Shri

●    India's first Paralympics gold medallist, Pune's Murlikant Petkar, got Padma Shri.
●    It is happening 45 years after he won gold medal in 1972 Paralympics in Heidelberg, Germany.
●    Petkar had won the gold in 50m freestyle swimming with a world record timing of 37.33 seconds.

Rajagopalan Vasudevan wins Padma Shri

●    Rajagopalan Vasudevan, was awarded the Padma Shri.
●    He is also known as 'plastic road-maker of India'.
●    Padma Shri is India's fourth highest civilian honour. 
●    Vasudevan's patented method of turning plastic into roads was used to build 5,000 km of roads.

Current Affairs 26th January 2018: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 

TeamIndus ends ISRO deal 

●    Bengaluru-based aerospace startup TeamIndus, has terminated the launch agreement with ISRO. 
●    This came a day after Google called off the contest saying no team will be able to attempt launch by the deadline. 
●    TeamIndus' deal termination was reportedly attributed to lack of funds, procuring hardware and management issues.

Engineering students to study vedas

●    The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) said that engineering students will study vedas, puranas, and yoga under the revised curriculum.
●    It will start from the next academic session. 
●    The modified course will also focus on Indian philosophical, linguistic and artistic traditions. 

Current Affairs 26th January 2018: SPORTS

MS Dhoni becomes 11th cricketer to be awarded Padma Bhushan

●    Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been awarded the Padma Bhushan.
●    It is the third-highest civilian award in India. 
●    Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the best captains in the history of Indian cricket. 
●    The 36-year-old made his international debut back in 2005, and has led India to glory at the inaugural World T20 in 2007, the ODI World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013.

Kohli breaks Dhoni's record 

●    Virat Kohli broke MS Dhoni's record for the most Test runs as India captain.
●    Kohli passed Dhoni's tally of 3454.

Saina Nehwal defeats PV Sindhu at Indonesia Masters

●    Saina Nehwal came out with a supreme performance to beat PV Sindhu.
●    She defeated Sindhu with 21-13, 21-19 in 37 minutes.
●    She entered into the semi-finals of the $350,000 Indonesia Open,.

India beat Belgium 5-4 in Four Nations Invitational c'ship

●    India defeated world number three side Belgium 5-4 in their second match in Four Nations Invitational Tournament in New Zealand on Thursday. 
●    For India, Rupinder Pal Singh scored a brace. 
●    India had earlier lost 1-2 to Belgium, the Olympic silver medalists, in the final of the first leg of the tournament.

Current Affairs 26th January 2018: DEFENCE

ITBP tableau returns after 20 years

●    Twenty years after its tableau rolled down the Rajpath, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) returned in Republic Day parade.
●    The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is the only one among the multiple paramilitary and border guarding forces that will have a tableau in the parade.
●    It was also accompanied by a small marching contingent of personnel wearing winter clothing.

Women BSF bikers participate in R-Day parade

●    The 27-member BSF women daredevils showcased their stunts and acrobatics on their 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles. 
●    In 2015, women contingents of the Army, Navy and Air Force had made debut in the national parade. 
●    As per the tradition of the Republic Day parade, the BSF and the Army's bike-borne daredevils, alternatively every year, end the parade riding their bikes.

Eye in the sky' aircraft on R-Day

●    Surveillance aircraft 'Netra', flew over Rajpath for the first time.
●    It is also known as 'eye in the sky'.
●    Netra is an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.
●    It has a range of 200-km.

Current Affairs 26th January 2018: GLOBAL NEWS

33% corals in Asia-Pacific entangled with plastic: Survey

●    Scientists have found plastic on one-third of the 159 reefs, with Indonesia having the most plastic and Australia the least. 
●    They are examining over 1,24,000 corals across the Asia-Pacific region.
●    Researchers further found the likelihood of coral disease increased to 89% from 4% in the presence of plastic. 

China Plans 'Polar Silk Road' Across Arctic In Project India Protests

●    China on Friday outlined its ambitions to develop shipping lanes opened up by global warming in the Arctic.
●    Releasing its first official Arctic policy white paper, China said it would form a "Polar Silk Road".
●    China, despite being a non-Arctic state, is increasingly active in the polar region and became an observer member of the Arctic Council in 2013.

Oldest outside-of-Africa modern human fossil discovered

●    The oldest fossils of modern humans outside Africa have been discovered in Israel.
●    The newly revealed jaw and teeth are estimated to be up to 194,000 years old. 
●    This makes these fossils at least 50,000 years older than modern human fossils previously unearthed outside Africa.

Important Current Affairs 25th JANUARY 2018

Current Affairs 25th January 2018: NATIONAL NEWS

Maharashtra bans sale of tobacco at shops selling FMCG items

●    The Maharashtra government announced a ban on sale of tobacco at shops that sell chocolates, chips and other edible items.
●    The move is aimed at ensuring youngsters do not get addicted to tobacco products.

Karnataka registers its first transgender marriage

●    Akkai Padmashali, transwoman and activist, officially registered her marriage with Vasudev V. Surrounded by family and friends.
●    the couple received their certificate from a registry official, who wished them the best of luck.
●    The couple had got married on January 20, 2017.

Sikh community in Mumbai wants separate law for marriage

●    Sikh community in Mumbai wants a separate marriage law on grounds that Sikhism is a separate religion.
●    Delhi government is set to notify rules for Sikh Marriage.
●    Kulwant Singh, vice president, Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Mumbai, said that the community has been backing demands by the committees in Amritsar and Delhi.
 

Current Affairs 25th January 2018: ECONOMY

Govt. unveils Rs. 2.1 lakh crore bank recapitalisation plan

●    The government announced the details of the Rs. 2.1 lakh crore recapitalisation plan for public sector banks.
●    It was announced by the Govt. in October 2017.
●    Recapitalisation package would be spread across the current financial year 2017-18 and the next year 2018-19. 
●    The capital infusion plan for 2017-18 includes Rs. 80,000 crore through recapitalisation bonds and Rs. 8,139 crore as budgetary support.
 

Current Affairs 25th January 2018: GLOBAL NEWS

Kuwait govt. grants general amnesty to expatriates

●    The Kuwait government has granted a general amnesty to expatriates living in that country without valid visas.
●    The amnesty from January 29 to February 22 was granted.
●    Illegal residents or overstaying immigrants could leave the country during the above period through any port without getting permission from any authority and not paying any penalty. 
●    Those who leave the country during the period will be allowed to enter Kuwait again if they meet the regular conditions of entry and not banned for any reason.
 

World's largest diamond was found 113 years ago

●    A 3,106-carat diamond, weighing 1.33 pounds was found in the Premier Mine in Pretoria, South Africa on January 25, 1905. 
●    It was the largest diamond ever found. 
●    Its name was Cullinan.
●    The diamond, which was gifted to Britain's King Edward VII.
●    It was then cut into nine large stones and around 100 smaller stones.

Current Affairs 25th January 2018: OBITUARY 

Veteran actor Krishna Kumari dead

●    T. Krishna Kumari, 84, who acted in over 230 Telugu, Tamil and Kannada films died at her Bengaluru residence.
●    She was suffering from leukaemia.
●    Born in 1933, Krishna Kumari made her debut through Navvithe Navaratnalu , a Telugu movie and worked with N.T. Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Sivaji Ganesan, Kantha Rao, and Jaggayya. 
●    She gave up acting at the peak of her career to settle down in Bengaluru in a farm on the outskirts of the city
 

Teletubbies' Tinky Winky actor Simon Barnes passes away

●    British actor Simon Shelton Barnes, who played Tinky Winky in the children's television series "Teletubbies," has died. 
●    He was 52.
●    Barnes played one of four gentle, brightly colored characters in the toddler-centric show between 1998 and 2001.

Current Affairs 25th January 2018: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

MHRD confirms IIIT in Raichur

●    The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has given the official nod for the much-awaited Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Raichur. 
●    The ministry intends to make the institute functional by the coming academic year.
●    This decision comes at the cost of scrapping plans for an IIIT in Kakinada in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. 
●    IIIT Raichur will replace the earlier proposed IIIT at Kakinada.
 

Current Affairs 25th January 2018: DAYS AND DATES

January 25 is recognised as National Voters' Day

●    National Voters' Day is celebrated on January 25 every year. 
●    The significance of National Voters' Day is to encourage more young voters to take part in the political process. 
●    It is a day to celebrate the right to vote and vibrant democracy of India. 
●    The day was first celebrated in 2011 to mark Election Commission's Foundation Day. 

UP Celebrates Its Foundation Day For First Time In 68 Years

●    Uttar Pradesh celebrated its first birthday at the age of 68 on Wednesday. 
●    Vice President Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the first 'UP Diwas' to begin the two-day celebrations in Lucknow.
●    Mr Naidu lit the ceremonial lamp in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Current Affairs 25th January 2018: AWARDS

PM Modi presents National Bravery Awards to 18 children

●    Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the National Bravery Awards to 18 children.
●    7 of them are girls.
●    Three of these awards were presented posthumously.
●    The awards are divided into five categories- Bharat Award, Geeta Chopra Award, Sanjay Chopra Award, Bapu Gaidhani Award, and General National Bravery Awards.
 

Current Affairs 25th January 2018: DEFENCE

SpaceX conducts 1st static fire test of Falcon Heavy rocket

●    SpaceX simultaneously fired up all 27 engines on its new massive Falcon Heavy rocket.
●    It was a crucial final test for the vehicle before its first flight in the coming weeks. 
●    SpaceX CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the test was good, and that the Falcon Heavy will launch in “a week or so.” 

Current Affairs 25th January 2018: SPORTS

Pollard becomes first cricketer to play 400 T20 matches

●    Kieron Pollard has become the first cricketer to play 400 T20 matches.
●    He is west Indies all-rounder.
●    Apart from Melbourne Renegades, Pollard has represented 11 other domestic teams including IPL franchise Mumbai Indians. 
●    Pollard has scored 7,853 runs and taken 245 wickets in 401 T20s so far.

Current Affairs 25th January 2018: SCHEMES 

Helicopter Flights Coming Under Udan Scheme

●    The government awarded contracts to 15 firms to operate flight and chopper services under the second round of its air regional connectivity "Udan" scheme.
●    AAI, issued "Letter of Awards" for 90 proposals involving around 325 regional connectivity routes.
●    According to the minister, Udan-II will connect 43 airports and helipads in priority sectors like the north-east and the hill states.

Important Current Affairs 24th JANUARY 2018

Current Affairs 24th January 2018: NATIONAL NEWS

Kerala issues circular on who can hoist Tricolour on R-Day

●    In a rerun of the last August 15 controversy, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat plans to unfurl the tricolour at a school in Palakkad on the Republic Day.
●    It defies state government's order that allows only the head of the institution to hoist the national flag on January 26.
●    The circular issued by the state says department or office heads can hoist the flag in schools, colleges and health institutions after the Governor hoists the tricolour first at 8.30 am.  

Bihar Government Sanctions Rs. 100 Crore A Year For Minorities

●    The Bihar government allocated Rs. 100 crore per annum for a scheme aimed at employment generation among people from minority communities.
●    The state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar gave its nod for an amendment in the guidelines for "Mukhayamantri Alpasankhyak Rozgar Rin Yojana".
●    As per the amendment, the state minorities finance commission will be given Rs. 100 crore every year, with effect from the financial year 2017-18.

"Refrain From Using Word Dalit": Madhya Pradesh High Court Tells State Governments

●    The Madhya Pradesh High Court has said the central and state governments should refrain from using the word 'Dalit'.
●    Petitioner's advocate Jitendra Sharma said the "order" is "binding" on the central and state governments. 
●    "The bench has used the term refrain and cautioned them (sic) from using the word Dalit," he said.
●    The court gave its ruling on January 15.

Chittor fort shut for only the 2nd time ever over Padmavat

●    "Padmaavat" may not be released in Rajasthan.
●    This is happening despite a Supreme Court order.
●    The Chittor Fort, has been shut down for a day, for the second time in its centuries-old history.
●    The Karni Sena has threatened that hundreds of women Rajput protesters will commit "Jauhar".

India among 5 worst countries in curbing pollution: Report

●    A new index has ranked India as one of the bottom five countries worldwide in terms of environmental performance.
●    India has slipped from 141 in the last ranking in 2016 to 177 among 180 countries this year.
●    The latest global Environmental Performance Index (EPI) was released by Yale University and Columbia University in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.

77% Indian workers to have vulnerable employment by '19: ILO

●    The Asia-Pacific region will add 23 million jobs between 2017-19, aided by employment growth in South Asian nations, including India, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).
●    But a lot of the jobs being created are of poor quality despite strong economic growth and some 77% of workers in India will have vulnerable employment by 2019, according to the ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook report released on Tuesday.

Current Affairs 24th January 2018: AWARDS

Rachel Morrison 1st Oscar nominated female cinematographer

●    "Mudbound" director of photography Rachel Morrison made Oscars history.
●    She became the first woman ever to be nominated for a best cinematography award.
●    This is the second historic nomination that Morrison has garnered for her work on "Mudbound."
●    Before this she became the first female nominee for an American Society of Cinematographers Award for outstanding achievement in a theatrical release.

Current Affairs 24th January 2018: GLOBAL NEWS

China to build 'Great Wall' to prevent militant infiltration

●    China will build a 'Great Wall' along the border of the Muslim-dominated Xinjiang province.
●    It is to prevent infiltration by militants.
●    It was announced by the Xinjiang Governor Shohrat Zakir. 
●    China believes exiled separatists belonging to the minority may have links to groups outside the country. 

AI can raise global employment by 10% by 2022: Report

●    Accenture has estimated that greater investments by companies in artificial intelligence (AI) and human-machine collaboration can raise global employment 10% by 2022.
●    If businesses across the globe invest in AI and human-machine collaboration at the same rate as top-performing companies, they could boost revenue 38% by 2022.

India may get 27% GDP hike if men, women workforce equal: IMF

●    International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief Christine Lagarde said that India's GDP can grow 27% if women are brought to the same level as men.
●    He was talking in terms of economic and workforce participation. 
●    She also expressed concern over high levels of discrimination faced by women in rural India. 

EU removes Panama, seven others from tax haven blacklist

●    European Union finance ministers agreed to remove eight jurisdictions from the blacklist of tax havens.
●    Barbados, Grenada, South Korea, Macao, Mongolia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates & Panama were removed from the list.
●    The move is in line with recommendations by EU tax experts in the Code of Conduct Group.

North Korea, US Clash At Disarmament Forum

●    North Korea had a “powerful and reliable” nuclear deterrent to thwart any attack and accused the United States of deploying military assets nearby under the pretext of ensuring security at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
●    Han Tae Song, North Korea’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, called on the United States to permanently halt its joint military drills with South Korea.

Mysterious 'Hot Jupiter' With Unusual Winds Discovered

●    Astronomers have discovered a mysterious hotspot 930 light years from Earth.
●    Exoplanet CoRoT-2b, discovered a decade ago by a French-led space observatory mission, is also called as "hot Jupiter".
●    Unlike Jupiter, the so-called hot Jupiters circle astonishingly close to their host star.
●    It is so close that it typically takes fewer than three days to complete an orbit.

Chinese Navy Gets New Electronic Warfare Aircraft: Report

●    China has built a new type of electronic warfare aircraft which can cover bigger combat areas such as the South and East China seas.
●    It will enhance the Navy's capabilities in modern warfare.
●    The aircraft developed for 10 years in service is equipped with the Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) pods underneath its wings.

Current Affairs 24th January 2018: SPORTS

Roger Federer reaches his 43rd Grand Slam semi-final

●    Roger Federer swept into a record 14th Australian Open semi-final with an immaculate straight sets win.
●    The 19-time Grand Slam champion, who hasn't lost in five matches against Berdych in Melbourne, will play in his 43rd Grand Slam semi-final.
●    It is a record for the post-1968 Open Era.

B'desh opener sets world record for most ODI runs at 1 venue

●    Bangladesh's Tamim Iqbal, set a world record of most ODI runs on a single venue. 
●    He did it during his 76-run knock against Zimbabwe.
●    Iqbal has hit 2,549 runs in 74 ODIs at Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, while Jayasuriya recorded 2,514 runs at Colombo's Premadasa Stadium. 
●    Iqbal also became the first Bangladeshi to hit 6,000 ODI runs.
 

Important Current Affairs 23rd JANUARY 2018

Current Affairs 23rd January 2018: PERSONS

Former footballer George Weah sworn in as Liberia President

●    Weah, 51, takes over from Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
●    He ruled for over 12 years.
●    He failed to ease dire poverty.
●    His first priorities, he said, would be to launch a national debate on the fair sharing of resources and root out graft in public institutions.

Current Affairs 23rd January 2018: WORLD NEWS

US govt shutdown ends as Democrats, Republicans reach deal

●    The opposition Democrats reached an agreement with the Republicans to have a debate on immigration so as to end the ongoing federal government shutdown which lasted for three days.
●    Lawmakers in the Senate and the House of Representatives were rushing through procedural legislative motions to fund the spending bill of federal government by a little over two weeks.
●    The necessary legislation is expected to reach the Oval Office desk of US President Donald Trump.

NASA removing astronaut from ISS mission 'racist': Brother

●    NASA’s Jeanette Epps was on track to become the first African-American International Space Station (ISS) crew member. 
●    But the space agency announced it was rearranging their scheduled line-ups and Epps would be replaced by Serena Auñón-Chancellor for the Juno mission.
●    It’s unclear exactly why she was bumped from the mission. 

China invites Latin America to join Belt and Road Initiative

●    China invited Latin American and Caribbean countries to join its "One Belt, One Road" initiative.
●    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the region was a natural fit for the initiative.
●    China has leveraged this initiative to deepen economic and financial cooperation with developing nations.

Volcanic eruption triggers avalanche in Japan

●    People were killed after the 2,160-metre Kusatsu-Shirane volcano erupted near a Japanese ski resort.
●    It triggered an avalanche. 
●    Volcanic rock and snow engulfed the ski resort.
●    More damage is expected to happen.

Guinness World Record for the largest tin of caviar broken

●    The 50 KG serving of caviar at a gala dinner in became world’s largest caviar tin.
●    It broke previous record which was recorded in 2016 weighing in at 17kg.
●    The 50kg serving was presented to guests in a custom-made, diamond shaped caviar tin coined ‘Cleito’ after the famous goddess known as the ‘Mother of Atlantis’.

Current Affairs 23rd January 2018: AWARDS

SRK honoured with Crystal Award by World Economic Forum

●    Shah Rukh Khan was awarded the Crystal Award.
●    He got this award at the World Economic Forum 2018.
●    This is going on in Davos, Switzerland. 
●    The superstar was awarded this humanitarian award along with Sir Elton John and Cate Blanchett, for his efforts to rehabilitate acid attack survivors through his non-profit organisation, Meer Foundation.

'Sachin: A Billion Dreams' wins 2 awards in Tehran

●    “Sachin: A Billion Dreams”, is a biopic on cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar.
●    It has won two awards at 11th Tehran International FICTS Festival 2018.
●    Helmer James Erskine won the trophy for the Best Director of a Long Documentary and an honorary diploma.
●    Producer Ravi Bhagchandka received the Special Award for the Best Film in the Long Documentary section.

Current Affairs 23rd January 2018: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau to visit India in February

●    Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's visit to India will take place from February 17 to 23.
●    Apart from New Delhi, Trudeau will be travelling to Agra, Amritsar, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
●    Cooperation in security and counter-terrorism as well as exchange of views on global and regional issues of mutual interest.

No mediation on Kashmir unless both India, Pak agree: UN

●    The U.N. Secretary-General’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that in principle good offices of the U.N. chief are always available for mediation.
●    United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has ruled out any mediation to resolve the Kashmir issue unless all parties agree to it.
●    He also asked India and Pakistan to address their outstanding issues through talks amidst heightened tensions along the border.

Current Affairs 23rd January 2018: NATIONAL NEWS

Subhas Chandra Bose's 121st Birth Anniversary

●    The nation paid rich tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
●    He is one of India's most celebrated freedom fighters.
●    23rd January was his 121st birth anniversary. 
●    President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to pay their tributes.

Anandiben Patel Takes Oath As Madhya Pradesh Governor

●    Former Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today took oath as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh.
●    Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court Justice Hemant Gupta administered the oath of office to Ms Patel in a function at the Raj Bhavan.
●    Parliament Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his cabinet colleagues were present on the occasion.

India to beat China as fastest growing economy in 2018: IMF

●    India is projected to grow at 7.4% of its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018 as against China’s 6.8%.
●    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced these data.
●    China, during the same period, is expected to grow at 6.8% and 6.4% respectively, the IMF said.

India chose 'reform, perform, transform' route: PM Modi

●    PM Modi addressed World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland's Davos.
●    He said that India has chosen the 'reform, perform, transform' route to revolutionise its economic and social policies. 
●    The improvement in India's ranking reflects its citizens' acceptance of new policies.

Current Affairs 23rd January 2018: SPACE SCIENCE

Changes in Mercury's orbit reveal an ageing Sun: NASA, MIT

●    Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun in the solar system.
●    It has demonstrated the repercussions of an ageing Sun.
●    Sun is losing mass as it ages, weakening its gravitational pull. 
●    As a result, the orbits of planets in the solar system are expanding.

Study shows unified origin for 3 high-energy space particles

●    The origins of very high-energy neutrinos, ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays, and high-energy gamma rays could be connected with black-hole emissions.
●    It has been said by a theoretical model by Penn State researchers. 
●    Neutrinos and gamma rays are produced from cosmic rays.