27th FEBRUARY CURRENT AFFAIRS

1. ‘SRIJAN’ has been launched at MyGov portal

Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Limited (IRSDC) is taking up redevelopment of around 600 major Railway stations across the country.

• In this mega exercise, assistance and involvement of all stakeholders i.e. railway passengers, urban planners, architects, engineers is important.
• Towards this objective of stakeholders’ consultation, an idea competition for development of 635 stations on Indian Railways, ‘SRIJAN’ (Station Rejuvenation Initiative through Joint ActioN) has been launched at MyGov portal since 26.01.2018.
• The last date for submission of entries in this competition is 26.03.2018. The winners will get certificates and worthy ideas will be incorporated in the designs.  

2. Intermodal Stations to come up in 15 cities

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has conducted detailed pre-feasibility studies for setting up Intermodal Stations at Nagpur and Varanasi, and the development of DPRs for this is in final stages of completion.

• Fifteen cities across the country have been prioritized for development of IMS of which Nagpur and Varanasi have been selected as pilot projects.
• Intermodal Stations are terminal infrastructure which integrate various transportation modes like rail, road, mass rapid transit system, bus rapid transit, inland waterways, auto-rickshaws, taxis and private vehicles etc, so that people can move from one mode to another seamlessly, with minimum use of automobiles. 

3. CSIR signs MoU with IORA: CSIR-CIMAP to host coordinating center on medicinal plants

 

Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has entered into a MoU with the Regional Center for Science and Technology Transfer (RCSTT) of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for designating Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow (CSIR-CIMAP) as Coordinating Center on Medicinal Plants.

• The MoU was signed by Prof. Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director CSIR-CIMAP and Dr. A. Sedrpousan, Director, IORA-RCSTT. 
• The Indian delegation was led by Dr. Girish Sahni, DG, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR. 
• The delegation also attended the 31st Khwarizmi International Award Ceremony which was addressed by H.E. Dr. Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
• The IORA Center at CSIR-CIMAP will establish a database on the important medicinal plants, their value added products, related experts and industries of the IORA member states and organize meetings and training programmes to promote trade, commerce and scientific exchanges to complement the strength and limitation of the member states.

4. 7th meeting of EPG on Nepal-India relations concludes

The seventh meeting of Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on Nepal-India relations has concluded in Kathmandu.

• Various bilateral issues including 1950 Peace and Friendship treaty, trade, environment, border and hydropower were discussed during two-day meeting.

Points to Remember

• EPG is a joint mechanism consisting experts and intellectuals from India and Nepal.
• It was set up in February 2016 to provide suggestions for updating all existing bilateral treaties and agreements between both the countries.
• Next meeting of the group will be held in New Delhi.

5. Bihar is national topper in FY17 growth, with 10.3 pc

Bihar clocked a growth rate of 10.3 per cent in 2016-2017 as against 7.5 per cent in the corresponding fiscal a year ago, according to the latest Economic Survey tabled in the state Assembly.

• Bihar's growth rate is higher than that of the national average of 7.0 per cent, the 12th Economic Survey of Bihar said.
• The state has consistently been revenue surplus, which increased from Rs 5,101 crore in 2012-13 to Rs 10,819 crore in 2016-17.

6. Centre names 9,500 ‘high risk’ NBFCs

The government has categorised about 9,500 non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) in the country as “high risk” prone as they had not complied with a stipulated provision of the anti-money laundering law.

• A list of 9,491 “high risk financial institutions” has been published by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) that functions under the Union Finance Ministry.

7. Michael McCormack becomes Australia deputy PM

A former regional newspaper editor, Michael McCormack, has been chosen as Australia's new deputy prime minister.

• He replaces Barnaby Joyce as leader of the Nationals, the governing coalition's junior partner.
• Mr Joyce resigned over his affair with a former staffer, after holding the post for two years.

8. Aruna wins bronze at Gymnastics World Cup

Aruna Budda Reddy became the first Indian gymnast to clinch an individual medal at the Gymnastics World Cup in Melbourne by securing bronze in the women's vault.

• Reddy, 22, scored 13.649 to finish behind gold medallist Tjasa Kysslef of Slovania and Emily Whitehead of Australia who took silver.
• The other Indian woman in contention, Pranati Nayak finished sixth with a score of 13.416.

9. Former Cabinet Secretary TSR Subramanian Dies At 79

Former cabinet secretary TSR Subramanian has passed away aged 79, officials said.

• Mr Subramanian was the cabinet secretary from August 1, 1996, to March 31, 1998.
• Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State (MoS) for Personnel Jitendra Singh and other senior IAS officers have condoled his death.

26th FEBRUARY CURRENT AFFAIRS

1. 20th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers held in Fiji

Dr. Satya Pal Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of Human Resource Development; and Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India led the Indian delegation to the 20th Conference of the Commonwealth Education Ministers (20CCEM) held in Nadi, Fiji during 19-23 February 2018.

• The theme of the Conference was “Sustainability and Resilience: Can Education Deliver?”
• Dr. Singh made  a `response statement` to the presentation “20CCEM Thematic Issues” made by Dr. Rajesh Chandra, Vice Chancellor of University of South Pacific, Fiji on 21 February 2018.

2. Andaman & Nicobar Command to Host Milan 2018

The second week of March will witness Andaman & Nicobar Command hosting a multinational mega event MILAN 2018.

• MILAN is a congregation of littoral navies conducted biennially by Indian Navy at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command.
• Besides fostering co-operation through naval exercises and professional interactions, MILAN also provides an excellent opportunity to the participating navies to come together in a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding to nurture stronger ties.

3. DRDO Successfully Test Flight Rustom 2

DRDO  successfully flew its Rustom 2  at its Aeronautical Test Range(ATR) at Chalakere at Chitradurga.

• This flight assumes significance due to the fact that this is the first flight in user configuration with higher power engine.
• Secretary Deptt. of Defence (R&D) & Chairman DRDO Dr. S. Christopher along with  senior scientists witnessed  the flight and congratulated Rustom team.

4. 21st National Conference on e-Governance to begin in Hyderabad    

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, along with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India in association with Government of Telangana is organizing the 21stNational Conference on e-Governance on February 26- 27, 2018 in Hyderabad, Telangana.

• Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Y.S. Chowdary will preside over the inaugural session of the conference.
• The theme of the Conference this year is, ‘Technology for accelerating Development’.
• The Inaugural Session will be followed by 3 Plenary Sessions on Day1 based on themes: Building User Experience, Universalization and Replication and Governing e-Governance while on Day2 the two Plenary Sessions will be based on e-Governance Good/ Best Practices, Emerging Technologies.

5. Hyderabad hosted 15th edition of BioAsia 2018

The 15th edition of BioAsia, the annual flagship programme of Government of Telangana was held from 22-24th February 2018 at Hyderabad International Convention Center (HICC) in Hyderabad.

• Theme of BioAsia 2018 was “RIGHT TIME, RIGHT NOW”.
• For this year’s event, Ireland, Netherlands and South Africa were international partners whereas the States of Gujarat, Assam and Rajasthan were the state partners.

6. UIDAI introduces special blue coloured 'Baal Aadhaar'

Aadhaar is increasingly becoming mandatory to make use of most of the government schemes and other activities such as getting a new SIM card or opening a new bank account.

• Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has now introduced a blue coloured 'Baal Aadhaar' card for children below the age of 5 years.
• All children below the age of 5 don't need to give biometric details for getting an Aadhaar card.

7. Rahul Mahajan is Rajya Sabha TV Editor-in-Chief

Senior journalist Rahul Mahajan has been appointed Editor-in-Chief of Rajya Sabha TV, owned and operated by the Upper House of Parliament.

• A five-member selection panel, chaired by Prasar Bharti Chairman A. Surya Prakash, recommended Mahajan's appointment and Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu approved it.
• Mahajan, who hails from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, has 26 years of media experience, including 23 years in various news channels.

8. Subbarayudu appointed the Ambassador of Bolivia

M. Subbarayudu has been appointed the next Ambassador of India to Plurinational State of Bolivia.

• He is currently the Ambassador of India to Lima.
• He has been concurrently appointed the next Ambassador of India to Bolivia. He will soon take up this new assignment.

9. PyeongChang Winter Olympics concludes

The 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony here on February 25.

• The grand event ran through 17 days and saw 2,920 athletes competing from 92 nations.

Points to Remember

• Tokyo will host the 2020 Summer Olympics, while Beijing will welcome the countries for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
• Norway won a record 39 medals overall to finish on top while Germany finish second with 31 medals.

10. Parupalli Kashyap lifts first title in three years

Commonwealth Games champion Parupalli Kashyap clinched his first international title in over three years as he overcame Malaysia’s June Wei Cheam to emerge men’s singles champion at the Austrian Open International Challenge.

• Kashyap, a former National champion and second seed, saw off Cheam 23-21 21-14 in a 37-minute clash.
• His last title came at the Syed Modi International Badminton Championships in 2015.

11. Sameer Verma lifts Swiss Open title

Indian shuttler Sameer Verma dished out a clinical performance to outwit former world no 2 Jan O Jorgensen and clinch the men's singles title at the $150,000 Swiss Open Super 300 tournament.

• The 23-year-old Sameer showed great anticipation and technique to bamboozle Jorgensen 21-15, 21-13 in a lop-sided contest.

Latest Railway Exam Updates for ALP & Group D 2018 – Last Date to Apply Extended!

RRB has extended the last date to apply for RRB ALP & Technicians and RRB Group D till 31st March 2018. As you know that Indian Railways is on the verge to recruit for more than 1.5 lakh vacancies in the year 2018 for different posts. To start with, Railways has released two important recruitment drives namely, RRB ALP & Technicians and RRB Group D. RRB has announced a total of 26,502 for ALP & Technicians and 62,907 vacancies for Group D 2018. The Application process is going on and it is expected that there will be huge number of applicants. As it is considered as one of the biggest recruitments of the year 2018, the candidates are facing many doubts regarding different aspects. To clear these confusions, RRB is constantly updating the applicants on various issues. Hence, read this article on Railway Exam Updates to know all the recent updates by RRB including last date to apply extension, upper age limit relaxation, changed eligibility criteria etc.

Railway Exam Updates 

Update 1: Last Date to Apply Extended!

RRB has extended the last date to apply for both RRB ALP & Technicians and Group D 2018. Now you can apply till 31st March 2018. In the notice released by Indian Railways, it is stated that the last date to apply for both the recruitment drives has extended.

Official Notice – Last Date Extended for ALP & Group D 2018

Update 2: Revised Online Application to start from 28th February 2018.

According to the latest RRB Notice, the revised online application with the modified eligibility shall be made available for submission of Application from 28th February 2018.

Update 3: Examination Fee to be Refunded Later!

According to the Indian Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, the Examination Fee will be refunded to the candidates after they appear for the exam. He stated stated, “I want to make it clear that the hike in the fees is because we realised that many people fill the form and then do not turn up for the exams. The government spends a lot of money on the exams. So, those who appear will get their fee refunded. Those who have paid Rs 250 will be refunded the entire amount and those who have paid Rs 500 will be refunded Rs 400. So, in effect, there is no hike. We want only the serious candidates to appear in the exams.” Piyush Goyal has announced this in his latest tweet.

⇒ Make Payment from your Own Account

It is advised that while you are making payment you should pay from their own card or net banking and not from any other sources or different account otherwise they won’t get the refund to their own account.

Update 4: Now 10th Pass can also Apply!

There is a very good news for all Railway Group D Aspirants. The Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has tweeted that now ITI is not Mandatory and 10th pass students are now eligible to apply for Group D posts. His recent tweet states the same where he has announced that now even if you have passed 10th without ITI then also you can apply for this post.

Official Notice Stating the Fee Exemption & 10th Pass Eligibility

The Official Notice released by RRB in Press Information Bureau of India also states that the question paper will provided in 15 languages.

Update 5: Ministry of Railways has increased the Upper Age limit for ALP & Group D.

In the recent notice, RRB has increased the upper age limit for ALP & Technicians and Group D for all the categories. Read the below mentioned tables for the detailed age limit.

RRB ALP & Technicians

Category	Notified Age	Revised Age
UR	28	30
OBC	31	33
SC/ST	33	35

RRB Group D

Category	Notified Age	Revised Age
UR	31	33
OBC	34	36
SC/ST	36	38

Official Notice for Revised Age Limit

Update 6: The last date to apply for RRB ALP & Technicians and Group D will be extended. 

Ministry of Railways has announced in its Press Released that the last date to apply for both the recruitment drives will be extended. However, the official last date of application is yet to be out.

Update 7: Candidates can choose their Language Preference for CBT.

In the recent development, the applicants can choose their language for exam according to their preference. If you have applied for RRB Group D before 19th February 2018 then you can modify your exam language through the direct link below.

RRB has just updated the Application Process page announcing the Language Modification which is on the top most of the page and will appear like this ⇓ 

Update 8: RRB has made it clear that the option of RRB and the preference of posts within the opted RRB shall be taken after the first stage of CBT.

If you score secure marks, equal to or above the minimum qualifying marks prescribed for various communities/categories in the First Stage of CBT then you will be advised to exercise their option for RRB and preference of Railways and Posts within
the chosen RRB.

Update 9: RRB has clarified about COE Courses or Equivalent NCVT Trades. 

This notice has been released by Railways to help the candidates about the courses & trade they want to apply for.

Update 10: RRB has clarified doubts about Equivalence of Restructured (Model ITI) Pattern & Conventional Pattern of CTS.

Railways has given a detail account of Equivalence of Restructured (Model ITI) & CTS.

RRB Official Notice for Restructured (Model ITI) Pattern

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25th FEBRUARY CURRENT AFFAIRS

1. 8th Indo- Seychelles Army exercise starts

The eighth joint military exercise between the Indian Army and Seychelles People’s Defence Forces started on February 24 and will continue till March 4 at Mahe Island, Seychelles.

• The exercise is named “Lamitye” which in the local dialect ‘Creole’, means friendship.
• This exercise is the eighth in the series of bilateral exercises being conducted in the beautiful island nation.

2. India International Textiles Expo begins in Colombo

A three –day India International Textiles Expo (IITExpo) of India began in Sri Lankan capital of Colombo.

• It is being organized by Powerloom Development & Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL) with the support of Union Ministry of Textiles & Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

3. PM launches various  projects worth Rs.1000 crores in Daman & Diu

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launched various development projects worth Rs.1000 crores in Daman & Diu.

• He distributed certificates to beneficiaries of programs and addressed a public meeting at the Daman college ground.
• The Prime Minister inaugurated Air Odisha's flight connecting Ahmedabad with Diu under the UDAN scheme.
• He flagged off Pawan Hans helicopter services from Daman to Diu through a video link.

4. International Conference on Sustainable Biofuels 2018

A two- day International Conference on Sustainable Biofuels is jointly being organized by Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India on behalf of Mission Innovation and Biofuture Platform at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

• The event will bring together experts from Biofuels sector to take stock of current knowledge, share information and best practices, and build consensus on the actions most needed to move forward.
• Mission Innovation (MI) is a global initiative of 22 countries and the European Union to dramatically accelerate global clean energy innovation.

5. 'Dhanush' ballistic missile successfully test-fired

India has successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable 'Dhanush' ballistic missile with a strike range of 350 km from a naval ship off Odisha coast, defence officials said.

• The surface-to-surface missile, a naval variant of the indigenously-developed 'Prithvi' missile, was test-fired from the ship positioned near Paradip in the Bay of Bengal.
• 'Dhanush' missile is capable of carrying a payload of 500 kg and hitting both land and sea-based targets.

6. India to host 1st International Solar Alliance on 11th March

India will host the first International Solar Alliance (ISA) summit on 11th March, which will be attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

• Efforts are underway to put together 121 projects, which can be signed in two phases - about 50 on March 11 and another 71 on April 20.
• The summit will be held in Delhi.

7. PM Narendra Modi launches Amma scooter scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Tamil Nadu government’s Amma scooter scheme and a massive tree plantation drive to commemorate the 70th birth anniversary of late chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

• Over one lakh working women will get scooters at subsidised rates.
• The Prime Minister highlighted the programmes rolled out by his government in the last four years for the welfare of women.

8. Adityanath inaugurates 2-day ‘Rasotsav’ in Mathura

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated two-day Rasotsav, jointly organised by the state tourism department, the Brij Tirth Vikas Parishad and the Brajbhumi Vikas trust.

• Local MP, actress-turned-politician Hema Malini has been instrumental in organising the event which is being held at the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Institute.
• Adityanath earlier felicitated music maestros Pandit Jasraj and Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia.

9. CII partnership summit held in Visakhapatnam

The third Partnership Summit of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) begin in Visakhapatnam, with over 2,000 delegates attending the meet, 40 per cent of them being from abroad.

• Vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the three-day event.
• This summit is being jointly organised by the Andhra Pradesh State Government, the CII, and the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion under Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

10. EESL signs MoUs of Rs. 3,730 crore with Andhra govt

The government-run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) has signed MoUs with Andhra Pradesh government to invest Rs 3,730 crore in the state.

• The MoUs, spanning across e-mobility, energy efficiency and renewable energy and aimed to create 15,000 jobs, were signed at CII Partnership Summit.
• Through the MoUs, EESL, a joint venture of PSUs under the Union Power Ministry, hopes to save Rs 3,185 crore.

11. E-way bill for interstate goods movement from April 1

The e-way bill, to be generated under the GST for all inter-state movement of goods valued at over Rs 50,000, will become mandatory from April 1.

• The recommendation of the Group of Ministers on Information Technology would be considered by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council during its March 10 meeting.
• However, the implementation date for intra-state movement of goods is not yet decided and it would be implemented in a phase-wise manner.

12. Bollywood actor Sridevi passes away

Bollywood actor Sridevi passed away in Dubai after a cardiac arrest. She was 54.

• Sridevi worked in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada films before entering Hindi films.
• Her most remarkable films include Sadma, Chandni, Himmatwala, ChaalBaaz, Mr India, Nagina, Mawali, Tohfa and Gumrah among others.
• The government of India awarded her Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour, in 2013.