7th JUNE CURRENT AFFAIRS IN ENGLISH

1. Himachal bans use of thermocol plates

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur announced a ban on use of thermocol plates in the state, as well plastic water bottles less than one litre capacity as they are major cause of pollution.

• He said a steel bottle would be provided to each student in all government schools in the state to discourage the use of plastic bottles.
• Thakur also announced that 10 solid waste management plants would be established across the state for scientific management of waste.

2. Cabinet approves the joint issue of postage stamp between India and Russia

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of the agreement signed in connection with release of Joint Stamps between Department of Posts, India and Russia Post (Joint-Stock Company “MARKA” of Russian Federation) to establish postal cooperation and strive towards mutually beneficial operational excellence in the field of issuance of stamps.

• Bilateral relations between India and Russia are marked by broad understanding on issues of mutual interest.
• India and Russia enjoy enhanced levels of cooperation in almost all areas of the bilateral relationship.

3. Raksha Mantri Flags-in NIMAS expedition team to Mt Everest

Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman flagged-in the expedition team to Mt. Everest conducted successfully by National Institute for Mountaineering & Allied Sports (NIMAS), Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh.

• Smt Sitharaman congratulated the team led by Director and Team Leader Col Sarfraz Singh for their remarkable achievement.
• It is for the first time that any National Institute expedition team has put eight members on the top of Mt.Everest in their maiden attempt.
• The expedition started from South Ridge of Mt Everest from Nepal side on 02 April 2018 from Lukla to Everest Base camp via Namche.

4. India–Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT)

INS Kulish, a Kora class Missile Corvette commanded by Commander Deepak Bali and one Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft of the Andaman and Nicobar Command arrived at Belawan, Indonesia for the closing ceremony of the 31st edition of the India – Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) from 06 to 09 Jun 18.

• The opening ceremony of IND-INDO CORPAT was earlier conducted from 24 - 25 May 18 at Port Blair followed by co-ordinated patrol (CORPAT) from 26 May to 02 Jun 18.

5. India shows impressive gains in reduction of Maternal Mortality with 22% reduction since 2013

India registered a significant decline in Maternal Mortality Ratio. According to the just released SRS bulletin (2016), India has shown impressive gains in reduction of Maternal Mortality with 22% reduction in since 2013.

• Nearly one thousand fewer women now die of pregnancy related complications each month in India.
• Maternal Mortality Ratio of India has declined from 167 in 2011-2013 to 130 in 2014-2016.

6. World Bank approves Rs. 6,000 crore Atal Bhujal Yojana

The World Bank has approved Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY), a Rs.6000 crore Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

• The scheme is to be implemented over a period of five years from 2018-19 to 2022-23, with World Bank assistance.
• The scheme proposal has already been recommended by the Expenditure Finance Committee and the Ministry will be seeking Cabinet approval for the project shortly.

7. RBI Hikes Repo Rate By 25 Basis Points To 6.25%

The RBI on Wednesday hiked the key rate for the first time in over four years, by 0.25% to curb inflationary pressure from high oil prices, a move which will translate into higher EMIs for home, auto and other loans.

• The reverse repo rate, at which it borrows from banks, was also raised by similar proportion to 6%.
• This is the first increase in interest rate since January 28, 2014.
• Consumer Price Index (CPI) based retail inflation was projected at 4.6% for the April-September period and 4.7% in second half of 2018-19 fiscal.

New Rates are:

• Repo Rate: 6.25%
• Reverse Repo Rate: 6.25%
• GDP growth outlook: unchanged at 7.4%
• Marginal standing facility (MSF) rate: 6.5%.
• Bank Rate: 6.5%.

8. Baba Kalyani heads group to study SEZ Policy

Government of India has constituted a group of eminent persons to study the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Policy of India.

• The group will evaluate the SEZ policy, suggest measures to cater to the needs of exporters in the present economic scenario and make the SEZ policy WTO compatible, suggest course correction in SEZ policy, make comparative analysis of the SEZ scheme and dovetail the SEZ policy with other similar schemes.
• The Group is required to submit its recommendation in 3 Months’ time.
• Bharat Forge Chairman Baba Kalyani will be the Chairman of the 10 member group.
• The SEZ Policy was implemented from 01st April, 2000. Subsequently the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 was passed by Parliament in May, 2005 and received Presidential assent on the 23rd of June, 2005 and the Special Economic ZoneAct was enacted. The SEZ Act, 2005, supported by SEZ Rules, came into effect on 10th February, 2006.