11th FEBRUARY CURRENT AFFAIRS

1. List of MoUs/Agreements signed during visit of Prime Minister to Palestine

MOU between India and Palestine for setting up of India-Palestine Super-specialty hospital at Beit Sahour in Bethelhem Governorate at a cost ofUS$ 30 million.

• MOU between India and Palestine for construction of India Palestine Centre for Empowring women, "Turathi” at a cost ofUS$ 5 million
• MOU between India and Palestine for setting up of new National Printing Press at Ramallah at a cost ofUS$ 5 million
• MOU between India and Palestine Construction of school in Muthalth Al Shuhada Village at a cost ofUS$ 1 million
• MOU between India and Palestine Construction of school in Tamoon village in Tubas Governorate in Palestine at a cost ofUS$ 1.1 million
• MOU between India and Palestine Assistance of US$ US$ 0.25 million for construction of additional floor to Jawahar Lal Nehru for Boys at Abu Dees

2. PM Modi inaugurates Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone for a new temple for the Hindu community living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

• The temple will be the first to be built in Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE which is home to a huge Indian diaspora. 
• The PM laid the foundation stone for the temple from the Dubai Opera House via video conferencing. 
• This is Modi's second visit to the UAE after August 2015.
• The UAE has two Hindu temples which are located in Dubai.

3. Mumbai 12th richest city globally; total wealth at USD 950 billion 

India's financial capital Mumbai, with a total wealth of USD 950 billion, has been named among the top 15 wealthiest cities globally, while New York topped the list, says a report. 

• According to a report by New World Wealth, the economic hub of India is the 12th wealthiest city, followed by Toronto with a total wealth of USD 944 billion, Frankfurt (14th, USD 912 billion) and Paris (15th, USD 860 billion). 
• Mumbai, also features among the top 10 cities in terms of billionaire population. The city is home to 28 billionaires, individuals with USD 1 billion or more in net assets. 

4. Government to set up a Cyber Crime Reporting Portal 

The Union Home Minister has said the Government has decided to establish a Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to report Cyber Crimes Against Women. 

• We will also establish a dedicated Cyber Crime Laboratory to stop Crimes Against Women and Children, he added. 
• Shri Rajnath Singh was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 24th All-India Forensic Science Conference in Ahmedabad.

5. OVL, partners acquire 10% stake in Abu Dhabi oilfield 

ONGC Videsh Ltd and its partners have acquired a 10 per cent in a large offshore oilfield in Abu Dhabi for USD 600 million. 

• This is the first time that Indian oil companies have taken part in an Abu Dhabi oil and gas concession. 
• OVL, the overseas arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), Indian Oil Corp (IOC) and a unit of Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL), paid a signing amount of USD 600 million for a 10 per cent stake in Abu Dhabi National Oil Co’s 40-year Lower Zakum Concession, Offshore Abu Dhabi.

6. IPPB to enable Digital Payments in Post Offices by April 2018

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) Expansion Programme continues to make brisk progress and a nation-wide roll-out is scheduled beginning April 2018.  

• Once the proposed expansion is completed, IPPB will be providing the largest financial inclusion network in the country, covering both urban as well as rural hinterland with ability to provide digital payment services at the doorstep with the help of Postmen and Gramin Dak Sewaks (GDS).  
• IPPB will also enable more than 17 crore active account-holders of Post Office Savings Bank to make interoperable digital payments including the benefit of NEFT, RTGS, UPI and bill payment services.  
• Additionally, the IPPB will enable acceptance of digital payments across post offices in the country in line with the digital payments initiative of the government.

7. Hindi writer Krishna Sobti gets Jnanpith Award

Renowned Hindi writer Krishna Sobti has been conferred upon the Jnanpith Award for her contribution to Hindi Literature. 

• Noted Poet Ashok Bajpai received the award from Jananpith Award Committee Chairman Justice Bijendra Jain on behalf of Krishna Sobti.

8. Noted litterateur Chandrasekhar Rath passes away

Eminent litterateur Chandrasekhar Rath has passed away at the age of 89.

• He was recently nominated for Padma Shri by the Union government this year for his contribution towards Odia literature.
• Rath, a prolific writer, has written several novels, short stories, essays and poems during his illustrious career.

10th FEBRUARY CURRENT AFFAIRS

1. India ranks 44 out of 50 nations in global IP index

India has “increased substantially” its score in the latest international Intellectual Property (IP) index released by the US Chambers of Commerce, ranking 44th out of 50 countries. 

• India’s overall score has increased substantially from 25 per cent (8.75 out of 35) in the 5th edition of the Index to 30 per cent (12.03 out of 40) in the 6th edition.
• The US tops the list with 37.98 points, followed by United Kingdom (37.97) and Sweden (37.03).

2. International Conference on Unani Medicine inaugurated 

The Minister of State (IC) for Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, MoS PMO, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Space Dr. Jitendra Singh has inaugurate the two-day International conference on Unani Medicine on 10th February, 2018 at New Delhi.

• This year is special for Unani fraternity as it is the 150th Birth Anniversary of  Hakim Ajmal Khan. 
• To mark this day, the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), under the Ministry of AYUSH is organizing a two-day International Conference on Unani Medicine as part of celebration of  Unani Day. 
• The theme of the conference is Integration of Unani System of Medicine in main stream healthcare.

3. "Swachh Bharat Sanitation Park” inaugurated in Delhi

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Environmental Sanitation Institute and Tata Trusts, has developed a Sanitation Park which was inaugurated in the Capital by Union Minister, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti, and Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri ParameswaranIyer.

• The Sanitation Park was developed at CGO Complex in New Delhi with an objective to create awareness on various safe technological options. 
• The Park demonstrates various options pertaining to toilet technologies and solid and liquid waste management technologies, with a brief description of these technologies.

4. Shri RK Singh launches ASH TRACK Mobile App

Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R.K Singh, launched a Web based monitoring System and a Fly Ash mobile application named ASH TRACK. 

• These platforms will enable better management of the ash produced by thermal power plants by providing an interface between fly ash producers (Thermal Power Plants) and potential ash users such as – road contractors, cement plants etc.

5. WCD Ministry to set up National Women Entrepreneurship Council

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is considering to establish National Women Entrepreneurship Council (NWEC). 

• NWEC will promote entrepreneurship as it would be the umbrella organization for socio-economic gender parity, financial inclusion and economic empowerment of women in India. 
• This information was given by Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Dr. Virendra Kumar in reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

6. NITI Aayog releases “Healthy States, Progressive India” Report

NITI Aayog released a comprehensive Health Index report titled, “Healthy States, Progressive India” at a function in the capital. 

• The report ranks states and Union territories innovatively on their year-on-year incremental change in health outcomes, as well as, their overall performance with respect to each other. 
• The report was released jointly by the CEO, NITI Aayog; Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; Preeti Sudan and World Bank India Country Director, Junaid Ahmad.
• States and UTs have been ranked in three categories namely, Larger States, Smaller States, and Union Territories (UTs), to ensure comparison among similar entities.
• Among the Larger States, Kerala, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu ranked on top in terms of overall performance, while Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh are the top three ranking States in terms of annual incremental performance.
• Among Smaller States, Mizoram ranked first followed by Manipur on overall performance, while Manipur followed by Goa were the top ranked States in terms of annual incremental performance.
• Among UTs, Lakshadweep showed both the best overall performance as well as the highest annual incremental performance.

7. Amitabh Bachchan to be brand ambassador for The Muthoot Group 

The Muthoot Group has roped in Amitabh Bachchan as brand ambassador to represent them in their national campaigns. 

• The Muthoot Group is known for its uncompromising values and trust earned over 131 years of excellence in business.

8. Reliance Industries wins Golden Peacock Award 2017 for CSR 

Reliance Industries (RIL) said it has been awarded the Golden Peacock Award 2017 for corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. 

• The award was a recognition of the work done by its CSR arm Reliance Foundation under Founder and Chairman Nita Ambani.
• Golden Peacock Awards, instituted by the Institute Of Directors (IOD) in 1991 in India, are regarded as a benchmark of Corporate Excellence.

9. Haryana crowned champions of Khelo India School Games

Sports powerhouse Haryana topped the overall medal tally after claiming 38 gold medals in the inaugural edition of the Khelo India School Games that concluded in New Delhi.

• Overall, Haryana won 102 medals, with 26 silver and 38 bronze. Maharashtra (110) finished second overall while Delhi (94) came third.

10. Sachin Tendulkar launches book on child health care

Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has launched a book on child health care titled 'Even When There Is A Doctor'.

• Penned down by Dr Yashwant Amdekar along with Dr Rajesh Chokhani and Krishnan Sivaramakrishnan, the book describes the role of an individual or parents in improving their child's health.

RRB Railway Group D Recruitment Notification for (62907 Posts)

Railway Recruitment Board invites Online application from eligible candidates for the posts in level-1 of 7th CPC pay matrix in various units of Indian Railways. Applications complete in all respect should be submitted ONLINE ONLY to any one of the Railway Recruitment Boards Before 23:59 hrs of 12.03.2018. Candidates waiting for results of prescribed educational qualification should not apply.

UPDATE:  Detailed Official Notification has been Published

 by RRB Officially (10.02.2018)

Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 02/2018
 for Recruitment of Various Posts in Level 1 of 7th
 CPC Pay Matrix In English. 

Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 02/2018
 for Recruitment of Various Posts in Level 1 of 7th
 CPC Pay Matrix In Hindi.

Centralized Employment Notice (CEN) No. 02/2018

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Opening Date and time of Online registration: 10.02.2018 (10.00 Hours)
• Closing Date and time of Online registration: 12.03.2018 (23.59 Hours)
• Computer Based Test (CBT): Tentatively scheduled
•  during April and May, 2018

Vacancy: 62907 Posts

Posts:

Track Maintainer Grade IV (Trackman), Gateman, Pointsman, Helpers in Electrical/Engineering/ Mechanical/Signal & Telecommunication departments, Porter etc.

Age (as on 01/07/2018): 18-31 Years

Pay: Rs 18000/- (Level -1 of &CPC pay Matrix) plus allowances as admissible for the posts.

Stages of Exam: There shall be a Computer Based Test (CBT). Candidates qualified in the CBT shall have to undergo Physical Efficiency Test (PET). Marks will be normalized in the CBT. 

Negative Marking: There shall be negative marking for incorrect answers in the CBT. 1/3 of the marks allotted for each question shall be deducted for wrong answer. 

Educational Qualification: 

(For Post Cat. No. 1-23)

Matriculation  plus ITI from recognised institutions of NCVT/SCVT in the respective trades

OR

Matriculation  plus National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT

(For Post Cat. No. 24-28)

Matriculation  

OR

ITI from recognised institutions of NCVT/SCVT in the respective trades

OR

Matriculation  plus National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT 

Those awaiting results of the final examination of the prescribed educational/technical qualification SHOULD NOT apply. 

Diploma/Degree in Engineering will not be accepted in lieu of course completed Act Apprenticeship /  ITI. Also, Graduate Act Apprentice will not be accepted in lieu of Course Completed Act Apprenticeship.

Examination Fees:

General/OBC: Rs. 500 /-

ST/SC/PWD/Ex.S./Female/Transgenders/Minorities/EBC : Rs. 250 /-

RECRUITMENT PROCESS Only single online application has to be submitted by the candidate to the RRB of their choice for all the notified posts of that RRB through the link provided on the official website.

The entire recruitment process shall involve

1. a Computer Based Test(CBT), 
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and 
3. Document Verification. 

The date, time and venue for all the activities, namely, CBT, PET and DV or any other additional activity as applicable shall be fixed by the RRBs and shall be intimated to the eligible candidates in due course. Request for postponement of any of the above activity or for change of venue, date and shift will not be entertained under any circumstances.

Computer Based Test: All the eligible candidates have to undergo a Computer Based Test on the specified date, time and venue as per the e-call letter to be downloaded by the candidates from the websites of RRBs. The information about the e-call letter download shall be communicated through the websites as well as personal email communication to the candidates.

Total Duration : 90 Min,

No of Questions: 100 

Minimum percentage of marks for eligibility in various categories: UR -40%, OBC-30%, SC-30%, ST30%. These percentage of marks for eligibility may be relaxed by 2% for PWD candidates in case of shortage of PWD candidates against vacancies reserved for them.

Question Type and Syllabus: The Questions will be of objective type with multiple choices and are likely to include questions pertaining to:

a. Mathematics Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work; Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern etc.

b. General Intelligence and reasoning Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical Reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement – Arguments and Assumptions etc.

c. General Science The syllabus under this shall cover Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences of 10 standard level.

d. General Awareness on current affairs in Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics and any other subjects of importance.

PHYSICAL EFFICIENCY TESTS (PET)

How To Apply:

BEST OF LUCK