Current Affairs Today July 28 2018

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 INDIAN AFFAIRS

Trafficking of Persons(Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill 2018 passed by Lok Sabha
On July 28, 2018, the Lok Sabha passed the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill 2018.
i. An initial corpus of 10 crore rupees will be created for the first time.
What the bill says:
ii. Under this bill, a National Anti-Trafficking Bureau would be established to investigate trafficking cases.
iii. It would have coordination between law enforcement agencies and NGOs and would monitor the trafficking routes
iv. 10 years to lifetime imprisonment for buying and selling of humans for forced labour, child bearing and if the victim acquires life threatening diseases like AIDS.
v. It would provide setting up of Anti-Trafficking Units (ATUs) at the district level.
vi. The Bill provides for establishment of these committees (ATCs) at all three levels viz. national, state, and district levels which will help victims to rehabilitate.
Benefits:
i. It will prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation of trafficked persons.
ii. It is a victim centric bill.
Other announcements:
Government is expected to bring a separate amendment in the NIA act to establish National Investigation Agency as the nodal authority for probing the cases of human trafficking.

A museum for all former Prime Ministers to be built in Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
On July 28, 2018, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library announced that a museum for all former prime ministers of the country will be built in the 25 acre estate of Teen Murti Bhavan complex in New Delhi.
i. Rs 270 crore has been sanctioned by the government for the construction of the museum of all 4 PMs.
ii. This decision was taken in the 43^rd annual general meeting of NMML chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

6th India-UK Science & Innovation Council (SIC) Meeting held in New Delhi
On July 28, 2018, The 6^th India-UK Science & Innovation Council (SIC) meeting was held in New Delhi.

Objective:
To discuss about the bilateral S&T cooperation between the two countries.
Key Points:
i. After Newton Bhabha partnership , new partnerships may happen in areas of: Cyber Physical System- Artificial Intelligence, digital Economy, health technologies, cyber security and promoting clean growth, smart urbanization, future mobility and environment.
ii. Dicsussion on UK proposal for FutureTech Festival scheduled at New Delhi in 2018.
iii. Indian side was represented by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences & Environment, Forests and Climate Change, India.
iv. UK’s side had Mr. Sam Gyimah, Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, UK  as the representative.
Other facts:
i. Last SIC meeting was held in London on June 15, 2016.
ii. based on that few achievements took place including:

• Establishment of Joint Virtual Centre on Clean Energy,
• Implementation of research programmes on Cancer Biology,
• Agriculture Nitrogen, Atmospheric  pollution and human health,
• Maternal & Child Health,
• Anti Microbial Research,
• Sustaining Water Resources for Food, Energy & Ecosystem Services in India,
• Water Quality and Water Security and Famer Zone.

Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme 2017-2020 launched to empower rural women through community participation in 115 aspirational districts
On July 28, 2018, Government of India has approved a new scheme to empower rural women through community participation. It is called ‘Mahila Shakti Kendra’ for 2017-18 upto 2019-20.
i. The cost sharing ratio of the scheme is 60:40 between centre and states except North Eastern states.
ii. North East and Special Category Stateshave the ratio of 90:10.
iii. It will work on the following levels:

• At the national level via domain based knowledge support and
• At the  state level via State Resource Centre for Women technical support .

iv. It will be done through College Student Volunteers in 115 aspirational districts as part of the Block Level initiatives.
v. District Level Centre for Women (DLCW) has also been provided to for 640 districts to be covered in phased manner.
Benefit:
i. It will act as a link between village, block and state level in facilitating women centric schemes.
ii. It will also facilitate Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme at the district level.
Ministry of Women and Child Development:
Union Minister: Maneka Gandhi.

 “Mission Satyanishtha” a Program on Ethics in Public Governance launched by Ministry of Railways
On July 28, 2018, Indian Railways organized a programme on Ethics in Public Governance and Launched “Mission Satyanishtha” at National Rail Museum, New Delhi.

i. The objective is to bring transperancy and ethics in the work culture and among all railway employees.
ii. It would train every employee to understand the need and value of ethics in Personal and Public life.
iii. It would help to deal with ethical dilemmas in life and Public Governance.
iv .It would help understand the policies of Indian Railways on ethics and integrity.
v. It would develop inner governance through tapping inner resources.

PRANAM Act : Country’s first of a kind act launched by Assam Government
On July 28, 2018, Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a first-of-its-kind legislation- the Assam Employees PRANAM Act would be implemented in the state from October 02, the day of Gandhi Jayanti celebration in 2018.
Objective:
To not let the employess neglect their loved ones.
i. The Act will deduct 10% of an employee’s pay and transfer it to the account of the relatives concerned. Another 5% would be deductible if the employee has a differently abled sibling.
ii. Thus it will compel Assam government employees to take care of their respective parents.
iii. It also has provisions to help siblings with physical or mental disabilities.
iv. Although before enforcing the Act, a three members commission would be constituted which will be headed by a retired employee with rank of additional chief secretary.
Assam:
♦ Capital: Dispur.
♦ Chief Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal.
♦ Governor: Jagdish Mukhi.
♦ National Parks: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Nameri National Park, Dibru- Saikhowa National Park, Orang National Park.

Gujarat government announces ‘Urban Sanitation and Cleanliness Policy’
On 26^th July 2018, the Gujarat government launched the ‘Urban Sanitation and Cleanliness Policy’ for better management of solid and liquid waste in cities.

Urban Sanitation and Cleanliness Policy:
i. The policy was launched by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The policy focuses on streamlining the collection and disposal of all types of waste in cities and towns.
ii. One of the mains objectives of the policy is complete abolition of manual scavenging.
iii. Vijay Rupani said that, a system to convert solid waste into fuel to generate green energy will be established.
iv. The policy also stresses on recycling of drainage water. This policy is line with the National Urban Sanitation Policy.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

PM Narendra Modi Africa Tour 2018: 5-Day State Visit To Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa; To Attend BRICS Summit In SA
i. On July 23, 2018 PM Modi set out for his three-nation Africa tour of Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa, as part of India’s outreach to the resource-rich continent.
ii. With an aim to boost economic ties, PM Modi attended the India-Rwanda Business forum in Kigali on July 24,2018.
iii. He became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Rwanda.
iv. Two LOC (Line of Credit) agreements worth 100 million each was signed. Out of this: USD 100 million for development of Industrial Parks and expansion of Kigali Special Economic Zones  and another USD 100 million for Agriculture irrigation scheme in Rwanda.
v. On July 25, 2018, Delegation-level talks were held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in Kampala in the Indian-Uganda Business Forum.
vi. On the last leg of his 5 day South African tour, is the 10^th BRICS Summit 2018 held in Johannesburg on July 26-27, 2018.
vii. BRICS was held under the theme is “BRICS in Africa: Collaboration for Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity in the 4th Industrial Revolution”……………………………….Click here to Read more

Bombali Virus (BOMV): New strain of Ebola virus discovered in Sierra Leone
The ministry of health of Sierra Leone, has confirmed that a new strain of Ebola virus named Bombali Virus (BOMV) has been discovered in bats in the Bombali district of Sierra Leone.
Bombali Virus (BOMV):
i. It’s not yet known whether the new strain can develop into Ebola disease, if it is transmitted to humans.
ii. Researchers are working with the Sierra Leone government to find out whether any humans were infected.
iii. People have been warned not eat bats as a precautionary measure to prevent the disease.
About Sierra Leone:
♦ Capital – Freetown
♦ Official language – English
♦ President – Julius Maada Bio
♦ Currency – Leone

Invest India and UAE Ministry sign MoU for technological cooperation
On 27^th July 2018, Invest India and the UAE Minister for Artificial Intelligence (AI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for India – UAE Artificial Intelligence Bridge in New Delhi.

India – UAE Artificial Intelligence Bridge:
i. This partnership will produce an estimated USD 20 billion in economic benefits in the next ten years for India and UAE.
ii. This MoU will enhance development in Blockchain, AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Analytics. By 2035 AI can potentially add USD 957 billion to the Indian economy.
iii. The MoU was signed at the India leg of GovHack series of World Government Summit. Indian Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu and H.E. Ahmad Sultan Al Falahi, Minister Plenipotentiary – Commercial Attache, were present
iv. The UAE-India collaboration will convene a UAE-India AI Working Group (TWG) between the UAE Ministry for Artificial Intelligence, Invest India and Startup India.
v. The TWG meeting will be held once in a year with an aim to increase investment in AI startups and research activities in partnership with the private sector.
Some facts about India – UAE ties:
♦ UAE is India’s third largest trading partner
♦ Indians constitute the largest expat community in the UAE at 27%
♦ UAE has invested more than USD 5.3 billion in India
♦ UAE has committed USD 75 billion for infrastructure development in India

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel bagged the Senior Fellowship Award for 2016-17 instituted by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training Centre
Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel has received the Senior Fellowship Award for 2016-17 instituted by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training Centre.
Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel – Senior Fellowship Award for 2016-17:
i. Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel is a Kalaburagi-based artist. This fellowship includes a cash of Rs 4.8 lakh.
ii. This fellowship is awarded to persons eligible to work on a particular subject in the field of art and culture for 2 years.
iii.Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel has been selected to work on Deccan Heritage with a special reference to Bahmani Sultanate through his digital painting.
iv. Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel is the only artist from Karnataka chosen for the fellowship this year. He has exhibited his artworks in 24 countries.
v. He received the National Lalitkala Academy award in 2014. At present, he is a member of the Karnataka Lalithakala Academy.
About Centre for Cultural Resources and Training Centre:
♦ Functions under – Union Ministry of Culture
♦ Director – Shri G.C. Joshi
♦ Location – New Delhi

Ministry of Earth Sciences celebrated Foundation day; Dr. Kusala Rajendran won National award for women scientist
On 27^th July 2018, the Ministry of Earth Sciences celebrated its foundation day at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.
Foundation day of Ministry of Earth Sciences:
i. Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST (Department of Science & Technology) was the Chief Guest of the function .
ii. The foundation day lecture was given by Dr. Asahiko Taira, President, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC).
iii. Following is the list of award winners honoured at the event:

iv. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) provides services in forecasting the monsoons and other weather/climate parameters, ocean state, earthquakes, tsunamis etc. for the public safety and socio-economic benefits.
About Ministry of Earth Sciences:
♦ Union Minister for Ministry of Science & Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences – Dr. Harsh Vardhan
♦ Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences – Dr. M. Rajeevan

Assamese film “Xhoihobote Dhemalite” wins 3 top awards at the 3rd Love International Film Festival in United States
On 28^th July 2018, Assamese film “Xhoihobote Dhemalite” (“Rainbow Fields”) won 3 top awards at the 3rd Love International Film Festival in United States.

Xhoihobote Dhemalite:
i. Xhoihobote Dhemalite won awards for: the best film, best actress (Dipannita Sharma) and best music (Anurag Saikia).
ii. The film was directed by Bidyut Kotoky. Bidyut Kotoky received the award for the movie under best film category.
iii. The film was produced by ‘India Stories’ and co-produced by Bidyut Kotoky’s Dhruv Creative Productions and US-based Kurmasana Kreates.
iii. The film portrays the issues of children of Assam growing up in violent times.
iv. Xhoixobote Dhemalite became the first Assamese film to be commercially released in the US. Over 150 films from 36 countries participated in the festival.
Some National Parks in Assam:
♦ Manas National Park
♦ Nameri National Park
♦ Orang National Park

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Google Unveils ‘Edge TPU’ and ‘Cloud IoT Edge’ at the Google Cloud Next ’18 conference in San Francisco
On 25^th July 2018, Google launched two new products ‘Edge TPU’ and ‘Cloud IoT Edge’ with an aim to help customers develop and deploy intelligent connected devices, at the Google Cloud Next ’18 conference in San Francisco, United States.
‘Edge TPU’ and ‘Cloud IoT Edge’:
i. ‘Edge TPU’: is a new hardware chip. It is very small such that four of them can fit on a U.S penny.
ii. Edge TPU: is Google’s purpose-built application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designed to run AI (Artificial Intelligence) at the edge.
iii. It delivers high performance in a small physical and power footprint. It enables the deployment of high-accuracy AI at the edge.
iv. ‘Cloud IoT Edge’: is a software stack that extends Google Cloud’s powerful AI capability to gateways and connected devices.
v. Google also announced a new Cloud Search functionality to help companies index their third-party data beyond G Suite, whether that data is stored in the cloud, or on-premise.
vi. Google also announced a product named ‘Titan Security Key’. This will protect customers from phishing attacks.
About Google:
♦ CEO –Sundar Pichai
♦ Headquarters – California, United States

SPORTS

Indian women’s compound archery team bag number 1 spot in world rankings
On 27^th July 2018, the Indian Women’s Compound Archery team has secured number one position in the world rankings as per World Archery Association (WAA).

Indian women’s compound archery team bag number 1 spot in world rankings:
i. The Indian Women’s Compound Archery team has secured number one position with 342.6 points.
ii. Current world rankings in Women’s Compound Archery:

About Archery Association of India:
♦ Founded – 1973
♦ Honorary Life President – Prof Vijay Kumar Malhotra
♦ Acting President – Tarlochan Singh

OBITUARY

World’s oldest person Chiyo Miyako, a Japanese woman, dies at 117
On 22^nd July 2018, Chiyo Miyako, the world’s oldest person, passed away in Tokyo, Japan.
Death of Chiyo Miyako:
i. Chiyo Miyako was 117 years old Japanese woman. She was born on 2^nd May 1901.
ii. She became the world’s oldest person in April 2018 after Nabi Tajima of Japan died at the age of 117 years.
iii. Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Japan, said that, 115-year-old Kane Tanaka of Japan, is the new oldest person.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Hepatitis Day 2018 – July 28
On 28^th July 2018, World Hepatitis Day 2018 was observed all over the world.

World Hepatitis Day:
i. 28 July is observed as World Hepatitis Day every year. This day was chosen as it is the birthday of scientist Dr Baruch Blumberg, who discovered hepatitis B virus (HBV).
ii. He also developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for the virus. World Hepatitis Day, aims to enhance the national and international efforts on prevention and treatment of hepatitis.
iii. WHO (World Health Organisation) has declared theme for World Hepatitis Day 2018 as: “Test. Treat. Hepatitis”.
iv. WHO and Government of Mongolia conducted several events in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to commemorate the World Hepatitis Day 2018.
National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme launched in New Delhi on World Hepatitis Day
i. On 28^th July 2018, National Viral Hepatitis Control Program was launched in New Delhi on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day.
ii. Health Minister JP Nadda  said that, the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program will provide laboratory testing and management of viral Hepatitis.
iii. This will be decentralized and extended to Health and Wellness Centres in a phased manner.
iv. Also, a commemorative stamp for the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program was launched to create awareness on this issue.
About World Health Organization (WHO):
♦ Director – Tedros Adhanom
♦ Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland