Explanation:
According to latest data released by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Bihar has the highest rate of crimes against Schedule Caste/Schedule Tribe population. As per NCRB data, crime against SC/ST is lowest in West Bengal. Madhya Pradesh reported the highest rate of crime (43.4%) against SCs specifically, while West Bengal had the lowest at 6%. Rajasthan reported the highest rate of crime (12.9%) against STs specifically, while West Bengal had the lowest at 1.6%. The data also revealed that since 2014, crimes against SCs have increased by one percent overall, with a steep rise of 5.5% occurring in 2016. On the other hand, crimes against STs since 2014 have seen an overall decrease of 3.8%, with a significant drop of 8 percent in 2015.

Explanation:
On April 13, 2018, Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC’s) Neem Project in Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh. Under this project, GNFC intends to collect 8,000 to 10,000 MT Neem seeds from Uttar Pradesh, which in turn will provide additional income of Rs 12-15 crore for over one lakh rural woman from 2,500 villages in the State. The project will not only provide additional income to rural women but will also help in fulfilling Prime Minister’s vision of Neem-coated urea in the interest of millions of farmers of the country. GNFC has been running Neem Project since 2015, in over 60 districts of five states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan. Earlier, it signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IFFCO to expand this project in 15 districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Explanation:
On April 17, 2018, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Communications, Manoj Sinha launched DARPAN-PLI App, which will help in collection of premium for Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) policies at Branch Post Offices anywhere in India. In context of this news, DARPAN refers to DIGITAL ADVANCEMENT OF RURAL POST OFFICE FOR A NEW INDIA (DARPAN) Project, a project launched by Department of Posts as a part of its IT Modernisation plan, aimed at connecting all 1.29 lakh Rural Branch Post Offices in the country, to enable them to do online Postal and Financial Transactions. The DARPAN-PLI App will not only help in collection of premium for PLI and RPLI policies at Branch Post Offices, but will also enable indexing of maturity claims in respect of PLI and RPLI policies at Branch Post Office itself. This app is a part of Department of Posts endeavour to go digital which will help in providing better after-sales service to customers of PLI and RPLI, particularly to those living in rural areas of India.

Explanation:
On April 18, 2018, Union Minister of External Affairs, Ms. Sushma Swaraj launched ‘Study in India’ portal of Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry in presence of Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Prakash Javadekar and Minister of State for HRD, Dr. Satya Pal Singh. ‘Study in India’ portal is aimed at making India a preferred destination for the foreign students to pursue their education. Through this portal, students from 30 countries across South Asia, Africa, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Middle East can select and apply for different courses from 150 select Indian institutions. The 150 institutions are the ones which have a high National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking. ’Study in India’ film was also launched on the occasion.

Explanation:
On 18th April 2018, the first meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN Abhiyaan was held at Vigyan Bhawan, in New Delhi. Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman NITI Aayog, Dr V K Paul, Member (Health & Nutrition) NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog, and representatives of several ministries of the Central and State Governments participated in the meeting.
Mandate of the National Council on India’s Nutritional Challenges is as follows:
• Provide policy directions to address India’s nutritional challenges through coordinated inter-sectoral action.
• Coordinate and review convergence between Ministries.
• Review programmes for nutrition on a quarterly basis.
The Council will submit its report once in 6 months to the Prime Minister. The POSHAN Abhiyaan aims to reduce the level of under-nutrition and other related problems by making sure the convergence of various nutrition related schemes. It overlooks and reviews implementation of such schemes. It uses existing structural arrangements of line Ministries wherever available.

Explanation:
The Finance Ministry might bring up a Rs 10,000-crore follow-on fund offer of the Bharat-22 exchange traded fund (ETF) as it plans to dilute stake in Coal India to meet the minimum public holding norm. The finance ministry is also focused on using the ETF route to sell off government shares held through SUUTI (Specified Undertaking of Unit Trust of India) in private companies – ITC, Axis Bank and L&T. In November 2017, the government had introduced Bharat-22 ETF consisting of shares of 22 companies like public sector undertakings (PSUs), public sector banks, ITC, Axis Bank and L&T. The fund had gathered bids for Rs 32,000 crore. But the government retained only Rs 14,500 crore. PSUs that are part of the new Bharat ETF-22 are ONGC, IOC, SBI, BPCL, Coal India and Nalco. Other central public sector enterprises on the list are Bharat Electronics, Engineers India, NBCC, NTPC, NHPC, SJVNL, GAIL, PGCIL and NLC India. Three public sector banks: SBI, Indian Bank and Bank of Baroda are in the Bharat-22 index. It has been said that, through the ETF route, the government might dilute about 3.55 % stake held in Coal India to comply with the minimum 25 % public float requirement as mandated by SEBI. It was also said that, the ETF route is a safer mode of disinvestment as it protects investors against stock market volatility. Before introduction of Bharat-22 ETF, the government had launched the CPSE ETF consisting of stocks of the following PSUs – ONGC, Coal India, IOC, GAIL (India), Oil India, PFC, Bharat Electronics, REC, Engineers India and Container Corporation of India.

Explanation:
Intra-State E-way (Electronic Way) bill i.e. the E-way bill for movement of goods within the state will be rolled out in six more states from April 20, 2018. Six states in which Intra-State E-way bill will be rolled out from April 20, 2018 are Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Tripura and Uttarakhand. In context of this news, it is important to note that E-way bill system for moving goods worth over Rs 50000 from one state to another has already been rolled out since April 1, 2018. Karnataka is the only state which had rolled out Intra-State E-way bill system from April 1, 2018. After that, Intra-State E-way bill system was rolled out in five states viz. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh from April 15, 2018. E-way bill provision of the GST is an anti-evasion measure which would help in increasing tax collections by curbing trade that is being undertaken on cash basis.

Explanation:
On 17th April 2018, the Environment Ministry released the draft of National Clean Air Programme aimed to reduce air pollution. The Environment Ministry has published the draft of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) on its website. It has invited comments from stakeholders by 17th May 2018. Objectives of the NCAP as mentioned by the Environment Ministry in the draft are:
• to augment and develop an effective and a proficient ambient air quality monitoring network throughout India to ensure comprehensive and reliable database
• to have efficient data dissemination and a public outreach mechanism for timely measures for prevention and mitigation of air pollution,
• to have a feasible management plan for prevention, control and reduction of air pollution
Measures that will be taken for reducing air pollution are:
• augmenting the air quality monitoring network
• identification of alternative technology for real-time monitoring
• setting up of 10 city super network
• indoor air pollution monitoring and management and air pollution health impact studies
• air quality forecasting system
• issuance of notification on dust management
• a three-tier mechanism for review, assessment and inspection for implementation and a national emission inventory

Explanation:
MOUs/Agreements between India and Denmark:
• MOU on Cooperation in the field of Sustainable and Smart Urban Development: between the Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs of India and the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark
• MOU on Cooperation in the fields of Animal Husbandry and Dairying: between Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare of India and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark
• MOU on Food Safety Cooperation: between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration
• MOU on Cooperation in Agricultural Research and Education: between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Science, Denmark

Explanation:
MOU on the Establishment of the ICCR Chair for Hindi Language: between Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the University of Iceland

Explanation:
Sweden India Joint Action Plan (April 17, 2018):
To promote bilateral cooperation, the following India-Sweden Joint Action Plan was decided. As per the Joint Action Plan, India and Sweden, through relevant ministries, agencies and actors, aim to:
Innovation:
• Initiate a multi-stake holder Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future, to improve prosperity and growth and address societal challenges like climate change and sustainable development through innovation.
• Perform dialogue and cooperative activities in intellectual property rights as per the MoU between the Swedish Patent Registration Office and the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion of India.
Trade and investment
• Promote trade and investment in both directions, like Sweden’s investment in India through ‘Invest India’ and Indian investment in Sweden through ‘Business Sweden’.
• Promote the work of the India-Sweden Business Leaders Round Table (ISBLRT) to strengthen India-Sweden business cooperation in smart cities, digitization, skills development and defence.
Smart Cities and Next Generation Transport
• Knowledge sharing and cooperation on smart cities, transit-oriented urban development, air pollution control, waste management, waste-to-energy, waste-water treatment, district cooling and circular economy, also through dialogue and capacity building.
• Exchange of knowledge and cooperation in electro-mobility and renewable fuels.
• Knowledge sharing and cooperation in railway policy development, safety, training and operation and maintenance of railways.
Smart, sustainable and renewable energy
• mutual collaboration in development of smart grid technologies like smart metering, demand response, power quality management, distribution automation, electric vehicle and charging infrastructure, renewable integration, through research, capacity building, policy cooperation
• Expand research, innovation and business cooperation on new innovative energy technologies through the India-Sweden Innovations’ Accelerator, focused on technologies using renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Women’s skills development and empowerment
• Encourage women empowerment by skilling employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for women through projects like”Kraftsamla”.
• It has been undertaken by Swedish and Indian actors in Pune, Maharashtra. It offer skills training for women in jobs like forklift drivers, warehouse managers, assembly operators etc.
Defence
• Explore the finalization of a bilateral agreement on exchange and mutual protection of classified information for cooperation in the defence area.
• Improve Indo-Swedish dialogue on defence cooperation. Continue with India-Sweden defence seminars in India and Sweden in 2018-19 and explore, with the ISBLRT, opportunities for investment in Defence Production Corridors in India
• Promote industry partners to develop supply chains for small and medium sized enterprises (SME) with major Defence & Aerospace Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
Space and science
• Acknowledge the importance of bilateral cooperation on space research, technology, innovation and applications. Encourage space agencies to improve space cooperation under the MoU, especially in Earth observation, planetary exploration and satellite ground station activities, through an Indo-Swedish Space Seminar and a visit by an Indian delegation to Swedish space establishments.
• Explore possible collaboration between the European Spallation Source (ESS), hosted by Sweden, and Indian partners.
Health and Life Sciences
Improve collaboration in health sector like health research, pharmaco vigilance and anti-microbial resistance, under the MoU in the field of health care and public health.
Follow-up
The implementation of this Action Plan will be overseen by the Indo-Swedish Joint Commission on Scientific and Economic Affairs, Foreign Office Consultations and other relevant bilateral fora and Joint Working Groups.

Explanation:
On April 16, 2018, India won six elections to UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) bodies. By winning these elections, India won places on the executive boards of four UN bodies, three commissions and a committee. In election for the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Committee, within the Asia-Pacific group, India got the highest number of votes (46). The NGO committee scrutinises the NGOs applying for consultative status with ECOSOC. It is an important body as it has the power to recommend or block them. India will serve a four-year term on this committee starting January 2019. Through another single election, India made its way to the executive boards of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for a three-year terms from January 2019.

Explanation:
On April 18, 2018, China proposed a India-Nepal-China economic corridor with multi-dimensional connectivity through the Himalayas. This proposal was put forth by China after visiting Nepalese foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing. China has proposed this trilateral economic corridor on basis MoU signed by Nepal to join its multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The China-Nepal MoU pertaining to BRI envisages a well-developed connectivity network through ports, railways, highways, aviation, power and communications, which according to China will offer suitable conditions for an economic corridor connecting China, Nepal and India.

Explanation:
On April 16, 2018, market capitalisation of Kotak Mahindra Bank, for the first time surpassed that of State Bank of India. Market value of a company’s outstanding shares is referred to as market capitalisation (m-cap). It is calculated by multiplying the current market value of company’s share with total outstanding shares. At the end of the trading day on April 16, 2018, Kotak Mahindra Bank’s market capitalisation rose to Rs 2.23 lakh crore compared with SBI’s market cap of Rs 2.22 lakh crore. On account of this surge, Kotak Mahindra Bank has become the second-most valuable bank in India after HDFC Bank. Among all Indian banks, HDFC Bank has the highest market capitalisation of Rs 5.03 lakh crore.

Explanation:
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced that it has extended total credit support of Rs 14690 crore to Rajasthan during 2017-18. Rajasthan has been one of the biggest beneficiaries under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) of NABARD. Under RIDF, NABARD disbursed concessional loan of Rs 1851.29 crore to Rajasthan state government during 2017-18. Funds sanctioned by NABARD were used for 10 irrigation projects, construction of 1614 roads and two rural drinking water supply projects in the state.

Explanation:
On 17th April 2018, Communications and Railways Minister Manoj Sinha said that, the government aims to empower 1.55 lakh post offices after integration with 650 Payments Banks to offer digital services including financial inclusion. Manoj Sinha has said that, in 5 to 6 months, 1.5 lakh postal offices will operate as Post Payments Banks. He said that after pilot launch of India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) in Raipur and Ranchi, Payments Banks will be started in the remaining 648 locations soon. The Payments Banks will offer direct benefit transfer (DBT) to a large number of people. India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) launched its pilot services in Raipur and Ranchi in January 2017. In 2015, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had approved Payments Banks to 11 entities. It also allowed the Department of Posts to accept deposits up to Rs 1 lakh per individual or a small business. He also launched Digital Advancement of Rural Post Office for a New India or Darpan program with a budget of Rs 1,300 crore, under the IT modernisation initiative to enable digital transactions and online postal services in 1.29 branch post offices in rural regions of India. Bharti Airtel offers Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIM cards for postal department’s modernisation initiative. IT comapnies like Infosys and TCS are vendor-partner in the postal department’s modernisation drive. He said that the Postal Life Insurance (PLI) now covers people other than its employees with lesser premium and more returns. He added that this has helped to gather Rs 6 crore of additional revenue within 4 months of its introduction. He said that, out of the projected 250 Aadhaar enrolment and updation centres and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK), 178 have become fully functional now. He also launched Darpan-PLI app that enables renewal of pension including premium collection and indexing of maturity of claim.

Explanation:
As per latest World Economic Outlook, released by International Monetary Fund (IMF) on April 17, 2018, Indian economy is projected to grow 7.4% in the current fiscal i.e. FY 2018-19 and accelerate further in FY 2019-20 to 7.8%.The report has outlined that in the medium term, there will be a gradual increase in India’s growth rate as structural reforms raise potential output and Indian will thus consolidate its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. India’s growth in current and next fiscal will come on back of strong private consumption as well as fading transitory effects of demonetisation (in November 2016) and roll out of Goods and Services Tax (in July 2017). Consumer inflation is projected at 5% for the current as well as next year while the current account deficit is seen at 2.3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) this fiscal and 2.1% next fiscal. As per IMF, Chinese Economy will slow down from 6.9% in 2017 to 6.6% in 2018 and further to 6.4% in 2019 while Global growth is seen stable at 3.9% over the current and next calendar years.

Explanation:
On April 12, 2018, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) stated that India’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow at 7.3-7.7 percent during the 2018-19 financial year. The growth in 2018-19 will come on back of strong demand in the rural economy, including agriculture and non-farm activities, as well as better global growth climate. Strong demand in the rural economy will boost investment in industry, which in turn will increase manufacturing activities. As per CII, agriculture sector is expected to grow at 2.5-3.5 percent, industrial sector to grow at 7.2-7.5 percent and services sector to grow at 8.4-8.7 percent. Rising oil prices has been identified as a macro challenge. However, improving industrial performance is expected to compensate for the same.

Explanation:
Indian scientists have formulated world’s first ayurvedic drug to cure dengue, which is likely to be available in the market by 2019. Dengue (caused by the aedes aegypti mosquito which breeds in clean water), is the fastest growing mosquito-borne disease across the world as per World Health Organisation (WHO). first Ayurvedic drug to cure Dengue has been made with seven herbal ingredients which are in use in Ayurveda system of medicine. Pilot studies of this drug (in highly concentrated liquid form) which have proved the clinical safety and efficacy of the drug were already conducted by Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR’s), regional research centre in Belgaum in Karnataka. Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial (a medical study involving human participants) of the tablet form of this drug is going on in the medical colleges of Belgaum and Kolar in Karnataka.

Explanation:
Scientists in the University of Southampton have discovered that, stimulating a specific location on the surface of immune cells can be targeted with antibodies to help in fighting cancer. This discovery is related to a receptor called CD40. CD40 is found on the surface of certain immune cells which regulates their activity. The CD40 receptors are normally distributed on the surface of resting immune cells. They have to be very precisely clustered in order to trigger an immune response against cancer. Pre-clinical study was performed by scientists from the University of Southampton’s Antibody and Vaccine Group and researchers in Biological Sciences and the University of Hamburg. They also found that the ability of antibody drugs, which bind to the CD40 protein, to cluster the immune cell’s receptors, played a major role in triggering the receptors. This study has been published in Cancer Cell.

Explanation:
On 16th April 2018, journalist S Nihal Singh died due to multiple organ failure, at the National Heart Institute, in New Delhi. S Nihal Singh was 88 years old. He was the Chief Editor of The Statesman, Editor-in-Chief Indian Express and Editor of Khaleej Times. He was the founding editor of the The Indian Post. He had written several books. He had also written columns in newspapers. He received the International Editor of the Year Award in New York. He was Director, Press Institute of India. He was also President of the Press Club of India.

Explanation:
On 17th April 2018, Barbara Bush, the Former First Lady of the United States, passed away due to ill health at her home in Houston, United States. Barbara Bush was 92 years old. She had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure in the past few years. She was the wife of former US President George Herbert Walker Bush, and the mother of George Walker Bush, who is also a former US President. She was the First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993. She was the Second Lady of the United States from 1981 to 1989. She had worked towards attaining universal literacy. She founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

Explanation:
On 18th April 2018, World Heritage Day also known as International Day For Monuments and Sites was celebrated all over the world. World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is celebrated every year on 18th April since 1982. The International Day for Monuments and Sites was proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) on 18th April 1982. It was approved by the General Assembly of UNESCO in 1983. This day is celebrated to create awareness on the cultural heritage of humanity, their vulnerability and efforts needed to protect and conserve them. India has 36 world heritage sites approved by the UNESCO. This is the sixth highest in the world. Italy has the most number of heritage sites in the world with 53 sites. It is followed by China with 52 sites. Theme for World Heritage Day 2018: Heritage for Generations.

Explanation:
Government of India has decided to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds 2018-19 – Series-I. These bonds will be issued by Reserve Bank India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India.
Subscription Date: April 16, 2018 to April 20, 2018. Bond Certificate will be issued on May 4, 2018
Denomination: 1 gm multiples
Issue Price: Rs. 3114 per gram. The issue price is the simple average of closing price of gold of 999 purity published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited for the last 3 business days of the week preceding the subscription period. Discount of Rs. 50 per gm for those who subscribe online and pay through digital mode.
Tenure: 8 years
Interest Rate: 2.50% per annum, payable every 6 months.
Exit Option: From 5th year onwards, to be exercised on interest payment dates
Minimum Size: 1 gm
Maximum Limit: 4 KG for individual, 4 Kg for HUF and 20 Kg for trusts and similar entities per fiscal (April-March) notified by the Government from time to time.
Sold By: Banks, Post Offices, Stock Holding Corporation of India (SHCIL), National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)

Explanation:
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has designated 14 new sites as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) since 2016. These systems highlight agricultural traditions that promote sustainability, protect biodiversity and the environment and support the social and economic development required for stable, decent livelihoods. The 14 new sites are wide ranged from oases to rice terraces, wasabi cultivation to raisin production. These places have shaped landscapes into works of art. They have protected sustainable ways of living and producing food.
The 14 new sites are:
• Siwa Oasis, Egypt, 2016
• Chinampa Agriculture in the World Natural and Cultural Heritage Zone in Xochimilco, Tláhuac and Milpa Alta, Mexico, 2017
• Zhagana Agriculture -Forest-Animal Husbandry Composite System, China, 2017
• Huzhou Mulberry-dyke & Fish Pond System, China, 2017
• Osaki Kodo’s Traditional Water Management System for Sustainable Paddy Agriculture, Japan, 2017
• Nishi-Awa Steep Slope Land Agriculture System, Japan, 2018
• Traditional Hadong Tea Agrosystem in Hwagae-myeon, Republic of Korea, 2017
• The Agricultural System of Valle Salado de Añana, Spain, 2017
• Malaga Raisin Production System in La Axarquía, Spain, 2017
• The Cascaded Tank-Village System, Sri Lanka, 2017
• Rice Terraces in Southern Mountainous and Hilly Areas, China, 2018
• Xiajin Yellow River Old Course Ancient Mulberry Grove System, China, 2018
• Traditional Wasabi Cultivation in Shizuoka, Japan, 2018
• Barroso Agro-sylvo-pastoral System, Portugal, 2018

Explanation:
On April 16, 2018, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) unveiled the beta version of a website that contains information about mobile tariffs of all operators for all service areas. Objective behind unveiling this portal is to allow users to compare tariffs of different telecom operators and thereby enhance transparency in the industry. The beta portal which has been unveiled provides information about regular tariffs, special tariff vouchers, value-added service packs and promotional tariffs. Currently, the beta portal has been launched for the Delhi circle. TRAI will seek feedback from users after 15 days. Users can offer their comments on parameters that have been considered for tariff comparison. Once it is rolled out across India, this portal would not only benefit the consumers but will also help telecom operators to do a comparative analysis.

Explanation:
On April 17, 2018, Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Suresh Prabhu launched Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO’s) GlobalLinker, a digital platform for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Exporters. FIEO GlobalLinker is a growing global network, which currently comprises over 140000 SME firms. These firms use their electronic business card and digital profiles created on the platform to seek growth opportunities through business collaboration. Through this platform MSME exporters can digitise their businesses and thus join a global community of growing businesses. By using FIEO GlobalLinker search and review facilities, exporters can find clients, suppliers and advisors. Through this platform, exporters can even creating a free e-commerce store for direct sales and improved chain management. In addition to above features, the platform also hosts business articles and industry news, through which, exporters can update their knowledge.

Explanation:
On April 15, 2018, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated a 2.5-km-long bridge built over the Ib river in Sambalpur district. This is Odisha’s second longest bridge and has been built at a cost of Rs. 117.50 crore. The bridge has enabled direct road connectivity between Sambalpur and Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district. By Commuting through this bridge, distance between these two places is reduced by 50 km.

Explanation:
Union Minister for Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu said that, Central government along with state government and private partners is working to promote Goa as a tourism destination and a cargo hub. Suresh Prabhu said this when he addressed media persons at Dabolim Airport, Goa, after inspection of the renovation work. He said that, Mopa airport will start operations by September 2020. Dabolim Airport will continue to operate along with Mopa Airport. At Dabolim airport, renovation work worth Rs 300 crore is being done. New multi-layer parking complex will start operation by July 2018. Also, at the Dabolim airport, one counter will be allocated to Goa Tourism Department to operate taxi services. Another counter will be allocated to the Goa state government for sale of local products, souvenirs, and vegetables. He said that, transportation of cargo will help farmers to access international market. Also, when Goa gets two airports, passenger handling capacity will increase to 3 crores. He said that, under the Skill Development and Startup India initiative, Civil Aviation Ministry is in discussion with World Bank and other major institutions to promote Goa as a market destination.

Explanation:
A MoU was signed between the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), India, and the Groupement des Industries Françaises Aeronautiques et Spatiales (GIFAS), France, to promote a sustainable framework for present and future partnerships and cooperative actions between the French aerospace industry and the Indian defence industry. The MoU was signed during a major industrial mission in India in the aerospace and defence sector, which was organised by GIFAS with the support of SIDM from 16th April to 19th April 2018. The MoU was signed by Pierre Bourlot, managing director of GIFAS and Lt Gen Subrata Saha, director general of SIDM. This agreement will work on expanding trade, through better economic and industrial cooperation between France and India and towards export customers. It will enable implementation of various measures to promote a mutually beneficial cooperation in aerospace and defence manufacturing, research and technology, human capital, engineering services, systems integration. The cooperation will focus on five axes of common interest. They are:
• The development of business opportunities between members of GIFAS and SIDM
• Training and human capital development
• Research and technology
• Aerospace Industry Policy and Business Environment
• International Trade Issues

Explanation:
On 16th April 2018, a loan agreement worth USD 48 million for the “Meghalaya Community – Led Landscapes Management Project (MCLLMP)” was signed by India and the World Bank, in New Delhi. The objective of this project is to enhance community-led landscapes management in selected landscapes in Meghalaya. The project has three components:
• strengthening knowledge and capacity for natural resource management
• community-led landscape planning and implementation
• project management and governance
It will help in managing the depleting natural resources like land, water sources, and forests by strengthening the communities and traditional institutions. This will increase water for local communities and improve the soil productivity, resulting in increased incomes and lesser poverty. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) loan agreement was signed by Sameer Kumar Khare, Joint Secretary (MI), Department of Economic Affairs on behalf of India. Hisham A Abdo Kahin, Acting Country Director, World Bank (India) signed it on behalf of the World Bank. Also, a project agreement was also signed by P. Sampath Kumar, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and CEO, Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) and Hisham A Abdo Kahin, Acting Country Director, World Bank (India). The closing date for the above project is 30th June 2023.

Explanation:
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2018. The amended Rules state that, the phasing out of Multilayered Plastic (MLP) is now applicable to MLP that are non-recyclable, or non-energy recoverable, or with no alternate use. The amended Rules state that:
• a central registration system for the registration of the producer/importer/brand owner is prescribed
• any mechanism for the registration should be automated and should take into account ease of doing business for producers, recyclers and manufacturers
• the centralised registration system will be developed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for the registration of the producer/importer/brand owner
• a national registry is prescribed for producers with presence in more than two states
• a state-level registration has been prescribed for smaller producers/brand owners operating within one or two states
Rule 15 of the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2018 on “explicit pricing of carry bags” has been omitted. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had formed a committee to study the issues faced in implementation of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The committee had submitted its recommendations. The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018, was notified by the ministry on 27th March 2018.

Explanation:
On 16th and 17th April 2018, the India-Wiesbaden Conference 2018 was held at the Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi. The India-Wiesbaden Conference 2018 was hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs, India, along with the Government of Germany and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) was the industry partner for the event. Title of the Conference: The Title of the Conference is ‘Securing Global Supply Chains through Government-Industry Partnerships towards Effective Implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540’. The Conference saw participation from representatives of Government and Industry of 39 countries, and experts from the UNSC 1540 Committee and UN Office for Disarmament Affairs in New York. The Conference offered an opportunity to share experiences on export control systems for the participants and to identify legal and technical assistance, action plans and challenges in national level implementation of UNSC 1540. The UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) establishes legally binding obligations on all States to adopt and implement measures to prevent the proliferation to non-State actors of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and their delivery systems.

Explanation:
Bisket Jatra celebration began in Bhaktapur, Nepal on April 14, 2018. Bisket Jatra is a nine-day festival, celebrated annually to welcome the spring and the Nepalese New Year. The Jatra begins four days before the start of new year. It is believed that the festival started during Malla dynasty, that ruled Kathmandu from 1201–1769 AD. As a part of celebration, people of upper and lower part of Bhaktpur engage in a tug of war to pull a three-storey chariot of Lord Bhairavanath on their side. This is the main attraction of Bisket Jatra.

Explanation:
On April 17, 2018, India’s largest private sector bank, ICICI Bank announced that it has on-boarded over 250 corporates on its blockchain platform for domestic and international trade finance. In August 2016, ICICI Bank became the first bank in India to successfully undertake pilot transactions on its blockchain platform for international trade finance. Since then, more than 250 Indian corporate, including the leading ones are now undertaking domestic/international trade finance transactions on this platform. ICICI Bank’s blockchain platform digitises the paper-intensive international trade finance process as an electronic, distributed and unalterable ledger, which is accessible to all the participating entities including banks. This is not just more time and cost efficient but also a secure way of undertaking domestic and international trade transactions.

Motto:The official motto for the 2018 Commonwealth Games was “Share the Dream”. It was chosen to highlight the dreams and experience at the games that were shared by participants of the games, ranging from athletes to volunteers and the host country Australia to the world including the Commonwealth nations.
Emblem:The emblem of the 2018 Commonwealth Games was a silhouette of the skyline and landscape of Gold Coast, the host city of the games.
Mascot: Borobi was named as the mascot of the 2018 Commonwealth Games in 2016. Borobi is a blue koala, with indigenous markings on its body. The term “borobi” means koala in the Yugambeh language, spoken by the indigenous Yugambeh people of the Gold Coast and surrounding areas.

Explanation:

Explanation:
India won the most highest number of medals in Shooting.This became possible after the emergence of Young Indian Shooter like Anish Bhanwala Aged 15,who created history by becoming the country’s youngest gold medal winner in Common Wealth Games.He registered a total score of 30,a new Games record. In women’s table tennis event,the Indian team won its gold medal which is the first ever gold medal in the commonwealth Games. Ace Tennis player Manika Batra Won medal in each event she participated(Women’s team, Women’s singles, Women’s doubles,Mixed doubles).She became the first women Singles gold medal winner in CWG. Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu,Won the First Gold Medal in Women’s 48 kg in the CommonWealth Games and broke the records in the ‘Snatch’ section,the ‘Clean & Jerk’ and the overall games record. Following her weightlifter Deepak Lather from Haryana became the youngest Weightlifter to claim a commonwealth Games medal,clinching a Bronze in men’s 69kg Category. Weightlifter Venkat Rahul Ragala is the first Indian to win Gold medal in the 85kg Category in the Common Wealth Games. Neeraj Chopra,aged 20 years who was the former Junior World Champion won Gold medal. Neeraj thus became the first Gold medal winner & the second javelin thrower from India to claim a CWG medal — the first being Kashinath Naik, who fetched a bronze in the 2010 Delhi Games. Saina Nehwal became the first Indian to win two singles golds at the games after defeating P.V.Sindhu.With this win Saina, ranked 12th in the world. The Gold Medal won by India’s Mixed Badminton team is the country’s first Medal in that Category at the Commonwealth Games.

Explanation:
The prestigious Pulitzer Prizes for achievements in journalism, literature and musical composition were announced on April 16, 2018. This was the 102nd edition of Pulitzer Prizes.

Explanation:
Aditi Rao Hydari will be awarded the Dada Saheb Phalke excellence award 2018 for the Best Leading Lady (Critics Award) for her performance in the Bollywood movie ‘Bhoomi’. The film ‘Bhoomi’ also featured actor Sanjay Dutt. The story revolved around a protective father who saved his daughter from all evils surrounding her. The award ceremony will be held on 21st April 2018, at St. Andrews Auditorium in Mumbai. The event will see participation from producers, directors, distributors, exhibitors etc.

Explanation:
Scientists in Britain and the United States have discovered “PETase” an enzyme that can digest some commonly polluting plastics. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a strong plastic that is commonly used in bottles. It takes hundreds of years to break down in the environment. The discovery was made by researchers from Britain’s University of Portsmouth and the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The discovery was made in Japan. Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6 is a bacterium that uses the plastic as its major energy source. PETase is secreted by Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6 to digest plastic. The enzyme is able to digest PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

Explanation:
On 16th April 2018, Yuki Bhambri entered into the top-100 ATP men’s singles ranking with a rank of rank 83, for the first time since February 2016. Yuki Bhambri has improved 22 places and has reached rank 83, which is considered his career best. This is the best rank an Indian has obtained in ATP singles ranking, after Somdev Devvarman reached rank 62 in 2011. Ramkumar Ramanathan has reached his career-best rank of 116. He was Yuki Bhambri’s Davis cup teammate. Sumit Nagal has been ranked 215. He is followed by Prajnesh Gunneswaran at 266 and Arjun Kadhe at 394. Divij Sharan has improved to rank 41. Leander Paes has secured 49th position. Rohan Bopanna is at rank 19. Ankita Raina has secured 194th rank. Karman Kaur Thandi is at 268th rank. Sania Mirza remains at 24th rank in the women’s ranking.

Explanation:
On 17th April 2018, World Haemophilia Day was observed all over the world. Every year 17th April is observed as World Haemophilia Day throughout the world to create awareness about haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. In 1989, World Haemophilia Day was started by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH). This day was chosen to honour WFH founder Frank Schnabel’s birthday. The theme for World Haemophilia Day 2018 is: Sharing Knowledge Makes Us Stronger. 17th April 2018 is the 28th World Hemophilia Day. Various monuments across the world, changed its lighting to red on 17th April 2018 to offer its support to World Haemophilia Day. World Heritage Site Qutub Minar in Delhi, India was also lit up with red lights.

Explanation:
Union Communications Minister Manoj Sinha has announced that second edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) will be held in New Delhi from 25th – 27thOctober. Second edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) will be hosted by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). The event will serve as a platform for policy makers, regulators and other industry stakeholders to engage in meaningful deliberations on contemporary issues and futuristic aspects of the sector. Discussions at the event will focus on networks of the future, enhancing consumer experience, technologies shaping our lives and start-ups. The three-day event will be attended by nearly 200000 professionals from the telecom industry, delegates from US, Canada, European Union, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. First edition of IMC was held in September 2017 in New Delhi.

Explanation:
On April 13, 2018, Central Government announced extension of phase 1 of the FAME-India scheme by six months till end of September 2018 or till its second phase is approved, whichever is earlier. Announcement in this regard was made through a notification issued by Department of Heavy Industry under Union Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, which is the administrative authority for this scheme. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles – FAME India Scheme was announced in Union Budget 2015-16 and is a part of National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020. Under Phase 1, incentives were offered for mass adoption of electric and strong hybrid vehicles. At the time of launch, phase 1 of FAME India was proposed for two years till March 31, 2017. Since, then, it was extended twice for six months up to March 31, 2018. Under Phase 2 of FAME India, spanning over five years, incentives will be restricted to new energy vehicles used for public transport, commercial purposes and high-speed two-wheelers. Total financial outlay for Phase 2 will be Rs 8730 crore.

Explanation:
On April 14, 2018, on the occasion of 127th birth anniversary BR Ambedkar, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan launched Pradhan Mantri Ujwala Yojana (PMUY) in Telangana. PMUY was launched in May 2016. The objective of this scheme is to provide deposit-free LPG connections with monetary assistance to women from below poverty line (BPL) households, thereby preventing health hazards emanating from usage of unclean cooking fuel and fossil fuel for domestic cooking purpose. PMUY has so far benefited more than 3.5 crore families. At the time of launching the scheme in Telangana, Mr. Pradhan stated that by the next year-end, over 20 lakh new gas connections will be provided in Telangana. He also added that beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Housing for the rural poor) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (food scheme) will also be covered under the PMUY.

Explanation:
On April 10, 2018, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hyderabad based firm M/s Suraas Impex Pvt. Ltd. for developing a Mega Tourism Destination project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The proposed Mega Tourism Destination project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh will be implemented at an estimated cost of Rs. 550 crore. ITDC will be the Consulting Agency as well as Implementing Agency for this project. ITDC has a commendable track record for executing such projects. So far, it has completed 67 infrastructure projects for Union Ministry of Tourism, Union Ministry of Culture and various State Governments. It also provides Engineering Consultancy Services through its division, Ashok Consultancy & Engineering Services.

Explanation:
On April 15, 2018, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley took oath for his new six years term in the Rajya Sabha. Mr. Jaitley took oath in Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu’s chamber in Parliament, in presence of Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Ananth Kumar and Leader of Opposition in the Upper House, Ghulam Nabi Azad. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. He was re-elected for new term in March 2018. Following his re-election, he was also appointed the Leader of the House on April 2, 2018. However, he was not able to take oath, owing to his health condition.

Explanation:
United Nations (UN) has launched a UN Road Safety Trust Fund to spur action that could save lives and prevent the loss of opportunity associated with road accidents. The fund has been launched in wake of tragic road accidents in Canada and India. As per data provided by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, around 1.3 million drivers, passengers and pedestrians die each year, and up to 50 million are injured on the world’s roads. UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is the secretariat for the trust fund. According to UNECE, every USD 1500 contributed to the fund could save one life, prevent 10 serious injuries, and leverage USD 51000 towards investments in road safety. Usage of the fund will be in accordance with five pillars of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety. Five pillars of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety are – strengthened road safety management capacities, enhanced safety of vehicles, improved safety of road infrastructure and broader transport networks, improved behaviour of road users and improved post-crash care. UN General Assembly also adopted a resolution on road safety, calling for a range of measures to prevent road accidents and to minimise the resulting damage. This resolution was sponsored by Russia.