Explanation:
The government has raised the authorised capital of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) by 6 times to Rs 300 billion, aimed to increase its lending to the rural economy, as a part of the initiative to double farmers’ income by 2022. A notification regarding this was released by the Finance Ministry on 10th April 2018. A bill in this regard was approved by Parliament at the start of this year. The increased authorised capital will enable NABARD to perform the commitments it has undertaken, especially with respect to Long Term Irrigation Fund and on-lending to cooperative banks. Also, it will help NABARD to expand its business and activities, resulting in promotion of integrated rural development, prosperity of rural areas and generation of more employment.

Explanation:
Reliance Jio has signed an agreement to raise nearly Rs 3,250 crore as samurai term loan from Japan-based banks. Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited said that, it had signed approximately JPY 53.5 billion samurai term loan with 7 year bullet maturity. The facility is guaranteed by Reliance Industries Limited. It will be used for funding Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited’s ongoing capital expenditure. With exchange rate of 60 paise per Japanese yen, the loan value amounts to nearly Rs 3,248 crore. This deal is said to be the largest samurai loan (low interest loans from Japanese investors) for an Asian corporate company. Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited said that, the facility has been fully underwritten by Mizuho Bank, Ltd., MUFG Bank, Ltd. and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Singapore Branch. It added that, it will be launched into syndication soon.

Explanation:
On 13th April 2018, the 65th National Film Awards for 2017 was announced by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The 65th National Film Awards will be presented by President Ram Nath Kovind on 3rd May 2018. The Feature Film Central panel was headed by Shekhar Kapur. The Non- Feature Film panel was headed by Nakul Kamte and the Best Cinema on Writing jury was headed by Anant Vijay.

Explanation:
List of winners is as follows:
• Best Actress: Sridevi for ‘Mom’
• Best Actor: Riddhi Sen for ‘Nagar Kirtan’
• Best Director: Jayaraj for ‘Bhayanakam’
• Best Film: Village Rockstars (Assamese)
• Best Action Direction: ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’
• Best Choreography: Ganesh Acharya for ‘Gori Tu Latth Maar’ from the film ‘Toilet Ek Prem Katha’
• Best Special Effects: ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’
• Special Jury Award: Nagar Kirtan (Bengali)
• Best Lyrics: Muthurathinam
• Best Music Direction: AR Rahman for ‘Katru Veliyidayi’
• Best Make-up Artist: Ram Rajak for ‘Nagar Kirtan’
• Best Costume: Gobinda Mandal for ‘Nagar Kirtan’
• Best Production Design: Santosh Rajan ‘Take Off’
• Best Editing: Rima Das for ‘Village Rockstar’
• Best Sound Design: ‘Walking With The Wind’
• Best Audiography (Location Sound): Mallika Das, Village Rockstar
• Best Location Sound Recording: Mallika Das for ‘Village Rockstar’
• Best Screenplay Original: Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum
• Best Screenplay Adapted: Bhayanakam
• Best Cinematography: Bhayanakam
• Best Female Playback Singer: Sashaa Tirupati for ‘Kaatru Veliyidayi’
• Best Male Playback Singer: K.J Yesudas for the song ‘Poy Maranja Kalam’ from ‘Viswasapoorvam Mansoor’
• Best Child Artist: Anita Das for ‘Village Rockstar’
• Best Children’s Film: ‘Mhorkya’
• Best Film on Environmental Conservation: ‘Irada’
• Best Direction: Jayaraj for ‘Bhayanakam’
• Best Feature Film on National Integration: Dhappa (Marathi)
• Best Debut Film of a Director: ‘Sinjar’
• Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’

Explanation:
Veteran actor Dharmendra will be conferred Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement by Maharashtra State Government. Along with Dharmendra, Director Rajkumar Hirani will get the Raj Kapoor Special Contributions Award, veteran Marathi actor Vijay Chavhan will get Chitrapati V Shantaram Jivangaurav Puraskar (Lifetime Achievement Award) and actress-director Mrinal Kulkarni will get Chitrapati V Shantaram Vishesh Yogdaan Puraskar (Special Contributions Award). Announcement in this regard was made by Maharashtra Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Vinod Tawde on April 15, 2018. 82-year old Dharmendra has earned himself the sobriquet of “He-Man”. “Sholay”, “Chupke Chupke”, “Yaadon Ki Baaraat”, “Satyakam” and “Seeta Aur Geeta” are some of the popular movies in which he played the lead role. These awards were instituted by Maharashtra State Government. Both the lifetime achievement awards carry a citation and cash reward of Rs 500000 while the special contribution awards carry a citation and Rs 300000 cash prize each. The awards will be given away at the 55th Maharashtra State Marathi Film Festival.

Explanation:
Sampanna Ramesh Shelar, a 17-year-old swimmer from Pune has set a world record to double cross the Bangla Channel. Water stretch from Saint Martin’s Island Jetty to Teknaf in Bangladesh is known as the Bangla Channel. Sampanna Ramesh Shelar has become the first person to double cross (swim to and fro) the Bangla Channel. Sampanna Ramesh Shelar accomplished this feat on April 13, 2018 by completing the journey of 32.2 kilometers in 9 hours and 10 minutes.

Explanation:
On 14th April 2018, President Ram Nath Kovind received the first copy of the book ‘Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar: Vyakti Nahin Sankalp’ from Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, who formally released it at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Ram Nath Kovind said that, the book was a slim volume but covered the inspiring life of Dr Ambedkar and several dimensions of his ideas and personality. It also referenced how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been inspired by the life and message of Dr Ambedkar.

Explanation:
On 15th April 2018, South Western Command celebrated its 14th Raising Day. Tributes were paid to martyrs of Indian Army at a ceremony at ‘Prerna Sthal’ in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on the 14th raising day of South Western Army Command. Lt Gen Vijay Singh, chief of staff, South Western Command and other officers paid tributes. He said that, South Western Command is the seventh and the youngest command of the Indian Army. It was formed on 15th April 14 years ago. It is named as the Sapta Shakti. Its motto is Forever Victorious. Apart from performing its primary functions like operational preparedness, the command has also contributed to environmental protection, national integration, welfare of veterans, women and disabled soldiers, Mukhyamantri Jal Swablamban Abhiyan (MJSA) etc.

Explanation:
On April 14, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Chhattisgarh for two-day state visit. During the course of this visit, he will launch various welfare schemes. PM Modi to inaugurate first health centre under Ayushman Bharat Scheme. On April 14, 2018, on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, Prime Minister Modi launched first of 1.5 lakh health and wellness centres, planned under the recently launched Ayushman Bharat Scheme, at Jangla village in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. Ayushman Bharat Scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet on March 21, 2018 with budgetary support of Rs 10500 crore. Under this scheme, Government has set a target to set up 1.5 lakh wellness centres by 2022 to deliver comprehensive primary healthcare. Other component of this scheme is to provide insurance cover to most deprived Indian population.
PM Modi to visit Jangala Development Hub
During the course of this visit, PM Modi will be visiting Bijapur district’s Jangala Development Hub, situated in a panchayat that has emerged as a model panchayat. Here, PM will be interacting with people and local ‘Champions of Change’ including officials of the district administration. It is to be noted that, despite this place being at the epicentre of Left Wing Extremism, it has performed very well, especially post the launch ofAspirational District programme on January 5, 2018.
Other Highlights of PM Modi’s Chhattisgarh visit:
PM Modi has become first Indian Prime Minister to visit tribal district Bijapur, which was till now considered as one of the most backward regions of India. During this visit, PM Modi inaugurated Van Dhan Yojana aimed at empowering tribal communities. He also flagged off a train between Dalli Rajhara and Bhanupratappur and thereby dedicating the Bhanupratappur-Gudum railway line to the nation. Besides, he inaugurated a dialysis centre at the Bijapur hospital.

Explanation:
On April 12, 2018, Tripura State Government approved Rs 50.67 crore to set up an Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) at Bodhjungnagar, located 15 km away from Agartala. Bodhjungnagar is one of North Eastern region’s biggest industrial zones. Decision to set up IIIT at Bodhjungnagar in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode was taken in 2012. However, the project could not take off due to non clearance of funds from the previous Left Front government. The institute would be set up on 52.08 acres land and the total project cost would be Rs 128 crore. Out of Rs. 128 crore, Rs 73.60 crore will be provided by Central Government. Part of funding will also be procured from industrial partners. North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) and ONGC have come forward to extend financial cooperation for this project.

Explanation:
On April 10, 2018, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched ‘QUEST’, a centre to evaluate and quantify special development budget allocations and their impact on tribal development. Abbreviation ‘QUEST’ stands for Quality Evaluation for Sustainable Transformation. ’QUEST’ has been initiated by Maharashtra State Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Tribal Welfare, with an objective to bring greater accountability in spending and management of dedicated funds allocated for tribal welfare. Maharashtra has become the first among all Indian states to kick start such initiative. In context of this news, it is important to note that in Maharashtra State Budget 2018-19, Rs 8233.12 crore has been allocated for development of Scheduled Tribes.

Explanation:
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to provide skill training to 500 youth and women at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP), situated in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu is the single largest nuclear power station in India. As per the terms of the MoU, firstly, NSDC will conduct a baseline survey in 19 villages in Tirunelveli district to assess nature and extent of talent gap and will accordingly identify job roles for the training. Thereafter, NSDC will impart training through its approved training partners near KKNPP. The objective is to provide gainful employment (wage and self-employment) to nearly 70 percent of the trained candidates post-training. Upon successful completion of the training, the trainees will be awarded a certificate which conforms to National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). NPCIL has committed Rs. 1.74 crore under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions towards this project, which is estimated to be complete in 15 months. NPCIL will monitor the progress of the implementation of the project to ensure that the objective of the project is met effectively.

Explanation:
On April 11, 2018, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), in Gujarat launched 6th edition of Heat Action Plan (HAP) aimed at protecting city dwellers from scorching temperatures during summer. The plan has been designed and will be implemented in partnership with Gandhinagar-based Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH) and US based Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC) along with other groups and NGOs. AMC has been implementing HAP since 2013. Ahmedabad is the first city to prepare and implement heat action plan. Key elements of this year’s HAP are expanding use of cool roofs, increasing access to drinking water, reflective paint on buildings to lower inside temperatures and training medical professionals to help protect patients during extreme heat. This year’s plan also incorporates an early warning system to be used during heat waves, inter-agency coordination to alert residents in predicted high temperature areas and a robust public education campaign about how to avoid harm from excessive heat.

Explanation:
State of Andhra Pradesh is constructing a world-class city in its de facto capital Amaravati. Nearly 3840 apartments in 61 towers are under construction in the Amaravati capital region. Out of 61 towers, 21 towers having 1440 apartments are being built by Shapurji Palonji. These apartments will be for Type 1, Type 2 government officers and Group D employees. 22 towers with 1968 apartments for NGOs, are being built by L&T while 18 towers having 432 apartments (for Members of Legislative Assembly, Members of Legislative Council and All India Services Officers are being built by Nagarjuna Construction Company. Towers being built by Shapurji Palonji and L&T are at Nelapadu village while those being built by Nagarjuna Construction Company are at Rayapudi village. This entire urbanisation project is being supervised by Department of Municipal Administration and Urban Development under Minister P Narayana.

Explanation:
A power plant worth Rs 502 crore will be set up in Bandhwari village of Gurugram district, Haryana, to produce electricity from waste under the Integrated Solid Waste Management Scheme. The plant will be set up by August 2019. It will generate 25 MW of electricity. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar laid the foundation stone of the plant in Bandhwari village on 13th April 2018. He said that the plant will be set up as per the conditions of the National Green Tribunal. Urban Local Bodies Minister Kavita Jain said the plant will be installed in Gurugram and Sonipat clusters to generate electricity from waste.

Explanation:
The intra-state e-way bill will come into effect on 20th April 2018 in Haryana. The e-way bill is mandated for intra-state movement of goods also in Haryana. This was announced by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar at the inaugural function of new building of excise and taxation. He said the Haryana state government has been expanding e-governance in a planned manner to create an easy and transparent work environment.

Explanation:
On April 13, 2018, Union External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj met the Afghan Defence Minister Lieutenant-General Tariq Shah Bahramee in New Delhi and agreed to make efforts in combating terrorism in the South Asian region. During the meeting, Ms. Sushma Swaraj and Lieutenant-General Tariq Shah Bahramee pushed for efforts to combat the menace of opium cultivation and drugs trafficking which is the main source of funding terrorism against the people of Afghanistan. Ms. Swaraj assured India’s support to Afghan government and the people of Afghanistan for building a peaceful, stable, united and prosperous nation. Lieutenant-General Tariq Shah Bahramee was in India to attend 10th edition of Defence Expo 2018 in Tamil Nadu. During the course of this visit, he also met Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Explanation:
On 13th April 2018, Pakistan’s Supreme Court disqualified former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from holding office for life. Nawaz Sharif is 67 years old. He resigned in July 2017 after the Supreme Court disqualified him from holding office on an issue over undeclared source of income. But he is still associated with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. The Supreme Court verdict has stated that, under Pakistan’s Constitution, no person once disqualified from office by the Supreme court can hold public office again.

Explanation:
On 13th April 2018, Indian companies and Russian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) signed 7 MoUs at the DefExpo 2018 held in Thiruvidanthai, Chennai. Earlier, at the third India-Russia Military Industrial Conference, discussions were made on improvement of after-sales support of Russian origin defence platforms used by Indian defence forces.
The 7 MoUs that were signed are:
• Larsen & Toubro Ltd and joint stock company Rosoboronexper: for underwater platforms of Indian Navy and Heavy Weight Torpedo and future-ready combat vehicles.
• Ananth Technologies and JSC Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies (KRE): for product support for defence systems and upgrade of opto-electric sighting and navigation complex for Su-30MKI aircraft).
• Ananth Technologies and Research and Production Corporation: to set up technical and logistic support in India for T90 S&T72 tanks in service with the Indian Army.
• Space Era and KRET: to set up technical and logistics support in India.
• OSKROSOMARINE and Russian company JSC AGAT: for post-sale support for Fregat radar installed onboard naval frontline warships.
• Krasnet Defence Technologies and JSC Concern AGAT: for co-operation in the field of after-sales support of equipment manufactured by JSC AGAT and installed on board Indian ships.
• Aviatech Enterprises and JSC AGAT: for co-operation in after-sales support of equipment manufactured by JSCAGAT and installed on board Indian naval ships.

Explanation:
The state of cooperation between Kazakhstan and India in the energy sector was discussed and analysed at the 16th International Energy Forum held in New Delhi from 10th to 12th April 2018. A delegation from Kazakhstan, led by the Vice-Minister of Energy, M. Mirzagaliyev, held talks with the Indian delegation led by Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan. The talks were focused on “The future of global energy security – transition, technology, trade and investment”, and how Kazakhstan and India can improve cooperation in the energy sector within the framework of the IEF and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).

Explanation:
On 13th April 2018, US President Donald Trump launched air strikes on Syria in a combined operation with France and Britain. US, Britain and France have targeted Damascus (capital of Syria) and surrounding areas in response to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s chemical attack that killed over 60 people last week. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia will call an emergency session of UN Security Council regarding the airstrike on Syria.

Explanation:
According to the weekly data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s foreign exchange reserves touched a life-time high of $424.864 billion in the week to April 6, 2018. As per RBI data, on a week-on-week basis, forex reserves increased by $503.6 million in the week to April 6, 2018. In the previous week, forex reserves rose by $1.828 billion to $ 424.366 billion. The latest surge in forex reserves came solely on the back of increase in foreign currency assets. Foreign currency assets is a major component of the total forex reserves. For the week to April 6, 2018, it rose by $657.7 million to $399.776 billion. For the reporting week, Gold reserves decreased by $130.7 million to $21.484 billion while special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) declined by $10 million to $ 1.534 billion.

Explanation:
On 13th April 2018, Punjab National Bank (PNB) launched new products like pre-approved credit card and UPI solution to mark its 124th foundation day. PNB also announced its UPI partnership with WALNUT, an expense management app, that has features like bill reminders, bill-split and instant paperless loans. PNB conducted blood donation camps in 200 blood donation centres in 76 circle offices covering more than 6,500 branches in all states and union territories. The camp was inaugurated at PNB head office in New Delhi by Sunil Mehta, MD and CEO of PNB.

Explanation:
On April 11, 2018, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), India’s multinational engineering conglomerate, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a government-owned aerospace and defence company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cater to the needs of evolving domestic and export markets for defence products and systems. The MoU envisages collaboration between L&T and BEL to fulfil growing requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. Besides, the MoU will also leverage expertise, experience and well-developed supply chain of BEL and L&T to enhance exports in the defence sector. In the past, both organisations have collaborated and partnered on co-development and production of major sub-systems such as Akash Missile launchers and other radar platforms for Indian Ministry of Defence orders.

Explanation:
Indian Government will be setting up a dedicated defence and aerospace small and medium enterprises (SME) fund, registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Objective for setting up this fund is to channelize investments into the two defence corridors announced by Government of India in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Annoucement in this regard was made by Department of Defence Production Secretary, Ajay Kumar during a session organised by FICCI, ‘Offsets: Way forward towards a win-win framework’, at the DefExpo 2018 in Tamil Nadu. Although the controlling stake of the fund will be with Government of India, minority stake could be taken by investors.

Explanation:
Siddharth Varadarajan, the founding editor of The Wire, will be awarded the Shorenstein Journalism Award for 2017 at Stanford University on16th April 2018. The Shorenstein Journalism Award is given every year by Stanford University’s Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center. It awards people from the West and Asia. Nayan Chanda, a member of the jury said that, Siddharth Varadarajan’s initiative in independent, web-based journalism as founding editor of The Wire, his well-researched reports, and his commentaries have attributed to his success.

Explanation:
Virat Kohli and Mithali Raj, captains of Indian men and women’s cricket team respectively found a place in the Wisden’s leading cricketers of the year. Virat Kohli and Mithali Raj were named the leading men’s and women’s cricketers in the world respectively. Five cricketers were chosen for the ‘Cricketers of the Year Award’. Three of them were women cricketers. England’s women cricketers Heather Knight, Natalie Sciver and Anya Shrubsole have been selected for Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year. West Indies batsman Shai Hope and Essex bowler Jamie Porter were also chosen for Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year. Stu Forster of Getty Images took a picture of English fast bowler Katherine Brunt taking a selfie at the cricket world cup final at Lord’s stadium. This has been selected as the Cricket Photograph of the Year.

Explanation:
On 14th April 2018, B.R.Ambedkar Remembrance Day also known as Ambedkar Jayanti was observed all over India and in few neighboring regions also. Ambedkar Jayanti is observed every year on 14th April to commemorate the birth anniversary of B.R.Ambedkar who was born on 14 April 1891. He was the architect of Indian Constitution. He is known as the “Father of Indian Constitution.” He had dedicated his life for uplifting the deprived section of the society. He had also played a major role in India’s freedom struggle. He had received Bharat Ratna award in 1990.

Explanation:
Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs has set up a 12-member panel to review the enforcement of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) provisions under the Companies law and to recommend a uniform approach for its enforcement. The panel is headed by Manmohan Juneja – Regional Director (Western Region) while Seema Rath – Deputy Director (CSR) will be the convener. Other members include Sanjay Shorey – Joint Director (Legal) and N K Dua – Joint Director (Policy) N K Dua. Representatives from apex bodies of chartered accountants, cost accountants and company secretaries will also be a part of this panel. Besides, there will be two sub-committees — legal and technical – which will examine various aspects of compliance with CSR provisions. It is to be noted that Under the Companies Act, 2013, profitable entities falling under specified categories are required to spend at least two per cent of their three-year annual average net profit towards CSR activities. This norm came into force on April 1, 2014.

Explanation:
On April 12, 2018, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the IRNSS-1I navigation satellite aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C41. PSLV-C4 carrying IRNSS-1I was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre located at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. IRNSS-1I is part of Indian satellite navigation system ‘Navigation with Indian Constellation’ (NavIC) that was earlier known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). NavIC is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position information in the Indian region and 1500 km around the Indian mainland. It is being referred to as Indian ‘GPS’. Till now, 52 Indian satellites and 237 customer satellites from abroad have been successfully launched aboard PSLV.

Explanation:
Tenth edition of India’s mega defence exhibition, DefExpo 2018 began at Thiruvidanthai (on the outskirts of Chennai) on April 11, 2018. DefExpo 2018 was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 12, 2018. This exhibition of weapons and military hardware showcases India’s defence manufacturing capabilities to the world. Live demonstrations, flying display and seminars on weapons and military hardware will be held during the course of this four-day event. 670 defence firms, including 154 foreign manufacturers and delegations from US, UK, Russia, France, Israel, Korea, Sweden, are participating in DefExpo 2018. Indian Navy’s warships like INS Kamorta and INS Sahyadri will dock at Chennai harbour as a part of Defence Expo 2018. These ships will be open to the general public for visiting on 13th & 15th of April, 2018. Theme of DefExpo 2018 is “India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub”. It has been organised over 2.90 lakh square feet space at Thiruvidanthai and is thus described as the “largest” to be conducted so far.

Explanation:
Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology lab, India’s first-of-its-kind 5G radio laboratory will be inaugurated at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on April 13, 2018. The Massive MIMO Technology Lab has been set up at the Bharti School of Telecommunication Technology and Management, at IIT Delhi. This 5G base station prototype will be used for developing a complete 5G base station, which can lead to the manufacturing of 5G base stations in India in near future. Most important feature of Massive MIMO is the deployment of several antennas as compared to only a few antennas in 3G/4G. Having several antennas improves system power efficiency, as the mobile terminals would be required to radiate ten times lesser power than in 3G/4G systems. This consequentially reduces interference to other radio systems and also reduces possible effects of exposure to radiation on human health.

Explanation:
16th International Energy Forum Ministerial (IEF16) Meeting was held on 10th -12th April 2018 in New Delhi. This meeting was hosted by India and co-hosted by China and South Korea. IEF16 was the largest gathering of Energy Ministers from across the globe. From the Indian side, the ministerial was attended by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Along with Energy Ministers from across the globe, the event also brought together, industry leaders and heads of key international organizations to debate the future of global energy. Discussions at this meeting revolved around how global shifts, transition policies and new technologies influence market stability and future investment in the energy sector.

Explanation:
India has ranked 130th out of 180 countries on 2018 Index of Economic Freedom published by the Heritage Foundation, an American think-tank. Economic Freedom in the context of this index, refers to a free society, wherein individuals are free to work, produce, consume and invest in any way they please and governments allows free movement of labour, capital, and goods. Index of Economic Freedom is an annual index and ranking which was first created in 1995. The economic freedom is measured by assessing the countries of on 12 quantitative and qualitative factors placed under four broad categories/pillars of economic freedom viz. Rule of Law (property rights, government integrity, judicial effectiveness), Government Size (government spending, tax burden, fiscal health), Regulatory Efficiency (business freedom, labour freedom, monetary freedom) Open Markets (trade freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom). Data considered for 2018 Index of Economic Freedom covers the second half of 2016 through the first half of 2017.
Highlights of 2018 Index of Economic Freedom:
India’s 130th rank on 2018 Index of Economic Freedom marks a jump of 13 spots as compared to 143rd rank in 2017. For 2018 edition, India’s economic freedom score was 54.5, registering an improvement of 1.9 points as compared to previous year. The year-on-year improvement has been largely attributed to business freedom, judicial effectiveness, government integrity and fiscal health. India ranked 30th among the 43 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and its overall score was below the regional and world averages. Heritage Foundation has outlined that India is perceived to be moving into an open-market economy. Despite of high economic growth, corruption, a restrictive and burdensome regulatory environment, underdeveloped infrastructure and poor financial and budget management continue to undermine overall development. Among India’s prominent neighbours, China ranked 110th while Pakistan ranked 131st. Hong Kong topped the index with Economic Freedom Score of 90.2.
2018 Index of Economic Freedom – Top 10:
1 Hong Kong
2 Singapore
3 New Zealand
4 Switzerland
5 Australia

Explanation:
India has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Timor-Leste (East Timor) in the field of public health to extend affordable healthcare to its people. This MoU was signed during India’s Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Krishan Pal Gurjar’s four-day visit to Timor Leste from 7th– 10th April 2018. This MoU between India and Timor-Leste was being discussed for more than five years. India has even offered to share its expertise with Timor-Leste in matching information technology with healthcare through Tele-medicine.

Explanation:
India and Morocco have signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) in the field of Mining and Geology for a period of 5 years. The MoU envisages strengthening geological research and evaluation of the potential of mineral resources, development of the geological infrastructure for Geoscience Maps and geochemical maps and promoting exploration and mining through participation of both public & private sector. On April 11, 2018, Aziz Rabbah, Minister of Energy, Mines and Sustainable Development of Kingdom of Morocco held discussions in this regard with Union Mines Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar in New Delhi. Mr. Singh informed Aziz Rabbah that Geological Survey of India is willing to assist Morocco in geological mapping and mineral exploration.

Explanation:
With a vision to bring more females into its workforce, United Arab Emirates’ cabinet approved a bill guaranteeing equal pay for men and women. This decision is a part of UAE Government efforts to narrow the gender gap. In context of this news, it is important to note that UAE ranked 120 out of 144 countries overall in the 2017 World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report. Once this bill gets final approval from UAE’s Federal National Council, it will be instrumental in empowerment of Emirati Women, ensure the protection of their rights and support their role in the national development process.

Explanation:
World’s first long-distance electric bus line began service on April 12, 2018 in Paris, France. This bus line has been presented by Flixbus, a brand which offers intercity bus service in Europe. It will link Paris to France’s northern city of Amiens, undertaking a 160 kilometres journeywithin two hours. This 49-seater bus has a maximum travel range of 250 kilometres. Its batteries can be fully charged in 5 hours.

Explanation:
On 11th April 2018, NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) announced that, it has aimed to raise its long-term on-lending or refinance portfolio to nearly Rs 80,000 crore in the current fiscal year in a move to improve rural economy. NABARD’s on-lending in 2017-18 was Rs 65,000 crore. NABARD earned a surplus of Rs 2,951 crore for the fiscal year that ended in March 2018. It has planned to raise Rs 40,000 crore from the bond borrowing. Its borrowing was Rs 33,000 crore in 2017-18. It has been one of the top three borrowers in the market. NABARD’s balance sheet grew 17 % to Rs 4.06 lakh crore in the fiscal year that ended in March 2018, against Rs 3.48 lakh crore in FY17. Loans and advances increased 15 % to Rs 3.54 lakh crore in the period compared to Rs 3.08 lakh crore in the same period that ended in March 2017. Its long-term refinance was Rs 1,22,688 crore, up 17 per cent in the fiscal 2018, compared to Rs 1,05,209 crore.

Explanation:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs. 3 crore on IDBI Bank for non-compliance with the outlined norms related to reporting of bad loans. RBI said that, the penalty was imposed on account of non-compliance with the directions issued on Income Recognition and Asset Classification (IRAC) norms. Notification regarding this stated that, this penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in the RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, taking into account failure of the bank to adhere to the aforesaid directions issued by the RBI. RBI said that, this action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance, and not intended to affect validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers.

Explanation:
The Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have approved USD $ 140-Million loan to improve the rural road connectivity and management for residents in Madhya Pradesh, India, at a Meeting held recently in Beijing, China. Nearly, 1.5 Million rural people of Madhya Pradesh will be benefited from improved livelihoods, education and mobility offered through this project. This project is co-financed by the World Bank. It aims to improve the rural road connectivity and management for residents of nearly 5,640 villages. Activities planned under this project are:
• Upgrading the gravel surfaced roads to a sealed surface standard
• Creating additional linkages to villages with potential for high growth
• Improving institutional capacity through implementing/upgrading a rural road asset management system and strengthening design and research and quality assurance capacity of the implementation agency
• Developing road safety management capacity with road accident data management system and piloting a comprehensive road safety program
• Supporting design, implementation and management
AIIB Director General of Investment Operations SupeeTeravaninthorn said that this Project will ensure sustainable and safe last-mile connectivity to small villages and enhance mobility of rural Madhya Pradesh. He added that the project will improve economic development in Madhya Pradesh and enhance the livelihoods of especially rural women and girls.

Explanation:
On 10th April 2018, Inspector General Vijay Chafekar took charge as the new Flag Officer, Indian Coast Guard (West Region) from IG K.R. Nautiyal. K.R. Nautiyal has been promoted as Additional Director General and ICG Commander, Eastern Seaboard. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) – West consists of an important area that stretches to the outer limits of Exclusive Economic Zone from the coasts of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Daman and Diu and Lakshadweep. Vijay Chafekar has an M.Phil. in Defence and Strategic Studies. Earlier, he was Deputy Director (Policy and Plans) at the ICG Headquarters, New Delhi. He has received Tatrakshak Medal and the President’s Tatrakshak Medal.

Explanation:
Chandra Shekhar Ghosh has been re-appointed as managing director and CEO of Bandhan Bank for a three year term from 10thJuly 2018. Chandra Shekhar Ghosh’s re-appointment is subject to regulatory clearances. It was approved by Bandhan Bank board recently. Bandhan Bank was listed on 27 March 2018. Mr. Chandra Shekhar Ghosh was appointed to this post in July 2015. Bandhan Bank had recently announced the resignation of its part-time, non-executive chairman Ashoke Kumar Lahiri.

Explanation:
Former deputy governor at Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Harun Rasid Khan, has joined Bandhan Bank board. Harun Rasid Khan joined the board of Bandhan Bank two weeks ago. He has replaced PK Saha in Bandhan Bank board. He had headed RBI’s vision on payment system. He had handled financial market, foreign exchange, financial inclusion, etc. in RBI. He served as deputy governor of RBI from 2011 to 2016.

Explanation:
On 11th April 2018, Sripriya Ranganathan was appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea. Sripriya Ranganathan is an Indian Foreign Service Officer (IFS) of 1994 batch. She is at present Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. She has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea. She will take up the new assignment soon.

Explanation:
On 12th April 2018, former DoPT (Department of Personnel and Training) Secretary Bhanu Pratap Sharma was appointed the Chairman of Banks Board Bureau (BBB) by the government. Bhanu Pratap Sharma succeeds Vinod Rai. Vinod Rai was appointed as the first chairman of BBB for a period of two years. Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Kumar said that, Bhanu Pratap Sharma will be given the same mandate as that of Vinod Rai. Bhanu Pratap Sharma has been appointed for a two year term. Other members of the BBB are:
• Vedika Bhandarkar (former MD Credit Suisse India)
• P Pradeep Kumar (former MD SBI)
• Pradip P Shah (founder MD Crisil)

Explanation:
On 9th April 2018, scientists said that, a jawbone fossil found at a beach in southwestern England, belongs to “Ichthyosaur”, one of the biggest marine animals on record. Ichthyosaur appears to be the largest marine reptile discovered so far. It had lived 205 million years ago at the end of the Triassic Period. The bone named surangular was part of its lower jaw. Scientists have estimated the length of new ichthyosaur to be around 66 to 85 feet (20 to 26 meters). Fossil collector Paul de la Salle found the bone in 2016 at Lilstock on England’s Somerset coast along the Bristol Channel. Only today’s filter-feeding baleen whales are considered to be larger than the Ichthyosaur. Ichthyosaur is believed to have belonged to an ichthyosaur group called shastasaurids. The research has been published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Explanation:
On 12th April 2018, International Day of Human Space Flight & World Aviation and Cosmonautics Day was celebrated in various places of the world.
World Aviation & Cosmonautics Day:
On 12th April 1961 Yuri Gagarin of the Soviet Union, performed the first manned flight to the space on a “Vostok-1” spaceship. Russia and some other former USSR countries celebrate 12th April as Cosmonautics Day since 1962.
International Day of Human Space Flight:
In 2011, the UN general assembly declared 12 April as the International Day of Human Space Flight commemorating Yuri Gagarin’s first manned flight to the space on a “Vostok-1” spaceship. This day is celebrated to remember the important contribution of space science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals.

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 from April 15, 2018, starting with 5 states. Five states in which Intra-State E-way bill will be rolled out from April 15, 2018 are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. Karnataka is the only state which had rolled out Intra-State E-way bill system from April 1, 2018. In March 2018, Goods and Services Tax (GST) council had decided that Intra-State E-Way bill will be rolled out in a phased manner but not later than June 1, 2018. 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. 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.