17-18.06.18 West Bengal(WBPSC) Current Affairs

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INTERNATIONAL

 

  • World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought: June 17

 

  • The World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD) is being celebrated worldwide on 17th June.

 

  • World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.

 

  • Theme of WDCD 2018 is “Land has true value – invest in “.

 

 

  • S. pips India as top greenfield FDI destination

 

  • The U.S. has surpassed India to become the top destination for greenfield FDI investment in 2017, says a report.

 

  • The number of greenfield FDI projects in India during the year fell sharply by 21% to 637, said the FDI Report 2018 compiled by FDI Intelligence.

 

  • India had maintained the numero uno slot in greenfield FDI investment in 2015 and 2016.

 

·        India is planning to gift a Dornier aircraft to Seychelles

 

  • India plans to gift Seychelles a Dornier aircraft this month — second such aircraft that could be gifted to the Indian Ocean Region.
  • An Indo-French-Seychelles trilateral cooperationmay safeguard India’s strategic interests in the key Indian Ocean country amid China’s growing interests in the region.

 

·        UAE to grant free 48 hour transit visa at Dubai, Abu Dhabi

 

  • The UAE government has decided that to grant free transit visas for first 48 hoursto transit passengers.
  • This visa can be extended for up to 96 hours by paying 50 Dirham (about Rs 930).

 

 

·        Nepal, China to sign pact on Tibet Kathmandu railway line during the visit of Nepal PM Oli

 

  • Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli‘s will visit China from June 19 to 24.
  • During this visit, Nepal will sign an MoU on constructing a railway line connecting Kerung of Tibet to Kathmandu.
  • This will be the first visit to China by the Prime Minister since he assumed power in February.

 

 

·        UK omits India from relaxed student visa rules

 

  • UK announced a relaxation of the Tier 4 visa category for overseas students from 25 
  • However, India has been left out of this new expanded list, which means Indian students applying for similar courses will continue to face rigorous checks and documentary requirements.
  • The changes, which come into effect on July 6, aim to make it easier for international students to come to study in the UK.

 

·        China will impose further 25 percent tariffs on US imports in tit for tat move

 

  • After the US imposed a 25% tariff on Chinese imports, China has announced its decision to impose further 25 percent tariffs on 659 American products worth $50 billion.
  • China said it was “unwilling to have a trade war” with the US but was left with no choice due to the US’ “myopic behaviour”.

 

NATIONAL

 

·        Meghana becomes 1st woman IAF fighter pilot from south India

 

  • Flying Officer Meghana Shanbough MR from Karnataka has become the first woman Indian Air Force fighter pilot from south India.
  • Before her, only five other female fighter pilots have joined the ranks.
  • She graduates from the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal.

 

  • Fourth Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog Concludes

 

  • The fourth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog was held under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

 

  • It was attended by 23 Chief Ministers and the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, apart from Union Ministers, who are ex-officio members and special invitees.

 

  • At the end of the day-long deliberations, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog as a platform to inspire cooperative federalism.

 

·        Indian Railways to issue Credit card like medical cards to employees, retirees

 

  • The Railways has decided to replace the existing book-like medical cards issued to its employees and pensioners with credit card-like health cards carrying unique all-India number.
  • At present, the medical cards issued by the zonal railways are in the form of booklets which resemble ration cards.
  • Currently, railway has around 13 lakh employees and around the same number of pensioners and all their dependents are eligible to use the medical card.
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