Current Affairs 18th September 2018

Current Affairs 18th September 2018 - Important Points

• National AIDS Control Organisation releases HIV Estimations 2017 Report on- 14th September 2018
• Indo-US joint military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas 2018’ begins in Uttarakhand on - 16th September 2018
• DRDO conducted first successful test of man portable-anti-tank guided missile on - 15th September 2018
• Delhi, Seoul signed MoU to tackle air pollution, improve infrastructure on - 14th September 2018
•  Chiller Star Labelling Program to improve energy efficiency launched by -  Union Power Ministry
• Pacific Asia Travel Association gold awards won by - Kerala Tourism
• India’s first ‘smart fence’ pilot project inaugurated on - 17th September 2018
• Supreme Court lifts ban on Saridon, 3 other FDCs on - 17th September 2018
•  India, Malta sign three MoUs in Maritime Cooperation, Tourism and Training signed between India and  - Malta 

  Current Affairs 18th September 2018 - Details

National AIDS Control Organisation releases HIV Estimations 2017 Report on- 14th September 2018

The National AIDS Control Organisation on September 14th, 2018 published the HIV Estimations 2017 report.  The Human Immunodeficiency Virus Estimations 2017 report is 14th in the series of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Estimations released earlier under the National AIDS Control Programme. The first round of Human Immunodeficiency Virus estimation was completed in 1998, while the modern round was accomplished in 2015.
National AIDS Control Organisation undertakes Human Immunodeficiency Virus estimations in every 2 years in association with the Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute of Medical Statistics.
Key findings

• The report highpoints the noteworthy achievement of Country’s response on AIDS prevention as well as on treatment initiative.
• It stipulates that there is no place for fulfilment as the nation focuses to achieve the ambitious goal of attaining the ‘End of AIDS’ by 2030. 
• According to the report, India had approximately 21.40 lakh people living with Human Immunodeficiency
• Virus with adult prevalence of 0.22 percent in 2017.
• Approximately, 87.58 thousand new Human Immunodeficiency Virus infections and 69.11 thousand AIDS concerned deaths occured in 2017.
• More than 22000 mothers needed Antiretroviral Therapy for inhibition of mother to child transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
• The aim of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Estimations is to deliver efficient information on the status of Human Immunodeficiency Virus epidemic in India at national and State and Union Territories level.
• Approximation of adult Human Immunodeficiency Virus prevalence, annual new infections, AIDS-related death and inhibition of mother-to-child transmission requirements are results of Human Immunodeficiency Virus estimations.
• These modelled approximations are required because there is no direct reliable way of gauging these core indicators which are utilised to track the AIDS epidemic and monitor and evaluate the response.

Indo-US joint military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas 2018’ begins in Uttarakhand on - 16th September 2018

A joint military workout of Indian and United States armies “Yudh Abhyas 2018”, started on September 16th, 2018 at Chaubattia, Uttarakhand. Indian and United States soldiers gave a traditional salute to the 2 seniors most officers of the United States and Indian side rereading the ceremony. The workout will accomplish on September 29th, 2018.

Exercise Yudh Abhyas is a sequence of one of the longest consecutively joint military training and a major continuing bilateral defence collaboration endeavour among India and the United States. 
This is the 14th edition of the joint military exercise which is accommodated alternately by both the nations. The 2 weeks exercise will eyewitness involvement of about 350 personnel of the United States Army and similar strength of Garud Division of the Indian Army.
Key Highlights

• Exercise Yudh Abhyas will deliver a prospect to the armed forces of both nations to train in a combined manner at Battalion level with joint scheduling at Brigade level. 
• Multiple situations will be rehearsed during the joint exercise to understand each-other’s organisational structure and battle actions. 
• Both the sides will test the modern equipment for surveillance and tracking, specialist weapons for close quarter battle with terrorists, explosive and improvised explosive device detectors, as well as the latest communication equipment.
• The joint exercise will initiate a situation where both countries are working together in counter insurgency and terrorism in mountainous terrain under United Nations charter.
• Experts from both nations will hold expert academic and military negotiations to share each other’s experiences on varied topics for joint advantages.

DRDO conducted first successful test of man portable-anti-tank guided missile on - 15th September 2018

India’s DRDO on September 15th, 2018 directed the 1st successful flight test of its new designed and developed in India low weight man-portable anti-tank guided missile at Ahmednagar test range in Maharashtra.
The 1st successful test firing was trailed by another test launch on September 16th, which also accomplished at the same test range. The 2 successful missions were directed to test different ranges of the missile, including its maximum range capability. As per to Defence Research and Development Organisation, the 2 launches met all the test purposes.
More about MP-ATGM

• The man-portable anti-tank guided missile is a 3rd-generation anti-tank guided missile, which has been under progress with the Defence Research and Development Organisation in corporation with Indian defence contractor VEM Technologies Ltd. since 2015. 
• The missile, equipped with a high-explosive anti-tank warhead, reportedly boasts of a top attack capability and as an extreme engagement range of about 2.5 kms.
• The missile would benefit the Indian army to abolish enemy tanks during a war in the future. The Indian army desires close to 75,000 such missiles for future battles.

Delhi, Seoul signed MoU to tackle air pollution, improve infrastructure on - 14th September 2018

The Delhi government on 14th September 2018 inked a MoU with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to work closely for environment, tourism, waste water and solid waste management, infrastructure and public health. The Memorandum of Understanding on the  Friendship and Cooperation Agreement was inked by CM Delhi Arvind Kejriwal and Seoul Mayor Park Won-Soon in Seoul, South Korea. The Delhi Chief Minister mainly sought the city’s proficiency in dealing with transport and air pollution.
He articulated hope that Delhi will develop on the similar lines of Seoul which helped it emerging as a beautiful city in the last 68 years notwithstanding being emaciated in the Korean War in 1950.
More about Friendship and Cooperation Agreement

• The agreement has listed Eleven areas for interchange of expertise and collaboration including Environment, Tourism, Smart City, Transportation, Education, Science & Technology, MICE Industry, Waste Water and solid waste management, Infrastructure and Public Health.
• It involves the 2 capital cities- New Delhi and Seoul- to form and operationalise a Twinning Cell and a committee to backing the cell for easy sharing of communication and knowledge.
• The cell will be backing activity linked workshops, Conduct Community Participation events and assist preserving documentation.
• The yearly reports of the cell would be forwarded to the Ministry concerned of both the cities including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs.
• The Delhi government will look for the care of its Urban Development Department and other departments for execution of all the applicable characteristics of the MoU.
• TheTwinning Agreement will remain effective till 3 years from September 14th, 2018, and it could be revised by written MoU among the two cities.
• The Principal Secretary- Urban Development, Delhi government and Director General, International Cooperation Bureau, Seoul, will be the nodal incharge for the MoU.

 Chiller Star Labelling Program to improve energy efficiency launched by -  Union Power Ministry

The Union Ministry of Power on September 14th, 2018 initiated the Chiller Star Labelling Programme, which is a determined programme to inspire the deployment of energy efficient chiller systems in the nation.  Primarily, the programme is released on voluntary basis and will be valid up to December 31st, 2020. Chiller Star Labelling Programme .The Chiller Star Labelling Programme foresees providing star rating in terms of its energy performance.  The programme has been designed by Bureau of Energy Efficiency.

Important Points

• Bureau of Energy Efficiency has developed an online registration platform for easy and speedy sanction under this initiative.
•   The chillers producers will be able to register online for availing suitable star rating of chiller equipment. 
• The star label 1-5 will be awarded, with Five star being the most efficient chillers, grounded on the test certificate from selected agencies and after due verification from Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
• Through the chiller star labelling Programme, it is assessed that above 500 million units of electricity would be saved in 2019 along with Green House Gases downfall of 0.5 million-ton equivalent of CO2.
• It will also save above Four billion units of electricity by the year 2030 with CO2 emission reduction of 3.5 million ton.
• The programme will promote advance technology for central Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and will also simplify energy efficient solutions for the large commercial and industrial purposes.

Pacific Asia Travel Association gold awards won by - Kerala Tourism 

Kerala Tourism has secured 2 prestigious Gold Awards of Pacific Asia Travel Association for its
innovative marketing operations. These awards were secured by Kerala Tourism’s Yalla Kerala print
campaign and Live Inspired Posters under Pacific Asia Travel Association’s Travel Advertisement Print
and Travel Poster groups individually. Both campaign and posters were advanced and designed by Stark
Communications which is advertising agency of Kerala Tourism.
Important Facts
1. Yalla Kerala: It was print media travel advertisement operation released in Gulf nations. It highlighted
the state’s greenery and backwaters with punch line ‘Yalla Kerala’. This operation had stimulated lot of
interest for Kerala as tourism destination in Gulf nations.
2. Live Inspired Posters: It was established for 3rd edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale, which is the biggest fashionable art show in South Asia. It was live-inspired poster that had presented colourful boat and fishermen and could be put up straight as well as upside-down.
Pacific Asia Travel Association awards

• These awards are presented by Pacific Asia Travel Association and are funded by Macau Government Tourism Office.
• Pacific Asia Travel Association Awards are offered for enormous entries in 4 principal
  categories: Marketing; Education and Training; Environment, and Heritage and Culture.
• These awards are bestowed every year in recognition of the achievements of 25 separate firms and individuals.
•  Pacific Asia Travel Association is membership association working to encourage the accountable development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region.

India’s first ‘smart fence’ pilot project inaugurated on - 17th September 2018

India’s 1st ‘smart fence’ pilot project was initiated by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh along the India-Pakistan International Border in Ploura, J&K on 17th September 2018. The Union Minister initiated the project from the Border Security Force HQs during his single day visit to the state. The initiative has been accepted by the BSF, as part of their wide-ranging united border management system.
Important Highlights

• The pilot project includes deploying of laser-activated fences and technology-capable barricades to plug susceptible gaps along the frontiers. 
• The smart fencing utilises variety of devices for investigation, communication and for storage of information. 
• The innovative system delivers for round-the-clock scrutiny on the border, even in various weather conditions. 
• It also allegedly comprises automated surveillance technology and alarm detection systems. 
• The Border Security Force has not revealed its complete features due to security issues.
• The smart fence pilot project is believed to be a massive boon for monitoring security circumstances in border areas.
• It is a technological solution developed to make the security system at the borders tougher and more effective.
• The system will effectively make it impossible for terrorists to penetrate the Indian side of the border. 
• As per to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, the inadequacies of the pilot project will be addressed to make the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management system fool proof prior to its extension to other areas.

Supreme Court lifts ban on Saridon, 3 other FDCs on - 17th September 2018

The Supreme Court of India on September 17th, 2018 permitted the sale of painkiller Saridon and 3 other barred fixed-dose combinations in medical stores across the nation. The governing was delivered by a bench of judges consisting Justices R.F.Nariman and Indu Malhotra. The bench was hearing a plea thought-provoking the restriction on the drugs after a fresh notification by the Union Health Ministry. The bench also delivered a notice to the centre and sought its reply on the plea filed by some drug manufacturers and Pharmaceutical associations.
Important Highlights

• The Supreme court has permitted the sale of Piramal Healthcare's Saridon, GSK's Piriton, Juggat Pharma's Dart and other drug, the details of which are unknown.
• The requesters contending the restriction debated that the medicines were mass-produced before 1988 thus should be excused from the restricted list of 328 fixed-dose combination medicines.
• The Pharmaceutical company, claiming for manufacturing and selling of the painkiller medicine- Saridon for more than 11 years, had contended that it has not been provided with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board report.
• However, it opposed that Saridon is Rx for people with painful rheumatic conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
• The Apex court hasn’t, however, arranged any liberation to the other medicines falling in the restriction list of Fixed-Dose Combinations.

Did you know?
The Union Health Ministry released a notice last week barring the manufacture, sale and distribution of 328 FDCs drugs for human usage with immediate effect. The Ministry also barred the manufacture, sale and distribution of 6 Fixed Dose Combinations subject to certain conditions. The action was taken by the Ministry under the powers conferred by section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
The Delhi High Court previously had permitted Indian pharma major Wockhardt to sell its “Ace Proxyvon” tablets, which is a mixture of 3 drugs- aceclofenac, PCM and Rabeprazole -a combination that is restricted.

India, Malta sign three MoUs in Maritime Cooperation, Tourism and Training signed between India and  - Malta

India and Malta inked 3 Memorandum of Understandings in the fields of Maritime Cooperation, Tourism and Training. These Memorandum of Understandings were inked following delegation level talks among
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and President of Malta, Ms. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca. VP Naidu visited Malta in the 2nd phase of his visit to 3 European nations including Serbia, Malta and Romania. It was the 1st senior Indian leader to visit Mediterranean country in past 28 years.
MoUs

• Memorandum of Understandings in the field of Tourism Cooperation.
• Memorandum of Understandings on Mutual Cooperation between Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of External Affairs and Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, University of Malta.
• Memorandum of Understandings on Maritime Cooperation inked among India’s Ministry of Shipping and Malta’s Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects.