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Current Affairs 2017 PDF
Table of Contents
Current Affairs January 2017 ............................................................................. 3

Current Affairs February 2017 ........................................................................ 37
Current Affairs March 2017 .............................................................................. 65
Current Affairs April 2017 ................................................................................ 98
Current Affairs May 2017 ............................................................................... 130
Current Affairs June 2017 .............................................................................. 156
Current Affairs July 2017 ................................................................................ 186
Current Affairs August 2017.......................................................................... 214
Current Affairs September 2017 .................................................................. 244
Current Affairs October 2017 ....................................................................... 281
Current Affairs November 2017 ................................................................... 320
Current Affairs December 2017 ................................................................... 355
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Current Affairs January 2017
INDIAN AFFAIRS
• The Supreme Court asked set to re-introduce the Vote Verifier Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Electronic
Voting Machines (EVMs) for 100 % transparency in elections. The VVPAT in EVM would ensure free and
fair polls besides sorting out disputes.
• The Gujarat government has introduced India’s first Student Startup and Innovation Policy to provide
financial support to enable the students in developing their innovative ideas
• Maharashtra Government led by Chief Minister Devandra Fednavis launched India’s largest Public wifi
service, “Mumbai Wifi” on January 9, 2017 to digitally empower the residents of the state. Mumbai Wifi is
also considered as one of the largest wifi facility in the world.
• Union Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu on January 10, 2017 launched a Non Fare Revenue Policy to
boost up additional revenue and reduce its dependence on traditional revenue system such as passenger and
freight traffic.
• Union Minister of Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines PiyushGoyal, dedicated the World’s
Largest Street Light Replacement Programme in New Delhi to the nation on January 9, 2017.
• Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new campus of
the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at Kondapavuluru village of Gannavarammandal in Krishna
district, Andhra Pradesh on January 9, 2017 in presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu
Naidu and Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting M Venkaiah Naidu.
• The Assam government will be shortly launching its indigenously-developed e-Wallet, Tokapoisa.in to enable
the people of the state for hassle-free online transactions in local language.
• India’s first state-wide call centre facility the Maharashtra forest department launched by Maharashtra state
Forest Minister forest minister SudhirMungantiwar at Goregaon in Mumbai on January 6, 2017.
• Maharashtra Government has declared to ban the use of Purse Seine Nets for fishing across Maharashtra
from January 1, 2017 to safeguard the Fingerlings, a fish species.
• Seeking Votes in the name of caste, language or religion is Corrupt and not Permissible: SC. A 7-judge
constitution bench passed the judgment in the 20 year old Hindutva case which questions whether a religious
leader’s appeal to his followers to vote for a particular political party amount to electoral malpractice
under Section 123 of the Representation of People Act.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 104th Indian Science Congress at Tarakarama Stadium of Sri
Venkateswara University in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh on January 3, 2017. The theme for the five-day event
is ‘Science and Technology for National Development’. The Congress would conclude on January 7, 2017.
• The trial run of India’s first 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor(PHWR) at Kakrapar, Gujarat, is
expected to take place in middle of 2017.
• The Union Government has kept interest rates on Small Savings Schemes like PPF and KisanVikasPatra,
SukanyaSamriddhi Account and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme unchanged for the January-March quarter.
• Maharashtra Government Unveils the Portrait of Social Reformer ‘Prabodhankar Thackeray at Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation (BMC) on January 2, 2017 and paid rich tributes to him.
• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved many new projects at an estimated cost of
over Rs 370 crore for its ongoing Ganga rejuvenation programme in Haridwar and Varanasi and also decided
to include six more cities towns under surface cleaning exercise of the river using trash skimmers.
• In order to encourage competition for improving sanitation standards in the respective area, the government
started, SwachhSurvekshan 2017 from January 4, 2017. The survey will be conducted by Quality Council of
India to rank 500 cities across the country on cleanliness.
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• Assam and Telangana signed a pact with the Power Minister, Piyush Goyal to join the UDAY scheme on
January 4, 2017 in New Delhi in a bid to improve the performance of state run power distribution companies
(DISCOM). With the joining of Assam and Telangana, the total states covered under the scheme rose to 20.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench on January 3, 2017, issued an interim stay on any construction
activity in relation to the Pune Metro rail project passing through the Mula-Mutha river bed in the city.
• The 11-day world’s largest open air theatre festival ‘Reign of King Kansa’ began in Bargarh district, Odisha.
• Election Commission of India Announces Assembly polls Dates for Five States namely Goa, Uttarakhand,
Manipur, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
• The 350th Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti was celebrated across the world on January 5, 2017.Marking the
occasion, a huge festival known as Prakash Utsav also known as Prakash Parv has been organized in Patna,
Bihar– the birth place of the Guru.
• Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the occasion of 350th birth
anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh.
• Ministry of Commerce & Industry Launches IPR Enforcement Toolkit for Police and IPR Awareness
Campaign for school Children
• The Union Government has approved an assistance of Rs. 1782.44 Crore for drought-affected Karnataka on
January 5, 2017. Besides, the committee also approved a grant of Rs. 209 crore to Uttarakhand which had
been hit by floods in 2013, based on the report.
• Japan’s Ambassador to India Mr.KenjiHiramatsu, informed about Japan’s intention to help India with the
development of Chennai, Ahmedabad and Varanasi as smart cities.
• The North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has dedicated a stretch of road in New Delhi to Guru
Govind Singh on January 5, 2017. The road between Block A and Block B at Sector 15 in Rohini was named
after Guru Gobind Singh to commemorate his 350th birth anniversary.
• India and Kazakhstan signed a Protocol to amend the existing Double Taxation Avoidance Convention
(DTAC) between the two countries on January 6, 2017 in New Delhi.
• Union Minister of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Shri Kalraj Mishra inaugurated
a Workshop on MSME Cooperation amongst Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Member countries on
January 19, 2017 in New Delhi.
• The Supreme Court on January 19, 2017 said that Divorce granted by any ecclesiastical tribunals or ‘Church
Courts’ under Christian personal law will not be taken as valid. It said that Church Courts cannot veto the
statutory law of divorce.
• According to a statement by NITI Aayog, till date over 3.81 lakh consumers and 21,000 merchants have been
declared as the winner of the NITI Aayog’s lucky draw schemes namely Lucky Grahak Yojana (LGY) for
consumers and Digi-Dhan Vyapar Yojana (DVY) for merchants. It also stated that daily as well as weekly
prize money worth Rs 60.90 crore has been declared at 24 Digi-Dhan Melas organized across the country.
• The Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha, on January 19, 2017 announced that the under UDAN
(Ude Desh Ke Aam Naagrik) Scheme is likely to take off in February 2017.
• The Central Government has sanctioned special assistance of Rs 2,207.30 crore to Jammu & Kashmir during
2016-17 in order to help the state to complete the area-specific schemes in speedy manner.
• The Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation led by Uma Bharti has
formed a Negotiations Committee on January 19, 2017 to determine the availability and utilization of waters
of the river Mahanadi and its tributaries.
• Dharamsala town in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh has been declared as the second capital city of the
state by the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on January 19, 2017.
• 28th Dantan Gramin Mela was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee in Midnapore district in West
Bengal on January 20, 2017. The mela display the rural handicraft skills of the people of the region and the
different goods ranging from textile to terracotta.
• The Child Sex ratio at birth (SRB) in the State of Haryana crossed the 900-mark in the year 2016 for the first
time in almost two decades. In December 2016, the SRB in the state was 914.
• The Notifications regarding the single phased Assembly elections in Punjab and Goa was issued by
the Election Commission on January 11, 2017 to start the process of filing nomination papers in the state.
• The state government of Kerala has been directed by the Supreme Court to pay Rs.500 crore as compensation
to 5,000 victims suffering various types of deformities, health issues and other complication due to the use
of Endosulfan pesticides in the state.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has proposed draft rules Prevention of
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Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017), to regulate dog breeding centres in the
country.
• The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu presented the Power
Budget on January 12, 2017 with strategy to focus on addressing the purchase liability and put reforms as the
core agenda for the power sector. The first power budget was presented six months ago. This is the second
power budget that provides a transparent accounting system for the sector. In 2016-17, the government spent
Rs 12,000 crore on power purchases and liquidating past liabilities.
• The Union Minister of state for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh while addressing
the 29th meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (Scova) in New Delhi on January 12,
2017 informed that the minimum pension for central government employees has been increased to Rs. 9,000
per person and ex-gratia amount has been increased from Rs. 10-15 lakh to Rs. 25-35 lakh.
• The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has called for a review of the provisions of
the Right To Education (RTE) Act that specifies that children who don’t perform well cannot be held back up
to class VIII regardless of his performance.
• The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project received clearance from the green panel and Tribal Affairs Ministry on
January 13, 2017. The ambitious Rs. 9,393 crore project aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken River to
the Betwa basin through concrete canals to irrigate India’s worst drought-prone Bundelkhand region. The
project will benefit Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in terms of meeting irrigation, drinking water and
electricity needs of people across 6 districts in the two states.
• As per the data released by the Ministry of agriculture, as on January 13, 2017, the total area under which Rabi
crop was sown 2017 was calculated to be 616.21 lakh hectares as compared to 581.95 lakh hectare in January
2016.
• The Supreme Court on January 16, 2017 allowed Mumbai based 22 year old pregnant lady with 24 weeks of
Pregnancy to abort her baby as continuation may risk her life.
• The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development on January 4, 2017 issued a guideline regarding the
Adoption Regulations 2017. These new rules will be effective from January 16, 2017. The Adoption
Regulation 2017 implements the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. It has been
framed by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) to be mandatory under section 68 I of the
Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and will replace the existing Adoption Guidelines, 2015.
• The Election Commission (EC) on January 16, 2017 gave its decision that Chief Minister of Uttar
Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav would be the owner of the Samajwadi Party Symbol “Cycle” and also acknowledged
him as the national President of the party.
• The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOP & NG) inaugurated one month long oil and gas
conservation campaign “Saksham-2017” at a function in Unity College, Dimapur in Nagaland on January 16,
2017.
• The Union Cabinet has given its approval for India to become the full-fledge member of the International
Vaccine Institute (IVI) Governing Council. As a part of the membership India will have to contribute an
amount of US $ 5,00,00 to the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul, South Korea.
• The Union Cabinet also gave the approval for introduction of the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2017 to
repeal 105 Acts.
• The Union Cabinet has approved the 12th Plan Proposal of the DARE/ICAR Plan Scheme for
the ‘Establishment of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (lARI)- Jharkhand’.
• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave its ex-post facto approval for the
Augmentation of the Corpus of Credit Guarantee Trust Fund for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), a
package set up for supporting Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs).
• Cabinetapproved amendment in the Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) to attract
investment in electronics manufacturing.
• Madhya Pradesh government lead by Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched Aanandam programme of the
newly-formed Aanand Department to help the poor and the needed person.
• The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) has launched a full-fledged postgraduate diploma course
in the Urdu language journalism on January 17, 2017 to promote Urdu Language in IIMC.
• The Jammu & Kashmir Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on January 19, 2017 for the return
of Kashmiri Pandits and other migrants to the Valley. Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandit families had left the
Valley when militancy broke out in 1989.
• Karnataka government lead by Siddaramaiah , has decided to allow the sale of white kerosene in open
market. An official order was issued by State Food and Civil Supplies Minister UT Khader on January 18,
2017.
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• The Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (EDS) was launched under the New Economic Development
Policy (NEDP) by Lalmalsawma in Mizoram, Mizoram Chief Secretary on January 19, 2017. The State
government has allocated Rs.2 Crore for New Economic Development Policy (NEDP)
• The Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu launched ‘Mission 41K’ on January 17, 2017 to revamp the
existing railway system.The mission aims to save the Indian Railways’ expenditure of Rs 41,000 crore on
energy consumption over the next 10 years.
• The Ministry of Railway has proposed the Finance Ministry to create a non-lapsable safety fund
named ‘Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh’ over five years with initial corpus of Rs. 20000 crore and contribute a
portion to fund it in the upcoming Budget 2017 to be presented on February 1.
• Meghalaya’s first ever Apparel and Garment Making Centre was inaugurated on January 30, 2017 jointly
by Union Textiles Minister Smriti Zubin Irani and Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul Sangma near
Ampati in South West Garo Hills.
• The Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Narendra Singh Tomar announced on January
31, 2017 that the Ministry of Defence is set to open its Defenc eUnit in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh.
The unit would be set up in Kailaras and Sabalgarh tehsil areas and span over 969.735 hectare of land at a cost
of Rs. 1500 crore.
• Bangalore based Start-up firm E-paathsala has launched an integrated accreditation and ERP technology
solution for the colleges and universities to enable them better manage their multiple accreditation standards in
an easy, efficient and fast manner and bridge the gap identified for specific accreditations.
• Income Tax Department (ITD) lead by ‎Sushil Chandra has launched Operation Clean Money on January 31,
201 to verify the cash deposited in the banks during November 9th to December 30th 2016.
• The Union Cabinet also gave the approval for introduction of the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2017 to
repeal 105 Acts.
• The Union Cabinet has given its approval for India to become the full-fledge member of the International
Vaccine Institute (IVI) Governing Council. As a part of the membership India will have to contribute an
amount of US $ 5, 00, 00 to the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul, South Korea.
• The Union Cabinet has approved the 12th Plan Proposal of the DARE/ICAR Plan Scheme for
the ‘Establishment of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (lARI)- Jharkhand’.
• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave its ex-post facto approval for the
Augmentation of the Corpus of Credit Guarantee Trust Fund for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), a
package set up for supporting Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs).
• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, O. Paneerselvam has send a draft ordinance to the centre seeking an amendment
to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and removal of “bull” from the list of “performing”
animals. This will ensure that provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act will not apply to the
bull.
• The state Government of Bihar led by Nitish Kumar launched a ‘Nasha Mukt’ (Addidction-Free) State
Campaign with the formation of world’s largest human chain across the state.
• Government of India Think Tank NITI Aayog together with International bodies World Economic Forum,
World Intellectual Property Organization and the Cornell University will develop an India Innovation Index to
rank the Indian states so as to develop an innovative spirit among them.
• The Indian Railways has decided to set up a $5 billion Railways of India Development Fund (RIDF) so as to
support commercially viable projects in railway sector in India. The World Bank would fund 80%
RIDF while 20% fund would be raised by the Indian railways itself and managed independently by a non-
government entity.
• A special task force (STF) for women safety has been reconstituted under the Chairmanship of Lieutenant
Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal to review the decisions taken by the Delhi Police and other departments regarding
women’s safety on January 20, 2017.
• India’s passenger train speed will be increased to 200 km per hour with the help of Russian Railways and
budget of the high speed train will be shared between the two countries in the ratio 50:50.
• The Chief Minister of Jharkhand Raghubar Das presented the state’s annual budget for 2017-18 on January
23, 2017 under the theme of “Garib Kalyan Varsh”. The main focus of the budget is on agriculture, education
and skill development, rural development and eliminating poverty. The Minister has presented a budget
worth Rs 75,673.42 crore out of which Rs 57,861.32 crore would be revenue expenditure and Rs 18,812.10
crore would be capital expenditure.
• The Indian postal department released a special stamp cover titled “Golden girls of India – Pride of
Nation” in Agartala. The special covers feature the 2016 Olympic medalist gymnast Dipa Karmakar,
shuttler PV Sindu and wrestler Sakshi Malik.
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• Tamil Nadu assembly unanimously passed the Jallikattu Bill to replace the ordinance issued on January 21,
2017 to allow the states traditional sport. The bill amends the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,
1960, making Jallikattu a permanent sport in rural Tamil Nadu.
• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the Indian Institute of
Management(IIM) Bill, 2017 on January 24, 2017 that aims to declare IIMs as Institutions of National
Importance.
• The Union Cabinet gave its ex-post facto approval on for interest waiver for the two months of November and
December, 2016 for farmers accessing short term crop loans from Cooperative Banks.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the proposal of India Trade Promotion Organisation
(ITPO) for redevelopment of Pragati Maidan by setting up of a world class Integrated Exhibition-cum-
Convention Centre (IECC) at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
• The Union Cabinet has decided to transfer the role of advising the government on how to utilize the
proceeds from disinvestment from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) to
the Department of Economic Affairs.
• The Supreme Court directed the government to replace the current practice of giving three-times-a-week
dosage norm of tuberculosis (TB) drugs with a daily dosage norm within a period of nine months to curb
relapse and deaths during treatment.
• The Union Ministry of Steel, headed by Chaudhary Birendra Singh has come out with a Draft National Steel
Policy 2017 to increase the supply of domestic coking coal and cut the dependence on imports.
• The National Girl Child Day celebration on January 24, 2017 in New Delhi was marked by the release
of National Action Plan for Children, 2016 (NPAC). NPAC has been developed by the Ministry of Women &
Child Development.
• The Andhra Pradesh under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced Rs 100-crore fund of funds to
invest in Fintech startups.
• The Government of Assam led by Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal agreed to a proposal by the Royal
Government of Bhutan for setting up of a Consulate General Office in Guwahati and also conveyed this
decision to the Union Ministry of External Affairs.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has decided to set up weather stations in 660 districts of the
country for better and prompt weather forecasting with major focus on rain-fed and non-rain-fed areas to give
crop specific advisories
• The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways and Shipping, Nitin Jairam Gadkari,inaugurated a 3-
lane Brahmaputra Bridge at Saraighat in Guwahati.
• The Karnataka state cabinet on January 28, 2017 approved amending Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Bill,
1960 Act to legalize the Kambala and Bullock Cart Race which is a traditional festival held annually in
Karnataka.
• The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has launched climate change programme to assess the status,
distribution and conservation of pheasants and finches in the Central Himalayas. This programme is funded
by Oracle and facilitated by CAF-India.
PLACES IN NEWS
• The 9th edition of the world’s fastest growing film festival, Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF) began on
7 January 2017 and will conclude on January 11, 2017 at the Golcha Cinema in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The two
other venue were the festival would take place are the Manipal University, Jaipur and the Rajasthan
PraudhShikshanSamiti (Rajasthan Adult Education Association).
• The PBD began on January 7 in Bangalore with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The theme of Youth
PBD was ‘Role of Diaspora Youth in the Transformation of India’.
• The first DigiDhan Mela in the state of Andhra Pradesh was launched by the Urban Development and
Information Broadcasting M. Venkaiah Naidu along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu
Naidu in Vijayawada on January 9, 2017 at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium.
• The World famous 11-day gala festival BargarhDhanuaJatra began in western Odisha. All rituals were
performed before Goddess Samaleswari, the presiding deity of the event.
• A 7 day International Kite Festival is inaugurated by Gujarat Governor, OP Kohli and CM Vijay Rupani at the
Sabarmati riverfront, Ahmedabad on January 8, 2017.
• The Fourth Assam International Agri-Horti Show began in Guwahati, Assam on January 6, 2017. The Chief
Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the programme.
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• The 2017 Island Tourism Festival began at Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on January 6, 2017.
The 10-Day Event was inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor of Island, JagdishMukhi at the ITF Ground.
• The Delhi Airport on January 10, 2017 informed that has adopted a unique performance and
benchmarking digital platform, ARC, and claims that it is first in the world to adopt such platform.
• The world’s first ‘Gender Literature Festival’ is scheduled to be held in Patna, Bihar in the second week of
April, 2017 to create a platform, to exchange ideas, and to share and learn experiences of renowned people in
the field of gender literature.
• The State Election Commission (SEC) of Uttar Pradesh has decided to include, for the first time, voter’s list
printed in Urdu which was so far only printed in Hindi and English. In Uttar Pradesh about 46 constituencies
in 22 districts will have voters’ list printed in Urdu as well as Hindi & English, where Assembly elections will
be held in February 2017. But in case of a dispute, the Hindi version of the rolls will be held as valid.
• The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the first solar-powered boat of the state water
transport department, “Aditya” on January 12, 2017 at a function held in Vaikom boat Jetty in Kerala.
• The three day International Kite Festival was inaugurated by Delhi Tourim Minister Kapil Mishra at Dwarka’s
DDA Ground in New Delhi on January 14, 2017. The festival was organised by Delhi Tourism department
• The annual camel festival was held in Bikaner, Rajasthan from January 14-January 15, 2017 in the presence
of domestic as well as foreign tourists. The two-day festival was organised by the Rajasthan Tourism
Department and the Bikaner district administration. The District Collector, Ved Prakash flagged off a
procession from Junagarh which ended at Karni Singh Stadium in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
• The first edition of the ABU International Television Dance Festival (AIDF) organized by the Asia-Pacific
Broadcasting Union (ABU) was held in Hyderabad from January 13 to January 15, 2017 to create a bridge
between young people from different parts of the world through dance.
• Kozhikode Corporation was declared as the first Elderly-Friendly Corporation in Kerala. The state
government has planned to setup Senior citizen’s club, Day care centres as a part of Vayomitram project for
the welfare of the elder people in the state
• Mawlynnong village in the East Khasi Hills district of the Meghalaya state has become a role model for
cleanliness said by the Secretary of the village. Mawlynnong was awarded the prestigious tag of ‘Cleanest
Village in Asia‘ in 2003.
• Kangra village in Himachal Pradesh achieved the geo-tag 100 per cent of the assets generated under the
MGNREGA said by Himachal Pradesh CM Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.Kangra was the first district in
India to achieved this target. It would help people in integrated development of all sectors like agriculture,
irrigation, education, health etc.
• The 10th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) was inaugurated on January 19, 2017 at the
historic Diggi Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan. The theme of the 10th edition of JLF is The Freedom to Dream: India
at 70. JLF is considered as the ‘Greatest Literary Show on Earth’
• Bihar formed the world’s largest human chain in the state on January 21, 2017 by holding hands of each other
in order to express unity and support towards liquor ban. The human chain was about 11,292 km comprising
of two crore citizens.
• Assam State Governor Banwarilal Purohit inaugurated the Arogya Mitra conference on January 21, 2017 at
Silchar. The three day conference has been organised by the south Assam zone of the NGO, Keshab Smarak
Sanskriti Surabhi at the campus of Veterinary College, Ghungoor.
• The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Syed Nasim Zaidi on January 22, 2017 informed that the
state government of Goa has opted for an initiative involving electronic transmission of postal ballot to service
voters in the upcoming assembly polls. This initiative will make Goa the first state in the country to do so.
• The Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju laid the foundation stone for an Integrated Check-Post (ICP) on
January 24, 2017 at the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya.
• Madhya Pradesh Announces Total Ban on Polythene Bags from May 1, 2017.
• The Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Ananth Kumar inaugurated India’s first Post Office Passport
Seva Kendras (POPSK) at Metagalli post office in Mysuru on January 25, 2017. The second POPSK
simultaneously opened in Gujarat.
• The three-day long Brahmaputra Literary festival began in Guwahati, Assam on January 28, 2017. The
festival has been by the State Government jointly with the National Book Trust.
• India’s first multi-sports museum, Fanatic Sports Museum (FSM), was inaugurated on January 29, 2017 at the
Ecospace in New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata jointly by Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Abhinav Bindra,
Deepa Malik and Devendra Jhajaria
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FOREIGN VISITS
• Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan 3- Day Visit to India

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the Chief Guest at the 68th
Republic Day Celebration on January 26, 2017 in New Delhi. He is the Deputy Supreme Commander of the
UAE armed forces.
• India and UAE Signs 14 Agreements to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation on elevating bilateral ties to a
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
• In order to further boost strategic ties, India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed 14
agreements on January 25, 2017 after the delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Hyderabad House, New Delhi.
• The area of MoUs included defence, comprehensive strategic partnership, shipping, agriculture, prevention
and combating human trafficking and other allied sectors.
• During the first half of 2016, the bilateral trade between the UAE and India was calculated at USD 17 billion.
Out of this, UAE’s import from India rose to USD 11 billion while the non-oil exports to India reached USD 6
billion during the same period.
• The two countries aims at increasing trade by 60 percent to US$ 100 billion, reaching US$ 368 billion by
2020.
• Central Power Sector PSU & Central Transmission Utility, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
(PGCIL), signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority
(ADWEA) & its group of companies on January 25, 2017 in Gurgaon, for cooperation in power sector.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
• The world’s highest altitude gravitational wave telescopes which is located 5,250 meters above sea level to
come up in Roof of the World or Tibet by China with an investment of USD 18.8 million. It is expected to be
operational by 2021.
• The British Treasury has decided to introduce a new 12-sided one-pound coin at end of March 2017 and scrap
the 30 year old one pound coin by October 2017. It will feature the 5th coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
• A Laser walls and smart sensors will be soon installed at the Indo-Bangla International Border in West
Bengal especially in the porous riverine and unmanned terrain that do not have proper fencing to keep a tight
vigil to check infiltration and terrorism.
• The United Nation Security Council (UNSC) unanimously passed a resolution drafted by Russia on December
31, 2017, to end the nearly six-year conflict in Syria and called for peace negotiations through
nationwide Syrian ceasefire.
• India and Sri Lanka Agrees to find permanent solution to the fishermen issues
• Pakistan’s Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights chaired by NasreenJalil approved the much-
awaited Hindu Marriages Bill on January 2, 2017 while the National Assembly passed the Hindu Marriage
Bill in September 2016.
• China has launched its first freight train to London. The train will travel for about 18 days and more than
12,000 km before reaching its destination in Britain.
• Supreme Court of Nepal Gives Go Ahead Nod to Government on crucial Constitution amendment billto
accommodate the demands of the agitating Madhesi and ethnic groups.
• Finland become 1st country in world to pay basic income to randomly picked citizens on national level
• China Launches the World’s Longest Bullet Train Shangri-la of the World. The train left Kunming at 11:05
a.m to cover the 2,760-km trip to Beijing and took around 13 hours.
• Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Saudi Arabia’s Haj
and Umrah Minister Dr. Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten inked an agreement on January 11, 2017 in
Jeddah to hike the India’s annual Haj quota by 34,500
• The first and only underwater sculpture museum of Europe, Museo Atlantico, has been inaugurated on
January 10, 2017 off the Canary Island coast of Lanzarote. The museum has been created at a depth of
between 12 and 15 meters on the ocean floor and will be accessible to scuba divers and visible to glass-bottom
boats.
• India Ranked Low on Being an Influencer in Global System. India has achieved a very low rank of 2 among
the countries across the world while the list was topped by countries such as US, UK, Japan.
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• Switzerland based World Economic Forum announced a partnership with the UCSB’s Marine Science
Institute to improve health of world’s oceans and maritime resources on January 20, 2017 to protect
world’s USD 2.5 trillion ocean economy.
• Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe signed a 1-trillion yen (8.7 billion dollars) aid package to
the Philippines for the next five years to improve economic and political relations between the two island
nations.
• Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the renovation of the Katas Raj Hindu temple in Chakwal
district in the Punjab Province of Pakistan on January 11, 2017 as a part of the policy to establish Pakistan’s
identity as a minority-friendly country. The work includes installation of a water filtration plant in the Amrat
Jal area.
• Russia has amended its laws permitting lot of their Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to enter into
long-term agreements for spares and support for military equipment supplied to India
• The Russian health ministry has announced plans to ban the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after 2015 as a
part of its effort to combat smoking from 2017 to 2022. With this move, Russia will become the first country
in the world to completely phase out tobacco.
• According to the ILO report ‘World Employment Social Outlook: Trends 2017‘, Global unemployment is
expected to rise by 3.4 million in 2017 and economic growth at 3.4 per cent this year and 3.6 per cent in 2018
• Ecuador was on January 13, 2017 appointed as the new Chairman of the United Nations Group of 77 which
promotes the interests of the 134 developing countries it represents at the United Nations, including
China. The country took over from Thailand which focused on how to implement the 17 UN goals for 2030 to
promote development and good governance, and preserve the environment.
• The US President Barack Obama on January 13, 2017 announced to end of a 20-year economic embargo on
Sudan by lifting trade and financial sanctions to build up ties with the Sudanese government.
• Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Indonesian President Joko Widodo on January 15, 2016 agreed upon
their commitment to deepen cooperation on maritime security and deepen defence ties.
• A baby girl was born in Ukraine on January 5, 2017 using the new technique of three-person IVF called
‘pronuclear transfer’.
• The suggestion of the newly elected American President Donald Trump that the “One-China” policy is
negotiable has been highly criticized by China. Spokesman of China’s Foreign Ministry Lu Kang said
that ‘One China’ policy is non-negotiable.One China Policy means that there exists only one
“China” irrespective of the fact that two government claim to be the real China . The two are People’s
Republic of China (PRC, Mainland China) and Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan).
• The US House of Representatives has introduced a legislation on January 30, 2017 making it mandatory to
raise the minimum salary of the H-1B visa holders to more than double at USD 1,30,000 from the previous
USD 60,000.
• Ireland has become the first country in the world to divest coal, oil and gas investments from Ireland Strategic
Investment Fund. The bill was passed in the Irish parliament by gaining 53 votes out of 90. It was introduced
by Deputy Thomas Pringle.Hong Kong has withdrawn the visa-on arrival facility for Indians travelling to
Hong Kong effective from January 23, 2017.
• In a move to decrease dependence on vegetable imports from India, the Nepal Government has launched a 10-
year plan on January 22, 2017 to boost domestic production.
• The parliament of Turkey approved a constitutional reform on January 21, 2017 to strengthen the powers of
the presidency by introducing presidential rule in the country and has led the way for a referendum on the
issue by the public.
• In an effort to become the super powerful occupier of green energy, China has built the world’s biggest solar
park, Longyangxia Dam Solar Park, in the western province of Qinghai. The park spans over 27 square km of
area and can produce 850 MW of power which is enough to supply up to 200,000 households.
• The new US president, Donald Trump signed a formal executive order on January 23, 2017 to withdraw the
country from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal, thus keeping his promise made during his
presidential campaign.
• Russia, Turkey and Iran have agreed to jointly monitor the fragile cease-fire between the Syrian regime and
rebels to find a political solution of ending the six-year conflict.
• United States President Donald Trump signed an executive order to enable construction of a 2,000-mile
wall along the southern US border with Mexico.
• The annual “Surya Namaskar Yajna” or “Health for Humanity Yogathon” has been recognized in the US
House of Representative on the occasion of its 10th anniversary.
• After being sworn in as the President of United States on January 20, 2017, Donald Trump held his first
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summit with a foreign leader, British Prime Minister Theresa May on January 27, 2017 in his Oval Office.
• The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Judicial
Department, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has issued a resolution to set up a Personal Status and
Inheritance Court for non Muslims in Abu Dhabi.
• American President Donald Trump has signed an executive order on January 27, 2017 to temporarily ban
visas for refugees belonging to seven Muslim-majority countries namely Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan,
Syria, and Yemen. However, the ban would not apply to diplomats and members of international
organizations.
SUMMITS & CONFERENCES
• The Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shri ShripadYessoNaik inaugurated the International
Conference on “Yoga for Diabetes” which began in New Delhi on January 4, 2017.
• The All India Conference of Chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers of states and union territories’ Waqf
Boards has been inaugurated by Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on December 7,
2017 in New Delhi
• The 20th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) was held from January 9-10, 2017
in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The theme for the conference was Internet of Things and e-Governance.
• The two-day Assam Biotech Conclave 2017 began in Guwahati, Assam on January 5, 2017 at a city hotel. The
Conclave will have the closing ceremony on January 6, 2017
• Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar inaugurated the 8th edition of the International Conference & Exhibition
on Reinforced Plastics (ICERP) on January 10, 2017 at the Bombay Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC)
in Mumbai, India.
• The 3 day international conference on Disability Communication ICDC-2017
held at Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini in Mumbai, Maharashtra from January 9-11, 2017 with curriculum
outline of disability communication for the University of Mumbai
• The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in association with Corps of Signals of Indian Army is organizing
DEFCOM 2017 on March23-24, 2017. The theme of the 2017 DEFCOM is Digital Army Infrastructure and
Skilled Human Resource.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a two day visit to Gujarat from January 9-10, 2017 to inaugurate
the eighth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit 2017 at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar,
Gujarat on January 10, 2017.The theme of the three day Summit is “Vibrant Gujarat: Connecting India to the
World”
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stone of redevelopment of Gandhinagar Railway station.
• Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first international exchange –India INX — at the International Financial
Service Centre (IFSC) of GIFT City in Gandhinagar.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi also inaugurated Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show organised at helipad
ground in Gandhinagar on January 9, 2017.
• Prime Minister inaugurated the Nobel Prize Series exhibition at Gujarat Science city near Ahmedabad on
January 9, 2017 . This exhibition featured works of nine Nobel laureates from across the world who were
invited by the Gujarat government to be a part of the Vibrant Summit.
• As a part of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, the Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani addressed the ‘Make
in Gujarat’ theme seminar on Trends and Innovation impacting the Textile Value Chain on January 12,
2017.The minister also witnessed signing of MoUs worth Rs. 8,835 crore in textile sector.
• A joint state was issued between Rwanda President Paul Kagame and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
January 10, 2017 at the Gujarat Global Investors Summit to raise the level of bilateral cooperation to a
strategic partnership.India extended a $120 million credit to bring over 41,190 hectares of cultivable land
under irrigation in the African country for the development of Export Targeted Irrigated Agriculture Project.
• The Gujarat government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth Rs 67,000 crore with
the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit on
January 12, 2017 for component manufacturing for the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project.
• Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017 saw as many as 25,578 MoUs signed between various sectors. As compared to
the previous edition of the event, this time 2500 more MoUs were signed.
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• The third National conference “Jal Manthan-III” was inaugurated by Union Minister for Water Resources,
River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti in New Delhi.
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the second edition of Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on
January 17, 2017. The conference has been organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and Delhi based
prestigious think tank Observer Research Foundation. The theme of the three day conference is “The New
Normal: Multilateralism in a multipolar world”.
• The 58th edition of India International Garment Fair (IIGF) was inaugurated by the Union Textiles Minister
Smriti Zubin Irani on January 18, 2017 in New Delhi. The three day long fair has been organized by Apparel
Export Promotion Council India.
• The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2017 was held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland from January 17-
20, 2017.The theme of 47th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2017 is Responsive and Responsible
Leadership.
• India and UAE held the first meeting of their strategic dialogue on January 20, 2017 in New Delhi in an
attempt to finalise the cooperation agreement.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Dehradun to inaugurate the Combined Commanders Conference.
• The 29th Kerala Science Congress was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on January
28, 2017 at the APJ Abdul Kalam hall in the Mar Thoma College in Thiruvalla. The main theme of the
congress is ‘Genomics in health and disease’.
• The first edition of the North East Investors Summit was inaugurated on January 29, 2017 by the Union
Textiles Minister, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani in Shillong, Meghalaya. Theme: Exploring Opportunities in North
East Region.
RANKING & REPORTS
• According to HSBC Expat survey 2016, India ranks third among the countries offering the highest average
annual salary to expatriates. Switzerland topped the list to offer highest average salary of about $188,275 a
year to expats while Hong Kong was listed third.
• According to latest data released by Finance Minister ArunJaitley, 26 crore three lakh accounts have been
opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) across the country till date. 15.86 crore accounts
are opened in rural area and 10.17 crore accounts opened in urban area.
• India dropped to 92nd rank in the Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) released by INSEAD in
partnership with The Adecco Group and the Human Capital Leadership Institute of Singapore (HCLI). Last
year India stood at 89. The list was topped by Switzerland.
• India has been ranked at 60th position among 79 developing economies with a score of only 3.38 in
the Inclusive Development Index (IDI) of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The list has been topped
by Lithuania among the 79 developing countries.Besides the developing economies, the WEF also released
the Inclusive Development Index of the advanced economies. The list has been topped by Norway among 30
advanced economies.
• India’s IT Hub, Bengaluru has been ranked at the top position in the 2017 City Momentum Index released
by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting being held in Davos. The index
identifies the most dynamic cities of the world.
• India has been placed at 78th position in the Passport Index 2017 with a visa-free score of 46 that was released
on January 12, 2017. Germany was placed at the top with a visa-free score of 157, Singapore and Sweden both
stood second with a visa-free score of 156. Singapore overtook South Korea to become the highest ranked
Asian passport.
• According to the 2016 Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), developed by a non-governmental
organisation, Pratham, Himachal Pradesh was found to be best performing state in India on the education front
as compared to the rest of the states.
• Telangana has been ranked at second spot in the `Cashless India Scorecard’ released on January 26, 2017 and
prepared by Walnut app to measure the growth level in digital payments in the country post
demonetization. The top three states in the scorecard were Gujarat, Telangana and Haryana respectively with
the highest growth in going cashless.
• India has been ranked at 79th spot out of 176 countries in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for the year
2016 released on January 25, 2017 by the Berlin-based corruption watchdog Transparency International (TI).
New Zealand and Denmark jointly shared the first position as the least corrupt nations while Somalia was
rated as the most corrupt country in the list.
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• India at Sixth Position among Eight Great Powers of 2017 List by American Foreign Policy Magazine. The
list has been topped by US.
• According to the latest Global Go To Think Tank Index Report, released globally by the Lauder Institute,
Pennsylvania University, US on January 27, 2017, the Delhi based Observer Research Foundation (ORF) has
been ranked as the top think tank in the China, India, Japan and the Republic of Korea category.
BANKING & FINANCE
• Following ICICI and Yes bank, the private sector lender Axis Bank has also joined the group as the third bank
to use block chain solutions in its operations.
• India’s second largest private sector lender HDFC Bank has launched a human shaped robot named IRA at its
Mumbai branch to help the assist the customers in banking activities.
• SBI has waived Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on debit card transactions for all small merchants with
annual turnover of up to Rs 20 lakh for one year.
• Kolkata based UCO Bank has launched its prepaid card ‘UCO Suvidha ’ by R.K. Takkar, MD & CEO, UCO
Bank, and Executive Directors, Charan Singh and G. SubramaniaIyer.
• Public sector lender Bank of Baroda has announced a partnership with CNX Corporation (CNX) to
provide collateral management services towards the loans against warehouse receipt sanctioned to
the farmers through the network of the bank’s branches across the country. This will benefit the farmers from
distress sale of their commodities
• A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an interest subvention for home loans of up to Rs. 12
lakh and asked banks to keep the poor and middle class at the focus of their activities many PSUs and private
banks reduced their benchmark lending rate by up to 1.48 percent on January 3, 2017.
• The Reserve Bank of India on January 3, 2017, directed all the banks to supply atleast 40 percent of the
notes to the rural branches since currency notes in rural areas was not adequate to meet the requirements of the
population.
• HDFC has tied-up with artificial intelligence firm Niki.ai to launch a chatbot
called OnChat on Facebook’s Messenger platform, that will allow users to recharge phones, pay utility bills,
book cabs from Ola or Uber etc., through a chat.
• Coca-Cola India partners the State Bank of India to enable digital transactions over 2.6 million retailers and
5000 distributors in conducting business transactions digitally.
• Germany based Munich Reinsurance Company is planned to open its branch office in Mumbai to provide the
property-casualty, life, health reinsurance markets across India.Munich Re is one of the first foreign
reinsurers to receive approval for a dedicated branch in India following the 2015 amendment of the Insurance
Bill.
• Yes Bank has entered into a tie-up with Bajaj Electricals for vendor financing using blockchain
solution. There is an over 70 per cent cost reduction because of blockchain and the payback for our
investments is 6-8 months.
• Cooking gas customers can now avail an upfront discount of Rs 5 on every refill booked and paid for online.
Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum have begun offering the price discount to cooking gas
customers.
• Mobile commerce and payments company, Paytm received the final approval from the Reserve Bank of
India on January 3, 2017 to launch Paytm Payment Bank. Paytm Payments Bank Ltd is expected to start its
operation in next 30-60days with its first branch in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has tied up with Life Insurance Corporation of India
(LIC) to give a boost to the venture capital ecosystem for MSMEs.
• The 16th edition of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) meeting was held on January 5,
2017 in New Delhi under the Chairmanship of the Union Finance Minister ArunJaitley.
• Online automobile marketplace Droom has tied up with Axis Bank to provide quick sanction of loans on
both new as well as used cars. Loans will be provided for up to 85% of the value of the car with a tenure of 1-
5 years.
• According to the Income Tax Department released Up to Rs. 2.5 lakh or more in savings account during the
demonetisation period. Besides, for current account holders, this limit is Rs 12.5 lakh. Banks will also have to
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report all cash deposits and fixed deposits made above Rs 10 lakh during the year. Central Board of Direct
Taxes (CBDT) has also sought details of all such deposits made since April 2006.
• According to a notification published by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on January 18, 2017, RBI has
planned to increase the focus on IT & Cyber Security in a move to combat the increasing threat of cyber-
security issues arising after the governments Digital Payment initiative.
• India’s central banking institution, Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 75lakhs on
Bombay Mercantile Co-operative Bank for violations of norms related to KYC and anti-money laundering.
• The World Bank on January 11, 2017 cut the India’s GDP growth for 2016-17 fiscal ending on March 31,
2017 to 7 percent from its previous estimate of 7.6 percent due to demonetization.
• Indian Standard on gold hallmarking has been revised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on January 9,
2017 and has been made effective for implementation with effect from January 1, 2017. From now the
hallmarked gold jewellery will be available in three grades: 14 carat, 18 carat and 22 carat. These caratage
would also be mentioned on the jewellery besides the fineness for the convience of the customers.
• HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company launched a new policy, Trade Credit Insurance Policy, on January
9, 2017 to which safeguards businesses against the risks of non-payment for the goods or services delivered to
the buyers. India’s third largest private sector non-life insurance provider informed that the policy would offer
cover against payment defaults and insolvency, apart from providing political risk cover to exporters.
• HDFC Bank introduced digital wallets to install point of sale (PoS) terminals at counters in temples of Tamil
Nadu. Five temples in Kanyakumari district in southern Tamil Nadu have introduced digital wallets and PoS
to enable their devotees pay donations
• Citibank India has launched a Voice Biometrics Authentication for its phone banking customers on January
10, 2017 that would allow clients to use their voiceprints for authentication rather than remember multiple
PINs or respond to questions through current practice of interactive voice response (IVR) used for verifying
their identities.
• NITI Aayog has projected the GDP growth rate of 8 Percent for 2016-17 based on the appraisal document for
the Twelfth Five-Year Plan. The estimate does not take into account the impact of demonetization.
• Airtel Payments Bank started its nationwide operations on January 12, 2017 with an initial investment of Rs
3,000 crore and offering an interest rate of 7.25 per cent for savings accounts. The bank was launched
by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. This is the first payments bank which will be opened across 29 states in
India to provide financial services to the millions who are outside the banking system.
• State Bank of India has signed a pact with the State General Reserve Fund of Oman (SGRF), a Sovereign
Wealth Fund to infuse $50 million in private equity fund Oman India Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF) while the
SGRF would infuse $150 million.
• The tax department signed a Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreement (BAPA) with Indian subsidiary of a
Japanese trading company to include rollback provisions to reduce litigations by providing certainty in
transfer pricing on January 13, 2017. Now the total number of BAPAs entered into by the CBDT is increased
to 8.
• The SEBI Board announced its decision to reduce the fees payable by broker by 25 percent as a part of
calibration of various other fees collected by the regulator from different market intermediaries. It has decided
to lower the fees from Rs 20 per crore of turnover to Rs 15 per crore of turnover to reduce the overall cost of
transaction.
• National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has declared Rs 54.90 crore prize money to over 3.42
lakh winners for NITI Aayog’s lucky draw schemes Lucky Grahak Yojna (LGY) and Digi-Dhan Vyapar
Yojna (DVY).
• BSNL has launched its Customer Acquisition and Customer Communication Management (CACMS)
project that aims to digitalize business process to ensure faster service, accurate customer responses and
customer satisfaction.The project provides an Aadhar based e-KYC (Know Your Customer) service for
immediate activation of new mobile connections across the country.
• The Capital market regulator of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on January 14 tightened
the norms associated to Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) of Indian companies to prevent large number of
unlisted company to get listed by merging with a very small company for personal motive and protect the
interest of the Public shareholders in the listed companies and give them a greater say in the merger with
unlisted subsidiaries.
• As per the data released by the President of Note Mudran Limited Employees Union, A Ramdass, the RBI
Note Mudran printing press in Mysuru printing highest number of currency notes in December breaking all its
past record.It printed 10.9 million currency note in a day that even broke the world record made an American
currency printing press of printing 8.7 million notes in a day.
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• India Signs Financing Agreement with World Bank for US$ 48 Million for “Nagaland Health Project” to
improve health services and increase their utilization by communities in targeted locations in Nagaland.
• Future Group’s fashion and lifestyle departmental store Central joined with SBI Card launched a second co-
branded credit card to offer benefits to consumers in the premium lifestyle and fashion space on January 16,
2017.
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has formed a 8 member committee
headed by Amitabh Chaudhry, CEO of HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company to review life insurance
product regulations on January 16, 2017. The committee will analysis the existing framework of IRDA-
linked and non-linked insurance product regulations
• As per a report titled ‘An economy for the 99 per cent’ released by rights group Oxfam on January 16, 2017,
the richest 1 percent of the population in India holds 58 percent of the country’s total wealth which is higher
than the global figure of 50 percent. The report found that since 2015, the richest 1 percent population in
India has continued to own more wealth than the rest of the countries.
• According to the World Economic Outlook report, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on January 16,
2017 has lowered the India’s GDP growth rate for the current fiscal year by one point to 6.6 percent from its
previous estimate of 7.6 percent due to the effect of demonetization on consumption and expenditure.
• Private sector lender YES BANK in collaboration with T-Hub, Anthill and Lets Talk Payments launched a
unique business accelerator program “YES FINTECH” to provide start-ups a platform for creating sustainable
and market ready products as well as provide innovative banking solutions to the customers.
• YES Bank has launched a first of its kind unique Customizable Savings Account to enable the customers to
design an account as per their convenience. Mumbai based bank has become the first bank in India to launch
such type of account that enables the customer to choose various features of a savings accounts that suits one’s
own lifestyle.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from January 16, 2017 has increased the limit of cash withdrawal from
ATMs to Rs 10,000 per day from the current Rs 4,500 with immediate effect. However the bank made no
changes to the weekly withdrawal limits which is Rs 24,000. Besides, the total limit to withdraw from current
accounts has also been increased to Rs 1,00,000 per week from the current limit of Rs 50,000 per week which
will also be applicable on the overdraft and cash credit accounts.
• Contributing to the Government’s Digital India Campaign, a small lake island Karang in Manipur has been
declared as the country’s first cashless island by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology on January 13, 2017.
• The Foreign Ministry spokesperson of China, Hua Chunying on January 17, 2017 informed that thirty more
countries have applied for joining the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) besides 57 founding
members.It was officially established with 57 founding members and authorized capital of USD 100
billion. China is the largest shareholder of the bank having 26.6 percent voting shares. India is the second
largest shareholder with 7.5 percent followed by Russia 5.93 percent and Germany with 4.5 percent.
• Based on the United Nations report on World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2017 released on
January 17, 2017, India’s economy is projected to grow by 7.7 percent in the fiscal 2017 because of being the
fastest growing large developing economy.
• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on January 18, 2017 cleared that income declared under Pradhan
Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna (PMGKY) would not be entitled to get any credit by way of advance tax paid or
the tax deducted at source (TDS) or tax collected at source (TCS). This is in contrast to the earlier Income
Declaration Scheme (IDS) under which these credits were allowed.
• London’s insurance giant Lloyd has received the final approval from the Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority (IRDA) on January 19, 2017 to set up its first branch in India.
• New Delhi based Punjab National Bank signed a memorandum of understanding(MoU) with India Post
Payments Bank(IPPB) to provide technology platform for pilot launch of IPPB on receipt of regulatory nod
from the Reserve Bank of India.
• Washington based World Bank has sanctioned Rs 1,376 crore for upgradations and improvement of the
Tripura power system network on January 19, 2017. This was announced by Tripura’s power minister Manik
Dey.
Economic Survey 2016-17
The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley presented the Economic Survey 2016-17 in the Parliament on January
31, 2017 that provides a base for the government to prepare the annual Budget.
• The survey has been authored by Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian.
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Important Highlights of the Economic Survey 2016-17

GDP Growth
The Economic Survey has estimated that the GDP growth rate for FY18 will be in the range of 6.75 percent to 7.5
percent.
• The growth rate for the current fiscal has been estimated at 7.1 percent from the previous 7.6 percent by the
Central Statistics Office. This estimate does not take into account the effect of demonetization.
• Fixed investment (gross fixed capital formation) to GDP ratio (at current prices) is estimated to be 26.6 per
cent in 2016-17 as compared to previous 29.3 percent.
Government Revenues
• The survey stated that the indirect taxes grew by 26.9 percent during April-November 2016.
Inflation
• As per the Consumer Price Index (CPI), inflation remained under control for the third successive financial
year. The average CPI inflation was 5.9 percent in 2014-15, 4.9 percent in 2015-16 and 4.8 percent during
April-December 2016.
• Based on Wholesale Price Index (WPI), inflation was 2.0 per cent in 2014-15 and lowered to (-)2.5 percent in
2015-16. During April-December 2016 it averaged to 2.9 percent.
• The private sector lender Lakshmi Vilas Bank in partnership with Bangalore based fin-tech startup
firm Fisdom, has launched a mobile application “Mission FINFIT” to offer the customers of the bank financial
planning and personal wealth management services based on Robo advisory.
• As per the announcement by Reserve Bank of India on January 30, 2017, the daily withdrawal
limit from ATM will be removed with effect from February 1, 2017. However the weekly limit to
withdraw Rs. 24000 from savings account will still continue. Besides, the Central bank has also removed the
cash withdrawal limit from current accounts/ cash credit accounts/ overdraft accounts with immediate effect.
• India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) started its operations on January 30, 2017 with the pilot services launched
in Raipur and Ranchi. The total paid up capital of the bank is Rs. 800 crore and the government has already
infused Rs. 275 crore.
• Based on the latest Economic Outlook Survey report released by FICCI on January 30, 2017, the India’s
GDP is projected to grow 6.8 percent this fiscal which is 0.5 percent points less than FICCI’s previous
estimate of 7.3 percent.
• As per the report of the rating agency, ICRA, the bank credit growth rate is likely to float between 5-6
percent in the current fiscal year.
• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval on January 18,
2017 to exclude States/Union-Territories (with Legislature) except Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala and
Madhya Pradesh from National Small Savings Fund (NSSF) investments effective from April 1, 2016.
• Kerala Gramin Bank has launched a novel programme called FI@School at Assisi Vidyanikethan Public
School, Kakkanad to propagate financial literacy among school children on January 20, 2017. The bank has
appointed magician Gopinath Muthukad as the brand ambassador for FI@School.
• The GST Council has decided that tax evasion of upto than Rs. 2 crore would be bailable offense to ensure
that the trader gets immediate bail while the non-bailable offenses would be limited to ‘forgery and non-
deposit of collected taxes with the exchequer within the stipulated time frame. Current tax evasion upto Rs 1
crore used to be bailable offense.
• The Cooperative banks have been barred by the Government on January 20, 2017 from accepting deposits
under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Deposit Scheme (PMGKDS) to stop any misuse of the deposited
amount.
• Mumbai based dairy firm Kwality Ltd has signed an MoU with Bank of Baroda on January 20, 2017 to
provide Rs. 4000 crore loans to one lakh farmers out of the established networks from whom the company
procures milk.
• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched a Contactless Credit Card named PNB Wave N Pay on January 21,
2017 in New Delhi to further enhance its digitalization initiative.
• Varanasi-based Utkarsh Micro Finance started operating its banking business as Utkarsh Small Finance Bank
to cater to the needs of the poor mainly in the northern belt. The bank will offer 6% interest on savings bank
accounts while deposit rates for one year would be 8.25-8.50% which is about 150 basis points higher than
State Bank of India.
• Reserve Bank of India has declared that rescheduling the period of payment of education loans due to the
inability of the borrower because of unemployment will not be treated as restructured accounts for computing
NPAs. Banks can allow three rounds of extension periods, each not more than 6 months, during the entire
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lifecycle of the education loan, to be applicable only on unemployment/underemployment borrowers.

• Wholesale reinsurance provider Swiss Re has received approval from the Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to open a branch in the city.
• The Banking Codes and Standards Board of India (BCSBI) has announced an initiative as per which it would
organise “Know Your Rights” programme in select urban and rural areas of the country to enhance awareness
on Banking Codes at the grassroot level among the people.
The programme, ‘interalia’ involved skit and a puppet show to describe the banking codes to over 100
participating women in simple language.
• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave its post-facto approval on January
24, 2017 allowing National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) to raise approx. Rs.
20,000 crore from the market for on-lending to Cooperative Banks.
• France on January 24, 2017 issued its first “Green Bonds” with a record sale of worth seven billion euro (USD
7.5 billion) thus leading a significant way towards establishment of a genuine market in renewable energy
bonds.
• The Reserve Bank of India has prohibited the Indian entities on January 25, 2017 from making direct overseas
investments in any entity that is located in 'non co-operative countries and territories', as identified by the
inter-governmental body Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
• The State Bank of India has launched a new wealth management product named “SBI Exclusif”
in Kochi, Kerala. Later it will be rolled out in other cities of the state during the course of the year.
• Mangaluru based private sector bank Karnataka Bank Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the
leading agricultural equipment/implements manufacturer Tirth Agro Technology Pvt Ltd, Rajkot, on January
25, 2017 in to finance farmers for agri mechanisation.
The Tirth Agro Technology Pvt Ltd manufactures agricultural implements under the brand
name ‘Shaktiman’. It has a network of more than 685 dealers and 42 distributors across India.
• The Government on January 27, 2017 informed about its plan to launch the biometric based Aadhaar
Pay payment platform in few weeks for BHIM App.
• India’s fastest loan giving app for young salaried professionals, CASHe has partnered with Paytm on January
27, 2017 to allow its users to deposit cash transfers from CASHe to their Paytm wallets.
CASHe offers multiple loan options ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 payable over 15, 30 and 90 days.
• The India Post has received the final license from the Reserve bank of India to start its operation as payment
bank with the name India Post Payment Bank (IPPB). AP Singh has been anointed as the interim MD and
CEO of the India Post Payment Bank by the government.
• The Reserve Bank of India on January 29, 2017 informed that the Foreign Exchange Reserves of India rose
by 932.4 million dollars to 360.775 billion dollars for the second consecutive week ended January 20.
• Future Generali India Insurance Company (FGII) announced an agency tie-up with Pune based Bank of
Maharashtra on January 30, 2017.
BUSINESS
• German airline company Lufthansa has become the first carrier to launch commercial operations with Airbus
A350 to India after it announced that the first flight to Delhi from Munich on this aircraft will be operated on
February 11, 2017.
• The state government of Rajasthan led by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has collaborated with the American
MNC Cisco to develop the state capital Jaipur as the second startup destination after Bengaluru.
• The General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) which was scheduled to be implemented from April 1, 2014, will
now scome into effect from April 1, 2017 (Assessment Year 2018-19).
• The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) on January 2, 2017 directed that Service charges billed by
restaurants are optional and it is up to the customers to pay it. The decision comes after the department cited
complaints that hotels and restaurants are levying an additional 5 to 20% in bills in name of tips, regardless of
the kind of service provided
• Solar power producer Azure Power commissioned 150 MW solar power project in Punjab, which is its largest
in North India.
• Output growth of India’s Core sector slows to 4.9% in November 2016
• Google India on 4 January 2017 has launched two new initiatives named My Business and Digital
Unlocked for the small and medium businesses in India.
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• The Government on January 5, 2017, imposed an anti-dumping duty ranging from USD 6.30 to USD
351.72 per tonne on imports of jute and its products from Bangladesh and Nepal for five years.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a penalty of Rs. 207 crore on seven major cement
companies on January 19, 2017 for being involved in bid rigging and cartelisation to get tenders in Haryana
government orders.
• IBM has become the first company to break the US patent record by receiving 8,088 patents in 2016 with a
rate of 22 patents per day. The achievement also marked the 24th consecutive year of the computer hardware
giant’s innovation leadership.
• Digital Services firm Atos and NASSCOM Foundation has collaborated on January 11, 2017 to
launch National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) centers at Vadodara, Gujarat to conduct skill development
programs in the area of Information Technology.
• The national carrier Air India (AI) has launched a ‘Fly For Sure’ scheme on January 11, 2017 that will ensure
that passengers reach their destination the desired day without the need to buy expensive last-minute tickets in
case of missing booked flight.
• Mahindra Asset Management Company Pvt. Ltd (MAMCPL) launched an open ended scheme Mahindra
Mutual Fund Dhan Sanchay Yojna scheme to generate long-term returns through investment in equity and
debt. The scheme will close on January 24, 2017 and will open again for continuous sale and repurchase from
February 8, 2017.
• According to the latest factory output and inflation data Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
released by the statistics office showed industrial production at a one-year high of 5.7% in November 2016.
• NTPC Ltd signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding on January 12, 2017 with Rajasthan Rajya
Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd and Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd in the presence of chief minister Vasundhara
Raje in Jaipur to takeover of Chhabra Thermal Power Plant under asset-for-equity deal.
• India based Budget carrier SpiceJet and US based aircraft manufacturer Boeing has signed a deal worth $22
billion (Rs 150,000 crore) for the purchase of up to 205 aircraft on January 13, 2017. This is one of the largest
orders ever made in the airline history. The agreement also provided a big boost for Boeing in India.
• Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose to 3.39 percent in December 2016 breaking the record of last three
months. Thfe rise was due to increase in prices of manufactured items. WPI based inflation
in vegetables declined by 33.11 percent in December 2016 mainly because of a substantial fall in price of
onions which stood at -37.20 percent.
• Government owned Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited(BHEL) has commissioned new 500 MW Thermal
Unit in West Bengal on January 16, 2016. This was the second 500 MW at Sagardighi Thermal Power Station
(TPS) Phase II project in Murshidabad district of West Bengal.
• The Public Sector Oil Companies including HPCL, ONGC and the GAIL have signed MoUs on January 27,
2017 with the Andhra Pradesh Government to invest 1.65 lakh crore in several projects of the state especially
the Krishna-Godavari basin.
• American worldwide online transportation network company Uber has launched two-wheeler aggregation
service UberMOTO , Upon that one can hire two-wheelers for short-distance commute at cheaper rates to
provide the last-mile connectivity from and to the upcoming Metro railway stations.
• The Electronic commerce company Flipkart has been ranked at the top position in the nationwide consumer
study titled ‘The Indian E-tailing Leadership Index’ conducted by research firm Red Seer Consulting.
• Digital Payment Platform, FreeCharge has launched a Mutual Funds investment facility on its platform in
partnership with Reliance Mutual Fund on January 20, 2017.
• According to the annual 50 Most Innovative Companies survey report published by the management
consulting firm BCG (Boston Consulting Group), , Apple Inc. has been named as the World’s Most
Innovative Company in 2016. This is the 11th time that the report has been revised since it first appeared in
the year 2004.
• UK-headquartered Vodafone India signed an MoU with the West Bengal government to invest Rs 3,000 crore
for capacity augmentation and new business initiatives over next three years.
• Moving towards the Make in India initiative, the Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh inaugurated the
new Universal Rail Mill at Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) of Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) on January 23,
2017 and flagged off the mills first and world’s longest single rail of 130 meters from the new Universal Rail
Mill(URM).
• Telangana based India’s largest incubator for start-ups, T-Hub has launched a ‘GIS Innovation Hub’ (GIH) in
collaboration with Esri India on January 23, 2017 for the start-ups belonging to the capital Hyderabad.
• American aerospace major Boeing Corporation launched the “Boeing India Engineering & Technology
Center” (BIETC) on January 24, 2017 in Bengaluru in a bid to enhance its aerospace innovation in global
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emerging market like India.

• India's largest online travel portal MakeMyTrip has launched the first ever social luxury travel
magazine called 'Luxury Travel Times'.
• Nokia Indian operation has bagged a contract worth $500 million (Rs 3,650 crore) from Mumbai based
Vodafone for deployment and expansion of 4G network in the country.
• The Aditya Birla Group on January 27, 2017 announced its plans to invest Rs 7,000 crore in the next two
years in Andhra Pradesh.
• Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd(HPCL) and GAIL India Ltd signed a pact with Andhra Pradesh for setting up
a Rs 40,000 crore petrochemical plant in the state. The 50:50 joint venture will set up a 1.5 million tons
Ethylene Derivatives plant.
• Indian-American entrepreneur, philanthropist and venture capitalist Gururaj Deshpande has decided to
launch India’s largest startup incubation centre at Hubballi (earlier Hubli) in Karnataka.
• Reliance Defence Signs Contract with Ministry of Defence to Construct 14 Fast patrol Vessels for Indian
Coast Guard worth Rs. 916 crore.
Kakinada SEZ Ltd (KSEZ), a subsidiary of GMR Infrastructure Limited (GIL), signed several MoUs with
various companies during the CII Partnership Summit 2017 held on January 27-28, 2017 at Visakhapatnam,
Andhra Pradesh. The MoU aimed at setting up World Class manufacturing units at the Kakinada SEZ in
Andhra Pradesh spread over 8,500 acres at a cost of Rs. 47000 crore.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
FIFA Best Player of the Year 2016

The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Best FIFA Women’s Player Award Carli Lloyd.
The Best FIFA Men’s Coach Award Claudio Ranieri.
The Best FIFA Women’s Coach Award Silvia Neid.
The FIFA Puskás Award 2016 MohdFaizSubri.
The FIFA Fair Play Award Atletico National.
The FIFA Fan Award Dortmund fans and Liverpool fans.
The FIFA lifetime achievement award Falcao.
The FIFA FIFPro World11 Neuer, DaniAlves, Pique, Ramos, Marcelo, Modric,
Kroos, Iniesta, Messi, Suarez, Ronaldo.
• Four Indian–American scientists have been selected by the US President Barack Obama on January 10, 2017
for the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).
• An IIT Kharagpur alumnus, ParagHavaldar, has won the prestigious Scientific & Technical Awards popularly
called the `Technical Oscar’ by the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences for the development of
expression-based facial performance-capture technology at Sony Pictures Imageworks.
• La La Land, an American romantic musical comedy-drama film, broke the record at the 74th Golden Globe
Awards on January 8, 2017 by winning in every category of award it was nominated.
• The Bollywood Actor Amitabh Bachchan was honoured by the US Embassy on January 8, 2017 for his
immense contribution to the India-US partnership on tuberculosis (TB).
• Pakistan MamnoonHussain honoured Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar JavedBajwa with
Nishan-e-Imtiaz to recognize his valuable servicesin Islamabad.
• The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) was awarded with “Best Performing
Power Distribution Utility in Power Sector” by Central Board of Irrigation & Power (CBIP).Punjab is first
state to provide unique phone number 1912 for registration of all types of complaints across 24X7 by phone
and sms.
• The 2017 edition of the Forbes’ list of super achievers under the age of 30 features about 30 Indian-
Origin Innovators, Entrepreneurs and Leaders who made outstanding contribution towards transforming the
world.
• Bollywood actor, Shah Rukh Khan, commonly known as SRK, has been named for the 4th Yash Chopra
Memorial Award. The award would be presented to the actor at a function in Mumbai on February 25,
2017. The actor will receive Rs 10 lakh, a gold medal, and a certificate as part of the award.
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• ISKCON’s Govardhan eco village in Thane district has been conferred with the UNWTO Award for
Innovation in the category of Non-Governmental Organisations(NGO) at he annual United Nations World
Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism at Madrid in Spain on
January 19, 2017. Govardhan eco village become the first village in India has recognized by UN in the NGO
sector.
• President Barack Obama on January 12, 2017 presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the highest US
civilian honour) to the Vice President of US Joe Biden. The vice-president had no idea that he will be getting
the award and the award came as a surprise to him.
• The 2017 Crafoord Prize has been conferred upon two American and one Japenese scientists for their
fundamental discovebries in immune regulation. The awardees of the scientific prize include Japan’s Shimon
Sakaguchi of Osaka University, Fred Ramsdell from the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy in San
Francisco, and Alexander Rudensky of the New-York-based Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center of
America.
• Darpan Basak & Ankit Kumar won the Young Travel Photographer Of The Year (TPOTY) award 2016.
62nd Filmfare Award 2017 Winner list
Award Winner
Best Film Dangal
Best Director Nitesh Tiwari for Dangal
Best Actor (Male) Aamir Khan for Dangal
Best Actor (Female) Alia Bhatt for Udta Punjab
Best Actor (Male) in a Short Film Manoj Bajpayee for Taandav.
Best Male Debut Diljit Dosanjh for Udta Punjab.
Best Female Debut Ritika Singh for Saala Khadoos.
Best Director Debut Ashwini Iyer Tiwari for ‘Nil Battey Sannata’
Best Film People’s Choice Khamakha
Best Short Film (Fiction) Chutney
Best Short Film (Non-fiction) Matitali Kusti
Best Actor (Female) in a Short Film Tisca Chopra for Chutney.
Best Dialogue Ritesh Shah for Pink.
Best Screenplay Shakun Batra, Ayesha Devitre Dhillon for Kapoor
& Sons
Best Story Shakun Batra, Ayesha Devitre Dhillon for Kapoor
& Sons
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) Rishi Kapoor for Kapoor & Sons.
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) Shabana Azmi for Neerja.
Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award Shatrughan Sinha.
Best Music Director Pritam for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.
Best Lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya-‘Channa Mereya’,Ae Dil Hai
Mushkil
Best Male Playback Singer Arijit Singh for the song Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
Best Female Playback Singer Neha Bhasin for ‘Jag Ghoomeya’ from Sultan
Best Visual Effects Red Chillies for Fan
Best Editing Monisha Baldawa for Neerja
Best Costume Payal Saluja for Udta Punjab
Best Action Shyam Kaushal for Dangal
Best Background Score Sameer Uddin for Kapoor & Sons
Best Choreography Adil Shaikh for ‘Kar Gayi Chull’ from Kapoor &
Sons
RD Burman Award for New Music Talent Amit Mishra for ‘Bulleya’ from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
Best Cinematography Mitesh Mirchandani for ‘Neerja’
Filmfare Critics Award
Best Film Neerja
Best Actor (Male) Manoj Bajpayee (Aligarh) and Shahid Kapoor (Udta
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Punjab)
Best Actor (Female) Sonam Kapoor for Neerja
Award Winner
Best Film Dangal
Best Director Nitesh Tiwari for Dangal
Best Actor (Male) Aamir Khan for Dangal
Best Actor (Female) Alia Bhatt for Udta Punjab
• Kiran Doshi won The Hindu Prize 2016 on January 15, 2017 at the 7th edition of The Hindu Lit for Life
festival 2017 held in Chennai from January 14-16, 2017.
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has registered Sitalpati or
cool mat from the Cooch Behar district, West Bengal as an “intangible cultural heritage”.
• Jacob Polley, a British Poet was Conferred with the 2016 T.S. Eliot prize for poetry at a ceremony at the
Wallace Collection gallery in London on January 16, 2017 for his poetry collection “Jackself”.
• The National Bravery Awards 2016 has been conferred upon 25 children that include 13 boys and 12 girls.
Among the 25 awards, four awards have been given posthumously.
• The Bollywood Actress Priyanka Chopra won her second People’s Choice Award for Favourite Dramatic TV
Actress at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California on January 18, 2017.
• A film directed by Ajay Saklani in a Himachali dialect “Saanjh” has won the best feature film award at
international Borrego Springs Film Festival held in California, US on January 16, 2017. Saanjh is the first
Himachali film has gets international recognition in 100 years of the Indian cinema.
• Three Indian-origin persons have been awarded Australia’s highest civilian honor this year for their
contributions in the field of medicine and work towards the community. Purushottam Sawrikar, a Sydney-
based medical practitioner, Makhan Singh Khangure from Perth and Vijay Kumar received the award for his
significant service.
• Dr. A Keshav Krishna, a scientist at the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad has been
selected for the 2016 National Geoscience Award in recognition of his work in the field of geo-environmental
studies in Applied Geosciences. Besides, Dr. N. Purnachandra Rao, Chief Scientist at the National
Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), has been selected for 2016 National Geoscience Award for
recognition of his work in the field of Geophysics.
• 3 Soldiers from Rashtriya Rifles Awarded Sena Medal for Encoutering Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani. The
awardees include Major Sandeep Kumar, Captain Manik Sharma and Naik Arvind Singh Chauhan.
• Over 3.5 lakh people in Gujarat created a world record on January 21, 2017 by singing the National Anthem at
an event of installation of idol of goddess Khodiyar at a newly-built Khodal Dham temple in Kagvad town in
Rajkot district.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the National Bravery Awards 2016 in New Delhi on January 23, 2017
and distributed bravery awards to 25 young recipients. Among the 25 children, 12 were girls and 13 boys out
of which 4 awards were given posthumously.
• Delhi International Airport Ltd.(DIAL) has bagged the prestigious Golden Peacock Award on January 20,
2017 for Corporate Social Responsibility in the transportation sector under the aviation category for the year
2016.
• In a bid to promote digital transaction in Assam, the Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal on
January 22, 2017 announced the launch of ‘Chief Minister’s Award’ while inaugurating the Digi Dhan Mela
in the state.
• Russia’s President Vladimir Putin was awarded the first ever Hugo Chavez Prize for Peace and
Sovereignty by the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 18, 2017 at the Presidential Palace
in Miraflores, Caracas, Venezuela. The Peace Prize has been named in honor of late Venezuelan leader Hugo
Chavez who served as the 64th President of Venezuela from 1999 to 2013.
Complete list of Padma Awards 2017

• This year the President of India has approved Padma Awards to 89 persons. Out of these 19 are women, 5
awardees are from the category of foreigners, NRIs, PIOs while 6 are posthumous awardees.
• The Award includes 7 Padma Vibhushan, 7 Padma Bhushan and 75 Padma Shri Awardees.
PADMA VIBHUSHAN
No. Name Awarded For State
1 Shri K J Yesudas Art-Music Kerala
2 Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev Others-Spiritualism Tamil Nadu
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3 Shri Sharad Pawar Public Affairs Maharashtra

4 Shri Murli Manohar Joshi Public Affairs Uttar Pradesh
5 Prof. Udipi Ramachandra Rao Science & Engineering Karnataka
6 Late Shri Sunder Lal Patwa (Posthumous) Public Affairs Madhya Pradesh
7 Late Shri PA Sangma (Posthumous) Public Affairs Meghalaya
PADMA BHUSHAN
No Name Awarded for State
8 Shri Vishwa Mohan Bhatt Art-Music Rajasthan
9 Prof. (Dr.) Devi Prasad Dwivedi Literature & Education Uttar Pradesh
10 Shri Tehemton Udwadia Medicine Maharashtra
11 Shri Ratna Sundar Maharaj Others-Spiritualism Gujarat
12 Swami Niranjana Nanda Saraswati Yoga Bihar
13 H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Literature & Education Thailand
(Foreigner)
14 Late Shri Cho Ramaswamy (Posthumous) Literature & Education – Tamil Nadu
Journalism
PADMA SHRI:
No. Name Awarded for State
15 Smt. Basanti Bisht Art-Music Uttarakhand
16 Shri Chemanchery Kunhiraman Nair Art-Dance Kerala
17 Smt. Aruna Mohanty Art-Dance Odisha
18 Smt. Bharathi Vishnuvardhan Art-Cinema Karnataka
19 Shri Sadhu Meher Art-Cinema Odisha
20 Shri T K Murthy Art-Music Tamil Nadu
21 Shri Laishram Birendrakumar Singh Art-Music Manipur
22 Shri Krishna Ram Chaudhary Art-Music Uttar Pradesh
23 Smt. Baoa Devi Art-Painting Bihar
24 Shri Tilak Gitai Art-Painting Rajasthan
25 Dr. Prof. Aekka Yadagiri Rao Art-Sculpture Telangana
26 Shri Jitendra Haripal Art-Music Odisha
27 Shri Kailash Kher Art-Music Maharashtra
28 Smt. Parassala B Ponnammal Art-Music Kerala
29 Smt. Sukri Bommagowda Art-Music Karnataka
30 Shri Mukund Nayak Art-Music Jharkhand
31 Shri Purushottam Upadhyay Art-Music Gujarat
32 Smt. Anuradha Paudwal Art-Music Maharashtra
33 Shri Wareppa Naba Nil Art-Theatre Manipur
34 Shri Tripuraneni Hanuman Chowdary Civil Service Telangana
35 Shri T.K. Viswanathan Civil Service Haryana
36 Shri Kanwal Sibal Civil Service Delhi
37 Shri Birkha Bahadur Limboo Muringla Literature & Education Sikkim
38 Smt. Eli Ahmed Literature & Education Assam
39 Dr. Narendra Kohli Literature & Education Delhi
40 Prof. G. Venkatasubbiah Literature & Education Karnataka
41 Shri Akkitham Achyuthan Namboothiri Literature & Education Kerala
42 Shri Kashi Nath Pandita Literature & Education Jammu & Kashmir
43 Shri Chamu Krishna Shastry Literature & Education Delhi
44 Shri Harihar Kripalu Tripathi Literature & Education Uttar Pradesh
45 Shri Michel Danino Literature & Education Tamil Nadu
46 Shri Punam Suri Literature & Education Delhi
47 Shri VG Patel Literature & Education Gujarat
48 Smt. V Koteswaramma Literature & Education Andhra Pradesh
49 Shri Balbir Dutt Literature & Education Journalism Jharkhand
50 Smt. Bhawana Somaaya Literature & Education Journalism Maharashtra
51 Shri Vishnu Pandya Literature & Education Journalism Gujarat
52 Dr. Subroto Das Medicine Gujarat
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53 Dr. (Smt.) Bhakti Yadav Medicine Madhya Pradesh

54 Dr. Mohammed Abdul Waheed Medicine Telangana
55 Dr. Madan Madhav Godbole Medicine Uttar Pradesh
56 Dr. Devendra Dayabhai Patel Medicine Gujarat
57 Prof. Harkishan Singh Medicine Chandigarh
58 Dr. Mukut Minz Medicine Medicine Chandigarh
59 Shri Arun Kumar Sharma Others-Archaeology Chhattisgarh
60 Shri Sanjeev Kapoor Others-Culinary Maharashtra
61 Smt. Meenakshi Amma Others-Martial Art Kerala
62 Shri Genabhai Dargabhai Patel Others-Agriculture Gujarat
63 Shri Chandrakant Pithawa Science & Engineering Telangana
64 Prof. Ajoy Kumar Ray Science & Engineering West Bengal
65 Shri Chintakindi Mallesham Science & Engineering Andhra Pradesh
66 Shri Jitendra Nath Goswami Science & Engineering Assam
67 Shri Daripalli Ramaiah Social Work Telangana
68 Shri Girish Bhardwaj Social Work Karnataka
69 Shri Karimul Hak Social Work West Bengal
70 Shri Bipin Ganatra Social Work West Bengal
71 Smt. Nivedita Raghunath Bhide Social Work Tamil Nadu
72 Shri Appasaheb Dharmadhikari Social Work Maharashtra
73 Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal Social Work Punjab
74 Shri Virat Kohli Sports-Cricket Delhi
75 Shri Shekar Naik Sports-Cricket Karnataka
76 Shri Vikasa Gowda Sports-Discus Throw Karnataka
77 Smt. Deepa Malik Sports-Athletics Haryana
78 Shri Mariyappan Thangavelu Sports-Athletics Tamil Nadu
79 Smt. Dipa Karmakar Sports-Gymnastics Tripura
80 Shri P R Shreejesh Sports-Hockey Kerala
81 Smt. Sakshi Malik Sports-Wrestling Haryana
82 Shri Mohan Reddy Venkatrama Bodanapu Trade & Industry Telangana
83 Shri Imrat Khan (NRI/PIO) Art-Music USA
84 Shri Anant Agarwal (NRI/PIO) Literature & Education USA
85 Shri H.R. Shah (NRI/PIO) Literature & EducationJournalism USA
86 Late (Smt.) Suniti Solomon (Posthumous) Medicine Tamil Nadu
87 Shri Asoke Kumar Bhattacharyya Others-Archaeology West Bengal
(Posthumous)
88 Dr. Mapuskar (Posthumous) Social Work Maharashtra
89 Smt. Anuradha Koirala (Foreigner) Social Work Nepal
• The Reliance Foundation Founder and Chairperson Nita Ambani has been honored by the Metropolitan
Museum of Art (The Met) in New York on January 24, 2017 for her philanthropic work in the areas of
education, sports, healthcare, rural transformation, urban renewal, disaster response, women empowerment
and promotion of the arts.
• Damodar Valley Corporation received NTPC award 20015-16 from Union Power Minister, Piyush Goyal
• List of Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards 2016
The President of India approved the conferment of Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards 2016 on 36
persons on January 25, 2017.
List of Awardees
Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak
No. Name State
1 Ms. Roluahpuii (Posthumous) Mizoram
2 Shri Shishir Kumar Yadavannavr (Posthumous) Karnataka
3 Shri Vadmitra Choudhary, (Posthumous) Uttar Pradesh
4 Shri Rakesh Kumar CN (Posthumous) Karnataka
5 Shri Suresh NB (Posthumous) Kerala
Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak
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No. Name State

1 Shri Mrigesh Narayan Barua Assam
2 Dr. C. Gopakumar (Posthumous) Kerala
3 Shri Govind Laxman Tupe Maharashtra
4 Shri Churchill Mizoram
5 Smt. Roluahpuii Mizoram
6 Shri Bir Bajrangbali Pandey West Bengal
7 Master Maurice Yengkhom Manipur
8 Master Shivansh Singh (Posthumous) Uttar Pradesh
Jeevan Raksha Padak
No. Name State
1 Shri Yashwant Kumar Pisda Chhattisgarh
2 Shri Dara Singh Haryana
3 Shri Dinesh Kumar Himachal Pradesh
4 Shri Ratheeshan Nambolan Kerala
5 Master Anandhakrishnan A Kerala
6 Master Akhil K. Shibu Kerala
7 Shri Tejesh Brijlal Sonawane Maharashtra
8 Shri Manoj Sudhakarrao Barahate Maharashtra
9 Shri Isac Lalrinchhana Mizoram
10 Shri Lalmohan Mohanta Odisha
11 Kum. Nazia Uttar Pradesh
12 Shri Pankaj Kumar Pandey Tamil Nadu
13 Shri Anoop Mishra Uttar Pradesh
14 Shri Kapil Kumar Shishodia Uttar Pradesh
15 Shri Neelkant Ramesh Harikantra Maharashtra
16 Shri Manohar Mahato West Bengal
17 Shri Balen Rajbongshi West Bengal
18 Shri Dharmendra Kumar Yadav West Bengal
19 Master Kamlesh Pradhan Chhattisgarh
20 Kum. Angelica Tynsong Meghalaya
21 Master Sai Krishna Akhil Kilambi Telangana
22 Shri Tshewana Thinlay Lachungpa Sikkim
23 Shri Altaf Ahmed Khan Jammu & Kashmir
• Dr.Gullapalli N Rao, Founder and Chairman, L V Prasad Eye Institute, has been selected as one of two
inductees for the prestigious 2017 Ophthalmology Hall of Fame instituted by the American Society of
Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS).
• The Union Ministry of Defence announced the result of the Republic Day Parade – 2017 on January 28, 2017.
For this the Ministry appointed three panels of judges for honoring the participants of the event with the
awards in different categories. In Service Category, Madras Engineer Group has been selected as the best
marching contingent while in the Para-Military Forces category, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
were adjudged as the best performers.
• Iris Mittenaere of France was crowned as the Miss Universe 2017 in the international beauty pageant event
which was held on January 29, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines organized by the Miss
Universe Organization.
• The First ever National Entrepreneurship Awards 2016 was presented by the Union Home Minister Shri
Rajnath Singh at Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi on January 30, 2017.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS
Name Post
BCCI President Anurag The Supreme Court has removed from the Office
Thakur and Secretary Ajay Shirke
Prof. David R. Syiemlieh Chairman of Union Public Service Commission
Air Marshal SB Deo Vice Chief of the Air Staff of Indian Air Force
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ShivpalYadav AkhileshYadav Dismisses him and appoints NareshUttam as

Party’s Chief
SanjivRanjan (concurrently) Ambassador of India to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay
Kamala Harris
Ami Bera
US Congress Members. Ro Khanna
Raja Krishnamoorthi
PramilaJayapal
Paul Ryan re-elected Speaker of US House of Representatives
Robert Lighthizer Chief Trade Negotiator
JovenelMoise President of Haiti
SurekhaMarandi Executive Director Reserve Bank of India
Ivan Rogers(resigns) Britain’s Ambassador to the EU Anil Jalali HR
Head for Capgemini India Operation
Karan Bajwa Managing Director IBM India
S Padmanabhan Chairman of Tata Power
Sir Tim Barrow Britain’s ambassador to the EU
Kalyan Krishnamurthy Flipkart’s new CEO
Kumar Sharadindu MD & CEO of SBI Pension Funds
Virat Kohli Gionee brand ambassador
Ranbir Kapoor Brand Ambassador For Asian Paints’ UltimaProtek
Pakistan’s Gen. Raheel Sharif Head of Islamic Military Alliance
David Rudisha International Ambassador of Stanchart Mumbai
Shalabh Seth CEO of Ola Fleet Technologies
Daniel Ortega Nicaragua’s President for Third Consecutive Term
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Seychelles
Vikram Pawah President of BMW Group India
Jimmy Adams, former captain New director of West Indies cricket
Housing’s ex-CEO Jason Kothari chief strategy and investment officer of Snapdeal
Manish Tewari Senior fellow of US think tank Atlantic Council
Rajesh Gopinathan Chief Executive Officer of TCS
TCS CEO N. Chandrasekaran Tata Sons chairman.
Ashish Shelar Maharashtra Cricket Association president
Sanjeev Srinivasan CEO, MD Bharti AXA General
Antonio Tajani President of European Parliament
Birender Singh Yadav High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Sierra Leone
Rajeev Singh Interim CEO of Prasar Bharati after S C Panda
Alok Kumar Verma Director of CBI
Adama Barrow Official President of Gambian
Ashok Warrier Ambassador of India to the Central African Republic
Bishwadip Dey High Commissioner of India to Grenada
AIFF president Praful Patel FIFA finance committee
Anurag Thakur Himachal Olympic Association Head
Birender Singh Yadav Ambassador of India to the Republic of Burkina Faso
Ashok Warrier Ambassador of India to the Republic of Congo
Vishal Kaul Chief Operating Officer (COO) of OLA
Nikki Haley U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
Anerood Jugnauth (resigns) Mauritius Prime Minister
Indo American Ajit Pai FCC, US communications regulatory agency-chairman
Uttam Dhillon Special assistant to the President on ethics and compliance
matters-White House position.
Rex Tillerson Secretary of State US
Derk Segaar Director of United Nations Information Centre (UNIC)
Virender Sehwag Kings XI Punjab Brand Ambassador
Siddhartha Murarka Institute of Company Secretaries of India –Chairman
Mike Pompeo – US Central Intelligence Agency -Director
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V Shanmuganathan (resigns) Meghalaya Governor

Dushyant Chautala Table Tennis Federation of India President
Ashok Amritraj UN in India Goodwill Ambassador for the Sustainable
Development Goals.
AP Singh Interim Head of India Post Payment Bank
Amulya Patnaik Delhi Police Chief
Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit Additional charge of Meghalaya
Nagaland governor PB Acharya Additional charge of Arunachal Pradesh
Dr. Vijay Pandurang Bhatkar VC Nalanda University
Chadian foreign affairs minister African Union Commission head
Moussa Faki Mahamat
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS
• The largest online residential real estate brokerage firm PropTiger.Com and Housing.Com announced a
merger on January 10, 2017 to create India’s largest online real estate services company.
• Hyderabad based pharmaceutical manufacturing company AurobindoPharma has inked an agreement to
acquire Portugal’s Generis Farmaceutica SA from Magnum Capital Partners for a consideration of 135 million
euros.
• PVR Ltd has informed Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India that the Delhi
High Court has approved merger of two of its subsidiary companies with it, effective from April 1, 2015.
• Business process management company, WNS Global Services announced acquisition of US-based Denali
Sourcing Services for $40 million.
• The government has decided to sell its entire 51% stake in Pawan Hans Ltd to a strategic buyer and transfer
the management control of the helicopter service operator.
• ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has acquired 8.41 per cent stake in Fino Paytech Ltd (FPL) for a total
consideration of Rs 100 crore
• US based Google is announced to acquire Twitter’s mobile application developer platform Fabric for an
undisclosed amount on January 19, 2017
• American multinational technology company Microsoft has acquired Sweden-based company Simplygon to
accelerate innovation in enabling 3D for everyone.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the proposed merger of online travel
firm MakeMyTrip’s Indian travel business with rival Ibibo Group. The closing of the transaction is expected
to be around January 31, 2017.
• The U.S. healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson on January 26, 2017 informed about its intention to buy
Switzerland based bio-pharmaceutical firm, Actelion, for $30
billion (27.9 billion euros).
• Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba’s financial arm, Ant Financial on January 26, 2017 reached an agreement
to acquire U.S money transfer company MoneyGram for USD 880 million.
MoUs
• Union Cabinet led by PM Modi approved signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India
and Kenya on bilateral cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors.
• India and Pakistan signs agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities
• The Union Cabinet under PM Modi approved signing of an agreement between India and Uruguay for
cooperation and mutual assistance in Customs Matters.
• The Union Cabinet also gave its approval for signing of an agreement for cooperation in the field
of Agriculture and allied sectors between India and Portugal.
• Telanagana Government Signs MoU with Civil Aviation Ministry for Regional Connectivity Scheme
• Arunachal signs MoU with NDDB to promote dairy development, According to the MoU, NDDB will
conduct a survey related to milk production and consumption and identify areas of intervention in Arunachal
Pradesh.
• The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of US and Development Partnership Administration (DPA) of
the Ministry of External Affairs of India on January 13, 2017 have signed an MoU for collaboration in the
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fields of developmental activities and assist the third world countries.

• The Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
the National Yuva Cooperative Society to set up 1,000 ‘Janaushadhi Kendras‘ under the Pradhan Mantri
Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme to provide medicines at an affordable price.
• India and Sri Lanka has signed an MoU on January 13, 2017 for the construction of 3000 rain water
harvesting systems in northern Jaffna District of Sri Lanka at a cost of 30 crore Sri Lankan Rupees.
• Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull signed an upgraded
defence agreement to boost cooperation between their militaries. Beside with this they also reaffirmed their
support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement the 12-nation trade pact
• Ministry of AYUSH has signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with the Advertising Standards
Council of India (ASCI) to curtail malpractices in the advertisement of AYUSH drugs in New Delhi on
January 20, 2017
• The Indian Railways signed a joint venture agreement with the state government of Jharkhand on January 20,
2017 for the development of railway infrastructure in the State. It is the 9th State to form a Joint Venture
Company with the Ministry of Railways. Earlier Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha,
Haryana, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat have already signed JV agreement with Ministry of Railways.
• The Union government under PM Modi gave approval for the ratification of the Second Commitment Period
of the Kyoto Protocol on containing the emission of Green House Gases (GHGs) which was adopted in 2012.
Till date, 65 countries have ratified the Second Commitment Period.
• The Central Water Commission (CWC) under the Ministry of Water Resources River Development and
Ganga Rejuvenation signed two separate MoUs with IIT Madras and IIS Bengaluru on January 27, 2017 in
New Delhi.
• The Telangana government on January 27, 2017 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French
Aero campus Aquitaine to set up a world-class aero skills academy in the city in collaboration with academia
and industry of the state.
• India and France signed White Shipping Agreement on January 19, 2017 in New Delhi to enable information
sharing on maritime traffic and maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Mauritius along with Gabon, Hungary, Indonesia, Lithuania, Malta and the Russian Federation signed the
Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement for Country-by- Country Reporting (CbC MCAA). Now the
total number of signatories increased to 57 while India signed the agreement in May 2016.
SCHEMES
• Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh launched a new health scheme, ArogyaRaksha
Scheme at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada to provide the medical treatment to the people of the
Above Poverty Line at Rs. 1200 premium per annum.
• The Telangana Government announced a new scheme on January 6, 2017, to provide financial assistance
of Rs. 1000 per month to poor single women in the state.
• Karnataka Bank has launched has launched a group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme for all its Saving
Bank (SB) Account holders. The insurance scheme is named “KBL Suraksha” and provides insurance cover
for accidental death.
• The Tamil Nadu Government signed an MoU with the Ministry of Power on January 9, 2017 to join the Ujwal
DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) scheme. With the agreement Tamil Nadu has become the 21st state to
join UDAY scheme.
• Madhya Pradesh government inaugurated a first of its kind scheme of the country, “Digital Dakiya” in Indore
on January 14, 2017 to encourage cashless transaction in the state.
• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has received 45 initial proposals coming in from 11 bidders covering
more than 200 regional routes under Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) said by Civil Aviation Minister P.
Ashok Gajapathi Raju on January 18, 2017.
• As a part of government’s commitment for financial inclusion and social security the Union Cabinet has given
its post-facto approval to launch Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017 (VPBY 2017) on January 24, 2017.
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) would be the implementing body of the scheme during the
current financial year.
• The Union Cabinet approved a new scheme for promotion of Rural Housing. The scheme would be
implemented by National Housing Bank. The Government would provide net present value of the interest
subsidy of 3 percent to the National Housing Bank upfront which will, in turn, pass it to the Primary Lending
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Institutions (Scheduled Commercial Banks, NBFCs etc.) and interest subsidy to every rural household who
takes a loan of upto Rs. 2 lakhs and is not covered under the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana (Grameen),
PMAY(G).
• The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan launched the IT Project, e-Health Kerala which is
named Jeevan Rekha on January 25, 2017 at Peroorkada Model Government Hospital.
• Arunachal Pradesh launched ‘Dulari Kanya’, a special scheme to check infant mortality in the state, under
which the government will deposit Rs 20,000 in the bank account of a girl child, born in any government
hospital.
COMMITTEE
• Ministry of Sports Constitutes Committee to suggest improvements to National Sports Code. The committee,
which will be chaired by Sports Secretary, InjetiSrinivas, will submit its report within one month on the basis
of suggestions and feedback given in these meetings so that sports bodies act according to the public
expectations for the promotion of sports in the country.
• The minority affairs ministry lead by Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi formed a high-powered six-member
committee on January 12, 2017 to look into whether giving subsidy has benefits to Hajj pilgrims.The decision
has been taken in light of a 2012 Supreme Court order on gradually reducing and abolishing subsidy given to
pilgrims by 2022.
• An Expert Group Committee under the Chairmanship of former Finance Secretary Shri Sumit Bose presented
its report on the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) to the Minister of Rural Development, Shri
Narendra Singh Tomar on January 13, 2017 for better planning and identification of beneficiaries and for
generating priority list of beneficiaries under its programmes.
• A committee formed by the IIT Joint Admission Board (JAB) has recently given its suggestion to create 20
percent reservation seats for the girl students in IITs out of the total number of seats available. The committee
headed by professor Timothy Gonsalves recommended the supernumerary seats to address the issue falling
number of female students entering the institute.
• Vinod Rai, the former Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) was appointed as the head of
the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) administrative committee by the Supreme Court on January
30, 2017. The court also named historian Ramachandra Guha, Vikram Limaye, Managing Director of IDFC
and Diana Edulji, former women test cricket captain as the member of the 4-membered committee
• A committee has been constituted by the Centre on January 22, 2017 to frame uniform rules for the states to
avoid delay in proper implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPD) Act across the country.
The Committee will be headed by Secretary from Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
(DEPwD).
• N.K. Singh Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Presents its Report to the
Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
• ISRO Chairman Kiran Kumar and CNES President Jean-Yves Le Gall signed a partnership agreement in
satellite launch technology in the presence of visiting French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Marc Ayrault in
Bengaluru.
• A Chinese rocket Kuaizhou-1A (KZ-1A) successfully launched three satellites into space in its first
commercial mission on January 9, 2017 from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu. The KZ-1A
is an advanced version of the Kuaizhou-1 rocket with improvements in adaptability. It is a low-cost solid-
fuelled carrier rocket with high reliability and short preparation period and was designed to launch low-orbit
satellites weighing less than 300 kg.
• The Union Health Minister J P Nadda is all set to introduce the measles-rubella vaccine (MR) from February
2017 in five states and Union territories in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) to provide
preventive medications to every child born in India.
• Pakistan successfully test-fired its first Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM), Babur-3, on January 9,
2017 from Indian Ocean. The missile Babur-3 which was fired from an underwater, mobile platform, hit the
target with precise accuracy. It is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead up to 450km.
• Astronomers, using data from India’s Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), have discovered two of the
most powerful phenomena in the universe – a supermassive black hole and the collision of giant galaxy
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clusters about two billion light years from Earth. This cosmic double whammy is found in a pair of colliding
galaxy clusters called Abell 3411 and Abell 3412 located about two billion light years from Earth.
• An extra second was added to the Indian clock at 5:29.59 hours at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) on
January 1, 2017 as the atomic clock was struck at 23:59:59 the previous night.
• India successfully conducted the test firing of the nuclear-capable strategic ballistic missile, Agni IV from
the Abdul Kalam Island, Balasore, off the Odisha coast on January 2, 2017 at about 11.50 a.m.Agni IV is
a two-stage solid-propelled, surface-to-surface ballistic missile which is designed to carry a payload of 1-tonne
up to a distance of 4,000 km.
• Space Exploration Technologies Corporation or SpaceX has released a new teaser mage of the world’s most
powerful rocket Falcon Heavy rocket which will ferry a crewed Red Dragon capsule on Mars in 2018.
• The Minister of State for Minority Affairs (I/C) and Parliamentary Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi launched
a Mobile App on January 2, 2017, at Haj House in Mumbai that will provide information and facilitate e-
payments for the pilgrimage.
• The District Administration of Ludhianahas developed a mobile application named “ECI360” for the benefit
of voters, candidates, election staff as well as the Election Commission of India(ECI).
• Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy and
Mines, PiyushGoyal launched the Web Portal and the Mobile App for Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana
(UDAY) scheme on January 4, 2017.
• Scientists in Ireland have discovered a brand new organ named Mesentery, inside the digestive system which
was not known till date.
• The first anti-missile interceptors for the Arrow 3 Missile Defense System was inducted into the Israel
Defense Forces on January 18, 2017 by both Israel’s Defense Ministry and the US Missile Defense Agency
during a ceremony held on the Palmachim Air Base.
• The US military launched a Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO Flight 3 mission on January 20,
2017. Under the mission, Geo-3 satellite has been send into the space mounted on Atlas V rocket from
Florida where it will detect any possible missile attack to meet national security threats.
• As per a study published in Comptes Rendus Palevol and conducted by the Researchers from Midwestern
University, Human Appendix which is regarded as a vestigial organ can actually serve an important biological
function.
• The Stanford Bioengineers including Indian Origin among them have created a ultra-low-cost, human-
powered centrifuge device that is capable to separate blood into its individual components in only 1.5 minutes.
• The National Green Tribunal has directed the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) under
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to test cosmetic products containing microbeads and submit a report in
four weeks.
• The American rocket manufacturing company SpaceX launched 10 satellites into orbit on a two stage Falcon
9 Rocket on January 14, 2017 from the Vandenberg Air Force Base on the California coast. The satellites
were a part of the NEXT Mission of the communications company Iridium.
• The Commerce Secretary has launched a mobile app named ‘SEZ India‘ for Special Economic Zones
(SEZs). SEZ India app will be used for SEZ Developers & Units transactions and track the
• Tamil Nadu government lead by O.Panneerselvam has launched a mobile application ‘Pinakin‘ to provide
information of famous destinations in Tamil Nadu. The app will provide information on world heritage tourist
spots like Mammalapuram, the Big Temple in, Thanjavur and Gangai Konda Cholapuram and soon it will
include other places in the state.
• According to a research work published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), a
multidrug-resistant organism has been indentified known as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE) which is resistant to all available antibiotics. NDM-1 was first discovered when a Swedish patient was
infected in 2009 in India.
• World’s largest social networking platform, Facebook on January 15, 2017 announced to introduce Fake
News Tools for Germany Facebook to help the residents in combating the spread of unrealistic news stories.
• Researchers from Tohoku University in Japan have claimed that they have discovered the unidentified
element that formed the 5 percent of earth’s core after Iron and Nickel leading to new ways for better
understanding of earths formation.
• Indian state-owned telecommunications company Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched
mobile TV service ‘Ditto TV‘ and ‘Limited Fixed Mobile Telephony’ in New Delhi on January 16, 2017.
• The world’s ultralight high-performance mechanical watch RM 50-03 was inaugurated on January 16, 2017 at
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the 27th edition of the Salon International De La Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva.
• A first of its kind robot journalist named Xiao Nan on January 18, 2017 made debut in the world of journalism
by writing a 300-character-long article in just a second. The article written on the Spring Festival travel
rush was published in the Guangzhou-based Southern Metropolis Daily.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has given its approval to explore an iron-rich
asteroid “16 Psyche” as a part of its mission to learn more about the history and composition of the celestial
body.
• The Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar launched a dedicated web portal
‘ShaGun’ on January 18, 2017 for continuous monitoring of the elementary education scheme Sarva Shiksha
Abhiyan (SSA) and promote the development of education sector of India.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully realigned the orbit of its Mars Orbiter Mission
‘Mangalyaan’ on January 19, 2017 since it could not withstand long duration eclipse.
• The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) led by ‎Dr. Harsh Vardhan commissioned a very high
resolution of 12km global deterministic weather prediction model, Ensemble Prediction System (EPS), on
January 16, 2017 that will be used to generate operational weather forecasts. This system would be beneficial
to overcome the problem of uncertainties in the forecasts.
• Scientists have discovered an exoplanet named Wolf 1061 located around 14 light years away from Earth that
could be the habitable planet in the future after Earth.
• Researchers from Harvard University and Boston Children’s Hospital have developed a customizable soft
robotic sleeve to encase a diseased heart and help it beat.
• A Bengaluru start-up TeamIndus proposes nameplate on the Moon for Rs.500. Indians are being offered the
opportunity to leave their name on the moon, for a price.
• Indian scientists at the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), lying between Sabarmati River in Gandhinagar
and Amul Diary have taken steps to make use of plasma for healing not only humans but also the earth.
• Scientists at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in the U.S. made a research work in which they have
developed a new method of medical testing for faster diagnosis of diseases like HIV, Lyme disease, syphilis
and rotavirus infections.As per the research published in the journal “Small”, researchers combined cutting-
edge nanoscience with a magnetic phenomenon to create the method for speedy medical tests.
• Transportation app Uber will soon launch its on-demand food delivery app ‘UberEATS’ in the Indian
market. UberEATS is currently available in 58 cities globally, including Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong
Kong and Taipei.
• The Minister of Commerce & Industry, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman launched Rubber Soil Information System
(RubSIS) on January 23, 2017 in New Delhi to provide the detail about the soil quality to the rubber growers
to enhance productivity besides reducing the cost of production.
• The Multiplex chain operator PVR has launched a theatre on demand service ‘VKAAO’ on January 20,
2017. Vkaao is an online platform that will enable consumers to watch any movie of their choice at a theatre
of their choice. It would empower the viewers to choose what they want to watch, when and where.
• Scientists from Stanford University are trying to find an innovative solution to deal with the shortage of
human transplant organs like hearts, kidneys, livers, lungs and other organs. Thus they conducted a study
wherein the scientists made an attempt to grow mouse pancreases in rats and then use them to cure diabetes in
mice.
• Japan successfully launched its first military communications satellite on January 24, 2017 from Tanegashima
Space Centre, Japan on an H-2A rocket, to boost the broadband capacity of its Self Defence
Forces.The Kirameki-2 is an X-band communications satellite with a 15-year lifespan built by DSN
Corporation for the Japanese Ministry of Defense.
• The Police Department of Pune has launched a Mobile App “Beat Marshall Monitoring Mobile App” to trace
the location of the patrolling teams from police stations.
• U.S. scientists from The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have announced the development of the first stable
semi synthetic organism, “Escherichia coli bacteria” on January 23, 2017 that has DNA made up of both
natural and artificial bases.
• According to the Experts from Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) based in United Kingdom, Bread, chips and
potatoes should be cooked to a golden yellow colour, rather than brown, to reduce our intake of a chemical
called Acrylamide which could cause cancer.
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• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested its indigenously developed Cryogenic engine
designated as C25, on January 25, 2017 for 50 seconds at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri
in Tamil Nadu. The cryogenic engine has been developed for use in the Upper Stage of GSLV Mk III rocket,
which is scheduled to be launched within the first quarter of 2017.
• Scientists from US-based Oregon State University (OSU) has recently discovered insect preserved in amber
that is believed to have been existed 100 million years ago and is entirely different from the existing groups.
• Based on a study report published in the journal Cell on January 26, 2017, an International Team of Scientists
from United States have created a Human-Pig Hybrid in a research project paving way to address shortage of
organ for transplantation.
• The atomic clocks on the first satellite IRNSS-1A of the NAVIC, an indigenously built satellite system has
developed technical complications. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)Chairman, A.S. Kiran
Kumar informed that one of the three crucial rubidium clock on IRNSS-1A spacecraft failed six months ago
while the other two failed subsequently.
• The Indian Weather Satellite, INSAT-3DR, launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in
September 2016, has led to a remarkable achievement in Indian weather forecasting. The Next Generation
INSAT-3DR, will enable detecting Farm Fires.
• Based on a study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, an unusual action of a small, six billion old,
so called vampire star, has been captured by ASTROSAT, India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space
observatory that was preying on bigger celestial body.
DEFENCE
• Country’s oldest union, the Maritime Union of India (MUI), representing Indian Merchant Navy Officers
since 1939, has launched an android based mobile app named MUI.
• Russia finally delivered 4 Sukhoi Su-35 Fighter Jets to China on December 25, 2016, after a delay of two
years. The Su-35 is an advanced version of the Su-30s operated by the Indian Airforce.
• The Indian Army is successfully conducted the user-validation trials of indigenous artillery gun Dhanush in
the Himalayas so that they are ready to be inducted into the Army.
• Border Security Force (BSF) has launched its 14 day operation Sard Hawa at the western international border
of Rajasthan on January 15, 2017 to check the instances of infilteration due to the dense fog in the area.
• China has handed over two ships to Pakistan Navy on January 15, 2017 in order to ensure joint security along
the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Gwadar port.
• INS Khanderi, India’s second French-designed Scorpene-class diesel-electric attack submarine was launched
in Mumbai on January 12, 2017 at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
• The China’s Navy commissioned a sophisticated electronic reconnaissance ship CNS Kaiyangxing or Mizar
to North Sea Fleet in Qingdao, Shandong province on January 10, 2017. The new ship with hull code 856 is
capable of conducting all-weather, round-the-clock observation on multiple targets. The ship is so
sophisticated that only a few countries, such as the US and Russia, are capable of developing it.
• India successfully test-fired the Guided Pinaka Rocket from Launch Complex-III of the Integrated Test Range
(ITR) launch pad at Chandipur off coast Odisha. The Guided Pinaka is a modified version of the Pinaka
rocket mark-II which has evolved from Pinaka Mark-I. Pinaka rocket mark-II is equipped with a navigation,
guidance and control kit. The modified version has considerably enhanced the strike range and accuracy of
Pinaka.
• The Theatre Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), an annual Indian Navy exercise kicked started on
January 24, 2017 off the Western Seaboard. The last edition of the exercise was conducted in January 2015.
TROPEX 17 exercise is aimed at testing combat readiness of the combined fleets of the Indian Navy, and the
assets of the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and the Indian Coast Guard.
• INS Vikramaditya, India’s biggest aircraft carrier ship has become the country’s first warship to have
an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) onboard the vessel. The ATM has been installed by the State Bank of
India (SBI) and will become operational from January 21, 2017. It will be operated through satellite link.
• In a move to rapidly expand its naval fleet, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy commissioned its 31st
stealth warship on January 22, 2017. With the commissioning of the 31st Type—056 class corvette
warship, CNS Ezhou, China has become the world’s largest fleet of modern corvettes.
• The Guided Pinaka was successfully test fired from the Launch Complex-III, ITR, Chandipur for a further
enhanced range. The Pinaka Rocket Mark-II, equipped with Navigation, guidance and control kit, was
transformed into a guided Pinaka.
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• Pakistan successfully conducted the first test flight of the surface-to-surface ballistic missile
(SSM), ‘Ababeel’ on January 24, 2017.
• The Chief of Army staff Gen Bipin Rawat launched a Whatsapp helpline number on January 27, 2017 to
receive grievances of army personnel. The Whatsapp number where soldiers can post their complaints is +91
9643300008. The number will be shared with all soldiers and the number will remain at Rawat’s office.
The Indian Navy has officially issued a Request for Information (RFI) on January 17, 2017 to procure new
carrier-based multirole warplane. The Navy intends to procure 57 naval fighter aircraft from a foreign
supplier for its rapidly growing fleet of aircraft carriers.
ENVIRONMENT
• As per the annual census conducted by the Wildlife wing of the Forest Department the number of migratory
birds in the Chilikalake, Odisha has substantially gone up this year. According to Chilika Wildlife
DFO, 88,264 more birds have visited the brackish water lake this year than the last year. Last year, 8,58,855
birds were sighted in the lake while the number has gone up to 9,47,119 this year.
• Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new species of ginger in the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands. The new species named as Zingiberpseudosquarrosum belongs to genus Zingiber.
• According to a US wildlife conservation agency, long-nosed bat and gypsum wild buckwheat and Kuenzler
hedgehog cactus are removed from the list of endangered species.
• According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, more than half of
the world’s wild species including apes, monkeys, lemurs and lorises are now on the verge of extinction.
• A team of researchers from Singapore, France and Indonesia in a study found the evidence of the possibility of
formation of a new plate boundary on the floor of the Indian Ocean in the Wharton Basin.
• Scientists have concluded a gibbon living in the tropical forests of south west China is a new species of
primate. It has been named the Skywalker hoolock gibbon, means “Heaven’s movement”.
• Hope Island become graveyard for Olive Ridleys turtles after the wildlife wing of the Forest department have
spotted 54 carcasses on the shores of Hope Island in just one month. So far 152 carcasses are spotted in Hope
Island.
• Delhi has been declared free from H5N8 avian influenza commonly known as Bird Flu by the Animal
Husbandry Department of the Delhi government on January 13, 2017
• As per a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, scientists from University of Bonn in Germany has found
that there must have been a connection between the separated India, Europe and Asia about 54 million years
ago.
• According to a new study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, researchers have discovered that
the widely used Indian spice named Long Pepper has the potential to be used as a cancer treatment drug.The
Indian long pepper contains a chemical called Piperlongumine (PL) that could stop the body from producing
an enzyme that is commonly found in tumors in large numbers.
• The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on January 13, 2017 released its statement of climate of India,
2016 and informed that the year 2016 was the hottest year since 1901 for the country.
The West Bengal State Department of Fisheries has announced to protect the endangered Hisla Fish from
getting extinct and thus has proposed to introduce law to arrest anyone found in illegal catching, buying or
selling of Hilsa fish weighing less than 500 grams.
• Scientists have discovered three new lesser known diseases namely Mers, Lassa fever and Nipah virus that
could cause the next global health emergency. To overcome this to happen, Coalition for Epidemic
Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has contributed a sum of $460 million for the development of the vaccine
against these would-be deadly disease.
• A Canadian Biologist named Dr. Vazrick Nazari, has discovered a new species of moth in a densely populated
part of southern California and named it after US President-elect Donald Trump.
• According to World Meteorological Organisation’s ,recent report 2016 was the hottest year with an average
temperature 1.1 degrees Centigrade (2 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than in pre-industrial times.
• Indian has partnered with the British experts over a project that aims to study the air pollution level in
Delhi and health problems associated it. The project ‘ASAP-Delhi: An Integrated Study of Air Pollutant
Sources in the Delhi National Capital Region’ would be led by University of Birmingham and would also
involve experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, the Indian National Physical Laboratory and
the University of Surrey.
• Scientists from European Southern Observatory (ESO) have discovered a sunspot with dark and contorted
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centre which is about twice the diameter of the Earth.The team observed an enormous sunspot at wavelengths
of 1.25 mm and 3 mm using two of ALMA’s receiver bands.
SPORTS
• Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain clinched the men’s singles title of the 2017 Chennai Open on January 8, 2017
defeating Daniil Medvedev 6-3 and 6-4 to claim the first ATP tournament of the season.
• AbbuAmmaz (8), a class 2 student from Jammu and Kashmir has bagged the gold medal in Thai Boxing
Championship at the national level.
• Mumbai youngster, Shreyas Mehta, won the Scottish Junior Open Squash championship at Edinburgh on
January 9, 2017. Mehta defeated Colombia’s Juan Jose Torres Lara 9/12.
• Indian pair of Rohan Bopanna and JeevanNedunchezhiyan captured men’s doubles title defeating India’s
DivijSharan and Purav Raja in Chennai Open.
• Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli are the only two batsmen to feature in the top 5 of the ICC rankings in all
three formats of the game.
• Rising Indian squash star Velavan Senthilkumar created history by winning the first-ever all-Indian
Boys’ Under-19 final at the British Junior Open in Sheffield.
• Sergey Karjakin of Russia defeated Norway’s Magnus Carlsen in a tie-breaker to win Gold in the World Blitz
Chess Championship title in Doha, Qatar on December 30, 2016. Russia’s DaniilDubov ckinched the Bronze
medal.
• The former Australian Captain Ricky Ponting will join Australia’s coaching staff as an assistant to coach the
team for next month’s home Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka.
• China’s Grand Slam Champion Li Xiaoxia Announces Retirement from Table Tennis
• Australian Cricketer Arthur Morris Inducted into ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.Morris, who became
the 82nd player to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, was given the honour posthumously. The
opening batsman passed away at the age of 93 on August 22 in 2015.
• Indian Women Football Team won their fourth consecutive (South Asian Football Federation) SAFF
Women’s Championship title defeating Bangladesh 3-1 in the finals at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri,
West Bengal on January 4, 2017.
• Indian Cricketer, Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepped down as the captain of the Indian team in limited over
formats on January 4, 2017, just ahead of the ODI series to be against England in January 2017. However, he
will still be available for selection as a wicketkeeper-batsman for the One Day and T20I series series.
• Robert Marchand a 105 year old man has made a record by cycling 22.547km (14 miles) in 1 hour. In 2012 he
had already set a record of cycling 26.927km in 1 hour.
• Indian Skipper, Virat Kohli was officially named as the Indian Cricket Team’s New Captain for all the three
formats on January 6, 2017 at Mumbai.
• Russian rhythmic gymnast, Yana Alexeyevna Kudryavtseva, announced her retirement at the age of 19,
following several leg injuries including a fracture in the left foot during the 2016 World Cup in Kazan, Russia.
• Rajasthan Cricket Association in an Emergent General Meeting (EGM) accepted all the reforms recommended
by the Lodha Committee as per Supreme Court directive.The Apex court had given six months deadline to
BCCI to implement the recommendations.
• The Captain of Indian men’s Hockey Team, PR Sreejesh was selected as a member of International Hockey
Federation (FIH) Athletes’ Committee on January 11, 2017 by the FIH Executive Board. Cue sports
Ace Pankaj Advani clinched the 3rd Kolkata Open National Invitation Snooker Championship 2017 on
January 8, 2017 organised by the West Bengal Billiards Association at the Bengal Rowing Club.
• Asian games Bronze-Medallist boxer, Sarita Devi is set to become the first ever female boxer from India to
step into the world of professional boxing.
• The Indian 7’2” basketball player Satnam Singh Bhamara has shown interest in the World Wrestling
Entertainment (WWE). He visited one of the WWE’s Performance Centre facility at Orlando, Florida and
participated in a training session alongside various other new recruits of WWE.
• The 14th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon took place on January 15, 2017. The full marathon was
flagged off from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in South Mumbai at 7.20 AM by a host of dignitaries.Alphonce
Simbu of Tanzania took 02:09:32 time to clinch first position in men’s elite category while Kenya’s Bornes
Kitur won the women’s title by completing the distance in 02:29:02.
• The Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel inaugurated the Khelo India National
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level Competitions on various sports for Under-14 and Under-17 children on January 15, 2017 in New Delhi.
• The NCR Punjab Royals won the Pro Wrestling League Season 2 on January 19, 2017 defeating two-time
finalists Haryana Hammers 5-4 in the finals at the K D Jadhav Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
• The Indian Women’s boxing team coached by Gurbax Singh Sandhu was placed third at the 6th Nations Cup
held in Vrbas, Serbia on January 15, 2017. India won total six medals comprising of one gold, four silver and
one bronze. Kazakhstan won the tournament at first spot followed by Russia at second in the elite category.
• Chennai Smashers won the Premier Badminton League season 2 title after defeating Mumbai Rockets 4-3 in
the final match held at Siri Fort Complex in New Delhi.
• Mercedes named the new teammate Valtteri Bottas who replaced Formula One world champion Nico
Rosberg on January 17, 2017
• Tajikistan’s chess player Grandmaster (GM) Farrukh Amonatov won the 15th Parsvnath Delhi International
Chess tournament on January 16, 2017. The player scored 8.5 points out of 10 to win after a draw with the
Indian counterpart GM Diptayan Ghosh in the 10th and final round who scored 8 to be placed at second
position.
• Cricket icon Kapil Dev was inducted into Legends Club ‘Hall of Fame’ at the Cricket Club of India on
January 17, 2017.Former India player and Legends Club president Madhav Apte presented Kapil with a
citation.
• Pakistani batsman Babar Azam became the fastest player in Pakistan’s One Day International (ODI) history to
score 1,000 runs in 21 innings during the 3rd ODI against Australia at WACA Ground in Perth, Australia on
January 19, 2017.
• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Chinese e-commerce firm Alibaba Group entered into
a long-term partnership through 2028 on January 19, 2017 at the World Economic Forum in Davos,
Switzerland. This makes Alibaba the worldwide sponsor of Olympic
Games through 2028.
• According to data released by the world football governing body FIFA on January 12, 2017, the Indian
football team jumped six places up to 129th in January 2017 which is the best FIFA ranking in over a decade.
The top 3 positions remain unchanged with Argentina, Brazil and Germany holding first, second and third
place respectively.
• Gujarat won its maiden Ranji Trophy title on January 14, 2017 by 5 wickets after beating Mumbai at
the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Man of the Match: Parthiv Patel.
• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken away the Olympic gold medals from three Chinese
women weightlifters for doping at 2008 Beijing Games. This bans China from International Championship for
one year. They three weightlifters were Cao Lei in the 75-kilogram class; Chen Xiexia at 48kg; and Liu
Chunhonog at 69kg.
• Indian footballer Jayesh Raimalani has signed a deal through Indo-Spanish football venture called Spaindia to
join the Spanish Football Team, Club Esportiu JUPITER (CE JUPITER) based in Barcelona.
• The official emblem of St. Petersburg for the 2020 Euro Cup football tournament was unveiled in St.
Petersbur.The logo depicts the Palace Bridge which has established itself as one of the most iconic sites in the
city.
• Dhruv Sunish won ITF Juniors title at the Dakshin Kalikata Sansad clay courts. The under-18 India number
two, who had lost in the finals of the Chandigarh Grade 3 ITF Juniors in the first week of 2017 and 2 ITF
Juniors in 2016, played flawlessly to drub the Kazakh 6-2 6-3
• Indian badminton ace Saina Nehwal clinched the 2017 Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold women’s single
title in the summit clash in Sibu, Malaysia on January 22, 2017. The top-seeded London Olympics bronze-
medallist, defeated 18-year-old Thai Pornpawee Chochuwong, 22-20 22-20.
• Bengal won the Under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy 2016-17 season against Delhi in the final at the Feroz Shah
Kotla Stadium in New Delhi on January 22, 2017.
• Virat Kohli became the fastest batsman in the world to score 1,000 runs as captain in One-Day Internationals
(ODIs) on January 22, 2017 in the third ODI against England at the Eden Gardens. The 28-year-old batsman
took 17 innings to reach the landmark, breaking the earlier record set by South Africa’s AB deVilliers which
was achieved in 18 innings.
• Ronnie O’Sullivan won a record seventh Masters title against Joe Perry 10-7 in the final at London’s
Alexandra Palace. Perry, in his first Triple Crown final at the age of 42, led 4-1 but missed a straightforward
red for a 5-1 lead.
• The All India Football Federation (AIFF) launched its first ever Indian Women’s League (IWL) on January
24, 2017 in order to make football a professional sport for women in the country. The first edition of the
league will be played from January 28 to February 14 at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi.
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• The International Cricket Council (ICC) on January 25, 2017 named four women to be inducted in the strong
group of B to conduct the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017 in February 2017 in Colombo. The ICC
Women’s World Cup 2017 will be held in England and Wales from 24 June to 23 July 2017.
• Top seeded Ace cue Pankaj Advani won his seventh national title in the finals of Manisha National Billiards
and Snooker Championship on January 24, 2017 at the PYC Hindu Gymkhana, Pune. He defeated Rupesh
Shah 5-1 in the final. Earlier Adavani beat Brijesh Damani in the semifinals on January 23, 2017 to enter the
finals.
• Japan based sumo wrestler Kisenosato was promoted to the highest rank of the wresting, "Yokozuna" on
January 25, 2017 after winning his first title at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament with a 14-1 record.
• Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt will have to hand back one of his nine Olympic gold medals won in the 4x100m
relay event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics due to his Jamaican team-mate Nesta Carter who was tested positive
for a banned substance.
• The Tokyo Olympic Committee has now announced that Son Goku, a cult anime character from Dragonball
Z, will serve as one of its brand ambassadors.
• The TOP Committee has been reconstituted by the Union Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and
Sports Shri Vijay Goel to identify and support potential medal prospects for 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games
under the “Target Olympic Podium” scheme.
Australian Open-2017 Overview
The 105th edition of the Australian Open tournament 2017 was held at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Victoria,
Australia from January 16 to January 29, 2017.
Title Winners Runners
Men’s Singles Roger Federer Rafael Nadal
Women’s Singles Serena Williams Venus Williams
Men’s Doubles Henri Kontinen /John Peers Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan
Women’s Doubles BethanieMattek-Sands /Lucie Andrea Hlaváčková/Peng Shuai
Safarova
Mixed Doubles Abigail Spears /Juan Sebastián Croatia’s Ivan Dodig/Sania Mirz
Cabal
• Siliguri based Abul Hossain won the Kolkata Full Marathon on January 29, 2017 by completing the race
in 02:34:02. He defeated Kolkata lad Biswanath Pal who ran in 2:39.16. Paritosh Roy finished third with a
timing of 02:52:48 seconds.
• The 2016 Olympic Silver Medallist PV Sindhu clinched her maiden Syed Modi International Grand Prix Gold
women’s singles title on January 29, 2017 at the Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium in Lucknow. She
defeated Gregoria Mariska of Indonesia 21-13, 21-14 to win her first medal of the year.
Overall India won three titles in the tournament out of five events.
The Men’s Single title was won by National Champion Sameer Verma who beat B Sai Praneeth 21-19, 21-16.
• Two of Australia’s greatest top-order batsmen, David Boon and Matthew Hayden, and the brilliant women’s
all-rounder Betty Wilson will be inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame (ACHoF) at the 2017
Allan Border Medal ceremony in Sydney.
• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports constituted an 8-membered committee on January 30, 2017 that
would work to prepare an action plan for the next three Olympic Games to be held in 2020, 2024 and
2028. The committee had many members which includes badminton coach Pullela Gopichand,
Shooter Abhinav Bindra.
OBITUARY
• Polish-born sociologist Zygmunt Bauman dies in UK at age 91

• Former German President Roman Herzog Dies Aged 82
• Iran’s ex-President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a dominant figure in the country’s politics since the 1980s, has
died at the age of 82.
• Veteran All India Forward Bloc leader and former West Bengal minister Saral Deb passed away.
• Eminent jurist Weeramantry Passed Away in Sri Lanka
• Mario Soares, Portugal’s former president and PM, dies at 92
• Former Minister of Nagaland and former President of Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) K V Pusa passed
away in Kohima on January 2,2017.
• Former French skier Jean Vuarnet Dies at 83
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• Pioneering Art Critic, John Berger Dies at 90 in Paris

• Karnataka Cooperation & Sugar Minister H S Mahadeva Prasad passes away.
• Renowned Sitar maestro Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan died at his Bandra residence in Mumbai.
• GangumeiKabui, Former Manipur Minister, Historian Passes Away
• Veteran actor Om Puri passed passes away
• An American jazz and pop singer and pianist Buddy Greco was dead in Las Vegas, USA .
• Veteran British war correspondent Clare Hollingworth, who reported the news that World War II had started,
died on January 10, 2017 at the age of 105 in Hong-Kong.
• Former MRF director KM Philip passes away.
• Renowned Author and Director of “The Exorcist” William Peter Blatty dies aged 89.
• Chinese linguist and Famous Linguist known as Father of Pinyin Zhou Youguang died on January 14 2017 in
Beijing.
• UNC Nobel Laureate Oliver Smithies dies at age 91.
• Renowned Actress Gita Sen Passes Awayin Kolkata of cerebral hemorrhage. She was 86.
• The commander of Apollo 17 and the last man who walk on the moon, Astronaut Eugene Cernan has passed
away in Washington D.C, USA.
• Senior Congress leader and former state minister of Chhattisgarh, Tarun Prasad Chatterjee passed away in
Raipur,Chhattisgarh on January 17, 2017. He was 68.
• National award-winning filmmaker Deepak Roy dead at 67.
• C.V. Vishveshwara, Pioneer of Black Hole Discovery Dies at 78.
• Renowned Political And Social Activist Mangal Negi Dies At 86.
• Former Chief Minister of Punjab Surjit Singh Barnala Dies at 91.
• Former Minister of Maharashtra Chandrakant Chhajed passes away.
• Urdu poet, lyricist Naqsh Lyallpuri dies at 88
• US Actress Mary Tyler Moore Dies At 80
• Russian Ambassador to India, Alexander M Kadakin passes away
• Hollywood Legend & Harry Porter actor John Hurt dies at 77
• Veteran journalist Devdutt passed away
• French Actress Emmanuelle Riva Dies aged 89
• Father of Pac-Man Masaya Nakamura Dies at 91
BOOKS & AUTHORS
• Book on Dr. Kalam titled “The People’s President: Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam” released by the Vice President,
Shri M. Hamid Ansari in the presence of the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate, ArunJaitley. The
book has been written by Shri S.M. Khan who served as the Press Secretary to President Kalam.
• Akhada : The Authorized Biography of Mahavir Singh Released. Akhada is the authorized biography
of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler and a coach. The book is written by sports
journalist SourabhDuggal and was released on 21 December 2016 at the Chandigarh Press Club.
• Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar released a book on cyber vocabulary named Cyber
Pathshala authored by BJP leader and writer Tarun Vijay on January 10, 2017 at World Book Fair at Pragati
Maidan in New Delhi.
• The autobiography of the veteran Indian actor Rishi Kapoor titled “Khullam Khulla: Rishi Kapoor
Uncensored” was released on January 15, 2017.Rishi Kapoor has written this ‘uncensored’ book along
with Meena Iyer and the title is published under Harper Collins.
IMPORTANT DAYS
• Nation pays homage to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his 120th birth anniversary on 23 January 2017. It
was on this day in 1897, Netaji was born in Cuttack, Odisha.
• The National Girl Child Day was celebrated on January 24, 2017 at a special function organized by
the Ministry of Women & Child Development in New Delhi with focus on celebrating the achievements by
nation’s daughters during 2016.
• Election Commission of India celebrates 7th National Voters’ Day on January 25 with theme “Empowering
Young & Future Voters”
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• India celebrated its 68th Republic Day on January 26, 2017. The Theme of 2017 Republic Day is: Skill India
and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
Important Highlights of Republic Day 2017
Chief Guest: Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi- Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
• On the occasion of Republic Day, the President approved 398 Gallantry awards and other Defence
decorations to Armed Forces personnel and others.
• President Pranab Mukherjee awarded the Ashok Chakra on January 26, 2017 to Havaldar Hangpan
Dada posthumously for killing four terrorists who had infiltrated into north Kashmir in May 2016. The award
was received by his wife Chasen Lowang at Rajpath.
• Dr. Mahesh Sharma Inaugurates ‘Bharat Parv’ at Red Fort, Delhi.
• The Hans Raj College of Delhi University hoisted the ‘monumental’ flag on January 25, 2017 on its campus
on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day celebrations, making DU the first public university in the country to
get a monumental flagpole.
• The state government of Assam under Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, for the first time
organised Farmer’s Martyrs Day on January 27, 2017 at Patharughat in Darrang district to pay homage to 140
persons who lost their life in 1894 peasants’ uprising at Patharughat.
• The World Leprosy Day was celebrated on January 29, 2017 all over the world.
• The National Immunization Day was observed on January 29, 2017 to spread awareness about eradicating
polio.As a part of the day, President Pranab Mukherjee launched the pulse polio programme on January 28,
2017 by administering polio drops to children aged below five years at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• India observed the Martyrs Day or Shaheed Diwas on January 30, 2017 to commemorate the death
anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi who was assassinated on January 30, 1948 by Nathuram Godse.
• The 12th Raising Day of National Disaster Response Force(NDFR) is celebrated today(January 31, 2017)
to commended the NDRF for its efforts during disaster response
• National Youth Day also known as Yuva Diwas is celebrated every year with the great joy and enthusiasm in
India on January 12 since 1985 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the maker of
the modern India. The theme of this year’s Festival is ‘Youth for Digital India’ and the Mascot of the festival
is Lado.
• The Indian Army celebrated its 69th Army Day on January 15, 2017. The day is celebrated every year on
January 15 to respect the Lieutenant General of India, K. M. Cariappa (Kodandera Madappa Cariappa) who
was the first Indian Army’s Commander-in-Chief.
• Outgoing US President Barack Obama has signed a proclamation to declare January 16 Religious Freedom
Day on January 13, 2017.
• Tamil Nadu government celebrate the birth centenary of Former CM of Tamil Nadu, M G Ramachandran on
January 17, 2017
• The United Nations 70th General Assembly has recognized the year 2017 as the International Year of
Sustainable Tourism for Development.
• Google Dedicates Doodle to SavitribaiPhule’s 186th Birth Anniversary on January 3
• Every year World Braille Day is observed on 4th January across the world to commemorate the birthday
of Louis Braille who is credited with inventing the Braille language which helps blind people to read as well
as write.
• The 12th World Hindi Day was celebrated on 10 January 2017 across the world to honour our Indo-Aryan
language.
Current Affairs February 2017

INDIAN AFFAIRS
• The Union Budget Presented on Februray 1, 2017 instead of usual practice of being presented on last day of
February.Merger of Railway Budget with the General Budget and abolition of Planned & Non-Planned
Expenditure.The total Budget expenditure allocated for 2017-18 is Rs. 21.47 lakh crores. The total
expenditure in Budget for 2017-18 has been allocated Rs. 21.47 lakh crores. Capital expenditure increased
by 25.4% compared to the previous year. Jaitley also gave tax relief for overseas investors in some bonds and
scrapped Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to make it easier for doing business in India.
• The Union Cabinet gave its approval to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 Bill to make
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changes the list of Scheduled Castes in Odisha. Besides, the cabinet also approved amending the Constitution
(Pondicherry) Scheduled Castes Order, 1964 to change the name of the Union Territory Pondicherry
to Puducherry.
• The Union Cabinet approved introduction of the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Amendment)
Bill, 2017 in Parliament on February 1, 2017.
• The Indian Policy Think Tank, NITI Aayog together with Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion
(DIPP) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has launched a first of its kind online portal, India
Innovation Index in India to rank the states on the basis of innovation.
• Noted Indian singer Neeti Mohan to collaborate with UN for women empowerment project titled “Music To
Inspire – Artists UNited Against Human Trafficking” which is managed by the UNODC. Neeti is the first
Indian female singer to collaborate with UN.
• Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Bill, 2017 (Demonetisation Bil)was introduced in the Lok
Sabha on February 3, 2017 by the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.The Bill provides for holding, transfer
and receiving of old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, which were demonetized after November 8, 2016, as
a criminal offence and punishable with a minimum fine of Rs 10,000.
• A Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has been set up by India and Norway to speed up
the research and development for epidemics.
• One of the India’s international border, 3,323-km-long India-Pakistan border runs through four states, Jammu
and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat .will have smart fencing. The fencing method will have a multi-
tier security system in case of any infiltration bid or attempts to cut the fence, security personnel will get an
alarm.
• President Pranab Mukherjee opened the annual ‘Udyanotsav‘ of the Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 4,
2017.The Mughal Gardens will remain open for general public from February 4, 2017 to March 12, 2017.
• Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home Affairs inaugurated the programme on ‘Inner Strength and Disaster
Resilience’ on February 3, 2017 in New Delhi. The programme was organised by National Disaster Response
Force (NDRF).
• The Bihar government has introduced the transgender as a third category to opt for and appear in the Board
exams conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB). It is for the first time that the Board will
conduct the exams for the transgender category in 2017 after it was recognized by Supreme Court in 2014.
• The Supreme Court bench consists of Chief Justice J S Khehar and justices N V Ramana and D Y
Chandrachud instruct the centre to prepare a policy for the eradication of leprosy within four weeks on
February 3, 2017. Leprosy or Hansen’s disease (HD)caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae or
Mycobacterium lepromatosis.
• The Union Human Resource Development Ministry led by ‎under Prakash Javadekar is set to constitute
a National Testing Agency (NTA) which will be responsible for conducting examinations for higher and
secondary education.
• The Railway Ministry is set to develop the first ever railway line in Andaman and Nicobar Island that
currently has no rail network.The Ministry of Railway is set to approve the project that will construct 240-km
broad gauge railway line connecting Port Blair with Diglipur, the largest town on Andaman Island. It will
connect the two islands with bridges and stations along the coast.
• The Supreme Court has directed the central government on February 6, 2017 to link the phone numbers of the
entire mobile users, with their Aadhaar Number within a period of one year.
• The Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented the state Budget for the session 2017-18 on
February 7, 2017 in the state assembly.The budget was based on the theme “Resurgent Assam”.As per the
Minister the state Budget 2017-18 was Rs. 2,349.79 crore deficit Budget. The budget presented merged Plan
and Non-Plan expenditures.
• The Lok Sabha passed the Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, 2017 on February 7, 2017 which allows for
payment of wages digitally or through cheque directly into the account of workers. The Payment of Wages
(Amendment) Bill is in line with the government’s cash-less economy.
• In a first of its kind move, the Supreme Court has issued a contempt notice on a sitting judge of Calcutta High
Court, Justice CS Karnan for making allegations of corruptions against the Supreme Court and Madras High
Court judges.
• The Ministry of Railways launched the first phase of Station Redevelopment Programme on February 8, 2017
for commercial development of 23 stations across India. The total outlay of the project in the first phase is
expected to be worth Rs 9,000 crore.
• The Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar introduced the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Bill, 2017
in the Lok Sabha on February 9, 2017 to provide 20 prestigious Management Institutes powers to grant
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degrees. As per the Bill, IIMs would be declared “institutions of national importance” and the Board of
Governors will be the principal executive body of each IIM. Till now IIM had been registered as societies and
were unable to grant degrees, including PhD, to their students.
• The central government has made the Aadhaar mandatory for receiving the subsidised foodgrains from
the ration shops in a bid to better achieve the target of Rs. 1.4 crore subsidy under the food security law.
• The Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananthkumar inaugurated
the Orientation Programme for the district heads of National Yuva Cooperative Society (NYCS) in New Delhi
on February 10, 2017 to launch the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) in the country.
• With the successful operationalization of the two pilot projects of utilizing Head Post Offices as the Passport
Seva Kendra, the government has now decided to further launch the programmes in 56 more facilities across
India.
• The Union Government has planned to up a Defence Procurement Organisation (DPO) in a move to integrate
and streamline the long and complex process of defence acquisitions. The committee would be headed by
former Director of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow, Dr. Pritam Singh. DPO will function
under the Defence Ministry.
• The second edition of the Hunar Haat was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs
(Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on February 11, 2017 at State
Emporia Complex, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, and Connaught Place in New Delhi. The theme of the 2nd
Hunar Haat is Craft Aur Cuisine Ka Sangam.
• The Ministry of Human Resource Development on February 10, 2017 said that from 2018 there would be
a single entrance examination for admission in all engineering and architecture colleges for undergraduate
courses.
• The Karnataka assembly unanimously passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment)
Bill, 2017 on February 13, 2017 to legalize the conduct of “Kambala” and bullock cart races in Karnataka.
• The Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya launched the National Career
Service (NCS) for youths and Jeevan Praman facility to EPFO pensioners through Post Offices at DakSadan
in Hyderabad on February 12, 2017.
• According to a notification by the Haryana government on February 14, 2017, no person shall be allowed to
consume liquor at a place which has not been licensed or authorised under the Punjab Excise Act,
1914, except at one’s own dwelling.
• The Jammu & Kashmir government launched an E-Prison project on February 13, 2017 at NIC Centre Civil
Secretari at Jammu to digitalize the record about the jail inmates.
• Shivraj Singh Chouhan lead by Madhya Pradesh government has decided to constitute Madhya Pradesh
Tourism Board for expansion of facilities at tourist spots and draw investment in the sector.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave its
approval to award contract in 31 contract areas under Discovered Small Fields Policy 2016 undertaken last
year.
• The Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Devvrat inaugurated a Campaign againstDrug Addiction on
February 15, 2017 organized by Shimla Press Club in Shimla. The campaign aims to make the state drug free.
• A ‘Science Express’ train named ‘Science Express Climate Action Special’ was flagged off from Safderjung
Railway Station in New Delhi on February 17, 2017 on a seven-month journey to spread awareness
about climate change. The journey will conclude at Gandhinagar station on September 8.
• The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has made it mandatory for the College and
University students to have possession of Aadhaar Card issued by UIDAI to avail benefits under the Central
Sector Scholarship Scheme.
• The newly appointed Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Edappadi Palaniswami won the trust vote in the
Assembly on February 18, 2017 where 122 MLAs voted for him, while 11 voted for O Panneerselvam.
• The state government of Maharashtra has approved a Rs. 250 crore Cloud Seeding Programme to experiment
whether cloud seeding produces sufficient rain. Seeding is a technique which involves spraying chemicals into
clouds.
• An initiative by the government of Madhya Pradesh, “Mil Banche MP” (Let MP read together)
programme was held in all the primary and middle government schools of the Madhya Pradesh on February
18, 2017 to increase knowledge and the understanding about language among students..
• The Bihar Cabinet amended the Bihar Government Servants’ Conduct Rules 1976 and approved the Bihar
Judicial Officers Conduct Rules, 2017 under which the no officials of the state government would be allowed
to consume liquor either in the state or outside the state and not even abroad.
• Union Defence Ministry has approved 38 additional coastal radar stations with the cost of Rs 800 crore to
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enhance coastal surveillance on India’ over 7500 km long line.

• The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved investment proposal for generation
component of 900 MW Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project in Nepal by state owned SJVN Limited.
• The BJP Administration in Gujarat presented a main stream budget with overall layout of Rs 1,72,179 crore
for 2017-18, which is Rs 20,327 crore more than last year.
• Union government aims to bring high-speed digital connectivity to every village by 2018 and is profound to
share proficiency in the area with other nations.
• Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had unveiled the new Antyodaya Express, a fully unreserved train for
the common man with specially designed colourful coaches. The first Antyodaya Express will be
plied between Mumbai and Tatanagar, and the second will be between Ernakulam and Howrah shortly.
• Union Women and Child Development Minister Sanjay Maneka Gandhi has unveiled the setting up of a
compensation fund under Nirbhaya scheme to make available financial help to children who are victims of
sexual crimes.
• As a part of the Central Scheme ‘Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)’,
the Ministry of Urban Development has approved development of 6 km long Bet Dwarka Darshan
Circuit in Gujarat at a cost of Rs.16.27 crore.
• The Gujarat Assembly passed the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and
Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution)(Gujarat Amendment), Bill, 2017 on
February 23, 2017 to put a total ban on all the hookah bars in the state.
• The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated the World
Integrated Medicine Forum on Regulation of Homeopathic Medicinal Products: National and Global
strategies in New Delhi on February 23, 2017.
• The Central government has granted permission to raise the number of workdays under the Mahatma Gandhi
Rural Employment Guarantee scheme in Tamil Nadu from the existing 100 days to 150 days.
• The Aam Aadmi Party led Delhi government approved a hike of around 37% in the minimum
wages for unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled persons on February 24, 2017 in New Delhi.
• The Central Board of Secondary Education headed by ‎Rakesh Kumar Chaturvedi has issued comprehensive
guidelines on safety of children in school buses.
• The Centre has formulated the infrastructure policy to promote living close to mass public transport corridors
like metro, monorail and bus rapid transit (BRT) on February 26, 2017
to address the challenges of urbanisation. The new Policy seeks to promote Transit-Oriented
Development (TOD).
• Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje inaugurated a medical project Rajasthan Heart Attack Treatment
programme (RAHAT) on February 25, 2017 at the Eternal Heart Care Center Hospital in Jaipur.
• Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu flagged off the fourth Humsafar clan of trains and first
Antyodaya clan of trains through video conferencing from Rail Bhawan on February 27, 2017. Sri
Ganganagar – Tiruchirappalli Humsafar Express (Weekly) (via Krishnarajapuram, Pune, Ahmedabad) and
Ernakulam – Howrah Antyodaya Express (Weekly) (via Salem, Katpadi, Visakhapatnam)
• The Ministry of IT and Electronics (MEITY) has taken the the responsibility NITI Aayog to promote the
digital transactions in India.
• The Bihar State finance minister Abdul Bari Siddiqui presented the Rs 1.60 lakh crore budget for 2017-18
Union Budget 2017-2018 Q&A PDF Download
with no proposals of any fresh tax on February 27, 2017. A Rs 14,555 crore revenue surplus budget of Rs
1,60,085.69 crore is Rs 15389.42 crore more than 2016-17 budget estimate of Rs 1,44,696.27 crore.
• The state Finance Minister of Odisha Pradeep Kumar Amat presented the State Budget for 2017-18 fiscal in
the session of Orissa Legislative Assembly on February 27, 2017. Total Budget Outlay: the state presented a
total budgetary outlay of Rs. 1,06,911 crore while merging non-plan and plan expenditure.
• India and Israel celebrated 25 years of establishment of their diplomatic relations on February 28, 2017.
Marking the occasion, a logo was unveiled jointly by Amar Sinha, Secretary (Economic Relation) and Daniel
Carmon, lsraeli Ambassador to India, at the lndira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in New Delhi.
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PLACES IN NEWS
• Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurates the 31st Surajkund International Crafts Mela is also
known as ‘Cashless Melain Faridabad, Haryana on February 1, 2017.The mela will end on 15th February,
2017.
• The 19th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav or International Drama Festival kicked off on February 1, 2017
in New Delhi. The 21 days annual theatre festival will conclude on February 21, 2017 and would take place at
five different cities including New Delhi, Kurukshetra, Pune, Agartala, Hyderabad and Patna during the
course of time.
• The Centre of Integrative Oncology (CIO) was inaugurated by Dr. Saumya Swaminathan, Secretary,
Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare & Director General, Indian Council for
Medical Research and Shri Ajit M. Sharan, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH at the National Institute of Cancer
Prevention and Research (NICPR) at Noida on the 3rd February, 2017.
• India’s first Centre of Excellence in Automation Technology was inaugurated by the Gujarat Technological
University at its campus at Vishwakarma Government Engineering College in Ahmedabad on February 3,
2017.
• In a move to encourage active participation in the assembly poll especially by women voters, the government
of Goa on February 4, 2017 conducted a unique experiment, which involved giving away 600 pink
teddy bears to first time women voters across the state.
• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurates the State’s first Smart Police Station at
Nagarampalem in Guntur city in Amaravati on February 6, 2017.
• The Telangana government launched India’s first social innovation centre the ‘Kakatiya Hub For Social
Innovation’ in Nizamabad on February 6, 2017.
• Arunachal Pradesh became the first state in the northeast to implement e-Cabinet solution for the state cabinet
members. “e-Cabinet is a powerful tool that the Arunachal Pradesh government plans to use to streamline its
decision-making process,”
• Gujarat has become the first state in India to establish Cashless system for distribution of food grain to the
beneficiaries under NFSA (National Food Security Act).
• The three day long International Desert Festival 2017 started with great enthusiasm on 8 February 2017
in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
• The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur is starting India’s first inter-disciplinary School
on Quality and Reliability (Q&R) in India.
• India’s first cashless township “Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers and Chemicals (GNFC) township”was
inaugurated by Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani on February 13, 2017
• India’s first floating elementary school particularly for drop outs has been inaugurated on Loktak lake at
Langolsabi Leikai of Champu Khangpok floating village in Manipur on the occasion of World Wetlands Day
on February 2, 2017.
• France based UNESCO organised the two-day Nature Fest at the World Heritage Site Great Himalayan
National Park (GNHP) at Sairopa in Kullu district from February 11, 2017.
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) launched its first fully integrated capacity development centre, South
Asia Training and Technical Assistance Center (SARTTAC) in New Delhi on February 13, 2017.
• West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee declared Kalimpong as 21st district of West Bengal on February 14, 2017.
The new district is from Darjeeling.
• The Union Government chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on February 15, 2017 approved
setting up of Food Legumes Research Platform (FLRP) at Amlaha, Sehore in Madhya Pradesh for meeting the
emerging food security challenges.
• The Indian Panorama Film Festival kicked off in Port Blair on February 15, 2017. The five day film festival
has been organized by the Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar
Administration in association with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Directorate of Film
Festivals/IFFI, New Delhi, Govt of India.
• The Kerala cabinet gave its in-principle approval on February 15, 2017 for setting up a Greenfield
Airport at pilgrim centre Sabarimala located at the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghat mountain ranges
of Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.
• The Khajuraho Dance Festival kicked off at Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh from February 20, 2017. The seven
day festival will conclude on February 26, 2017. The dance festival is conducted every year by the Madhya
Pradesh Kala Parishad.
• Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has decided to set up Ayurvedic research institute and Kerala Blood
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Bank society of International standards in Kerala during the 13th five year plan. Ayurvedic research institute
will be set up at the cost of Rs 300 crore at Kannur.
• The Kerala government also plan to launch the country’s first sex offenders registry which will contain all
identification details of sex offenders and would be kept in public domain
• Punjab government lead by Parkash Singh Badal has imposed the one year ban on the manufacture, storage,
sale or distribution of food products containing tobacco or nicotine like gutkha and pan masala
• The first of its type festival, the National Folk Festival of Kerala (NFFK 2017) has been organized in Kerala
starting from February 24, 2017 to be held for three days in three different locations in the capital
city Thiruvananthapuram.
• The centuries old two-day long Liker and Leh Dosmochey festival started in Ladakh Region of Jammu and
Kashmir on February 24, 2017.
• On the occasion of Mahashivratri, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 112-feet-tall Lord Shiva statue
at Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on February 24, 2017. The statue is dedicated to “Adiyogi”, an
incarnation of Lord Shiva who is considered to be the first of yogis.
• India’s first hill station bicycle path was inaugurated in Darjeeling on February 25, 2017.
The 20 km long cycle route is developed at an altitude of over 2,000 metres and runs through thick pine
forest and Senchal wildlife sanctuary. The path also provides a view of the third-highest mountain in the
world, Kanchenjunga.
• The High Court of Bombay has joined hands with Goa Government and National Informatics Centre (NIC)
has launched online payment of court fees through e-payment gateway in Goa.
An e-payment of court fees would be available for District and Sessions Courts as well as all subordinate
Courts in the coastal state.
• India’s first integrated Heliport was inaugurated by the Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on
February 28, 2017 at Rohini in North Delhi.The Heliport is the first of its kind facility in South Asia for rotor
wing aircraft including their landing and takeoff and has been built by state-owned Pawan Hans Ltd.
FOREIGN VISITS
Vice President Hamid Ansari’s 5-day Visit to Rwanda & Uganda.

• This was the first high-level bilateral visit to Uganda from India since 1997 and first high-level visit to
Rwanda. Ansari was in Rwanda from February 19-20 while reached Uganda on February 21.
• During the visit, India and Rwanda signed three MoUs on February 21, 2017 in the field of innovation,
aviation and visa requirements.
• During his 2 day visit to Rwanda, Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari launched the India-Rwanda
Innovation Growth Programme to strengthen ties in Science, Technology and Innovation between the two
nations.
• The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched an appeal for the year 2017 on January 31, 2017 for USD 3.3
billion to help over 48 million children across the globe who are driven from their homes due to conflict,
disasters and climate change.
• Right to Information (RTI) Act has come into effect in Sri Lanka from February 3, 2017. RTI was one of the
major announcements made by the present Sri Lankan government ahead of the 2015 election.
• Tesla Motor Inc. and Southern California Edison have jointly launched World’s largest energy storage
facilities on January 30, 2017 at the utility’s Mira Loma substation in Ontario, California.
• Israel Government decided to build 3000 units for Jewish settlers in the West Bank, and in occupied East
Jerusalem.
• India is invited as the Guest country for the upcoming 2017 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum
which was scheduled to be held from June 1 to 3, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the St
Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). India & Russia are working on the “bilateral aspect”
during Modi’s visit o Russia
• Kuwait has banned the Visas for five Muslim majority countries on February 1, 2017 over security issues. The
five countries include Syria, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The suspension of the Visas was taken to
stop illegal entry of Islamic terrorists in the country.
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• Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May successfully held the first stage of passing the Bill in the Parliament on
February 1, 2017 to pull Britain out of the European Union. The Bill would now allow the government to
trigger Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty which the Supreme Court ruled that she could not take that
decision alone.
• Iran government on February 3, 2017 banned the United States wrestlers from participating in the freestyle
World Cup to be held in February 2017 as a counter-move against President Donald Trump’s executive order
suspending visas for Iran.
• The United States President Donald Trump imposed a new sanction on February 3, 2017 on Iran in a move to
punish Tehran for its latest ballistic missile test.
• The Qatar Airways has launched the World’s longest scheduled commercial service to ply between Doha to
Auckland. The inaugural service of Flight QR920 took off on February 5, 2017 from Doha and will take 16
hours and 20 minutes to travel 14,535 kilometers to reach Auckland in New Zealand.
• Mexico and Turkey on February 3, 2017 agreed to speed up negotiations on bilateral free trade agreement
facing US President threat to leave North American Free Trade Agreement.
• According to a new study conducted by scientists in collaboration with the UN Food and Agricultural
Organization (FAO), two new groups of wheat rust have been identified that posed threat to wheat produced
in Africa, Asia and Europe in 2016. As per the data, the two new groups have been identified as yellow rust
and stem rust.
• In an effort to strengthen the bilateral relations between India and UAE, the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS)
Samudra Pavak made a goodwill visit at the Mina Al Rashid (Dubai Port) from February 4 to 7, 2017.
• Israel passed a controversial law retroactively on February 6, 2017 to legalize about 4,000 settler homes built
on privately owned Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank.
• China has surpassed Germany to become the world’s largest producer of solar energy after nearly doubling its
installed photovoltaic capacity in 2016.
• Shaikha Mozah Al Maktoum, one of the female members of the ruling family of Dubai, has become the first
woman commercial pilot of Dubai. The announcement was made by her family members on Instagram saying
that she was on her first assisted flight as a commercial pilot for Emirates.
• Shawna Pandya an Indian-origin woman will become the third woman after Kalpana Chawla and Sunita
Williams to go into space in 2018. Dr Shawna Pandya is a neurosurgeon working as a general physician at
the Alberta University Hospital in Canada.
• India presented the proposed Trade Facilitation inServices (TFS) Agreement to the World Trade Organisation
(WTO) Director General Roberto Azevedo and India Inc. on February 9, 2017 in an event organized by
Confederation of Indian Industry in New Delhi.
• 2017 BRICS association of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to be held in Xiamen, China in
September 2017. The summit will be held under the theme “BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter
Future “
• The world’s longest elevated cycle path has been opened in Xiamen, China which can handle about 2,023
cyclists with a speed limit of 15 miles per hour. The path is five miles long and 16 feet wide having 11
entrances and connects to 11 bus stops and two underground rail stations.
• India has become one of the nine members of the new ‘Network for Improving Quality of Care for Maternal,
Newborn and Child Health’ that aims to improve the quality of care for new mothers and babies.
• The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has launched a $110 million appeal on February 15, 2017 to
help two million acutely malnourished children across Sudan including hundreds of thousands living in
conflict areas. Sudan is home to around 13 percent of all children suffering from acute malnutrition across
Africa. Two million children under five in Sudan are acutely malnourished.
• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled plans to build the first city on Mars by 2117. The
announcement was made by Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime
Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown
Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces on the sidelines of the World Government
Summit in Dubai on February 14, 2017.
• India has sanctioned a soft loan of US dollar 340 million to Nepal for various infrastructure development
programmes on February 19, 2017. Under this programme Mahalaki bridge and 15 roads will be constructed
in various parts of Nepal.
• Venezuela and Libya have been suspended from voting in the UN General Assembly in for the second time in
two years due to huge sum of unpaid dues by the nations to the UN Body. As per the data, Venezuela would
have to make a minimum USD 24 million payment to get under the two-year threshold for getting its voting
rights restored. On the other hand Libya has to make a minimum payment of USD 6.5 million.
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• Russia and Iran have agreed a roadmap to jointly produce nuclear fuel. The announcement was made by the
head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation (AEOI), Ali Akbar Salehi on February 25, 2017.
• Australia and Indonesia restored their full military ties on February 26, 2017 during the visit of Indonesian
President Joko Widodo to Australia to boost ties with the country.
• The European Union member states have approved the visa-free travel for Georgia on February 28, 2017 to
facilitate cooperation of Georgia with the European Union. The approval was granted after agreeing
safeguards to prevent any upsurge in illegal arrivals from the Georgians.
• The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation’s (SAARCs) 53rd Programming Committee
Meeting began on February 1, 2017 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The two day meeting was attended by joint
secretary/director general of the eight member nations.
• The 17th session of the senior officials’ meeting of the BIMSTEC was held on February 7, 2017
in Kathmandu. The delegates of the seven member nations attended the meeting to review the progress made
by the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
• A high-level consultation was held between India and Russia on January 31, 2017 in New Delhi to share
views on threats posed by terrorism. The two sides agreed to comply with the UNSC 1267 Sanctions
List processes for blacklisting various terrorists and entities.
• Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting M Venkaiah Naidu was inaugurated the Digital Radio or All
Round Table Conference in New Delhi on January 31, 2017to stimulate the interests of the key Indian
stakeholders in the public phase launch of the project to digitise radio in India, following the successful
installation of DRM digital radio transmitters by All India Radio (AIR).
• The Ministry of External Affairs in coordination with the Department of Atomic Energy is hosting
the Implementation and Assessment Group Meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism
(GICNT) from February 8-10, 2017 at the Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, New Delhi.
• In a first of its kind initiative, National Women’s Parliament was organized by the Andhra Pradesh Legislative
Assembly in association with MAEER’s MIT School of Governance at Pavithra Sangamam in Amravati,
Andhra Pradesh with an aim to empower women based on the theme: ‘Empowering Women — Strengthening
Democracy’.
• The second edition of the International Spice Conference began at Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram district
of Kerala from February 12, 2017. The theme of the conference is “21st Century Spic Industry-Disrupt or be
Disrupted”
• India has decided to conduct Conference with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to share
experiences and ideas from the member countries on preventing radicalization and promoting deradicalisation.
• The Ministry of External Affairs and Gateway House are co-hosting the Second Gateway of India
Geoeconomic Dialogue from February 13-14, 2017 in Mumbai. The theme of the conference is “Where
Geopolitics meets Business”.
• The 11th biennial edition of International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition – Aero India 2017 kicked off at
the Air Force Station, Yelahanka in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 14, 2017.
• The Indian aerospace and defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has launched a new communication
radio for the Indian Armed Forces, called STARS-V Mk III, at the Aero India 2017 show on February 16,
2017.
Aero India 2017
• The 11th biennial edition of International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition – Aero India 2017 was held at
the Air Force Station, Yelahanka in Bengaluru, Karnataka from February 14-18, 2017.
• Bangalore based defence manufacturer and technological services provider Alpha Design Technologies Pvt.
Limited (ADTL) signed a USD 30 million deal with Israel’s Elbit Systems on February 17, 2017 at Aero India
2017.
• Reliance Aerostructure Limited (RAL) has entered into a Joint Venture with Rafale fighter jet
manufacturer Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) to become the key player in the execution of offset
obligations between India and France for the purchase of Rafale jets.
US-based defence technology and research leader Raytheon Company has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with Tata Advanced Systems on February 17, 2017 to jointly produce Stinger air defence
missile components.
• The International Coin Fair was inaugurated at Kanakakunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on
February 13, 2017 by the Kerala state Minister for Tourism, Cooperation and Devaswoms Kadakampally
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Surendran.
• The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh inaugurated the Indian
Seed Congress 2017 in Kolkata on February 12, 2017. The theme of Seed Congress is “Seed of Joy”.
• Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Science Dr. Harsh Vardhan has inaugurated the three day
International Conference on “NexGen Technologies for Mining and Fuel Industries” (NxGnMiFu-2017)
in New Delhi on February 15, 2017
• The two day Global Investors’ Summit (GIS) 2017 was held at Khelgaon in Ranchi, Jharkhand from February
16-17, 2017 with the brand name ‘Momentum Jharkhand’ to promote industrial activity in Jharkhand and
establish the state as one of the prime investment destination of Eastern India.
• Jharkhand Signs 209 MoU with different companies at Concluding Day of Global Investors Submit.
• The two-day South Asian Speakers’ Summit was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra
Mahajan in Indore, Madhya Pradesh on February 18, 2017. This will conclude with the adoption of an ‘Indore
Declaration‘ at a closing ceremony on February 18, 2017
• India on February 15, 2017 participated in a conference organized to discuss Afghanistan’s future in
Moscow along with 5 other nations. The six nations in the conference included Russia, India, Iran, Pakistan,
China and Afghanistan.
• Third National Biodiversity Congress (NBC) 2017 held Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on February 22, 2017 to
identify practical evidence based case studies at regional level to support the plan of action.
Theme: “Mainstreaming Biodiversity for Sustainable Development” with four sub-themes.
• Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar attended the first India-China Strategic Dialogue to be held in Beijing to
reinforce bilateral ties amid hectic meetings to resolve differences over Beijing’s reluctance to support India’s
NSG bid as well as a UN ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar.
• China is hosting the first official BRICS Sherpas Meeting in Nanjing -Jiangsu Province on February 23 and 24
under its chairmanship. The meeting is focusing on the theme of “Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future”
upon considering the current international situation.
• The 2017 Mobile World Congress (MWC) began in Mobile World Capital Barcelona on February 27, 2017
and will conclude on March 2, 2017. MWC is the world’s largest gathering for the mobile industry, organised
by the GSMA. The global tech industry gathers to get participate in new smartphone
launches, VR and AR developments, chipsets and wearables.
RANKINGS & REPORTS
• The 2017 Financial Times Global MBA ranking was released on January 30, 2017. This year 4 Indian
Business Schools have been listed in the World’s 100 best Full Time MBA Programme List.The top position
was secured by INSEAD for the second consecutive year.
• In the 5th Annual International Intellectual Property Index released by US Chambers of Commerce’s Global
Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) on February 8, 2017, India has been ranked very poor at 43rd position out
of 45 countries.The Index has been topped by United States with a score of 32.6
• Leading professional services firm JLL has once again been named to FORTUNE magazine’s World’s Most
Admired Companies list of 2017 based on their reputation for innovation, top talent and global
competitiveness.
• India has been ranked 143 out of 186 economies in the annual Index of Economic Freedom 2017 released by
top US based Think Tank, The Heritage Foundation.The Index measures the degree of economic freedom in
the countries of the world. Hong Kong, Singapore and New Zealand are the top three nations in the Index
respectively.
• The National Regulatory Authority of India (NRAI), the vaccine regulating authority of India, has been given
the highest ratings by global health body World Health Organization for vaccine regulations on February 17,
2017.
• According to a report released by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on February 20,
2017, India emerged as the world’s largest importer of major arms during 2012–16. As per the report, India
accounted for 13 percent of the global total sales.The total volume of international transfers of major weapons
has grown continuously since 2004 and increased by 8.4 per cent between 2007–11 and 2012–16.
• India’s largest software services firm Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been rated as one of the top three
most-valuable brands in the information technology (IT) service sector by Brand Finance, the leading global
brand valuation firm.
• According to the recent data, infant mortality rate in the country has been registered at 42 deaths of kids per
1000 births while Puducherry was having 11 deaths of children per 1000 babies born said by Director of
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Health and Family Welfare Services K V Raman on February 27, 2017. Top 3 states : Goa ranked first,
followed by Kerala and Puducherry.
• The state government of Haryana has set up an online system called the Sex Ratio Monitoring Dashboard to
monitor the sex-ratio in Panipat district as part of the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ programme.
• According to the New World Wealth report released on February 21, 2017, Mumbai, the financial capital of
India has been named as the Richest Indian city with a total wealth of $ 820 billion.
BANKING & FINANCE
• Fiscal deficit in the first nine months of 2016-17 touched 93.9 per cent of the Budget target against 87.9 per
cent for the same period a year ago. The fiscal deficit stood at 87.9 per cent in the corresponding nine months
a year ago, as per 2015-16 Budget estimates.
• HSBC has estimated the GDP growth rate of India at 7.1 percent for the year 2017-18 which is up from
the 6.3 percent in the year 2016-17.
• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) on February 2, 2017 sanctioned a loan
amount of Rs. 157 crore to the Government of Haryana to undertake drinking water project.
• The Government of India has signed a USD 201.50 million credit agreement with the World Bank on
February 1, 2017 to improve the quality and equity of engineering education across several states in India.
• As per the data released by the Minister of State for Finance Santosh Gangwar in the Lok Sabha on February
3, 2017, Public Sector Banks (PSBs) witnessed a bad loan at 9.83percent of the gross advances in the financial
year (FY) 2015-16, while the bad loans for Private sector banks were capped at 2.70 percent of the advances.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on February 2, 2017 permitted the NRIs to have access to the exchange
traded currency derivatives (ETCD) market. This will enable the NRIs to hedge the currency risk due to
making investment in India.
• The Reserve Bank of India has directed banks on February 3, 2017 to waive off transaction charges and lower
interest rates on credit cards as a move to encourage digital transaction.
RBI has decided that customers would not be levied any charges by banks and prepaid payment instrument
issuers for transactions up to Rs. 1,000 settled on Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), Unstructured
Supplementary Service Data (USSD) and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) till March 3, 2017.
• India’s second largest private sector bank, HDFC, has planned to increase the fee for savings account holders
doing cash transaction in order to encourage digital mode of payment. The bank on has reduced the third party
transaction limit to Rs. 25000 a day. Earlier this limit was Rs. 50000. Besides, it has also reduced the number
of free transactions at branches from 5 to 4.
• Public sector lender Bank of Maharashtra has partnered with insurance company Cigna TTK Health to market
the insurer’s products in the bank’s branches across the entire country
• India’s third largest private bank, Axis Bank has tied up with Earthport Plc, a cross-border payment network,
to enable faster outbound cross-border payments for its customers through Earthport’s state-of-the-art global
payments network. Axis Bank has become the first bank in India to connect with Earthport’s global payments
network, which spans over 60 countries.
• The Ujjivan Small Finance Bank officially started its operation on February 6, 2017 with 5 pilot branches
in Bengaluru. Samit Ghosh is the MD and CEO of the Ujjivan Small Finance Bank.
• The PNB Housing Finance Limited (PNBHFL) and CREDAI West Bengal, has signed an MoU on February
6, 2017, wherein CREDAI-Bengal would train 1000 construction workers in Kolkata and nearby villages. The
MoU aims to address the need to speed up the construction pace for quicker delivery and hand-overs.
• Private sector lender IDFC Bank has collaborated with fintech startup IndiaLends to enable first time
borrowers who do not have a credit history to take loans.
Sixth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Review of RBI for 2016-17.

Key Policy Rates
1. Repo Rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF):6.25 percent (Unchanged)
2. Reverse Repo Rate under the LAF: 5.75 percent (Unchanged)
3. Marginal Standing Facility (MSF): 6.75 percent (Unchanged)
4. Bank Rate: 6.75 percent (Unchanged)
5. Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): 4 percent (Unchanged)
6. Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): 20.50 percent (Unchanged)
7. RBI had projected the headline inflation at 5 percent in Q4 of 2016-17 in December.
8. The RBI has projected GDP growth in the current fiscal at 6.9 percent. It expects the growth to
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recover sharply in 2017-18 and reach 7.4 percent.

9. RBI has projected the GVA growth for 2016-17 at 6.9 percent from the existing 7.1 percent.
• The Reserve Bank of India on February 8, 2017 informed about its decision to set up a separate Enforcement
Department to effectively monitor bank in case they violate regulations. The Enforcement Department will
start operations from April 1, 2017.
• Private sector lender Federal Bank Limited has partnered with Commodity Online, a leading online data and
information portal for the distribution of loans against warehouse receipts and collateral management services
across the country.
• The Private sector lenders HDFC Bank started operating its Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) on February
7, 2017 to ease the bill payment service for the customers. Along with HDFC, Kotak Mahindra Bank also
went live with the BBPS service.
• Fertiliser major IFFCO and Bank of Baroda have signed an MoU on February 7, 2017 to launch co-branded
debit cards for farmers in a bid to promote cashless transactions in the rural area.
• Bank of America Corp has opened three completely automated branches over the past month with no working
employee wherein customers can use ATMs and have video conferences with employees at other branches.
• As a part of its disinvestment plan for 2016-17, the central government sold 2 percent of its stake
in ITC to Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) on February 7, 2017 and earned Rs 6,690 crore.
• The Union Cabinet approved the merger of the State Bank of India with its 5 subsidiary banks namely State
Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur; State Bank of Hyderabad; State Bank of Mysore; State Bank of Patiala and State
Bank of Travancore.
• Bank of Baroda is planning to launch a supply chain financing product for the Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSME) in the diamond industry to boost their existence in the sector.
• Union Government has decided to launch ‘Indradhanush 2.0’ for recapitalisation of public sector lenders so
that the banks remain solvent and fully comply with the global capital adequacy norms namely Basel-III.
• Government has allocated an amount of Rs 500 crore to India Post Payments Bank for the financial year 2017-
18 to help it in setting up 650 branches across country by September 2017. As per Output-Outcome
Framework for Schemes 2017-18 for the Department of Posts released on February 13, 2017, out of the
allocated amount, Rs. 125 crore has been allocated as “capital infusion into corporate entity for India Post
Payments Bank” and Rs 375 crore as “grant in aid to India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)”.
• According to the global financial services major Nomura, the GDP growth of India is estimated to remain low
at 5.7 percent in the January-March quarter due to the effect of demonetization of high value currency.
• The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a part of the World Bank Group has partnered with Finance
Industry Development Council (FIDC) to conduct training programmes for Non Banking Finance Companies
(NBFCs).
• IDFC Asset Management Company launched an open-ended fixed income fund named Credit Opportunities
Fund on February 13 in Mumbai which is expected to raise the revenue of the company in the range of Rs 300
crore-500 crore within the NFO period itself.
• Life insurance firm, HDFC life launched a traditional life insurance plan, Pragati, on February 15, 2017
for low income group people.
• The Reserve Bank of India has decided to reimburse banks Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on debit
cards used by citizens for payment with effect from January 1, 2017. In December 2016, the government had
decided to absorb the merchant discount rate (MDR) charges in respect of debit card transactions for making
payments to it to encourage people to use digital payments post demonetisation.
• Mumbai based Citi Bank has launched instant chat services for customers named Citibank Online (CBOL) on
February 16, 2017. With this India become the first country in Asia Pacific within the Citi network to have
this kind of service.
• The Reserve Bank of India increased the gold loan limit for RRBs (Regional Rural Banks) to Rs 2 lakh from
the current Rs 1 lakh on February 16, 2017 to help the farmers and artisans have access to credit who are
willing to pledge gold as collateral.
• The Name and Shame Campaign initiated by Catholic Syrian Bank Employees and Retirees against
willful Defaulters in Kerala have started paying dividends. As per the bank, of the 30 defaulters identified with
dues of more than Rs. 50 lakh each, about 10 borrowers have approached the bank with settlement proposals
and the bank has also received firm assurance for payments worth Rs. 25 crore from defaulters.
• The Union government has increased the Cash Credit (CC) limit for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs) to 30 percent of turnover from the existing 20 percent to encourage them to conduct businesses
digitally.
• Bangalore based Public sector Canara Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
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the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry on February 17, 2017 to operationalize the Higher
Education Financing Agency (HEFA).
• Leading global payments and technology firm, Mastercard is set to provide payments processing
solution to Airtel Payments Bank. The payment processing platform will enable the Airtel Payment Bank in
providing various payment services like switching, card management along with support for reconciliation and
dispute management processes.
• Mangaluru based private sector lender Karnataka Bank Ltd launched National Pension System (NPS) at its
corporate office in Mangaluru to provide financial security at old age by giving regular income in the form of
pension. Under the scheme, one can contribute to NPS while earning and eventually start receiving pension on
his/her attaining the age of 60 years to meet their financial needs.
• Mumbai based State Bank of India(SBI) has signed Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with India’s
largest interior infrastructure company Greenply Industries to grow its channel financing business of Greenply
Industries on electronic platformon February 18, 2017.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted Multilateral Financial Institutions (FIs) to invest in rupee
denominated bonds commonly known as ‘Masala Bonds’ issued by Indian entities.
• In an effort to extend the services to neighboring countries and enhance market share, leading United Arab
Emirates (UAE) payments solutions provider OMA Emirates has entered the Indian Market, beginning with
the acquisition of mobile point of sale (mPOS) firm MobiSwipe.
• The Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) launched a series of digital offerings for its customers on February
19, 2017 which also marks the 75th Foundation Day of the bank. The OBC bank introduced a new version of
mobile banking in the form of mobile app under the name ‘Oriental Batuaa’ to provide banking services
through app.
• The GST Council approved a law to compensate states for any loss of revenue from the implementation of
the Goods and Service Tax (GST) in the first five years, on February 18, 2017 at the 10th GST Council
Meet at Udaipur. The compensation bill will be taken to Parliament in 2nd half of Budget Session to be held
from March 9, 2017.
• The country’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) rebranded its corporate website as “bank.sbi” from the
earlier “sbi.co.in” on February 19, 2017. Now bank.sbi is the highest domain protocol commonly known
as generic top level domain (gTLD). With this, SBI has become the first banking organization in India to
adopt gTLD for its internet presence.
• Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has given its approval to IRB InvIT Fund, to
raise Rs 4,300 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). IRB InvIT Fund is an investment trust sponsored
by IRB Infrastructure Developers Limited, an Indian highway construction company headquartered in
Mumbai.
• Magaluru based Karnataka Bank Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Daimler India
Commercial Vehicles Pvt Ltd (DICV) on February 20, 2017 to extend finance to customers for the purchase
of commercial vehicles manufactured by the company.
• Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), the retirement body of India introduced single page
composite claim form that enable its subscribers to withdraw money from their PF account at an ease.
• Hyderabad based non-banking finance company Microfinance institution Bharat Financial Inclusion
Ltd launched an instant loan approval at a village near Bassi in Jaipur district, Rajasthan
• Lucknow based Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Bengaluru based Vijaya Bank for providing concessional finance to micro and
small enterprises (MSEs) to promote and strengthen the units in the MSE segment
• Guragon based Domestic rating agency ICRA reported that the gross value added (GVA) is set to slip to 6.2
per cent in the third quarter from 6.9 per cent and GDP growth will decline to 6.5 per cent from 7.2 per cent.
• Oriental Bank of Commerce has signed a corporate agency agreement with Chennai based general insurance
provider Cholamandalam General Insurance Company for distribution of insurance products on February 22,
2017.
• International Monetary Fund come up with India’s growth projection which predicted slow 6.6 per cent in
2016-17 fiscal due to “temporary disruptions” caused by demonetisation.
• The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a 375-million-dollar loans and
grants on February 23, 2017 in New Delhi to develop 800-km Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor.
• The government has announced to bailout IDBI Bank with Rs. 3,000-crore capital infusion to enable the bank
to have better capital-adequacy ratio and further enhance credit growth. The financial assistance will help the
bank to maintain stability.
• Dena Bank has unveiled a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) enabled banking card on February 23, 2017
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at its Mumbai branch to identify a valued customer entering the bank having RFID card by displaying the
complete information about that customer on the managers desktop.
• Public sector banks United Bank of India (UBI) has signed agreement with Indian Railway Catering and
Tourism Corporation(IRCTC) for railway ticket booking facility.
• An economic think-tank, National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) has lowered India’s
GDP growth to 6.9 percent for the fiscal 2016-17 compared to previous estimation of 7.6 percent. The decline
in the growth forecast is based on the demonetization effect.
• Moody’s Investors Service report released on February 23, 2017 states that despite the currency
demonetisation drive by Government of India, the country will continue to be the fastest growing
economy among G-20 countries in 2017.
• According to the data by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), the Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) in India grew 18 percent during 2016 to attract $46 billion as compared to $39.32 billion in
2015.
• Japan’s SoftBank Group Corp (SBG) on February 24, 2017 entered into a definitive agreement with Foxconn
Technology Group (Foxconn) of Taiwan to establish a joint venture through Softbank Group Capital Apac Pte
Ltd at an estimated cost of $1.2 billion.
• The Government of India launched the 7th tranche of the Sovereign Gold Bonds on February 27, 2017 and it
will be the last offering for 2016-17.The Sovereign Gold Bonds 2016-17–Series IV will be issued by
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of Government of India.
• An expert committee set up by SIDBI, Venture Capital Investment Committee (VCIC) has sanctioned Rs 300
crore to fund managers who would invest in startups, thus taking the total sanctions in 2016-17 to over Rs
1,100 crore.
• In order to expand its business across the country, Apollo Munich Health Insurance Company has tied up with
Mumbai-based Dena Bank on February 27, 2017 to provide its insurance product to the large customer base of
the bank.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up an 11 member Inter-disciplinary Standing Committee on Cyber
Security on February 28, 2017. The committee will be chaired by RBI Executive Director Meena
Hemchandra.
• Lucknow based Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and India’s first small finance bank
Capital Small Finance Bank (CSFB) signed Memorandum of Understandingto enable it to provide loans at a
concessional rate to MSMEs.
• Kumbakonam-based private sector lender Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) has tied up with Centrum Group on
February 27, 2017 in which the bank will refer its High Net Worth Individuals (HNI) to Centrum for wealth
management and family office services.
• American Express, a global leader in payment solutions has launched an electronic payment platform linked to
corporate card, Buyer Initiated Payments (BIP) on February 27, 2017 to eliminate payment through cheques or
drafts.
• The Economic Survey Report by Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has
estimated the India’s GDP growth at 7 percent for 2016-17 on February 28, 2017.
• Canara, HSBC and Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance launched iSelect term plan to expand its online
product suit. The term iSelect plan provides enhanced protection cover for the family at an affordable
premium.
BUSINESS
• Arnab Goswami, managing director and editor-in-chief of ARG Outlier Media has changed the name of his
proposed news channel Republic into Republic TV.
• The Union Health Minister, JP Nadda, notified the Medical Devices Rules, 2017 on February 2, 2017 to ease
the norms related to manufacturing medical devices in India and promote domestic industry.
• In the latest Global 500 rankings of most valuable and powerful brands across the globe, Sundar Pichai’s
Google has surpassed Apple to achieve the top position. The Brand Finance Global 500 list published on
February 2, 2017 had featured Apple as the top brand for continuous five years.
• A premium digital marketing agency LIQVD ASIA collaborate with iKarmik.com, has launched India’s First
Ever Online Exhibition gateway – ExFirst.com to provide designers and retailers an opportunity to reach out
to consumers across the country.
• Tata Motors Launches new Sub-Brand TAMO as an Incubator to Develop Futuristic Vehicles. TAMO will act
as a start-up to develop new and innovative products.
• The Susheel Kumar, Coal Secretary, Ministry of Coal, has informed that India has planned to allow the non-
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state mining companies for the first time in four decade to mine and sell coal. China is the World’s top coal
producing market followed by United States. India stands at third position.
• San Francisco-based taxi-hailing platform Uber has launched a new service under the name UberHIRE on
February 6, 2017 that will enable the customers to hire the taxi for the day on hourly basis.
• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) under the Department of Revenue entered into four more
unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) on February 6, 2017 with the tax payers so as to provide them
a certainty regarding transfer pricing.
• C K Birla Group-owned Hindustan Motors have signed a deal with French carmaker Peugeot SA Group on
February 10, 2017 to sell its iconic Indian car brand “Ambassador” to Peugeot for Rs. 80 crore.
• As per the data released by the Central Statistics Office, the India’s Industrial Output contracted by 0.4
Percent in December 2016 as compared to previous year due to demonetization.
• The centre on February 10, 2017 approved setting up the Electronic Development Fund with a total corpus
of Rs. 6,831 crore to support entrepreneurship and innovation in electronics and IT.
• Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T), an Engineering and construction major has entered into a Joint Venture
with European defence major MBDA Missile Systems on February 13, 2017.
The main aim of the JV is development of missiles in India under the Make in India initiative while procuring
the missile systems from abroad.
• The Global Gene Corp and Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) launched an Indian
Beacon on February 14, 2017 for Indian genomics data to enable the scientists in developing more effective
drug delivery systems.
• AirAsia became the first foreign airline to begin its operations from Srinagar international airport in Jammu
and Kashmir on February 19, 2017. Srinagar has The Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport since last five
years, but no foreign airlines had yet operated services from there.
• US based IT giant Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Indian electronic commerce company Flipkart Group
CEO Binny Bansal has announced a “strategic partnership” on February 20, 2017.
• Bangalore based Indian food-products corporation Britannia has signed an MoU with Greece’s cakes and
confectionery major Chipita for exploring certain business opportunities on February 22, 2017. This is the first
joint venture after Britania’s tie-up with New Zealand’s Fonterra Dairy and and dairy giant Groupe Danone
SA dissolved in 2009.
• Oricon Enterprises Ltd (OEL) is planned to build a manufacturing facility in Odisha with an investments of Rs
100 crores. This facility will be used to manufacture new packaging products.
• The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding(MoU) with the IoT Acceleration Consortium (ITAC) Japan on February 22, 2017 to
address digital technology shifts and accelerate IoT (Internet of Things) adoption at a global level across the
industry.
• Centre has notified the protocol amending the India-Israel tax treaty to provide for exchange of information on
tax matters including bank details with a view to check black money flows which will come into force effect
in India from fiscal year beginning April 1.
• A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 22,
2017 approved Rs. 17,000 crore missile deal with Israel to protect India’s airspace from enemy aircraft and
drones. Under the deal, India and Israel will jointly develop a Medium Range Surface-To-Air Missile (MR-
SAM) system for the Indian army.
• The World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) came into force on February
22, 2017 which required two-third of the member nation to ratify the agreement to be into effect.
• Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh announced on February 23, 2017 that Rajasthan has become the second
largest crude oil producer in India with 90 lakh tones oil annually and Mumbai is the largest producer of crude
oil in India which accounts for half of the domestic oil production.
• Food technology start-up Gorb has partnered with online cab aggregator Ola on February 24, 2017 to offer
food to consumers at discounted rates in Mumbai.
• Leading E-Commerce firm, Paytm launched its new application on Android under the name Paytm Mall and a
website called paytmmall.com on February 27, 2017. The Paytm Mall app aims to offer a combination of the
Mall and Bazaar concepts to Indian consumers for online shopping.
• American IT MNC, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has announced its partnership with Tata
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Communications on February 27, 2017 at the World Mobile World Congress 2017 organized in Barcelona to
roll-out its Internet of Things platform, “the LoRa network”.
• GIFT City has signed a pact with Dubai International Financial Centre for exchanging views and expertise in
the fields of banking and financial services as well as regulatory practices on February 28, 2017
• LTE mobile network operator Reliance Jio has announced a collaboration with the networking giant Cisco to
expand Jio’s existing multi-terabit capacity with the first All-IP converged network in India.
• An IT Risk Assessment and Digital Security Services Providing Firm, Lucideus, was awarded the best IT
Startup under the IT (Information Technology) and ITES (Information Technology Enabled Services)
category on January 30, 2017 during the National Entrepreneurship Awards 2016.
• Rajasthan and Telangana are bagged the eGovernance awards for Excellence under the state category at
the CSI -Nihilent eGovernance Awards held in Coimbatore on January 31, 2017.Odisha and Nagaland bagged
the Award of Recognition for the year 2016
• Gurgaon based airline, SpiceJet made record by winning awards in three prime categories at the Asia One
Awards held in Singapore.The low-cost airline was honoured as the ‘Asia’s Greatest Brands – 2016’ at the
function. Global Asian of the year’, 2016- Managing Director of SpiceJet, Mr. Ajay Singh.
• The England Test captain Alastair Cook was honored with the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the
British Empire (CBE) by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace, London on February 4, 2017.
• Renowned Indian-origin British sculptor Anish Kapoor was honored with the prestigious $1 million 2017
Genesis Prize on February 6, 2017 by Israel for his utmost contribution for Jewish community.
• The state government of Arunachal Pradesh launched the Arunachal Civil Service Awards on February 6,
2017 in a bid to encourage good governance in the state. The award consists of a medal, a scroll and cash
awards of Rs 1 lakh for an individual and Rs 5 lakh for an organization or a group.
• Hyderabad based Dr P Raghu Ram, President of Association of Breast Surgeons of India (ABSI) has been
honored with the prestigious Dr B C Roy National Award for ‘outstanding service in the field of socio medical
relief’ for the year 2016.
• GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL), which operates Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, has
been honored with the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) Chairman’s Order of Merit for its focus on
environmental sustainability. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport was also awarded for becoming the first
airport in Asia Pacific to become carbon neutral.
• Famous Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a Guinness World Record on February 10, 2017 by
building World’s tallest Sand Castle at the Puri beach in Puri. The castle is 48 feet and 8 inches (14.84 metre)
in height. The sand sculpture was built with theme of World Peace.
70th British Academy Film Awards
Award Winner
Best Film La La Land
Best Director Damien Chazelle (La La Land)
Best Actor Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea)
Best Actress Emma Stone (La La Land)
BAFTA Fellowship Mel Brooks
Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Curzon Cinemas
59th Annual Grammy Awards
Award Category Winner
Album Of The Year Adele for ’25’
Record Of The Year ‘Hello’ by Adele
Song Of The Year Hello by Adele and Greg Kurstin
Best Rap Album ‘Coloring Book’ by Chance The Rapper
Best Urban Contemporary Album ‘Lemonade’ by Beyonce
Best Country Solo Performance Maren Morris for ‘My Church’
Best Rock Song ‘Blackstar’ by David Bowie
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance ‘Stressed Out’ by Twenty One Pilots
Best Pop Vocal Album ’25’ by Adele
Best Traditional Pop Vocal ‘Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin’ by Willie
Album Nelson
Best Pop Solo Performance Adele for ‘Hello’
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• Jamaica’s sprinter Usain Bolt won the ‘Sportsman of the Year’ award at the Laureus World Awards or the
‘Oscar of Sports’ held in Monaco on February 14, 2017. Bolt received his award from legendary Michael
Johnson. This is the fourth time that the world’s greatest sprinter has won the honor. Earlier in 2009, 2010 and
2013 too he won the award. In women’s category, Simone Biles won the ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ trophy
for her outstanding performance in Rio Olympics 2016 winning 4 gold and 1 bronze medal.
• Indian professional hockey player Sandeep Singh has been honored with an Honorary Doctorate Degree by
Desh Bhagat University, a private educational institution in Amloh, Fatehgarh Sahib District of Punjab on
February 14, 2017. He is the second Indian hockey player to receive this award. The only first player
was Dileep Tirkey, former captain and sitting Member of Parliament, to receive an honorary degree for
sporting excellence from Sambalpur University in 2010.
• India’s premier health institute the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi was awarded
the first prize of the Government’s Kayakalp Award under the Central Government Hospitals category on
February 15, 2017 in New Delhi for maintaining high standards of sanitation and hygiene.
• An Indian-origin Scotland Yard officer Shand Panesar along with his colleague Craig Nicholson was honored
with the 2017 Outstanding Bravery of the Year Award on February 10, 2017 in central London during a
special award ceremony of the Total Excellence in Policing Awards.
• Renowned Hindi litterateur and playwright Surendra Verma has been selected for 2016 Vyas Samman for his
novel Kaatna Shami Ka Vriksha Padma Pankhuri Ki Dhar Se. This novel was published in the year 2010.
• Thrissur based South Indian Bank(SIB)’s MD and CEO of the bank, V.G. Mathew has received the ISO
27001: 2013 certification from Venkataram Arabolu, Managing Director, BSI Group India for Information
Security Management System (ISMS) of SIB on February 16, 2017.
• Mangalore based public sector lender Corporation Bank was awarded the 2017National MSME Excellence
Award on February 10, 2017 at a function in New Delhi.
• Melody Queen and Nightingale of India, b has been conferred with the 2017 Legendary Award by the Brand
• Laureate for giving a unlimited memorable hits and soulful melodies in Hindi film music.
• Indian Cinema movie “Newton” directed by Amit Masurkar was honored with the Art Cinema Award in the
Forum Segment at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival held from February 9-18, 2017 in Berlin,
Germany.
• Katamati Iron Mine, owned by Tata Steel, was conferred with the Best Green Organisation of the Year
Award on February 18, 2017 at the Global Green Future Leadership Awards in Mumbai.
• The commerical banking company Karnataka Bank has won two ‘IBA-Banking Technology’ awards
in Mumbai on February 21, 2017
• Virendra Sharma, an Indian-origin British MP was conferred with the first Dr Stya Paul Memorial Award on
February 22, 2017 for his outstanding contribution to India-UK ties.
• Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman of auto parts maker Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd, has been named as
the Indian Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 by consulting firm, EY formerly known as Ernst & Young. Besides,
Infosys Ltd co-founder Nandan Nilekani was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for heading the
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for the Aadhaar project.
FIH Hockey Stars Awards- 2016
• Best Male Player of the Year Award (2016)- John-John Dohmen (Belgium)
• Best Female Player of the Year - Netherlands’ Naomi van
• Best Male Goalkeeper of the Year: David Harte(Ireland)
• Best Female Goalkeeper of the Year: Maddie Hinch(Britain)
• Rising Male Star of the Year: Arthur Van Doren(Belgium)
• Rising Female Star of the Year: Maria Granatto(Argentina)
• Male Coach of the Year: Danny Kerry(Great Britain)
• Female Coach of the Year: Karen Brown
• Male Umpire of the Year: Christian Blasch
• Female Umpire of the Year: Laurine Delforge
• Three poets from Maharashtra have been conferred with the Vishakha Awards on February 26, 2017 at the
Kalidas Kalamandir Hall in Maharashtra during the occasion of Marathi Bhasha Gaurav Din.
• Japan has unveiled the world’s first robot table tennis tutor FORPHEUS (Future Omron
Robotics Technology for Exploring Possibility of Harmonised automation with Sinic Theoretics) which has
the ability to play the game better than humans. It has been listed in the Guinness World Record for being
the First robot table tennis tutor for its unique technological intelligence and educational capabilities.
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89th Academy Award (Oscar Award)--Winners

Award Category Winner Movie
Best Picture Moonlight
Best Actres Emma Stone La La Land
Best Actor Casey Affleck Manchester By The Sea
Best Director Damien Chazelle La La Land
Best Supporting Actress Viola Davis Fences
Best Supporting Actor Mahershala Ali Moonlight
Best Original Screenplay Kenneth Lonergan Manchester By The Sea
Best Adapted Screenplay Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney Moonlight
Best Cinematography Linus Sandgren La La Land
Best Original Score Justin Hurwitz La La Land
Best Original Song Justin Hurwitz, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul La La Land
Best Sound Editing Sylvain Bellemare Arrival
Best Foreign Language Film Asghar Farhadi The Salesman
Best Film Editing John Gilbert Hacksaw Ridge
Best Visual Effects Robert Legato, Adam Valdez, Andrew R. The Jungle Book
Jones and Dan Lemmon
Best Production Design David Wasco and Sandy Reynolds Wasco La La Land
Best Sound Mixing Kevin O’Connell, Andy Wright, Robert Hacksaw Ridge
Mackenzie and Peter Grace
Best Documentary-Feature Ezra Edelman and Caroline Waterlow O.J.: Made in America
Best Animated Feature Film Byron Howard, Rich Moore and Clark Zootopia
Spencer
Best Animated Short Film Alan Barillaro and Marc Sondheimer Piper
Best Documentary-Short Orlando von Einsiedel and Joanna The White Helmets
Subject Natasegara
Best Live Action Short Film Kristof Deak and Anna Udvardy Sing
Best Make-Up and Alessandro Bertolazzi, Giorgio Gregorini Suicide Squad
Hairstyling and Christopher Nelson
Best Costume Design Colleen Atwood Fantastic Beast and Where To Find
Them
ESPNcricinfo AwardsWinner list

Category Winner
‘Captain of the Year Virat Kohli
Test Batting Performance of the Year Ben Stokes
Test Bowling Performance of the Year award Stuart Broad
ODI Batting Performance of the Year Quinton de Kock
ODI Bowling Performance of the Year award Sunil Narine
T20 Batting Performance of the Year award Carlos Brathwaite
T20 Bowling Performance of the Year award Mustafizur Rahman
Batting Performance of the Year award Hayley Williams
Bowling Performance of the Year award Leigh Kasperek
• As a part of delivering recognition to Women’s in India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has
for the first time introduced a separate category of Lifetime Achievement Awards for Women in the
upcoming BCCI Annual Awards 2016-17. For the award, BCCI has chosen former Indian
skipper Shanta Rangaswamy on February 28, 2017 who has become the first receiver of the award under the
category.
• The Radhanagar beach on the Havelock Island in the Andamans and Nicobar Islands(8 th spot) has featured
among the top 10 in the ‘World’s Travellers’ Choice Award-Winning Beaches’ by TripAdvisor. The first spot
was gained by Baia do Sancho Fernando de Noronha in Brazil.
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Name Name of the post

Anushka Sharma First female ambassador of the campaign ‘Swacch Bharat
Abhiyan’
Pirojsha Godrej Chairman, Adi Godrej to be Chairman Emeritus- Godrej Properties
Rex Tillerson US secretary of state
CAG Suman Saxena, Whole-time members in Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of
Mukulita Vijaywargiya India
Navrang Saini
IDFC MD Vikram Limaye CEO & MD of National Stock Exchange (NSE)
Achamkulangare Gopinathan UN Joint Inspection Unit
Economist Sanjeev Sanyal Principal Economic Adviser
Anand Kumar Gupta Director of NTPC
Arun M Kumar Chairman and CEO of KPMG India
Sasikala Natarajan AIADMK Legislative Party leader
Jonathan Bullock(quits) Boards of Ola and Snapdeal
Satish Menon CEO of Kings XI Punjab
Arundhati Bhattacharya Ambassador for its SBI PO recruitment ad
Ashok Gulati,
Manish Sabharwal, Non-Official Directors On RBI Central Board
Rajiv Kumar
Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo New President of Somalia
Satinder Sartaaj UNO’s Blue Heart Campaign against trafficking
Hemant Bhargava LIC’s Managing Director
Ajay Tyagi SEBI Chairman
Subir Dutta Ambassador of India to the Republic of Madagascar
Frank Walter Steinmeier President of Germany
Sandeep Jajodia President of Assocham
Nilesh Shivji Vikamsey President of ICAI
Ravi Shankar High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Rwanda

Shigenori Shiga (Steps Down) Toshiba’s Chairman
Tehmina Janjua First Women Foreign Secretary of Pakistan
France’s Jean-Pierre Lacroix UN peacekeeping chief
Edappadi K Palaniswami Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Vikas Swarup Next envoy to Canada
1.Madras HC Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan
Kaul 5 new judges to Supreme Court
2.Rajasthan HC Chief Justice Naveen Sinha
3.Kerala HC Chief Justice Mohan M
Shantanagouder
4.Chhattisgarh HC Chief Justice Dipak Gupta
5.Karnataka HC judge S Abdul Nazeer.
Norman Isaac First Indian Technical Delegate of International Basketball
Federation
Neelam Damodharan , Atanu Kumar Das EDs in Bank of India.
K Swaminathan ED in Indian Overseas Bank.
Ashok Kumar Pradhan ED in United Bank of India.
P Ramana Murthy Executive Director of Central Bank of India.
Fareed Ahmed Khan ED in Punjab and Sind Bank.
M K Bhattacharya ED of Indian Bank
S Harishankar EDs of Allahabad Bank
Government Cuts SEBI’s Chairman-Designate
Ajay Tyagi’s Tenure by Two Years
Renu Pall Ambassador of India to Montenegro
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Ranganathan, Mehta Non-Official Director in IOB, PNB

TR Zeliang (Resigns) Nagaland Chief Minister and Shurhozelie Liezietsu elected in
place
Diego Maradona Ambassador Role at FIFA
Narinder Chauhan Ambassador of India to the Republic of Philippines
Dr Neelu Rohmetra First Woman Indian Institute of Management Director
Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh
Mehriban Aliyeva Azerbaijan First Vice President
Govind Rajan Quits FreeCharge Chief executive office
Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre Head of Cauvery Tribuna
Cressida Dick First woman to lead Scotland Yard
Abhijit Sarkar Vice President of Asian Hockey Federation
Hassan Ali Khaire Prime minister Somali
Shilpa Shetty Swachh Bharat Brand Ambassador
Birender Singh Yadav Ambassador of India to the Republic of Togo
Kabir Bedi Brand ambassador of Sightsavers
Author Neil Gaiman U.N. Goodwill Ambassador
Normani Kordei American Cancer Society Global Ambassador
Former CM T R Zeliang Finance Advisor to Nagaland government
• Technology giant Google has announced to sell its Terra Bella business which includes a group of SkySat
Earth imaging satellites to an imaging start-up, Planet Labs on February 3, 2017.
• Finland multinational communications and information technology company Nokia announced to buy
telecoms software firm Comptel for 347 million euros ($370 million) on February 9, 2017.
• Ahmedabad based India’s first listed ecommerce startup Infibeam has announced to merger agreement with
India’s largest payment aggregator company CC Avenue on February 14, 2017. The value of the deal is
expected to value the online payment gateway at about Rs 2,000 crore.
• An electrical equipment company, Havells India has announced to acquire Lloyd Electric & Engineering for
its consumer durables business for around Rs 1200 -1500 crore on February 17, 2017
• An American multinational technology company Apple has announced to acquire Israel-based start-up
“RealFace” for an undisclosed amount on February 20, 2017. The amount of the deal will be ‘several million
dollars’.
• India’s largest domestic telecom operator Bharti Airtel has signed an agreement with Telenor South Asia
Investments to acquire Telenor India Communications. The amount of the deal is not yet finalised.
MoUs
• India and Sri Lanka has signed an MoU on February 2, 2017 for the construction of a multi-ethnic tri-lingual
school in a north central district of the island nation.
• The Union Ministry of Railways has signed an MoU with an Italian Firm Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane Group
(FS Group) for technical cooperation in rail sector on February 2, 2017 with focus on safety operations.
• Tripartite MoU signed among M/o of Tourism, M/s NPCC & NBCC and Govt of J&K for Implementation of
Tourism Projects In J&K.
• India and Austria signed a protocol on February 6, 2017 to amend the existing bilateral taxation treaty
for Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion.
• The 23rd session of the International Conference & Exhibition on Terrestrial & Satellite Broadcasting was
held at the Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, New Delhi from February 2- February 4, 2017.The theme of
the event was Hybrid Technologies in Broadcasting – New Opportunities.
• Union Cabinet apprised of Framework Agreement between India and Vietnam on cooperation in the
exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes
• The Union Cabinet was also informed about the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of
Cooperation in the field of science, technology and innovation between India and France to ensure exchange
of best practices and technology.
• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on February 8, 2017 approved signing
a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Senegal in the field of Health and Medicine.
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• India and the United States have agreed to maintain the pace of their partnership especially in the area of the
defence ties. The Defence Secretary James Mattis held a telephonic conversation with the Indian Defence
Minister Manohar Parrikar with the commitment to further strengthen the bilateral defence cooperation made
in recent years.
• Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Lord Ahmad from U.K. have
signed a MoU to ease restrictions on the number of scheduled flights between the two countries to trade and
tourism.
• The Cabinet approved the signing of Air Services Agreement between India and Rwanda which will enable
the airlines of the two countries to operate services in each others’ territory.
• The CA Institute’s Accounting Research Foundation (ARF) has signed an agreement with Indian Railways
for the national rollout of accrual accounting in Railways on February 19, 2017. The agreement will be valid
for 18 months.
• India, Croatia signs agreement to boost bilateral trade & enhance economic cooperation
• The Reliance Defence and Engineering Ltd (RDEL) has signed a Master Ship Repair Agreement
(MSRA) with US Navy on February 13, 2017 to perform repair and alteration services for US Navy’s Seventh
Fleet vessels.
• The multinational Airbus Group division Airbus joined hand with Telangana government, National Skill
Development Corporation India and Aerocampus France for establishing a Centre of Excellence at
at Begumpet Airport for aerospace skill development in Hyderabad
• Tata Motors Ltd and Microsoft India entered into strategic agreement on February 16, 2017 to collaborate on
the technology front for making driving a more personalized experiences for the customers. As per the
agreement, Microsoft will make use of its IoT (internet of things), AI (artificial intelligence) and machine
learning technologies to develop a highly personalized, smart vehicle for the customers.
• Mumbai based Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and Singapore Diamond Investment Exchange have
signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore areas of cooperation on February 16, 2017.
• Odisha based National Aluminium Company Limited(NALCO) has signed Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in New Delhi on February 16, 2017
• Malaysia-based low-cost airline AirAsia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Odisha
government on February 17, 2017 to start two-way direct international flights from Bhubaneswar to Kuala
Lumpur.
• Cabinet approves MoU between India and Australia for promotion and development of cooperation in civil
aviation security.
• Union Cabinet has approved the signing of Air Services Agreement (ASA) between India and Greece which
has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange also in line government’s
developments in the civil aviation sector.
• Cabinet approves signing of an Agreement between India and Poland on cooperation in the field of agriculture
and allied sectors.
• India and Japan ink pact on rail safety to enhance railway safety in the Indian Railways with focus on railway
track and rolling stock safety.
• Minister for Information & Broadcasting M Venkaiah Naidu and Member of the Parliament of Ukraine and
Chairman of the National Council of Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine Mr. Iurii Artemenko have
agreed to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between the two countries through the medium of Cinema in
New Delhi on February 27, 2017.
• India and Germany ratified a comprehensive Social Security Agreement (SSA) on February 24, 2017 to
improve investment flows between the two countries. The SSA which was signed on October 12, 2011 while
the instruments of ratification were exchanged on February 24 will be effective from May 2017.
• India Signs MoU with Bangladesh to provide financial assistance of Taka 240 mn for development of Sylhet
city.
• Pakistan and Turkey has signed 10 agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields, including
exchange of financial intelligence relating to money laundering, hydrocarbon and defence cooperation.
• The world’s second largest card payment organization Visa has signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with Andhra Pradesh government to make Vishakhapatnam as India’s first ‘less-cash’ city
• Technology giant Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu has signed
agreement to utilise Microsoft Azure Stack for AP government state data centre at the ‘Microsoft Future
Decoded’ held in Mumbai.
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SCHEMES
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development has clarified that there is no provision for individual cash
transfer component in Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme.The Scheme simply focuses on generating awareness
about girl child and changing the mindsets and deep rooted patriarchy of the society and improve the
efficiency of welfare services for girls.
• The Union cabinet led by PM Modi has given its approval on February 1, 2017 to extend the tenure of loans
under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Mission from
the current 15 years to 20 years. Besides the scheme has been introduced for the middle income group
(MIG) category and an initial allocation of Rs. 1000 crore has been made at Budgetary Estimate stage in 2017-
18 for the proposed CLSS for MIG.
• Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Chief Minister Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana (CMSGUY)
in Assam to double the farm income by 2022 which also marks the 75 anniversary of India’s
Independence.The total financial outlay of the CMSGUY scheme is Rs. 30,000 crore.
• Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das launched energy efficient fans and LED tube lights under the ‘Unnat
Jeevan by Affordable LEDs and Appliances for All’ (UJALA) scheme in the state.
• The Union Ministry of Commerce under Nirmala Sitharaman has approved the pilot Revenue Insurance
Scheme for Plantation Crops (RISPC) on February 8, 2017 to protect the growers of plantation crops from the
twin risks.
• Cabinet approves Rs. 2,351.38 crore ‘Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan’ to make 6 crore
rural households digitally literate by March 2019.
• Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar Adopts Donja village in Osmanabad, Maharashtra under the Sansad Adarsh Gram
Yojna to transform the undeveloped village into a model one.
This is his second village after successfully transforming the lives of villagers in Puttamraju
Kandriga in Andhra Pradesh.
• The Supreme Court has introduced the Middle Income Group (MIG) Scheme for the middle income group
people whose gross income is not exceeding Rs. 60,000 per month or Rs. 7.5 lakh per annum.
• The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) okayed revised norms for the Scheme for
Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects with the production target enhancement to
40,000 MW from the present 20,000 MW.
• India’s first fully organic state Sikkim has joined the union government’s Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana
(UDAY) as 22 nd state , UDAY will in turn hand it an overall benefit of Rs 356 crore.
COMMITTEES
• A six-member committee has been formed by the government to look into the matter of how to improve
the Haj Poilcy of India and also deal with the issue of reducing and abolishing the subsidy to the pilgrims.
• The Ministry of AYUSH has constituted a 16-member committee under the chairmanship of Dr. H.R.
Nagendra, Chancellor, S-Vyasa University, to prepare a Yoga Protocol for Diabetes Control.
• The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development has constituted a sub-committee of Central Advisory
Board of Education (CABE) under Chairmanship of Telangana’s Deputy Chief Minister Kadiyam Srihari to
look into issues related to girls education\
• A committee has been formed by the government to accelerate the process of the implementation of Namami
Gange programme under which it plans to make the River Ganga free from waste by 2018. The committee
would comprise of Ministers of Water Resources, Environment and Forest, and Drinking Water and
Sanitation as its members and will be responsible to meet at least once every fortnight.
• A 33 member committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister N
Chandrababu Naidu for the speedy implementation of the Sagarmala Project in Andhra Pradesh. Sagarmala
project aims to improve the state’s coastline and inland waterways
• In an effort to pull out black money from shell companies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has constituted a
task force comprising members of various regulatory Ministries and enforcement agencies. The task force
would work under the co-chairmanship of the Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia and the Corporate Affairs
Secretary Tapan Rayto monitor the actions taken by various agencies.
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has set up a 11 member scientific panel to
frame final regulations on fortification of foods and prepare strategies to address malnutrition problem.
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• Researchers at Linköping University, Sweden have created the world’s first heat-driven transistor. The
transistor is first in the world that changes its state by a heat signal rather than conventional electrical signal.
• Scientists from China’s Northwest A&F University have developed a genetically modified form of cows that
are more resistant to bovine tuberculosis (TB).
• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has dismissed 12 websites and 12 mobile
applications available on Google Play store that were offering Aadhaar-related services illegally.
• Juno spacecraft sent by US space agency NASA , orbiting the planet Jupiter has completed a close flyby of
Jupiter for the fourth time on February 2, 2017. Juno is currently in a 53-day orbit and its next close flyby of
Jupiter will occur on March 27, 2017
• Oncologists in United States successfully implanted World’s smallest pacemaker,Micra Transcatheter Pacing
System (TPS), in a patient in US. The pacemaker TPS is as much as a vitamin capsule in size and provides the
most advanced pacing technology.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) informed that the indigenous development of Telemetry &
Telecommand Processor (TTCP) has been realised and now with the help of Indian industry its
productionisation will be initiated.
• An international team of researchers from China, Russia, and the United States conducted computer modeling
to create a thermodynamically stable compound of sodium and the noble gas helium, Na2He, which has a
fluorite-type structure and is stable at high pressures.
• A team of scientist at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) along with a private lifeguard
agency appointed by the Goa government is conducting a new study to understand the phenomenon of ‘killer
rip tides’ to safeguard beaches in Goa.
• The Union Power and coal Minister Piyush Goyal launched the TAMRA (Transparency, Auction Monitoring
and Resource Augmentation) portal and Mobile Application in New Delhi on February 10, 2017.
• A team of Scientists from the United States and India in a study found that consuming litchi and then skipping
the dinner can cause a very low blood glucose level, lower than 70 mg/dL, which may eventually lead
to death especially in children.
• India’s first Metal 3D printing provider Intech DMLS Limited has launched the country’s first indigenously
developed Jet Engine Series under the brand name Poeir Jets.
• The United States and Japan successfully conducted a flight test of a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block
IIA from the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Kauai, off coast Hawaii on February 3, 2017.
• The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched 104 satellites in one go from
the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on February 15, 2017. The 104 satellite
included a 714 kg Cartosat-2 Series satellite for earth observation, two Indian nano satellites INS-1A and INS-
1B and 101 international nano satellites. Of the 101 satellites, 96 of these belong to USA and one each
belongs to Israel, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Switzerland and United Arab Emirates.
• Scientists from Carnegie Mellon University have developed a thermally conductive rubber material which is
an innovative discovery for creating soft, stretchable machines and electronics.
• The Scientists from University of Western Australian have mapped the molecular structure of a protein that
protects the superbugs from all the antibiotics including Colistin, which is an antibiotic used when all other
treatments fail. The scientist found that the protein EptA provides resistance to the bacteria even against last
resort antibiotic Colistin.
• A team of Scientists at Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia
have developed the world’s strongest material, Graphene using soyabean to make it commercially more
viable.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the final ground testing of its
indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage engine (C25) for GSLV Mark III rocket at ISRO’s Liquid
Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu on February 17, 2017.
• India Vetiver Network (INVN) has been launched at Tamil Nadu Agricultural
University in Coimbatore to protect the environment using vetiver
• In order to focus on deep space missions, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has
proposed to set up of two multi-disciplinary, university-led research institutes that will work to develop
technologies having potential to extend human presence deeper into the solar system.
• The Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard launched sophisticated rockets during a military exercise that started on
February 20, 2017 in Iran’s central desert.
• The California-based SpaceX onboard its Falcon 9 rocket launched a robotic Dragon cargo ship with about
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5,500 pounds (2,500 kg) of supplies and science experiments toward the International Space Station on
February 19, 2017 from Launch Complex 39A of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
• The state run Airports Authority of India, along with International Air Transport Association (IATA) launched
its e-billing solution for airport operators and air navigation services providers across the world.The e-billing
solution, SKYREV360 developed by in-house experts the electronic billing solution for data, e-invoicing and
collection of tariff from the airlines is being used by the AAI for several years now.
• Russia successfully launched an unmanned spacecraft Soyuz-U booster rocket carrying the Progress cargo
ship MS-05 spacecraft blasted off as scheduled from the Russian-leased Baikonur launch complex
in Kazakhstan.
• The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has launched a mobile application for Goods and Services
Tax (GST) to inform the taxpayers of the latest updates on GST among others
• The NASA scientists have accidently made finding of living microorganisms stuck inside crystals for as long
as 60,000 years in a Naica mine, a working lead, zinc and silver mine in the northern Mexican state of
Chihuahua.
• Mahindra Agri Solutions Ltd (MASL), a part of Mahindra & Mahindra has launched a mobile app
‘MyAgriGuru‘for farmers on February 24, 2017. It is launched as a part of Government’s target to double the
farmer income by the year 2022.
• A team of researchers at the Indian Institute Of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT Kgp) have designed ‘Physically
Unclonable Functions’ (PUF) based on fingerprint generator circuits to protect Internet of Things
(IoT) infrastructure from being hacked.
• Government owned airline firm Air India started the maiden flight of its newly leased aircraft, Airbus A320
Neo on February 23, 2017 which took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi to
reach Chennai International Airport with 161 passengers on board.
• Chinese multinational telecommunications equipment company ZTE made an announcement that it has
launched a next generation 5G IT baseband unit (BBU). The announcement was made at the Mobile World
Congress (MWC) in Barcelona on 26 February 2017.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has planned to send its first robotic spacecraft to
the Sun in 2018 which will get as close as within six million kilometers to investigate its atmosphere.
DEFENCE
• China has tested successfully a new version of a missile Dongfeng-5C missile which can carry up to 10
nuclear warheads from the Taiyuan Space Launch Centre in Shanxi province, and flew to a desert in western
China.
• Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding- in-Chief, Western Naval Command inaugurated the
Integrated Underwater Harbour Defence and Surveillance System (IUHDSS) on February 3, 2017 in
Mumbai.
• A nationwide military operation ‘Radd-ul-Fasaad’ was launched by Pakistan Army on February 22, 2017 to
eliminate terrorists and ensure security of Pakistan’s borders.
• The five days multinational Aman-17 naval exercise kicked off in Karachi on February 10, 2017 where 37
countries took part. The Aman-17 is the fifth such exercise hosted by Pakistan every alternate year since 2007.
• The 2017 Cobra Gold Military Exercise kicked off at the Sattahip Royal Thai Marine Corps Base in Chonburi
Province, Thailand on February 14, 2017. Cobra Gold 2017 is the 36th edition of the multinational drill and is
co-organized by United States and Thailand. It will expand regional cooperation and collaboration for disaster
relief.
• India successfully test-fired its Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile from launching complex-IV
of Dhamara Abdul Kalam defence base off Odisha coast on February 11, 2017 under its Ballistic Missile
Defence Programme. The successful testing leads India towards achieving a robust two layered Ballistic
Missile Defence (BMD) system. It will strengthen India’s position in the exclusive club of US, Russia and
Israel.
• Indian Navy’s survey class vessel INS Sarvekshak has become the first ship in India to be fitted with solar
power system on board. The ship has been equipped with 18 sheets of solar panel of 300 Watt which is
capable of generating 5.4 kW power.
• The second ocean going sailboat of Indian Navy “Tarini” was successfully inducted by the Navy on February
18, 2017 at a ceremony held at the INS Mandovi Boat Pool in presence of Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of
Naval Staff. It is the second sailboat after INS Mhadei of Indian Navy.
• Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS AYUSH built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) was commissioned at the Naval
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Base in Kochi on February 18, 2017 by the AVSM Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval
Command, Vice-Admiral A R Karve.
ENVIRONMENT
• A team of researchers has discovered a fossil in the Shaanxi Province of China, which they believe is the
prehistoric ancestor of humans that existed about 540 million years ago.
• Based on an analysis done by the scientists of a Martian meteorite in Africa, evidence of existence of at-least 2
billion years of volcanic activity on Mars have been uncovered. The meteorite known as Northwest Africa
7635 was discovered in 2012. The scientist from United States found it to be a type of volcanic rock called
a shergottite.
• Scientists from University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa have found a small continent submerged deep
under the Indian Ocean that was once located between India and Madagascar. On researching the piece of
rocky crust on the island of Mauritius created by volcanic eruption, scientists discovered a material Zircon that
is known to be nearly 2 billion years old. However, Mauritius is only 8 million years old.
• Scientists have discovered a new species of Ghost Shark in Belize, which was previously unknown. It is
the 50th species of ghost shark discovered and has rabbit-like teeth with bulky head.
• Qatar recorded the lowest ever temperature in the history of the country on February 5, 2017 with a
temperature of 1.5 degree Celsius (35 degree Fahrenheit).
• Scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) confirmed
through clinical testing that Neurocalyx calycinus, a medicinal plant has multiple curative properties.
• According to a new census carried out by the Odisha State Forest and Environment department on January 20,
2017 in, the team has sighted as many as 181 endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in the state.
• Reserves of Uranium have been found in Meghalaya over a large area around Domiasiat, Wahkyn,
Lostoin among others.The project has the potential to generate huge amount of nuclear fuel for the atomic
power plants of the country.
• The famous Nilambur teak which is internationally known for its superior quality and elegant appearance is
soon to get added to the list of the Kerala produces that have Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• The state government of Assam has decided to set up a Wild Sanctuary to grow Muga cocoon in an effort to
give more exposure to Muga, Eri and Silk Products. The programme have been launched under the Assam
Silk Outreach Mission to promote products made of Muga, silk and Eri.
• A Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush has been spotted in the high mountainous region of Nepal by Friends of
Nature (FoN) reasearchers and then confirmed by the bird experts Carol Inskipp and Hem Sagar Baral.
• Scientists from United Kingdom have discovered high levels of human-made pollutants, including chemicals
that were banned in the 1970s in the tissues of the marine creature that lives deep inside the Pacific Oceans.
• India is on its way to catch up with China in terms air pollution related deaths and even can surpass China if
necessary steps are not taken. This was concluded by the 2017 State of Global Air report released on February
14, 2017 by the Health Effects Institute (HEI) and Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at
University of Washington and University of British Columbia. As per the report, almost 1.1 million
people died in India in 2015 because of air pollution. That was slightly below China’s record but could
surpass the neighbour.
• According to the Monthly Analysis of Global Temperatures report published by the NASA scientists at
Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), New York, January 2017 has been recorded as the third warmest
January in 137 years of modern record-keeping.
• The sea ice floating around the Antarctica has contracted to the smallest value as compared to the past years.
This area is smallest when compared to all available data in satellite records dating back to 1979.
• A Lost Continent that sunk about 100 million years ago has been discovered underneath New Zealand by the
scientists. Zealandia, a lost continent submerged in the southwest Pacific Ocean, is large enough to be
recognized as a separate continent.
• A team of scientists led by Abhay Mudholkar, from CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO) in
Goa on February 17, 2017 informed that India’s only live volcano in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has
started erupting smoke and lava again.
• Noted Scientist also called Frogman of India as professor SD Biju from Delhi University (DU) and his team
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discovered four new miniature species, now listed among the smallest known frogs in the world. This findings
surprised the scientists as the relative abundance of these new miniature species of seven new frog species
belonging to the genus Nyctibatrachus, commonly known as Night Frogs in the Western Ghats global
biodiversity hotspot in India.
• Astronomers have spotted at least seven Earth-sized planets orbiting the same star 40 light-years away from
the sun with similar size to earth. The seven exoplanets were spotted around dwarf star called TRAPPIST-1.
• In a first of its kind development of a cross-border zip line in the world, a an international zip line named
as Limite Zero has been created to connect Spain and Portugal.
• As per the data by Indian Council of Agricultural Research scientists, over 30-35 percent of the annual crop
yield in India is destroyed because of pests. Among these pests, the major threat to the crops in India is posed
by nematodes which have caused loss to about 60 million tonnes of crops annually or 10-12 percent of crop
yield each year.
• 20 high-yielding varieties of plant species have been developed by three different institutes under the Indian
Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) Dehradun.
• The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court comprising Justices A.Selvam and P.Kalaiarasan directed the
Tamil Nadu government on February 27, 2017 to enact a Law with prohibitory and penal clauses within two
months to remove prosopis juliflora (Seemai Karuvelam) trees in the state.
SPORTS
• Jamaican cricketer Andre Russell(28) has been banned from all cricket for a year over a doping code violation
by the Jamaican Anti-Doping Commission on February 1, 2017.
• India defeated England by 75 runs to clinch the Twenty20 International series 2-1 on February 1, 2017 played
at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. 23-year-old Yuzvender Chahal was named the man of the series for
taking eight wickets and giving away only 85 runs. He also
became the first Indian bowler to record a five-wicket haul in the history of Indian cricket.
• Indian badminton player Lakshya Sen has created history after he attained World No. 1 Rank in the
latest Junior Badminton World Federation (BWF) ranking on February 2, 2017.
• English professional footballer Frank Lampard announced his retirement from professional soccer on
February 2, 2017 ending his 21-year-old career.
• Olympic game medals will be made from recycled mobile phones for the year 2022 to promote sustainability
said by 2020 Olympic Games organizers, Japan.
• Indian Squash Team outclassed Rival Pakistan 2-0 in the lost in the second round match of Pool A at the
18th Asian Junior Team Squash Championship 2017 in Hong-Kong on February 2, 2017.
• Indian cueist Pankaj Advani clinched his 29th Indian National Snooker Championship title on February 2,
2017 at the PYC Hindu Gymkhana, Pune.
• Virat Kohli Tops T20 batsman list in the Latest ICC rankings with 799 points. He is followed by Aaron Finch
of Australia at second position with 771 points and Glenn Maxwell of Australia is third. Virat is
ranked Second in Tests and Third in ODIs. This makes him the only Indian batsman to be raked in top five
among all formats.
• Sports Minister Vijay Goel laid the foundation stone of the India’s first Center of Excellence for Para
Sports to help para athletes in showcasing their skills and talent further both at the national and international
level in Gujarat on February 5, 2017
• Basketball Federation of India on February 5, 2017 announced that India will host FIBA Women’s Asia Cup
basketball tournament in July 2017 in Bengaluru. India also set to host the FIBA U-16 Women’s Asian
Championship from October 22 to 28 in Hyderabad
• Veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal won the men’s singles title after defeating Soumyajit Ghosh. This is
Kamal’s seventh national crown at the 11Even Sports Senior Table Tennis Nationals hels at the Manesar
Sports Club in Haryana. Madhurika Patkar won the women’s singles title against six-time national champion
Poulomi Ghatak.
• India’s boy team defeated Malaysia 2-0 on February 5, 2017 in Hong Kong to clinch the gold medal at
the Asian Junior Squash championship..
• Alastair Cook has resigned as England Test captain after a record 59 matches in the role, the England and
Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on 05-02-2017.
• On February 5, 2017, Iran lifted up the ban it had imposed on United States Wrestlers, thus allowing them to
participate in the Freestyle World Cup to be held in Iran in February 2017.
The Billiards and Snoooker Federation of India (BSFI) on February 6, 2017 informed that India will host
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the World Billiards Championship for the next four years.

• The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the World Governing Body for Track and
Field events, on February 6, 2017 informed that Russia has been barred from the 2017 summer World
Athletics Championships in London.
• Sourabh Verma defeated Lakshya Sen 21-13, 21-12 to clinch the Men’s Singles title in the 81st Senior
National Badminton Championships held in Patna on February 7, 2017. In the women’s singles category,
second seed Rituparna Das beat Reshma Karthik 21-12, 21-14 to clinch the championship.
• 21-year-old Mohit Ahlawat became the first batsman in the world to score a 300 in a T20 match on February
7, 2017. While the match had no official status and was only a local match played in Delhi.
• Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba created the world’s record by becoming the fastest athlete to complete the
women’s indoor 2,000 metres at the indoor Miting Internacional de Catalunya meeting in Sabadell, Spain on
February 7, 2017.
• Cheteshwar Pujara broke the long-standing record on the first day of the Hyderabad Test match against
Bangladesh on February 9, 2017 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, by taking his season
tally to 1,605 in just 21 innings.
• The official Mascot for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup India tournament was revealed on February 10, 2017
in New Delhi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The mascot was unveiled during the launch of Mission XI
Million programme. A clouded leopard named Kheleo with young and charismatic face has been launched as
the Mascot.
• Virat Kohli became the first player to score double century in four consecutive Test series on February 10,
2017 while playing against Bangladesh in Hyderabad. He also became the second captain to score four double
centuries for his country.
• The Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goyal launched the Mission XI Million,
the biggest school sport outreach programme, in New Delhi on February 10, 2017 in the presence of President
of AIFF Shri Praful Patel.
• Indian off-spin specialist Ravichandran Ashwin became the fastest cricketer to take 250 wickets in Test
matches. He achieved this feat in his 45th test match against Bangladesh on 12 February 2017, when he
dismissed captain of Bangladesh team Mushfiqur Rahim at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium in
Hyderabad.
• India defeated Pakistan by 9 wickets to clinch the T20 World Cup for Blind tournament on February 12, 2017
at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.
• The National Basketball Association (NBA), an American professional basketball league, is creating a brand
new e-sports league called NBA 2K e-League in partnership with Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., the
developers of the popular NBA 2K video games. This is the first time that a professional sports
organization will operate an e-sports league. The competitive gaming league will be launched in 2018.
• Netherland native Germaine de Randamie defeated Holly Holm (7-3) to claim the UFC Women’s
Featherweight Champion at the UFC 208 in Brooklyn, New York on February 11, 2017.
• The England and Wales Cricket Board named Joe Root as England’s Test captain on February 13, 2017 who
will take over Alastair Cook.
• Australian cricketer Adam Voges has decided to retire from all formats of international cricket after playing
his last match as captain of the team Prime Minister’s XI against Sri Lanka in Canberra on February 15, 2017.
• Jehan Daruvala became the first ever Indian to claim the New Zealand Grand Prix at the Chris Amon Circuit
in Manfeild, New Zealand on February 12, 2017.
• Haryana defeated Railway (33-27) to win the first edition of the three-day Pandit Deen Dayal
Updhyay All India National Style Kabaddi Championship held at Motilal Nehru School of Sports, Rai,
District Sonipat, Haryana on February 11, 2017.
• Mumbai based Kush Bhagat has been awarded the Candidate Master (CM) title by the World Chess
Federation body, FIDE on February 14, 2017 for his outstanding performance in Western Asian Youth Chess
championship 2016 at UAE.
• The Left-handed opening batsman of Pakistan Nasir Jamshed on February 13 has been provisionally
suspended from all forms of cricket by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for violating its anti-corruption
code.
• Indian ace shuttler PV Sindhu achieved her career best Badminton World Federation (BWF) women’s single
ranking by being placed at 5th spot on February 15, 2017. Previously the top seeded player was placed at sixth
position.
• India won the silver medal at the Women’s Asian Rugby Sevens Trophy on February 18, 2017 held
at Vientiane, Laos. South Korea won gold medal by beating India 29-0 in the finals. India won five matches
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and lost in one.

• Bangalore has been chosen to host the next Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Zone group-1 tie
against Uzbekistan from April 7 to 9, 2017.
• Following the path of Indian boxing sensation Vijender Singh, Olympic quarterfinalists boxers Akhil Kumar
and Jitender Kumar are also stepping up to enter professional boxing.
• Athelete Sandeep Kumar of Haryana won the gold medal in the Men’s 50km event of the National Race
Walking Championships held in New Delhi on February 18, 2017.
• Indian international cricketer Virat Kohli became the first Indian sports person had signed an eight-year deal
worth Rs 100-crore endorsement deal with a sports apparel brand Puma on February 20, 2017. Kohli now join
the list of global ambassador for the brand likes of Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell and Thierry Henry.
• For the first time in the history of Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction, two Afghanistan players were
selected by the franchise on February 20, 2017 during the IPL Auction 2017. Mohammad Nabi became the
first player from Afghanistan to be picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs. 30 lakhs. On the other hand his
teammate Rashid Khan was signed by Mumbai Indians for an amount of Rs. 4 Crores.
• Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga won the 44th edition of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament by
defeating Belgian David Goffin 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 on February 19, 2017 in Rotterdam.
• Legendary Pakistani cricket Shahid Afridi announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on
February 19, 2017 putting an end to 21-year career.
• The National Rifle Association of India(NRAI) announced that India will be hosting the Combined World
Cup for shooting in 2019 during the meeting held in New Delhi.
• Indian Women’s team pipped South African Women’s by one wicket in a crunch Women’s cricket World Cup
qualifier final at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo after All round show from Harmanpreet Kaur that helped the
side to deliver the victory.
• German Sportswear giant Adidas announced its ties up with FIFA U-17 World Cup Local Organising
Committee for the Mission XI Million programme.
• In a blow to South African Communist Party led by Jacob Zuma administration South Africa’s High Court
obstructed the government’s attempt to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• After nail biting World Cup qualifier match Indian Women’s Cricket Captain added another feather by
claiming no 2 position in the ICC batswomen’s rankings. The top batter Harmanpreet Kaur was placed in
the tenth spot after clinical performance in the recent past.
• Former Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara created record on February 23, 2017 to become the 16th
player worldwide and 2nd Asian Batsman to play 1000 matches across all forms of Cricket. The only Asian to
become the first to achieve the feat was former Sri Lankan player Mahela Jayawardene.
• Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on February 22, 2017 Union Sports Minister Vijay
Goel announced that the first Gramin Khel Mahotsav will be held from March 25-31, 2017 in New Delhi.
• The 61 Cavalry won the Army Polo Championship on February 24, 2017 by defeating Army Service
Corps (ASC) at the Delhi Cantt’s Army Equestrian Centre Polo Ground.
• India made historic start at the sixth Asian Para-Road Cycling Championship by winning all the three
medals in the 12.8 Km Individual Time Trial on the opening day of the tournament at Bahrain on February 25,
2017.
• Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin surpassed India’s former legendary allrounder Kapil Dev to become
the highest wicket-taker in a home Test season. Ashwin has scored 67 wickets from 10 Tests in 2016-17
season played in India.
• Rio Olympian Thanackal Gopi won the Men’s Full Marathon title in the second edition of the IDBI Federal
Life Insurance New Delhi Marathon on February 26, 2017. He finished the marathon in 2:15:37. In Women’s
category, Monika Athare from Nashik won the full marathon by completing the distance in 2:39:08 to bag her
maiden title. She too has qualified for the World Championship.
• Indian Badminton ace Saina Nehwal has been named to represent the panel of International Olympic
Committee’s Athletes’ Commission (AC) in the Badminton World Federation (BWF). She would join the
BWF Athletes’ Commission as a representative of the IOC AC.
• Second-seeded French tennis player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated his fellow mate Lucas Pouille 6-4, 6-4 to
win the finals of Open 13 Marseille in France on February 26, 2017. This was his 14th career title at the
indoor event and 2nd title of the year 2017. Earlier on February 20, 2017 he won the ABN Amro World
Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam by defeating David Goffin.
• Bhubaneswar-based team Kalinga Lancers beat Dabang Mumbai 4-1to win their maiden Hockey India
League title in Chandigarh Hockey Stadium on February 26, 2017. Fuerste Moritz was awarded as the ‘Man
of the Match’. Last year Kalinga Lancers lost in finals to Jaypee Punjab Warriors
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• Top seeded Indian shuttler duo Tarun Kona and Alwin Francis won the Men’s Double title at the 2017
Uganda International Series by defeating Aatish Lubah and Georges Julien Paul of Mauritius, 21-8, 21-14 on
February 26, 2017 at MTN Arena Lugogo, Kampala.
OBITUARY
• Former Union Minister E Ahmad passes away

• Veteran theatre personality Asim Basu passes away
• Former CBI Director Joginder Singh passes away
• Bangladesh Awami League Leader Suranjit Sengupta Dies
• Eminent litterateur Pathani Patnaik passes away at 89
• Renowned Pakistani Urdu Author Bano Qudsia Dies at 88
• Freedom fighter Racharla Samrajyam Dies at 98.
• Indian National Army Veteran Nizamuddin Passes Away at 116
• Script-Writer Alan Simpson dies at 87
• MRI pioneer and Nobel laureate Sir Peter Mansfield passes away at 83
• Eminent journalist and Laughter Persona Pandit Dharmsheel Chaturvedi Dies
• Former Dutch Football Player Piet Keizer Dies at 73
• Jiro Taniguchi, a Japanese manga legend Dies at 69
• Veteran Journalist T V Parasuram Passed Away
• Winning Legendary Jazz Singer Al Jarreau Dies at 76
• Senior Journalist Yudhisthir Joshi Passes Away
• Former MP Jambuvantrao Dhote passes away
• Veteran RSS Activist Gangadayal Awasthi Passes Away
• Former Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir Dies at the age of 68
• Dick Bruna Creator of the Cartoon Rabbit Miffy Dies at 89
• Bengali singer Banasree Sengupta passes away
• Norway Nobel Committee Chairwoman Kullmann Dies At 65
• Hindi novelist Ved Prakash Sharma passes away
• Former Mohun Bagan Goalkeeper Shibaji Banerjee Passes Away
• Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin has died in New York City. He was 64.
• Noted bureaucrat, columnist and director of the Institute of Economic Studies, V. K. Srinivasan was passed
away in Hyderabad. He was 76.
• Nobel-winning economist, mathematician Kenneth J Arrow has died in USA on February 23, 2017. He was
95.
• Former Union Minister P. Shiv Shankar passed away in Hyderabad on February 27, 2017. He was 89.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
• Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu will release the annual year book ‘India-2017’ and
‘Bharat-2017’ at a function in New Delhi on 6th February 2017. Minister of State for Information and
Broadcasting Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore will also be present on the occasion.
• The book titled “Veerappan, Chasing the Brigand”, authored by Shri K. Vijay Kumar, Senior Security
Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs, was released by the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh in New
Delhi on February 8, 2017.
• The Union Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Harsh Vardhan released the world’s first
comprehensive Braille atlas for nearly 50 lakh visually challenged people in India on February 10, 2017 in
New Delhi. The Braille Atlas has been prepared by National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation
(NATMO) under Department of Science & Technology
• An actor turned politician Hema Malini’s journey from an actor and filmmaker to a politician is being
chronicled as an authorised biography titled ‘Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl. The biography is written
by author-columnist Ram Kamal Mukherjee.
• Former Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh’s biography, ‘The People’s Maharaja‘, written by Khushwant
Singh was released on February 21, 2017 in Chandigarh.
• Prime Minister, Narendra Modi was released the book titled “Judicial Reforms – Recent Global
Trends” published by EBC in association with IIFL at Rashtrapati Bhawan. This is compiled and edited under
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the stewardship of Justice Dalveer Bhandari, Judge of the International Court of Justice and the President of
the Indian International Law Foundation (IIFL).
IMPORTANT DAYS
• Every year World Wetlands Day is observed on 2nd February to marking the date of the adoption of
the Convention on Wetlands or Ramsar Convention on 2 February 1971. This year’s theme: Wetlands for
Disaster Risk Reduction.
• The World Cancer Day is celebrated annually on February 4 to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its
prevention, detection and treatment.The theme of 2017 World Cancer Day is We Can, I Can.
• The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is a United Nations (UN) campaign
held on February 6 to stop genital mutilation to girls and women.
• 2017 Theme: “Building a solid and interactive bridge between Africa and the world to accelerate ending FGM
by 2030.”
• The Natonal Deworming Day (NDD), a School and Anganwadi based Mass Deworming Programme was
observed in all the states and Union Territories of India on February 10, 2017. The day is celebrated annually
on February 10 since 2015 in all the schools across India to stop the infections due to Soil Transmitted
Helminths (STH) or worms infections among the children.
• The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was observed on February 11, 2017 to recognize the
achievements of women in science and inspire and engage women and girls in science. The theme of 2017
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is “Gender, Science and Sustainable Development: The
Impact of Media”.
• World Radio Day is observed annually on February 13th across the world with the theme of Radio is
You which puts the spotlight on audiences, ensuring their views and diversity are represented on the airwaves.
• Every year the National Productivity Council (NPC) has been organizing observance of its Foundation Day on
February 12 as “National Productivity Day” and the ensuing week from February 12-18 as
“National Productivity Week” throughout the country. The theme for 2017 National Productivity Week
(NPW) is “From Waste to Profits-through Reduce, Recycle and Reuse”.
• Every year, 20th February is observed as World Day of Social Justice to recognize the need to promote efforts
to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion and unemployment and the Theme: “Preventing conflict and
sustaining peace through decent work”
• 74th Central Excise Day is observed on 24th February, 2017 to mark the enactment of the Central Excise and
Salt Act in 1944.
• Chandra Shekhar Azad‘s 86th death anniversary or Martyrdom Day was observed on 27th February, 2017.
• National Science Day is celebrated every year on 28th February to mark the discovery of the Raman
Effect by Sir Chandrashekhara Venkata Raman on 28 February 1928. This year with the Theme: “Science and
Technology for Specially Abled Persons”
Current Affairs March 2017

INDIAN AFFAIRS
• Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar launched the week
long Swachh Shakti Saptah at national level on March 1, 2017 in Gurugram, Haryana to highlight the role of
women in Swachh Bharat Mission and to recognize their leadership.
• The Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has informed that the
number of ODF (Open Defecation Free) districts in India has crossed 100, making it a milestone achievement
under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Besides, over 1.7 lakh villages over the country has also become ODF.
• The Ministry of Women & Child Development is observing the Swachhta Pakhwada from March 1, 2017 to
March 15, 2017 and raise awareness about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan among women and children.
• The Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Jayant Malaiya presented Rs.1,85,564.27 crore Budget for 2017-2018
in the state Assembly on March 1, 2017. The Minister announced Deendayal Rasoi Yojna and allocated a sum
of Rs 10 crore for creating necessary infrastructure to implement the scheme in order to provide food at
subsided rate to the poor in urban areas. The Year 2017 is the birth centenary year of Pandit Deendayal
Upadhyaya and will be celebrated as ‘Garib Kalyan Varsh’.
• Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has launched a portal named after late chief Minister
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Jayalalithaa ammakalviyagam.in which will be a hub of learning, interaction, opportunity, and connection on
the occasion of her 69th birth anniversary celebrations.
• Union Health Ministry led by J P Nadda announced that it had approved 4000 Post Graduate seats in medical
colleges and hospitals across the country for the academic session 2017-18.
• The Union Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu inaugurated four key freight sector initiatives on
March 2, 2017 at National Rail Museum, New Delhi to attract more freight towards Railways.
• The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley unanimously cleared the
crucial Central GST (CGST) and Integrated GST (IGST) draft bills on March 4, 2017 during its 11th meeting
at Vigyan Bhavan.
• The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development in its notification on February 28, 2017, made it
mandatory for the students across the country to have an Aadhaar number for getting the their midday meals.
• As per the new business plan 2017-18, unveiled by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on March 2, 2017,
railway will soon make Aadhaar number compulsory for booking railway tickets online.
• In a cabinet meeting on February 28, 2017, the Assam government led by the Chief Minister Sarbananda
Sonowal decided to make Sanskrit a compulsory language for students up to class 8 in the state.
• The West Bengal Clinical Establishments (Registration, Regulation and Transparency) Bill, 2017 was passed
by the state legislative assembly on March 3, 2017 with full support.
• The West Bengal government has given an official status to Kurukh language in the state which has been
listed as an endangered language by the UNESCO. The language was given the official status on February 21
on the occasion of the International Mother Language Day.
• The Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has decided to implement
the Maharashtra City Taxi Regulations 2017 to regulate the web-based taxi services in the state.
• North Eastern state Tripura has agreed to supply an additional 60 MW to Bangladesh over the 100 MW of
power the north-eastern state is supplying to the neighbouring country.
• The Haryana Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyu presented the proposed budget of Rs 1,02,329.35 crore for
the fiscal 2017-18 on March 6, 2017 in the state assembly.
New Schemes
• Deenbandhu Haryana Gram Uday Yojana: Develop 1,500 villages with populations between 3,000 and 10,000
to be implemented in three years with an outlay of Rs 5,000 crore. The scheme is funded by NABARD and
during the current fiscal Rs 1,200 crore to be spent.
• Mangal Nagar Vikas Yogna to be implemented with outlay of Rs 1,000 crore for maintenance of existing
infrastructure.
• Saksham Scheme to provide up to Rs 9,000 earning potential for unemployed youth and 5 percent rebate for
use of the Bhim app
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the
proposal for revival of 50 un-served/under-served airports/airstrips of the State Governments, Airports
Authority of India (AAI) and Civil enclaves on March 6, 2017.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has also approved the Revised Cost Estimate-I of 400 MW
Koteshwar Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Uttarakhand.The estimated completion cost of the project is Rs.
2,717.35 crore and is being implemented by Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) India Limited.
• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has also given its approval for India’s
accession to the Customs Convention on International Transport of Goods under cover of TIR Carnets (TIR
Convention) and for completion of necessary procedures for ratification, for its entry into force.
• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for
settlement of Legacy Food Cash Credit Accounts (upto crop season 2014-15) of Punjab Government for food
procurement operations.
• The High Court of Manipur on March 3, 2017 declared the economic blockade in Manipur called by United
Naga Council (UNC) as illegal.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a special commemorative postage stamp on 100 years of Yogoda
Satsang Math on March 7, 2017
• The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh presented the annual budget of Rs 76,032 crore for 2017-18 in
the state legislative assembly on March 6, 2017.The main focus of the budget is on digital inclusion and
infrastructure development and on welfare of poorest of poor and inclusive growth.
• Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a comprehensive web-based
platform Pratibimba to showcasing the government’s performance and achievements to the citizens on March
7, 2017.
• The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government of Delhi presented Rs 48,000 crore tax-free budget for 2017-18 on
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March 8, 2017 with main focus on improving education, transport, health and water distribution.
• Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented Rs.1,66,000-
crore state budget for 2017-18 in the Legislative Assembly on March 8, 2017 with focus on aiding farmers
and promoting tourism in the state.
• Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched 24*7 helpline number 181 to assist women in distress on the
occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2017.
• The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was passed by the Lok Sabha by voice vote on March 10,
2017 that will benefit about 1.8 million women working in organized sector.The bill seeks to increase
the maternity leaves to 26 weeks by amending the Maternity Benefits Act, 1961 that provides for 12 weeks of
maternity leave.
2017 Assembly Election Results -Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur
State Party which formed Govt Chief Minister Governor
Uttar Pradesh Bhartiya Janta Party(BJP) won 325 Yogi Adityanath (21 st Shri. Ram Naik
seats of the 403 seats CM)
Uttarkhand Bhartiya Janta Party(BJP) Won 57 of Trivendra Singh Rawat Krishna Kant
the 70 constituencies (Eighth CM) Paul
Punjab Indian Nationtal Congress won 77 of Capt. Amarinder Singh, V. P. Singh
117 (26th Chief Minister) Badnore
Manipur BJP formed Alliance Govt after winning Nongthombam Biren Najma A.
17 seats in the 60 Seats Assembly. Singh (12th Chief Heptulla
Congress won 28 seats. Minister)
Goa ( First time - BJP formed Alliance Govt after winning Manohar Parrikar Mridula Sinha
entire state in India 13 seats in the 40 Seats Assembly:
which saw the Congress won 16 seats.
implementation of
VVPAT)
• The Arunachal Pradesh Finance Minister Chowna Mein presentedan Rs 285 crore deficit budget for the 2017-
18 fiscal in the state Assembly with focus on women empowerment, infrastructure development and law &
order.In the budget estimate of 2017-18, the state is projecting a revenue receipt of Rs 14,599 crore and
a capital receipt of Rs 1,436.75 crore. This is an increase of over 15 percent from the budget estimates of
2016-17.
• Rajya Sabha passed a bill on March 10, 2017 by voice vote to amend a 49-year-old law regarding claims of
succession or transfer of properties left by people who migrated to Pakistan and China in the 1960s or later .
• The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made six subjects mandatory for class 10th standard
board exams from 2017-18 instead of five subjects which includes two languages, social science, mathematics
and science.
• The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2016 was passed in Lok Sabha on
March 10, 2017. The bill seeks to make changes in the existing laws on civil matters of admiralty jurisdiction
of courts (jurisdiction of courts of law over cases concerning ships or the sea), proceedings on maritime
claims, and arrest of ships.
• Central Railway zone of Indian Railway unveiled India’s first air-conditioned rail ambulance on 9 March
2017. The four-coach air conditioned ambulance will be station at Kaylan (Maharashtra) and has been made
by modifying AC coaches used for passenger services.
• The Telangana State Finance Minister Etala Rajender presented the budget estimate of Rs. 1,49,646-crore for
2017-18 on March 13, 2017 in the state assembly.The Rs 4,471.30 crore revenue surplus budget mainly
focuses on the development and welfare measures.The 2017-18 budget is Rs 15 lakh crore more when
compared to Rs 130 lakh crore in the 2016-17 Budget.
• The Commerce & Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Footwear Design and Development
Institute (FDDI) Bill, 2017 in the Lok Sabha on March 14, 2017 in order to declare the FDDI as an Institution
of National Importance (INI).
• The Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma
Bharti introduced Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in Lok Sabha on March 14, 2017
to set up a single permanent tribunal to effectively resolve inter-state river water sharing disputes.
• The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Mukul Sangma, who also holds charge of Finance department,
presented Rs 1236 crore deficit budget for the financial year 2017-18 on March 15, 2017 in the state assembly
with focus on development expenditure.
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• The Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu presented Rs 1,56,999 crore budget for the
financial year 2017-18 in the Legislative Assembly on March 15, 2017.The proposed budget for 2017-18 is
about 15.70 percent more than the budget for 2016-17.
• The Executive Committee (EC) of National Mission for Clean Ganga has given approval for 20 new
projects worth nearly Rs 1,900 crore during a meeting held on March 2, 2017. Out of the 20 projects, 13 are
in Uttarakhand, and rest in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
• The Centre has also approved to increase the Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees
and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners to 4 percent from the existing rate of 2 percent with effect from
January 1, 2017.
• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved. Introduction of
the Indian Institutes of Information Technology Public Private Partnership (IIIT PPP) Bill, 2017; to grant
statutory status to the 15 Indian Institutes of Information Technology set up under Public Private Partnership
and declare them as Institutions of National Importance.
• The Cabinet has also approved the National Health Policy 2017 to address the current and emerging
challenges which arise due to the changing socio-economic, technological and epidemiological landscape.
• Cabinet Approved for the special assistance measure for the successor state of Andhra Pradesh by way of
dispensation in funding of Externally Aided Projects (EAPs). It also approved funding of irrigation component
of Polavaram project.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the proposal for opening of 50 new Kendriya
Vidyalayas (KVs) under Civil / Defence Sector in India.The total project cost based on Kendriya Vidyalaya
Sangathan (KVS) norms for the proposed 50 new KVs is Rs.1160 crore.
• The Tamil Nadu Finance Minister D Jayakumar presented a tax free and revenue deficit budget for the fiscal
2017-18 on March 16, 2017 in the state Legislative Assembly.Total Revenue Receipts (TRR): Rs 1,59,363
crore and Total Expenditure: Rs 1,75,293 crore and Revenue Deficit pegged at Rs 15,930 crore.
• Goa Chief minister Manohar Parrikar won the floor test in the Goa state assembly with 22 legislators
support out of legislators out of 40-member House while the opposition Congress has only 16 votes.
• The Goods and Service Tax (GST) council headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley cleared the State GST
(SGST) and Union Territory GST (UTGST) laws during its 12 Council meet on March 16, 2017. The Council
will take up the exercise of fitment of various commodities in the GST tax slabs of 5 percent, 12 percent, 15
percent and 28 percent.
• The Lok Sabha passed the Demands for Grants of Ministry of Defence for 2017-18 on March 17, 2017 after
negotiating with the opposition. In 2017-18, the Ministry of Defence has been allocated Rs 3,59,854
crore (including pensions) for expenditure across the various services, production establishments and research
and development organisations.
• The Union Ministry of Labour & Employment has proposed a preliminary draft of Labour Code on March 16,
2017 to provide social security cover to the entire workforce in the country including self-employed and
agricultural workers.
• The Punjab government led by new Chief Minister Amarinder Singh chaired his maiden Cabinet Meeting on
March 18, 2017 and announced to provide 33 percent reservation for women in all government jobs. The
reservation would apply even in the contractual appointments of women in the state government jobs.The
representation of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies would go up from 33 percent to
50 percent.
• With the coming of the new BJP government in Manipur, the five-month-long economic blockade imposed
by United Naga Council (UNC) on two National Highways of Manipur finally came to an end on March 19,
2017.
• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the four supporting GST
legislations on March 20, 2017.The four supporting legislations are the Compensation Law, the Central-GST
(C-GST), Integrated-GST (I-GST) and Union Territory-GST (UT-GST).
• The government has planned to soon launch India's state of the art dictionary depicting the sign languages
used by hearing and speech impaired people across the nation to bring uniformity and bridge the
communication gap.
• The Assam state government lead by Sarbananda Sonowal has approved the recommendation of the Seventh
Pay Commission and also decided to give the six months’ arrear salary to its employees before the ensuing
Bohag Bihu.This new pay structure would be effective from April 1, 2016.
• The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has celebrated it's fifth foundation day on
March 20-21, 2017 with the theme “BIRAC@5: Impacting the Biotech Ecosystem”.
• The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (Prevention
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and Control) Bill, 2014, was passed by the Rajya Sabha on March 21, 2017 by voice vote.The Bill aims to
prevent and control the spread of HIV and AIDS by providing treatment and prohibiting discrimination
against persons afflicted with it, placing obligations on establishments to safeguard their rights.
• The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation on March 21, 2017 approved construction
of new 1,17,814 affordable houses under the Prime Minister’s Awas Yojana (Urban) for the benefit of urban
poor in six States namely Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Kerala and Karnataka.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its
approval for development of 403 kms of National Highways in Meghalaya and Mizoram.
• The Cabinet Committee has also approved the Deepening and Widening of Mumbai Harbour Channel and JN
Port Channel (Phase-II) project with fresh estimates.
• The Union cabinet, in its meeting chaired by PM Modi has decided to amend the Constitution for setting up
the National Commission for socially and Educationally Backward Classes (NSEBC) as a constitutional body
for socially and economically backward classes.
• The Union Cabinet approved amendment to National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act,
1981 to enable the Central Government to increase the authorized capital of NABARD from Rs. 5,000 crore to
Rs. 30,000 crore.
• Gujarat State Assembly passed Gujarat Animal Preservation (Amendment) Bill, 2017 amending Gujarat
Animal Preservation Act, 1954. The bill seeks adopting stringent measure for stopping illegal slaughter of
animals protected by the law
• The government also gave its approval to amend the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education
(RTE) Act, 2009 on March 22, 2017.The amendment is to ensure that all teachers, in service as on March 31,
2015, acquire the minimum qualifications prescribed by the academic authority to extend the period for such
training for four years up to 31st March, 2019.
• The Union Cabinet led by PM Modi approved the following proposals with regard to the Fund of Funds of
Start-ups (FFS) which was established in June 2016 with a corpus of Rs. 10000 crores.
• Further, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the closure/winding up of CREDA HPCL
Biofuel Ltd (CHBL) and Indian Oil- Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA)
Biofuels Limited (ICBL).
• The Ninth Gorkhas celebrated 200-years of its raising in Secunderabad, Telangana on March 16, 2017. The
first battalion of the Ninth Gorkhas was raised by the British government in 1817 as the ‘Fatehgarh Levy’.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an advisory on March 22, 2017 to the chief secretaries,
administrators of all state governments, UT administrations and secretaries of all ministries to ensure
strict compliance of the provisions contained in the 'Flag Code of India, 2002' and 'The Prevention of Insults
to National Honour Act, 1971'.
• The Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mukul Sangma, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented Rs 13,048
crore annual budget for the year 2017-18 in the state Assembly on March 24, 2017.
• The move which is followed by the difference in opinion between Animal Welfare Board of India
(AWBI) and Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), the Central government made a bright move to
combine both by appointing senior official of MoEF to chair AWBI.
• As Indian government is trying to digitize the whole of India through DIGITAL INDIA campaign, Bihar state
made a good move to help this by providing free-Wifi for students in colleges and universities which will be
helpful for the student studies.
• On the event of demonetization, more number of Jan Dhan accounts came into existence and it is seeded
through Aadhaar card numbers. Out of this, Andhra Pradesh tops the list with most number of aadhaar cards
linked with Jan dhan accounts.
• The Government of India has given its approval to the action plan of Food Corporation of India (FCI) for
construction of 10 Million MT capacity steel silos by FCI as well as State Governments in Public Private
Partnership (PPP) mode in a phased manner (3 phases) by the end of year 2019-20.
• The government of India has made another move to make Aadhar card mandatory for getting new mobile
connections. By this new move nearly 1.1 billion telecom subscribers will have to go through a new
verification exercise and a total of Rs 1 billion amount must be spent by the telecom industries.
• Andhra Pradesh and Telengana get India’s first Mobile Clinic Service which is launched by Employees State
Insurance Corporation (ESIC). This service is flagged off by The Union Minister for Labor and Employment,
Bandaru Dattareya.
• The four holy cities of Hindus namely Ayodhya, Mathura, Varanasi and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh are to be
provided with 24*7 power supply on the event of its chair took by Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of UP.
The state government also banned the usage of PAN and TOBBACO products in Schools, Colleges, Hospitals
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and other Government buildings. On the account of this, the officers are made to take a pledge of
spending 100 hours a year for cleanliness.
• The Finance Minister of India, Mr. Arun Jaitely introduced four bills on Goods and Service Tax (GST) on
March 27, 2017. These bills mainly focus on the Central Goods and Service Tax (CGST) bill which will
amalgamate all the indirect central government levies.The four bills are Central Goods and Service Tax
(CGST) Bill,Union Territory GST Bill,Integrated-GST Bill andGST (Compensation to States) Bill.
• On March 27, 2017 a bill stating the inclusion of Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and
Manufacturing (IIITDM)-Kurnool as an Institute of National Importance is introduced in Lok Sabha.
• With the growing dependence on Aadhaar card for all kinds of monetary and social benefits, the Supreme
Court of India on March 27, 2017 ruled out that Aadhaar card cannot be made mandatory for central welfare
schemes. However, the apex court also accepted that it can’t stop the government from linking the Aadhaar
card for opening bank accounts or filing tax returns.
• Union defence ministry has given approval for implementing comprehensive military reforms which was
primarily based on a recommendations made by the Lt General (retired) DB Shekatkar committee.
• Once again, the protest against hydrocarbons exploration in Tamil Nadu’s Neduvasal village is grabbing
media attention. Following the signing of contract by Government of India with GEM Laboratories on
27th March 2017, the local villagers have intensified their protest which started a few months ago.
• The Government of India is soon to amend the definition of Blindness to bring it in line with the definition
stated in World Health Organization’s (WHO) criteria. As per National Programme for Control of Blindness
(NPCB), in India, a person unable to count fingers from a distance of six metres is categorised as “blind”.
• Mental Healthcare Bill, 2016 has secured parliamentary approval as Lok Sabha on 27th March 2017, passed
the Bill through a voice vote. Earlier in August 2016, Rajya Sabha had passed the Bill with 134 official
amendments.
• Nagaland Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu presented deficit in budget of Rs 1437.84 Crore for the Fiscal
Year 2017-18 (FY-18) on March 28, 2017. He added that the total income (gross receipt) for the State
government will be Rs16657.26 crore and expenditure at Rs 16365.17 crore.
• In a first of its kind move, the Supreme Court has directed the High Courts of all the states and union
territories to install close circuit (CCTV) cameras without audio recording to increase transparency in court
proceedings.
• The Supreme Court of India has also ruled out on March 29, 2017 that no vehicles which are Bharat Stage-IV
emission non-compliant will be registered or sold in the country after April 1, 2017.
• On 30th March 2017, the Indian parliament passed Finance Bill 2017. The passage of this bill before the
beginning of next financial year justifies Govt.’s move of advancing the date of presenting Union Budget and
thus will lead to early implementation of proposals.
• To commemorate the Centenary year of Cub Scouts in India and abroad, Minister of Communications and
Minister of State for Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha released a Postal Stamp on Cub Scouts on March 30, 2017.
• India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer has now joined International Energy Agency (IEA) as an
associate member.With India’s inclusion, IEA now has 70% of world’s energy consumption under its ambit.
• The Himachal Pradesh State Assembly on 30th March 2017 passed the annual budget for the financial year
2017-18 and the related Appropriation Bill. Owing to this, the state govt. is authorised to spend Rs 37,939
crore from the consolidated fund.
• The state government of Chhattisgarh has announced to implement the Seventh Central Pay Commission for
the state government employees from April 1, 2017, the beginning of new financial year. The implementation
is expected to benefit 2.5 lakh state government employees with hiked payment.
PLACES IN NEWS
• Jammu and Kashmir’s first smart tribal village Habbi has inaugurated by Ch ZulfkarAli,
J & K Minister for food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Ch ZulfkarAli on March 6 2017 in J & K.
• PM Modi Inaugurates Petrochemicals Complex at Dahej & Extradosed Bridge Across River Narmada at
Bharuch in Gujarat.
• Bhagoria Festival, also known as Bhagoria Haat Festival, celebrated by the tribal people of
the Indian state Madhya Pradesh began on March 6, 2017 in Jhabua district.
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• India’s largest flag was inaugurated on March 5, 2017 by Anil Joshi, Cabinet Minister of Punjab, on the tallest
flag post at the Indo-Pak Attari Border in Amritsar just 150 m away from the border.
• The Andhra Pradesh State Cabinet during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on
March 2, 2017 approved proposals to rename the Vijayawada Airport and the Tirupati Airport.
• State-run National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) has installed India’s largest floating Solar
Photovoltaic (PV) Plant of 100 kWp at Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant (RGCCPP)
at Kayamkulam in Kerala on March 10, 2017.
• The Union Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh laid the foundation stone of
the Banana Research Centre at Gorole, Vaishali, Bihar Centre on March 11, 2017 to fulfill the aspirations of
the local banana growers.
• The North Delhi Municipal Corporation launched India’s largest municipal waste-to-power plant of 24
megawatt (MW) at Narela-Bawana in New Delhi on March 10, 2017.
• Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh inaugurated a Crime and Criminal Tracking Network &
Systems (CCTNS) in Shimla on March 15, 2017 to connect all the police posts in the state with each
other. Thus Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in India to link its police posts in various districts
with CCTNS.
• India’s first home made train for Western Railway Fleet, Medha was flagged off for its maiden run by the
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, via videoconferencing from Dadar to Borivali at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus
on March 18, 2017.
• The longest road tunnel of India built at Chenani in Jammu's Udhampur district has successfully completed
its trail run and is ready for public opening. The 9-km-long tunnel passes through the Himalayas and is a part
of the 286-km-long four-lane project on Jammu- Srinagar National Highway.
• Assam government has launched initiative to develop the World’s largest river island, Majuli into country's
first ever Carbon Neutral district by 2020 as well as a biodiversity heritage site to preserve its rich heritage and
legacy.
• Moving on the footprints of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Aditya Nath Yogi, BJP-ruled state of Jharkhand too
announced to impose ban on illegal slaughterhouses in the state on March 27, 2017.The state government has
given 72 hours to slaughterhouses to shut their illegal businesses in case they failed to obtain licence from the
relevant authorites.
• The state government of Uttarakhand has been strictly directed by the Uttarakhand High Court on March 28,
2017 to stop all the mining activities in the state with immediate effect for a period of four months.
• The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the five-day Namami Brahmaputra River Festival
in Assam on March 31, 2017. The inaugural edition of the festival aims to showcase the trade, tourism and
rich cultural practices of Assam as well as is a tribute to the Brahmaputra River .
FOREIGN VISITS
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s Visit to United Kingdom and Nepal

• The Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was on a 5 day visit to United Kingdom from February 24-28, 2017
particularly to represent India at the royal event of 2017 UK-India Year of Culture. He was followed by a high
level delegation nominated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• As a part of the visit, Jaitley delivered a lecture at the London School of Economics on the theme
‘Transforming India: Vision for the Next Decade’, on February 25 and spoke about India’s desire to be a more
open economy.
• Jaitley also attended the market opening ceremony at the London Stock Exchange followed by a Roundtable
meeting with foreign investors on February 27.
• Jaitley visited the historic reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II to launch the UK-India Year of Culture
2017 at Buckingham Palace.
• The Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, opened the London Stock Exchange (LSE) during a special
ceremony on February 27, 2017.
• Queen Elizabeth II hosted a reception on February 27, 2017 in Buckingham Palace to launch the 2017 UK-
India Year of Culture.
• Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addressed Nepal Investment Summit 2017 at Kathmandu during his day-
long visit to Nepal. The Minister will convey key note address at the Investment Summit 2017 with the theme
'Harnessing Investment Opportunities in Nepal.
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• Russia and China vetoed a UN resolution on February 28, 2017 to impose sanctions on Syria over the alleged
use of chemical weapons during the six-year war. This was the Russia’s seventh veto to protect the Syrian
government from UN Security Council action.
• Ukraine’s self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic, state in eastern Ukraine, will use the Russian ruble as
its official currency, along with the Ukrainian Hryvnia.
• The Syrian troops on March 2, 2017 successfully recaptured the ancient city of Palmyra from the Islamic State
of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group for the second time in a year with support from Russian forces and
warplanes.
• As per the report by the Border Security Force (BSF), India has completed the process of fencing half of
the 4,096 km of border area which it shares with Bangladesh and expects to finish fencing the rest by 2019.
• Sweden’s coalition government of Social Democrats and Greens instituted a military draft for both men and
women to tackle the deteriorating security environment in Europe and around Sweden.
• The International Monetary Fund reached a preliminary agreement with Ukraine on an updated Memorandum
of Economic and Financial Policies on March 4, 2017. The agreement will pave way for the IMF’s Executive
Board to consider the third review of the arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and disburse
fresh aid of $1 billion (0.9 billion euros) to Ukraine in the first half of March 2017.
• People’s Republic of China has increased its defence budget by 7% for 2017, the lowest increase in seven
years and second year in row. In real terms, the defence budget of the world’s largest armed forces, the
People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is likely to be close to the $ 145 billion-mark.
• According to the Financial Times shows latest analysis, China’s banking system has overtaken the
Eurozone to become the world’s biggest by assets.Chinese bank assets hit $33 trillion against $31 trillion for
the eurozone.
• US State, Hawaii has become the first state to file a lawsuit against Donald Trump’s revised travel ban on 6
Muslim majority countries.
• The fifth edition of the mega cultural festival ‘India by the Nile’ (IBN) began in Cairo, Egypt from March 8,
2017. It is the largest foreign festival in Egypt.
• The Pakistan’s Law Minister Zahid Hamid introduced two constitutional amendment bills in the National
Assembly (lower house) on March 10, 2017 for the revival of the military courts that had ceased to function
on January 7, 2017 after the expiry of their two-year term.
• The Pakistan government is set to conduct its first national census in 19 years from March 15, 2017 for proper
allocation of funds and resources. For the census programme, an amount of Rs 18.5 billion have been
allocated by the government.
• Jatiya Sangsad, the Parliament of Bangladesh unanimously adopted a resolution on March 11, 2017 to declare
March 25 as Genocide Day in remembrance of the brutality carried out by the Pakistani Army in the “Black
Night” of March 25, 1971.
• In a bid to encourage women participation in workforce, Saudi Arabia has for the first time decided to launch
a Girl’s Council.
• India along with other South East Asian Region countries signed a ‘Call for Action’ on March 16, 2017 to
end tuberculosis (TB) and pledged to take efforts to end the disease by 2030. The ‘call for action’ was signed
by the Health ministers of the WHO’s South-East Asia Region countries and the World Health
Organization (WHO) on the concluding day of the two day ministerial meeting towards ending TB in the
region that began on March 15, 2017.
• New Zealand’s Whanganui River on March 15, 2017 became the first river in the World to get the legal
rights as possessed by a human being. The third largest river of the country has gained its own identity with all
the corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of a legal person after a 170-year battle.
• Sangin town in Helmand province of Afghanistan has been captured by the Taliban group after a year-long
battle with the Afghanistan Force. The officials have confirmed that the forces have been withdrawn from the
area and Sangin is now in militant hands.
• Sri Lanka has been granted the two years of extension it sought from the UN Human Rights Council
(UNHRC) on March 23, 2017 to set up a mechanism to probe alleged war crimes committed during the 37-
year civil war which ended in May 2009. The two year extension was approved by total 40 countries by
adopting UNHRC resolution in Geneva.
• The British Parliament tabled a motion on March 23, 2017 stating Pakistan’s move as illegal to declare
the Gilgit-Baltistan region, bordering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as its fifth province.
• With the growing tensions with Afghanistan, Pakistan has started constructing a fence along the Afghan-
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Pakistani border to restrict the Islamist militants from Afghanistan to cross the border and launch attacks on
Pakistani soil. The announcement was made by Pakistan's Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa on March 25,
2017.
• Montenegro, a tiny Balkan country, is set to become the 29th member of the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) soon after US senate ratifies its pending membership.
• Doing away with former US President Barak Obama’s initiative to combat climate change, President Donald
Trump has signed an executive order on March 29, 2017 to scrap Clean Power Plan that aims to reduce carbon
emission by power plants.
• The military operation under the name "Euphrates Shield" undertaken by the Turkish troops in northern
Syria about seven months ago for national security, finally concluded on March 29, 2017.
• American Astronaut Peggy Whitson floated outside the International Space Station (ISS), which makes
the eighth career Space-Walk by her on March 31, 2017. By this walk, Peggy Whitson broke the record of
seven Space-Walks which was previously held by American Astronaut Sunita Williams.
• Central America’s smallest nation, El Salvador became the first country in the world to ban Metals
Mining nationwide. This was made into a law, which was passed by the Law-makers of that country.
• The 13th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit, an inter-governmental regional group of 10
countries was held in Islamabad, Pakistan on March 1, 2017 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister of
Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. The theme of the summit was “Connectivity for Regional Prosperity”.
• Vice President Hamid Ansari was on a two-day visit to Indonesia to attend the 21-nation Indian Ocean Rim
Association (IORA) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia from March 6-7, 2017.♦ Theme: ‘Strengthening Maritime
Cooperation for a Peaceful, Stable and Prosperous Indian Ocean’
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand via Video
Conferencing and voiced that there is ample substantiation that practicing ancient yoga to keep the fight
against stress and life-style related issues.
• Union Minister of Steel Chaudhary Birender Singh presided over the hair the proceedings of maiden regional
conference of Eastern States at Gangtok, Sikkim on 2nd March, 2017. The maiden regional conference will be
on the theme of ‘Enhancing steel consumption in India’
• A day long National conference on Jal Kranti Abhiyan was inaugurated by Sushri Uma Bharti, Union Minister
for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation in New Delhi on March 7, 2017
• India to host its first mobile congress with a special focus on reaching out to the South East Asian markets
at Pragati Maidan on 27th September 2017. This was announced by Rajan S Mathews, COAI Director General
• The three day long ‘Destination North East-2017’ festival was inaugurated in Chandigarh on March 6, 2017
by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region
(DoNER), Dr. Jitendra Singh.
• The International Yoga Festival was inaugurated on March 8, 2017 by the Union Information and
Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi.
• The 10th edition of the International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV
2017) was held in New Delhi from March 7-9, 2017.The three-day long conference was organized by
the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, in collaboration with United
Nations University and UNESCO.Theme: Building Knowledge Societies: From Digital Government to Digital
Empowerment.
• President Pranab Mukherjee has inaugurated the two day 12th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa
Project Partnership on March 9, 2017 in New Delhi.The first conclave has held in 2005.
• The three-day annual Krishi Unnati Mela was inaugurated by Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh
at the Indian Agriculture Research Institute in Pusa, New Delhi on March 15, 2017 to provide information on
new farm schemes and technologies and other welfare scheme that will help to double the farmer’s incomes
by 2022.
• The International Conference on the Vision Zero and its relevance to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH),
began on March 15, 2017 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
• The first edition of the Haryana Sahitya Sangam began on March 17, 2017 at Indradhanush
Auditorium, Panchkula in Haryana. The three day event was inaugurated by the Chief Minister Manohar Lal
Khattar and has been organized as a part of the Haryana Swarna Jayanti celebrations.
• The three days International Buddhist Conference was held at the Rajgir International Convention Center
(RICC) of Nav Nalanda Mahavira Deemed University, Rajgir, Bihar from March 17-19, 2017. Theme: The
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main theme of the conference was: Buddhism in the 21st Century – Perspectives and Responses to Global
Challenges and Crises.
• The two day G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meet began in Baden-Baden, Germany on
March 17, 2017 to strengthen economic resilience in finance, digitalization and promote investment in Africa.
• The Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel was invited as the Chief Guest at the
two-day Global Millennium Summit in Dubai on March 18, 2017. The Global Millennium Summit is a first-
of-its-kind initiative where an Indian institute has organized an International Summit. The theme of the
summit is ‘Future of this Millennium’.
• Make InIndia Conference Held In Houston.This conference is conducted on 25th March, 2017 for two days
with the theme “Make in India- The Inside Story”
• The second India-UAE conference on globalisation, organised by All India Management Association
(AIMA)was held in Dubai to promote cooperation between the two countries. Theme: "Resetting
Globalisation: Collaborating in a Fast Changing World.
• The Ministry of Culture is organizing the 5th Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav (RSM) 2017 from March 23-31,
2017 in the North Eastern Region of India.
• The three day 18th edition of FICCI Frames was inaugurated by Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez in the
presence of Union Information and Broadcasting Secretary Ajay Mittal on March 21, 2017 in Mumbai.
Theme: ‘Digital: Divide or dividend'
• 23rd Conference of Auditors General of Commonwealth Countries and British Overseas Territories held in
New Delhi. Theme: “Fostering Partnerships for Capacity Development in Public Audit”
• The National Theatre Festival 2017 was held in Tagore Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from March
16-24, 2017.
• The 2017 International Diamond Conference was held from March 19-20, 2017 at Hotel Hyatt, Mumbai.The
two day conclave was organized by Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India
(GJEPC). Theme: Mines to Market 2017
• As per the information given by the officials of Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), 105th Indian
Science Congress is to be hosted by Osmania University (OU), Hyderabad from January 3 to 7 next year.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Mar 25 2017 conducted the World Conference on Environment at the
country’s capital, New Delhi. The two day conference concluded with a high note in urging the importance for
the sustainable development balancing which is the need to protect the environment.
• Third meeting of G20 Framework Working Group (FWG) is hosted by India from March 28 to March 29,
2017 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh under the G-20 German Presidency. The meeting is co-hosted by Department
of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India and Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The meet is
arranged to discuss the challenges before the global economy and their possible solutions.
• The 9th edition of the World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) is scheduled to be held
in Vancouver, Canada from September 9-15, 2017. Theme: Culture Environment: Weaving New Connections
• The United Nations Conference to Negotiate a Legally Binding Instrument to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons,
Leading Towards their Total Elimination, began at New York from March 27-31, 2017.However, India
abstained from voting on that resolution along with China and Pakistan. Britain, France, Israel, Russia and the
US protested the UN resolution voting no against the ban.
RANKINGS & REPORTS
India’s health index:

• As per the latest health survey by the government, India’s health index has shown a notable
improvement over the last decade including an improvement in sex ratio at birth and a decline
in infant mortality rate.
• As per the survey report, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) saw a decline from 57 to 41 per 1,000
live births between NFHS-3 (2005-06) and NFHS-4
• As per the survey, the sex ratio at birth (number of females per 1,000 males) improved from 914 to
919 at the national level over the last decade with the highest in Kerala (1,047), followed by
Meghalaya (1,009) and Chhattisgarh (977).Haryana also witnessed a significant increase from 762
to 836.
• The institutional births increased by 40 percent from 38.7 percent in NFHS-3 to 78.9 percent in
NFHS-4.
• The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) declined to 2.2 children per woman from 2.7 in NFHS-3. This rate
shows that the country is moving closer to target level of 2.1.
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• The report stated that the Children within the age of 12-23 months have been fully
immunized (BCG, measles and 3 doses each of polio).
• According to the fourth edition of the Annual Survey of India’s City Systems 2016 by Bengaluru-based
advocacy group Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has been
ranked as the top Indian city to manage urban governance. London and New York, which top the global
benchmarks.
• Kerala has achieved the maximum number of enrollment and registrations under the Goods and Services Tax
(GST) regime when compared to other states of India.
• According to the GSM Association report released in Barcelona, India will lead the world in Smartphone
adoption with a net addition of 350 million connections in 2016-20. The report was based on the estimates of
the GSMA Intelligence Consumer Survey 2016 conducted across 56 countries on the mobile usage trend.
• According to the Global Corruption Barometer for the Asia Pacific Region released by Transparency
International on March 7, in Berlin for 16 Asia Pacific countries, India tops the list for being the most corrupt
nation. According to the survey, about 69 percent of the population in India paid bribe to get their work done
it was the lowest in Japan (0.2%).
• The Times Higher Education (THE) released its Asia University Rankings 2017 on March 16, 2017.The top
rank in the Asia University Rankings was attained by the National University of Singapore (NUS) for the
second consecutive year.According to the 2017 ranking, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru has
been ranked best Indian University and has been placed at 27th position among the universities in Asia.
• Singapore based Changi Airport was named as the World’s Best Airport for the fifth consecutive year at
the 2017 Skytrax World Airport Awards on March 14, 2017 held at the Passenger Terminal EXPO
in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
• According to the Mercer’s 19th annual Quality of Living survey released on March 14, 2017, Vienna, the
capital of Austria has topped the list of cities offering the highest quality of life for the eighth year in a
row.Baghdad was ranked the worst place at 230 to live due to continuous violence in the city.In
India, Hyderabad emerged as the best city in terms of living standards among Indian cities for the third year in
a row.
• India ranks 148 in 2017 UN Women in Politics Map in New York.The Women in Politics 2017 Map is the
visual representation of women’s political empowerment in executive government and parliament as on
January 1, 2017. As per the report, the top nations that have high representation to women in the government
and parliament includes: Rwanda, Bolivia, Cuba, Iceland, Nicaragua, Sweden, Senegal, Mexico, Finland and
South Africa.
• The annual World Economic Forum’s 100 Young Global Leaders list released for the year 2017 have given
place to five Indians for their innovative approaches.
Five Indians Include
1. Vijay Shekhar Sharma: Founder & CEO PayTm
2. Shruti Shibulal: The Tamara Hospitality
3. Ambarish Mitra: Founder and CEO of Blippar, a mobile phone app
4. Hindol Sengupta: Editor-at-large, Fortune India
5. Rwitwika Bhattacharya-Agarwal: Founder and CEO of Swaniti Initiative.
• An Indian-American CEO, Sandeep Matharani, has been ranked 4th on a list of top 25 overpaid CEOs in the
United States, as per the report by US based NGO ‘As You Sow’.Sandeep Matharani, CEO of General
Growth Properties, Chicago was paid a total compensation of USD 39.2 million in 2016. According to the
report, he was overpaid by USD 26 million.The list was topped by Leslie Moonves, CEO of CBS.
• According to the 2017 Bloomberg Global Health Index of 163 countrues released on March 20,
2017, Italy has been ranked as the healthiest country on Earth with a health score of 97.44 out of 100.
• As insisted by our Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Mr. M.Venkaiah Naidu, 500 cities and
towns that account for the 65% of India’s urban population are to be credit rated by Atal Mission for
Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). Out of these 500 cities, 94 cities got its rating from
AMRUT.
• According to the 2017 Worldwide Cost of Living Index released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) on
March 21, 2017, four Indian cities are among the cheapest cities to live in globally.As per the
report, Singapore was the most expensive city to live among 133 for the fourth consecutive year while Almaty
in Kazakhstan was the cheapest city in the world, placed at the bottom of the list at 133.
• According to the report released by Forbes, India has fourth highest number of billionaires in the World and
the Indian group is led by Reliance Industries chief Mukesh Ambani. The list is topped by Bill Gates with $
86 billion revenue.
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• According to the UN Development Programme’s Human Development for Everyone’ Report 2016, released
on March 21, 2017 in Stockholm, India has been ranked at 131 out of 188 countries in the 2016 Human
Development Index (HDI). The Ranking list is topped by Norway.
• India has been placed at 87th position among 127 countries in the global Energy Architecture Performance
Index (EAPI) 2017 by World Economic Forum released on March 22, 2017.The 5th annual index has been
topped by Switzerland while Bahrain is ranked the lowest at 127th.
• Fortune Magazine released their fourth annual ranking of the World's 50 Greatest Leaders 2017 on March 23,
2017. State Bank of India’s Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya has been ranked 26 among 50 leaders while
Indian-origin physician Raj Panjabi, founder and CEO of Last Mile Health, have been placed at 28th
position.The list has been topped by Theo Epstein, the President of Baseball Operations at Chicago Cubs.
• India which is rising high in the field of aviation now attained a still higher position by pushing Japan back,
achieving a 3rd spot in domestic air traffic behind USA and China.USA topped the list with 719 million
passengers in 2016, which is followed by China with 436 million passengers. India attained 3rd spot with 100
million passengers in 2016.
• India’s standing on various parameters in Global Nutrition Report 2016 that puts Anemia among Women in
170 th place out of 185 countries and Under-five stunting prevalence at 114 th place and Under-five wasting
prevalence at 120 th spot among 132 odd nations.
BANKING & FINANCE
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has planned to further tighten the regulations for
algorithmic trading to minimise instances of misuse of such systems.
• India & World Bank Signs USD 63 Million Financing Agreement for Tejaswini: Socio-Economic
Empowerment of Adolescent Girls and Young Women Project
• The Government of India has officially notified the law that makes holding of more than 10 scrapped
notes punishable with a minimum fine of Rs 10,000. The law was signed by President Pranab Mukherjee on
February 27, 2017.
• Reliance General Insurance is one of the leading private general insurance companies of India has announced
a bancassurance tie-up with Catholic Syrian Bank on March 1, 2017. Now RGI will offer its insurance
products to Catholic Syrian Bank’s customers across its branches in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
• India’s leading private banks including HDFC Bank, ICICI, and Axis they will charge a minimum of Rs 150
per transaction for cash deposits and withdrawals at bank branches beyond four free transactions in a month.
• Long-term life insurance provider HDFC Life has launched of an exclusive Data-Led Group Term Insurance
Plan in partnership with personal finance app“ET Money” of Times Internet on February 27, 2017.
• The Vice-Chairman of the Special Investigating Team (SIT) on black money, Justice Arijit Pasayat on March
2, 2017 announced that an amount of Rs. 70,000 crore of black money has been so far detected through
different schemes of the government.
• The Government of India has directed all the banks to provide mobile banking facility to all customers
by March 31, 2017.The decision is an effort of the government to boost the digital payment system.
• India’s largest lender has State bank of India has revised service charges various transactions, as well as cash
deposits and for failing to maintain monthly average balance in their savings accounts.The lender announced
that three cash deposit transactions will be free in a month, beyond three transactions the bank will charge Rs
50 plus service tax for each transaction from April 1, 2017.
• The Reserve Bank of India has clarified that currency notes which have messages scribbled on it are legal
tender bank branches that refuse to exchange soiled notes from people will have to pay a penalty of Rs 10,000.
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has proposed to increase
the insurance premium to 50 percent for cars, motor cycles as well as commercial vehicles from April 1.
• K V Thomas, Chairman of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has come out with a solution of “Naming and
Shaming” big corporate houses which default on repayment of bank loans to help financial institutions get
back their money. According to the government data, the Non Performing Assets (NPA) of the scheduled
commercial banks was about Rs. 6.8 lakh crore in September 2016.
• National People’s Congress, (NPC) of China has set its GDP growth target at around 6.5 per cent for 2017,
compared with a target range of 6.5 to 7 per cent last year.
• The country’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) has decided to reintroduce penalty on non-maintenance
of minimum balance in accounts to be effective from April 1, 2017. In case of failing to maintain Monthly
Average Balance (MAB) in saving accounts, penalty of up to Rs. 100 plus service tax would be levied.
• The Union Finance Ministry has given its in-principle nod to allow Public Sector Banks (PSUs) to offer stock
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options to their employees from 2017-18.However, the Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) can only be
given by those banks which have earned substantial profit as well as made remarkable improvement in
managing NPAs.
• Bengaluru based Vijaya Bank has recently opened it’s 2000th Branch in Tirupati by Sri Chadalawada Krishna
Murthy, Chairman, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
• Mumbai headquartered HDFC Bank has launched India’s first AI(artificial intelligence) based banking
chatbot Electronic Virtual Assistant (EVA) for customer services .
• Mumbai based HDFC Life has launched India’s first life insurance chatbot to help users choose the most
suitable life insurance plans and solutions on March 7, 2017.
• The US based global rating agency Fitch on March 7, 2017 estimated India’s GDP to grow by 7.1 percent in
the fiscal 2016-17. However, the rating agency also projected the growth to see upward trend at 7.7 percent in
both 2017-18 and 2018-19.
• ESAF Microfinance Company has issued Commercial Papers (CP) worth Rs.330 crore. Private Sector Banks
and NBFCs can subscribe for the CP.
• IDFC Bank has launched India’s first biometric-based payment system “Aadhaar Pay” on March 7, 2017 in
New Delhi.
• Karur based Karur Vysya Bank’ s Chief Executive K. Venkataraman has rolled-out of three technology
services FASTag, UPI and BBPS on March 8, 2017.The FASTag, United Payments Interface (UPI) is a
mobile app and BBPS (Bharat Bill Payment System) will make utility bill payments such as electricity bills,
water charges and gas cylinders, among others, at a single site instead of accessing multiple sites.
• Mumbai based State Bank of India has launched a new facility ‘Work from Home’ to enable its employees to
work from home on March 7, 2017. This facility was launched after ‘Work from Home’ policy was recently
approved by the Board of the bank.
• The the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has extended the last date of submission of Digital
Life Certificate through Jeevan Pramaan Patra up to 31st March 2017 from 28th February 2017.
• SBI recently announced that penalty for non-maintenance of Minimum Average Balance (MAB) from April 1,
2017. Government asked SBI to reconsider charges. Arundhati Bhattacharya, SBI chief clarify that
the condition of maintaining minimum balance will not be applicable to the Jan Dhan accounts
• The Reserve Bank of India on March 9, 2017 notified that it is soon going to issue Rs. 10 denomination
notes with enhanced security features for circulation.Besides, RBI also notified that all the banknotes in the
denomination of Rs 10 issued in the past will also continue to be legal tender.
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has issued a draft rule titled Information Technology
(Security of Prepaid Payment Instruments) Rules 2017 on March 8, 2017 for digital wallet firms like Paytm,
FreeCharge and Mobikwik.
• Indian payment and commerce company Paytm has withdrawn the 2 percent fee on adding money to mobile
wallets using credit cards on March 10, 2017, just two days after imposing the fees.
• Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (Ujjivan SFB) has opened its six new branches at the Silicon Valley of
India, Bengaluru on March 9, 2017 said by Samit Ghosh, MD &CEO, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank
• The Reserve Bank of India has amended the provision for disbursement of loan by NBFC against the gold on
March 9, 2017 in line with the provisions of the Income Tax Act.As per the new provision, the Non-banking
Financial Company (NBFC) cannot lend more than Rs 25,000 in cash against gold as against the earlier Rs 1
lakh.
• The German Development Bank (KfW) and Uttar Pradesh based Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)
has signed a loan agreement for €200 million with a four year moratorium and a 12-year repayment period.
• Mangalore based Karnataka Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pune based Bajaj
Allianz General Insurance Company for General Insurance business on March 10, 2017
• The State Bank of India on March 11, 2017 has legally incorporated SBI Infra Management Solutions Pvt.
Ltd. (SBIIMS Pvt. Ltd.) as a wholly owned subsidiary of SBI. SBIIMS Pvt. Ltd. will now manage
the premises and estate related matters of SBI.
• Private sector lender Yes Bank has signed three projects to provide payments-related solutions to smart cities.
The bank finds it as a good business opportunity. Yes Bank has currently ties up with Udaipur, Nashik and
Puducherry for the introduction of digital payment systems under the smart city initiative.
• In order to comply with the pace of remonetization, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to remove
the restrictions on cash withdrawals from Saving Bank accounts (including accounts opened under PMJDY) in
a two step process. Effective from March 13, 2017, there will be no limits on cash withdrawals from Savings
Bank accounts.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to open up the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) platform for digital
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wallets firms as part of the government’s digitisation campaign.

• An international financial institution, World Bank has agreed to provide loan to develop internal transmission
arrangements of the upcoming Rewa Ultra Mega Solar (RUMS) project in Madhya Pradesh. RUMS become
India’s first solar power project of the country to receive a loan under CTF.
• The country’s largest lender, State Bank of India announced a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme worth Rs
6,000 crore on March 14, 2017 for tractor and farm mechanization loans to improve the loan recovery. Under
the scheme, the loans disbursed before 2011 and falling in the doubtful or loss assets category as of September
30, 2016 would be considered.
• India’s contribution to the United Nations has increased to Rs 244 crore from Rs 157 crore during the fiscal
year 2016-16 said by Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
• HDFC Bank in collaboration with National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) has launched an
instant Digital Loan against Securities (LAS) product on March 15, 2017.
• Private insurer Future Generali India Insurance Company (FGII) has announced tie-up with Kolkata
based UCO Bank for its products on March 15, 2017 to provide a window at its bank branches for marketing
FGII’s offerings.
• The market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) reviewed advertisement guidelines for
mutual funds on March 15, 2017, with regard to disclosing performance-related information about such
products.
• India’s public sector banking and financial services company State Bank of India(SBI) and real estate
developers’ body CREDAI have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which is valid for a period
of 3 years to jointly conduct various initiatives towards development of the realty sector and to promote
housing for all.
• The World Bank has approved a $175 million loan on March 15, 2017 to India for the National Hydrology
Project to improve India’s ability to forecast floods and reduce the recurring chances of floods and droughts.
• Kerala’s first private sector bank ESAF Small Finance Bank was launched by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi
Vijayan in Thrissur, Kerala on March 17, 2017. This bank is promoted by ESAF Microfinance and
Investments (P) Ltd and it is targeted to open 85 branches in unbanked rural centres in first year.
• Kolkata based Bandhan Bank has signed an agreement with a payment solution provider Avenues India Pvt
Ltd on March 16, 2017 to provide merchants with seamless access to point-of-sales (POS) and payment
gateway products.
• As per a data presented by Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar in the Parliament on March
17, 2017, in 2016 a total of 29 lakh debit cards were subjected to malware attack through ATMs that were
connected with the switch of Hitachi.
• The Reserve Bank of India has got the approval from the Central Government to conduct the field trial of
plastic banknotes of Rs. 10 denomination prior to introducing it as legal tender. The field trial will take place
across five cities having diverse geographical and climatic conditions. These cities include Kochi, Mysore,
Jaipur, Shimla and Bhubaneswar.
• State run United Bank of India on March 16, 2017 received a capital infusion of Rs 418 crore from the Centre
as a part of its turnaround-linked capital infusion plan.
• CASHe, a fin-tech product promoted by Aeries Financial Technologies has entered into a strategic partnership
with Rubique, an online marketplace for financial products on March 16, 2017.
• The Union Ministry of Finance has given the green signal to the turnaround-linked Rs.8,586-crore capital
infusion plan to support 10 weak and non-performing public sector banks (PSBs).
• Essar Steel's Nand Niketan township at Hazira, Gujarat has become the first private township to go cashless
with the help of Mumbai-based financial technology company, The Mobile Wallet (TMW). TMW will
provide smartphone based application for mastercard-enabled mobile walletsand the wallet is powered
by RBL Bank Ltd.
• Mumbai based ICICI Bank launched first banking mobile application ‘Mera iMobile’ to provide agricultural
information in 11 Indian languages for rural people without internet connection to access banking services and
get information on agricultural services.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to cap the upper limit for Pre-paid Payment Instruments at Rs
1 lakh on March 20, 2017 due to the growing usage of PPIs for purchase of goods and services as well as
funds transfer.
• The Government of India has decided to merge Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) with India’s largest lender,
the State Bank of India (SBI) to ensure greater banking services outreach to larger number of women at a
faster pace.All the 103 branches of BMB and business of approximately Rs. 2,000 crore would be merged
with SBI.
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• Samsung Electronics officially launched the mobile payment service, Samsung Pay in India on March 22,
2017. With this, Samsung becomes the first company to launch a mobile payment service in India, ahead
of Apple Pay or Android Pay.
• The Government of India has proposed to lower the limit of cash transaction from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh per
month to further tighten and discourage payments by cash as well as curb black money. The new limit will be
effective from April 1, 2017.
• The Russian VTB Bank has announced its intention to close its only office in India as part of its ongoing cost
optimisation strategy.However, the bank will continue operations in the country and further develop their
partner and client network in the country.The VTB Bank was launched in India in New Delhi in April 2008.
• India and ADB Sign $350 Million Loan for Upgrading 1,500 kms of District Roads in State of Madhya
Pradesh.
• Assam govt, SBI sign MoU over housing, educational loan at subsidized interest rates
• Kerala based South Indian Bank has introduced Aadhar-based UPI mobile application SIB M-Pay on March
23, 2017 to promote cashless digital transactions.
• Chennai-based Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) will get Rs 1,100 crore capital infusion from the Government.
This was confirmed by Finance Ministry on March 22, 2017. This was approved after the bank achieved the
parameters set by the government as part of a turnaround-linked capital infusion plan.
• The World Bank signed US dollar 100 million credit agreement with the Centre and the state government
of Uttarakhand on March 23, 2017 in New Delhi to improve quality of health care services in all 13 districts of
the state.
• The Financial services company Tata Capital has launched a mobile application ‘myLoan’ to offer personal
loans to young and mobile savvy audience. The maximum limit of the loan is Rs.13 lakh.
• The Office of the Insurance Ombudsman, Delhi was awarded ISO 9001:2015 certification by Standardisation,
Testing and Quality Certification (STOC), under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology,
for Quality Management Standard (QMS) on March 24, 2017 in New Delhi.
• Mangaluru based Karnataka Bank has launched a new card option for its premium and HNI (high net worth
individual) customers in line with the bank's digital banking initiative.The novel card named
‘MoneyPlantTM RuPay International Platinum Debit Card’ can be used for domestic and international cash
withdrawals and purchases.
• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) will sanction a loan worth 13K Crore Rupees for
clean energy projects in FY18, which plays the major role in reducing the pollution in India.
• On December 31, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an interest subsidy scheme named
as ‘Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme for Middle Income Groups, CLSS-(MIG) for the tax-paying middle class
population, aspiring to have their own pucca house.Besides, for the implementation of the scheme, Repco
Home Finance Ltd (RHFL) signed an agreement with National Housing Bank.
• Bengaluru based Vijaya Bank has inked an Mou with Italian vehicles manufacturer Piaggio Vehicles, on
March 27, 2017 for providing financial support for the purchase of vehicles under Small Road Transport
Operators (SRTO) scheme in Bengaluru.
• Mangaluru based private sector lender, Karnataka Bank achieved a landmark installation of 10,000 Point of
Sales (PoS) terminals on March 27, 2017.Besides, an android mobile app, ‘PoS Manager’ was also provided
to enable the merchants in monitoring and keep a track of their counter transactions.
• In what can be considered as a path breaking development on financial inclusion front, Odisha became the
first Indian state to extend banking facilities to masses in unbanked areas through Self- Help Groups (SHGs).
• Manipal headquartered Syndicate bank opens 40 ‘Ananya’ transformed branches, digitally on March 27, 2017.
The branches were inaugurated in the presence of Arun Shrivastava, its Managing Director and CEO.In
addition to that, bank also launched its first micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) hub in Bangalore.
• Mumbai based private sector lender, ICICI Bank partnered with Truecaller app on March 28, 2017 to launch
a (Unified Payments Interface) UPI-based mobile payment service called ‘Truecaller Pay’.
• In backdrop of demontisation, a question was raised in Rajya Sabha asking the Govt. to clear its stand on
status of virtual currencies including Bitcoin in India. Reply mentioned that Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
cautioned about potential legal, financial and security risk arising on account of holding, investing or trading
in virtual currencies including Bitcoin.
• Tata AIA Life Insurance have partnered with Tata Teleservices Limited (TTSL) to launch m-Insurance for the
prepaid customers of the Telecom Company. Beginning with, the pilot launch has been made in Andhra
Pradesh and Telengana and eventually would cover other states.
• India’s largest Public Sector Lender State Bank of India has launched a unique credit card ‘SBI Card
Unnati’ on March 28, 2017. This new brand credit card targets at all SBI customers, including Jan Dhan
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account-holders across the country.

• Mumbai based Axis Bank has signed an agreement with Wells Fargo, America’s third largest bank by asset, to
offer real time remittances by Indian Diaspora in US back to their relatives in India.
• Private sector lender, Kotak Mahindra bank has launched an innovative account opening system on March 29,
2017 under the name 8-11 which can be used from anywhere and anytime. The name 8-11 is inspired from the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s November 8 demonetization move.
• The Government of India has signed USD 350 million loan agreement with the New
Development Bank (NDB) on March 30, 2017.Development and up gradation of road project in Madhya
Pradesh to improve transport connectivity in the interior regions of the state and boost economic activity.
BUSINESS
• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has signed 10 unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) in
past one week with Indian taxpayers to provide certainty in transfer pricing. Out of these 10 agreements, 2 are
Bilateral APAs with the United Kingdom and Japan while 7 agreements have rollback provisions in them.
• According to data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on February 28, 2017, the growth of eight
core sectors slowed down to a five-month low of 3.4% in January 2017 due to contraction in output of refinery
products, fertiliser and cement.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed a technology transfer agreement with
Jindal Stainless (Hisar) Limited (JSHL) on March 1, 2017 for manufacturing High Nitrogen Steel (HNS).
• The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), will house its regional entrepreneurship
centre at Bengaluru based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (CCAMP), a biotechnology innovation
incubator.
• Social networking giant Facebook has launched a new initiative named SheLeadsTech to
support startups which are founded or co-founded by women population.
• The Central government has approved outright sale of state-owned SAIL’s three special steel units – Alloy
Steels Plant (ASP), Salem Steel Plant (SSP) and Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VISP) on March 5, 2017
• The government notified the Trade Mark Rules, 2017 that came into force from March 6, 2017. The Rules
2017 will replace the former Trade Mark Rules 2002 and will streamline and simplify the processing of Trade
Mark applications.
• India has announced an Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) on March 7, 2017 for conducting oil and gas
exploration in India.
• CBDT signs another APA with subsidiary of a Japanese Company taking the total APAs entered into by the
CBDT to 141
• Indian Public Sector Undertaking company National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) has
commissioned of 45 MW solar capacity at Bhadla in Rajasthan. Now the the total installed capacity of the
project is increased to 160 MW.
• Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and Executive Director of the UNEP, Erik Solheim have signed a Letter of
Intent (LOI) with Nairobi based United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to formalise joint
cooperation in the area of environmental conservation in Indian Railways.
• Korea’s Hyundai Engineering Co has signed a deal worth 3 billion euros (USD 3.2 billion) with an Iranian
investment fund on March 13, 2017 to invest in a major Iranian oil project. This agreement covers
construction of the second phase of the Kangan Petro.
• Chennai Port Trust and the Government of Puducherry has signed Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) for
handling EXIM cargo originating from Puducherry Port hinterland on March 15, 2017 in New Delhi.
• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited owned by the Government of India partnered with Karnataka Power
Corporation Ltd (KPCL) has commenced commercial operations of its first highest-rating coal-
based supercritical thermal power plant 800 MW unit.
• Two Indian companies namely Tata Steel Limited and Wipro Limited have been named in the list of World’s
Most Ethical Companies 2017 by American think tank Ethisphere Institute. Wipro is one among the two
Information technology category firm named in the list. The other firm in that category is US based Xerox
Corporation.
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• The Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan unveiled the new National Building Code on March 16,
2017 in New Delhi. The revised code has been prepared by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the
aegis of the Consumer Affairs Ministry.
• Dehradun based Indian multinational oil and gas company, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited
(ONGC) has planned to invest Rs 21528 crore to develop India’s deepest gas discovery in UD-1 find by 2022-
23.
• The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) was asked the Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India (TRAI) to re-examine the approval for Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd’s free offers Welcome
Offer and Happy New Year Offer which will continue till the end of March 2018.
• In a bid to regulate the environment violators, the Union Environment Minister, Anil Madhav Dave has
decided to recommend closure of industrial projects if the developers are found to have started the
construction without the mandatory environment clearance (EC).
• France based Aircraft maker Airbus will set up Asia’s first training facility for pilots and maintenance
engineers in New Delhi.The centre will formed by the European aviation major Airbus.It is expected to
be operational by the end of 2018.
• India and Russia have inked two pacts for long-term maintenance support for Sukhoi-30MKI jets on March
17, 2017 during the India-Russia Military Industrial Conference in New Delhi.
• Boeing Co and the U.S. government have signed a $3.4 billion contract on March 16, 2017 under which
the US Army and an international customer outside US will acquire the latest Apache attack helicopter, the
Apache ‘E’ variant. The contract to acquire AH-64E Apache will span over a period of five years.
• A Maharatna Company, National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) commissioned the second unit
of 660 MW of Mouda Super Thermal Power Station Stage-II on March 19, 2017.
• India and Mauritius have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to execute a US $ 20 million
(Rs.130 cr) social housing project in Mauritius during Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Housing and
Lands Showkutally Soodhun's visit to India on March 20, 2017.
• The Government of India is set to increase the nuclear power generation capacity in India to nearly 15,000
MW by 2024. The information regarding the same was delivered by Minister of State for PMO Jitendra Singh
in the Lok Sabha on March 22, 2017. The minister also informed that in 2014, India's nuclear
power generation capacity was 4,780 MW.
• The Government of India has officially notified the third Protocol amending India-Singapore Double Taxation
Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) on March 23, 2017.The third DTAA will come into force from April 1, 2017.
• New Delhi based Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has commissioned a 250 MW coal-based thermal
power unit at North East's largest coal based power plant Bongaigaon Thermal Power Station (TPS) in Assam
on March 23, 2017.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a penalty of Rs 591 crore which is a well reduced fine
over Coal India Ltd for its misconduct of agreement in fuel supplies.
• The Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) is to be renamed as Central Board of Indirect Taxes &
Customs (CBIC) under the new regime of GST which is to be rolled out from July 1. It has been approved by
our Finance minister Arun Jaitely.
In addition to that existing training establishment, to be renamed as National Academy of Customs, Indirect
Taxes and Narcotics will have an all-India presence.
• In the event to strengthen the Indian Air Defense system, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd has finalized the major
plan to manufacture nearly 1000 military helicopters and over 100 planes in the upcoming years. For making
things easier HAL and Russian defense firms have finalized a Joint Venture agreement for production of light
weight multi-role 'Kamov 226T' helicopters in India which will replace the aging fleet of Cheetah and Chetak
choppers.
• Paytm, one of the fastest growing mobile wallet and e-commerce industry in India has achieved a new
milestone by becoming the sole member of Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).
• The state owned National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited commissioned a 55 Mega Watt (MW)
Bhadla Solar Power Project in Rajasthan on March 27, 2017. The power generating giant has planned a
capacity addition of about 1,000 MW through renewable resources by 2017.
• As per data revealed by Central Electricity Authority of India (CEAI), India has become a ‘Net Exporter’ of
electricity for the first time in history. This remarkable feat was accomplished by exporting 5,798
Million Units to Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar against import of around 5,585 Million units from Bhutan
for the period from April 2016-February 2017
• The Central Government has imposed 10 percent import duty on wheat and Turdal (Arhar) with immediate
effect from March 28, 2017.
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• State-run power generator NTPC Ltd commissioned another 260 MW Bhadla Solar PV Project in
Rajasthan on March 25, 2017.With this commissioning, the total installed capacity of NTPC has become
40,522 MW while that of NTPC has become 47,293 MW.
• Restricted for release by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Indian movie, Lipstick under My
Burkha was awarded the third annual Audience Award at the Glasgow Film Festival 2017 on March 1, 2017.
Indian filmmaker Alankrita Shrivastava directed Lipstick under My Burkha.
• INHS Asvini, Mumbai was conferred with the Raksha Mantri’s Trophy and Citation for the best Service
Hospital in the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) for the year 2016 on March 2, 2017 by Defence
Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar.
• New Delhi based Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has bagged the annual ‘Visitor’s Award’ for the best
University in the country amid the string of controversies. Besides Deepak Pant from Central University of
Himachal Pradesh has won the Visitor’s Award for ‘Innovation’ while the Visitor’s Award for ‘Research’ has
been jointly won by Shyam Sunder from Banaras Hindu University and Niranjan Karak from Tezpur
University.
• Sri Lanka has bagged the most “Popular Tourism Destination” Award for the second consecutive year at
the International Travel Fair (GITF) Travel Fair in Guangzhou, China.
• Eminent Malayalam author and journalist M P Veerendra Kumar was presented the 30th Moortidevi award by
Bharatiya Jnanpith organisation in Kozhikode Kerala.
• Karnataka based Canara Bank has received medals in the Collateral Awards Category at the 11th Global
Communication Conclave held in Bangaluru on March 6, 2017
• Kerala’s playback singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi created a new world record on March 5, 2017 by playing the
maximum number of songs in the shortest time on Gayathri veena during a programme in Kochi.
List of Winners of BCCI Annual Award 2017
Award Winner
Col. CK. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award Rajinder Goel, Padmakar Shivalkar
BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award For Women Shantha Rangaswamy
BCCI Special Award VV Kumar, Late Ramakant Desai
Polly Umrigar Award Virat Kohli
Dilip Sardesai Award (For India’s Best Cricketer In The West Indies Ravichandran Ashwin
Series 2016)
Jagmohan Dalmiyra Award (Best Woman Cricketer (Sr.) Of 2015- Mithali Raj Of Railways
16)
Jagmohan Dalmiyra Award (Best Woman Cricketer (Jr.) Of 2015- Deepti Sharma Of Uttar Pradesh
16)
Best Umpire In Domestic Cricket In 2015-16 Nitin Menon
Best Performance In BCCI Domestic Tournaments Of 2015-16 Mumbai Cricket Association
• As per the THE ‘Best Small Universities in the World 2017’ ranking released by Times Higher Education
(THE )on March 7, 2017, IISc has been placed at 8th position among the list of top 10 global universities.
The list is topped by US based California Institute of Technology
• GMR led Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) has secured first position in the world in the
prestigious Airports Council International (ACI)-Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey in the 5-15 million
passengers per annum (MPPA) category for the year 2016.
• Bollywood Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has won the best actress award at the International Film Festival
and Awards of Australia (IFFAA) for her movie Sarabjit. Directed by Omung Kumar, Sarabjit was the biopic
on Sarabjit Singh who was an Indian farmer who was convicted of terrorism and spying in Pakistan and was
sentenced to death.
• Former director of Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) Lalji Singh has been selected for
‘SERB Distinguished Fellow’ award by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) to support his
research.
• Noted Konkani author Mahabaleshwar Sail has been honored with the 2016 Saraswati Samman for his
novel ‘Hawthan’. The 74-year-old Sail’s novel Hawthan was published in 2009 and was shortlisted from 22
books written in various languages.
• The popular actress Viola Davis was awarded the 2017 Artist of the Year Award by Harvard Foundation
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during its 32nd annual Cultural Rhythms Festival in Memorial Hall’s Sanders Theatre at Harvard University
in Cambridge on March 4, 2017.
• Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat was conferred with the honorary degree
of Doctor of Science (DSc) by Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University on its 8th convocation
ceremony in Nagpur on March 9, 2017.
• 2017 IEEE Spectrum Technology in the Service of Society Award won by the Indian Institute of Technology-
Madras(IIT-M) for its solar-direct current (DC) inverter system.
• Thailand’s Model, Jiratchaya Sirimongkolnawin was crowned Miss International Queen 2016 on March 10,
2017 in the 12th edition of the beauty pageant event in Pattaya City, Thailand.
• An Indian-American teen Indrani Das(17) won the US’s oldest and most prestigious science and math
competition Regeneron Science Talent Search Awards Gala on March 16, 2017. Arjun Ramani(18) from
Indiana won the third place honours worth USD 150,000 for blending the mathematical field of graph theory
with computer programming to answer questions about networks.
• Mumbai based Central Bank of India won the first prize in the implementation of Official Language Policy in
the western region for the year 2015-2016 at the Official Language Conference of Central and Western
Regions in Udaipur.
• Eleven Indian women were honored with the ‘Women Icons’ Award among 25 Asian Women on March 17,
2017 in Singapore for dedicating their lives to social work.
• An Indian-American computer scientist, Anshumali Shrivastava, was honored with the National Science
Foundation’s prestigious CAREER Award for his research on redesigning current machine-learning processes.
Shrivastava, who is currently working an assistant professor of computer science at Rice University, hopes to
come up with clever algorithmic strategies to enable faster, more scalable computations required by big data
and machine-learning technologies.
• Maggie MacDonnell, a Canadian school teacher was awarded the 2017 Global Teacher Prize worth $1
million on March 19, 2017 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Major Rohit Suri, the leader of the army team that carried out surgical strike in PoK in 2016, was presented
the Kirti Chakra by President Pranab Mukherjee during the military investiture ceremony held in the Durbar
Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan on March 20, 2017.
• Bengaluru based ABB India has won the India Smart Grid Foundation (ISGF)'s "Smart Technology of the
Year 2016"award for restoring the crucial power infrastructure of Sharavathi hydropower plant in Karnataka
• Yves Meyer, a French mathematician, was honored with the 2017 Abel Prize, given by Norwegian Academy
of Science and Letters, for his contribution in the development of the mathematical theory of wavelets on
March 21, 2017 in a ceremony in Oslo, Norway.
• The 26 year old English singer-songwriter and record producer Ed Sheeran from UK will be honoured with
the Songwriters Hall of Fame's 2017 Hal David Starlight Award.Sheeran will receive the award at the 48th
Annual Induction and Awards Dinner on June 15, 2017 in New York.
• Ravish Kumar, the senior executive editor of NDTV India, was awarded the inaugural Kuldip Nayar
Journalism Award at New Delhi’s India International Centre on March 19, 2017 in recognition of his
outstanding contribution in the world of Journalism.
• Six Indian-Americans individuals have been nominated among a total of 88 recipients for the prestigious Ellis
Island Medal of Honour 2017, the highest civilin award in the US for immigrants. Notably Indra Nooyi,
Fareed Zakaria,Dinesh Paliwal, Dr Annapoorna S Kini.
• Indian photographer and photojournalist Raghu Rai has conferred with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Venkaiah Naidu at 6th National Photography Awards. Rai
was honoured for his remarkable contribution in the field of photography.
• In recent news, UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation) has added five
Indian cities in its list of tentative world heritage site.
• Aditya Puri, HDFC Bank Managing Director has made it to the list of the world's 30 best chief executive
officers (CEO), published by American financial magazine Barron's. The top position has been secured by
Mary Barra of General Motors, Gary Dickerson of Applied Materials is on the second spot, Stephen Hemsley
on third.
• T-Hub, one of the largest start-up ecosystem builders in India have bagged four “Acumen global
awards, 2017” by bringing up four startups to be emerging as the first choice of top Indian startups. This
competition is mainly meant for the emerging startups.The award function was held in Kenya.
• Veteran actor Anupam Kher was felicitated with the Kala Ratan Award by Panjab University in Chandigarh at
its 66th convocation on March 25, 2017.The 62 year old actor received the honour by the Vice President of
India, Shri Hamid Ansari for his contribution in the field of cinema and arts.
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• International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) adopted Govardhan Eco Village has received
the 11th Water Digest Water Awards under the category "Best Water NGO-Water Education" in New Delhi.
• Tamil Nadu based Karur Vysya Bank has been honored as the ‘Best Small Bank for 2016’ on March 28, 2017
at a function in Mumbai. The Bank was adjudged by Business Today in association with KMPG in Small
Bank category with balance sheet size of less than Rs. 1 lakh crore.
• The Indian origin English film director and screen writer Gurinder Chadha gets Sikh Jewel Award, 2017 for
her contribution to the British film industries for the past 3 decades. She received this award from UK Defense
Secretary Michael Fallon at the Vaisakhi Dinner organized by the British Sikh Association.
• The President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented Dr. B. C. Roy National Awards and Hari Om Ashram
Alembic Research Awards at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi on March 28, 2017.
• On 28th March 2017, Indian-origin British Cabinet Minister, Priti Patel received Pravasi Bharatiya Samman
Award (PBSA) in London from Y K Sinha, the Indian High Commissioner to United Kingdom (UK).
• Indian Installation Artist Sitaram Swain was presented the 2017 Glenfiddichs Emerging Artist of the
Year award on March 25, 2017 at Bestcollegeart Gallery at Lado Sarai, New Delhi.
• On March 28, 2017 Airports Authority of India (AAI) was awarded with Dainik Bhaskar's India Pride Awards
2016 -17 for "Excellence in Infrastructure Development" in the category of Public Sector Undertaking. In
addition to that, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited also won the India Pride Awards 2016
-17 for "Excellence in Performance in the Power Sector” in the category of Public Sector Undertaking.
• Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) on March 30, 2017 named SV Sunil as the Asian Player of the Year
2016 and Harmanpreet Singh as Asian Promising Player of the Year 2016 (Junior team).
Appointee Designation
Nand Kumar Sai Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
Gopal Baglay spokesperson of External Affairs Ministry
Shri Sudeep Lakhtakia Additional charge as DG CRPF
R Subramania Kumar Additional charge of MD & CEO of IOB
JS Deepak Ambassador to WTO
Amjad Hussain B Sial secretary general of SAARC
Hassan Saleh Sudan’s prime minister
P K Purwar MTNL CMD
Baichung Bhutia (Sacked) AIFF advisor
D. Bala Venkatesh Varma Ambassador of India to Andorra
Pradeep Nair Regional director for India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka- Ford Foundation
Donald Tusk European Council president
Park Geun-hye (removed) South Korea’s President
Vishwanath Mahadeshwar Mumbai Mayor
Bill Thomas Global Chairman KPMG
Sachin Tendulkar Ambassador of women’s World Cup 2017
Manjeev Singh Puri Indian envoy to Nepal
Narendra Kumar New Chairman of Central Water Commission
Sam Ghosh (Quits) Reliance Capital’s CEO
Justice Thottathil Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court.
Bhaskaran Nair Radhakrishnan
Justice Navaniti Prasad Singh Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court.
Justice Hemant Gupta Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
Justice Rajendra Menon, Chief Justice of the Patna High Court.
Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court.
Mark Tucker New Chairman HSBC
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Defence Minister-Additional Charge
Amitabh Bachchan New Brand Ambassador OnePlus India
Manohar Parrikar Goa Chief Minister.
Nongthombam Biren Singh CM Manipur
Devang Mody CEO Reliance Commercial Finance
Babul Supriyo Vice-President Of FIFA U-17 World Cup LOC
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Justice Sharma Upalokayukta of Assam

Seema Verma A top healthcare position in the Trump administration
Shashank Manohar (resigns) ICC chairman
Amarinder Singh Chief Minister of Punjab
Bibhu Prasad Kanungo Deputy governor of RBI
Mallikarjun Kharge Public’s Account Committee Chairman
BV Papa Rao, Jwala Gutta Governing body of Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Subhankar Roy Chowdhury Heaad HR for Asia Pacific for Lenovo
Trivendra Singh Rawat Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
Manhar Valji Bhai Zala Head of Safai Karamcharis Commission
Yogi Adityanath Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
Keshav Prasad Maurya and Deputy Chief Ministers of UP
Dinesh Sharma
Shahid Afridi Ambassador of Blind Cricket World Cup
Sun Pharma’s Dilip Shanghvi Member on RBI’s western board
Jason Kothari FreeCharge CEO
Mahesh Kumar Jain, IDBI Bank's MD & CEO
Kishore Piraji Kharat CEO of Indian Bank.
Kumar Mangalam Birla Merged entity Chairman of Vodafone and Idea.
ICMR head Soumya UN group on antimicrobial Resistance Member
Swaminathan
Madhabi Puri Buch SEBI Whole-Time Member
Upendra Tripathy Full Time Interim Director General of ISA
P.V. Sindhu Ambassador of PepsiCo's sports drink Gatorade
Ankur Khanna New Chief Financial Officer of ICC
T S Anantharaman Part-time chairman of Catholic Syrian Bank
Tanushree Pareek BSF woman field officer
Carrie Lam Chief Executive of Hong Kong
Dr. Randeep Guleria Director of AIIMS Delhi
Siddhartha Upadhyay Governing body of Sports Authority of India
David Beasley New head of World Food Programme by UN
Sima Kamil First Woman Chief of United Bank Limited (UBL)—Pakistan
AB de Villiers. Brand Ambassador- Montblanc International
Iqbal Surve Head of SA's BRICS Business Council
Vanaja N Sarna New Chairman of Central Board of Excise and Customs
Pakistani American Ali Javed First Muslim of New York City Police Department (NYPD) on Emergency
Mohan Das Government Terminates Service of Coal India’s Director
• American multinational corporation Cognizant has pocketed a deal to acquire Japanese digital firm Brilliant
Service Co for an undisclosed amount.
• Pakistan government on March 2, 2017 approved the merger of Federally Administered Tribal Areas
(FATA) with its northwestern province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• Bharti Airtel and Millicom International Cellular SA (Millicom) have entered into an agreement for Tigo
Ghana Ltd and Airtel Ghana Ltd to combine their operations in Ghana.
• Mumbai based Software services firm Tech Mahindra Ltd has signed a definitive agreement to acquire US-
based healthcare information technology consulting company CJS Solutions Group LLC for $110 million on
March 6, 2017.
• Technology giant Google has announced to acquire a start-up Kaggle which hosts a number of data scientists
for an undisclosed amount at the Cloud Next 2017 conference on March 9, 2017.
• Intel has announced a deal under which it will buy Israeli technology company Mobileye for $15.3 billion.
Mobileye provides anti-collision, driver assistance, and autonomous driving solutions. Intel will buy all the
shares of Mobileye at $63.54 per share in cash.
• Mumbai based IndusInd Bank announced to acquire 100 per cent stake in brokerage firm IL&FS Securities
Services to regulatory approvals on March 14, 2017
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• Parliamentary panel on March 16, 2017 suggested merging state-run telecom firms BSNL and MTNL for their
long-term survival and success.The decision regarding the merger was taken by the Committee on
Petitions chaired by BJP MP Bhagat Singh Koshyari in Lok Sabha.
• State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has signed definitive agreements to buy Gujarat State
Petroleum Corporation’s (GSPC) entire 80% stake in KG-basin natural gas block for $1.2 billion.
• India’s Idea Cellular Ltd approved its merger operation with Vodafone India Limited (VIL)
excluding Vodafone’s 42% stake in Indus Towers Ltd on March 20, 2017. It will create India’s largest
telecom company with a total revenue of over Rs80,000 crore. After merger, Vodafone will hold 45 percent in
the combined entity while Idea promoters will hold 26 percent in the combined entity.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the merger of wireless operations of Reliance
Communications and Aircel to create a combined entity with assets worth Rs 65,000 crore. Reliance and
Aircel have announced its merger operation in September 2016.
• New Delhi based global telecommunications services company Bharti Airtel has signed an agreement with
Mumbai based Internet service provider Tikona Digital Networks to acquire its 4G business in 5 circles for Rs
1,600 crore but the amount of acquisition is not disclosed and now it is moved for regulatory approvals.
• India’s largest online retailer Flipkart is planning to acquire eBay India’s operations as part of its latest capital
raising programme of $2billion.The move is an effort of the e-commerce firm to strengthen its position against
the rising threat from the global competitors such as Amazon and China's Alibaba.
• Indian Auto parts maker Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd (MSSL) on March 27, 2017 announced that it has
acquired 93.75 percent of stake in Finland's PKC Group for 571 million euros ($619.4 million).
• Amazon the World’s biggest E-commerce industry has confirmed its acquisition of Souq.com, the company
from Dubai headed by Ronaldo Mouchawar which has 8.4 million products.The value of the deal is not
revealed but it is higher than USD 800 million tabled by Emaar Malls. By this deal with Amazon, Souq.com
will have access to Amazon’s global platform and its faster delivery systems to cut delivery times.
MoUs
• A renewed agreement between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir has been sealed for the completion of
the Shahpur Kandi Dam project, work on which was halted two years ago following a dispute.
• India and Oman have decided to enhance bilateral cooperation between their navies on March 2, 2017 during
the visit of Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lamba to Oman to discuss strategically important regional
issues.
• The Union Cabinet gave its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
between India and Portugal on cooperation in the field of IT&E which was signed on January 6, 2017 in New
Delhi.
• The Union Cabinet gave its ex-post facto approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
on Renewable Energy between India and Portugal.
• The Cabinet also gave its ex-post facto approval for signing of the Definitive Agreement on Oil Storage and
Management between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd (ISPRL) and Abu Dhabi National Oil
Company (ADNOC) of UAE.
• The Union Cabinet led by PM Modi approved signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
between India and the United Nations Entity of Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-
Women).
• Cabinet Gives ex-post facto approval to the MoU between India and UAE in the field of providing Energy
Efficiency Services.
• India and Belgium sign Protocol amending the India-Belgium Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and
Protocol.
• Search Engine Giant Google India and Telangana government have inked a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) aimed at supporting the digitisation efforts of the state.
• Online cab aggregator Ola has signed MoU with Government of Madhya Pradesh on March 4, 2017 to impart
training to 25,000 youths in the state.
• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and
Ganga Rejuvenation has signed an MoU with Rotary India in New Delhi on March 1, 2017.
• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has signed an MoU on March 10, 2017 with National Skill Development
Corporation (NSDC) and National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) for skill development of its
serving/retired personnel and their family members.
• The Union Cabinet gave its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lal
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Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie and Namibia Institute of Public
Administration and Management (NIPAM), Namibia on March 15, 2017.
• Cabinet apprised of the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between India with Indonesia for
cooperation in youth and sports matters and Kyrgyz Republic for cooperation in the field of youth
development.
• Cabinet approves revised MoU with Bangladesh to set up Border Haats
• Cabinet approves of MoU between India and Bangladesh on Aids to Navigation (AtoNs)
• India and Brazil have finalised text of the Social Security Agreement(SSA) on March 16, 2017. It will be
effective from 2018. This is the first SSA agreement between the BRICS Countries. Till date, India has signed
Social Security Agreements (SSAs) with 18 countries.
• Australia Research Institute Signs Agreement with Indian Railways for Infrastructure Support
• China and Saudi Arabia officials on March 17, 2017 have signed Memorandums of Understanding(MoU) and
Letters of Intent(LoI) potentially worth about $65 billion during Saudi King Salman’s visit to China.
• During the meeting, the cabinet approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between
the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-ln) under the Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology and the US Homeland Security Department on cooperation in the field of Cyber
Security.
• Govt. of Jharkhand Signs Tripartite MoU with AAI, DRDO for Development of Deoghar Airport in
Jharkhand to complete the international airport project in Deoghar worth Rs 300 crore within a time period
of two years.
• The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IITM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
the Indian Army on March 28, 2017 to address the technological gap in the armed forces.
• Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen launched the island's first ever home-grown submarine project on March 21,
2017 at a naval base in southern city of Kaohsiung because the island faces rising navy threats from China as
relations deteriorate. To this effect a MoU has been signed for the project between the navy, Taiwanese
shipbuilder CSBC Corporation and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, which
develops combat system integration.
• India has signed a renewed Petroleum Trade Agreement with Nepal on March 27, 2017 to supply petroleum
products to Nepal with prompt service. The supply agreement was signed between State-owned Indian Oil
Corporation (IOC) and Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) for a period of five years. The agreement will be
effective from April 2017 to March 2022.
• Indian autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) signed an agreement with carbonated soft drink maker from
USA, Coca-Cola to train 50,000 street food vendors under FSSAI's project named 'Clean Street Food’
SCHEMES
• The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami launched a Housing Scheme on March 9, 2017 for
construction of concrete houses for the economically poor section of the society.The project is estimated at Rs
1,580 crore and will be implemented by the state government with financial assistance from the Center.
• Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced Tirtha Darshan Scheme on March 3, 2017 during the
ongoing budget session of the Haryana Assembly.Under the scheme, senior citizens of Haryana
domicile above the age of 60 years belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families will be able to go on a
Pilgrimage within the country at government expense.
• Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Delhi government has come up with an initiative to extend the mid-day meal
facility for the girl students upto class 12 in all Delhi government schools.The initiative makes Delhi the “first
state” in the country to serve midday meal up to class 12.
• The Union Health Minister J P Nadda has announced that an amount of Rs. 756 crore has been approved by
the government under a scheme for the treatment of 786 lakh cataract patients over the period of 5 years.
• The Arunachal Pradesh government has launched a new scheme Adarsh Gram Yojana that is in accordance
with the basic philosophy of the Prime Minister “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas” (Collective Efforts Inclusive
Growth).
• The Union government has launched Mission Fingerling on March 11, 2017 to achieve Blue Revolution with
the holistic development and management of fisheries in the country.
• The Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a new scheme named Trade Infrastructure
for Export Scheme (TIES) on March 15, 2017 for developing export linked infrastructure and boost the
competitiveness of India’s shipments.
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• The Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta informed the Lok Sabha on March 16, 2017 that the
Government has approved a new scheme, Solar Energy Scheme, to provide financial assistance/capital
subsidy to small powerloom units, for installation of Solar Photo Voltaic (SPV) plant.
• The power ministry has informed that a total of 26 states have now become the part of the Ujwal DISCOM
Assurance Yojana (UDAY) with the recent entry of Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura for the revival of
debt stressed Discoms.
• The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Virbhadra Singh officially launched the LED Lights, Energy Saving
Fans Distribution scheme on March 29, 2017. As the part of the scheme, LED tube lights and energy-efficient
fans are distributed to promote energy saving.The distribution of LED tube lights and energy saving fans is
carried out under Unnat Jeevan by Affordable LEDs and Appliances for All (UJALA) scheme.
• In a written reply to question raised in Lok Sabha, Ram Kripal Yadav - Minister of State for Rural
Development mentioned that Central Govt. has approved the construction of 1 crore houses under Pradhan
Mantri Awaas Yojana-Grameen (PMAY-G) with the financial outlay of Rs 81,975 crore during the period
of 2016-17 to 2018-19.
COMMITTEE
• An 18 member panel constituted by the government has recommended necessary legal and policy framework
to protect the interests of the migrants in the country. The panel headed by Shri Partha Mukhopadhay has
suggested to enable the migrants to avail benefits of Public Distribution System (PDS) in the destination State
by providing for inter-State operability of PDS.
• The high level Committee has been formed to examine the working of the regulatory bodies Central Council
of Indian Medicine (CCIM) and Central Council of Homoeopathy(CCH). The committee will be headed
by Arvind Panagariya,Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog.
• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has constituted a 3 member committee on March 20, 2017 to
identify those Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers and other junior-rank officers of the Income Tax
department who are on unauthorised leave or are absconding, so that strict disciplinary action could be
initiated against them.
• The issue in sharing of water from river Krishna between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is to be looked after
by Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) as informed by Minister of state for Water Resources and
River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in Lok Sabha.
• A rocket carrying a classified U.S. satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office blasted off
from California. The satellite called NROL-79 is described only as a national security payload for the NRO
that has been put on space. The Mission did not reveal much information about the satellite.
• President Pranab Mukherjee awarded the prestigious President’s ‘Standard’ to 125Helicopter Squadron and
“Colours” to Mechanical Training Institute (MTI) at the Tambaram air base, near Chennai on March 3, 2017.
• Iran’s advanced S-300 air defence system, delivered by Russia following a July 2015 nuclear deal after years
of delay, is now operational state said by State television. The S-300 air defence system has been tested
successfully in the presence of government and military officials.
• Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Anil Madhav Dave, launched the web portal for obtaining
Coastal Regulation Zone clearances in New Delhi.The interactive Portal is for obtaining clearances required
from the Ministry under the “Coastal Regulation Zone” (CRZ) by the Project proponents which Minister also
termed the launch of the portal as a good example of ‘Ease of Doing Business’.
• The Central Board of Secondary Education has come up with a mobile application named Exam Locator,
which will help students locate their examination centre on the basis of their roll number corner for class X or
XII examinees.
• Sentinel-2B satellite developed by European Space Agency (ESA) was launched on March 7, 2017 as a part of
European Union Copernicus environmental monitoring system. The satellite weighing 1.1 tonne was lifted
into the orbit from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana at 01:49 GMT on 7 March using a Vega
rocket.
• Virbhadra Singh led Himacha Pradesh government has launched mobile app and website titled ‘MeraHunar
HP’ or ‘My Talent’ to help skilled and semi-skilled workers find jobs.
• A team of researchers at IBM has created the world’s smallest magnet using a single atom which can store one
bit of data on it. Currently, hard disk drives use about 100,000 atoms to store a single bit. The breakthrough
was published in the journal Nature on March 8, 2017.
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• The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran successfully test-fired a domestically
produced ballistic missile Hormuz-2 from a navy vessel on March 9, 2017.
• The Hubble Space Telescope has captured an image of an incredible massive galaxy named as UGC
12591 which is located under 400 million light-years away from the Earth.
• Chandrayaan-1, India’s first unmanned lunar spacecraft, which was generally considered lost, has been
discovered by the NASA scientists still orbiting the Moon.
• The women safety app ‘Ammavin Aran‘ which means ‘mother’s fortress’ was launched by
the AIADMK Deputy General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran on March 9, 2017 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on March 9, 2017 officially announced the name
of its upcoming mission to explore the Jupiter mysterious moon. The mission to explore
the habitability of Jupiter’s icy moon Europa will be called as Europa Clipper.
• SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket conducted its third flight of the year on March 16, 2017 to launch a commercial
communications satellite in the geosynchronous transfer orbit. The launch took off from NASA’s Launch
Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and carried the EchoStar 23 communications satellite into
orbit.
• Scientists at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in United States have for the first time in the world,
discovered a way to accurately predict whether a child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by analyzing
a blood sample.
• Japan space agency JAXA launched a new spy satellite Radar 5 from a launch site in the country’s southwest
on March 17, 2017. The information-gathering satellite Radar 5 is lifted off with H-2A rocket.
• The final year computer engineering students at Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT)
Pune and technology giant IBM have developed a robot named Chintu to assist senior citizens in their
everyday tasks. Chintu is about 58 cm (2 feet) tall robot, weighing over 5 kilograms.
• Anang Tadar, a Class XI student of New Galaxy Academy, Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh has invented a unique
pair of goggles that uses ultrasound and infrared sensors to help the visually impaired detect obstacles on their
path.
• Megastar Amitabh Bachchan launched the World’s first mobile Application named ‘ABC of Breast
Health’ during an event organized by the Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation at Mumbai’s JW Marriott
Hotel on March 15, 2017. The app is launched for both IOS and Android versions and is available in Apple
and Google Play Store for free download.
• Netherlands Scientists from Eindhoven University of Technology have developed infrared rays based Wi-Fi
system whih is 100 times faster than the Wireless Fidelity networks.
• The Scientists at CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research), have discovered a new system of five
particles all in a single analysis using the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, Large Hadron
Collider (LHC).
• The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) commissioned two major facilities, a Hypersonic Wind
Tunnel and Shock Tunnel at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre at Thiruvananthapuram on March 20, 2017.
• Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur is set to become the first academic institutions in India to receive
a supercomputing facility of 1 Peta-flop computing power under the National Supercomputing Mission
(NSM).
• The GRAPES-3 Experiment, a telescope located at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research’s (TIFRs) Cosmic
Ray Laboratory in Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu is getting upgraded. The GRAPE 3 telescope became famous in
2015 when it detected the effect of a solar storm that hit the earth in June 2015.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is set to send its next-generation atomic
clock into space by the end of 2017 which is a key advance for safely navigating future human exploration of
the solar system.
• The World’s Largest Artificial Sun Sets Up in Germany to come up with the optimal setup for concentrating
natural sunlight to power a reaction to produce hydrogen fuel.Synlight is a system composed of a huge
collection of 149 individual film projector spotlights with honeycomb-like setup, assembled at a single place
to produce about 10,000 times the intensity of the natural solar radiation on Earth's surface.
• The Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched MoPNG e-
Seva, a dedicated grievances redressal platform across Social Media on March 24, 2017.
• Researchers from the University of Glasgow have developed a unique technology that would make it possible
to use the sun's energy to charge the Prosthetic Limbs rather than using batteries as is done currently. The new
study was published in the March 22 issue of the journal Advanced Functional Materials. The scientists are
the first to develop a model for solar-powered prosthetic skin.
• The recent launch of Online Film Certification System of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) by
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Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu, reasserts Modi Govt’s commitment to promote
‘Digital India’ and ‘Ease of Doing Business’.The online film certification system named ‘E-
Cinepramaan’ will come into effect from 1st April 2017 replacing the earlier system of physical submission.
• The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) officially declared that it has launched four teams to the 36th
scientific mission to Antarctica on March 22, 2017. The mission has been organized by The National Centre
for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), Ministry of Earth Sciences and Government of India.
• An international team of astronomers has identified a Brown dwarf which is believed to be with
the purest composition and the highest mass. The research team was led by Dr ZengHua Zhang of the Institute
of Astrophysics in the Canary Islands.The dwarf is identified as SDSS J0104+1535, is a member of the so-
called halo - the outermost reaches - of our Galaxy, made up of the most ancient stars. The scientists report the
discovery in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
• According to a new study conducted by the scientist at the US National Center for Atmospheric Research
(NCAR), similar planetary waves that exist in the atmosphere high above the Earth surface may also exist on
Sun.
• The Integrated Automatic Aviation Meteorological System (IAAMS), which is the new Weather Monitoring
System to Indian Navy, is launched to use by Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba on March 29, 2017. The
IAAMS was launched at Rajali Air Station in Tamil Nadu.
• Mr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region launched
the Online Vigilance Clearance System and E-Service Book in New Delhi on March 30, 2017.
• Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A), the federal agency of the United States Department of Health and
Human Services approved the first drug to treat Severe Multiple Sclerosis. The drug called Ocrevus will be
sold by Genentech Company owned by the Swiss pharmaceutical major Roche.
• The government has launched two new Android based Apps- echallan and mParivahan, to provide
transparency in enforcement of traffic rules as well as enable the citizens to report any traffic violation or road
accident.
• Suresh Prabhu, the Minister of Railways launched a high speed free Wi-Fi service for the visitors at National
Rail Museum, New Delhi on March 30, 2017.
• Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa officially launched the e-billing system for the Indian
Air Force (IAF) called Aviation Turbine Fuel-Digital Issue and Payment (ATF-DIP) in New Delhi on March
28, 2017. The new system of ATF-DIP will be implemented from April 1, 2017.
• Bangaluru based ACT Fibernet has launched a wired broadband internet service having a speed of 1 Gigabit
per second with the pilot service in Hyderabad.
• Dr Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for the Development of North Eastern Region officially released the
information that Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has developed the four types of Lithium ion (Li-
ion) batteries. The batteries are used for satellite operation and launching of vehicles into space.
• India’s batting legend Sachin Tendulkar launched an Android and iOS based app named 100MB Cricket on
March 30, 2017 in Mumbai, which is dedicated to the Master Blaster himself. The app has been developed by
Pune-based technology firm JetSynthesys.
• Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) successfully launched it Falcon 9 from space launch
complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida and retrieved it on March 30, 2017. The rocket was used to
launch SES communications satellite into space.
DEFENCE
• India successfully conducted the test-fire of its indigenously developed supersonic interceptor Advanced Air
Defence (AAD) missile, capable of destroying any incoming enemy ballistic missile at low altitude.
• The Indian navy successfully test- fired indigenously built Kalvari class submarine an anti-ship missile for the
first time, which reflects further bolstering India’s naval prowess. The weapon was fired from the first vessel
in the series of six Scorpene-class submarines and it successfully hit a surface target during the trial in the
Arabian Sea.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over three defence products for
induction into the Indian Army in a formal ceremony on March 2, 2017 in New Delhi.
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The products developed in DRDO’s laboratory include

1. Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) SWATHI
2. NBC Recce Vehicle
3. NBC Drugs
• Indian Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, INS Viraat was decommissioned on March 6, 2017 at a solemn
ceremony in Mumbai after nearly 30 years of service for Indian Navy.The ship which is famously known as
the ‘Grand Old Lady’, was with the British Royal Navy since 1959 before the Indian government bought it for
Rs 6.5 crore in 1987.
• INS Tillanchang, a Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (WJFAC) was commissioned into the Indian Navy by Vice
Admiral Girish Luthra, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command,
at Karwar, Karnataka on March 9, 2017.
• United States and South Korean troops started their large-scale annual military drill named Foal Eagle on
March 1, 2017.The aim of the military exercise is to test their defense readiness against the threat from North
Korea.
• Indian Navy will set up meteorological facilities and impart training for the Myanmar Navy, which will help
offset increasing Chinese presence in its neighbourhood.
• The two-week long India-Nepal joint military exercise ‘Surya Kiran-Xi‘ begins in
Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand on March 7, 2017.
• A 14 days long joint military training exercise AL NAGAH-II, of the Indian Army and the Royal Army of
Oman kicked off on March 6, 2017 at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. This is the second edition of the joint
military exercise between the two countries. The first edition was held at Muscat, Oman in January 2015.
• India Successfully Conducts Maiden Tests of Extended Version of BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile from a
test range off the Odisha coast on March 11, 2017. The strike range of the missile has been enhanced from 290
km to 450 km and is capable of carrying a warhead of 300 kg.
• Pakistan Navy has successfully test-fired ground-to-sea missile from the coastal region on March 16,
2017.The missile is equipped with modern technology avionics, secured a hit on a target placed at sea with a
high degree of accuracy.
• Recently DRDO (Defecnce Research and Developmental Organisation), has provided the INDIAN
NAVY with three new naval systems to enhance its operation.This was handed over by our Defence minister
in-charge Mr. Arun Jaitely and accepted by our Chief of Naval staff Mr. Sunil LanbaThese naval system
include
1. USHUS –II SUBMARINE SONOR
2. DIRECTING GEAR FOR HULL-MOUNTED SONAR ARRAY
3. INTERNAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR SHIP APPLICATION
• Indian Navy Conducts Successful Test-Firing of Surface-to-Air Missile from INS Vikramadityafrom 21 to 23
March in the Arabian Sea.
• On 28th March 2017, INLCU L51, first of the eight ships of the LCU MK IV Class was commissioned into
the Indian Navy by Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, AVSM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar
Command at Port Blair.
• After 29 illustrious years of service, TU142M aircraft has been de-inducted from the Indian Navy. A special
farewell ceremony was organised on 29th March 2017, at INS Rajali, the premiere Naval Air Station located
in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu.
ENVIRONMENT
• The global news agency, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has been barred by the Indian Government
from shooting in any of its 50 tiger reserves for a period of five years. The ban was imposed by the National
Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) on February 27, 2017.
• The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) under the Ministry of Environment and Forests coordinated
nationwide ‘Operation Thunder Bird’ from January 30 to February 19, 2017 to combat illegal trade of wildlife
animals in the country.
• The National Green Tribunal has passed an order on March 2, 2017 prohibiting all camping activity on
beaches along the Ganga which fall within 100 meters from the middle of the river during lean season flow
from Shivpuri to Rishikesh, a hub for eco-tourism and river rafting.
• According to the findings by United States based Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the Earth’s
mantle is about 60 degree Celsius hotter than as previously thought by the scientists.
• For the first time ever, the Government of India has launched a comprehensive and scientific “across-the-
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river” survey in the River Ganga to determine the population of aquatic life surviving in the River including
the endangered Gangetic dolphin.
• According to research published in the journal Nature on March 1, 2017, scientists have discovered the oldest
known fossil in Canada which is believed to be as old as 3.7 billion years old or even 4.3 billion years old.
• According to the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)-2017 report about 45 percent of country’s total bird
spices were reported in Himachal Pradesh.
• Intense Tropical Cyclone Enawo was the strongest tropical cyclone that hit in the northeast of the Madagascar.
• In a bid to adhere to its global commitment on Global warming India launched the country’s latest plan to
phaseout one of the key refrigerants Hydrochlorofluorocarbon. The HCFC is being used in various sectors
including refrigeration, airconditioning and foam manufacturing.
• Ludhiana based Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has developed India’s first genetically
modified varieties of cotton whose seeds could help the farmers in saving the cultivation cost.
the three as PAU Bt 1 and F1861 were developed by PAU, while RS2013 was developed at Rajasthan
Agricultural University (RAU), Bikaner.
• Four States namely Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have decided to jointly conduct a
synchronised Elephant census from May 9-12, 2017.
• A team of scientists at CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Visakhapatnam have discovered 3
new canyons in the depths of Bay of Bengal close to Kovvada in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh on
March 10, 2017.
• In the first set of survey for the year 2017, scientists in Australia have revealed that the iconic Great Barrier
Reef is experiencing mass coral bleaching for a second year in a row for the first time.
• As per the study conducted by United States based scientists, rapid loss of Arctic sea ice in recent decades is
partly driven by natural variation and not just global warming caused by human activities.
• A team of scientists have discovered the world’s first fluorescent frog in Argentina that emits soft green,
yellow and red light under normal light, but gives off a bright blue and green glow in the dark.
• Scientists from Swedish Museum of Natural History have found two kinds of fossils resembling red algae in
uniquely well-preserved sedimentary in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh. One type is thread-like, the other one
consists of fleshy colonies.This algae is 1.6 billion years old which will be the oldest evidence of plant-like
life found on the Earth.
• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the International Crops Research Institute for the
Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) have signed an agreement on March 16, 2017 in New Delhi to work together
for crop improvement and agronomy programmes for grain legumes and dryland cereals.
• According the report presented in Lok Sabha by Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation Mahendra
Singh Tomar, West Bengal was the top most state of India having highest number of arsenic-affected persons
as on March 4, 2017. The total number of arsenic-affected persons in the state was more than 1.04 crore.
• A trans-boundary river of Asia Ganga along with river Yauna has recognised as the ‘first living entity of
India’ by the Uttarakhand High Court on March 20, 2017.Recently New Zealand government had declared
145km long Whanganui River as a first living entity of the world
• The National Green Tribunal’s southern bench, comprising of Justice P Jyothimani and expert member P S
Rao, on March 20, 2017 suspended the environmental clearance for the India-based Neutrino Observatory
(INO) project to be set up in Tamil Nadu for research on high energy and nuclear physics.
• A group of four birdwatchers have sighted Australia’s most mysterious species, The Night Parrot, in Western
Australia (WA) which was believed to be extinct. The discovery was made by Adrian Boyle, Nigel
Jackett, George Swann and Bruce Greatwich from Broome, in WA who dedicated 7 years of their life in
locating the bird.
• First vertical garden of India has setup at the Hosur Road Electronics City Flyover in Bengaluru to control the
pollution level of the city.It will also act as a sound proofing barrier. The world's first vertical gardens were
setup in China.
• The world's largest capstone has been discovered by the Archaeology Department of Telangana on March 21,
2017, after excavating an ancient human burial site in Narmeta village, Siddipet district. The capstone
weighing 40 tonnes was so huge that required large crane to lift it.
• Cyclone Debbie Hits Australian Coastal Resorts; Causes Huge Damage
• The Senate of Argentina unanimously voted favoring a Bill on March 29, 2017 by 58-0 to legalize the use of
cannabis oil and other derivatives obtained from marijuana, for medical use.
• The Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is the first tiger reserve in India to get the official mascot named
‘Bhoorsingh the Barasingha’.
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SPORTS
Rio Open 2017 Winner List.

Title Winner Runner
Men’s Single Dominic Thiem (Austria) Pablo Carreno Busta (Spain)
Men’s Double (Spain) Pablo Carreno Busta/Pablo Juan Sebastián Cabal / Robert
Cuevas (Uruguay) Farah (Colombia)
• 2017 World Women’s Youth Boxing Championship will be hosted by India in November for the first time
since 2010.This was announced during the AIBA commissions meeting held in New Delhi on March 1, 2017
• Chinese smartphone manufacturer OPPO Mobiles has bagged the Indian team sponsorship rights for a five-
year period starts on 1st April 2017 and continues until 31st March 2022, The Mobiles major will cough
out INR 1079 crore for the duration of their contract having beaten the only other bid of INR 768 crore
(approx USD 115 million) from Vivo, another smartphone manufacturer.
• Indian Spin duos Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin jointly claimed at No.1 in the ICC rankings for Test bowlers
in what is the first time of two spinners the top spot. Both stood at the top at 892 points.
• Indian women’s hockey team beat Belarus 3-1 in their fifth test to clinch the five-match Test series 5-0 on
March 8, 2017 in Bhopal.
• Kripa Shankar Bishnoi, a former Indian wrestler has been appointed as an international match referee
by United World Wrestling (UWW), the sport’s global governing body.
• The All India Football Federation (AIFF) appointed Portugal’s Luis Norton de Matos as the head coach of
the India U-17 World Cup team on March 1, 2017 for the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017.
• Australian women cricketer Sarah Coyte has announced her retirement from all forms of cricket with
immediate effect to combat mental health issues.
• The Indian men’s Rugby team, led by skipper Gautam Dagar, piped Pakistan by 14-12 to claim the 7th rank at
the Asia Men’s Rugby Sevens Trophy held at Aspire Rugby Field in Doha, Qatar.
• India’s women’s hockey team led by Ritu Rani defeated Belarus 3-1 to clinch their third consecutive win in
the five-Test Series held in Bhopal. This will be warm-up tournament ahead of their Hockey World League
Round 2 tournament in Canada scheduled this April.
• Russian Tennis star Maria Sharapova has been granted wild card Italian Open as makes her return from a
doping ban. The Rome tournament runs from May 15 to May 21.
List of Winners of the ISSF Shooting World Cup 2017.
Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
1 China 6 6 0 12
2 Italy 2 3 0 5
3 Australia/Japan 2 0 1 3
5 India 1 2 2 5
ISSF Shooting World Cup

• Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu bagged the first ever gold medal in the newly included 10m pistol mixed event at the
ISSF Shooting World Cup.
• India’s Pooja Ghatkar clinched bronze medal in the women’s 10m air rifle event in the International Shooting
Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup.
• India’s Deepak Kumar gave an impressive performance in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle at the ISSF World Cup in
New Delhi.
• Jitu Rai won gold medal in the 50-metre free pistol event on March 1, 2017 in the ISSF World Cup at the Dr.
Karni Singh Range, Tughlakabad, New Delhi. Jitu created a new world record with 230.1 points.
2017 Dubai Tennis Championships
Category Winner Runner
Men’s Singles Andy Murray (United Kingdom) Fernando Verdasco(Spain)
Women’s Singles Elina Svitolina(Ukraine) Caroline Wozniacki(Denmark)
Men’s Doubles Netherlands Pair Rohan Bopanna (India) / Marcin
Jean-Julien Rojer / Romania Horia Tecău Matkowski (Poland)
Women’s Doubles Ekaterina Makarova(Russia) / Elena Andrea Hlaváčková (Czech Republic) /
Vesnina(Russia) Peng Shuai ( China)
2017 Brasil Open – Overview

Title Winner Runner
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Singles Uruguay Pablo Cuevas Spain Albert Ramos Viñolas

Doubles Brazil Rogério Dutra Silva New Zealand Marcus Daniell / Brazil
/ Brazil André Marcelo Demoliner
2017 Mexican Open – Overview

Men’s singles Sam Querrey (United States) Rafael Nadal (Spain)
Women’s singles Lesia Tsurenko (Ukraine) Kristina Mladenovic (France)
Men’s Doubles Jamie Murray / Brazil Bruno Soares John Isner / Spain Feliciano López, (United
(United Kingdom Pair) States Pair)
Women’s Doubles Darija Jurak (Croatia) / Anastasia Verónica Cepede Royg (Paraguay) / Mariana
Rodionova (Australia) Duque Mariño (Colombia)
• Chris Bertish, a South African surfer and a sailor became the first person in the world on March 9, 2017 to
cross the Atlantic Ocean on a stand-up paddleboard after completing an epic 4,050-mile voyage alone at sea.
• In the latest FIFA ranking for the month of March Indian Football team dropped two places and is now ranked
at 132nd spot as compared to 130 in February FIFA ranking. The rankings were released on 9 March
2017.Argentina is at the top in FIFA ranking with 1644 points, followed by Brazil at second spot with 1534
points and Germany at third spot with 1443 points.
• Top seeded Lee Chong Wei won his fourth All England Championship in men’s singles event by beating Shi
Yuqi from China21-12, 21-10 at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham, England on March 12, 2017.
• SSP Chawrasia became the only Indian Golfer to retain his Hero Indian Open title for the second year in a row
with a remarkable seven-stroke win in New Delhi on March 12, 2017. The Hero Indian Open held at the
redesigned DLF Golf and Country Club redesigned DLF Golf and Country Club carries an enhanced prize
purse of USD 291,660.
• Punjab defeated Railways by a 2-1 in a Group B final round league match of the 71st Santosh Trophy football
tournament on March 13, 2017 in Goa.
• The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on March 13, 2017 confirmed a lifetime ban on Sergei
Portugalov from sports for his role in providing illicit substances to Russian athletes.
• Two times Olympic gold medallist Joanna Rowsell Shand announced her retirement from international
cycling on March 14, 2017.
• The Committee of Administrators, constituted by the Supreme Court to manage the affairs of the cricket
board, finalized and uploaded a new constitution for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on
March 18, 2017. However, the constitution prepared is not permanent. The Mumbai Cricket Association and
the Saurashtra Cricket Association which were Full Members earlier were downgraded to Associate
membership.
• Swiss Professional Tennis Player Roger Federer won his fifth BNP Paribas Open Tennis Tournament crown
on March 19, 2017 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, California by defeating his fellowmate Stan
Wawrinka 6-4, 7-5. However in Women’s singles format Elena Vesnina defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova.
• Tamil Nadu won the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2017 at the Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi on March 16, 2017 by
beating Bengal by 37 runs in the finals.
• India’s Billiards Champion Vidya Pillai settled for silver medal in the 2017 World Women Snooker
Championship held in Safra Toa Payoh, Singapore on March 20, 2017.The 39 year old lost to Hong
Kong's Ng On Yee, who won the gold with 5-4 lead.
• India’s KT Irfan won the bronze medal in men’s 20km race walk event at the Asian Race Walking
Championships in Nomi, Japan on March 19, 2017. The 27 year old Army athlete clocked an
impressive 01:20:59 to clinch the title.
• Indian Cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara(29) became the first Indian batsman to face 500 balls in the second
innings of the 3rd Test against Australia at Ranchi. Pujara has played 525 balls in his 202 run innings. With
this he breaks Rahul Dravid's record who faces 494 balls in 2004.
• India’s spin-bowler Ravindra Jadeja has attained the top spot in the list of the Test bowlers as per the
latest ICC Test Ranking released on March 21, 2017.
• Indian shooter Ankur Mittal won the gold medal at the International Shooting Sport Federation Shotgun
World Cup in the men’s double trap event at Acapulco, Mexico on March 23, 2017.Mittal beat Australia’s
James Willet with a score of 75 out of 80 while Willet managed 73.
• The 9th edition of Fazza International IPC Athletics Grand Prix Competition began in Dubai, UAE on March
20, 2017 and concluded on March 23, 2017.
• The Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar will soon be transformed into modern football stadium as per the norms of
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the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). The estimated cost for developing of the
stadium is Rs 48 crore
• Indian team finished in a high note in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games with a triumphing 73
medals held in Austria between March 18 and March 24. These games are meant for the specially-able person
and India finished as a special team with 89 participants.India finished the games with an overall medal tally
of 37 gold, 10 silver and 26 bronze with total tally of 73 medals.
• Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel beat Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton to win the 2017 Formula 1 Rolex Australian
Grand Prix on 26 March 2017 at Albert Park in Melbourne.
• Miami open tournament that has been taking place from March 20th, 2017 has witnessed a wonderful game of
the season in which Rafel Nadal has came out with a winning note against 31st seeded player, German
veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber. With this win he has registered a win in his 1000th match which is very big
achievement in his career.
• West Bengal beat Goa (1-0) to clinch the 71 Santosh Trophy for a record 32nd time on March 26, 2017 at
the GMC Bambolim Stadium, Goa.
• Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, has been selected to host the 2017 Men’s Hockey World League
Final as well as the Men’s World Cup in 2018 at the Kalinga Stadium.
• Shaun Tait, Australian fast bowler officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on March 27,
2017, thus ending his 15-year career at the competitive level.
• The Indian shuttle players Purva Barve and Varun Kapur bagged double delight by winning in the Li Ning-
Israel Open 2017 which was held at Sports Hall, Rishon LeZion in Israel. The Pune based players brought
home the momentum for which the whole nation would be proud of.
• India stayed strong in its No.1 spot in ICC test rankings, after a marvelous win against West Indies in West
Indies and followed by a successful home season. On 28th March, 2017 India clinched its final test series in
home against Australia this season and retained its ICC Test Championship Maze.
• Gaurvi Singhvi, the 14 year old Udaipur girl became the first to swim across Bandra Worli Sea Link to the
Gateway of India route in Arabian Sea in a record time of 6 hours and 30 minutes. She also swam across that
route by breaking an earlier record.
• Argentinean footballer Lionel Messi received a 4-match ban after using insulting words at an assistant referee
in the match against Chile held on March 24, 2017. The top scorer for his country, Messi was found guilty for
violating the Act 57 of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee (FDC)
• Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy the Indian men doubles team won the title at the Vietnam
International Challenge Badminton tournament at Hanoi on March 27, 2017. This title is
their 4th International Challenge title
• Tamilnadu State cricket team won the Deodhar Trophy by beating India Red on March 29, 2017. By this win,
Tamilnadu State cricket became first state team to win all the Board of Control for Cricket in India
(BCCI) senior level matches.
• Srinath Narayanan, the 23-year-old Chess player from Chennai, Tamilnadu is in his track of becoming
the 46th Grandmaster in the history of this sport. The milestone was achieved by him after defeating GM
David Anton Guijarro from Spain at the Sharjah Masters 2017 chess tournament held on March 29, 2017. The
45th Grandmaster title was held by Aryan Chopra from New Delhi. He is currently the grandmaster in the
world.
• Elvan Abeylegesse, the 34 year old Turkish long-distance runner stripped of Two Olympic silver medals and
One Championship medal after she was found positive in re-analysis of an in-competition doping test which
was done on August 25, 2007.
• Bookie link in Pakistan Super League T20- Pakistan bowler Mohammad Irfan banned for 1 year
• 22nd Asian Athletics Championships will be hosted by Bhubaneswar which is going to be conducted
from July 6, 2017. The information was announced by Asian Athletics Association (AAA). The venue was
decided after the 86th Council Meeting of AAA. Continent flagship event will be held in Kalinga Stadium in
Bhubaneswar. The event has the ending ceremony on July 9, 2017.
OBITUARY
• Renowned Gujarati Writer Tarak Mehta Dies at 87

• Senior Congress leader & RS MP Haji Abdul Salam passes away
• Veteran politician, former MP Yumnam Yaima Singh passes away
• French football legend Raymond Kopa passes away
• Former IFS and MP Syed Shahabuddin dies
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• Liver transplant surgical pioneer Dr. Thomas Starzl dies

• Former Haiti President Rene Preval dead at age 74
• Rabi Ray, former Lok Sabha Speaker, passes away
• Bengal’s Popular Folk Singer Kalikaprasad Bhattarcharya Dies
• Veteran journalist Arvind Padmanabhan passes away
• Gravitational Waves Pioneer Ronald Drever Dies at 85
• Former Puducherry Minister M Chandrakasu passes away
• Hungarian–American and Chemistry Nobel laureate George Olah dies aged 89
• John Surtees, British F1 Legend Dies At 83
• Former DSA President Sood Passes Away
• Noted Film Director Diphan Dies At 45.
• Filmmaker and Children’s Author Amy Krouse Rosenthal Dies at 51
• Former Car Racer Ashwin Sundar Died in Car Accident
• Nobel laureate poet and playwright Derek Walcott Passes at 87
• Pioneer of Rock n Roll, Chuck Berry Dies at 90
• Meteorologist Sikka Passes Away
• Former Rajya Sabha member Pyarimohan Mohapatra passes away
• Gujarati poet Chinu Modi passes away
• Former Liverpool captain and coach Ronnie Moran was passed away in UK on March 22, 2017. He was 83.
• The billionaire philanthropist and former head of Chase Manhattan Corp, David Rockefeller has died in USA .
He was 101.
• Noted Tamil litterateur Thiagarajan popularly known as Asokamitran passes away
• .Eminent Jurist and Senior Advocate, Tehmtan R. Andhyarujina passed away on March 28, 2017 in Mumbai
at the age of 84.
• Renowned playwright Arun Sarma Passes at 86
• Former Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurdev Singh Badal passed away on March 28, 2017 at Dayanand
Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana. He was 85.
• Indian-Origin South African Anti-Apartheid Activist Ahmed Kathrada Dies
• Kerala Based Historian Namboodiri Passes Away
BOOKS & AUTHORS
• Former Indian cricketer Akash Chopra released book titled Numbers Do Lie, 61 Hidden Cricket Stories which
takes a different look at stats. This book was wriiten and edited by Chopra and his analysis team.
• Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has launched his autobiography named ‘My Story’ in Kolkata in the
presence of former Indian cricketer Saurav Ganguly.This book was triggered by how he was affected by Phil
Hughes’ death when India were touring Australia in 2014-15
• The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh has launched the book
titled “50 Years – The Great Indian Milk Revolution” to commemorate National Dairy Development Board’s
(NDDB) Golden Jubilee year on March 23, 2017. This book suumarize NDDB's remarkable 50-year
journey and the value it has created for millions of dairy farmers in this country.
• Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Bipin Rawat released a book titled ‘Home of the Brave’ on March
27, 2017 in New Delhi.The book highlights the history of the Rashtriya Rifles (RR), the Counter
Insurgency Force of the Indian Army.
• A book on the history of Indian Railways titled “Indian Railway-The weaving of a National Tapestry” was
inaugurated by the Union Minister of Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu on March 30, 2017.The book
has been jointly authored by Shri Bibek Debroy (Member, NITI Aayog), Shri Sanjay Chadha (Joint Secretary,
Ministry of Commerce) & Ms. Vidya Krishnamurthi.
IMPORTANT DAYS
• World Civil Defence Day is celebrated on 1st March every year across the world to commemorates the entry
into force of the ICDO Constitution as an intergovernmental organisation in 1972. 2017 Theme: “Together
with civil defence against disasters”.
• The Zero Discrimination Day is observed on March, 01 2017 across the world to combat all forms of
discrimination since 2014. 2017 Theme : “Make Some Noise For Zero Discrimination”.
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• National Defence Day is celebrated on March 3 every year. across India to commemorate the day, world’s
largest and tallest Indian tricolour was unfurled at Town Park in Faridabad.
• World Wildlife Day was observed each year on 3rd March since its proclamation by the United Nations
General Assembly on 20 December 2013. This year with the Theme “Listen to the young voices” to provide
incentives to the youth to tackle conservation issues.
• World Hearing Day is observed on each year on March 3rd to promote hearing since its pronouncement in
2007. The theme for World Hearing Day 2017 “Action for hearing loss: make a sound investment” reflects to
the economic impact of hearing loss.
• 46th National Safety Week Campaign was commenced from 4th March 2017 to 10th March 2017 to renewing
the commitment of employees and general public to work safely throughout the year. Theme: “Keep Each
Other Safe”
• Odisha observed the 101st birth anniversary of former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik on March 5, 2017. As a
part of the occasion, the mini-marathon was flagged off by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik from Biju
Patnaik Park in Bhubaneswar which ended at the Kalinga Stadium.
• International Women’s Day is celebrated by the Governments, NGOs and other Organizations worldwide on
March 8 every year since 1900.The theme adopted by the United Nation for 2017 is Women in the Changing
World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030.
• On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Swachh Shakti
2017 – A Convention of Women Sarpanches, at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
• The National Archives of India celebrated its 127th Foundation Day on March 11, 2017 at Janpath, New
Delhi. National Archives of India is an Attached Office under the Ministry of Culture and established on 11
March 1891 at Calcutta.
• Commonwealth Day is celebrated annually across the Commonwealth of Nations on the second Monday in
(March 13, 2017). Theme: A peace-building Commonwealth
• Every year, World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated on March 15th to pay more attention to promote basic
rights of consumers. 2017 Theme: ‘Building a Digital World Consumers can Trust’.
• The US state of Kansas has declared to observe March 16 as “Indian American Appreciation Day” to honour
Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla who was killed in an apparent hate crime on February 22, 2017.
• The International Day of Happiness is celebrated worldwide on March 20 since 2013 to educate and increase
public awareness of the benefits of happiness since 2013.This year the United Nation is using the Smurfs
through “Small Smurfs Big Goals” campaign to promote its 17 sustainable development goals on the
International Day of Happiness.According to the 2017 World Happiness Report by the Sustainable
Development Solutions Network, Norway has been ranked as the happiest country of the world among 155
nations. India was placed at 122nd position in the World Happiness Report.
• World Sparrow Day is celebrated every year on March 20 across the world since 2010 to raise awareness
about the importance of birds dwelling in urban areas.
• The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is celebrated every year on 21st March
to encourages people to remember their obligation and determination to combat racial discrimination. 2017
Theme: Racial profiling and incitement to hatred, including in the context of migration.
• Every year on 21st March is observed as International Day of Forests proclaimed by United Nations(UN)
across the world to promotes the importance of forests and trees in our lives.Theme: Forests and energy. This
year theme highlight the importance of wood energy in improving people's lives, powering sustainable
development and mitigating climate change.
• UNESCO designated World Poetry Day is observed on 21st March to encourage a return to the oral tradition
of poetry recitals, to promote the teaching of poetry.
• UN designated World water day is observed on March 22, 2017 in various country to raise awareness of the
importance of conserving and managing water resources. 2017 Theme: Why Waste water?
• World Meteorological Day is observed annually on March 23 annually in various part of the world to
remember the World Meteorological Organization's establishment on 23rd March with the
Theme: 'Understanding Clouds'.
• 86th Martyrs' Day of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Shivaram Observed on March 23 2017
Every year, March 23 is observed as Shaheed Diwas or Martyr’s Day by India to commemorate the death
anniversary of three of India’s freedom struggle heroes namely
• 2017 Martyr’s Day marks the 86th death anniversary of the courageous leaders.On the occasion of Shaheed
Diwas 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tributes to the three freedom fighters remembering their
courage & sacrifice.
• Every year World Tuberculosis Day is observed on March 24 across the world to commemorates the day in
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1882 when Dr Robert Koch astounded the scientific community by announcing that he had discovered the
cause of tuberculosis, the TB bacillus. Theme: Unite to End TB
• International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members Observed on March 25.
• The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is
observed annually on March 25, 2017. Theme: "Remember Slavery: Recognising the Legacy and
Contributions of People of African Descent".
• Bangladesh observed its 47th Independence Day on March 26, 2017 to commemorate the country's
declaration of independence from Pakistan in 1971.
• The 2017 Earth Hour was observed worldwide on March 25, 2017. This year marks the 10th anniversary of
the event.Earth Hour is a worldwide movement organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). It was
started as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. Since then, more than 7,000 cities and towns across
172 countries worldwide are engaged in the nobel cause.
• The 2017 World Theatre Day was observed worldwide on March 27, 2017, a day observed to draw attention
to the power of the stage.
Current Affairs April 2017

INDIAN AFFAIRS
• Finance Ministrylowers interest rates on small saving schemes like PPF, KVP and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
by 0.1 per cent for April-June quarter
• With this approval, quantitative ceiling on exports of organic agricultural and organic processed products has
been squashed. However quantitative ceiling will still prevail on organic lentils and pulses owing to its acute
shortage in the domestic market.
• In a bid to make the ‘Regional Connectivity Scheme’ operational; Civil Aviation Ministry has selected 27
proposals from 5 airlines to operate 128 routes across the country, connecting 31 unconnected airports. It
added that first regional flight under UDAN scheme will start operating from April 2017 , these are Air
Deccan, Air Odisha, Alliane Air, SpiceJet, Trujet.
• Pawan Hans, the National chopper operator is all set to launch its “Dilli Darshan” rides from April 1, 2017
with a 10 minute chopper ride costing Rs 2499 per person. In addition to that, the Chopper operator also
offers a 20 minute helicopter ride for Rs 4999.
• Indian railways has announced the 5 Green Corridors under which Barmer Munawab and Pipad Road-Bilara
rail routes in Rajasthan have been declared by North Western Railways as Green Corridors under “Swachh
Rail- Swachh Bharat” mission.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved amendments to the New Urea Policy–
2015 on March 31, 2017. The policy is effective from June 1, 2015 to March 31, 2019.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the amendments in the Mega Power Policy
2009 on March 31, 2017. Total of 25 projects comes under this policy.States under these projects are Jammu
and Kashmir, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.
• On 31st March 2017, President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to the Finance Bill 2017. Thus, all financial
and taxation related provisions as announced in Budget 2017 have now attained a legal status.
• Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned Rs 98.35 crores for tourism development in Assam.
The amount sanctioned will be used under the scheme of Swadesh Darshan. The cities to be developed are
Tezpur, Majuli and Sivasagar.
• In a bid to promote electric mobility and manufacturing of electric/hybrid vehicles and their components,
Central Government constituted National Board for Electric Mobility (NBEM) on 3rd April 2017.
• In its ongoing efforts to combat the problem of declining child sex ratio in the state, Haryana State Govt. has
announced to provide one-time grant of Rs 21,000 to all those families whose third girl child was born after
August 24, 2015 under the currently operational 'Aapki Beti Humari Beti' scheme.
• Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari has announced the first North
East Express Highway project at the closing ceremony of the 'Namami Brahmaputra' festival on April 4,
2017.This 1300 Km highway project will be implemented with an outlay of Rs 40,000 crore in Assam.
• Uttar Pradesh chief minister, Yogi Adityanath declares Rs 36,359 crore farm loan waivers at its first cabinet
meeting on 4thApril 2017. Upon this waive off crop loans of up to Rs 1 lakh of small and marginal farmers in
the state.
• Union Cabinet approved a proposal to set up a regulator for Indian Railways to recommend passenger and
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freight fares and set the performance benchmarks.This entity will be named Railway Development Authority
(RDA) and will be based in New Delhi. Rs.50 crore has been earmarked to set up the authority. Its functions
will be regulated by Railway Act, 1989.
• Union Home Ministry’s proposal for extending the implementation of the Crime and Criminals Tracking
Network and Systems (CCTNS) project for one year till March 2018. CCTNS aims to create a national
database of crimes and criminals. The Allocated funds for this is Rs. 2,000 crore.
• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on March 4, 2017 declared Jhargram as the 22nd district of
Bengal and it has been bifurcated from West Midnapore.
• The Finance Act, 2017 introduced Section 139AA of the Income-tax Act, 1961 which states that mandatory
quoting of Aadhaar /Enrolment ID of Aadhaar application form, for filing IT returns and application for
allotment of Permanent Account Number(PAN) with effect from July 1.
• The Madhya Pradesh Government-run Maharshi Patanjali Sanskrit Sansthan plans to launch one year diploma
course from July 2017 known as “Diploma in Purohityam “ for teaching priesthood.
• The agreement was signed between representatives of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and
the ASE Group of Companies, a subsidiary of ROSATOM State Atomic Energy Corporation of Russia on the
final settlement of Kudankulam 1.
• Union Govt. has decided to revive its 45-year-old North Koel river irrigation project with an objective to
provide irrigation facilities to over one lakh hectare of farm land in Jharkhand, specifically in Daltonganj and
Palamu region along with neighbouring districts of Bihar. The pending work on this project will be completed
at an estimated cost of Rs 1,622 crore.
• This was for the first time in the history of Haryana , the sex ratio has touched the 950 mark. Haryana CM
Manohar LalKhattar said that the sex ratio at birth stood at 950 girls to 1000 boys.
• The union government declared Kerala as a drought hit state along with 7 other states and announced a
drought relief package of Rs 24000 crore to drought affected areas as well. The Government has allowed 50
additional working days under The NATIONAL RURAL EMPLOYMENT GURANTEE SCHEME. Seven
states which are included along with Kerala are Tamil Nadu, Karnataka,Uttarkhand, UttarPradesh,
AndhraPradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
• The Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri Venkaiah Naidu launched 352 housing projects in
53 cities.
• On April 7, 2017, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the three-
day National Children’s Film Festival (NCFF) at VUDA Children’s Arena in Visakhapatnam, Andhra
Pradesh.
• President Pranab Mukherjee will draw lots for Lucky Grahak Yojana (3 Mega Prizes for worth Rs. 1 crore, Rs.
50 lakh, Rs. 25 lakh – for consumers) and Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana (3 Mega Prizes worth Rs 50 lakhs, Rs.
25 lakh, Rs. 12 lakh – for merchants) at a function to be held at Rashtrapati Bahvan.
• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved 26 projects worth Rs 2,154.28 crore under the
Centre’s ‘Namami Gange’ programme, focusing to reduce the river’s pollution.
• After Jhargram, West Burdwan has declared as 23rd district of West Bengal by West Bengal CM Mamata
Banerjee as a "Bengali New Year gift to the people."
President three day Visits to West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar
• President was the Chief Guest at 52nd Annual Convocation of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) –
Calcutta.
• Followed by In Jharkhand, Ranchi, President laid foundation stone of Rabindra Bhawan and Haj House. Other
functions and ceremonies attended by President in Jharkhand included: Inauguration of 44 Kms Deoghar -
Basukinath Solar Street Light Project, laying foundation stone of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)
Centre and Employees State Insurance Corporation Hospital.
• The President concluded his three-day tour on 03 rd April by visiting Vikramshila University Monument,
Museum at Vikramshila, Shyama Charan Lahiri Peeth and Gurudham-Bounsi in Bihar.
• An exhibition titled “Swachhagraha – Bapu Ko Karyanjali – Ek Abhiyan, Ek Pradarshani” inaugurated by PM
Narendra Modi at National Archives of India (NIA) in New Delhi. This exhibition has been organised to mark
100 years of Champaran Satyagraha, which was Mahatma Gandhi’s first experiment in using non-violence
and non-cooperation as methods to protest.
• AYUSH Minister Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated the International Convention on World Homoeopathy Day
in New Delhi on April 10 and the Theme of the convention: “Enhancing Quality Research in Homoeopathy
through scientific evidence and rich clinical experiences”
• On April 10, 2017, Lok Sabha passed 123rd Constitution Amendment Bill, 2017 with 360 members voting in
favour and two members voting against it. This amendment bill seeks to grant constitutional status to
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National Commission for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes.

• The Survey General of India (Nakshe Portal ) completes 250 years on 10th April, 2017. The center launched a
website which allows the public access to 3000 maps which are prepared by Survey General of India. It also
made a subscription to Aadhaar mandatory for the service.
• On April 10, 2017, Lok Sabha passed The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2016 by voice vote. This bill
amends the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
• After passed by Rajyasabha The Parliament has passed the Constitution (Schedule Castes) Order
(Amendment) Bill 2017. It was already passed by LokSabha in March 2017.The Bill seeks to amends the
constitution (Schedule Castes) order, 1950 and the constitution (Pondicherry) Scheduled Castes Order, 1964.
• Ministry of Rural development has released nearly 23,500 crore rupees to the States under Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
• Parliament passed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(AIDS) (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2017 to ensure equality for HIV positive persons in spheres of
education, employment and treatment.
• The Kerala government has announced to make Malayalam language mandatory in all schools in the state.
• Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh impose liquor ban in Chhattisgarh after his meeting with Bihar Chief minister
Nitishkumar.Chhattisgarh has now become the second state to declare a ban on alcohol.
• Cabinet approves signing of Framework of Understanding between India and Bangladesh on Cooperation in
the hydrocarbon sector.
• Cabinet approves implementation of Supreme Court’s Judgment regarding Target Plus Scheme (TPS) under
Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2004-09
• Cabinet approves setting up of Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) at Visakhapatnam in Andhra
Pradesh. IIPE will be built at a cost of over Rs. 655 crore.
• Cabinet approves setting up of a Special Purpose Vehicle to be called Government e-Marketplace (GeM SPV)
• In order to safeguard the economic interests of Jute farmers, Govt. has hiked the Minimum Support Price
(MSP) for raw Jute from Rs. 3200/- per quintal in previous season to Rs. 3500/- for 2017-18 season.
• The Pilot Project has been launched by State-owned fuel retailers Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum
Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL), for daily price revision in five select cities
from May 1 that owns nearly 58,000 petrol pumps in the country.
• A unique programme“Ammaku Vandanam”will be launched by the Andhra Pradesh in the government
schools to pay tribute to mothers.
• With a motive to enlighten children in naxal-affected areas of Jharkhand’s Palamau district, Jharkhand Police
has initiated Tare Zameen Par program to encourage children to lead happy lives.
• After UP's Anti Romeo Squad Harayana launches Operation Durga. Haryana announced the launch of Durga
Vahini - police squads it aims to stop harassment of women on public spaces.
• ‘Operation Meghdoot' the code-name for an Indian Armed Forces operation, was launched 33 years back. A
Platoon of four Kumaon led by then Captain Sanjay Kulkarni planted the first Indian Flag on Siachen Glacier
at Bilafond La which began Operation Meghdoot.
• The safety measures that are recommended by the Ministry of Women and Child Development for the safety
of women commuters who avails cab services have been included in the new Taxi Policy Guidelines.
• On April 14, 2017, during his Nagpur visit, PM Narendra Modi launched a less - cash township model,
developed by Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (GNFC), across 81 townships in 12
States.
• Urdu to be included in NEET exam the common test for admission from 2018-2019
into medical college announced by the Supreme Court.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. He felicitated the family members of 16 freedom
fighters who were martyred during the Paika Rebellion.
• Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh announced the prohibition of the names of any Ministers, MLAs on the
foundation stone.All the schemes that are announced by the CM or any other minister, MLAs and other
officials from now would be dedicated to the people of Punjab.
• ASCI (Advertising Standards Council of India) have released a set of guidelines for celebrities. As per the
guidelines Celebrities who endorse for the advertisements should take care of that the advertisements should
not be misleading and deceptive.
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• Maharashtra has become the first state to launch a special awareness drive to ensure that transgenders in the
state register as voters in larger numbers. It is to be noted that 15th April is celebrated as ‘Third Gender
Day’ to commemorate Supreme Court judgement in 2014 to recognise transgenders as ‘Thrd Gender’.
• Uttar Pradesh has decided to set up 40 Yoga wellness centers in 40 districts across the state in this current
year. The International Yoga Day (IYD) is celebrated across the world on 21 June.
• Under rural employment program (MGNREGA) Ministry of Rural Development achieved a milestone by
successfully geotagging 1 crore assets. It started in 2006-07 and each year a huge number of rural assets are
created under MGNREGA. All the assets created under the program will be geotagged.
• The Telangana legislature has passed the bill to hike reservation for Muslim and STs
For Muslim 4% to 12% increment and for Scheduled tribes 6% to 10%.
PM Narendra Modi’s two day visit to Gujarat.
• PM inaugurates Multi-Speciality Hospital, Diamond Manufacturing Unit in Surat
• At Bajipura village in Tapi district of Gujarat, PM Modi inaugurated a fully automated cattle feed plant
of SUMUL Dairy.
• In Botad district of Gujarat, PM Modi inaugurated Phase-I of Link 2 pipeline canal of the
ambitious Saurashtra-Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana by formally releasing the Narmada water
in Krushna Sagar Lake.
• In Silvassa, PM inaugurated Passport Seva Kendra, Jan Aushadhi Kendra and Solar Photo Voltaic Plant.
• The Centre launched a training programme for Women Panchayat leaders to skill and administers them so that
they can give special emphasis on efficient usage of funds for achieving their overall development.
• The country's oldest IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) is going to introduce Vastu Shastra classes for its
architecture students. Classes will be introduced from August, 2017. VastuShastra has its beginnings in Rig
Veda.
• Union Cabinet has given its approval for procurement of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) Units
for use in the General Elections, 2019.
• Cabinet has given its approval for Ex-post facto approval for Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-third
Amendment) Bill 2017 and (ii) National Commission for Backward Classes (Repeal) Bill, 2017
• In order to ensure prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income, Union Cabinet has given its
approval for signing of a Protocol amending the Convention between India and Portugal for avoidance
of double taxation.
• The Union Cabinet has decided to impose a ban on the use of red beacons atop vehicles of government
officials and VIPs. This rule will be effective from May 1, 2017.
• Union Cabinet has approved a proposal of extending stock limits on sugar traders by another six months till
October 2017.
• Power Purchase agreement (PPA) has signed between Delhi Metro Railways Corporation (DMRC) & Madhya
Pradesh Power Management Company (MPPMC) with Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited, the implementing
agency for the ‘world’s largest single site solar power project’, the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Power Project
(UMSPP, 750MW) in Bhopal.
• According to the report of “Youth in India” the sex ratio in India falls to 898 girls for 1,000 boys in 2031 from
939 in 2011.
• PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate a mega event Textiles India showcase the country as a global sourcing hub
in Gandhinagar on June 30, 2017.
• Indian Govt. has extended the ceasefire with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Reformation (NSCN-
R) for one year till April 27, 2018. This decision was taken during a meeting between Ceasefire Supervisory
Board of the NSCN-R and Union Home Ministry officials held in New Delhi.
• ‘Inter-Ministerial Consultation on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Containment’ was held on April 19, 2017
in New Delhi. At this meeting, Union Health Minister J P Nadda announced the finalization of India’s
comprehensive and multi-sectoral National Action Plan to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
• Punjab Govt. took a decision to set up ‘Book banks’ in all schools .The old students would be asked to submit
their old books which would be afforded to needy children free of charge.
• The Supreme Court (SC) of India in April 2017 set a benchmark for maintenance to be paid by a husband to
his former wife. The court has mentioned that 25% of his net salary to be given to his ex-wife for
maintenance.
• Central Govt. has unveiled a draft model law ‘Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and
Facilitating) Act (APLM), 2017’. This draft model seeks to liberalise the trade in agri-products and livestock
and will thereby help in doubling farmers’ income by 2022.
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• The second quarterly review meeting on the Swachh Iconic Places (SIP) was held at Mata Vaishno Devi
Shrine, in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. 10 places Gangotri, Yamunotri Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain, Char
Minar, Hyderabad, Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assissi, Goa, Adi Shankaracharya’s abode Kaladi in
Ernakulam, Gomateshwar in Shravanbelgola, BaijnathDham, Devghar, Gaya Tirth in Bihar and Somnath
temple in Gujarat.
• The subscribers of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) can now have online access to their statement of
transaction (e-SOT) and Permanent Retirement Account Number (e-PRAN).
• The International Road Federation (IRF) has announced that India is set to host the 18th World Road Meeting
(WRM 2017) on November 13. The theme of World Road Meeting is ‘Safe Roads and Smart Mobility: The
Engines of Economic Growth’.
• The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has become the India’s First public hospital to start
plaque brachytherapy facility for the treatment of eye tumours.
• The Yogi Adityanath government has set up an anti-land mafia task force in Uttar Pradesh.
• The Haryana chief minister 'Manohar La lKhattar' has announced to change the name
of Ballabhgarh to Balramgarh. The name Ballabgarh is a corruption of Balramgarh (the fort of Balram).
• Central Asian country, Kazakhstan has opened its consulate in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This consulate will
cover Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation has
sanctioned 1, 00,537 houses for urban poor.
• The government of Pondicherry announced that the farmers in the Union Territory will be getting free power
supply for pump sets used for irrigation purpose. The scheme is expected to benefit around 7000 farmers.
• Bihar State Legislature has ratified the Constitution Amendment Bill on Goods and Services Tax (GST) on
April 24, 2017
• On 23 April 2017 “The India Post”has released a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Coffee as bring
aFragrance Stamp in Bengaluru.
• The Sumi Baptist Church Zunheboto (SBCZ) is in the northeastern state of Nagaland, India. It is finally set for
dedication after almost a decade since its construction began.
• According to survey based on 20 states karnataka is the most corrupt state in the country. The Centre for
Media Studies (CMS) released its 11th round of the the annual corruption study ‘CMS India Corruption Study
2017'.
• Chhattisgarh passed Goods and Service Tax (GST) Bill on April 28th 2017 and become the fifth state in the
country after Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana and Rajasthan.
• Union Health Minister JP Nadda has launched the Test and Treat policy for Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV) patients. Under this policy anyone who is tested and found positive will get the treatment free of cost.
• Kerala is the first state to conduct the country’s first-ever transgender one-day athletic meet in
Thiruvananthapuram.
• Bhilar village in Maharastra will become India’s first ‘book village’. It will be started from 4th May, 2017.
• On April 23, 2017, Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, Mr. Arvind Panagariya presented a glimpse of ‘India
2031-32: Vision, Strategy and Action Agenda’ to Governing Council of NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
• Rajasthan assembly passed the Rajasthan Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 and thereby became the third
state assembly after Telangana and Bihar to adopt this comprehensive indirect tax reform
• Jharkhand assembly passed the Jharkhand Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017. A one-day special session of the
assembly was convened to take up the GST bill.
• Belgium has become the first country to open an honorary consulate office in Gujarat International Finance
Tec-City (GIFT City).
• Haryana will become the first Indian state to invite all Twitter and Facebook users to interact with the Chief
Minister Manohar Lal.
• M Venkaiah Naidu has inaugurated the function to commemorate HUDCO’s 47th Foundation Day in New
Delhi on April 25, 2017. HUDCO has completed 47 years of existence in providing housing and basic
infrastructure across the country.
• On April 24, 2017, Mumbai Port Trust announced plans to construct India’s first and longest sea ropeway to
connect Mumbai mainland with famous Elephanta Island in Arabain Sea. The 8-km long ropeway connecting
Elephanta Island with Mumbai will begin from Sewri (Eastern Edge of South Mumbai).
• On April 24, 2017, Central Govt. has submitted an expert panel report in the Supreme Court which suggests
tagging of cows with Aadhar-like unique identification (UID) number in order to ensure better protection for
them and check smuggling.
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• Thaawarchand Gehlot inaugurates Photo exhibition “The Paths We Walk” on April 24, 2017 in New Delhi.
• UP Government will set up a Central university for Divyangs in the state.
PLACES IN NEWS
• The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi inaugurated the India’s longest Chenani-Nashri All-weather road
tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on April 2, 2017. The tunnel is among the longest highway
tunnels of length 9.2Km in Asia. The tunnel was built at a cost of Rs 2519 crore in an altitude of 1,200
meters above sea level.
• India’s first International Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease (ICFMD) has been inaugurated by Union
Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh at Argul near Bhubaneswar in Odisha on 1st April 2017.
• First bio-gas bus with flat Re 1 fare inaugurated in Kolkata. Phoenix India Research and Development Group
in Kolkata has designed a bus that will run on biogas produced from cow dung.
• The Jammu & Kashmir state government has banned the usage of polythene bags which is manufactured
below 50 microns from April 3, 2017.Violator of the Act will be liable for punishment up to one month in jail
or fine of Rs 5000 or both.
• The festival of Goddess Budhi Thakurani called Berhampur Thakurani Yatra begun in southern Odisha
on April 3, 2017. The month long festival will be celebrated by the weaving community, known
as Devangiris.
• PM Modi Lays the Foundation Stone of a Multi-Modal Terminal on River Ganga at Sahibganj in Jharkhand.
This 5.8 km long 4-lane bridge will be built by National Highways Authority of India at an estimated cost of
Rs 2,266 crore.
• Vriksh is organising the country’s first ever micro-drama festival , Thespis which is scheduled to be held at
the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in Delhi. Theatre director is actor Ajith G Maniyan.
• The Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath has given its approval to building a music village
named 'Bismillah Khan Sangeet Gram' to honour of legendary Shehnai player Ustad Bismillah Khan.This
project is planned to develop at Varanasi.
• A court of the financial commissioner headed by Ashok Khemka IAS officer has ordered summons in
a property dispute case on WhatsApp to one of the respondents who shifted to Kathmandu.
• On April 15, 2017, Himachal Pradesh celebrated its 70th Foundation Day. It came into existence in
year 1948 post merger of 30 odd princely states. On the occasion of the 70th foundation day of Himachal
Pradesh, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh launched an 'Unemployment Allowance Scheme' at a state level
function in Chamba.
• On April 14, 2017, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation-stone for Dr B
R Ambedkar Smriti Vanam (memorial park) with 100 cr budget in state’s de facto capital Amaravati.
• The Madhya Pradesh government has planned to ban Plastic and Polythene bag from 1st of May. It has been
done because of the numbers of cow death across the state.
• A Bihar government has set up a special court for speedy trial for those cases which are registered against
violation of the law. The judge of the Special court has been appointed to Justice Trilokinath Tiwari.
• According to Assamese Calendar Rongali Bihu celebrates on the month of April which usually falls on
13th and 14th of April.The first day known as Goru Bihu that is purely dedicated to cattle.The Rongali Bihu
marks the agricultural New Year and is celebrated as a festival of Prosperity.
• For the first time in Indian Railway’s history Habibganj station in Bhopal has been handed over to Private
firm to be operated by it.
• President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Kempegowda Festival in Delhi. This foundation was founded on
17th April 2016.
• Suresh Prabhu flagged off the trial run of new glass roof coaches of Vistadome between Visakhapatnam and
Arakuon on April 16, 2017. The 2 coaches will run on the Vizag-Araku route while 2 will be sent to Jammu
And Kashmir
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• UP government renames Gorakhpur and Agra airports. The Gorakhpur Airforce Station has been renamed as
Mahayogi Goraknath Airport.It was named after the founder of the Nath monastic movement. The Agra
Airport will be renamed after RSS ideologue Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay airport. The Department of
Disabled Welfare will now be known as 'Divyang Jan Vikas Empowerment'.
• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has conducted first-of-its-kind State-level mock
exercise on forest fire in Uttarakhand. It is a 3 day event and started on 18th April 2017.
• Northeast India’s largest Information Technology (IT) hub has been inaugurated in Tripura’s capital city
Agartala on April 24, 2017. It is the sixth IT hub in the Northeast region.
• The country’s first electric taxi trial in the country would be launched in Nagpur from May 24. The first
project of this kind will be undertaken by Nagpur Municipal Corporation.
• The decision to raise all-women battalion comes after it was observed that girl students were throwing stones
at security forces in Srinagar.
• Andhra Pradesh has now established a welfare board for transgender persons in the state. Andhra Pradesh has
launched Hijra Transgender Welfare Board at the Sri Venkateshwara University in Tirupati.
• Uma Bharti - Union Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister launched
Centre’s extensive water conservation programme for drought prone areas of country. The programme was
launched at Bandri in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh.
FOREIGN VISITS
Malaysian Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Razak’s five day visit to India
• MoUs that were signed in presence of Malaysian Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Razak and Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi:
• A revised Air Service Agreement, which was in effect since 1974 and MoU on Cooperation in Fertiliser and
mutual recognition of educational qualifications, sports, Malaysian Human Resource Fund/ Pembangunan
Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB) and Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad.
• MoU on technology development in the field of Palm Oil signed between Institute of Chemical Technology
(ICT), India and Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)
• MoU on implementation of 4th Generation Technology Park in Andhra Pradesh, signed between Andhra
Pradesh Economic Development Board and MIGHT Technology Nurturing Sdn. Bhd (MTN)
Indian Army Chief conferred with Nepal Army honorary title in Kathmandu
• General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has visited Nepal and Bangladesh from March 28,
2017 to April 2, 2017 on his first foreign visit.
• On his visit to Nepal, the Army Chief was presented with Honorary General of the Nepalese Army title by the
President of Nepal on March 29, 2017.
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s four day visit to India
• In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties, India and Bangladesh signed 22 agreements for cooperation in various
areas viz. civil nuclear cooperation, cyber security, media, judicial sector, peaceful uses of outer space,
defence, information technology, electronics and transport connectivity.
• PM Modi announces $4.5 billion line of credit to Bangladesh and also India Commits $500 Million for
Bangladesh Military
• With an aim to promote people-to-people ties and increasing connectivity, third bus service between Kolkata
and Dhahka via. Khulna (in Bangladesh) has been launched. The distance covered by bus following this route
will be 409 km.
• On April 10, 2017, top leaders of Indian and Bangladeshi business firms signed agreements worth $9 billion
which mainly focused on energy requirements of Bangladesh.
• PM Modi and Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina jointly released the Hindi translation Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman's autobiography - "The Unfinished Memoirs".Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, father of Sheikh Hasina, was
popularly known as ‘Bangabandhu’.
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Australian PM Turnbull arrives in New Delhi on 4-day visit

• India and Australia inked six pacts after comprehensive talks between PM Narendra Modi and visiting
Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed a range of bilateral, regional and
international issues.
• List of MoUs signed between India and Australia:
1. MoU on Cooperation in Counter-Terrorism and Organised crime
2. MoU on Cooperation in Sports
3. MoU for Promotion and Development of Cooperation in Civil Aviation Security
4. MoU on Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine
5. MoU on Cooperation in the field of Environment, Climate and Wildlife
• India and Australia have agreed to hold a bilateral maritime exercise named ‘AUSINDEX’ in the Bay of
Bengal in 2018. Besides, holding joint exercise of Special Forces in later half of 2017 has also been agreed
upon.
• On April 10, 2017, Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull and Indian PM Narendra Modi, jointly
inaugurated TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre (TDNBC)Gurugram through a video conference.
• Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull launched Sports Partnership in Mumbai with an aim to increase
cooperation in sports among India and Australia.
President of Nepal, Bidya Devi Bhandari’s visit to India
• Bidya Devi Bhandari, the first female President of Nepal, was on an official visit to India from 17th to
21st April, 2017.
• During Ms. Bhandari’s visit, both sides assessed the implementation of ongoing cross-border connectivity
projects including development of Terai roads, cross-border railway lines, integrated border check posts, and
cross-border pipeline for carrying petroleum products which is first of its kind in South Asia.
• Both sides also reviewed bilateral energy cooperation, including development of 5,723 crore Arun 3 power
project in Nepal and Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar high capacity transmission line.
Vice President Hamid Ansari’s five days visit to Armenia & Poland
• India signed three agreements with Armenia in the field of cultural co-operation, youth affairs and peaceful
use of outer space.
• India, Poland ink pact on agriculture
• India and Poland signed an agreement on the exchange of information and technology in the agriculture
sector. From the Indian side, the agreement was signed by Minister of State of Small Industries Giriraj Singh.
• Polish leadership reiterated its support to India's bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership, Missile
Technology Control Regime (MTCR) issue and a permanent seat in the expanded UN Security Council.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's five days visit to USA
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley along with Mr. Urjit Patel and Mr. Shaktikanta Das attended the G-20 Finance
Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Washington D.C. The discussion in this meeting focused upon
following areas:
1. Financial Sector Development and Regulations
2. International Financial Architecture
3. Global Financial Governance
4. Compact with Africa (framework for supporting private investment, including in
infrastructure in African continent)
During the meeting with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley raised the issue of
tightening of the H-1B visa norms. Earlier he had raised this issue with US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross.
• Israel government approved the establishment of a new settlement within West Bank for the first time in more
than two decades on March 31, 2017. In addition, the government also laid the groundwork for further
expansion and the law is intended to prevent future evacuations.
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• South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) program of Asian Development Bank (ADB)
accepts Myanmar as its 7th member in 2017.
• According to a new report released by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), India's travel and tourism
sector ranks 7th in the world in terms of its total contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• On April 3, 2017, the Dispute Settlement Body of World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreed to set up a panel
for resolving a dispute pertaining to imposition of safeguard duty on imports of Japanese steel products by
India.
• Germany is the first NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) state to launch a “self-contained” cyber
command unit to protect from growing attacks. The Bundeswehr’s Cyber and Information Space (CIR) boasts
a status of army, navy, and air force.
• As a part of its ongoing effort to curb the spread of fake news and fabricated articles, leaders from Tech
industry and academic organizations joined together with $14 million to create an awareness of news literacy
and make trust in social media.
• Iceland ranks first on the World Economic Forum’s 2015 Global Gender Gap Index, followed by fellow
Nordic nations Norway, Finland and Sweden.50 percent of Women are law makers in Iceland Parliament.
• Nobel Peace Prize winner from Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai is set to become the United Nations’ youngest-
ever ‘Messenger of Peace’. She has been selected for this honour by United Nations current Secretary
General Antonio Guterres.
• Uruguay is set to become the first country to allow recreational marijuana to be sold in pharmacies in July.
The country is trying for nearly four years to legalize the production, sale and consumption of marijuana
• A Pakistani army court awarded death sentence to Indian national Kulbhushan Jhadav who was arrested last
year on charges of spying.
• The first rail freight service from U K to China has departed on a journey of 7500 mile from Essex. Thirty
containers will carry British goods which include whiskey, soft drinks, vitamins pharmaceuticals and baby
products.
• The Hundredth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram was celebrated in London to retell
Gandhi’s story with some interesting visual elements to the Internet generation.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now become the most followed world leader on photo-sharing app
Instagram with a massive 6.9 million followers, Donald Trump has emerged the second most followed leader
with 6.3 million followers.
• Saudi Arabia raised $9 billion in its first global Islamic bond issue. The sale of Islamic bonds known
as Sukuks.
• US drops largest nuclear bomb in Afghanistan area populated ISIS members. The US has dropped the "mother
of all bombs" GBU-43 bomb - the largest non-nuclear weapon.
• India and Nepal have agreed to solve their border disputes by a Joint Survey of Boundaries.The survey of the
entire border between Kheri in UP and Kanchanpur in Nepal has been done to resolve the border disputes
• Five prominent Madhesi parties in Nepal have united to form a new united party named the Rastriya Janata
Party,It is the fifth largest party in Nepal’s Parliament.
It has been announced that leaders of the five parties will lead the Rastriya Janata Party by rotation.Madhesis
account for 50% of Population of Nepal.
• As mentioned by officials of National Grid, April 21, 2017 was Britain’s first ever working day without coal
power since the Industrial Revolution. All coal-fired power plants went offline from April 20, 2017.
• Cuba and Morocco has signed an agreement to re-establish diplomatic ties after a time period of 37 years. The
two governments have also agreed to forge political, economic and cultural cooperation.
• India with 12 other members was elected to the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC), a
subsidiary body of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
• First India Indonesia Energy Forum was held in Jakarta, Indonesia on April 20, 2017. Mr. Piyush Goyal -
Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines and Mr. Ignasius Jonan -
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia took part in this forum.
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• The China Overseas Port Holding Company would carry out all the development work on the Gwadar port on
the Arabian Sea.
• Federica Mogherini a European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is agreed
to strengthen cooperation for counter-terrorism with India. EU is one of the India’s largest trading
partners with bilateral trade in goods that reach to 85 billion dollars in 2016.
• Rodrigo Duterte, the President of Philippines has won this year’s TIME magazine's Readers' Poll of the 100
most influential people in the world. Duterte received 5% of total ‘YES’ votes.
• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won a historic referendum on Sunday in the biggest overhaul of
modern Turkish politics and the opposition not satisfied about the result. The 'Yes' campaign won 51.4
percent of the vote against 48.6 percent for 'No'.
• Australia abolishes 457 visas programme largely used by Indians. Its objective is to tackle the growing
unemployment in the country.
• US President Donald Trump signs executive order to tighten H-1B visa programme.
• China has announced its official names for six places in Arunachal Pradesh and has strong protests with India
over the Dalai Lama’s visit to the frontier state. It was aimed at declare China’s claim over Arunachal
Pradesh. The official names of the six places using the Roman alphabet are Wo’gyainling, Mila Ri,
Qoidengarbo Ri, Mainquka, Bumo La and Namkapub Ri.
• The 14th edition of United Nations International Day of Vesak will be hosted by Sri Lanka from May 12-14,
2017.The PM Narendra Modi will be the chief guest for UN Vesak Day.
• A set of four rare stamps, featuring the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi has fetched 5 lakh pounds at an auction
which is so far, the highest price ever paid for Indian stamps. The auction was held in United Kingdom, the
purchaser is a private Australian collector.The record price for a stamp sold at an auction is 7.4 million
pounds.
• The United Nations will be going to issue special stamps commemorating the International Yoga Day on June
21, 2017 said by India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin.
• Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has made broad changes to Citizenship laws for new
applicants. Under this announcement the removal of 457 visa program for foreign workers that was used
majorly by the Indians. It was done to tackle the growing unemployment in the country.
• A freight train has introduced which connects Russia with China. It arrived in Ganzhou an inland city in
Jiangxi province that will carry goods from Moscow.
• China and Iran have signed the first agreement on the reconfiguration of Iran's Arak reactor. The deal was
concluded between the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and a Chinese company at the official
ceremony in the Austrian capital Vienna.
• The 24th Arabian Travel Market begins in Dubai. This year the event will focus on the latest industry trend of
experiential travel.
• On April 28, 2017, office of United States Trade Representative (USTR) released 2017 edition of ‘Special 301
Report’. In this report, India has once again been placed in the ‘Priority Watch List’ for not providing
adequate protection to Intellectual property Rights (IPR).
• The first freight train linked China directly to the United Kingdom and arrived in the eastern Chinese city of
Yiwu on April 29th 2017 after a 12,000-kilometre (7,500-mile) trip, becoming the world’s second-longest rail
route.
• Peggy Whitson is the first woman to command the space station twice. She holds the record for most
spacewalks conducted by a female astronaut. It will break Jeff Williams’ standing United States record of 534
cumulative days in space.
• Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan became the first Indian actor to deliver TED speech in Vancouver, Canada.
• El Salvador became the first country in the world to ban metal mining. The law was favoured by nearly 80
percent of the El Salvadorian population.
• A Pakistani court allowed Hindus to worship at a Shiva temple in Abbottabad district which had banned to
them for 20 years.
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• South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi. The
strategic vision document titled “SASEC: Powering Asia in the 21st Century” will supplement the SASEC
Operational Plan 2016-2025, which was released in May 2016.
• The national conference on Communicating India 2017 held in New Delhi on April 5, 2017.
A day-long conference was based on the three main themes1.Telling India's story to the world
2.Communicating via Journalism and3.Dialogue with Diaspora.
• The 19th Commonwealth Forestry Conference (CFC), 2017 begins at Forest Research Institute (FRI) in
Dehradun, Uttarakhand on April 3, 2017. The members from 49 Commonwealth countries will be present at
the conference.
• 9th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue held in New Delhi which was led by Finance Minister Arun
Jaitley and UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond.
• Tow-Day National TB Summit, for raising awareness and increasing momentum to fight against TB is being
held in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh on 7th and 8th April. The TB Summit will conclude with a will
pledge their support for ‘TB free India by 2025’.
• The 136th Mega-Conference of World Parliamentarians has begun in Dhaka on April 1, 2017.The conference
was inaugurated by Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina. She will also release a commemorative
postage stamp and launch Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) web television.
• The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the 11th Standing Committee meeting of the Inter-
State council. The 11th Standing Committee meeting of the council will discuss the recommendations of the
Punchhi Commission on Center-State relations.
• A two-day meeting of BRICS special envoys on Middle-East was held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on
11th and 12th April 2017. This was the second such meeting of BRICS envoys on Middle-East.
• G-7 Foreign Ministers meeting held in Lucca, Italy.Latest conflicts in Syria, dominated the G-7 foreign
ministers meeting.
• A ministerial conference of G20 ministers in charge of digitalisation was held on 6th and 7th April, 2017
in Dusseldorf, Germany. This was the first such meeting of G20 ministers responsible for digitalisation.
• On April 17, 2017, President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated 3rd edition of the Global Exhibition on Services
(GES 2017) at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
• Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh inaugurates India Steel 2017 in Mumbai.
• The international conference on “Dara Shiko” held on April 27 and 28. The theme of this conference
is Reclaiming Spiritual Legacy of India.
• The Global Mobile Internet Conference(GMIC), organized by the Great Wall Association (GWC) held from
27th April to the 29th April 2017 at the China National Convention Center (CNCC) in Beijing, China.
RANKINGS & REPORTS
• Union Human Resource Development Minister Mr. Prakash Javadekar announced ‘India Ranking 2017’ based
on National Institutional Ranking Framework.
Toppers of India Rankings 2017 (NIRF 2017):
Category College/Institute/University
Overall Indian Institute of Science Bangalore
Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Management Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
Universities Indian Institute of Science Bangalore
Colleges Miranda House (Delhi)
Pharmacy Jamia Hamdard (Delhi)
• India has been ranked 3rd in the doping violation report published by the World Anti-Doping Agency
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(WADA) for the year 2015. The report stated that, 117 athletes from India have been punished after testing
positive for banned substances. The top spot is held by Russia.
• India has ranked 40th out of 136 countries on Global Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017
published by World Economic Forum (WEF). This marks a commendable jump of 12 spots as compared to
previous year’s rank. The list is topped by Spain.
• India has ranked 9th out of 41 countries in bribery and corrupt practices in businesses as per the EY (Ernst &
Young) Europe, Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA) Fraud Survey 2017. Countries which rank higher
than India in this survey are: Ukraine, Cyprus, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Kenya, South Africa and Hungary.
• The Haldia Port of West Bengal has emerged as the cleanest ports among Indian ports on sanitation
parameters.The ranking of all the 13 Indian ports was conducted by the Quality Council of
India. Haldia and Vizag ports receive the first and the second rank.
• Amnesty International published the review stated that China executed the most people in 2016, followed by
Iran and Saudi Arabia. The china alone killed thousands of people when 23 countries together executed
1032, the MENA region has executed the majority of 852 numbers.
• Actress Alia Bhatt has featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list. She is the only Bollywood actress who has
made it to this year. The actress has got a place in Forbes Under 30 Asia list.
• The World Health Organization has published the Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and
Drinking-Water (GLAAS) 2017 report that nearly 2 billion people worldwide using Contaminated Water.
• India ranked at 8th position in the 2017 A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Confidence Index. US
has topped A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Confidence Index for the fifth year in a row.
• India’s Current Account Deficit is expected to grow by 1.6% from 0.5% in this fiscal year: Nomura
• This year Margot Robbie has been featured in Time's 100 Most Influential People Of 2017.Margot Robbie is
an Australian actress. She started her career in his late 2000s.
• In Time’s 100 two Indians are on the list Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar
Sharma.
• In the latest World Economic Outlook (WEO), International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut down India’s
growth forecast for year 2017 by 0.4 percentage points to 7.2 %.
• As per figures revealed by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India has
become world’s fifth largest military spender in year 2016. India’s military expenditure for 2016 was $55.9
billion, which marks 8.5% growth over 2015 figure. US retained its position as largest military spender in the
world.
• India ranks 136th among 180 countries in the 2017 ‘World Press Freedom Index’ released by Reporters Sans
Frontières (RSF) also known as Reporters Without Borders. In 2016 India ranked 133rd on this index. Norway
ranked first on the index. It replaced Finland which was holding the top spot since past six years.
• Mumbai and Chennai have ranked among the top 20 tourist destinations in Asia Pacific Region as per
the Mastercard Asia Pacific Destinations Index 2017.
In terms of total expenditure by international tourists, Singapore hosted the highest spending visitors at $254
per day. For the entire APAC region, overall tourism expenditure stood at $244.9 billion
BANKING & FINANCE
RBI – First Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement for financial year 2017-18.
Policy Repo Rate 6.25% Unchanged - since 4th October 2016
Reverse Repo Rate 6.00% Hiked by 25 basis points. Earlier it was 5.75%
Marginal Standing Facility Rate 6.50% Reduced by 25 basis points. Earlier it was
6.75%
Bank Rate 6.50% Reduced by 25 basis points. Earlier it was
6.75%
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) 4.00% Unchanged – since 9th February 2013
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) 20.50% Effective from 1st January 2017
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GDP growth has been forecasted at 7.4% for current fiscal as compared to 6.7% in 2016-17.
Gross Value Added (GVA) growth has been forecasted at 7.4% for current fiscal as compared to 6.7% in
2016-17.
• Having commenced operations from 1st April 1935, India’s central bank, Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) celebrated 82nd Establishment Day on 1st April 2017.
• On March 31, 2017, Japan made a commitment with India for providing Official Development
Assistance (ODA) for Infrastructure projects in India. Japan is providing India with 371.345 billion yen (about
Rs 21,590 crore) under the financial year 2016-17.
• Private sector Karnataka Bank in collaboration with SBI Card launched co-branded credit cards for Karnataka
Bank customers on March 31, 2017. Two types of credit cards are launched namely1.Karnataka Bank
Platinum SBI card and2.Karnataka Bank Simply SAVE SBI.
• On April 1, 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) successfully merged with its five associate banks and Bharatiya
Mahila Bank. By this merger, SBI entered the league of Top 50 Global Banks which ranks 44th and a balance
sheet size of Rs 41 lakh crore along with the new logo.
• The New Development Bank (NDB) backed by BRICS has invested a total of USD 1.5 billion through 7
projects in the year 2015 and 2016. The information was shared by NDB president K V Kamath during the
second annual meeting of the bank on April 1, 2017.
• Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Santosh Kumar Gangwar informed Lok Sabha that Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) is planning to set up a separate in-house Enforcement Department which will be
operational from 3rd April 2017.
• The Central government has decided to make tax evasion of over Rs 5 crore under the proposed Goods and
Services Tax (GST) regime as a non-bailable offence. Earlier, the tax evasion of over Rs 2.5 crore was
proposed by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.
• Market leaders ICICI Bank and Axis Bank sold Rs 1800 crore worth loans of paper maker Ballarpur
Industries to Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company.
• India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cleared a proposal to introduce new currency notes
of Rs 200 on April 3, 2017.
• Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank Ltd. has become the seventh entity to receive a final licence from Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) for carrying out the business of payments bank in India. Aditya Birla Idea Payments
Bank Ltd. will be launched in the first half of year 2017.Its headquarters is in Mumbai.
• The currency of the Internet, Biticoin and other digital currencies have recognised as a payment method by
Japan with effect from its new fiscal year. It was recognised under new banking law of Japan but it is not a
legally-recognized currency.
• The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $175 million loan agreement
to support construction of high voltage transmission systems. The project will improve the capacity and
efficiency of interstate transmission networks, particularly in transmitting the electricity generated from the
new solar parks to the national grid.
• India recorded a growth rate of 7.4% in this fiscal year and it expects to be 7.6% in the next financial
year. Despite the effect demonization India’s growth grew from 1% to 7.4%. India is the fastest growing
economy ahead of China mentioned by the ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB).
• RBI allow banks to invest in REITs And InvITs and enables faster money transfer by finetuning NEFT
Network.
• The Income Tax Department clarified that the Rs 2 lakh cash transaction limit will not be applicable on
withdrawals from bank, cooperative bank or a post office savings account. Section 269ST in the I-T Act, the
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said the restriction shall not apply to withdrawal from banks and post
offices.
• Private Sector Lender. HDFC Bank Ltd., announced the launch of its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) on
Chillr. Henceforth the HDFC Bank UPI will be available on Chillr, in addition to the bank’s Mobile Banking
app.
• RBL bank announced the opening of its IFSC banking unit at Gujarat International History of RBL
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Bank Finance Tec-city called Gift city. It opens the opportunity door for our clients and can show their
potential growth overseas.At present GIFT IFSC has already crossed the $2.5 billion.
• South Indian Bank made an agreement with Flyworld Money Exchange to facilitate remittances by Indian
migrants in Australia. NRIs in Australia could enjoy quick and cost-effective remittances to India using
the SIB Express facility.
• FINO Paytecha primarily a business correspondent received a license to launch a Payments Bank by RBI. It
inked a deal with ICICI group companies to distribute Insurance products and also tied up with Exide Life
Insurance to sell products through distribution channel.
• ESAF Small Finance Bank has launched a social deposit scheme called Hrudaya Deposit that provides
customers an opportunity to be a part in social welfare projects. An individual or a legal entity can join the
Hrudaya deposit scheme with a minimum deposit amount of Rs 15 lakh and for a minimum period of 2 years.
• The Bank Board Bureau has recommended that government bring reforms in the compensation process in
Public Sector Banks similar to Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
• To promote financial transactions the Kerala based NBFC Manappuram Finance with launch its own prepaid
cards. It tied-up with Yes bank.
• The Department of Posts has joined hands with the State Bank of India to promote cashless transactions like
'SBI buddy e-wallet' and POS machines. The installation of SBI Buddy e-wallet and POS Machines will make
the transactions easy through digital payments and cashless transactions in post offices.
• RBI has given an approval to Amazon India to launch its own digital wallet or pre-paid payment
instrument (PPI) in India. This move by the RBI is believed an Amazon to enter India’s fast-growing digital
payments business.
• World Bank has approved a $375 million loan to India for developing its first waterway project - The National
Waterway 1. Under this project, a navigable stretch of 1360 km will be developed on River Ganga from
Varanasi (in Uttar Pradesh) to Haldia (in West Bengal). The loan has maturity of 17 years and grace period of
7 years.
• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) was announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the Union
Budget for financial year 2016.Loans extended under the PMMY during 2016-17 have crossed the target of Rs
1.8 lakh crore.
• On April 14, 2017, the Income Tax department launched second phase of ‘Operation Clean Money’ under
which it will probe over 60000 individuals including 1300 ‘high risk’ individuals.
RBI- Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework
To ease bad debt in the system, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had revised Prompt Corrective Action (PCA)
framework for banks which will be effective from April 1, 2017. The revised framework is applicable to all banks,
including foreign banks and small banks.
Parameters Risk Threshold 1 Risk Threshold 2
Capital Adequacy Ratio below 10.25% or common equity tier –I below 7.75% or common equity tier –I
(CAR) (Falls) (CET1) capital ratio falls below 6.75% (CET1) capital ratio falls below 5.125%
Net Non-Performing Above 6% above 12%
Assets (NPA) (Rises )
Leverage Ratio (falls) Below 4% below 3.5%
Time Two consecutive years of negative Return on Three consecutive years of negative Return
Assets (RoA) on Assets (RoA)
Consequences Restriction on dividend distribution. Restriction on expansion of
Promoters/Owners (or parent organisation in branches(domestic as well as overseas)
case of foreign banks) will have to infuse
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more capital
When Breach in Risk Thersold 1-Common Equity Tier –I (CET1) capital ratio falls below 3.625% in combination
with NPA above 12% for four consecutive years of negative Return on Assets (RoA)
• IRDAI unveils portal for insurers to sell policies online. The portal name is isnp.irda.gov.in. All the Insurance
companies, Brokers and Corporate agents now can sell insurance policies through online platform.
• The Bank Board Bureau (BBB) has developed a Governance Reward and Accountability (GRAF)framework
for the public sector banks.
• As per ‘Migration and Development Brief’ released by World Bank, India is world’s largest remittance
recipient for the year 2016. Remittance inflows to India amounted to $62.7 billion in 2016. However, there has
been a drop of 8.9% as compared to $68.9 billion received in 2015.Global remittances amounted to $575
billion in 2016, which is a 2% drop as compared to $582 billion remitted in 2015.
• Filing of declarations about tax payment and deposits under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan
Yojna (PMGKY) has been extended up to May 10 for black money holders.
• Nirjuli village-1 in Papum Pare district was declared as the first digital village of Arunachal Pradesh. It aims
to improve connectivity to speed up socio-economic development of the masses.
• EPFO( Employess Provident fund Organisation) has decided to reduce the interest rate on Provident Fund
Deposits to 65% from 8.8%.
• State Bank of India (SBI) surpassed ONGC to become the most valued public sector undertaking (PSU) state-
owned firm in terms of market valuation.
• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched three new products for its customers on the occasion
of 123rd foundation Day. PNB Headquarter is in New Delhi and was founded on 12th April 1895.
• A new Memorandum of Understanding has signed between The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Royal
Monetary Authority of Bhutan.
• The Reserve Bank has started a new office at Raipur for Chattisgrah and for Jammmu.Focus is to look into the
grievances of residents and entities.
• ICICI Bank Data Centre has become country’s first Platinum rated project under IGBC Green Data Centre
Rating System. Main objective of becoming partner with IGBC is to bring the Green Building movement in
the country.
• The RBI has allowed banks to invest up to 10 per cent of the unit capital of a Real Estate Investment
Trust (REITs) or Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs).
• India contributes USD 250000 to the United Nations programme for helping countries to hold elections and
develop their electoral systems.
• Au Financiers India is a non-banking finance company that has converted into a small finance bank and
called AU Small Finance. AU NBFC had a network of 300 branches spread across 10 States — Rajasthan,
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Goa
• Payment Technology company will going to launch Payments bank FinoPaytech. It helps to facilitate
NABARD to help the rural bank digitization drive in the states of Haryana, MP, Bihar, Gujarat and
Maharashtra.
• World Bank predicts India’s gross domestic product (GDP) to 7.2% in the 2017-2018 from 6.8% in this fiscal
year.Title of the World Bank report is “Globalization Backlash”. According to Globalization Backlash India’s
economic growth will rise to 7.7% in 2019-2020.
• The central bank of India the Reserve Bank is set to issue new Rs 10 and Rs 5 coins. Rs 10 Coin has been
minted to celebrate 125th year of National Archives of India. Rs 5 coins to celebrate 150th anniversary of
Allahabad High Court.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 26 April 2017 issued draft guidelines on cross border Merger and
Acquisitions transactions. The draft regulations will be known as 'Foreign Exchange Management (Cross
Border Merger) Regulations'.
• Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN), a self-regulatory organization and industry association of the
microfinance industry in India launched the financial literacy mobile app for microfinance clients on April 25,
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2017.
• GIC Re has become the first re-insurer company to open an office at India’s first International Financial
Services Centre (IFSC) at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
• International Monetary Fund has mentioned the Goods and Services Tax(GST) to be implemented from July
1, 2017. GST would help raise India’s medium-term growth to above 8%.
• This small Panchayat ward in Kerala has become the first one to go digital in the country.
• As per a new financial norm, all bank accounts opened between July 1, 2014 and August 31, 2015, as well as
investments made during this period in mutual funds and Insurance schemes will freeze if FATCA
compliance has been not filed by April 30, 2017.
• On April 28, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that all the existing asset reconstruction companies
(ARCs) must have a minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF) of Rs100 crore by March 2019. Minimum NOF of Rs
100 crore for ARCs was proposed by RBI in the first bi-monthly monetary policy review for FY 2017-18.
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has barred resident as well as non-resident Indians (NRIs)
from making investments through participatory notes (P-Notes).
• Paytm launched ‘Digital Gold’ on its platform to allow customers to buy and sell gold through electronic
platform. It is the first wealth management product that was launched in partnership with gold refiner MMTC-
PAMP.
• Yes Bank, a Private sector lender has announced a tie up with Paisabazaar.com. Under which the bank will
offer conditionally approved loans to the existing customers.
BUSINESS
• On March 31, 2017, 1,000 MW Atomic Power Reactor has begun its 1 year period of warranty operation
at Kundankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu. This was the 2nd unit to be successfully
launched for commercial operation out of 4 units. The information was announced by the Russian builders.
• National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) successfully crossed the 50 GW power generation
capacity on April 1, 2017.
• National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), the drug price regulator increased price of stents by
around 2 percent effective after taking into account the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) on April 1, 2017.
• For the first time, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on April 2, 2017 assigned a task of making two
Full Multi-Crore Heavy Duty Satellites to Alpha Design Technologies, a private sector high-tech defense
equipment supplier. A sum of Rs 400 crore is signed up with the company to give India its first large private
satellite.
• Central government has approved the procurement of a fresh batch of Barak surface-to-air missiles for its
naval warships on April 3, 2017. The missiles will be procured under buy global category from Rafael
Advance Defense Systems Limited of Israel at an approximate cost of 77 million USD.
• A landmark contract for Alternate Fuel was signed by Indian Railways with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
for constructing the 2 Megawatt roof top solar power plant under the government's incentive scheme.
• Israel Aerospace Industries signs $2 billion with India. This is the largest arms deal in the history of Israel's
defense industries.The deal made a $1.6 billion contract to deliver a medium-range surface-to-air missile
defense system(MRSAM), and a $400 million contract for a long-range surface-to-air missile defense
system(LRSAM).
• India set to become the world’s largest steel producer after China while boosting exports to the highest ever.
India becomes the “Bright Spot”for growth in the global steel industry. India will overtake Japan as the second
biggest producer by 2019.
• The agreement of 2 MWp Roof Top SPV Systems to be installed at Diesel loco Modernization
Works (DMW), Patiala was signed between Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited BHEL & IROAF (Indian
Railways Organisation for Alternate Fuels).
• Nokia inks Mous with Airtel and BSNL to bring 5G network in India. 5G connectivity is expected to take
place during 2019-2020.
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• India and Georgia signed a joint statement on the launch of Joint feasibility study on the bilateral free trade
agreement.
• US-based tech giant Cisco has launched its fifth global cyber range lab in Gurugram, Haryana with an aim to
train Indian firms and government agencies on real-world cyber attacks. The facility was inaugurated
by National Cyber Security Coordinator Gulshan Rai.
• The Central Processing Centre in Benglaru gets new pin code for taxpayers benefit. The new pin code is-
560500-while the CPC earlier old pin code was--560100.
• The RBI has allowed Aditya Birla Group firm Grasim Industries to raise the foreign shareholding to 49%
from 30%.
• A Wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors, The TAL Manufacturing Solutions has launched a Made-In-India
Robot.TAL Brabo is the first robot which is deliberately designed in India.It is designed for manufacturing
units across the world.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the PM Narendra Modi has given its approval for
listing of the following 11 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) on stock exchanges.
• The government has approved guidelines on service charge. It is not mandatory for customers to pay service
charges in hotels and restaurant bills according to the Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas
Paswan.
• “Quality Mark” Award Scheme for dairy Cooperatives has been initiated to promote and encourage
enhancement of safety, quality and hygiene of milk and milk products manufactured by dairy cooperatives
(National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)).
• Reliance Industries CEO Mukesh Ambani has regained its status as India's most valued firm by market
capitalization. Reliance Industries has overtaken Tata Group's crown jewel TCS.
• The government has raised over Rs 1,200 crore through the sale of 9.2 per cent stake in Nalco National
Aluminium Company Ltd (Nalco) is the first disinvestment of the current fiscal that has started on April 1.
• BHEL (Bharat heavy electrical ltd.) has commissioned 2 units of 270 MW at Rattan India Nashik Power ltd.
This is the project of 270 MW unit commissioned by BHEL in Phase-1 of the project. The 5*270 MW
Thermal Power project located at Sinnar in Nashik district of Maharashtra.
• The Red chillies farmers of Andhra Pradesh has to suffer a lot due to the price crash of chillies from Rs
12000-14000 per quintal last year to below Rs 5,000 per quintal this year at the Guntur Chilli market yard
• The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has planned to build a new oil terminal at Motihari in Bihar to Nepal from
the planned pipeline up to Amlekganj in Nepal.
The 69-km Motihari-Amlekganj pipeline will be built at a cost of Rs.325 crore.
• India has replaced Japan as the world’s second-largest importer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).Import of
LPG, which is mostly used as cooking fuel in India, during 2016 -17 was 11 Million Tonnes.
• Indian mangoes will be imported to Australia for the first time after protocols were revised to allow the Asian-
grown fruit into the local economy.
• For a period of five years India has imposed an anti-dumping duty of up to USD 135.40 per tonne on
imports of a chemical used in foam making from Thailand.
• Brazilian aerospace major Embraer has partnered with state owned Air India to maintain its brand of private
and business jets in the entire South east Asian region.
• The Tamil Nadu government signed an agreement with Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL). It is
aimed to implement the Centre's rural internet connectivity programme"Bharatnet”.
• Infosys a global leader in consulting, technology and outsourcing has launched the next-generation services
called Infosys Nia.
• N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has been selected for the US India Business
Council (USIBC) award. The award is to be presented at the 2nd Annual West Coast Summit to be held in
Menlo Park, California on May 8, 2017.
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• Dawit Isaak, an imprisoned Eritrean-Swedish journalist has been chosen for the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano
World Press Freedom Prize 2017 dedicated to promoting press freedom. The award is to be presented on May
3, 2017.
• Lance Havildar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar of Gorkha Rifles has been conferred with Kirti Chakra by
President Pranab Mukherjee at the defence investiture ceremony in New Delhi.
• Asha Khemka, an Indian-origin educationist in the United Kingdom (UK) has been named the 'Asian
Businesswoman of the Year' at the 5th annual Asian Business Awards Midlands, which honours the
outstanding achievements of local Asian businesses. The award ceremony was held at Edgbaston cricket
ground in Birmingham, UK.
• NTR National Film Award for the year 2012 and 2013 were announced at the Film Development Corporation
office in Hyderabad by Andhra Pradesh government. Each NTR award winners will get Rs.5 lakh and a
citation.
NTR National Film Award 2012: S. P. Balasubrahmanyam(Singer)
Raghupathi Venkaiah Film award - Kodi Rama Krishna(Director)
NTR National Film Award 2013: Hema Malini(Actor)
64th National Awards - List of winners
Category Film Awardee/s
Best FEATURE FILM Kasaav (Marathi) Director: Sumitra Bhave & Sunil Sukthankar
Producer: Sumittra Bhave, Sunil Sukthankar &
Mohan Aghase
BEST POPULAR FILM Sathamanam Bhavathi Director: Satish Vagesna Producer: V.Venkata
PROVIDING WHOLESOME (Telugu) Ramana Reddy
ENTERTAINMENT
BEST FILM ON SOCIAL ISSUES Pink (Hindi) Director: Anniruddha Roy Chowdhury
Producer: Rashmi Sharma Films
BEST FILM ON ENVIRONMENT Loktak Lairembee Director & Producer: Haoban Paban Kumar
CONSERVATION/ (Manipuri)
PRESERVATION
BEST CHILDREN’S FILM Dhanak (Hindi) Director: Nagesh Kukunoor Producer:
Drishyam Film
BEST ANIMATION FILM Mahayodha Rama Director: Rohit Vaid
(Hindi) Producer: Contiloe Pictures Pvt. Ltd.
Animator: Deepak S.V
NARGIS DUTT AWARD FOR Dikchow Banat Palaax Director: Sanjib Sabha Pandit Producer:
BEST FEATURE FILM ON (Assamese) Canvascope
NATIONAL INTEGRATION
BEST ACTOR Rustom (Hindi) Akshay Kumar
BEST ACTRESS Minnaminungu – the Surabhi C.M
Firefly (Malayalam)
BEST CHILD ARTIST a). Kunju Daivam a) Adish Praveen
(Malayalam) b) Sahaj b) Nur Islam and Samiul Alam
Pather Gappo (Bengali) c) Manohara. K
c) Railway Children
(Kannada)
• Judge Tej Bahadur Singh Family Court Judge Created Guinness World Record – 6065 Cases in 327 working
days.This is also the highest number of cases ever disposed of in the country.
• Colson Whitehead wins Pulitzer prize in Fiction for The Underground Railroad. This is the 101st edition of
Pulitzer Prizes.
• Professors from Japan, USA to be honoured for promoting Hindi.26 writers including 2 Japanese and
American Professors will be privileged for Hindi Sevi Samman by President Pranab Mukherjee for their
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efforts to promote the language.

• On April 12, 2017, President Pranab Mukherjee conferred National Geoscience Awards 2016 on 27 bright
Geo-scientists of India. The awards were conferred at a ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhawan. Young
Scientist Award – 2016: Dr. Abhishek Saha, NIO, Goa
• President Pranab Mukherjee presented Scope excellence awards to honor the outstanding Central Public
Sector enterprises.
• An Indian software engineer Abdulqadir Rashik has won the top prize at a global challenge for an open-source
tool.
• Veteran actor Dilip Kumar was honoured with the Living Legend Lifetime Award by the Punjab Association.
• The Union Ministry of Agriculture has selected Himachal Pradesh for the Krishi Karman Award 2015-16 for
increase in food grains production.
• American Helicopter Society (AHS) International has awarded 'World's Outstanding Aerospace Engineer
Leadership Award' to Dr. Arvind Sinha - an India-born aeronautics engineer, currently based in Australia.
• Tirupati Jain is an environmental enginner who won a Cartier Women’s Initiative Award.She has chosen by
an Independent International Jury.The Awardee will receive $100000 prize money.
• The 6th edition of M.S. Swaminathan Award for honouring outstanding contribution in the field of agriculture
has been given to Rayappa Ramappa Hanchinal - Chairperson of Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers
Rights Authority.
• Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan was honoured with a tribute at the ongoing 60th San Francisco
International Film Festival (SFIFF) in USA.
Krishi Karman Award Winners
Madhya Pradesh (MP) For highest production of wheat.
Tamil Nadu (Category I) Food grains production is higher than 10 million tones
Himachal Pradesh food grains production is between 1 – 10 million tones
Tripura Category III Food grains production is lesser 1 million tonnes.
Meghalaya Commendation award for total food grains production.
• Veteran Bollywood actress Saira Banu and actor Jackie Shroff have been named by Maharashtra State Govt.
for Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award and Raj Kapoor Special Contribution award respectively.
• The Giuseppina (Giusi) Nicolini has awarded the peace prize by UNESCO. She is the mayor of the Italian
island of Lampedusa.
• British Pop singer turned fashion designer, Victoria Beckham has been made an Officer of the Most Excellent
Order of the British Empire.
• 91 year old gynaecologist Dr Bhakti Yadav, the first woman doctor from Indore has received the Padma Shri
Award at her home.
• Golf Industry Association awards 2017 has been won by Golfers Aditi Ashok, S.S.P Chawrasia and Ali
Sher on 20th April 2017. Aditi Ashok has given the award for Outstanding Achievement. SSP Chawrasia has
given the award for the Men's Player of the Year (2016).
• The Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd (GNFC) won the prestigious Golden Peacock
Award. It was given on 19th April 2017.
• Indonesia Island Bali has been presented with 2017 Travelers' Choice Awards by American travel website
company TripAdvisor.
• Bengal film Journalists Association Awards (BFJA) has been given to Veteran actress Moushumi Chatterjee.
It is a lifetime achievement award. The BFJA is the oldest association of film scribes in the country.
• All India Radio (AIR) Aizawl has been honoured with the prestigious "Lelte Award". Lelte is a popular
Weekly Magazine in Mizoram which hit the stand since 1983.
• Shambhavi Puraskar, 2017 has been persented to Hari Sankar Rout for his noteworthy contribution
towards social change.
• On April, 17, 2017, D.V. Sadananda Gowda - Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation,
conferred the Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat Memorial Award 2017 on historian and archaeologist Prof. A.V.
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Narasimha Murthi in Udipi, Karnataka

Aniruddhan Vasudevans has been chosen for Sahitya Academy award.He is chosen for his novel "One Part
Woman", a translation of Perumal Murugans controversial Tamil novel "Maadhorubaagan".
• Raj Kumar, a Hindu youth from Pakistan has been selected for the prestigious ‘Emerging Young Leaders
Award’ given by the US State Department for the positive role played by youngsters in building sustainable
peace.
• The Dinanath Mangeshkar Awards has been given to Actor Aamir Khan and kapildev cricketer. It is
the 75th Master Dinanath Mangeshkar Award.
• National Safety Council’s ‘NSCI Safety Awards’ for the year 2016 were presented by Mr. Bandaru
Dattatreya - Minister of State (Independent Charge), Labour & Employment on April 20, 2017 in New Delhi.
The Winners of Sarva Shreshtha Suraksha Puraskar are as follows:
Sector Awardees
Manufacturing Sector IOCL- Digboi Refinery
National Fertilisers Ltd., Panipat, Haryana
NPCIL, Kaiga Generating Station 3 & 4, Kaiga, Uttar Kannada,
Karnataka
Construction Sector L & T Ltd., Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
MSME Sector Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., Electricals & Electronics, Bhiwandi,
Thane, Maharashtra
• Japan has selected former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar for this year’s 'Order of the Rising Sun' award for
his contribution to strengthening of bilateral ties between Japan and India.
• Sudarsan Pattnaik is an internationally renowned sand artist. He won the jury prize gold medal at the 10th
Moscow Sand art Championship at Kolomenskoye, Moscow in Russia. The theme for the competition
was "The world around us".
• Legendary filmmaker and actor Kasinathuni Viswanath conferred prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award
• Two Indian-American, Ritu Raju and Sundeep R Muppidi selected for ACE fellowship
• World’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp was get the ‘Indian MNC of the year‘. It was given
by All India Management Association.
• The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented CII President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement to
Mr. Rahul Bajaj and CII foundation Woman modal Award in New Delhi.
• Srishti Kaur of India has been crowned Miss Teen Universe 2017 at Managua. Srishti won after beating 25
contestants from across the world. She also bagged an award for the best national costume.
• Vani Jairam a versatile playback singer was received the Ghantasala national award. It was instituted by
the Ghantasala National Art Academy.
• Dileep K Nair, the youngest ever chancellor of any university in India has received Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar
International Foundation Kerala State award for the year 2016-17 for excellent performance in the field of
education.
• 65 year-old social activist, Prafulla Samantra has been announced as one of the six winners of 2017 Goldman
Environmental Prize.
• P C Chandra Puraskar has been given to Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi on 23 April 2017.
• Actor Rajkummar Rao-starrer film ‘Newton’ in April 2017 won the best film honour at the 41st Hong Kong
International Film Festival (HKIFF).
• Bhubaneswar the capital city of Odisha has been selected for the 2017 Pierre L'Enfant International Planning
Excellence Award by American Planning Association (APA). Bhubaneswar has become the first Indian city to
win this award.
• Kerala-born, UAE-based entrepreneur Yusaffali MA’ food processing plant ‘Y International (UK) Ltd’ in
Britain has won the prestigious Queen's Enterprise Award 2017 for its exceptional contribution to the UK's
trade, industry and economy. ‘Y International (UK) Ltd’has been chosen for this award in ‘International
Trade’ category.
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• Yes Bank has won the prestigious ‘Golden Peacock Innovative Product Service Award 2017’.
• Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Depthas bagged e-Puraskar Award. They receive for the
best performance in empowering panchayats by using Information and Communication Technology tools, for
2016-17.
Name Designation
Tapan Singhel (re-appointed) Bajaj Allianz General CEO
Ajit Kumar Srivastava & Shabri Bhattasali CBDT members
Mahabaleshwara MS MD and CEO of Karnataka Bank
Achim Steiner Administrator of UNDP
Justice Gita Mittal Acting Chief Justice of Delhi HC
Actress Kristin Davis UNHCR goodwill ambassador
B Venugopal, Sunita Sharma Govt MDs at LIC
Harbhajan Singh Ambassador for ICC Champions Trophy (among Eight
)
Sheela Patel named by the UN chief to panel on Urban development
Gynaecologist Dr Duru Shah President of the Indian Society for Assisted
Reproduction (ISAR).
Himanta Biswa Sarma Badminton Association of India's interim President
Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) chairman
Vinay Shah MD & CEO of LIC Housing Finance
B.N. Mohapatra Railway Financial Commissioner
Iran bars Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running for President
Nita Ambani Member of IOC’s important commissions
Shri Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar DG, CRPF
Shri RK Pachnanda DG, ITBP
Yushra Mardini UNHCR goodwill ambassador
T Krishnakumar Coca-cola India’s new chief
Ilir Meta President of Albania
Mridul Gehlot President of kabaddi federation
Rajiv Kumar Chander Permanent Representative to Geneva UN offices from
India.
Lenin Moreno Ecuador President.
Indira Banerjee New Chief Justice of Madras High Court
Mahesh Kumar Jain IDBI bank MD and CEO
K Kharat MD and CEO of Indian Bank
MS Dhoni CEO of Gulf Oil for 1 day
Brayan Jimenez banned for life-time by FIFA
DGP Geetha Johri Gujarat’s first woman police chief
Aliza Knox (quits) Twitter’s VP of Asia Pacific
Prithika Yashini India’s first transgender police officer Tamilnadu
Police Dept
Malvika Sinha New Executive Director of RBI
Kenichi Yokoyama New Country Director of India Resident Mission of the
Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Quatrro's Raman Roy CEO of NASSCOM
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Rishad Premji vice chairman of NASSCOM

Former Supreme Court judge Shiva Kirti Head of Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate
Singh Tribunal(TDSAT).
Mukta Dutta Tomar New Ambassador of India to Germany
Anuja dhir First non-white circuit judge at Old Bailey in London
Smita Sandhane MD of Saraswat Co-operative Bank.
S.N. Subrahmanyan CEO -Larsen and Toubro Ltd (L&T)
Foreign Coaches in Athletics
Name Sports
Dave Smith (Australia) Race walking
Galina P Bukharina (USA) 400m and 400m relay
Dmitry Kislev (Russia) Masseur
Elmira Kisleva (Russia) Masseur.
• ICICI Venture is planning to do a new project by investing $20 million to acquire a considerable stake
in Theobroma, owned and managed bakery, patisserie and chocolate based in Mumbai, India.
• Flipkart announced its biggest funding and it is buying eBay’s Indian operations and marked drastic moves by
the country’s largest online retailer. It builds a ‘mahagathbandhan’ of global tech giants to counter Amazon.
This buy was a part of its mega fund raising of $1.4 Bn.
• Natural resources major Vedanta Ltd. merger with subsidiary energy firm Cairn India has become effective.
• Anil Agarwal buys 11.4% of minor Anglo American and becomes the 2nd largest holder in Anglo
American.Indian billionaire Anil Agarwal has become the second largest shareholder in Anglo American after
acquiring the shares of 11.44 per cent of the British mining group
• HCL Technologies ,India's fourth largest software services will acquire US- based Urban Fulfillment Services
(UFS) for up to $30 million (over Rs 193 crore) in cash to boost its mortgage business process
outsourcing(BPO) business.
MoUs
• Cabinet approves MoU between Forum of Regulators and the National Association of Regulatory Utility
Commissioners.
• Union Cabinet has Cleared Revised Air Service Pacts With Malaysia, Serbia in accordance with the latest
template of International Civil Aviation Organisation and have factored in the recent developments in civil
aviation sector.
• The Agreement was signed between Indian Ministry of Rural Development and Centre on Integrated Rural
Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP). The CIRDAP centre will be setup at National Institute of
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Hyderabad.
• Cabinet approves MoU between India and Australia on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine
• Ahead of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's official visit to India from April 7 to 10, Indian cabinet
approved various bilateral MoUs with Bangladesh. These MoUs pertain to cooperation in following areas:
• Agreement on Audio Visual Co-production:
• MoU on cooperation in the field of Mass Media:
• MoU on passenger cruise services on the coastal and protocol routes:
• Cabinet approves MoU between India and France on Technical Cooperation in Civil Aviation
• Cabinet approves Air Services Agreement between India and Georgia
• Air Services Agreement (ASA) between India and Georgia has been approved by Union Cabinet chaired by
the PM Modi.
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• Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing a Collaborative Agreement with French National Research
Agency (ANR), France for supporting the Belmont Forum Secretariat. The estimated expenditure to support
Belmont Forum Secretariat (currently hosted at ANR) from January 2015 to December 2017 will be Euro
40,000.
• Cabinet apprised of the MoU with Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane S.P.A. of Italy on Technical Cooperation in
the Rail Sector.
• India-UK Agree on New Areas of Economic Cooperation.
• US President Donald Trump and President of the People's Republic of China & Chairman of the Central
Military Commission, Xi Jinping have agreed to pursue a '100-day plan' aimed at reducing the US trade deficit
with China.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of justice between India and the North
African country, Tunisia has been approved by the Union Cabinet.
• The MOU has signed between NSFDC and the Development Commissioner (Handlooms).The main objective
of signing this MOU is to help and promote production and marketing of high value quality Handlooms
products among Scheduled class weavers.
• A MoU has signed between the Indian academy of Highway Engineers and the University of New South
Wales, Australia. The agreement is signed to bring the innovation in the transportation sector.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has signed an MoU with the Bank of Guyana on "Supervisory Cooperation
and Exchange of Supervisory Information". The MoU was signed with an aim to promote greater co-operation
and share supervisory information.
• A MoU has signed between CII and 3 Singapore Universities at the ASEAN-India Business Forum held in
Singapore. The MoUs signatories are Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore
and Singapore Management University.
• The MoU has signed between Indian space Research Organization (ISRO) and Bharat Heavy electrical
Limited (BHEL) to develop low-cost lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles and also an agreement of
buyback commitment for such batteries.
• HPCL and Rajasthan Govt. sign revised Rs 43129 crore Mou for Barmer refinery
• India and the Republic of Korea (RoK) have signed an Inter-governmental Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) for Defence Industry Co-operation in Shipbuilding.
• Maharastra govt. sign MoU with Railways to expand Green cover & Railways to set up Rs 200 Crore Solar
Power Plant. The Indian Railways is looking to set up a solar power plant in Bhilai (Chhattisgarh) where it has
spare land, through Railway Energy Management Company Limited (REMCL)
• SBI and CREDAI have signed an agreement to provide loans at a concessional rate to builders as well as
customers for affordable housing projects. SBI will provide 10 basis points concession to home buyers
and 10-35 basis points to CREDAI’s developer members.
• TERI, French firm sign MoU for 'Clean India'to strengthen India’s waste management capabilities a Delhi-
based green body, a French waste company and a Geneva-based innovation foundation have joined hands with
one another.
• A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between BBNL, Department of Posts and BSNL.
It provides broadband connectivity of BharatNet to Post Offices in rural areas.
SCHEMES
• Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment launched, first of its kind “Rashtriya
Vayoshri Yojana” in Nellore; Andhra Pradesh aimed to make life comfortable for senior citizens of India. This
scheme has been launched for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices to Senior Citizens
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belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category who suffer from age related problems viz. hearing
impairment, low vision, dental problems etc.
• Union Textiles Minister, Ms. Smriti Irani launched PowerTex India Scheme on 1stApril 2017 at Bhiwandi in
Thane district of Maharashtra. It is a gamut of schemes aimed at development of powerloom sector in India
with a special focus on small powerloom weavers. The scheme was simultaneously launched at 45 locations
across India.
• The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Government of India (GoI)
and Mizoram under the scheme Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY). The agreement was signed for
operational improvement of the State’s Power Distribution Department. The state becomes 27th State to join
UDAY scheme.
• As per a notification issued by Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, benefits to given to mild
hybrid vehicles under FAME India scheme have been withdrawn with effect from 1st April 2017. The
notification also clarified that decision does not apply to sales of mild hybrid vehicles made to retail
purchasers up to 31st March 2017.
• The number of people benefitting from the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for providing (Liquefied
Petroleum Gas) LPG connections to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households has crossed 2 crore mark. This
feat has been accomplished in less than a year’s time since its launch.
• Union Cabinet has approved closure of the Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY). This
scheme was launched in 2012 to provide insurance, resettlement expenses and other social security needs of
blue collar workers going abroad for work to Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries.
• Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched subsidized meal scheme at Rs.5 in
Gwalior. This scheme helps people to get economical nutritious and good quality food under the Deendayal
Rasoi Yojana at cheaper rates. It is launched in 49 districts across the state.
• The Government has reduced the number of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) from 66 to 28 and effective
from the financial year 2016-2017. Centrally Sponsored Schemes are implemented by state governments of
India but are funded by Central government with a defined State government share.
• The Uttar Pradesh State Govt., headed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has stalled the Samajwadi Pension
Scheme of the previous Samajwadi Party Govt. under Akhilesh Yadav.
• Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has announced that her ministry will soon approach
the Cabinet for the approval for an umbrella programme ‘Scheme for Agro-Marine Produce Processing and
Development of Agro-Processing Clusters (SAMPADA) with 6000 crore.
• Andhra Pradesh CM relaunches Adarana, a scheme for improving traditional occupations.It includes modern
tools, technology, marketing, and financial support that are for the artisans.
• MOU has been signed between Uttar Pradesh government and Centre for the “Power for All” to provide
electric connection to every house and agriculture field by 2019. The cost of the project will be 40 thousand
crore and 20 thousand crore will be spent till 2018.
• Maharashtra State Govt. has announced ‘Advanced Farming – Enriched Farmer’ scheme, with an aim to
increase farmers’ income by cutting production cost and increasing the output. The scheme will be launched in
the upcoming kharif season.
• The Bengal government has launched the scheme for unorganized sectors and self-employed people.5 crore
people will get benefit from the Social Security Yojana and around 1 crore will get direct benefit.
• Haryana extends Accidental insurance cover to all residents. One of the most prominent schemes of Modi
government Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) has been implemented by the Haryana
government.
• Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad launches Pro bono Services, Legal Aid Schemes, Nyaya Mitra
The CPI (M)-led LDF government in Kerala has decided to provide pension to former circus artistes in the
state.
• On April 26, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged-off first UDAN flight from Shimla to Delhi under
the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). PM Modi also flagged off UDAN flights from Kadapa (Andhra
Pradesh) to Hyderabad and Nanded (Maharashtra) to Hyderabad through video conferencing link.
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COMMITTEE
• The Government has set up an inter-ministerial committee to monitor the regional air connectivity scheme
UDAN which seeks to make flying affordable by connecting unserved and under-served airports.
• The committee constituted to prepare draft Ganga Act submitted its report to the Union Minister of Water
Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation to Uma Bharti in New Delhi. The Chairman of this
committee is Justice Shri Girdhar Malviya.
• Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance has made an Inter- Disciplinary Committee chaired
by Dinesh Sharma, to examine existing framework regarding Virtual currencies.
• On Implementation of 7th pay commission in educational institutions after teachers associations the HRD
ministry forms a committee headed by Higher education secretary, Kewal Kumar Sharma
• Researchers from the University of Birmingham and Newcastle University in the United Kingdom have found
a drug to fight against drug resistant superbugs on April 1, 2017. The process was clearly explained by Tony
De Soyza, Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University.
• The Madhya Pradesh government has launched mobile application MP e-Nagarpalika to provide various
municipal services online. The App was launched by Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh
Chouhan.The mobile app is the part of Rs 225-crore e-nagarpalika project, under which all municipal services
would be made available online on a unified web platform.
• A group of scientist from India has discovered indications of a massive planet orbiting a low mass X-ray
binary star system. The planet was discovered by scientists from Raman Research Institute,
Bangalore and University of Delhi. The X-ray binary star system is named as MXB 1658-298.
• Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas officially launched the low
emission Bharat stage (BS)-IV Grade fuel in Bhubaneswar on April 1, 2017. The launch was made on the
special occasion of Utkal Diwas which is the foundation day of Odisha.
• Online tax filing portal ClearTax.com announced that it has developed a technology platform to help
businesses comply with the provisions of GST law.
• Morocco King Launches Final Stage of Largest Solar Plant in The World. The plant is based on photovoltaic
(PV) technology, which spanned over an area of 137 hectares (1.37 square km).The cost of this plant is
nearly 75 million U.S. dollars.
• The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir launched the website,
http://npdrr2-mha.net.in, during the meeting of National Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR). This
is an exclusive website to share all information related to the NPDRR.
• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) under Union Ministry of Science and Technology has
initiated a Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) programme.This programme has a financial outlay of Rs. 3000
crore, out of which Rs. 100 crore have been earmarked in the current financial year itself.
• The Government is going to geo-tag all the agricultural assets in the country for better land and crop
management. Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh is going to sign a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), ISRO, for geo-tagging the agriculture land created
under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVA) in the country.
• Astronomers have detected an atmosphere around the super-Earth GJ 1132b marks the first time that an
atmosphere has been detected around an Earth-like planet.
• Scientists have discovered a protein which helps to make vaccinations provide protection from diseases such
as cancer, HIV, and influenza before they have a chance to establish within the body.
• Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the web portal and mobile application named “Bharat ke
Veer” to enable the willing donors to contribute towards the family of soldiers who sacrificed his/her life in
line on duty.
• NASA's Kepler space telescope have discovered a Venus-like planet orbiting a dim star and located 219 light-
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years away.This new planet is slightly larger than Earth, and it tightly embrace its low-temperature star
called Kepler-1649, encircling it every nine days.
• Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal has launched an mobile application named ‘e-Sewa’ to provide
information about more than 250 schemes and programmes of 30 different departments
• Power Minister Piyush Goyal has launched the 'Urja Mitra' mobile application and Rural Feeder Monitoring
Scheme on April 11, 2017 in New Delhi.While Urban Jyoti Abhiyaan (Urja) app which was launched in June
2016 to monitor service delivery to consumers in towns.
• Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah launched a Mobile App ‘Suraksha’ for the safety of women in the city.
• NASA scientists have released a new global composite map of planet Earth at night as observed in 2016.
These maps show the clearest yet composite view of the patterns of human settlement across our planet.
Satellite images of Earth at night are referred to as “night lights”.
• The High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) completed the experiment of the Belle-II
Tsukuba, Japan.
• On April 14, 2017, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched a new mobile app CM
Connect, at Secretariat at Velagapudi near Vijaywada. This mobile app runs on Microsoft’s Kaizala
platform and will be useful in receiving feedback from the public directly on any given issue.
• Researchers of CSIR National Institute of Oceanography have developed a platform of Robotic that can be
located at any depth from 0 to 200 meters.
• On April 14, 2017, Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh launched two web applications to
check corruption and keep track of government activities. Digital Application for Review by Public And
Nation (DARPAN): This web application would upload details of projects right from the initial stage till
sanction of fund and photos of work-in-progress from sites.
• NASA’s Cassini spacecraft has detected gases on Enceladus and some earth- based bacteria are founded.
Enceladus is an icy moon of Saturn which hides an ocean and sprays water into space.
• Google has launched a new food delivery and home services App called Areo for the Indian market.It allows
user to order food or scheduled appointments with a local beautician, plumber, and painter, cleaner. It is
currently operated in Bangalore and Mumbai.
• Team of scientists, including Indian origin researchers Rahul Satija from New York University and Karthik
Shekhar from Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in the US, have identified new types of blood cells in the
human immune system.
• Harayana launches mobile app Kilkari to create awareness among pregnant women
• The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has successfully test fired. It is a land-attack version with an
extended range increased from 290 km to 450 km.
• Union HRD Minister Mr. Prakash Javadekar launched a portal and a mobile app of Rashtriya Uchchatar
Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in New Delhi. He also released the Booklet “Digital Launch of Projects; Rashtriya
Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)”
• Leading bot platform Gupshup has announced the launch of ‘InterBot’, a first of its type platform that enables
bot-to-bot communication. Ability to communicate will give bots human-like capabilities to transact, co-
ordinate, compete, collaborate and negotiate with each other.
• Mongolia has launched its first satellite Sat-1 Mongol on 19th April 2017.It is 1227 megahertz satellite.
• Amazon.com Inc. launched its content-streaming Fire TV Stick in India.The Fire TV Stick runs a customized
version of Android and has support for Android apps and games.
• China has launched its first unmanned Cargo Spacecraft named Tianzhou 1. It is programmed to conduct
scientific experiments after reaching China’s second space station.
• Malaysia Airline has become the first to use new satellite-based real-time global aircraft tracking
• ISRO has launched a solar calculator app that can calculate the benefits of installing solar panels in different
regions of the country. This app has been created by the Space Application Center (SAC). At present this app
can be downloaded from ‘New and Renewable Energy’ section at sac.gov.in.
• India has successfully test-fired 3000 kilometre range Agni-III ballistic missile. It has launched from Abdul
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Kalam Island off Odisha coast. It can carry a warhead of 1.5 tonne which is protected by carbon all composite
heat shield.
• Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation M Venkaiah
Naidu launched MyMSME Mobile App on 27 April 2017. Its aim is to access information on all schemes
implemented by the Ministry and as well as apply for any of them.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA) has successfully launched a super pressure
balloon to conduct near space scientific investigations. It is the the fifth attempt and it was launched from
South Island Wanaka Airport, New Zealand.
• China carried out maiden glide test of its first amphibious aircraft AG600, the largest in the world, in the
southern Chinese city of Zhuhai.
• On April 30th 2017,Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced South Asia Satellite will be launched on
May 5 and describing it as India's "priceless gift" to its neighbours as 'sabka sath, sabka vikas' (cooperation of
all, development for all) concept.
• NASA’s Cassini spacecraft completed its final close of Saturn’s moon Titan and has now started its final set
of 22 orbits before jumping into Saturn on September 15, 2017 and completed its 20-year long journey.
• By using an “artificial womb” the extremely premature babies could be kept alive in future. After a successful
study involving unborn lambs scientists plan to test in humans.
• China has launched its first domestically built aircraft carrier on 26 April 2017. It helps in transferring the ship
from a dry dock into open water in Dalian, a port city in China’s Liaoning Province.
• Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management-Kerala (IIITM-K) has launched an application
named Kaapi Soil Health Management and Monitoring (Kshemam).
DEFENCE
• INS Darshak, the Indian Navy's hydrographic survey ship is on a two-month deployment in the Sri
Lankan waters since March 3, 2017. INS Darshak was commissioned on April 28, 2001 at
Visakhapatnam under Eastern Naval Command of Indian Navy.
• INS Chennai a P 15A Guided Missile Destroyer of Indian Navy was dedicated to the city of Chennai on April
17, 2017.The ship has a complement of about 45 officers and 395 personnel.
• First ever Joint military exercise begin between Nepal and China named Sagarmatha Frienship 2017 in
Kathmandu.
• India- Mongolia military exercise training has started at Vairengte in Mizoram. Christened “Exercise Nomadic
Elephant- XII”aimed at training troops in operations like counter-terrorism and counter insurgency.
• The National Nuclear security Administration (NNSA) and US Air force have conducted a test of a
modification of the B61 atomic bomb.B61-12 bomb was tested without a nuclear warhead.
• On April 28, 2017, Indian Coast Guard ship, ICGS Varad, the eight in the Vikram-class offshore patrol vessel,
was decommissioned at Chennai Port. ICGS Varad was in service for 27 years.
• Indian Air Force introduced its frontline Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft into the 221 Squadron, ‘Valiants’, at its
base in Punjab to enhancing the IAF’s capabilities. Su-30 MKI is a state-of-the-art all-weather multi-role
fighter jet.
• A "joint doctrine" envisaging deeper operational synergies among the army, navy and air force was unveiled
on April 25, 2017. The three defence services will now follow a unified approach to deal with all possible
security challenges including conventional and proxy wars.
• The Indian Navy began a joint maritime exercise Varuna with the French Navy at the Mediterranean Sea. The
exercise was begun on 24th April 2017 and will be ended on 30th April 2017. It aims at deepening combat
coordination between the two navies.
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ENVIRONMENT
• Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have identified a soil fungus which uses enzymes to
rapidly break down plastic materials. The research was published in the journal called Environmental
Pollution.
• The new tree-living species named Kani maranjandu has been found by Scientists from University of Kerala
in Kerala. It was stated in the Journal of Crustacean Biology.
• India's first DNA bank for wild animals will be setup by the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) at
Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh.It was informed by R K Sharma,director of IVRI.
• As per a report titled `Not For Sale`, published by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), nearly 30% of
World Heritage Sites are plagued by poaching, illegal logging and fishing.
• A temperate rocky 'Super-Earth' planet has been discovered.Temperate planet known as LHS 1140b is 39 light
years from Earth.
• Scientists have unearthed five ancient dinosaur egg fossils in China dating back to 70 million years.
• NASA scientists have discovered a new planet- OGLE-2016-BLG-1195lb- that has the same mass as Earth
and orbits its star from the same distance as Earth orbits the sun. The newly discovered planet is nearly 13,000
light-years away and orbits a small star.
• Scientist Federica Bertocchini and his colleagues of the Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology of
Cantabria in Spain have found that a caterpillar commercially bred for fishing bait has the ability to
biodegrade polyethylene.
SPORTS
• New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliott has confirmed his retirement from international cricket on March 30,
2017. He will retire from cricket after playing his last T20 series against England.
• Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya broke three world records by winning the Prague Half Marathon in Czech
Republic on April 1, 2017. Defending champion Violah Jepchumba and Fancy Chemutai, both from Kenya
finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.
33rd edition - Miami Open 2017 at Crandon Park, Florida in USA - An Overview
CATEGORY WINNER’s RUNNER’s
Men’s single Roger Federer(Switzerland) Rafael Nadal (Spain)
Women’s single Johanna Konta (Great Britain) Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark)
Men’s doubles Łukasz Kubot (Poland)/ Marcelo Melo Nicholas Monroe (USA)/Jack
(Brazil) Sock (USA)
Women’s doubles Gabriela Dabrowski (Canada) /Xu Yifan Sania Mirza (India)/Barbora
(china) Strýcová (Czech Republic)
• Rio Olympics silver medalist P V Sindhu won championship in India Super Series tournament on April 2,
2017. She defeated the Olympic champion Carolina Marin from Spain in straight sets 21-19, 21-16.
• Mashrafe Mortaza(33) who led the Bangladesh international cricket team for One day and Twenty20
international matches has announced retirement from T20Is in Colombo.
• A right handed Indian international cricketer Virat Kolhi(28) was named as the Leading Cricketer in the
World for the year 2016 by Wisden India Almanack. Kohli also features on the cover of the 2017 edition of
the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. Besides Ellyse Perry of Australia has been named as Leading Woman
Cricketer in the World.
• After two decades, the Indian football team has risen to 101st from 132nd in the latest FIFA rankings which
was released on April 6, 2017. Brazil retained its top position.
• Rio Olympics silver medallist P V Sindhu achieves a career-best world number two ranking in the latest
Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings list. Badminton World Federation rankings as Chinese Taipei’s
Tai Tzu Ying stayed at first position.
• US based National Basketball Association (NBA) has launched its first basketball school in Mumbai, India on
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April 7, 2017.More schools will be opened in India and around the world in this year. The school was opened
as part of a multi-year agreement with India On Track (IOT).
• The IPL team owned by Royal Challengers Sports Private Ltd, Royal Challengers Bangalore(RCB) joined
hands with the gaming entity Nazara Games have announced the launch of online cricket game named RCB
Star Cricket on April 7, 2017
• India has finished the Thailand International Tournament with two medals includes 1 gold medal and 1
bronze medal in Bangkok on April 8, 2017. Indian boxer K Shyam Kumar (49kg) won a gold medal for the
second time in Thailand International Tournament.
• Former captain of the Pakistan cricket team Younis Khan(39) has announced to retire from international
cricket matches after the 2017 test series against West Indies which will be ending on May 14 in Jamaica.
• Indian team stood top at the Asian Youth Chess Championship in Tashkent,
Uzbekistan. They elevated our country with 12 medals, including four gold medals.
• Mercedes team Driver Lewis Hamilton wins Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix for Mercedes
• The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has granted affiliation to the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), a long-
standing tie made between the two bodies.
2017 Malaysia Super Series Premier –Overview
CATEGORY WINNERS RUNNERS
Men’s Singles Lin Dan Lee Chong Wei
Women’s Singles Tai Tzu-Ying Carolin Marin
Men’s Doubles Marcus Fernaldi Gideon & Kevin Sanjaya Fu Haifeng & Zheng Siwei
Sukamuljo
Women’s Yuki Fukushima & Sayaka hirota Huang Yaqiong & Tang
Doubles Jinhua
Mixed Doubles Zheng Siwel & Chen Qingchen Lu Kai & Huang Yaqiong
• Marouane Fellaini (Belgian professional) becomes the first Muslim to captain Manchester United. He is the
world’s most expensive player.
• The US, Mexico and Canada finally announced the details for a joint bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.It
would be the first World cup hosted by three nations and the first jointly hosted World Cup.
• The Indian School team beat Malaysia 5-1 to lift the title at the Fifth Asian School Hockey Championship in
Bhopal at the Aishbagh Stadium. Indian Alishan Mohammad scored 2 goals and converted a penalty corner
and a penalty stoke in the goal.
• Pankaj Advani has won his 7th Title by defeating Sourav Kothari in the Asian Billiads Championship held in
Chandigarh . PankajA dvani is the 16th time world champion. Advani defeated Sourav Kothari by 6-3 in the
finals.
• Sai Praneeth has won the Men’s Single at Singapore Open Badminton championship. Srikanth is the first
Indian to won a Superseries title after defeating K Srikanth in Singapore.
• Former Ranji cricketer Tushar Arothe has been appointed as the coach of the Indian women’s cricket team.
• Cricket, Skateboarding, Sambo and Surfing are among the sports which have been removed from the 2018
Asian Games to be held in Jakarta and Palembang in Indonesia. Total number of events has been reduced
from 493 to 431.
• Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) won a Baharain Grand Prix by defeating Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes).It was held at
Baharain International circuit Baharain.Sebastian Vettel belongs from Germany.
• Pullela Gopichand a National Badminton coach daughter has won both single and double crown at the
Pembangunan Jaya Raya Junior Grand Prix in Jakarta. Gayatri teamed up with Samiya in doubles title and win
over Indonesian players of Kelly Larissa and Shelandry Vyola.
• Chris Gayle became the first cricketer to score 10,000 runs in T20 cricket. He accomplished this feat while
playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Gujarat Lions in an Indian Premier League (IPL), 2017
match.
• Visually impaired Indian runner Sagar Baheti completes historic Boston Marathon
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• International Cricket Council (ICC) has named former Indian Cricket Team Captain, Sourav Ganguly and
former Australian Cricket Team Captain, Ricky Ponting as commentators for the upcoming Champions
Trophy, scheduled to be held in England from 1-8 June 2017.
• Five Indian Badminton players have been upgraded in the latest BWF rankings released on April 20, 2017.
Notably PV Sindhu: Moved to number 3 position. Last week she was at number 5 position. Saina
Nehwal: Ranked at number 8 position. Last week she was at number 9 position.
• Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has launched a new feature called Video gaming as a full sport at the 2022
Asian Games which is scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China from September 10 to September 25, 2022.
The 2018 Asian Games will be held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia.
• 101-year-old Man Kaur has won Gold Medal for 100 metres sprint at the World Masters Games in
Auckland on April 24, 2017. Including this, she has won 17 Gold Medals so far.
• Sandhya Agarwal, former captain of the Indian women’s Test Cricket team has been offered honourary life
membership of ‘Marylebone Cricket Club’ (MCC) in recognition of her distinguished service to the game.
• Indian shot putter Manpreet Kaur has clinched gold in the Asian Grand Prix Athletics Meet. It was held in
Jinhua, China. Manpreet also qualified for the IAAF World Championships to be held in August 2017
in London.
• On April 28, 2017, Indian professional snooker player Pankaj Advani, won silver at the Asian Snooker
Championship at Doha, Qatar. He lost the finals to China's Lv Haotian by 3-6.
• Actress Gul Panag has become the first Indian woman to drive a Formula E racing car. She drove the
M4Electro at the Circuit de Calafat in Catalonia,Spain. The M4Electro is a Mahindra fourth generation
Formula E race car.
• Jehan Daruvala becomes 1st Indian to take pole in FIA F3 European Championship in Monza, Italy.
• Nadal wins Men’s Singles and Bopanna and Cuevas Lift men’s doubles in the Monte Carlo Masters
• Haryana beats Kerala at the National Youth Athletics Meet at Hyderabad Kerala was at the top place for the
last five years but now Haryana emerged champions with 166.5 points.
• India has won 16 medals at US Open karate Championship and grabbed 3 gold 2 silver and 11 bronze
medals.The US Open Karate Championship was held in Las Vegas.It was held from April 12 to April 16.
OBITUARY
• Ajey Jhankar – The Noted Scriptwriter passed away

• Pop art pioneer James Rosenquist dies at 83
• Kishori Amonkar a Hindustani classical vocalist passed away
• Gilbert Baker – The LGBT rainbow flag creator passed away
• Comedian Don Rickles dead at 90 in USA
• Roland founder and music pioneer Ikutaro Kakehashi dies aged 87
• Spain’s First Female Defence Minister Carme Chacon Dies
• Ex-Union minister and Badminton Association of India chief Akhilesh Das Gupta dies in Lucknow.
• Veteran Malayalam actor Munshi Venu passes away
• Pioneering Canadian HIV/AIDS researcher Mark Wainberg passes away
• Former J&K Governor Girish 'Gary' Saxena Dies
• Computer pioneer Robert W. Taylor dies at 85 in California
• Italian Emma Morano last known survivor of 19th Century dies
• Former Bihar minister Narsingh Baitha is dead
• Veteran journalist Nora Chopra no more
• Germaine Mason has died at the age of 34. He is a British Olympic silver medallist.
• The rock and Jazz fusion guitar pioneer Allan Holdsworth has died at the age of 70 in USA
• Former Andhra Pradesh minister Devineni Rajashekhar passes away
• Top Maoist Leader Narayan Sanyal Passes Away
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• Ali Mohammad Naika Senior National Conference (NC) leader and former speaker of Jammu and Kashmir
Legislative Assembly passed away.
• Vinod Khanna a Bollywood actor and politician was expired at the age of 70.
• Begum Yaman K. Khan has passed away. She is a famous sufi singer and daughter of legendary Sitar Maestro
(late) UstadVilayat Ali Khan.
• The Oscar-winning director of The Silence of the Lambs, Jonathan Demme passed away on 26 April 2017. He
was 73.
• Tamil actor Vinu Chakravarthy passes away at 71
• Legendary Serbian writer for children, Rasa Popov, passed away.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
• President Pranab Mukherjee has released the book on Draupadi authored by Veerappa Moily in New Delhi on
April 7, 2017. The book titled 'Flaming Tresses of Draupadi' was written in both English and Kannada and it
is published by Rupa.
• Vice President receives first copy of the book titled ‘Hope in a challenged democracy: An Indian narrative’
authored by Shri Ashwini Kumar
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a book ‘Matoshree’ authored by Sumitra Mahajan.The book
‘Matoshree’ covers the life and times of legendary Devi Ahilyabai Holker who ruled the Holkar Empire
spread over the Malwa region from 1767 to 1795.
• The Dalai Lama released a book named - 'Ocean and Blue Mountains' published by department of Karmik and
Adhyatmik Affairs (DoKAA) in presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and other dignitaries.
• Salman Khan launched the autobiography of Asha Parekh, The Hit Girl, with well known author and
journalist Khalid Mohamed who was the co-author of the biography.
• The author Arjun Gaind launched his book on Punjab, Building the land of five rivers. On the occasion of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu a panel has organized a discussion in which there is a discussion of
Punjab’s history, heritage, culture and growth.
IMPORTANT DAYS
• World autism Awareness Day is observed on 2nd April every year by United Nations (UN) member countries
to raise awareness about autism and problems faced by people suffering from it. World Autism Awareness
Day Theme 2017: ‘Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination’
• The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action was celebrated on April 4,
2017. The theme of this year was “Needs driven. People Centered”
• 54th National Maritime Day is celebrated on 5th April 2017 since 1964 to mark the day when the first voyage
of the SS Loyalty, the first ship of Scindia Steam Navigation Company towards United Kingdom from
Mumbai on this day in 1919.
• The United Nation proclaimed 6th April as International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on August
23, 2013. The day also coincide with the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.
• World Health Day observed on 7th April with theme 'Depression: Let's Talk'.
• President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the first NIMCARE World Health Day Summit 2017 in New
Delhi on April 7, 2017. ‘Unite for a Healthy Mind’ was chosen as the slogan of the summit.
• Every year 12th April is celebrated as International Day of Human Space Flight to mark the day when the first
human space flight, carried out by Yuri Gagarin on 12 April, 1961.
126th birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar- April, 14
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a day-long visit to Nagpur for a series of programmes to commemorate
126th birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the chief architect of Indian Constitution. Firstly, PM
Modi visited sacred Deekshabhoomi and paid tributes to Dr. Ambedkar.
• PM releases 2 special commemorative postal stamps - Deekshabhoomi and the twin pictures of Lord Gautam
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Buddha and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar

• PM Modi inaugurated several units of thermal power plants across Maharashtra, including three super-critical
units (660 MWX3) at Koradi, two units (500 MW X 2) at Chandrapur and one of 250 MW at Parli.
• PM Modi formally launched BHIM-Aadhaar platform for merchants at a function organized by the Niti Ayog
at Mankapur Indoor Stadium in Nagpur.
• In a bid to encourage cashless transactions through the BHIM-Aadhar platform, PM Modi has announced two
incentive schemes.Rs. 495 crore has been allocated for the above mentioned Referral Bonus and Cashback
schemes, which will be operational till October 14, 2017.
• The Prime Minister also graced the 100th and final Digidhan Mela in Nagpur.PM also laid the foundation
stones for IIM-Nagpur, new AIIMS and Indian Institute of Information Technology.
• On April 20, 2017, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the two-day 11th Civil Services Day
function in New Delhi.
• World Heritage day is celebrated on 18th of April every year.It’s been chosen to tie in with the UN’s
International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.
♦ Theme of the World Heritage day is Cultural Heritage & Sustainable Tourism.
• The World Book and Copyright Day was celebrated on 23 April 2017 across the globe.
♦ 2017 Theme is Quotes Wishes Slogans Greetings.
• Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 and it is celebrated every year on April 22. It is celebrated in more than
193 countries by over a billion people every year.
♦ Theme of Earth day is 2017 is Campaign is Environmental & Climate Literacy.
• The World Book and Copyright Day was celebrated on 23 April 2017 across the globe.
♦ 2017 Theme is Quotes Wishes Slogans Greetings.
• Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 and it is celebrated every year on April 22. It is celebrated in more than
193 countries by over a billion people every year.
♦ Theme of Earth day is 2017 is Campaign is Environmental & Climate Literacy.
• World Intellectual Property Day (WIP) is observed on 26th April. Theme for 2017 - "Innovation – Improving
Lives".
• International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed on April 26, 2017.
• World Malaria Day (WMD) 2017 was observed globally on 25 April 2017 with the theme "Malaria
prevention: let’s close the gap". First malaria vaccine to be tested in Kenya, Ghana and Malawi in 2018
announced by WHO.
• PM Modi released 23 volumes of Vachana of Basavanna & other saints on social reformer's birth anniversary
• The Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare 2017 was observed on 29 April 2017 by the
United Nations (UN). This day will provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of chemical warfare.
• World Immunization Week 2017 is being observed across the globe between 24 April and 30 April
2017. The theme for the 2017 World Immunization Week is ‘VaccinesWork.’Its objective is to achieve the
2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
• National Panchayati Raj (PR) Diwas has observed on April 24 every year.
• World Day for Safety and Health at Work is annually observed on 28 April. It has been observed by
the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003. 2017 Theme for World Day for Safety and Health at
Work: Optimize the collection and use of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) data.
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Current Affairs May 2017
INDIAN AFFAIRS
• The Minister for Human Resource and Development, Prakash Javadekar has launched Students for soldiers- a
nationwide Vidya – Veerta Abhiyan. The portraits of Param Veer Chakra decorated soldiers were handed over
to the Vice Chancellors of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Jamia Milia Islamia, Jammu and
IIT Delhi.
• The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act - RERA has come into effect from May 1, 2017.
Government’s objective behind this Act is to protect home buyers and bring in overall transparency in the real
estate sector which will encourage genuine private developers.
• Indian Railways to introduce premier Tejas Express between Mumbai and Goa in June
• Uttar Pradesh has launched an ambulance service for cows. Gauvansh Chikitsa Mobile Vans’ has launched to
rescue ill or injured cows. Uttar Pradesh is the second state after Madhya Pradesh to have an ambulance
service for cows.
• Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha has mentioned that Central Government is planning to
build an aerotropolis in Assam and has sought 2,000 acres from the state government for the purpose.
• Punjab State Government under Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has made Aadhaar Cards mandatory
in place of Ration Cards for all Financial Assistance Schemes.
• Centre declares entire Assam as disturbed area under AFSPA for three more months
• Maharashtra Health Minister Deepak Sawant has announced that the state has tied up with World Health
Organisation (WHO) for eradication of Rubella measles. The vaccination drive for the same will start
from March 2018 under which, children in Maharashtra aged between 9 months to 15 years, will be
vaccinated for Rubella.
• The Ministry of Civil Aviation has released draft rules for a "national no-fly list" of unruly passengers for all
domestic carriers. This draft is an amendment to the existing Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR), a set of
rules on unruly and disruptive passengers.
• Under IBBI (Information Utilities) Regulations, 2017 the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
constitutes Technical Committee to lay down Technical Standards for the performance of core services and
other services. The committee will be headed by Dr. R. B. Barman (Chairman, National Statistical
Commission).
• For paying pending salaries of primary teachers in Jammu and Kashmir Union Human Resource Development
Minister Prakash Javadekar has sanctioned Rs 200 crore.
• eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) project of Union Health Ministry has become global best
practise in immunisation. Representatives from Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal and Thailand are on
a visit to India to study the project.
• India opens small arms manufacturing unit in Madhya Pradesh in a joint venture with Israel.
• The Kesla-II limestone block in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh with an estimated reserve of 215 million
tonnes has been auctioned at 96.15 per cent of Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) prices, thereby becoming
India’s most expensive limestone block. This deal will fetch revenue of Rs 11,894 crore to
the Chhattisgarh government.
• Odisha’s Sualgiri and Swalgiri communities have been notified as Scheduled Castes. It is followed by the
President Pranab Mukherjee’s assent to a new law
• World's highest railway bridge that is expected to be 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower will be built
on Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir within next two years. The arc-shaped bridge will have a height of 359
m above the river bed. 315 km long bridge will connect Bakkal (Katra) and Kauri (Srinagar).
• The Ministry of Ministry of Textiles celebrated Swachhta Pakhwada. It is celebrated between 1st and 15th
May, 2017.Seminar on the theme "Waste to Wealth" to be organized
• Jharkhand will become the second state in the country to announce its financial year from January to
December. Madhya Pradesh was first state to adopt the new financial year.
• This year Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation has decided to launch two new circuits of its
flagship luxury train Maharajas' Express.The luxury train will be running on two new tour circuits named as
‘Southern Sojourn and ‘Southern Jewels’.
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• Odisha will introduce boat ambulance service in four districts where people face difficulties in getting health
service.The boat ambulance service will be available in Koraput, Malkangiri, Kendrapara and Kalahandi
districts.
• Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flags off Naharlagun-Guwahati Shatabdi Express. He also laid the foundation
of the Murkongselek-Pasighat broad gauge line in Arunachal Pradesh.
• On May 3, 2017, Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved wide-ranging economic
measures and MoUs with foreign countries.
• The cabinet has cleared the nonperforming asset (NPA) resolution package that includes an ordinance to
amend the Banking Regulation Act for empowering the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to deal with bad assets in
an effective manner.
• Union Cabinet has given gave ex-post facto approval to the signing the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC)
with Japan on Railway Safety. This MoC was signed in February 2017.
• Union Cabinet has approved modifications in the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission
(CPC) relating to the method of revision of pension of pre-2016 pensioners and family pensioners.
• Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to signing of MoU with Malaysia on development of a urea
and ammonia manufacturing plant in Malaysia.The plant will be built at an estimated cost $2.1 billion.
• Union Cabinet has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in area
of Civil Aviation with Spain.
• With an objective to encourage domestic manufacturing, Union Cabinet has approved the policy for providing
preference to Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) on Government procurement.
• Cabinet approves MoU signed in 2011 and Renewal of MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants
of India and Higher Colleges of Technology, United Arab Emirates
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given approval
for Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters (SAMPADA) for
period 2016-20.SAMPADA is an umbrella scheme incorporating ongoing schemes of the Ministry of Food
Processing Industries. Financial outlay for SAMPADA is Rs. 6000 crore.
• Cabinet approves MoU on Third Line of Credit of US $ 4.5 billion to Bangladesh for implementation of
developmental projects
• Cabinet approves MoU between the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Defence Services
Command and Staff College, Mirpur, Dhaka for Cooperation in Military Education
• Union Cabinet has given its approval for the declaration of Vijayawada Airport in Andhra Pradesh as
International Airport. The decision is in accordance with the provisions of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation
Act, 2014.
• Haryana and Madhya Pradesh cabinet gave its approval to a draft bill for implementation of the Goods and
Services Tax in the state.The GST will be implemented from 1st of July.
• On May 3, 2017, Mr. Nitin Gadkari – Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, inaugurated two
exhibitions, ‘The Highway Saga: Past Present & Future’ and ‘Safe Road & Inter State Highways
Transforming India (SRISHTI)’ in New Delhi.
• In a bid to cut down consumption of unhealthy food products and reducing the rising burden of chronic
diseases like cancer and diabetes, Indian food regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI) has proposed a set of measures, including tax, strict labelling norms and ban on advertisements of
such products.
• PM Modi launches integrated case management system of Supreme Court in presence of CJI
• The National Book Trust (NBT) has launched Panchayat PustakMela. Its aim is to organize regular book fairs
in rural areas across the country. The NBT will start to host book fairs bodies in the Maoist-hit areas
of Chhattisgarh.
• IRCTC has offered delivery of rail tickets allowing passengers to make payment through any payment mode,
including cash.
• Maharashtra Govt. has imposed a ban on the sale of junk food in school canteens.
The Centre has asked all states to link prisons with courts through video conferencing.
• The Supreme Court sentenced Calcutta high court judge C.S. Karnan to six-month imprisonment for contempt
of court.
• Haryana government has decided to gather a detailed data of every resident and issue a smart IDs for every
house in Haryana.
• Industrial promotion body DIPP and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) have signed an
agreement to establish Technology and Innovation Support Centres in the country.
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• Border Security Force (BSF) has set Invisible' laser walls to bolster security along border Pakistan in J-K. The
198 km India-Pakistan international border will use a newly developed Invisible laser technology.
• Health Minister J P Nadda launches new Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine for pneumoniain Mandi District of
Himachal Pradesh.
• Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has decided to disclose information like marks obtained and
educational qualifications of candidates who appeared in the final stage of examination (interview) but were
not recommended.
• The Election Commission of India has launched National Contact Centre. The National Contact Centre is
operated on a National Grievance Redressal System Software.
• The Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is located 10 km from the city of Jamshedpur in Jharkhand. The 2017 hunting
festival “BishuParv” was observed in Jharkhand.
• The Income Tax department has launched a new e-facility to link a person's Aadhaar with the Permanent
Account Number (PAN). It is a mandatory procedure for filing I-T returns.
• IIT Kharagpur collaborates with British Geological Survey to turn Varanasi into smart city
• Centre will spend Rs 11,000-crore on roads in Naxal affected areas. It will provide road connectivity to 44
Naxal-affected districts. The project will be implemented under the PradhanMantri Gram SadakYojana.
• Indian Railways will install about 19,000 high definition CCTV cameras at 983 stations across the country to
strengthen security of passengers including women at rail premises.
• On May 15, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched ‘Narmada Seva Mission’, which enlists steps to be
taken for the conservation of the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh.
• The West Bengal government has made the Bengali language mandatory in all schools.
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States and the Indian Space Research
Organisation(ISRO) would jointly inspect the excavation being carried out at an archaeological site
in Haryana's Fatehabad district.
• Chitale Committee on desiltation of River Ganga has come up with several recommendations such as
establishing annual sediment budgets to guide de-silting activities, morphological and flood routing
studies and study of reach wise sediment transport processes.
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), along with other leading research funders and international
NGOs will adopt UN health agency's recommendations to register and publicly disclose results of all clinical
trials they fund, co-fund, sponsor or support.
• Government's decision to set up 10 atomic power plants to generate 33,400 jobs, Rs 70,000-crore opportunity.
• The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad has become South India’s first airport to go 100% LED-
lit.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a collaborative mission between industry
and academia called Innovate in India empowering biotech entrepreneurs and accelerating inclusive
innovation.
• The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council headed by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and comprising
representatives of all states has finalised tax rates on 80-90% of goods and services under four brackets (5%,
12%, 18% and 28%). Essential items of daily use have been kept in the lowest bracket of 5%. GST will
replace 16 current levies (7 central taxes and 9 state taxes), consequentially creating India as one market with
one tax rate.
• A semi-mechanised car park, the first of its kind in Jammu and Kashmir has inaugurated by Chief Minister
Mehbooba Mufti.
• A team of Pune doctors successfully performed country's first womb (uterus) transplant on a 21-year-old
Solapur woman on 18th of May.
• Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the proposal to establish Indian
Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) - Assam with 100% outlay of central government. IARI-Assam will be
constructed on 587 acres land provided by
• Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India
and Australia on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime.
• Cabinet approves Agreement between India and Tajikistan on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs
Matters
• Cabinet approves Faculty Exchange Agreement between National Defence College, New Delhi and National
Defence College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Cabinet approves Amendment of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958
• Cabinet approves amendment of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971 to
enable summary eviction proceedings in Residential Accommodation
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• Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to Pan-India implementation of Maternity Benefit
Program which was announced by PM Modi in his address to the nation on December 31, 2016.
• The Andhra Pradesh Legislature on 16th of May has passed a Bill to appoint Olympics winner shuttler PV
Sindhu as a Group-1 officer in the government by amending the state public services Act.
• Shri BandaruDattatreya the Minister of State for Labour& Employment(IC) has launched an EPFO’s Citizens’
Charter 2017 and e-court management system in Bangalore.
• As per the directions of the Supreme Court, Union Ministry of Women and Child Development has developed
a manual titled “Living conditions in Institutions for Children in conflict with Law”. The
Manual has been framed within the purview of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act,
2015 and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Model Rules, 2016.
• India’s AnshuJamsenpa has become the first woman to conquer Mount Everest twice within five
days. AnshuJamsenpa along with Nepali climber Furi Sherpa scaled the peak at 8:00 am on 21st of May.
• Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flags off high-speed Tejas Express between Mumbai-Goa in North
Goa on May 22.
• The Madhya Pradesh government has announced a total ban on sand mining in Narmada River.
• Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu inaugurated free Wi-Fi facility at 28 Railway Stations on 21st of May. It
has inaugurated in Konkan Railway from Kudal Railway Station in Maharashtra.
• The Delhi Police has launched the Bicycle Patrols for better policing on 30 May 2017. It was launched by
Union minister of Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir.
• Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has inaugurated a solar power plant of 16 MW capacity at the Ordinance
Factory in Telangana’s Medak on 30 th May, 2017. The solar power plant at Medak has been set up at a cost
of Rs 105 crore by Bharat Electronics Limited.
• Sankhyiki Bhawanis the new office of (NSSO) has been inaugurated in New Delhi. India is participating in
the current phase of International Comparison Programme (ICP) with reference to 2017.
• M Rajeevan, Secretary of Ministry of Earth Sciences has announced that India is all set to launch ‘Deep Ocean
Mission’ by January 2018. Deep Ocean Mission’ will improve India’s position in ocean research field.
• All 12 major domestic ports in India will soon switch to renewable energy to meet their entire power
requirements. Indian Government is planning to install 150 mw of solar power and 50 mw wind power
generation capacity by year 2019.
• Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines, Shri
Piyush Goyal launched the Saral Eindhan Vitaran Application (SEVA aimed at increasing the Consumer
Connect as well as the Transparency and Accountability in Coal dispatch.
• The Maharashtra government has decided to form ‘good morning’ squads to curb open defecation in all
villages and districts across the State.
• Prime Minister NarendraModi laid the foundation stone for 6 projects related to development of Kandla port.
It’s total cost worth Rs 993 crore.The Kandla Port Trust is named after Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, who
stood for the uplift of all sections of the society.
• Shri Manoj Sinha launches BSNL’s satellite phone service and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Telecom Skill
Excellence Award Scheme & Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Sanchar Kaushal Vikas Pratisthan Scheme
• "Swachh Bharat App” has been launched in National Museum under Ministry of Culture by the Minister of
State (I/C) for Culture & Tourism Dr Mahesh Sharma. The main focus of this “Swachh Bharat App” is to
basically involve people actively to become part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Movement).
• The Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Dr. Mahesh Sharma) has inaugurated an exhibition on “Return
of the Three Stone Sculptures from Australia to India” in National Museum New Delhi.
• External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, Electronics and Information Technology Minister, Ravi Shankar
Prasad and Human Resource Development Minister, Prakash Javadekar jointly inaugurated the integration
of eSanad with ‘Parinam Manjusha’.‘Parinam Manjusha’ is CBSE’s digital academic repository which allows
students to find their mark sheets and other certificates online.
• Union Cabinet has given its approval to raise Bonds of Rs. 2360 crores for renewable energy through
the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) during the 2017-18.
• Union cabinet has approved phasing out of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB).Now onwards
processing of applications for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and seeking approval of the Government will
be handled by the concerned Ministries/Departments in consultation with the Department of Industrial Policy
& Promotion (DIPP) under Union Ministry of Commerce.
• Chief Minister of Puducherry, V Narayanasamy presented Rs.6945 crore tax-free budget for the fiscal 2017-
2018. Total budget outlay of Rs.6945 crore comprises Rs. 4,445 crore for non-plan head and Rs. 2,500 crore
under plan.
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• The J&K government has launched an e-clinics service for farmers on 24th of May, 2017. It is being launched
with an aim to double farmers’ income by 2022.
• As per new rules notified by the Environment Ministry, Government has banned the sale of all kinds of cattle
for slaughter at animal markets across the country. This new rule has been notified under Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act of 1960.
• Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched a JE immunisation drive in 38 districts on
25 May 2017. It has been launched to eradicate Japanese Encephalitis (JE). The number is 18001805544.
• Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has launched a 'ShivarSamwad Sabha to reach out to farmers
in the state and to address their issues.Nearly 4,000 elected representatives of the party will participate in the
campaign.
• Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel flagged off the Slum Yuva Daud to mark the beginning of
the Adopt Slum Campaign in New Delhi. It was initiated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs &
Sports and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan.
• According to World Health Organisation (WHO) report India has detected first three Zika-affected patients all
from Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
• Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan launched Drinking Water and Sanitation Ministry’s ‘Darwaza
Band’ campaign for promotion of toilet usage across the country.
• Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari has laid foundation stone of eight connectivity projects worth Rs 1,117.03
crore at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Mumbai on May 30, 2017.
• 12-year-old Odia girl Padmalaya Nanda to represent India at 'Little Miss Universe2017' beauty pageant, in
Batumi, Georgia.
PLACES IN NEWS
• Madhya Pradesh became the first state in India to switch to the January-December financial year from
existing April-March cycle. This practice of April-March financial year was adopted by the British
Government in 1867.
• A massive ''cordon and combing'' operation had been launched by the security forces in south
Kashmir’s Shopian district by seeing the growing attacks on policemen and incidents of bank robberies.
• Maharashtra becomes first Indian state to use Automated Weather Stations
Devendra Fadnavis a Maharashtra chief minister has inaugurated the state’s first automatic weather station at
Dongargaon in Nagpur.
• On May 1st 2017 ,India’s second tallest flag pole has been inaugurated in Kolhapur at Western Maharashtra.
The pole which is 303 feet high has been constructed at the Police Garden located opposite of Superintendent
of Police headquarters in the Kasaba Bawada area.
• On May 2, 2017, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged-off Western Railways' first Humsafar Express
between Ahmedabad and Chennai at a function held in Udvada town in Valsad district of Gujarat.
• West Bengal is the only state which did not take part in the government's Swachh Survekshan Survey 2017.
• Kochi in Kerala is likely to get a Blind Football Academy (BFA), the first ever exclusive academy for
differently-abled talents in the country soon.
• Venkaiah Naidu, Tamil Nadu CM inaugurated 7.4 km long stretch of Chennai Metro Train service
• Nagpur will be the first Indian city to get electric radio cabs. It will be started from 26th of May. It will be
launched by Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari.
• Yogi Adityanathgovt to merge local bodies of Mathura-Vrindavan, Ayodhya-Faizabad
• Telangana first state to have logo for vehicles driven by persons with hearing impairment
• On May 7, 2017, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highway, Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India’s first bio
refinery plant for renewable fuels and chemicals at Rahu in Pune district of Maharashtra.
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has shifted its strategic anti-Maoist command headquarters
from Kolkata to Chhattisgarh. Its aim is to bring focus on combing operations in Chhattisgarh.
• Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattarannounced that Bhindawas bird sanctuary in Jhajjar would be
developed as a tourist resort.
• India’s capital Delhi gets its first ever fully air-conditioned bus stand.
• Orange alert' issued as heat wave intensifies as the temperature rose beyond 45 degrees in five towns and 40
degrees in other 16 places yesterday, the Bhubaneswar met office issued the alert.
• Two centres of the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET) will be set up in west
and south Haryana. These centres will help me
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• India's first Aquatic Rainbow Technology Park (ARTP) will be set up in Chennai.
Tamil Nadu is the second largest exporter of ornamental fish after West Bengal.
• Union Cabinet has given its approval for establishment of new All India Institute of Medical Sciences
(AIIMS) at Kamrup, Assam. It will be set up under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) at
the cost of Rs.1123 crore.
• India’s first underwater rail tunnel has completed ahead of schedule. India’s first underwater rail tunnel was
being constructed under the Hooghly river. The construction of the tunnel was jointly undertaken by Afcons
Transtonnelstroy and Kolkata Metro Railway Corporation Ltd.
• On May 26, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s longest river bridge, the Dhola-Sadiya
bridge. This bridge has been named after late legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika. Sadiya was the birth place of
Bhupen Hazarika. It has been built at a cost of about Rs 2,056 crore over river Lohit, a tributary of the
Brahmaputra.
• PM Modi laid the foundation stone for an Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) at Gogamukh in
Dhemaji district of Assam.
• Nagpur earned the distinction of becoming India’s first city with electric mass mobility system as Maharashtra
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis along with Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari flagged off
taxi aggregator Ola's electronic vehicle (EV) services in the city.
• On May 28, 2017, Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal and Union Urban Development Minister, M
Venkaiah Naidu flagged off Heritage Line of Delhi Metro through video conferencing at Metro Bhawan in
Delhi. Union Minister of Science and Technology, Harsh Vardhan was also present at the event.
• The Manipur government has declared Dailong village of Tamenglong district as a Biodiversity Heritage Site
of the state.
• The Goa State government has decided to ban buying and selling of plastic bags below 50 microns.Goa Chief
Minister Manohar Parrikar implemented the law with the fine of Rs 500 and then the fine will be subsequently
raised to Rs 5,000.
FOREIGN VISITS
Turkish President Erdogan to arrive New Delhi - 2-day India visit

• India-Turkey Business Summit was held on May 1, 2017 in New Delhi. President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip
Erdogan along with his 150-member business delegation took part in this summit.
• After the talks, following three agreements were signed between Indian and Turkey:
• An agreement on cultural exchange programme for 2017-2020.
• MoU on cooperation in training, signed between Foreign Services Institute (FSI) of India and the Diplomacy
Academy of Turkey.
• MoU on cooperation in the area of information and communication technologies (ICT) and India, Turkey
Agree To Boost Cooperation in Combating Terror.
Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe’s 5-day visit to India
• India and Sri Lanka signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on economic cooperation in New
Delhi.The objective of this MoU is to achieve “greater economic, investment and development cooperation in
a progressive manner”.
Projects included in the India – Sri Lanka MoU on Economic Cooperation:
• Construction of 500-mega watt (MW) capacity power plant that will run on regasified liquefied natural gas
(LNG).
• LNG terminal and a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) will be constructed in Colombo.
• A 50-MW solar power unit at Sampur in the Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka.
• Creation of industrial zones or Special Economic Zones (SEZs) at specific locations in Sri Lanka.
• Projects to improve road connectivity in Sri Lanka.
• Upgradation of railway tracks and purchase of rolling stock and a container terminal in Colombo Port through
a joint venture.
• Besides cooperation in above listed projects, India and Sri Lanka will also jointly develop the 99 oil tanks
housed in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades - 5-day visit to India:
India and Cyprus signed following 4 agreements:
• Executive programme on culture, education and scientific cooperation for the period 2017-2020. This
agreement was exchanged between Indian External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj and Cyprus Finance
Minister, Harris Georgiades.
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• A work plan under a programme of cooperation in agriculture for the period 2017-2018.
• Cooperation in the area of merchant shipping.
• Agreement to boost air services between the two countries. This agreement was exchanged between Indian
Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel and Cyprus Minister of Transport and
Communications, Marios Demetriades.
• Cyprus is the 8th largest foreign investor in India. Cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) from Cyprus
stands at USD 8.5 billion.
Finance Minister ArunJaitely’s 3-day visit to Japan
• Mr. Jaitley attended the annual Meeting of Board of Governors' of Asian Development Bank in Yokohama,
Japan.
• Theme of 50th annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors was “Building
Together the Prosperity of Asia”
• India and Japan affirm plans to strengthen their defence cooperation amid rising tension in Asian region
PM Narendra Modi’s two day visit to Sri Lanka
• During this visit, he participated in the International Vesak Day celebrations,on 11th and 12th May 2017 the
biggest festival of Buddhists and attended several other programmes.
• The theme of this year’s celebration was “Buddhist Teachings for Social Justice and Sustainable World
Peace”.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a multi-specialty hospital at Dickoya in NuwaraEliya district of
Sri Lanka.
Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas four day visit to India
India and Palestine signed five MoUs
India and Palestine signed following five MoUs post delegation level talks between Palestine President Mahmoud
Abbas and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi:
(i)Visa exemption for diplomatic passport holder
(ii)Agricultural cooperation
(iii)Cooperation in field of IT & Electronics
(iv)Cooperation in health sector
(v)Cooperation in the field of youth affairs and sports
Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth’s 3 day visit to India
India has announced USD 500 Million assistance in form of Line of Credit to Mauritius, which will be used for
various projects.
India and Mauritius signed following 4 agreements after extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth:
• Setting up of a civil services college in Mauritius
• Cooperation in ocean research
• USD 500 million Line of Credit (LOC) agreement between the SBM Mauritius Infrastructure
Development Company and Export-Import Bank of India and Maritime Security Agreement
This bilateral maritime accord will strengthen cooperation and capacities to effectively manage conventional and non-
conventional threats in the Indian Ocean. India and Mauritius have also agreed to strengthen their wide-
ranging cooperation in hydrography for a secure and peaceful maritime domain.
• 15th edition of WFH International Musculoskeletal Congress (IMC) held in Seoul.

• The 27th Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group is being held from 1st to 12th of
May 2017 at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.
• Turkey, Russia and Iran has signed ‘safe zones’ deal for Syria to encourage an agreement between the Syrian
government and the rebel forces. The deal was signed by the heads of the delegations that represents the three
ally countries during peace talks in Kazakhstan’s capital city, Astana.
• A team of Chinese scientists led by renowned quantum physicist Pan Jianwei have announced that they have
built the world's first quantum computing machine that is 24,000 times faster than its international
counterparts.
• India will organise cultural festival in Egypt to mark 156th birth anniversary of Rabindranath
Tagore. Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), the cultural wing of the Indian Embassy in Cairo
will organise this festival from 8th -12th May 2017, which will feature a dance show, film screening, a play
and painting competition.
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• India redrawing BBIN transport plan as Bhutan withdraws. BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) Motor
Vehicles Agreement (MVA) is an ambitious sub-regional transport project.
• Dubai has become the first city in the world to get its own Microsoft-designed font. It was created in
partnership with Microsoft. It was launched on May 1st 2017.
• India unanimously elected to head UN-Habitat, the United Nations’ Human Settlements Programme. In the
past, India held the presidency of UN-Habitat in 1988 and 2007.
• India has planning to replace its Maitri research station in Antarctica with a new one in the next three to four
years.
• During the two-day India-US Maritime Security Dialogue in Rhode Island, US, top Indian and American
officials exchanged views on maritime developments in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• The United States (US) Govt. has approved the sale of $ 75 million worth high-tech chemical protective
clothing for the Indian armed forces that will protect Indian soldiers against biological and chemical warfare.
• 19th Session of India-Italy Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation held in Rome
• Indians 6th biggest private spenders on health among low-middle income nations. Indian Government
ranked 147 among 184 countries on this parameter.
• The headquarter of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of Organization of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will inaugurate in Saudi Arabia. The Independent Permanent Human Rights
Commission (IPHRC) is a branch of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
• India has launched the process to export 'Ujala to the United Kingdom with affordable 'Made in India' LED
bulbs.Ujala is globally one of the largest efficiency programmes and being run by Energy Efficiency Services
Ltd.
• China and the member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to a
framework on code of conduct in the disputed South China Sea.
• A 14-year-old Indian-American student,PranayVarada has won the prestigious National Geographic Bee
competition. He gets $50,000 in scholarship and other prizes.
• MukeshAmbani, a Reliance Industries Chairman has topped the Forbes list of ‘Global Game Changers’.
• AnshuJamsenpa from Arunachal Pradesh on 16th of May scaled the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest for
the fourth time.
• India and other solar rich countries including Argentina, Burkina-Faso, Chad, France, Ivory Coast, Mali,
Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Sénégal, Uganda and Yemen have jointly supported commissioning of a study to
define and structure a Common Risk Mitigation Mechanism (CRMM) for solar power generation projects in
solar rich countries.
• The Jaipur Literature Festival was inaugurated in London on 21st of May, 2017. At the festival South Asia's
literary heritage, oral and performing arts, books and ideas, dialogue and debate are presented.
• Jordan’s Azraq has become the world's first refugee camp powered by renewable energy.
• On May 22, 2017, a UN conference on eliminating nuclear weapons published its first draft text. This draft
was strongly opposed by nuclear armed states including US.
• Japan is going to build a war museum at MaibamLokpaChing in Manipur’s Bishenpur district.
• The Dubai Police has recuited UAE’s First Robocop. It is used to chase down suspects and nab parking fee
dodgers.It is a smart intelligent system and it can easily protect people from crime.
• Taiwan’s constitutional court has declared that same-sex couples have the right to legally marry. This is first
such rule in favour of same sex marriage in Asia.
• 47-year-old Kami Rita Sherpa scripted history by becoming the third climber to scale Mount Everest for a
record 21 times. He became one of the three climbers in the world to hold the record for most of the summits
on Mt Everest. Earlier, Apa Sherpa and Phurba Tashi Sherpa have scaled the highest peak 21 times.
• 5th edition of Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) took place from 22nd to 26th May 2017,
in Cancun, Mexico. Construction began on world’s largest telescope the European Extremely Large Telescope
(ELT), in Chilean desert on 26 May 2017. The telescope will be located in Chile's Atacama Desert.
• The first-ever women television channel “Zan TV (or Women’s TV)” has started in Kabul,
Afghanistan.Founder of Zan TV is Hamid Samar.
• The world’s smallest nation, Nauru has ratified the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Pact. Five
more afrrican nations Djibouti, Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire, Somalia and Ghana signed the International Solar
Alliance (ISA) framework agreement on the sidelines of African Development Bank (AfDB) meeting in
Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• 70th World Health Assembly (WHA70) was held from 22nd to 31st May 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland.
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• Nitin Gadkari inaugurates India Integrated Transport and Logistics Summit 2017 in New Delhi. On the first
day itself, 34 MoUs worth Rs 2 lakh crore were signed at India Integrated Transport & Logistics Summit.
• External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has inaugurated the eighth conference of head of missions in Delhi.
• 4th National Standards Conclave was held in New Delhi on 1st & 2nd May 2017. Organised by: Department
of Commerce, Government of India in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Bureau of
Indian Standards (BIS) and the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB).
• The 13th International Permaculture Convergence (IPC) experts will be held on November 27 to December 2,
2017 in Hyderabad. The theme of IPC is 'Towards healthy societies'
• Inter-Ministerial Delegation Participated in Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm Conventions in Geneva. Theme of
these meeting was: "A future detoxified: sound management of chemicals and waste"
• First Videsh Sampark held in Telangana.
• Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the 28th meeting of the Northern Zonal Council on 12th of
May in Chandigarh.
• Ahmedabad is going to host biggest International Yoga Day event on 21st June.
• 26th Meeting of the Governing Council of UN-Habitat with the Theme of “Opportunities for effective
implementation of the New Urban Agenda” which began in Nairobi, Kenya on May 8, 2017.
• India hosted 52nd Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB) from 22nd to 26th May 2017
in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This is the first time that the Annual Meetings of AfDB were held in India.
• Union Minister for Communications Manoj Sinha has announced that the Mobile Congress 2017 (IMC 2017)
in New Delhi is scheduled from 27th to 29th September 2017. This is the first time India is all set to host its
own mobile mega show.
• The 2017 Arctic Energy Summit (AES) will be held in Helsinki, Finland from September 18-20 2017.
• Rajnath Singh (Home Minister) inaugurated the second meeting of National Platform for Disaster Risk
Reduction (NPDRR) in New Delhi on 15 May 2017. The theme of NPDRR is Disaster Risk Reduction for
Sustainable Development: Making India resilient by 2030.
• On May 17, 2017, first meeting of the National Steering Group and other knowledge partners was held
in NITI Aayog. This meeting was co-chaired by Amitabh Kant – CEO of NITI Aayog and Ratan P Watal -
Principal Adviser, NITI Aayog.
• India boycotted the two-day conference on China’s "One Belt One Road" (OBOR) initiative, which was held
in Beijing on 14th and 15th May 2017. The project aims to connect China with Eurasia through land-
based "Silk Road Economic Belt" (SREB) and ocean going "Maritime Silk Road" (MSR).
• G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meet was held in Bad Neuenahr, Germany from 18-19 May
2017.Germany chaired the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meet, as it currently holds the G20
presidency.The meeting focused on the theme “Towards an Inclusive Future – Shaping the World of Work”.
• 43rd G7 summit was held on May 26–27, 2017 in Taormina, Sicily, Italy. The summit was attended by leaders
of G7 countries viz. US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and Canada as well as the representatives
of European Union.The theme of the Italian G7 presidency in 2017 is "Building the foundations of renewed
trust."
• On May 22, 2017, Dharmendra Pradhan - Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum and Natural
Gas, co-chaired the 2 nd India-OPEC Institutional Dialogue at the OPEC headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
• 3rd Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Inter-sessional Ministerial Meeting was held on
21-22 May 2017 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
• A two-day ‘Startup India Summit’ was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on 23rd and 24th May 2017. This summit
was held by the Consul General of India (CGI) in Dubai and Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi in partnership
with iSPIRIT, a nonprofit think tank and was supported by TiE Dubai, a nonprofit association dedicated to
fostering entrepreneurship.
• The 28th edition of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit has started in Brussels Belgium on
May 24 and 25, 2017. The top agenda of the meeting was terrorism. The 2018 NATO summit will be held
in Istanbul, Turkey.
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs hosted the 'India-Pacific Islands Sustainable Development
Conference’ in Suva, Fiji.
RANKINGS & REPORTS
• Indore in Madhya Pradesh emerged as the cleanest city and Gonda in Uttar Pradesh ranked at the bottom as
the dirtiest city in Swachh Bharat survey-2017.
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• As per a latest report titled ‘Illicit Financial Flows to and from Developing Countries: 2005-
2014’ compiled by US-based think tank Global Financial Integrity (GFI), an estimated $770 billion in black
money entered India while $165 billion exited the country during 2005-2014.
• As per latest edition of Sunday Times Rich List, Indian-origin Hinduja Brothers (Srichand Hinduja and
Gopichand Hinduja) have topped the 2017 list of the richest people in the United Kingdom (UK).
Their estimated fortune stood at £16.2 billion marking a £3.2 billion hike over previous year’s estimate.
• As per 'The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2017' released by UN Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Indian economy is expected to register 7.1% GDP growth in
2017 and 7.5% in 2018.
• Global agency Fitch Ratings has affirmed India's long-term foreign- and local-currency rating at 'BBB. Fitch
forecasts India’s real gross domestic product (GDP) growth to accelerate to 7.7% in FY17 and FY18, from
7.1% in FY16.
• Kerala has secured first rank and Bihar has ranked last on this year’s Public Affairs Index (PAI), compiled on
basis of a survey by Bengaluru-based think-tank Public Affairs Centre (PAC). The survey was based on 10
themes, 26 focus subjects and 82 indicators.
• India has ranked 26th in World Bank's electricity accessibility ranking for the current year. This marks a
remarkable jump of 73 places from 99th rank in 2014..
• As per Savills Tech Cities 2017 rankings, Bengaluru has been adjudged as the most affordable city having the
lowest cost of living out of 22 tech cities across the world.
• As per 2016 Indian Exclusion Report (IXR) released by the Centre for Equity Studies (CES) in New Delhi on
May 10, 2017 Dalits, Adivasis and Muslims continue to be the worst-hit communities in terms of exclusion
from access to public goods.
• Yusuff Ali, Sanjeev Chadha Among Top 100 Indian Business Leaders
• India has ranked 24th in terms of International Tourist Arrivals (ITA) for 2014 and 2015 as pre revised
rankings of World Tourism Barometer by World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
• Indian has ranked 2nd among 40 countries on ‘Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index’
2017 released by Ernst and Young (EY). This marks an improvement of one spot as compared to 3rd rank in
2016.
• India has ranked 154th among 195 countries on healthcare index in Lancet medical journal’s report
titled 'Global Burden of Disease'. Performance of countries was assessed for a period of 25 years from 1990-
2015, based on death rates from 32 diseases that could be avoided by effective medical care.
• As per a joint report titled “Financial Security for India’s Elderly—The Imperatives” from CRISIL
and pension regulator Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), by 2050 every
5th Indian will be in their 60s as against every 12th at present.
• Railway station survey - Andhra's Visakhapatnam cleanest, Bihar's Darbhanga dirtiest
• United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) mentioned that number of children travelling alone has increased
five–fold since year 2010. According to the new UNICEF report titled “A Child is a Child: Protecting children
on the move from violence, abuse and exploitation”, at least 300,000 unaccompanied and separated
children were recorded in some 80 countries in the combined years of 2015 and 2016, up from 66,000 in 2010
and 2011.
• Mumbai, Delhi and 7 other Indian cities have featured in the list of top 300 global cities which are the focus of
commercial activity and interest. This list has been compiled by real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle
(JLL). On Commercial Attraction Index, New York has ranked 1st, whereas in terms of Economic Size,
Tokyo has ranked 1st. Notably Mumbai is placed at 17 th spot.
• Mumbai, Delhi and 7 other Indian cities have featured in the list of top 300 global cities which are the focus of
commercial activity and interest. This list has been compiled by real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle
(JLL). On Commercial Attraction Index, New York has ranked 1st, whereas in terms of Economic Size,
Tokyo has ranked 1st. Notably Mumbai is placed at 17 th spot.
• India Ranks Third Highest Globally In Internal Displacement Numbers as per Global Report on Internal
Displacement (GRID) 2016, released by Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) of the Norwegian
Refugee Council (NRC), nearly 2.4 million people in India after China (7.4 displacement million) and the
Philippines(5.9 million) were internally displaced due to conflict, violence and disasters in 2016.
• According to the International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) in May 2017 India overtook Japan to become the
second-largest steel producer in the world in 2016.
• As per the Asia Pacific Tax Complexity Survey conducted by professional services firm, Deloitte, India has
the second most complex taxation system in the Asia-Pacific Region only behind China.
• Two Indian cities Mumbai and Kota have been named among the world's most crowded cities. According to
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World Economic Forum (WEF) citing UN Habitat data the list is topped by Dhaka.
• Taj Mahal is the only Indian monument which has featured in the list of top 10 Global Landmarks,
by Traveller’s Choice. Taj Mahal has secured 5th position on this list.The list is topped by Angkor Wat in
Siem Reap of combodia.
• HDFC is the only Indian company to be named among the top 10 consumer financial services companies in
the world.The list is topped by global major American Express.The HDFC rank is 7thin the list.
• As per ‘India Development Report’ released by World Bank on May 29, 2017, India ranks 120th among 131
countries in terms of women participation in the workforce.
BANKING & FINANCE
• On May 5, 2017, Reserve Bank of India announced that rate of interest on the Floating Rate Bonds, 2024
(FRB 2024) for the half year May 7, 2017 to November 6, 2017 has been fixed at 6.30% per annum.
• To enable timely decision making, RBI has been decided that, now onwards the decisions agreed upon by a
minimum of 60% of creditors by value and 50% of creditors by number in the Joint Lender’s Forum
(JLF) would be considered as the basis for deciding the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) under the 'Framework
for Revitalising Distressed Assets in the Economy’. Earlier the decision for CAP depended upon agreement by
a minimum of 75% of creditors by value and 60% by number.
• India’s foreign exchange (Forex) reserves have increased to touch a lifetime high of $372.73 according to RBI
, the Cental Bank of India.
• President promulgates ordinance on empowering RBI on bad loans resolution. To initiate insolvency
proceedings for the recovery of bad loans the government gave wide-ranging legislative powers to the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) to issue directions to lenders. The much-awaited ordinance to amend the Banking
Regulation Act 1949 was announced by President Pranab Mukherjee.
• Singapore based Fintech startup FinMomenta has announced the launch of Tachyloans. It is a first digital
lending platform in India for individuals as well as businesses. Borrowers can avail loan at lower interest rates
starting from 11.5 percent per annum.
• Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has approved $ 160 million loan for a power project in Andhra
Pradesh.India is the second largest shareholder of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) after China.
• Ujjivan Small Finance Bank has started its operations in Pune. Its total branches now come to 30 across the
country. It has started its operations from 4 locations. The four locations are Swargate, Pimpri, Akurdi and
Hadapsar.
• Asian Development Bank predicts 7.4% in the current fiscal year 2017-18 and 7.1% in the fiscal year.It is
projected by ADB that India market is more deregulated and have open the paths to welcoming to FDIs. ADB
forecast 7.6% growth for next year.
• Securities and Exchange Board of India has finalised norms for issuance and listing of green bonds. Green
bonds help to meet an ambitious target India has of building 175 gigawatt of renewable energy capacity by
2022.
• India’s foreign exchange (Forex) reserves have increased by $1.25 billion on April 21, 2017 according to the
Reserve Bank of India(RBI).
• On May 2, 2017, ICICI Bank said it has made 100 villages digitally-enabled in 2017 and plans to transform
500 more by the year-end.The 100 villages which have been transformed into 'ICICI Digital Villages' are
located across 17 states in India.
• Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance has launched India’s first insurance product that can be bought at a point of
sale (PoS). The product has been named ‘PoSSaralNivesh’.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) extended the deadline for companies undertaking billing business under
the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) by seven months to December 31, 2017. The extension has been
granted on account of difficulties expressed by various entities in meeting the deadline.
• Securities markets regulator Sebi has permitted subscription to mutual fund (MF) schemes through e-wallets.
• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has raised Rs. 3000 crore through Masala
Bonds at London Stock Exchange. Funds raised through these Masala Bonds will be used for constructing
roads and transport infrastructure in India.
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• In a bid to keep a check on "errant" NGOs, especially those receiving foreign funding, Union Home Ministry
has asked as many as 5,845 organisations to open their accounts in banks having core banking facilities. This
will enable security agencies to have real-time access to all relevant details.
• The Finance Ministry has set up an "Investor Facilitation Platform". It will provide information about stocks
of public sector units. The platform that launched by the DIPAM is developed and maintained
by PRIME Database.
• LIC Housing Finance launches new home loan product Griha Siddhi. It will offer interest rate of 40 per cent
up to Rs 25 lakh and for loans up to Rs 1 crore the interest rate will be 8.50 per cent per annum for the
borrowers.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated an action on IDBI Bank that will restrict bank from hiring,
opening branches and giving big ticket loans.
• India's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) and International Finance-Tec City (GIFT) signed
an agreement with Gujarat National Law University (GNLU).
• DishaMicrofin has received the final license from Reserve Bank on 12th of May to operate as a small finance
bank.
• State Bank of India the country's largest public sector lender has announced that it will start levying charges of
Rs 25 for every withdrawal done at its automated teller machine or ATM kiosks.
• The International Monetary Fund has predicted India to grow at 7.7% in 2018-2019.India’s growth is expected
to 7.2 per cent in the 2017-18 fiscal year.
• Private sector bank Yes Bank announced its tie-up with Cashkaro to launch India’s first Card Linked
Offers (CLO) cash-back proposition.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated "prompt corrective action" (PCA) on Kolkata-based public sector
lender UCO Bank on account of high bad loans and negative return on assets. UCO bank is the second Bank
after IDBI Bank against which PCA has been invoked by RBI.
• Karnataka Bank Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Life Insurance
Corporation (LIC) of India for selling life insurance products of LIC.
• Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Punjab National Bank (PNB) signed a $100 million loan
agreement to finance large solar rooftop systems on industrial and commercial buildings throughout India.
• The Reserve Bank of India will soon circulate one rupee notes while the existing notes and coins will also
continue.The new notes will be in Pink-Green colour with the representation of the one rupee coin on the
reverse of the note. The new notes will bear the bilingual signature of economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta
Das.
• According to the Moody India’s economic growth will accelerate to 7.5 per cent in current fiscal and will help
in achieving the 8 per cent of GDP growth rate in about four years.
• HDFC Life has announced the launch of an artificial intelligence-based application named SPOK. SPOK will
help organization in increasing operational efficiency.
• Paytm launched its Payments Bank on May 23, 2017, and thereby became third entity (after Airtel Payments
Bank and India Post Payments Bank) to commence operation as Payments Bank. However, services of Paytm
Payments Bank are currently available only via invitation. The first physical branch of Paytm Payments Bank
is in Noida.
• As per United Nations’ “World Economic Situation and Prospects as of mid- 2017” report, India’s Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for FY 2017 has been revised downwards to 7.3% as compared to
7.7% projection made in January 2017.
• In a first of its kind transaction in India, Kotak Mahindra Bank enabled end to end trade financing for one of
its clients by applying the blockchain technology.
• As per latest Economic Outlook Survey by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and
Industry (FICCI), Indian Economy is expected to grow at 7.4% for the fiscal year 2017-18. The survey has
also mentioned minimum level of 7.0% and maximum level of 7.6%.
• HDFC Life has tied up with Catholic Syrian Bank. It includes selling of life assurance and other insurance
products and services by banking institutions.
• To promote financial inclusion, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed the opening of mini branches or
banking outlets across the country without taking permission from the regulator. It is applicable to
all domestic scheduled commercial banks except Regional Rural Banks. According to RBI norms banks need
to open atleast 25 per cent of their banking outlets in a year in unbanked rural centres.
• Fedral Bank has launched a new trading platform called “Selfie” for customers. Federal bank has launched in
association with Geojit.
• Karnataka Bank Ltd has signed an agreement HDFC Capital Asset Management Ltd (HDFCAML). The main
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aim of signing the agreement is to sell the mutual fund products of HDFCAML.
• Government has announced that 'entertainment tax' levied by states has been subsumed in the GST and thus,
taxation on cable and DTH services shall come down post the roll-out of GST from July 1, 2017.
• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has signed two unilateral advance pricing agreements
(APAs) with Indian taxpayers in a bid to reduce litigation by providing certainty in transfer pricing.
• The Reserve Bank of India on 22nd may 2017 had declared that it will reconstitute and expand the oversight
committee to deal with rising bad loans. It is framing the process for resolution under the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC).
• Bank of Baroda (BoB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IFFCO. The debit cards has
a facility of overdraft of Rs 2,500 in special savings bank account.
• State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a National Hackathon for developers, start-ups and students. The main
aim to launch National hackathaon is to come up with innovative ideas and solutions for the banking
sector. The hackathon has named 'Code For Bank'.
• On May 25, 2017, Reserve Bank of India announced that it has decided to permit all licensed co-operative
banks having their own ATM network to issue semi-closed prepaid payment instruments PPIs like mobile
walletsup to a limit of Rs 10,000.
• As per “fDi Report 2017”, compiled by fDi intelligence, a division of the Financial Times, India has retained
its position as world’s top greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) destination for the second consecutive
year. Attracting $62.3 billion FDI inflows in 2016, India remained much ahead of China and the US.
• According to World Economic Forum study the size of retirement savings gap in India is expected to touch
$85 trillion by 2050.The savings gap is the amount of money required in each country.
• RBI has decided to observe the week June 5-9, 2017 as Financial Literacy Week across the country. The
literacy week will focus on four broad themes that is KYC, Exercising Credit Discipline, Grievance
Redressal and Going Digital (UPI and *99#).
• Goldman Sachs and Citigroup are among the 5 merchant bankers selected by Department of Investment
and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) to manage Government’s 3% stake sale in Indian Oil Corporation
(IOC).
• As per “India Development Report” by World Bank, Indian economy is expected to grow at 7.2% in FY 2017-
18 as compared to 6.8% in 2016-17.
• The Employees Provident Fund Organisation has announced a hike in investment limit in Exchange Traded
Funds (ETFs) from 10% to 15 per cent. The decision was taken during the meeting of the Central Board of
Trustees (CBT) on 29th of May.
BUSINESS
• Facebook has launched its “Express Wi-Fi” in India. This WiFi service is available through 700 hotspots in 4
states.Express Wi-Fi is a program of Facebook’s global initiative to enlarge internet connectivity. It will
include the states of Gujarat,Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Meghalaya.
• Wipro has disclosed its new brand identity. The new brand identity addresses its business requirements and
drive future opportunities in this digital era.
• Uber Technologies Inc. has started its food delivery service UberEATS in Mumbai. The company has
appointed Bhavik Rathod as the head of the food delivery business.
• On May 3, 2017 Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved National Steel Policy
2017 which aims to make India self sufficient in steel production.
Goals of National Steel Policy 2017:

 To achieve 300MT steel production capacity by year 2030-31.
 To achieve 255 MT steel production by year 2030-31.
 To reduce import dependence on coking coal from current 85% to around 65% by 2030-31.
 To increase finished steel per capita consumption from current 61 kgs to 158 Kgs by 2030 – 31.
• Google has announced the new "Solve for India" initiative for tier-2 cities.Entrepreneurs will now have the
opportunity to learn directly from Google engineers.
• India has imposed an anti-dumping duty on 47 steel products for 5 years.
• New-look Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) were unveiled on May
12, 2017. The base year for the Indexes in the new series is 2011-12. In the previous series, the base year
was 2004-05. The revision of the base year has been done after a period of 8 years.
• Andhra Pradesh inks deal with HCL Tech to set up Rs 500 crore research facilities in Vijayawada.
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• Bharti Airtel has announced a strategic partnership with taxi aggregator Ola.It aims to offer a range of
exciting digital services to customers.
• 11 Person of Indian Origin (PIOs) have featured in Forbes Magazine’s 'Midas 2017' which ranks world’s 100
best venture capitalists in the technology space. ‘Midas 2017’ has been compiled by evaluating venture
capitalists’ portfolio during past five years.
• The three Indian companies -- Gitanjali Gems, Titan and PC Jeweller -- have been named in the list of top 50
luxury companies.It was topped by Louis Vuitton.
• Anti-dumping duty imposed on certain glasses from Iran and aluminum radiators from China in order to
protect the domestic industry from cheap imports.
• Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) has recently launched ‘LIVE’, a business incubator and
entrepreneurship development centre. ‘LIVE’ stands for Laboratory for Innovation, Venturing and
Entrepreneurship.
• Turbo Megha Airways, the Hyderabad-based airline became the first private airline to get a licence to fly
under UDAN, the government scheme for subsidized regional flights.
• Cab aggregator Ola has announced the launch of its 'Progressive Web App' (PWA).Ola becomes the first ride
hailing app in the APAC region to use PWA technology.
• As per a latest report, released by Brand Finance on May 17, 2017, Tata Group is India’s most valuable
brand, carrying an estimated brand value of $13.1 billion.
• The Finance Ministry has imposed definitive anti-dumping duty on ‘clear float glass’ imports from Iran.
• BHEL has commissioned a 250 mw thermal unit in Maharashtra. The project is owned by Maharashtra State
Power Generation Company (Mahagenco).
• Solvent Extractors Association, premier vegetable oil Association, said FSSAI has issued notification dated
15th May, 2017, permitting addition of vegetable fats (from sal, kokum, mango kernel, palm oil, mahua oil
dhupa, phulwara, dharambe, etc) to a maximum 5 per cent of the finished product.
• Twitter has introduced a new customizable Direct Message Card for businesses.
• Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd.(RIL) is the highest ranked Indian firm in 2017 Forbes ‘Global
2000’ list. Total 58 Indian companies have featured in this list. Reliance Industries ranked 106th on 2017
Forbes ‘Global 2000’ list. Among Indian companies, Reliance Industries was followed State Bank of India at
244 and ONGC at 246.
• The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has amended the definition of a Startup. An entity
will be considered as a Start-Up if its turnover is less than Rs 25 crore.
• Apple has opened its first store in Southeast Asia at Singapore. Apple already has almost 500 stores globally
with more than a million visitors daily.
• The government has announced the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) to grant Industrial
licences to defence manufacturers. DIPP will
now process the applications for grant of licence for manufacture of defence items.
• Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL) has inaugrated the largest integrated steel plant of Odisha with the
commissioning of the country's largest blast furnace at Angul. The plant was set up at an investment of
about Rs 33,000 crore.
• Indian Oil Corp (IOC) has overtaken Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) to become India's most profitable
public sector undertaking (PSU).
• Saqib Majeed, a Srinagar-based freelance photographer has won the prestigious 2016 Wisden-MCC
(Melbourne Cricket Council) Cricket Photograph of the Year. He won this award for a stunning image, which
captured boys playing cricket in the Nishat Gardens in Srinagar.
• Sanjay Pratihar has been chosen for the prestigious Indian National Science Academy (INSA) medal for the
Young Scientist Award for the year 2017.
• On the occasion of the 50th annual world fest houstan international film festival awarded the special jury remi
award to Indian actress Shabana Azmi and singer-poet Satinder Sartaaj on 3 May 2017.Shabana Azmi got the
award for her starring role in Hollywood film 'The Black Prince'.
• Bengaluru FC (Bengaluru Football Club) skipper Sunil Chhetri, who scored seven goals in the recently
concluded edition of the I-League football tournament, has won the most coveted Hero of the League award.
• 3 India-origin scientists, Krishna Chatterjee, Subhash Khot and Yadvinder Malhi are among the distinguished
scientists from across the world, to have been elected Fellows of UK Royal Society for their outstanding
contributions to science.
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• Sachin Tendulkar conferred with Fellowship Award at the 7th annual Asian Awards in UK.
• Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Vijay Goel announces changes in the National Youth
Awards (NYA) on 3rd May 2017. Increase in the number of the awards under National Youth Award.The
prize money is now Rs 200000 with a Trophy and Certificate.
• A Kolkata-based Micro Finance Institution, Village Financial Services has bagged MSME Banking
Excellence Awards 2016, instituted by the Chamber for Indian Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises (CIMSME).
• 2017 Daytime Emmy Awards Winners List-in Pasadena, Los Angeles, US. Mario Lopez and Sheryl
Underwood hosted the ceremony.
2017 Daytime Emmy Awards Winners List
Category Winners
Outstanding Talk Show – Entertainment The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Outstanding Talk Show – Informative The Dr. Oz Show
Outstanding Morning Program Good Morning America
Outstanding Culinary Program Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse
Outstanding Drama Series General Hospital
Outstanding Game Show Host Steve Harvey – Family Feud
Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Game Show Jeoprady!
Outstanding Drama Series Directing Team General Hospital
Outstanding Entertainment Program in Spanish Destinos
Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host Steve Harvey – Steve Harvey
Lifetime Achievement Award Mary Hart
• On May 2, 2017, Tamil Nadu State Government honoured social worker Padma Venkataraman with the
states "Avvaiyar Award" for 2017. Padma Venkataraman is the daughter of former President of India, the
late R Venkataraman.
• Former president and Chairman of Nicco group of CII Rajive Kaul was conferred with the Order of
Diplomatic Service Merit Sungnye Medal of the Republic of Korea.
• Actress, Emma Watson became the first person to win the MTV Movie and TV Awards’ new gender-neutral
Best Actor in a Movie award for her performance as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast.”
• London Child actor Sunny Pawar has been chosen for the Rising Star Award. The award will be presented to
Sunny at the 7th Annual Asian Awards.
• KonkonaSensharma has bagged the best director for her debut film ‘A Death in the Gunj’ awards at New York
Indian Film Festival.
• Former India batsman V V S Laxman was awarded an honorary life membership to the Marylebone Cricket
Club (MCC) on 11 May 2017.
• ICICI Bank Chief ChandaKochhar receives 'Woodrow Wilson Award' for global corporate citizenship
• The President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee presented the ‘Presidential Awards for Classical Tamil’ for the
years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 at RashtrapatiBhawan, New Delhi.
• Tholakpiyyar AwardWoinner: Dr.R.Kalaikkovan
• N'GoloKante named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year. N'GoloKante is a French
professional footballer.
• Maharashtra's Govardhan Eco Village has won the "Smart Village" award for being a sustainable project in
rural Maharashtra.
• Baahubali 2 is the first Indian movie to cross Rs 1000 croremarkwith its worldwide collections.
• Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh presented the 2014 Indira Gandhi Peace Prize to the Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO) at a function in New Delhi.
• Britains Indian-origin steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta has bagged a top global award ‘CEO of the Year’for his
successful acquisitions.
• An Indian boy Prashant Ranganathan has won the top Intel Science Award in US. It is the world's largest pre-
college science competition in the US.Prashant has won in the category of environmental engineering for his
project on bio-degradation of pesticides.
• Reliance Jio, the wholly owned subsidiary of MukeshAmbani-led Reliance Industries has received TM
Forum's 'Digital Service Innovator of the Year Award' 2017.
• Two wildlife conservationists from India, Sanjay Gubbi of Karnataka and Purnima Barman of Assam are
among the six winners of this year’s prestigious Whitley Awards, which are popularly referred to as ‘Green
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Oscars’.
• Indian scientist Shrinivas Kulkarni has won the prestigious Dan David prize for his contribution in the field of
astronomy.
• David Letterman has won Mark Twain Prize 2017 for American humour on 17th May.
• Two Indian peacekeepers, Rifleman BrijeshThapa and Private Ravi Kumar are among the 117 military, police
and civilian personnel to be honoured with the prestigious Dag Hammarskjold Medal by the United
Nations posthumously for their courage and sacrifice in the line of duty.
• Thespian Soumitra Chatterjee and India’s longest serving boss Y.C. Deveshwar have been conferred with
the BangaSamman. It is the West Bengal’s highest civilian award, by Chief Minister MamataBanerjee.
• Aravind Kumar Rengan, Assistant Professor in Department of Biomedical Engineering at Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) - Hyderabad has been awarded the prestigious Indian National Science Academy (INSA)
medal in the Young Scientist category for 2017.
• Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling was conferred with the first Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
Lifetime Achievement Honour in Public Service by President Pranab Mukherjee.
• The 112 feet tall 'Adiyogi' Lord Shiva steel statue has been declared the world's largest bust by the Guinness
Books of World Records. It is situated in Coimbatore at the Isha Yoga Centre.
• A 44-year-old Nepalese mountaineer Lhakpa Sherpa has broken her own world record for the most Everest
summits by a woman after scaling the world’s tallest peak for the eighth time.
• The GVK group-run Mumbai airport has become the world’s busiest single-runway airport. The GVK group-
run Mumbai airport handles 837 flights a day and in terms of the number of passengers also, the city airport
tops with 45.2 million people flying in and out in fiscal 2017
• Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez has received the International Humanitarian Award at the second
annual Asian Voice Charity Awards
• Cochin Port Trust has bagged two Best Performance Awards from the Ministry of Shipping. Cochin Port has
received the award for the highest growth in operating surplus.
• Young Indian Cartoonist Rohan Chakravarty wins top conservation award for issues related to Wildlife,
Environment
• Drake has beaten the Adele's record and was the big winner at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards.
• Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Gujarat and ITC Ltd has won the Porter Prize 2017.
• Author Jhumpa Lahiri wins PEN/Malamud Award 2017.PEN/Faulkner Foundation has announced that
Professor of Creative Writing Jhumpa Lahiri is the recipient of the 2017 PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence
in the Short Story.
• Tata Motors was awarded 'HR Innovation of the Year' for its significant contribution to skill development in
the automotive sector at the Asia-Pacific Excellence Awards on May 30, 2017.
• The President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee has presented the Dr. Ambedkar National Awards or the years
2011, 2012 and 2014 on May 26, 2017 in New Delhi.
• The Pune city police have won the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) Smart
Police Award for the year 2017.
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar for the year 2016 has been awarded to Satyabrata Rout. Satyabrata Rout has
been given this award for developing a unique method of teaching and practising direction and design, which
has been achieved through a long and continuous work experience with eminent theatre practitioners and
scholars.
• The Ruben Ostlund-directed satire ‘The Square’ has won the top prize at the 70th Cannes Film Festival 2017.
• Professional football player Lionel Messi has won the European Golden Shoe for a fourth time. Playing
for FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi scored 37 goals this season. With the fourth Golden shoe to his name, Messi
has equalled Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo’s record.
• Actress Priyanka Chopra has received the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award.
Appointee Designation- Organisation

Usha Ananthasubramanian MD&CEO -Allahabad Bank
R Subramania Kumar MD&CEO -Indian Overseas Bank
DinabandhuMohapatra MD&CEO -Bank of India
RajkiranRai G MD&CEO -Union Bank of India
Sunil Mehta MD&CEO -Punjab National Bank
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R K SankaraNarayana MD&CEO -Vijaya Bank

M O Rego MD&CEO -Syndicate Bank
Mr Anthony Lianzuala Controller General of Accounts (CGA)
Shobana Kamineni Firrst Woman President of Confederation of Indian
Industry
Soumen Ghosh MD, Financial Services-- Bharti Enterprises
Mallikarjun Kharge Parliamentary Affairs Committee
Braj Bihari Kumar Chairman of the Indian Council of Social Science
Research (ICSSR)
Prabhat Kamal Bezboruah 1st Non-IAS to head tea board
Hubert Minnis Prime minister- Bahamas
Vinay Mohan Kwatra Ambassador to France
Justice Mudgal Chairman of FIFA Governance Committee
Mark Lowcock United Nations’ new humanitarian aid chief
Sanjay Mitra Defense Secretary
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd has announced to employ 23
members from the transgender community.
Sohail Mahmood, Pakistan's -new High Commissioner to India
R K Mahajan, Mahender Singh CBEC members
Amitabh Bachchan WHO goodwill ambassador for Hepatitis

V K Saraswat JNU Chancellor
VenuRajamony India's ambassador to Netherlands
Moon Jae-in South Korea President
Taranjeet Singh Country Director for India- Twitter
Emmanuel Macron(39) France’s youngest President
Harsh Vardhan Additional Charge Of Environment Ministry
Anil Dua CEO of Dish TV India
A German policewoman BibianaSteinhaus First female referee in Europe’s top leagues.
Debjani Ghosh Independent director Yes Bank
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani won re-election by a wide margin.
Edouard Philippe Prime Minister of the France
Aisha Mughal - First ever transgender lecturer in Quaid- Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations
i-Azam University in Islamabad Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC)
Anurag Mehrotra MD of Ford India
Air Marshal PN Pradhan Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff
Dr S Christopher DRDO chief
First Indian-born woman Rehana Ameer City councillor of London Corporation
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Ethiopia) Director-General of the World Health Organization
(WHO)
Shuva Mundal Group General Counsel of Tata Sons.
Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' (Resigns) Nepal Prime Minister.
P V Sindhu Badminton World Federation Athletes’ Commission
Google's Rajan Anandan Chairman of Internet and Mobile Association of
India (IAMAI).
According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, the government has forced 129 government officers to retire for non-
performance in the past few months.
Socialist Lenin Moreno President of Ecuador

Anurag Tripathy Secretary of CBSE
Amul Thapar Second Indian-American judge of US Court of Appeals.
Jaideep Mazumdar Ambassador of India to Philippines
Rakesh Kapur Chairman International Fertiliser Association
Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi Chairman of National Commission for Minorities
Ananya Kamboj Young journalist at the global Football for
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Friendship (F4F) Social Programme in Russia.

Vani Sarraju Rao Ambassador of India to Finland
Manipur Governor, Najma Heptulla Jamia Chancellor
Shubhalaxmi Panse and Pradip Shah Members of Banks Board Bureau
George Kurian Vice-Chairperson Of National Commission for
Minorities
• Online classifieds company Quikr India Pvt. Ltd has acquired home services start-up Zimmber (Rejuvenate
Solutions Pvt. Ltd). It is about $10 million in an all-stock deal.
• Techmagnate, India’s leading Digital Marketing Agency acquired BlogX. It is the India’s largest blog
conference where bloggers and content managers connect.
• The Indian Railway will acquire EOTT systems to run trains without guards. Its total cost is Rs 100 crore for
acquiring sophisticated equipment to run 1000 trains without guards. The End of Train Telemetry (EoTT)
equipment is used to establish communication between the locomotive driver and the last wagon of the train.
• Apple becomes first company to hit $800 bn valuation mark & Apple acquires sleep-tracking app 'Beddit' a
finish company.
• Paytm has signed a non-exclusive term sheet to acquire Snapdeal-owned payments platform FreeCharge.
Paytm-FreeCharge deal could be finalised at $45 million to $90 million.
SCHEMES
• The Haryana government has decided to open canteens that offer meals at subsidized rates for workers.
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) is a Government of India sponsored scheme to provide highly subsidized
food to millions of the poorest families.
• The Memorandum of Agreements (MoAs) for purchase of 1000 MW wind power under MNRE’s first wind
auction Scheme was signed between PTC India. According to MoAs for meeting their non-solar RPO
(Renewable Purchase Obligations) UP to buy 449.9 MW, Bihar-200 MW, Jharkhand-200 MW, Delhi-100
MW, Assam-50 MW and Odisha-50MW of wind power.
• Under the new ‘Muktijodha scholarship’ scheme India will give Rs. 35 crore rupees to children of freedom
fighters in Bangladesh in the next five years.
• Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh announced SAMADHAN, a new strategy to wipe out left – wing terror.
(SAMADHAN – Smart Leadership Aggressive Strategy Motivation and Training Actionable Intelligence
Dashboard KPIs and KRAs Harnessing Technology Action Plan for each Theatre No access to financing.
• Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced following incentives for journalists at the "Swarna
Jayanti Journalists' Meet" in Panchkula: Rs 10,000 monthly pension scheme, for those who are above 60 years
and have completed 20 years in the profession. A life insurance covers of Rs 10 lakh and a cashless media
claim policy of Rs 500,000.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of the new scheme SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-
Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) which will bring value addition of
agriculture produce and will thereby increase farmers’ income. PM announced this scheme at a ceremony for
laying the foundation stone of Indian agricultural research institute in Gogamukh in Assam.Financial
Outlay: Rs. 6000 crore.
MoUs
• Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and the Union Skill Development Ministry have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up 100 driver training institutes.
• Reliance Corporate IT Park Limited (“RCITPL”) it is a subsidiary of Reliance Industries has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SAP to launch ‘SARAL GST’ solution for taxpayers.
• Goa government has decided to sign memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Centre under Pradhan
Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) to provide subsidised medicines in the state.
• The Government of Jharkhand and Oracle has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cloud-
based citizen services.
• Indian Navy and Space Application Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad have signed a Memorandum of Understanding
on Data Sharing and Scientific cooperation in the field of Meteorology and Oceanology.
• BSNL has inked agreements with Facebook, MobiKwik and Disney Land in order to popularize the internet
and its value added services among its customers. According to the agreement Facebook, BSNL will facilitate
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connectivity for Facebook’s `Express Wi-Fi Program’.The service of Express Wi-Fi is now available via 700
hotspots across four states of Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Meghalaya.
• Andhra Pradesh government inked a pact with Singapore for developing an area of 6.84 km at capital
Amaravati as startup area on 15th of May.
• The Preferential Trade Agreement, (PTA) between India and Chile has come into effect from 16th of May.
• IIT Kharagpur’s Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness has signed a MoU with Madhya
Pradesh government’s ‘RajyaAnandamSansthan. It is a Department of Happiness.
• Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Bangladesh on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space
• Cabinet approves Joint Declaration of Intent between Germany and India regarding cooperation in the sector
of alternative medicine
• Cabinet approves MoU between Spain and India on cooperation in the field of Organ Transplant Service
• India and Kazakhstan Pact of Transfer of Prisoners Comes Into Effect
• India-Australia pact for transfer of each other's sentenced prisoners has come into effect with the ratification
of the treaty by both the countries. The pact was signed by India and Australia on November 18, 2014.
• India has signed an MoU with FIJI on Defence Cooperation on May 29, 2017. The MoU will include in
defence industry, military training, humanitarian assistance and disaster management.
• Prasar Bharati has signed an agreement with Moroccos Societe Nationale de Radio diffusionet de Television
(SNRT).The MoU has been signed to step up cooperation in the broadcasting sector.
• Amul has signed an MoU with ISRO for fodder Acreage estimation. Under the Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU), ISRO will help in identification between food crops and fodder crops at village level.
• Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed a $ 630 million deal with the Indian State-owned aerospace
and defense company Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
COMMITTEE
• The government has set up a high-level task force to compute timely data on employment situation in the
country. According to a task force has been created under the chairmanship of Aayog's vice chairman Arvind
Panagariya with labour secretary Sathiyavathy, secretary statistics T.C.A. Ananth, Pulak Ghosh of NITI
Aayog and Manish Sabharwal as members.
• A Mother’s Day gift has given for lakhs of children and their moms in Uttar Pradesh. Maa committee is
formed to check mid-day meal quality in UP schools. Maa committee will aim to get nutritious food prepared
in hygienic conditions.
• Researchers from Oxford University have developed a synthetic, soft tissue retina which closely mimics the
natural human retinal process. This breakthrough could lead to development of new, less invasive
technologies that more closely resemble human body tissues and will help in treating degenerative eye
conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa.
• An Ariane 5 rocket that carries two telecommunications satellites for South Korea and Brazil blasted off on
5th May. The rocket launched at 6:51 pm (2151 GMT) from Europe's space port in Kourou, The first satellite,
SGDC, separated from the rocket just over 28 minutes after lift-off.The second, KOREASAT-7, was placed in
orbit a little more than 36 minutes from launch.
• India's first of its kind, indigenously developed high temperature drop tube reactor (DTR) system has been
installed by NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA).
• Indian GSLV Rocket lifts off successfully with South Asia Communications Satellite. GSAT-9 was launched
using ISRO’s GSLV-F09 rocket. The Satellite built at a cost of 235 crore.
• The world’s biggest X-ray laser has generated its first beam of light. It will allow scientists to get a glimpse of
new materials, drugs and chemical reactions at the atomic level. The 3.4-kilometre-long European XFEL, that
is located in underground tunnels in Germany, will help in new era of European research.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently demonstrated a solar hybrid electric car, which has
been designed and developed using in-house resources, at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC),
Thiruvanathanapuram.
• The world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has restarted
circulating beams of protons for the first time in 2017.
• Researchers at a university in Sweden have developed world’s fastest camera called FRAME (Frequency
Recognition Algorithm for Multiple Exposures). This camera can capture five trillion frames per second.
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• Scientists of IIT Roorkee have used Indian summer fruit, Jamun, to create low cost and more efficient solar
cells. Gratzel cells is a thin film solar cells made of a porous layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) coated
photoanode.
• The Indian Railways is set to make use of the Radio-Frequency Identification tags (RFID) for tracking of
wagons, coaches and locomotives.RFID tags have a lifespan of 25 years. For the first phase the Railways have
sanctioned Rs 57 crore.
• US based rocket manufacturing company SpaceX successfully launched and landed a rocket carrying
carrying NROL-76 for US intelligence from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on May 1, 2017.
• Defence Minister Arun Jaitley handed over a number of devices to National Security Guard (NSG), Delhi
Police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The device includes 'E-Nasika', which is a hand-held
equipment.
• Department of Telecom (DoT), Ministry of Communications has launched Tarang Sanchar.It is a web portal
for Information sharing on Mobile Towers and EMF Emission Compliances.
• The first Chinese-built passenger jet C919 has made it maiden flight. The C919 is a twin-engine airliner
designed to compete with the Airbus 320 and Boeing 737.
• India test fired ‘Spyder’ surface-to-air-missile at a test range in Odisha.It has been acquired from Israel.It can
strike enemy targets within a range of 15 km and at heights between 20-and-9,000 metres
• Home Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a Mobile-based grievance redressal application for central
paramilitary personnel, development. Rajnath Singh has also launched an exclusive BSFMyApp for the
personnel of the Border Security Force.
• India's INS Tarkash marks 'UK India Year of Culture'. Tarkash had arrived at its final docking point in Britain
on the river Thames at West India Docks in Londons Canary Wharf to mark UK India Year of Culture.
• Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh, launched e-KrishiSamvad at
KrishiBhawan in New Delhi for welfare and development of agricultural stakeholders in India.
• On May 11, 2017, indigenously-built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, successfully test fired Beyond
Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile. The success of this test asserts that LCA Tejas can now be loaded with
missiles having BVR capabilities.
• China tests 'Lunar Palace' as it eyes moon mission. Four postgraduate students entered a 160-square meter
simulated space cabin, called the "Yuegong-1" or "Lunar Palace," on 10th of May, 2017.
• On May 12, 2017, a massive ransomware cyber attack dubbed 'WannaCry' hit hospitals, major companies and
government offices in 99 countries.
• Venkaiah Naidu a Union Information and Broadcasting Minister has announced a round-the-
clock Doordarshan channel for Jharkhand.Jharkhand has been given the most film-friendly award by the
National Film Awards.
• West Bengal based Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, (IIEST) has created the country's
first smart grid project that will generate power from renewable sources of energy.
• ArunJaitley the Union Minister of Finance has launched the Portal of Operation Clean
Money https://www.cleanmoney.gov.in. in New Delhi.
• A18-year-old boy from Tamil Nadu has created the world’s smallest satellite named ‘KalamSat’. It is
developed by RiftahSharook. The main role of the satellite will be to demonstrate the performance of 3-D
printed carbon fibre
• Researchers of Indian Institute of Technology Delhi have developed the device ‘Naso filters’. It is capable of
restricting up to 95% of dust and air pollutants. It is the cheapest Naso filter available costing Rs 10.
• A team of scientists from the United States have discovered a possible cure for all five known Ebola viruses,
one of which severely damage West Africa in recent years.
• As per the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited the first flight of prototype-two of India’s indigenous basic trainer
aircraft, Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) was successful.
• Haryana government has launched e-textbook portal for school students.
• SpaceX launched a communications satellite for London-based mobile broadband company – Inmarsat.
Inmarsat-5 F4 satellite, built by Boeing, blasted off atop aFalcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral,
Florida, US on May 15, 2017.
• US military conducted a successful missile defence test involving a simulated attack by an intercontinental
ballistic missile (ICBM).Firstly an ICBM-type missile was fired from the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall
Islands toward the waters at south of Alaska.
• Scientists at IIT Kharagpur have developed with a new technology known as ‘soil-to-soil’ manufacturing
technology. It is used for manufacturing cheaper, quicker and pollution-free.
• NASA and ISRO will collaborate to build Earth - imaging satellite NISAR.It has launched the world’s biggest
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and most expensive earth imaging satellite. It total cost $1.5 billion.
• An extremely rare bag used by NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong to collect the first dust samples from the
Moon may fetch up to USD 4 million at an auction in the US.
• Airlander 10 is the world’s largest aircraft and has successfully completed a test flight by flying for a total of
180 minutes in Cardington, UK. It combines technology from airplanes, helicopters and airships.
• The world's highest gain high-power laser amplifier that could amplify sounds from rustling of leavesto that of
a jumbo jet. It has been developed in the UK.
• China has launched national satellite navigation and positioning system on 28th of May.
It will be compatible with other satellite navigation systems, such as the Bei Dou Navigation Satellite System
and Global Position System (GPS).
• Defence Minister Arun Jaitely has launched an Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) set up in Chitradurga
in Karnataka.The total cost is Rs 1,300 crore.
• Sourabh Ghosh from the Department of Textile Technology at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
has been successful in 3D bioprinting of cartilage using a bioink.It is the first time that permanent cartilage
similar to natural ones has been developed.
• HRD minister Prakash Javadekar has launched an anti-ragging mobile app UGC app introduced by the
University Grants Commission on 29th of May 2017.
• India's Global Positioning System (GPS), the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS),
alternatively named NavICis going to be operated from 2018.
DEFENCE
• Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system is now operational in South
Korea. The system has attained initial intercept capability which will be augmented by end of 2017 on arrival
of new components.
• Indian Army successfully test-fired Block III version (an advanced version) of the Brahmos land-attack cruise
missile in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• India’s nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface Agni-II ballistic missile was test-fired from the Wheeler Island
Odisha coast on May 4, 2017. Agni-II ballistic missile has a strike range of 2000 kilometers.The test was
aimed at re-establishing the operational effectiveness of the weapon system.
• Indian Navy Decommissions Minesweepers - INS Karwar and INS Kakinada at the Naval Dockyard
in Mumbai in presence of Indian Navy Chief Sunil Lanba.
• The Army has decided to re-introduce Cordon and Search Operations (CASO) as a "permanent feature" of its
campaign against militants. CASO will be carried out in a major way in militancy-hit areas of Kulgam,
Pulwama, Tral, Budgam and Shopian in south Kashmir.
• The 29th series of India–Indonesia CORPAT is scheduled from 9th to 25thMay 17. The opening ceremony
being conducted from 09 -12 May 17 at Port Blair.It will be conducted under the aegis of Andaman and
Nicobar Command.
• "Jordan, US launch major military exercises “ Eager Lion”
• Philippine and U.S. troops begin smaller scale joint military exercise. It major focus will be on disaster
response, humanitarian assistance and counter terrorism.“Balikatan" or "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" 12 day
military exercises were led by Defense Secretary DelfinLorenzana and U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim.
• The 24th bilateral exercise Simbex 17 between Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy has commenced
in South China Sea.
• Joint HADR Exercise commences at Naval Station Karwar.The Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and
Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise began on 18 May 2017.The exercise is being conducted by Indian Navy’s
Western Naval Command. It is named as 'KaravaliKarunya'.
• Indian army has received two M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzer artillery guns from BAE Systems, US. These
two guns have been procured under Indian Government’s deal with US Government for total 145 M777 guns.
• Indian Navy frigate INS Ganga is placed in non-operational category from 28th May 2017, followed by
decommissioning, after 32 years of service.
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ENVIRONMENT
• Madhya Pradesh government has passed a law in the state to give recognition to Narmada River. A special
session of the state Assembly passed the resolution granting the 1312-km-long Narmada.
• Andhra Pradesh's Banganapalle mango got Geographical Indication registration from the Geographical
Indications Registry.
• A group of archaeologists discovered the remains of a nearly 4000 year old model garden outside a tomb in
the ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes known as Luxor.
• Archaeological workers have unearthed an ancient human burial site with at least 17 intact mummies near
the Nile Valley city of Minya in Egypt.
• Scientists using NASA telescopes have detected "a strong water signature" in the atmosphere of Neptune-
sized planet. HAT-P-26bs atmosphere is relatively clear of clouds and has a strong water signature.
• New Butterfly Species found in Israel for 1st time in 109 Yrs. It is named Acentrias fritillary.
• A newly discovered organismfound on the International Space Station has been named after APJ Abdul
Kalam by NASA.The name of the bacterium is Solibacilluskalamii and the species name is after Dr Abdul
Kalam and genus name is Solibacillus which is a spore forming bacteria.
• Henderson Island is a remote place in the South Pacific that has been found to be the most polluted place on
the planet. It will have 37 million pieces littered on its beaches. It is a part of the UK's Pitcairn Islands
territory.
• An Earth-Like Planet called Proxima B orbiting the closest neighbouring Star, Proxima Centauri.It is
about 4.2 light years (25 trillion miles) away from Earth likely to have liquid water and also support alien life.
• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO)on May 15th 2017 officially launched the “Year of Polar
Prediction”, in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Green court NGT bans open defecation, waste dumping on Yamuna floodplains. A fine of Rs 5,000 on people
who will violate the rules and regulations.
• According to a new study it is found that there is a sharp increase in biological activity on the continent in the
last 50 years.Due to climate change the plant life on Antarctica is growing rapidly.
• The UN Environment OzonAction’s Compliance Assistance Programme has organised
an “Ozone2Climate” Technology Roadshow.
• The Cobra Lily is rediscovered in Nilgiris after 84 years. The incredibly rare Arisaematranslucens commonly
known as the cobra lily.
• Super-Earth’ found 21 light years away may host alien life. Scientists at Astrophysics Institute in the Canary
Islands have found a planet which may be habitable and can host liquid water.
• NASA’s Juno spacecraft has discovered the Earth-sized cyclones at the poles of the Jupiter.
• The new species of a fossil pliosaur (large predatory marine reptile from the 'age of dinosaur') has been found
in Russia.
• The newly discovered glass frog was found in the Amazonian lowlands of Ecuador. Scientists have discovered
a remarkable new species of glass frog whose beating heart can be seen right through its chest.
• A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal has been declared intensified into a tropical cyclone named Mora. It
is a second cyclone in the Bay of Bengal after Maarutha.
SPORTS
• Annual update of ICC Twenty20 International team rankings was released on May 1, 2017. India has dropped
two places to slip to fourth position.With 118 points India is behind Pakistan (121 points), England (121
points), and New Zealand (125 points). Pakistan is behind England by fraction of a point and is positioned at
No.3.
• Indian table tennis player Soumyajit Ghosh has bagged both the singles and doubles gold at the Seamaster
2017 ITTF Challenge Chile Open in Santiago, Chile.Men’s singles final was contested between two Indian
players, Soumyajit Ghosh and Anthony Amalraj, in which Soumyajit clinched the title.
• On April 30, 2017, Spanish professional tennis player, Rafael Nadal beat Dominic Thiem of Austria in the
final to win the Barcelona Open for a record 10th time. This victory also marked Nadal's 71st tournament win
in his career.
• Mercedes’ Finnish driver, Valtteri Bottas claimed his first Formula 1 victory, taking the flag at the Russian
Grand Prix after a close chase from Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, who finished at second position.
• On April 30, 2107 Joshna Chinappa created history by becoming the first Indian to clinch the Asian Squash
title with a thrilling win over compatriot Dipika Pallikal Karthik in the women's final held in Chennai, India.
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The title match lasted for 78 minutes.In the men's final of 19th Asian Squash Championship in Chennai,
India’s Saurav Ghosal lost to Hong Kong’s Max Lee to finish second best.
• On April 30, 2017, Aizawl FC, a small team from Mizoram, created history by becoming the first club from
north-east to win the I-League title.
• On May 6, 2017, Indian Boxer Shiva Thapa won a silver medal at the Asian Boxing
Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He lost the final match to Elnur Abduraimov from Uzbekistan as he
got injured at the beginning of the match.
• Great Britain has won 26th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Hockey tournament by
defeating Australia in the final match by 4-3. The final match was held on May 6, 2017 in Ipoh, Malaysia.
• Indian tennis player Leander Paeshas won Tallahassee- United States Challenger Men’s Doubles title on
30th April 2017. Leander Paes and his partner Scott Lipsky from America defeated Leonardo Mayer and
Maximo Gonzalez.
• In the latest FIFA rankings the Indian football team has raised to be ranked 100th for the first time ever in over
two decades. Top3: 1.Brazil 2. Argentina3. Germany
• The National Basketball Association (NBA) -the governing body of Basketball in US inaugurated its first ever
academy in India in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
• Indian fast bowler, JhulanGoswami now holds the record as highest wicket-taker in women’s one-day
international. In her career total to 181 wickets in 153 matches. She thereby broke Australia’s
CathrynFitzpatrickthe’s world record of 180 wickets.
• The South African government had lifted a ban on the country's rugby union after it made progress improving
racial diversity in the sport. It gets approval to bid for 2023 Rugby World Cup.
• India claimed a gold medal and a bronze medal at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix being held in Beijing,
China.
• Grand Prix of Liberation: Heena Sindhu wins bronze, India come back with 7 medals. In the women’s 10m
Air Pistol Heena Sindhu won a bronze medal. India ended the Grand Prix of Liberation Plezn 2017 shooting
championships with seven medals.
• Hockey Him (Himachal) defeated Hockey Mizoram in the 7th Junior National Hockey Championship 2017
(Women).The match was held at the AisbaghStadium Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
• Indian javelin thrower Devender Singh qualified for the World Championships in London.
• Harpreet Singh has bagged bronze medal in Greco-Roman weight divisions in the Asian Wrestling
Championship. It was held at the K.D. Jadhav arena in the Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex in New Delhi.
• Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik unveils logo, Mascot for 22nd Asian Athletics Championship. Olly Turtle is the
mascot of 22nd Asian Athletics Championship Bhubaneswar 2017.
India’s Performance at Asian Wrestling Championship, New Delhi
Indian wrestlers bagged total 10 medals (1 Gold, 5 Silver and 4 Bronze).This marks an improvement as compared to 9
medals won by India in previous edition of this Championship in Bangkok.
1. Gold Medal Winner (Men Wrestler) – BajrangPunia
2. Silver Medal Winners (Female Wrestlers) – Sakshi Malik, VineshPhogat, DivyaKakran and Sarita
3. Silver Medal Winner (Men Wrestler) - Sumit
4. Bronze Medal Winners (Female Wrestlers) – Jyoti and RituPhogat,
5. Bronze Medal Winner (Men Wrestler) – Harpreet Singh and Anil Kumar
• Indian motor racing driver Arjun Maini became the first Indian to win a race in the GP3 Series in Barcelona,
Spain.
• Rafael Nadal beat Dominic Thiem to win Mutua Madrid Open at LaCajaMágica in Madrid, Spain. This is
Nadal’s fifth Mutua Madrid Open title win and 30th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown.
• Amul will be prime sponsor of the New Zealand cricket team in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. It will
start from June 1 in England.
• Lewis Hamilton has won the Spanish Grand Prix in the Formula One championship. It is Hamilton’s 55th
career win and second wins of the season.
• Indian squash player RamitTandon won his first professional title in squash on 14 May 2017.He beats his
Indian counterpart, Kush Kumar in the Sys Open 2017.
• India women’s cricket team openers Deepti Sharma and Poonam Raut became the first-ever pair to share a
record 320-run partnership in One-Day International. This feat was accomplished in a match against Ireland at
Potchefstroom during the quadrangular series in South Africa.
• R.R. Laxman of Integral Coach Factory won the All India Open Rapid World Chess Federation (FIDE) Rating
Chess Tournament.
• India retained its No.1 position on the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test team rankings.
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• Indian Grandmaster PentalaHarikrishna registered his first win at the Moscow FIDE Grand Prix.
• Mohammad Anas from Kerala has breaked the national record in men's 400m race and won a gold medal at
the third leg of the Indian Grand Prix Athletics Meet in New Delhi.
• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has hiked the prize money for 2017 Champions Trophy by $500,000,
making it $4.5 million with a winner’s share of $2.2 million.
• Vaishnavishone a Coimbatore girl won 2 gold medals in the first Asia level yoga competition in Thailand. She
has won in the junior category (13 to 15 years).
• Indian Grand Master PentalaHarikrishna won against Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi. The FIDE Grand Prix
was held in Moscow.
Italian Open 2017 – Overview
Category Winner Runners-up
Men’s Singles Alexander Zverev (Germany) Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
Women’s Singles Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) Simona Halep (Romania)
Men’s Doubles Pierre-Hugues Herbert (France) Ivan Dodig (Croatia)
Nicolas Mahut (France) Marcel Granollers (Spain)
Women’s Doubles Martina Hingis (Switzerland) E Makarva (Russia)
Y Chan (Taiwan) E Vesnina (Russia)
• In the South Asian Junior Table Tennis championship India has won 10 gold medals. A proud moment for
India. The South Asian Junior Table Tennis championship was held in Mount Lavinia, near Colombia in Sri
Lanka.
• Indian cricketers Virat Kohli, Mahendra Singh Dhoni Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina, have featured in this
year’s ESPN World Fame 100 list. Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo topped this year’s ESPN World Fame 100
Rankings
• Bengaluru FC beat Mohun Bagan 2-0 to be crowned the Federation Cup champions at the Barabati Stadium in
Cuttack, Odisha.
• In the 10 the Edition of Indian Premier League, Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Rising Pune Supergiant
(RPS) in the Grand Finale by a margin of 1 run to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 title. This final
match of IPL 20217 was played at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
• India's R Vaishali won the women's title in the Asian Continental Blitz Chess Championship in Chengdu,
China, on May 21, 2017.
• Sweden won the Ice Hockey World Championship title for the 10th Time. Sweden won a championship with
a 2-1 goal.
• A High-Level Committee on 7-member Scouts and Guides has submitted its Final Report to Minister for State
(Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Vijay Goel with various recommendations.. A committee
was headed by Harsh Malhotra.
• IT major HCL will host the HCL Asian Junior Tennis Championship 2017, in the Asian circuit for the U/18
category in association with the Maharashtra State Lawn tennis Association in pune.
• Ravichandran Ashwin an Indian spinner was bagged with International Cricketer of the Year award at the
CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) International awards 2017 on 24 May 2017.
• Egyptian swimmer Omar Hegazy has become the first amputee to swim across Red Sea’s 20 kilometer Aqaba
Gulf from Egypt to Jordan.
• Football club Manchester United has won the Europa League title after defeating Ajax Amsterdam in the final
match.
• South Korea defeated China won badminton's Sudirman Cup for the first time in 14 years on 28th of May,
2017. It was held in Gold Coast Australia.
• Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel had won Monaco Grand Prix on 28 May 2017.
• India’s Chadalavada Anandha Sundhararaman Bhavani Devi has become first Indian to win a Gold Medal in
an International fencing tournament. She participated in the sabre event of the Turnoi Satellite Fencing
Championship held at Reykjavik in Iceland.
• Arsenal won its 13th FA Cup with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea the Premier League champion on 27 May 2017.
The match was held at Wembley Stadium in London, England.
• Harmanpreet Kaur becomes the first Indian women cricketer to play in England’s T20 league
• India captain Virat Kohli is the only cricketer from the country to feature in the top 10 of the ICC Players
Rankings for ODIs. He holds on third spot in the batsman's chart. The top three batsmen -De Villiers (874),
Warner (871) and Kohli (852) are separated by just 22 points.
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OBITUARY
• Former Mauritanian junta Chief Ely Ould Mohamed Vall dies of heart attack.
• Leila Seth, first woman judge of Delhi High Court, dies.
• Ex-Madhya Pradesh minister Pratap Singh Baghel passes away
• Dronacharya awardee Wrestler Capt Chand Roop passes away.
• German painter AR Penck dies at 77.
• Renowned climber Ueli Steck dies near Mount Everest
• 86-Year-Old Nepali Mountaineer Min Bahadur Sherchan dies on Mt Everest
• A Legendary Pakistani sitar player Ustad Raees Khan died . He was 77.
• Stanley Weston, co-founder of interactive TV programming company ACTV died on 1st May at 84 years old.
• Former Maharashtra Minister Arjun Tulshiram Pawar passed away
• P.R. Ramasubrahmaneya Rajha, Chairman of Ramco Group, an industrialist has passed away in Rajapalayam
on May 12, 2017
• Finland's first leftist president, MaunoKoivisto who oversaw Finland’s entry into European Union, passed
away on May 12, 2017, at the age of 93.
• Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Minister Karan Singh has passed away on 12 May 2017. He was 59.
• Stanley Greene, Teller of Uncomfortable Truths, Dies at 68.
• Union environment minister Anil Madhav Dave has passed away. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from MP
in August 2009.
• Veteran actress ReemaLagoo has passed on 18thMay 2017 at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai.
• Chris Cornel the renowned American musician, singer and songwriter, has recently passed away at Michigan,
United States. He was 52.
• Former Puducherry CM Ramaswamy passes away
• Rammohan Rao, who had served as a media adviser to four prime ministers and former Principal Information
Officer (PIO), passed away at the age of 83.
• Dasari Narayana Rao is a well-known filmmaker and producer has died. He was 75 years old.
• Noted film producer and wife of Kannada thespian Rajkumar, Paravathamma Rajkumar passed away after a
prolonged illness on May 31, 2017 in Bengaluru.
• Real-life hero Matthunny Mathews who inspired 'Airlift' dies in Kuwait.
• Sir Roger Moore, James Bond actor, dies aged 89.
• Former DGP of Punjab Kanwar Pal Singh Gill passes away at 82
• Pakistani music director Wajahat Attre dies.
• Former Mumbai Cricketer Kiran Ashar No More.
• Italian fashion designer Laura Biagiotti dies at 73.
• Gregg Allman, the soulful singer-songwriter and rock n' blues pioneer has died at the age of 69.
• The Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega died on May 29, 2017 at the age of 83.
• A former Prime Minister of Greece Constantine Mitsotakis had died on 30th May 2017.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
• Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu released a set of books titled ‘Swachh
Jungle kikahani – DadikiZubani’ published by Publications Division.
• Aamir Khan has launched actress Asha Parekh's autobiography ‘The Hit Girl’ on April 30, 2017. Asha Parekh
is a Bollywood actress, director, and producer.
• The President of India Pranab Mukherjee received the first copy of book ‘Metaphysics, Morals and Politics’ in
Kolkata, West Bengal. The book is authored by Professor Amal Kumar Mukhopadhyay.
• The Prime Minister NarendraModi has released a book series written by the Agricultural Scientist Dr. M.S.
Swaminathan.The series is titled – M.S. Swaminathan: The Quest for a world without hunger.
• President of India receives books ‘Jnan, a-Janan and Bijnan: Popper-erJnantatta’ and
‘SamudraBanijjerPrekshiteSthalaBanijjya
• The President of India Pranab Mukherjee receives books ‘Jnan, a-Janan and Bijnan: Popper-erJnantatta’ and
‘SamudraBanijjerPrekshiteSthalaBanijjya, Bharat MahasagarAnchal, 1500-1800’.
• President Mukherjee has attended the programme of launch of a book, India's Indira- a Centennial Tribute’. It
has been edited by Anand Sharma, a senior Congress leader.
• Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has released the book ‘India 2017 Yearbook’. It is authored by the Union
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Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi.

• The world’s first philosophical novel on God was presented by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. IAS
officer Haulianlal Guite has published a philosophical novel for God titled “Confessions of a dying mind: the
blind faith of atheism.The book is termed as “the world’s first philosophical novel for God“.
• A new book "Winning like Virat: Think & Succeed like Kohli" by Abhirup Bhattacharya. It discloses the
secrets of the cricketer's consistent form, while attempting to decode his philosophy towards life.
• President of India receive books ‘Mann Ki Baat: A Social Revolution on Radio’ and ‘Marching with a Billion
- Analysing Narendra Modi’s Government at Midterm’
Marching with a Billion- Analysing Narendra Modi’s Government at Mid-term written by UdayMahurkar a
journalist.
• President has received two copies of the book Colour Atlas of Oral Implantology” and “Conservative
Dentistry – basics. The Colour Atlas authored by Dr. Prafulbali & Lanka Mahesh.
• A unique and detailed publication by Lincoln Reang, named ‘Mapping with respect to Particularly Vulnerable
Tribal Groups in Tripura’, is being published by the Tribal Research and Cultural Institute.
IMPORTANT DAYS
• UN marks first World Tuna Day with calls to conserve it. The United Nations marks the first World Tuna Day
on May 2, 2017.
• World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on 3 May 2017.It celebrates the fundamental principal of Press
Freedom.Theme of the World Press Freedom Day is ‘Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s role in
advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies’.
• International labour Day is being observed on 1st of May. It is celebrated to pay tribute to workers’ sacrifices
in achieving economic and social rights all over the world. Theme of Labour Day is “Celebrating the
International Labour Movement”.
• May 2, 2017 was observed as Ganga Swachhta Sankalp Divas by National Mission on Clean Ganga
(NMCG) at twelve locations: Kanpur, Bithoor, Allahabad, Devprayag, Varanasi, Patna, Bhagalpur, Kolkata,
Raj Ghat (Hardoi), Sahibganj, Srinagar (Uttarakhand), and Vidhur Kuti (Bijnor).
• Prime Minister NarendraModi released a commemorative stamp on the 1,000th birth
anniversary of Saint Ramanujacharya on May 1, 2017 in New Delhi.
• International Fire fighters' Day (IFFD) is observed on May 4. It was instituted after proposal emailed out
across the world on January 4, 1999 due to the deaths of five firefighters in tragic circumstances in a bushfire
in Australia.
• World Asthma Day is an annual event organized on May 2 every year by the Global Initiative for Asthma
(GINA) to improve asthma awareness and care around the world.
• World Migratory Bird Day 2017 is observed on 10th of May every year. The World Migratory Bird Day 2017
theme is “Their Future is our Future- a Healthy Planet for Migratory Birds and People”.
• World Red Cross day is celebrated on the 8th of May. Theme of the World Red Cross day is Less Known red
Cross Stories.Henry Dunant was the founder of the Red Cross as well as the founder of International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
• International Nurses Day is celebrated on 12th of May every year.The theme of 2017 International Nurses Day
(IND) is “Nursing: A voice to lead – Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”.
• The National Technology Day 2017 was observed on 11th of May, 2017 in India with the theme Technology
for inclusive and sustainable growth. The day is commemorated to mark the anniversary of Pokhran nuclear
tests of 1998.
• The Uttar Pradesh government is planning to declare "no school bag day" on Saturdays in all the state-run
schools.
• Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation observed for victims of World War II. Time of remembrance and
reconciliation was observed globally on 8-9 May 2017.
• World Fair Trade Day takes place on the second Saturday of May each year to bring together the fair trade
movement in a global day of activation for real change. 2017 theme: 'Human Chains for Fair Trade and the
Planet'
• Every year , second Sunday of May is celebrated on May 14 as Mother's Day across the world to honour the
mother to honour mothers and motherhood. 2017 theme: “Every Mother knows”
• The 2017 International Day of Families was observed across the world on 15 May 2017.The 2017
International Day of Family theme is “Families, education and well-being”.
• The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development was observed on 21 May 2017.
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• The Anti-terrorism Day was observed on 21st of May 2017 across our country to make the people aware of
the anti-social act of terrorism and its impact on human suffering and psyche. It is celebrated to commemorate
the death anniversary of the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
• The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day has observed on 17th of May 2017.The day is
observed with the theme "Big Data for Big Impact," focuses on the power of Big Data for development.
• Every year, 17 May is observed as World Hypertension Day (WHD) since 2005 to promote public awareness
of hypertension and to encourage citizens of all countries to prevent and control this silent killer, the modern
epidemic. 2017 theme for the Day is Know Your Numbers.
• International Museum Day is observed on 18th of May 2017. The Theme of International Museum Day 2017 :
"Museums and contested histories: Saying the unspeakable in museums.
• World AIDS Vaccine Day observed on May 18, 2017. The day, also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day,
is observed annually.
• Metrology is the scientific study of measurement. World Metrology Day is an annual celebration to mark the
signing of the Metre Convention on May 20, 1875, by representatives of 17 nations. Theme for World
Metrology Day 2017 is“Measurements for transport”.
• The Government of India (GoI) has declared 16th May as National Dengue Day by Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
• 2017 International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia (IDAHOT)is observed on May 17 with
the Theme of Families.
• The World Biodiversity Day also known as International Day for Biological Diversity. It is observed
on 22nd May every year. The theme for 2017 for World Biodiversity Day is “Biodiversity and Sustainable
Tourism”
• Every year, World Turtle Day is celebrated across the world on May 23. This day is sponsored since 2000
by American Tortoise Rescue.
• The International Day of Action for Women’s Health is observed on May 28.
• The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers has been observed on 29 May.The theme for the 2017
International Day of UN Peacekeepers is “Investing in Peace around the World.
• World No-Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed every year across the world on 31 May. The theme for World
No Tobacco Day 2017 is "Tobacco – a threat to development".
Current Affairs June 2017

INDIAN AFFAIRS
• BJP leader and Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher has released the stamp on the commemoration of Balwant Gargi
centenary on 31st of May by the Panjab University.
• The Indian Railways has introduced a facility on 1st of June of Buy Now, Pay Later service for passengers
to book tickets online first and make payment for the reservations within a window of 14 days.
• The Uttar Pradesh Government has extended the retirement age of doctors from 60 to 62 years.This move has
been taken in the view of non-availability of medical practitioners across the state.
• ‘T-Wallet’, the official digital wallet of Telangana State was launched on June 1, 2017 by Telangana IT
Minister K.T. Rama Rao. T Wallet is available as an ‘Any Time, Any Where’ digital payment option for
everyone.
• During the occasion of State Formation Day , Telangana Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao has announced 6-
point comprehensive plan for farmers on June 2nd 2017 in Secunderabad which includes 8 thousand rupees
cash assistance per acre per annum to each farmer in the state nd 24/7 continuous electricity supply.
• Uttarakhand Governor K K Paul has launched the Vidya-VeertaAbhiyan on 3rd of June 2017 in the state
by presenting Vice Chancellors of universities with the portraits of Param Vir Chakra recipients.
• The three-day festival Making of Developed India (MODI) fest was launched in Andhra Pradesh on 2 June
2017. It begins to celebrate the successful completion of the three-year rule by the Modi government.
• Post roll-out of Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 1, 2017, Gold will be costlier, whereas biscuits,
footwear up to Rs. 500/- and apparel up to Rs. 1000/- will become cheaper. Packaged and branded food items
will be taxed 5%, tendu leaves at 18% and bidi at the highest rate of 28%. However, unlike cigarettes, there
will be no cess on bidi.
• The Indian Railways is going to reduce emission by 33 per cent in the next 10-12 years. The Railways will
going to involve with green initiatives undertaken by the public transporter. It will reduce emission through
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sustained energy efficiency measures and maximum use of clean fuel by 2030
• The Aadhaar card has been made mandatory for government subsidy on purchase of kerosene and benefits of
Atal Pension Yojana. It was announced by PM Modi on 4th of June, 2017
• The government launched the solid waste segregation at source in the National Capital Region (NCR) on
5th of June, 2017
• Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said that Women to be allowed in combat roles in Indian Army. Currently
women are allowed in medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wings of the Army.
• Cabinet has approved the initial public offer of Indian Renewable EnergyDevelopment Agency, enabling it
to mobilise funds for the clean energy sector.Under the listing proposal, IREDA will issue fresh 13.90 crore
shares, increasing the paid up share capital of the company from Rs 784 crore to Rs 923 crore.
• The Government of Kerala has implemented a green protocol for weddings more nature-friendly. With the
implementation of the green protocol, the use of plastic and other non-degradable articles including disposable
glasses, plates and thermocol decorations would be prohibited at marriage functions.
• Union Government has launched a Skill for Life, Save a Life Initiative on 6th of June. Its aim is to promote
skill development in the health sector. Under this initiative, various courses will be initiated targeting specific
competencies for healthcare professionals as well as for general public.
• The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill 2017 has cleared by the Union Ministry of
Law and Justice on June 8, 2017. The bill was passed by Karnataka Legislative Assembly to exempt kambala
and bullock-cart racing from the ambit of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 on February 13,
2017
• The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has announced the setting up of 18 sectoral groups to ensure a
smooth roll-out of the GST on 9th of June, 2017
• NITI Aayog has launched ‘SATH’ program with state governments for furthering the agenda for cooperative
federalism. Acronym ‘SATH’ stands for ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital’.
• Supreme Court has ruled that it would be mandatory for all Aadhaar holders to link the unique identity
number with the PAN for filing income tax returns.
• The Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN)has initiated Yoga Awareness
Drive through Mascots and Flash Mobs (YogMob).It has been launched to increase popularity of Yoga
especially among the youth.
• The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has launched a 24×7 helpline – Madadgaar – at Srinagar’s Tagore
Hall. The helpline is the first of its kind in Kashmir with a toll free number (14411).
• External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has inaugurated Know India Programme (KIP) for young overseas
Indians at a function in New Delhi.
• Sushma Swaraj has announced the opening of 149 new Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs). It will
be set up in the second phase.
• Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) the administrative authority of Atal Pension
Yojana (APY) has now introduced “APY@eNPS” which involves a complete digital enrolment process.
• The centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat has celebrated at the Nehru Centre on
17th of June. Gopalkrishna Gandhi will inaugurate two galleries titled 'My Life is My Message' and 'Charkha.'
He will also release two books titled 'Letters to Gandhi' and 'Pioneers of Satyagraha.'
• The 22nd European Union Film Festival (EUFF) has opened at Siri Fort auditorium on 10th of June, 2017 with
the screening of Estonian film Cherry Tobacco in New Delhi.
• The Tamil Nadu government has announced free education for the transgender community in all the colleges
of state's Manonmaniam Sundaranar University.
• The industry department has said that it has established a GST facilitation cell which will be headed by
Sudhansu Sekhar Das on 17th of June 2017. It has been set up to address any tax issue that can come up in
sectors related to the DIPP.
• The Rajasthan government has raised the insurance cover by 1 lakh to 6 lakh for farmers who avail crop loan
from cooperative banks in the State. It aims to bring around 25 lakh peasants under the scheme.
• The Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DrJitendra Singh DoNER)has announced the
launch of, “Hill Area Development Programme” (HADP) for Northeast in Imphal (Manipur). The programme
aims to bridge the gap between the hill and valley districts in terms of infrastructure, quality of roads, health
and education.
• In order to make legal aid easily accessible to the marginalized communities and citizens living in rural areas,
Government of India has launched the ‘Tele-Law’ pilot project on June 11, 2017.Under the first phase, the
‘Tele-Law’ scheme will be launched as a pilot across 500 CSCs in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) council lowered rates on 66 goods and services, including Insulin, schoolbags,
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colouring books, construction items, pickles and mustard sauce. In a bid to promote regional cinema, cinema
tickets costing up to Rs. 100 will be taxed at 18% and ticket costing more than Rs. 100 at 28%.
• Indian Railways to induct 40,000 refurbished coaches by 2023, earmarks Rs 8,000 crore. The aim is to make
available 40,000 new look coaches in the railway fleet by 2023.
• Meghalaya state assembly unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Centre's notification banning the sale
and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter and demanded its withdrawal as it would impact the
economy of the state and the food habit of its people.
• According to the Minister of state for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik said that the Centre has approved
proposals for setting up of 100 Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) hospitals across the
country.
• The Central Government will provide interest subvention of 5% per annum to all prompt payee farmers for
short term crop loan up to one year for loan up to Rs. 3 lakhs borrowed by them during the year 2017-18.The
Central Government will provide approximately 20,339 crore as interest subvention for 2017-18.
• Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to introduce a Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill,
2017.It will complement recently enacted the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 for the insolvency
resolution of non- financial entities.
• Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu has launched Mission Retro-Fitment to enhance the passenger experience
by upgrading the existing fleet of coaches. Mission Retro-Fitment is a program of railways to upgrade the
level of furnishing & facilities in the coaches of Indian Railways. The mission aims to induct about 40,000
coaches with upgraded interiors by 2022-23.
• 'Anuyatra’, an empowerment programme for the differently abled launched by Kerala government. It aimed at
bringing the differently abled to the mainstream and making the state differently abled-friendly.
• The Central Statistics Ministry is set to change the base year of national accounts to 2017-18 from 2011-
2012.It is set to change after completion of the household consumer expenditure survey and labour force data
by the end of 2018. CSO has changed the base of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and Wholesale Price
Index (WPI) to 2011-12 from 2004-05.
• Union Health Ministry has launched an Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) across the country on
15th of June 2017.It has been launched to reduce child deaths due to diarrhoea. Nearly 12 crore children will
be covered during the programme.
• NITI Aayog has shortlisted five states under ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital’ (SATH)
program for developing role model states in health and education. For Health Sector, the shortlisted states
are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Karnataka and Gujarat.For Education Sector, the shortlisted states
are Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh.
• Shipping Corporation of India, Shipping Ministry organise “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sammelan” in Mumbai.
The seminar was held to showcase the Government’s and Shipping Corporation of India’s achievements in
last three years.
• The government has made Aadhaar card mandatory for opening of bank accounts as well as for any financial
transaction of Rs 50,000 and above. In this regard centre will amend the prevention of money laundering act.
• The Railway Ministry will launch "Operation Swarn" (swarn means gold in Hindi) to improve services
in Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express trains. Under the first phase, the Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express and
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express have been selected for upgradation, for which the work will start from
September 2017.
• Uttarakhand& Haryana has become the fourth Open Defecation Free (ODF) state in the country which was
announced Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar. Earlier, Himachal Pradesh,Sikkim and Kerala had declared
themselves Open Defecation Free.
• Indian Railways will start the final location survey of the 498 km long Bilaspur-Manali-Leh line at Leh
in Jammu and Kashmir this week. Coming up at a height of 3,300 metres, the strategically important rail
project is touted to become the highest rail track in the world, overtaking China’s Qinghai–Tibet Railway.
• According to the Union home ministry Aadhaar is not a valid identification document for Indians travelling to
Nepal and Bhutan.
• The Manipur CM Biren Singh has launched a toll free 24/7 helpline number 181 for women in the state. The
helpline will help fight and reduce crime against women in the state.
• The 135th JagannathYatra starts from June 25 and ends on July 3. The JagannathYatra festival will be held
in Odisha. The RathYatra festival is related to Lord Jagannath.
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• On June 23, 2017, Central Government announced another list of 30 cites for development as smart
cities under Smart Cities Mission. Kerala capital Thiruvanathapuram topped the list, Chhattisgarh's new
capital Naya Raipur came second.
• Union Cabinet has approved Amendment of the bilateral Social Security Agreement (SSA) between India and
the Netherlands by incorporating the “Country of Residence” Principle into the agreement.
• Cabinet approves Constitution of Indian Naval Material Management Service (INMMS) as an Organized
Group ‘A’ Engineering Service.
• On June 22, 2017, Pune Municipal Corporation launched India’s biggest municipal bonds programme. The
project looks to raise Rs 2,264 crore in five years. Municipal bonds are debt instruments through which a
municipal corporation raises money from individuals or institutions.
• A commemorative postage stamp has released on completion of 50 years of Passport Act on 23rd of June
2017. On 24th June,1967 the President gave assent to the Passports Act 1967 and it marked an important
milestone in the history of passport issuance in India.
• Punjab Finance minister Manpreet Badal presented a state budget of Rs 1.18 lakh crore for the financial year
2017-18.
• 114-year old Taj Palace (also referred to as Taj Mahal Palace) in Mumbai has become first Indian building to
get itself trademarked, thereby joining the elite and small club of trademarked properties in the world which
includes the Empire State Building in New York, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Sydney Opera House.
• PiyushGoyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines launched
the Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 (ECBC 2017) which prescribes the energy performance
standards for new commercial buildings to be constructed across India.
• Minister of Culture & Tourism Mahesh Sharma (Independent Charge) has launched the implementation of the
National Mission on Cultural Mapping of India at Goverdhan Block, Mathura District of Uttar Pradesh on 17
June 2017. This Mission is part of the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ umbrella.
• On June 23, 2017, Urban Development Ministry launched "City Liveability Index". It is a first of its kind
initiative to measure the quality of life in 116 major cities including capital cities and those with population
over one million. Andhra Pradesh topped the list scoring 96.06 per cent marks.
• Narmada Control Authority (NCA) has cleared the final raising of SardarSarovar Dam (SSD) in Gujarat by
lowering of gates and impounding of water in the reservoir upto its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of EL 138.68
mts.
Latest Developments pertaining to Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• GST will be rolled out in India from July 1, 2017.
• It will replace 16 current levies (7 central taxes and 9 state taxes), consequentially creating India as one market
with one tax rate.
• GST Council set tax rate on state-run lottery at 12% and government-authorised private lottery at 28%.
• GST Council has laid out a relaxed timetable and exemption from penalties and late fees to industry while
filing GST returns in the first two months.
• Every business carrying out a taxable supply of goods or services with turnover exceeding the threshold limit
of Rs 20 lakh will be required to register.
• As on June 21, 2017, all the States and Union Territories (having assemblies), except the State of Jammu &
Kashmir have approved the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) Act. Last state to pass GST bill is kerala.
• MeitY launches Web Portal for smooth GST implementation.The webpage can be accessed
through Ministry’s Web Portal meity.gov.in.It also enables filing of grievances in relation to implementation
of GST.
• Indian Army is actively considering recruiting civilian staff in peace stations to do away with the colonial-
era Sahayak system, in the wake of some army jawans openly voicing their anger against it.
• Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to increase the retirement age of regular state government
employees to 60 years from existing 58 years. It will be implemented from 1st of January 2018.
• The Delhi government has made Aadhaar card details compulsory for those seeking subsidy on e-
rickshaw registered in the city. It has been announced by the government on 26th of June 2017.
• A“mini war room” has been set up in the finance ministry to deal with crises related to the implementation of
the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on 28th of June 2017. Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC)
chief Vanaja N. Sarna said that the unit will act as a quick resource centre for Central and State government
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officials.
• Election Commission joins hands with Facebook to Launch First Time Nationwide Voter Registration
Reminder.
• Cabinet approves 7th Pay Commission recommendations with 34 changes, to benefit 48 lakh employees
• Cabinet approves development of six laning of Chakeri-Allahabad section of National Highway (NH) - 2 in
Uttar Pradesh. The cost is estimated to be Rs.3691.09 crore including cost of land acquisition, resettlement
and rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities.
• Union Cabinet has given ‘in principle’ approval for strategic disinvestment of Air India and five of its
subsidiaries based on the recommendations of Core Group of Secretaries on Disinvestment (CGD)
• On June 29, 2017, Dr.Jitendra Singh - Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, Prime
Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, launched a new
training programme Comprehensive Online Modified Modules on Induction Training (COMMIT) for State
Government officials.
• The Government has issued notification to all those who have Permanent Account Number(PAN) should link
to their existing Aadhar card from July 1 in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2) of section
139AA .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi two-day visit to Gujarat
• Centenary celebrations of Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on 29th June, 2017.Event to mark the 150th birth
anniversary of ShrimadRajchandraji at Sabarmati Ashram on 29th June, 2017.
• On June 29, 2017, at Aaji dam on the outskirts of Rajkot city, PM launched irrigation & water related
initiatives.
• On June 30, 2017, PM attended a programme to dedicate water supply schemes based on Vatrak, Mazum and
Meswo Dams at Modasa in Aravalli district in north Gujarat.
• On June 30, 2017, afternoon PM inaugurated ‘Textiles India 2017’country’s first-ever mega trade event for
the textiles sector in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Lastly, PM Modi inaugurated an integrated sports & entertainment 'Arena Project’ in Ahmedabad.
• On June 29, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released coins and a stamp on Mahatma Gandhi's spiritual
guide, ShrimadRajchandraji, at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• On June 29, 2017, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, inaugurated the filling of Aji Dam near Rajkot under
SAUNI Yojana.
• The Maharashtra government constituted an 11-member committee to scrutinise and recommend names from
Maharashtra for the Padma Awards 2018. The committee, comprising 10 ministers and a senior bureaucrat,
will be headed by Minister for Water Conservation Ram Shinde.
• India’s first ‘private’ railway station Habibganj to come up near Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
A butterfly park in Asola Bhatti Wild Life Sanctuary in south Delhi was dedicated to the public on the
WorldEnvironment Day on June 5 2017.
PLACES IN NEWS
• Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated first Mega Food Park in the
state of Odisha M/s MITS Mega Food Park Pvt. Ltd. at Rayagada district.Union Government of India has
provided a financial assistance of Rs. 50.00 Crore to the project.
• India’s first ‘freight village’ will be developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The freight village, a one-of-its-kind infrastructure platform, will attract companies
that require logistics services and can cluster to improve their competitiveness.
• Odisha to have first automatic coastal warning for disasters in India.Early Warning Dissemination System
(EWDS) project for natural disasters will be completed by July 31 said by Odisha Government On May 1st.
The system will be helpful in communicating tsunami and cyclone warnings to coastal population directly
from the State Headquarters.
• India's first public bicycle sharing project launched in Mysuru, Karnataka. A total of 450 bicycles can be
borrowed for a nominal fee from 48 automated docking stations.
• Central government will be retrofitting 10 lakh conventional street lights with energy efficient LED lights in
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Gram Panchayats of 7 districts in Andhra Pradesh. This will be India’s first rural LED Street Lighting Project.
• A national human milk bank and lactation counseling centre known 'Vatsalya - Maatri Amrit Kosh' has
opened at Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi on June 6. It will be helpful to provide breast milk to
newborns and promote breastfeeding.
• Kolkata will launch an underwater Metro which will pass through tunnels several feet under the Hooghly.The
first underwater transportation tunnel of India is ready with the second one nearing completion. The tunnel has
been constructed 30 meters below riverbed.
• On June 17, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kerala's first metro line in Kochi. The Kochi
Metro is the first in India to use Communication Based Train Control technology to maximise frequencies and
minimise errors. The project cost is estimatedat 5,180 crore.
• On June 17, 2017, President Pranab Mukerjee inaugurated the Green Line of Phase I of ‘Namma
Metro’ in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is the second longest operational metro network in India after Delhi Metro.
• Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, has demanded a separate time zone for Arunachal
Pradesh to improve work efficiency and save electricity in the state.
• Sulabh International founder and chief Bindeshwar Pathak has announced that an open defecation-free (ODF)
village in Mewat will be named after the US President Donald Trump.
• Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Poverty Alleviation Venkaiah Naidu
inagurated the ‘Homes For All’ property on 24th of June 2017.The show is organized by Ahmedabad
Municipal Corporation and GIHED CREDAI in Ahmedabad.
• The government has cleared a proposal for setting up a greenfield airport in Jewar in Greater Noida, Uttar
Pradesh. It is likely to be operational in the next five to six years.
• Indore has become the first city in India where a robot is being used on an experimental basis to control its
ever growing and unruly traffic. This robot has been designed and manufactured by two professors of an
engineering college of the city, Prof Rahul Tiwari and Aniruddh Sharma.
• The Mizoram Health Minister LalThanzara has launched the 'Test and Treat Strategy' of the Mizoram state
AIDS Control Society (MSACS) to improve treatment for HIV affected people in the state.
• Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar has inaugurated the three-day MODI (Making of Developed India
Festival) Fest at Kala Academy in Panaji on 26th of June 2017.
• Odisha is all set to become the first state in the country to have a blood bank for the cattle. The first of its kind
blood bank would be established on the premises of OUAT at an estimated cost of Rs 3.25 crore.
FOREIGN VISITS
PM Narendra Modi visit to Germany, Spain, Russia and France - Overview

PM Modi Visit to Germany
India and Germany inked 12 pacts - three memorandum of understanding (MoUs) and nine joint declaration of intent
(JDI):
Three MoUs between India and Germany:
• Agreement between the Ministry of Health and BMG (Federal Ministry of Health) on cooperation in health
sector.
• Agreement on collaboration between the Ministry of Skill Development and Germany's BMBF (Federal
Ministry of Education and Research) to facilitate training of Indian skill development officers and cluster
managers.
• Agreement between the AYUSH and BMG (Federal Ministry of Health) over cooperation in alternative
medicine
PM Modi Visit to Spain
• As a part of his four-nation tour, PM Modi reached Spain on May 31, 2017. He thereby became 1st Indian PM
to visit Spain in nearly 30 years after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited Spain in year 1988.
• India and Spain Sign Seven Agreements
• After wide-ranging talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano
Rajoy at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, Spain, India and Spain signed following agreements:
1. Pact on transfer of sentenced persons
2. Pact on visa waiver for holders of diplomatic passports
3. Agreement on cooperation in organ transplantation
4. Agreement on cooperation in cyber security
5. Agreement on cooperation in renewable energy
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6. Agreement on cooperation in civil aviation

7. Agreement on cooperation between India’s Foreign Service Institute and Diplomatic
Academy of Spain.
PM Modi Visit to Russia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended 18th Indo-Russia Annual Summit in St. Petersberg, Russia.The summit
envisaged closer economic ties between the Indian and Russia.
• Following the talks, India and Russia signed pact for 2 nuclear power units in Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the St Petersburg
Declaration to mark 70 years of India-Russia diplomatic ties.
India, Russia to set up JVs to build aircrafts, automobiles - 5 MoUs signed
1. Agreement on intellectual property
2. A master framework agreement on building two units at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant
3. A programme of bilateral cultural exchanges for 2017-2019
4. An agreement on a feasibility study for a high- speed link between Nagpur and Secunderabad
5. A memorandum on cooperation between joint stock company ALROSA and India's Gem and
Jewellery Export Promotion Council.
PM Modi Visit to France
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, France.
• After two-hour long talks between the two Prime Ministers, India and France vowed to work together for the
successful implementation of the landmark Paris climate agreement and fight the challenge posed by
terrorism.
Arun Jaitely’s four days visit to South Korea
• Arun Jaitley participated in the India-Korea Financial Dialogue and the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Board of
Governors of AIIB. The theme of this year’s annual meeting was "Sustainable Infrastructure".
• Indian and South Korea have signed agreements to establish $9 billion in concessional credit and $1 billion in
Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding for infrastructure development projects in India.
• The dialogue was followed by the Signing Ceremony of Economic Development Cooperation Fund
(EDCF) agreement between India and South Korea and thereafter, an MOU was signed between EXIM Bank
of India and South Korea’s KEXIM Bank.
• On 15th June 2017: Seminar on”Doing Business in India” hosted by the Korean Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (KCCI), FICCI and the Indian Embassy in South Korea.
Defence Minister ArunJaitley’s 3-day visit to Russia from June 21-23, 2017
• On June 21, 2017, Mr. Jaitley co-chaired the first meeting of the India-Russia High Level Committee on
Science and Technology with the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.
• Mr. Jaitley co-chaired the 17th meeting of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Military-
Technical Cooperation in Moscow with Russian Defence Minister General Sergei Shoigu.
• India and Russia inked a protocol that lays out the roadmap to further boost bilateral defence cooperation,
which ranges from joint development of futuristic weapon systems to a major upgrade of military-to-military
ties.
PM Narendra Modi’s foreign visits to Portugal, Netherlands, US - Overview
• During PM Modis’ visit to Portugal, India and Portugal signed 11 pacts for cooperation in various areas
including cooperation in outer space, double taxation avoidance, nano technology, improving cultural ties,
youth and sports, higher education, scientific research, and setting up of a Portugal-India Business Hub and an
Indian Chamber of Commerce in Portugal.
• On June 24, 2017, Indian Prime Minister Modi and Portugal Prime Minister Costa launched a unique startup
Portal - the India-Portugal International StartUp Hub (IPISH) - in Lisbon.
• On June 24, 2017, India and Portugal announced a four million Euros joint fund to bolster research in science
and technology.
PM Modi Visit to USA
• India, US agree to strengthen ties to ensure peace in Afghan as they expressed concern over rising instability
in the war-torn country caused by terrorism.
• Marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and the United States, the leaders resolved to expand
and deepen the strategic partnership between the countries and advance common objectives.
PM Modi Visit to Netherlands
• During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands on June 27, 2017, India and Netherlands
signed following three agreements:
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1. MoU on water cooperation

2. MoU on Cultural Cooperation
3. Agreement on Amending Social Security Arrangement
• President Donald Trump has announced that he would withdraw the United States from the 2015 Paris
agreement to fight climate change on 1st of 2017.
• The UN General Assembly has elected Cote DIvoire, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait, Poland and Peru as the non-
permanent members of the Security Council for a two-year term. It will begin from 1st of January 2018.
• Denmark has finally repealed its 334-year-old blasphemy law despite warnings that such an act could lead
to an increase in hate crimes and terror attacks. The law that has just been revoked criminalized blasphemous
acts such as burning the Bible or Quran.
• On June 5, 2017, Montenegro officially joined North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and thereby
became the 29th member country of NATO.
• Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates cut ties with Qatar in the worst diplomatic crisis
to hit Gulf Arab states in decades. According to Saudi state mediaQatar ejected from the Saudi-led coalition in
Yemen over alleged support of ISIS and al-Qaeda.
• The world's fastest elevator that can operate at a record breaking speed of 1,260 metres per minute is set to
been installed in a skyscraper complex building in China.
• In an effort to curb antibiotic resistance, World Health Organization (WHO) has divided the drugs into three
categories viz. ‘access’, ‘watch’ and ‘reserve’ and has specified utilisation norms for each category. This is
considered as the biggest revision of the antibiotics section in the 40-year history of the essential medicines
list (EML).
• On June 8, 2017, India and the UN Office for South- South Cooperation (UNOSSC) has launched
a partnership fund for supporting sustainable development projects across the world.
• Indian Government has awarded Rs. 1600 crore contract for building 109-km road connecting Paletwa river
terminal to Zorinpui in Mizoram border as part of $484-million Kaladan multi-modal transport projects in
Myanmar that will offer connectivity to Mizoram in India.
• On June 10, 2017, Indian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Harsh Kumar Jain inaugurated India Pavilion at Expo
2017 at Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan. The world class exhibition displays renewable and green
technologies. Theme of Expo 2017 is “Future Energy”
• India and Afghanistan are set to operationalize their first air-freight corridor. The first flight will be operated
by Ariana Afghan Airlines, which is the Afghanistan’s national carrier
• EU and France will give a grant of 3.5 million euros to three Indian cities- Nagpur, Kochi and Ahmedabad. It
is a part of the EU’s commitment under the Paris Climate agreement. India has become the first country to get
benefits from the MYC initiative.
• China has launched world's largest floating solar farm consisting 160000 panels.It is a waterborne plant and is
expected to generate 40 megawatts at one time and could supply electricity for over 15,000 homes.
• Panama has established formal diplomatic ties with China and broke with Taiwan on 12th of June. Panamanian
President Juan Carlos Varela said to media that Panama was upgrading its commercial ties with China.
• On June 13, 2017, India ratified two important core conventions on child labour – pertaining to minimum age
for admission to employment and worst forms of child labour – at the International Labour
Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.The two core conventions signed by India are Convention 138, which sets
minimum age for admission to employment and Convention 182, which penalises and prohibits the worst
form of child labour.
• On June 15, 2017, United Nations (UN) General Assembly approved the establishment of a new office to help
Member States implement the organization's global counter-terrorism strategy. The new Office would
he headed by an Under-Secretary-General.
• On June 15, 2017, India won re-election To UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).India has been re-
elected for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2018.
• The World Taekwondo Federation has changed its name to World Taekwondo on 25th June 2017. The body
was called the World Taekwondo Federation since 1973.It was headqurtered in South Korea
• According to UNESCO greater emissions reductions and delivering on the Paris climate agreement are now
the only opportunity to save coral reefs.The prospects of coral reefs long-term survival was at a crossroads,
with the worst-case scenario able to be avoided only if we quickly adopt the 1.5C target.
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• Estonia to open the world's first data embassy in Luxembourg on housing data and information
systems between the two countries (Estonia& Luxembourg).
• China has launched a research project to compile historical data obtained during expeditions by its teams to
the disputed South China Sea since the late 1950s.
• Saudi Arabia has decided to impose a family tax of 100 riyals per dependent per month on expatriates.
• On May 17, 2017, a Protocol of Cooperation was signed between the National Archives of India and the
Minister of Culture of the Portuguese Republic in the field of archives in Lisbon, Portugal.
• India ratifies United Nations Transports Internationaux Routiers(TIR) Convention,to ensure a secured supply
chain and boost trade, Indian Government has ratified the United Nations TIR (Transports
InternationauxRoutiers) Convention on June 19, 2017.
• The Australian government has announced that Indian nationals can apply for a visitor visa online starting
from 1st of July, 2017
• China has unveiled world's first train that operates on a virtual track using sensor technology instead of metal
rails. This Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) has been developed by China's CRRC Zhuzhou Institute
• China's next generation bullet train, with a maximum speed of 400 kilometer per hour, made its debut on
26th of June 2017. It has been run on the country's busiest Beijing-Shanghai line. Fuxing is a CR400AF
model which boasts a top speed of 400 kilometres per hour and a consistent speed of 350 kilometres an hour.
• US has designated Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin as a global terrorist on 26th of June 2017.
• According to the annual Trafficking in Persons Report the United States has declared China as one among the
world’s worst offenders on human trafficking .The report will be presented by the Secretary of State Rex
Tillerson to the US Congress.The declaration would place China in the same category as North Korea,
Zimbabwe and Syria.
• Sharjah has been crowned with the prestigious 'the World Book Capital' for 2019 by UNESCO.
• On June 27, 2017, Trump administration set new criteria for visa applicants from six Muslim nations and all
refugees that require a close family or business tie to the United States. Instructions issued by the US State
Department say that new applicants from Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen must prove a
relationship with a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling already
in the United States to be eligible.
• Germany’s parliament has voted to legalise same-sex marriage by 393 votes to 226.
• British Prime Minister Theresa May narrowly won a confidence vote in parliament on 30th June 2017.Theresa
May won by 323 votes in favour and 309 against in the 650-seat parliament.
• Rajnath Singh has inaugurated a two-day national level conference on "Capacity Building of SDRF-2017" on
6th of June, 2017. The conference was organised by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
• On June 8, 2017, Minister of Railways, Suresh Prabhu inaugurated Indian Railways' 1st HR Round Table
Conference in New Delhi. A. K. Mital – Chairman of Railway Board and other senior Railway officials were
also present at the conference.
• The Ministry of AYUSH has inaugurated the second National Health Editors' Conference on Yoga on
9June 2017 at the National Media Centre in New Delhi. The theme of this year’s conference is “Yoga for
Health and Harmony”.
• BRICS Media Forum held in Beijing & One Million Dollar Fund Established for BRICS Media. The forum
was attended by the leaders of over 25 media groups from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
• On June 9, 2017, the Presidents of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member-states -- China,
Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan -- signed a document granting membership
to Pakistan and India. The document was signed at Astana, Kazakhstan during the SCO Summit.2017 SCO
summit is based on the theme “Future Energy”
• The Second MI Ministerial (MI-2) is to beheld in Beijing, China from 7-8 June 2017. MI-2 will share
knowledge and collaborate on priorities for clean energy innovation.
• Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan will inaugurate the 16th North East Region Commonwealth
Parliamentary Association (NERCPA) Conference at Imphal on 15th of June 2017.The conference will
planned on themes like 'North East and Look East Policy', 'Special plan for development of railways and
airways for speedy economic development of North East region', and 'Setting up of a chapter of Speaker's
Research Initiative (SRI) in the region'.
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• The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2017 was held from 12-16 June 2017,
in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Group of Seven (G7) Environment Ministers Meeting was held in Bologna, Italy on 11th and 12th June, 2017
to discuss issues ranging from climate change to sustainable development and litter at sea.G7 Presidency for
the year 2017 is held by Italy. Canada will hold the G7 presidency in 2018.
• 2017 Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) International Convention was held in the San Diego
Convention Centre, San Diego, US from 19th June to 22nd June, 2017.
• Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh attended a Meeting of Foreign Ministers of
BRICS countries in Beijing, China on 18th and 19th June, 2017.
• On June 27, 2017, 6th India Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Meeting co-chaired by
Smt. NirmalaSitharaman, Minister of Commerce & Industry from India and Dr.ThanMyint, Union Commerce
Minister from Myanmar was held in New Delhi.
RANKINGS & REPORTS
• India has ranked 137th out of 163 countries on Global Peace Index 2017 published by The Institute of
Economics and Peace. Iceland topped the List.
• According to a new report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) about 31% of
the world’s “multidimensionally poor” children live in India.India stood 37th among 103 countries.
• India has ranked 45th out of 63 countries in the World Competitiveness Rankings 2017, compiled by the
International Institute for Management Development's (IMD) World Competitiveness Center. Hong Kong
topped the rankings for the second year.
• India has overtaken China and has ranked as the top country in the 2017 Global Retail Development
Index (GRDI) released by A.T. Kearney.2017 GRDI titled ‘The Age of Focus’ has outlined that India's rapidly
growing economy, relaxation ofForeign Direct Investment (FDI) rules and a consumption boom triggered by
growing middle class population are the key factors on basis of which India topped the index this year.
• For the first time the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi (ranked 172) has replaced Indian Institute of
Science, Bangalore (ranked at 179), as the highest-ranked Indian university in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)
World University Rankings 2018. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) topped QS World University
Rankings for the sixth consecutive year.
• According to the ‘World Investment Report 2017: Investment and the Digital Economy’, published by
UNCTAD, US, China and India are considered as top prospective destinations for foreign direct investment
(FDI).US attracted highest, $391 billion FDI inflows in 2016. US is followed by Britain with $254 billion,
andChina with inflows of $134 billion.In 2016, India received $44.5 FDI, which marks a marginal 1% hike
over 2015.
• Elon Musk’s electric car startup Tesla (ranked 383) along with other 19 companies has featured in Fortune
magazine's annual list of America’s top 500 companies for the first time.
• India places among the top five consumer markets in Asia. It becomes an average of 6.1 per cent over the next
five years in retailer consumer spending growth. According to BMI Research, a Fitch Group company, China,
Sri Lanka, Vietnam, India and Indonesia represent five favorite consumer markets in Asia.
• As per a report released by Child Rights and You (CRY), Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of children
(250672) engaged in labour.Over 8 lakh children in India between the age group 5 and 6 years are engaged in
child labour.
• The Forbes list of the 'World's Highest-Paid Celebrities of 2017' has been topped by American rapper and
entrepreneur Sean Combs, known by his more famous stage name 'Diddy', with earnings of 130 million
dollars. It was published on 13th of June 2017. Indian superstars Shahrukh Khan (65th- USD 38 million),
Salman Khan (71st) and Akshay Kumar (80th) are among Forbes' annual list of the highest-earning
entertainers in the world.
• India 60th most innovative globally, China at 22nd - Global Innovation Index (GII) 2017.The index has been
co-authored by Cornell University, INSEAD and World Intellectual Property Organisation
(WIPO). Switzerland has topped the index for seventh consecutive year.
• As per a report titled "Sending Money Home: Contributing to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals),
One Family at a Time" by UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), India has been
the top remittance-receiving country in year 2016.Indians working across the globe sent home USD 62.7
billion in 2016.
• India has ranked 75th in environmental impact survey conducted by UK-based Money Super Market. The
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survey has been topped by Southern African country Mozambique as almost all its energy use comes from
green sources.
• UNHCR has recorded 65.6 million people displaced worldwide. Out of this some of them are either refugees,
asylum seekers or internally displaced across the globe.
• Qatar Airways is voted the World’s Best Airline at the SKYTRAX 2017 World Airline Awards. The Doha
based carrier has won the prestigious Airline of the Year title for a fourth time.
• According to Mercer's 23rd Annual Cost of Living Survey, Mumbai is the most expensive city for expatriates
in India.Luanda, the capital of Angola, is the costliest city, driven by cost of goods and security, followed by
Hong Kong and Tokyo at the second and third places, respectively.
• According to ‘World Population Prospects - The 2017 Revision’ released by United Nations on Jun 21,
2017, world’s population will surpass the 8 billion mark in year 2023.India's population to surpass that of
China's around 2024
• 29.5 million people globally suffer from drug use disorders, opioids the most harmful says World Drug Report
2017.
• India has ranked 93rd among 128 countries on 2017 Social Progress Index report launched on June 21, 2017
by Social progress Imperative (SPI) with support from Deloitte and its strategic partners.Denmark is the
world’s top performer this year scoring 90.57 out of 100, whereas Central African Republic has ranked last at
128th
BANKING & FINANCE

RBI announces second Bi-monthly Monetary Policy
Policy Repo Rate 6.25% Unchanged – since 4th October 2016
Reverse Repo Rate 6.00% Unchanged – since 6th April 217
Marginal Standing Facility Rate 6.50% Unchanged – since 6th April 217
Bank Rate 6.50% Unchanged – since 6th April 217
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) 20.00% Cut by 0.50%. Earlier it was 20.50%
>>RBI has projected that inflation will remain between 2 to 3.5 per cent range for first half
of FY 2017-18, and 3.5 to 4.5 per cent range for second half.
>>The RBI has lowered the economic growth projection to 7.3% for the current financial
year from 7.4% earlier.
• As per Government data released on May 31, 2017, India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at 6.1% year-
on-year in fourth quarter of financial year 2016-17 i.e. during January 2017 to March 2017.
• Indian Government signed USD 36 million loan agreement with World Bank for Himachal Pradesh Public
Financial Management Capacity Building Program in New Delhi.
• Markets regulator SEBI has barred Cypress Money from acting as Investment Advisor. SEBI found guilty of
providing unauthorized trading tips to investors.
• Arvind Panagariya, an economic adviser has said India's economic growth is expected to grow by 7.5 percent
in this fiscal year.
• State Bank of India (SBI) has announced financing of 100 MW rooftop solar projects for private developers
under a World Bank programme.The total cost is worth Rs 400 crore.
• Under the chairmanship of Uday Kotak, Market Regulator SEBI has formed a Committee on Corporate
Governance.Uday Kotak is an executive vice chairman and managing director of Kotak Mahindra Bank.
• According to HSBC report India’s economic growth is expected to remain flat at 7.1 per cent in current
fiscal. According to official data, India’s growth rate slipped to 6.1 per cent in the January-March quarter
and 7.1 per cent during 2016-17.
• As per World Bank's Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report released on June 4, 2017, the global economy
is expected to grow at 2.7% in 2017 and 2.9% in 2018. World Bank has thus maintained its January 2017
forecast. It is to be noted that, as per recently released “India Development Report” by World Bank, Indian
economy is expected to grow at 7.2% in FY 2017-18 as compared to 6.8% in 2016-17.
• On the occasion of the World Environment Day, ICICI Bank has mentioned that it has commissioned over
200 solar powered ATM sites in the last one year as part of its efforts to reduce carbon footprint and use more
clean energy.
• An agreement for IBRD Credit of USD 39.2 Million from World Bank for the project “Assam Citizen Centric
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Service Delivery” has been signed on 6th of June. The programme cost is 49-million dollar out of which 39.2-
million dollar will be financed by the Bank, and the remaining amount will be funded-out of State Budget.
• Vijaya Bank is set up to develop 100 digital villages in various States of the country.Its aim is to promote
digital banking among the rural population.Vijaya Bank has inaugurated its 2031st ATM at Pandit Nehru Bus
Station in the city of Vijayawada on 6th of June, 2017.
• India’s one of the most lender State BIank of India took a step to meet nearly 10,000 farmers to understand
their credit needs and also to provide finance help. The meeting organized at the bank's 15,500 rural and
semi-urban branches across the country on June 8, 2017
• HDFC Bank on Monday informed to all of its customers that it will impose the new transaction charges on all
outward UPI transactions as well as the benefits of using UPI for transferring funds from July 10.
• Canara Bank and the New India Assurance Company have entered into a corporate agency arrangement
for distribution of insurance products.
• Global software major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has launched "BaNCS App Development Kit"
(ADK) on 8th of June 2017. It will enable banks to fast design and build their own apps and install it across
devices and desktops. "BaNCS ADK" will help banks to design and deploy enterprise and consumer apps.
• Axis Bank has become the first bank to introduce biodegradable gift cards in the country.
The card has the look and feel of regular plastic cards and can be used in PoS terminals and
ATMs. The card is made up of Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG).
• The Reserve Bank has initiated Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) against Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) in view
of high level of bad loans and negative return on assets. BoM has become the sixth bank to be put under the
PCA.
• On June 16, 2017, Switzerland ratified an automatic exchange of financial account information with India in
order to facilitate immediate sharing of details about suspected black money. Swiss Federal Council said that
the implementation of the information exchange is planned for 2018 and that the first set of data exchange
would happen in 2019.
• On June 15, 2017, Reserve Bank of India said India's current account deficit (CAD) narrowed during the last
fiscal due to a contraction in the country's trade deficit. CAD for fiscal year 2016-17 narrowed to 0.7% of the
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 1.1 per cent in 2015-16 on the back of the contraction in trade deficit.
• The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has notified the Fast Track Insolvency Resolution
Process for Corporate Persons Regulations on 16th of The process in these cases shall be completed within
a period of 90 days, as against 180 days in other cases.
• State Bank of India has entered into a tie-up with Tirumala Milk Products on 17th of June 2017 to provide
loans to dairy farmers who supply milk to the latter.
• Private sector lender Yes Bank has partnered with mobile payments switch TerraPay.Its main aim is to enable
real time money transfer to bank accounts in India. Terra Pay has partnered with Yes Bank in a Rupee
Drawing Arrangement.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has placed Central Bank of India under prompt corrective action. It puts
restricts on banking activities such as from lending, hiring and expanding branches.
RBI has triggered PCAs for four banks – IDBI Bank, UCO Bank, Dena Bank and Indian Overseas Bank.
• The Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved USD 150 million
equity investment to the India Infrastructure Fund.
• Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), the Lead Bank for Thiruvananthapuram district, has launched the Retail Mart, a
retail lending concept, in Kerala's capital city.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced on 13th of June that it has issued Rs 500 denomination notes
with inset letter A. A new batch of banknotes will include the inset letter "A" in both the number panels and
will bear the signature of Urjit R Patel the Governor of Reserve Bank of India; with the year of printing '2017'
on the reverse, are being issued.
• On June 13, 2017, Reserve Bank of India identified 12 non-performing accounts representing 25% of gross
NPAs in Indian banking system, which will be immediately taken up under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code (IBC).The IAC followed an objective and non-discretionary criterion that all accounts with total
outstanding loans greater than Rs 5,000 crore, with at least three-fifths (60%) classified as non-performing by
banks as on March 31, 2016, should be referred under IBC.
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has permitted commodity exchanges to launch options trading
in commodity futures. Introduction of options trading is expected to
• According to the Code Compliance Rating of banks done by the Banking Codes and Standards Board of India
(BCSBI) 2017, out of 26 public sector banks and 8 out of 17 private sector banks got ‘high’ rating for their
adherence to code compliance. IDBI Bank was the only public sector bank that got ‘high (H)’(85 and above
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score out of 100) rating in two successive surveys.

• Emkay Global Financial Services has entered into an exclusive pact with DBS Bank arm DBS Vickers
Securities (Singapore) on 13th of June. The pact has signed for co-branding and distribution of equity research
to the latter's global clients.
• ClearTax, India’s largest income tax returns e-filing and enterprise compliance service provider has launched
billbook software. It is used to assist small and medium businesses (SMEs) in the country get GST-ready.
• China and the Asia Development Bank (ADB) have launched a green financing platform to cut pollution in
the smog-hit Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region on 16th of June 2017. China selected five regions this week to take
part in pilot government green financing schemes.
• DCB Bank, a private sector bank has launched new services - India’s first Aadhaar based iris eye scan
customer verification and fingerprint operated ATM in Telangana on 16th of June.
• On June 13, 2017, World Bank approved financing worth more than $500 million for Afghanistan to support a
various projects to boost the economy, help improve service delivery in five cities and support Afghan
refugees sent back from Pakistan.
• Reserve Bank of India announced names of the members of Overseeing Committee, OC earlier was a two-
member committee consisting of former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar (Chairman of OC)
and former SBI chairman Janki Ballabh.Another three members have been added - former L&T Finance
Holdings Chairman YM Deosthalee, former Canara Bank chairman MBN Rao and SEBI whole time member
S Raman. The OC was given an expanded mandate after the promulgation of the new NPA ordinance.
• The government has permitted banks and post offices to deposit junked Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes with the
Reserve Bank by July 20, 2017. As on November 8, 2016, the total amount of currency in circulation was Rs
17.7 lakh crore, which included specified bank notes (SBNs) of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000.
• World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has sanctioned a loan assistance of 44 million dollars for
the Assam State Public Finance Institutional Reforms (ASPIRe) Project.
• According to the second edition of Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI's) statistical publication titled 'Handbook of
Statistics on States 2016-17’, total gross fiscal deficits of Indian states shot up to Rs 4,93,360 crore in fiscal
2016 from Rs 18,790 crore in FY1991. Rajasthan with Rs 67,350 crore deficit in FY16 and Uttar
Pradesh with Rs 64,320 crore deficit in FY16 accounted for the largest chunks in the total gross fiscal deficits
of Indian States.
• The World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have granted loan to Andhra Pradesh for
Power Project.Total Cost of the project is USD 570 million, out of which USD 240 million is from World
Bank (IBRD) and USD 160 million from AIIB. The rest will be counterpart funding from GoAP.
• IDBI initiated insolvency proceeding against Lanco, first among 12 accounts identified by RBI. The company
is among 12 firms identified by the central bank with a combined debt of over Rs 1,50,000 crore, a quarter of
the total NPAs, for proceedings under the newly enacted Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
• IDBI Federal Life Insurance has announced that it has partnered with SunTec. It will help facilitate in
computing and invoicing of debit tax and credit tax that will be GST compliant.
• India and ADB Sign $275 Million Loan for Upgrading Urban Services in 64 Small Towns in Madhya Pradesh
• Hike Messenger partners with YES Bank to launch in-app Wallet.. Hike is the first in India to launch
payments facility on a messaging platform.
• RBI amends banking ombudsman scheme under which banks could be penalised for mis-selling third-party
products like insurance and mutual funds via mobile or electronic banking. As per the amendment, the
pecuniary jurisdiction of the Banking Ombudsman to pass an award has been doubled to 20 lakh rupees.
• According to data released by Reserve Bank of India, Banks' credit growth grew at 6.02% to Rs 76, 58,212
crore in the fortnight ended June 9. 2017 from Rs 72, 22,939 crore in the same period of fiscal 2016,
whereas bank deposits grew at 11.19% to Rs 105, 77,947 crore from Rs 95, 13,148 crore in the fortnight
ended June 10, 2016.
• Axis Bank in association with Kochi Metro Rail Corporation (KMRL) has
launched KMRL Axis Bank 'Kochi1' Card, India's first open loop EMV contactless metro card that would
make travel a convenient and hassle free experience for commuters in Kochi.
• NCAER has revised up the country's economic growth to 7.6 % for the current fiscal as compared with
7.3% on forecast of normal monsoon.
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• According to Fitch Ratings India’s GDP growth will steadily rise from 7.4% to 7.5% in 2018-19 and to 7.6%
in 2019-20.
• The World Bank has cleared a USD 250-million loan, referred to as Skill India Mission Operation (SIMO) for
making Indian youth more employable through reskilling. World Bank's SIMO is a six- year programme in
support of the Indian government's National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (2017-23).
• The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) has announced to enhance the group insurance cover for the
pilgrims and service providers from existing Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. Jammu and Kashmir Governor N NVohra
is the chairman of SASB.
• India Signs Loan Agreement with the World Bank for USD 35 Million for “Assam State Public Financial
Institutional Reforms Project”
• The first ATM was presented by Barclays at their Enfield branch in north London on Jun 27, 1967.The first
ATM machine turns to gold on 50th birthday on 28th of June. The first person to use the inaugural ATM was
actor Reg Varney.
• Union Government has notified roll out of Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 1, 2017. GST will
replace 16 current levies (7 central taxes and 9 state taxes), consequentially creating India as one market with
one tax rate.
• India has contributed $100,000 to UN Trust Fund for International Cooperation in Tax Matters (UN Tax
Fund) and has thereby become the first country to make the contribution.
• Indian funds in Swiss banks hit record low of 676 mn francs as per latest data published by Swiss National
Bank (SNB), money parked by Indians in Switzerland’s banks nearly halved to 676 Million Swiss francs
(CHF) in 2016. As per current exchange rate, the approximate amount stands at Rs. 4500 crore.
• On June 29, 2017, Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed USD 10 billion support for infrastructure
building and immediate development needs of less-developed states in India.
BUSINESS
• Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha has delivered an statement India becomes the world’s third
largest aviation market with passenger traffic of over 10 crore travelers reported for 2016-17 during an event
on the achievements of the Ministry of Civil Aviation on the completion of three years of the NDA
government.
• Mumbai Metro has collaborated with Google Maps for geographic details.It has partnered with Google to
display its services in Google Maps application. It has been collaborated to bring convenience for the
commuters.
• Ambani has announced on 4th of June that RCom-Aircel merged company will be called Aircom.
After the completion of the proposed deal Reliance Communications has finally announced that the
new RCom- Aircel merged entity will be called Aircom.
• National Stock Exchange (NSE) launched its international exchange in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-
City (GIFT City) on 5th of June, 2017. NSE IFSC Ltd is the global exchange which is promoted by NSE.
• The National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) has set up electric vehicles at Delhi and Noida, and
will soon expand this to other location across the NCR region. It has been launched to promote clean energy
transportation in the country.
• Union Finance Ministry has said that the ministries tasked with clearing foreign direct investment (FDI)
proposals in the 12 sectors that need government approval would have to take a decision within 60 days.
• State-run oil companies such as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation
(HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) will revise the prices of petrol and diesel daily from 16th
June 2017.
• In a bid to add digital experience for Air travellers, Ministry of Civil Aviation will roll out ‘DigiYatra’
Platform.This initiative aims at bringing together entire industry to develop a digital ecosystem that will
deliver customers a seamless and paperless service experience at every stage of journey.
• India has approached World Trade Organisation (WTO) against US for its non-compliance of a verdict on
high import duty on certain Indian steel imports. As of now, India has requested WTO dispute consultations
with the US to address US compliance with WTO ruling. If this issue remains unresolved post consultations,
India will approach WTO’s compliance panel.
• According to the bi-annual Global Prime Office Occupancy Costs survey of US-based CBRE, Connaught
Place in Delhi has been ranked ninth most expensive prime office market in the world. Hong Kong
(Central) topped as world’s highest-priced office market with an occupancy cost of $302.51 per sq ft per
annum.
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• Infrastructure conglomerate Adani Group in the second week of June 2017 has announced commissioning of a
50 megawatts (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh.
• Amid unrest among farmers for multiple reasons in different states, the Central Government has increased the
minimum support price (MSP) of pulses, oil-seeds and cotton for the 2017-18 crop year.
• At 22nd Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Annual Award
Function in New Delhi on June 12, 2017, Commerce Secretary Mrs Rita Teaotia, mentioned that India has
emerged as 7th largest exporter of agri-products globally.
• India has imposed an anti-dumping duty on import of ceramic table and kitchen ware items from China. The
government has done to protect domestic industry against goods being sold at below normal value.
• India is to be a co-partner in a global food and beverages trade ANUGA to be held in Cologne, Germany from
October 7-11, 2017.The 34th edition of ANUGA is being organised by Koelnmesse GmBH and 7,200
exhibitors from more than 100 countries are likely to participate in the event.
• Tech giant Google has topped the 2017 BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands list with a brand value
of over $245 billion.US tech giants Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook were also among the five most valuable
brands.
• India has imposed anti-dumping duty up to 118 dollar/tonne on import of hydrogen peroxide -other than of
food and electronic grade with concentration of 90 per cent and above from Bangladesh, Taiwan, Korea,
Pakistan and Thailand.
• As many as 20 Indian firms have been named in the top 100 of Nikkei Asian Review's Asia300 companies
list. The list was topped by Taiwan's Largan Precision. Indian IT service provider HCL Technologies came in
at the second place, followed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises.
• Bengaluru has become the country's first city where one can have fuel delivered at one's doorstep. It is similar
like the delivery of milk and newspapers.
• The Commerce & Industry Minister NirmalaSitharaman has launched the Startup India Virtual Hub. It is an
online platform for all stakeholders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India to discover, connect and engage
with each other.
• The US has cleared the sale of 22 unmanned Guardian drones to India on 23rd of June 2017.The deal,
estimated to be worth $2 to $3 billion and has been approved by the State Department.
• E-commerce giant Amazon has tied up with ClearTax to help sellers on their platform. It can make a seamless
transition to the GST regime and also help them file their tax returns with ease.
• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified Rule 10CB of Section 92CE under
the Income Tax Act, 1961, operationalising provisions of secondary adjustment.
• SpiceJet has announced on 20th of June 2017 to purchase 50 Q400 turboprop aircraft worth $1.7 billion (over
Rs 10,900 crore) from Bombardier.
• According to Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das, a steel plant has come up at Manoharpur in West
Singhbhum district on 19th June 2017. The Vedanta group and Jharkhand Mineral Development Corporation
(JSMDC) would jointly set up the plant.
• Online financial services marketplace BankBazaar has begun its operations in Malaysia to strengthen its
presence in South East Asia. BankBazaar announced an investment of Rs 5 crore in the Malaysian market and
an additional Rs 10 crore in its Singapore business.
• Lockheed signs pact with Tata to make F-16 planes in India. F-16 production in India supports thousands of
Lockheed Martin and F-16 supplier jobs in the U.S.
• An incubation centre for biotechnology start-ups is to be set up at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular
Biology in Hyderabad, Telangana
• The first 50 MW unit of 100 MW Sainj Hydro Power project of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation
Limited (HPPCL) has commissioned with northern grid through Parvati-Kol Dam transmission line.
• Reliance Defence inks pact with Serbia's Yugoimport to make ammunition in India and target business
opportunities of Rs 20,000 crore over the next 10 years.
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• Bengaluru has become the country's first city where one can have fuel delivered at one's doorstep. It is similar
like the delivery of milk and newspapers.
• The Commerce & Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched the Startup India Virtual Hub. It is an
online platform for all stakeholders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India to discover, connect and engage
with each other.
• The US has cleared the sale of 22 unmanned Guardian drones to India on 23rd of June 2017.The deal,
estimated to be worth $2 to $3 billion and has been approved by the State Department.
• E-commerce giant Amazon has tied up with ClearTax to help sellers on their platform. It can make a seamless
transition to the GST regime and also help them file their tax returns with ease.
• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified Rule 10CB of Section 92CE under
the Income Tax Act, 1961, operationalising provisions of secondary adjustment.
• SpiceJet has announced on 20th of June 2017 to purchase 50 Q400 turboprop aircraft worth $1.7 billion (over
Rs 10,900 crore) from Bombardier.
• According to Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das, a steel plant has come up at Manoharpur in West
Singhbhum district on 19th June 2017. The Vedanta group and Jharkhand Mineral Development Corporation
(JSMDC) would jointly set up the plant.
• Online financial services marketplace BankBazaar has begun its operations in Malaysia to strengthen its
presence in South East Asia. BankBazaar announced an investment of Rs 5 crore in the Malaysian market and
an additional Rs 10 crore in its Singapore business.
• Lockheed signs pact with Tata to make F-16 planes in India. F-16 production in India supports thousands of
Lockheed Martin and F-16 supplier jobs in the U.S.
• An incubation centre for biotechnology start-ups is to be set up at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular
Biology in Hyderabad, Telangana
• The first 50 MW unit of 100 MW Sainj Hydro Power project of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation
Limited (HPPCL) has commissioned with northern grid through Parvati-Kol Dam transmission line.
• Reliance Defence inks pact with Serbia's Yugoimport to make ammunition in India and target business
opportunities of Rs 20,000 crore over the next 10 years.
• The European Union has imposed a fine of 2.42 billion-euro ($2.72 billion) on internet giant Google on 27th of
June 2017. The fine has been imposed for taking advantage of its dominance in online searches to direct
customers to its own online shopping business.
• In a bid to ensure authenticity of organic food, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has
come out with a draft regulation for organic food products.The draft regulation mandates that labelling of
organic foods should convey full and accurate information on the organic status of the product.
• India’s drug price regulator, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) announced provisional
ceiling prices for 761 medicines, including HIV, diabetes, anti-cancer and antibiotic.
• Andhara Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu launches the establishment of Micro, Small, Medium Entrepreneurs
(MSME) Development Corporation at Vijayawada with fund of Rs.100 crore on the occasion of International
MSME Day.
• On June 27, 2017, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan introduced Open Acreage Licensing
Policy (OALP) - a new oil and gas block licensing policy and the National Data Repository. The new policy is
expected to open up 8 million square kilometres of sedimentary basins to exploration and production
activities.
• On June 29,2017 Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has made an agreement with Kawasaki Heavy
Industries Ltd (KHI) of Japan for manufacturing of stainless steel coaches and bogies for metros.
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Implement Energy Efficiency Programmes has Signed MoU withEnergy
Efficiency Services Limited (EESL). It is worth of 5.6bn over a period of 3 years and will mark a 20-fold
growth.
• US Government has decided to sell one C-17 transport aircraft to India, which will improve India’s capability
to meet current and future strategic airlift requirements. The proposed sale of C-17 transport aircraft
by Boeing at an estimated cost of is USD 366.2 million includes one missile Warning System, one
Countermeasures Dispensing System, one Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponder and precision
navigation equipment.
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• National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) of India received prestigious International Award of
Asia Pacific Quality Network (APQN) titled “APQN Quality Award 2017 for International Co-operation in
Quality Assurance” on May 26, 2017 in Moscow, Russia.
• Indian-American girl Ananya Vinay wins 90th Scripps National Spelling Bee competition of US.
• Bengaluru headquartered Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) has won the ‘Raksha Mantri’s Award for
Excellence’ under the group award category for design and development of 180 tonne class electric hydraulic
excavator - BE1800E.
• The Ministry of Rural Development has selected Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh as one among the 17
districts across the nation for the MGNREGA annual award for effective implementation of the Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act during 2015-16.
• Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar to receive Bharat Gaurav Award by NRI community of USat the United
Nations Hall, New York. Spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Late Kalpana Chawla (astronaut), Dr.
Bindeshwar Pathak (founder of Sulabh International), Acharya Lokesh Muni are other prominent
personalities, who will be conferred Bharat Gaurav Award this year along with Madhur Bhandrkar.
• Popular writer Anand Neelakantan, Odia poet Haraprasad Das (Literary Youth Award) and author Paramita
Satpathy (Kalinga Karubaki Award) have been announced as winners of this year’s Kalinga Literary Awards.
• Adam Zagajewski, one of the most pre-eminent contemporary Polish poets, novelists and essayists has
won Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Literature.
• The Indian Express has got awards in two categories at the RedInk Awards for Excellence in Journalism.
RedInk Awards are hosted by the Mumbai Press Club. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to T
N Ninan, Chairman & Editorial Director, Business Standard the Journalist of the Year Award went to NDTV
India’s Ravish Kumar.
• Veteran Bengali film actor Soumitra Chatterjee has been conferred with the highest French civilian honour,
the Legion d'Honneur.
• Kannada poet and playwright H S Shivaprakash has honoured with the prestigious Kusumagraja Rashtriya
Puraskar and Latur-based Menka Dhumale was presented YCMOUs Baburao Bagul story writing award for
year 2016 for her book "Korda Paus".
• The Pageant for the title of the Queen of dhwayah 2017 was held in Kerala. Syama
Sanju was declared the Queen of Dhwayah, the winner at Kerala’s first ever beauty pageant for transgender
women.
• Vivid Sydney breaks the Guinness World Record for maximum number of light installations. It is the world's
largest festival of light, music and ideas.
• The Indian Institute of Technology(IIT), Kanpur awarded the degree to P.T. Usha at its 50th convocation in
Kanpur on 16th of June 2017. The ‘Golden Girl’ of Indian athletics now became a Doctor of Science.
• Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's "Sultan" is to be screened at the 20th Shanghai International Film
Festival. The gala is to be held June 17-26, 2017 in Shanghai, China.
• A 12 year old Padmalaya Nanda from Odisha has created history by becoming the youngest girl to bag
the "Little Miss Universe Internet 2017" and "Little Miss Actress" crowns at the Little Miss Universe
2017.This is the first time that a 12 young Indian girl has won this beauty pageant title.
• Water conservation model, ‘Project Jal Sanchay’ in Nalanda district of Bihar has been selected for the national
award for excellence in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme
(MGNREGP), by the Ministry of Rural Development.
• NASA has conferred the Exceptional Public Service Medal to Michael A’Hearn. He is one of the world’s
leading comet scientists, posthumously on 12 June 2017. He was awarded posthumously at the Small Bodies
Assessment Group (SBAG) meeting at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
• Israeli author David Grossman has won the Man Booker International Prize for his novel "A Horse Walks Into
a Bar." The award will split between Grossman and translator Jessica Cohen.
• Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) Principal Adviser E. Sreedharan has been selected for
the Nanniyode Rajan Memorial Award.
• Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair won the Dorothy Arzner Directors Award at the Beverly Hilton Hotel,
USA.Mira Nair won for the film Queen of Katwe at this year’s Women in Film Crystal and Lucy Awards.
• The Fifth Bhupen Hazarika National Award 2017 is awarded to an eminent writer from Arunachal Pradesh
Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi.The award has been instituted by Sarhad, a Maharashtra-based organisation.
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• Anti-hunger activist Ankit Kawatra has been selected for prestigious Queen's Young Leaders Award with 60
others from all 53 Commonwealth countries.He will be honoured by Queen Elizabeth II at a ceremony to be
held in the Buckingham Palace, UK on June 29, 2017.
• Actress SonamKapoor and her producer-sister Rhea Kapoor's fashion label Rheson has won
the Compassionate Business Award from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)on
22nd June 2017.
• The International Dublin Literary Award has been awarded to the Angolan writer Jose Eduardo Agualusa on
21nd of June for his 14th novel, A General Theory of Oblivion. The Dublin Literary Award is the world's
largest prize for a single novel published in English.
• The Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI), at its annual general meeting on June 25, 2017, decided to
confer the best Sportsperson of the Year award on Badminton player P V Sindhu and Best Team of the Year
award to Indian Junior Hockey Squad.
• Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has conferred the prestigious BijuPatnaik Award for Scientific
Excellence to Lalit Mohan Das for his outstanding contribution to science and research on 23rd of June.
• On June 19, 2017, Ministry of Rural Development conducted an award function in New Delhi, during which it
gave away 144 awards to states and different organisations under different categories.
• Sachin Tendulkar's mother-in-law and social activist Annabel Mehta, a British national, has been awarded the
MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) on 18th of June, 2017
• The 2017 Orwell Prize is the Britain's most prestigious prize. It is for political writing and was announced on
15th June in London. The 2017 Orwell Prize for books was presented to John Bew. It is awarded to a book
that comes closest to the George Orwell's ambition "to make political writing into an art".
• Salman Khan's Sultan wins Best Action Movie at 20th Shanghai International Film Festival
• The West Bengal government has won the prestigious United Nations (UN) Public Service Award for
the 'KanyashreePrakalpa' initiative aimed to combat child marriage and ensure education to the girl child in
the state.
• The country's highest literary body the Sahitya Akademi award has been presented to two Konkani literary
personalities VincyQuadros and AmeyNaik from Goa. Quadros is being awarded
Sahitya Akademi's BalSahityaPuraskar for his book 'JaduchePetul' for children in Konkani.
• NishaDutt has been honoured with the “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” award at the 7th Asian Awards in
London. She is a Chief Executive Officer of Hyderabad-based Intellecap.Nisha is the first Indian woman
leader to have been conferred with this recognition.
• Vijaya Bank has received Skoch Awards in following 9 categories -- Best Bank in Public Sector; Best Bank
for NPA Management – Organization Category; Retail Lending; Inclusive Wallet – VPAYQWIK; Digital
Inclusion; IT Security; e-Surveillance of ATMs and branches; and 100 Digital Villages – Financial Inclusion.
• Wipro Chairman Azim Premji honoured with Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy. It considered the most
prestigious prize in philanthropy. He has given the award for his efforts to reform India's public school
system.
• Indian agricultural microbiologist ShrihariChandraghatgi has been conferred the Ministry of Environment
Award for 2017 in Japan. Chandraghatgi is the President and CEO of EcoCycle Corporation.
• On June 25, 2017, ManushiChhillar from Haryana won Femina Miss India 2017 title. Sana Dua from Jammu
and Kashmir is the first runner-up and the second runner-up is Priyanka Kumari from Bihar. The event was
held at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai on June 25, 2017.
• Former India hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay will be conferred East Bengal football club's highest honour that
is Bharat Gaurav.
• Uttarakhand has been conferred the award of excellence at the 2nd Global Skill Development Summit held in
Paris on June 23, 2017. Uttarakhand has been awarded for innovations and extensive use of IT for skilling the
state's youth.
• On June 28 2017 Liveris and Godrej were presented with the prestigious annual award at the USIBC's annual
gala. Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej and Dow Chemical CEO Andrew Liveries bag Global Leadership
Awards of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) for their role in integrating India in the global supply
chain.
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• SIERRA ODC building of Coimbatore-based IT Solutions Company has been recognised as the world’s
second highest ranking Green Building, with a score of 103 out of 110 under Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) certification..
• An 11-year-old boy ArnavSharma, who is of Indian origin, has scored 162 which is higher in an IQ test
than Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.
• Astrologer and numerologist TS Vineeth Bhatt has been conferred with the 'Best astrologer of the world'
award at the 'Russian-Indian economic dialogue' round-table meet held in Moscow, Russia.
• Indigenously developed mobile application for digitising vaccine logistics, eVIN, has won the prestigious
GSMA Asia Mobile Award 2017 (AMO) on 29th June 2017. The ceremony, held during the Mobile World
Congress 2017 in Shanghai.
Appointee Designation
Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak President of 72nd session of the UN General Assembly.
Ramachandra Guha (steps down) BCCI Administrator
Vinay Dube CEO of Jet Airways
Nirupama Rao Public Policy Fellow to US Think-Tank
Shaktikanta Das (retires) Economic Affairs Secretary
Tapan Ray Economic Affairs Secretary
Aleksandar Vucic New President of Serbia
S Ganesh Kumar Executive Director of Reserve Bank of India
Param Jit Mann Ambassador of India to Republic Slovenia
Shashi Shekhar Vempati CEO of public broadcaster Prasar Bharati
Indian-origin Leo Varadkar Next Ireland PM
Bollywood actress Dia Mirza Wildlife Trust of India's brand ambassador
Sachin Tendulkar Noval Djokovic and David UNICEF initiative Super Dad highlights the critical role played by
Beckham fathers in children’s early development.
Justice CS Karnan becomes (retires) First High Court Judge to retire while absconding
RK Sharma Administrator for Sahara India Life Insurance
Reenat Sandhu Head of India's diplomatic mission in Italy.
Girish Wagh CV unit head Tata Motors
Gaitri Issar Kumar India's next ambassador to Belgium.
Ajit Vinayak Gupte Ambassador to Denmark.
Neeru Chadha First Indian woman member of ITLOS
TCS executive Ramanathan Ramanan Head Atal Mission under NITI Aayog
Kajal Singh Executive Vice President in Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN)
Yuvraj Singh Brand Ambassador of EazyDiner
Ana Brnabic First openly gay and first female Prime Minister of Serbia
Sunil Kakar MD and CEO of IDFC Bank
Ram Nath Kovind (resigns) Bihar Governor
Keshri Nath Tripathi Bihar Governor
MuzoonAlmellehan Youngest (19year old)Goodwill Ambassador
Amitabh Bachchan Ambassador to promote Goods and Services Tax
Imran Khawaja ICC Deputy Chairman.
Indian origin Sikh Palbinder Kaur First turbaned judge in Canada
Jeevandas Narayan Managing director of Manappuram Home Finance
Travis Kalanick (resigns) Uber CEO and Co -Founder.
Mohammed Bin Salman Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
Rajiv Gauba Home Secretary
Yudhvir Singh Malik Secretary, Road Transport and Highways.
Subhash C. Garg Secretary of Economic Affairs.
ArunaSundarajan Telecommunications Secretary.
Ajay Prakash Sawhney Electronics and Information Technology Secretary
Avinash K. Srivastava Consumer Affairs Secretary
Jagdish Prasad Meena Secretary, Food Processing Industries
Rajiv Kapoor Secretary, Chemicals and Petrochemicals.
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SanjeevaneeKutty, Secretary, Ex-Servicemen Welfare in the Defence Ministry.

Arun Kumar Panda Secretary, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,.
Ravi Kant, Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping.
Anand Kumar, Secretary, New and Renewable Energy.
Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Power Secretary
Kenneth I Juster America's new ambassador to India
Indian origin doctor Kailash Chand Honorary VP of UK medical body
Russian Diplomat Vladimir Voronkov Chief of United Nations Counter Terrorism Centre
Dalveer Bhandari Re-nominated Justice as its candidate for another term as judge at the
International Court of Justice.
J-K Governor N N Vohra President of India International Centre (IIC)
Priyanka Chopra Ambassador for Government's Skill India campaign
Mihai Tudose Prime-minister designate in Romania
Kaushik Basu International Economic Association president.
Rajesh V. Shah National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)Chairperson.
Actress VidyaBalan Ambassador of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).
Indian American Krishna R. Urs Ambassador to Peru for US
Shamma Jain Ambassador of India to Greece
SN Subrahmanyan CEO & MD of Larsen & Toubro
K G Karmakar, Gauri Shankar Directors of India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)
Hoshiar Singh Chief of Copyrights office
Sher Bahadur Deuba Nepal's prime minister for fourth time
Lt Col Raja Chari First Indian American after Kalpana Chawla to be chosen by NASA for
one of its missions from 18,000 applicants at NASA’s Johnson Space
Center in Houston.
B K Manjunath Part-time chairman Lakshmi Vilas Bank
Sushila Karki (retires) First woman Chief Justice of Nepal Supreme Court
Ruchira Kamboj High Commissioner of India to the Republic of South Africa
Vikram Limaye MD & CEO of National Stock Exchange
Preet Gill First female Sikh MP to be elected to the UK's Houses of Parliament
Mukul Rohatgi Country's chief law officer (14th attorney general)
• Microsoft has acquired Hexadite. It is an Israeli startup that uses AI to identify and protect against attacks.
This deal cost $100 million.
• New Deli based telecommunications services company Bharti Airtel has received the merger approval
between Airtel and Telenor Communications.from Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Bombay Stock
Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE). After merging, Airtel will gets 52.5 million users from
Telenor kitty.
• NHB approves merger between Dewan Housing group companies Aadhar Housing Finance and DHFL Vysya
Housing Finance.
• Amazon is buying USA based Whole Foods in a deal valued at about $13.7 billion.
SCHEMES
• On June 4, 2017, Telangana State Government launched single-woman pension scheme across the state,
thereby becoming the first state in India to launch such scheme. Under this scheme, Telangana State Govt.
will provide 1,000 financial assistance per month to single women. The beneficiaries would get the pension in
their bank accounts every month.
• Tamil Nadu govt signs MoU with Aviation Ministry for implementation of UDAN scheme to promote
regional air connectivity.
• On June 6, 2017, Punjab State government launched the “Chief Minister Scholarship Scheme” with an aim to
provide cheaper and quality technical education to the meritorious and poor students of the state.
• Madhya Pradesh government has launched a new debt relief scheme “Krishi Rin Samadhan Yojana” for
farmers. The cabinet has allocated Rs 1,000 crore for the scheme. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has
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announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the kith and the kin of the dead farmers.
• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched a scheme named 'Visiting Advanced Joint
Research Faculty' (VAJRA) on 22nd of June 2017.Under the scheme the broad areas of research like energy,
health, advance material and others would be promoted
• The Delhi Development Authority will launch its new housing scheme on 30th June. The scheme is being
floated under the Pradhan MantriAwasYojana to help a large number of people avail subsidy on interest. The
cost of the flats varies from Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 1.44 crore, depending on the type and location.
MoUs
• The Punjab government and the United Kingdom join hands for imparting skill training and technical
education to the students to provide better employment opportunities in abroad. Under the agreement, the UK
would send skill development experts to Punjab to impart technical education and skill development training.
• On June 3, 2017, , the technology Giant Samsung India has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to open two more technical training
schools in Bengaluru and Jamshedpur.
• The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has signed a pact with Bird Academy to train 35,000
unemployed youth across various states in the aviation space. The MoU was signed on June 1, 2017 for
skilling unemployed youth in the aviation and aerospace sector.
• The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
has signed a MoU on 5th of June.The MoU aims at assisting retiring, retired, serving low medical category
(LMC) CISF personnel to acquire additional skills and facilitate their resettlement through a second career.
• Union Cabinet has approved the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Export-Import
Bank of India (EXIM Bank) and Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) for export credit of USD 9 billion.
• Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the Agreement between India and Cyprus on Merchant
Shipping. This agreement was signed in April 2017.
• Union Cabinet has approved the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Securities and Exchange Organization (SEO), Iran in relation to mutual
cooperation on matters pertaining to securities markets.
• Union cabinet has given its approval for signing and subsequent ratification of the Agreement on Transfer of
sentenced persons between India and Somalia.This agreement will facilitate the Indian prisoners imprisoned in
Somalia or vice-versa to be near to their families, for serving remaining part of their sentence and shall
facilitate their social rehabilitation.
• Cabinet approves Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Securities and Exchange Board of India
and European Securities and Markets Authority
• Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
between Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India and Direction Nationale De Industries (MLINDI), Republic
of Mali on Standardization and Conformity Assessment.
• India and Mauritius has signed a pact to institutionalize cooperation between Parliaments of the two countries
on 10th of June, 2017. The MoU that has signed on joint framework for parliamentary support and capacity
building is a "visionary step forward".
• India signs Multilateral Agreements at Paris, now common tax agreement for all investors. On June 7,
2017, more than 100 countries including India, signed the OECD multilateral convention in Paris that aims to
curb cross border tax evasion by multinational companies. This multilateral instrument (MI) is an outcome of
the OECD/G20 BEPS project.
• India has signed an agreement with Srilanka to provide fresh assistance of USD 318 million line of credit for
the development of the railway sector in the country on 7th of June, 2017
• Nepal has signed an agreement with a Chinese company to develop a 1,200 MW hydroelectric project on
5th of June. It is the biggest hydro project in the landlocked country that could resolve its everlasting power
crisis.
• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has signed an agreement with Europe-based Metal
Industries Development Institute (MIDI) to implement a twinning programme. The twinning is one of
the largest programs between a CSIR institute and a foreign entity.
• The Human Resource Development department of Sikkim government has signed aMoU with the British
Council on 13th of June, 2017 to enhance the quality of education in the state.
• Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
between Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and the Ministry of Agriculture in the State of Palestine
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on agriculture cooperation.
• Union Cabinet was apprised about a Memorandum of Understanding which has already been signed in April
2017, between India and Armenia for cooperation on youth matters.
• Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bangladesh for promoting
cooperation in the field of Information Technology and Electronics.
• The Nalanda University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea's Academy of Korean
Studies for academic cooperation.
• Under the country’s flagship programme UDAN in the presence of Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh the
Punjab government has signed a tripartite agreement with the Centre and Airports Authority of India(AAI).
The four airports of Bathinda, Ludhiana, Pathankot and Adampur have been connected under
the scheme through five proposals.
• Public sector oil firms IOC, BPCL and HPCL signed an agreement to jointly set up the world's largest refinery
and petrochemical complex at Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. The total cost for setting up this refinery is
estimated to be $40 billion.Indian Oil Corp (IOC) will be the lead partner with 50% stake while Hindustan
Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) will take 25% stake.
• EPFO, a retirement fund body will sign a pact with the Housing and Urban Development Corp (HUDCO) on
23rd of July, 2017. The agreement is regarding coverage of EPFO subscribers under the Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana.
• Cabinet approves MoU between India and the Netherlands for bilateral Cooperation in the field of water
resources management
• Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between India and Portugal on Cooperation in the field of
Public Administration and Governance Reforms
• Cabinet approves MoU on cooperation in the textiles, clothing and fashion sectors between India and
Australia
• Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space between
India and Armenia
• Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in Traditional Systems of Medicine and
Homoeopathy between India and Sri Lanka
• Meghalaya government has signed two MoUs with the State Bank of India. It is a part of an initiative towards
migrating government transactions to digital mode. The two MoUs are with the State Bank of India for
their SBIePay and SBI CMP facilities
• Kalraj Mishra launches Digital MSME Scheme, exchanges MoUs with SAP India, Intel and HMT. Kalraj
Mishra has launched the Digital MSME Scheme, exchanges MoUs with SAP India, Intel and HMT on 27th of
June 2017.
• Cabinet approves MoU between India and Israel on National Campaign for Water Conservation in India
• Cabinet approves signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between India and the United States of America
on Homeland Security.
COMMITTEE
• On June 12, 2017, Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh decided to set up an expert committee to examine the
rules which allows free movement of Indian and Myanmarese citizens within 16 kms of the
border.The committee will be headed by the special secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home
Affairs.
• Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) head KrishnaswamyKasturirangan has been appointed by
Union Ministry of Human Resource Development to head the committee to draft the National Education
Policy.
• The government launched ‘SPARROW-ITS’ (Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Online
Window) on May 31st 2017. The purpose of above service is to enable the Indian Trade Service (ITS) officers
to fill their Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) online for the year 2016-17 onwards.
• Japan has launched a new satellite on 1st June 2017 to help build a high-precision geo-location system. It will
be complement the US operated Global Positioning System (GPS). The rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 2
satellite, H-IIA, was launched from the Tanegashima space center in Kagoshima Prefecture, Southern Japan.
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• Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a web portal 'Mahaswayam' on May 31st 2017. This
service will provide to job seekers, employers, entrepreneurs, and training institutes who can fetch details
regarding skill development and employment.
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will launch Solar Probe mission in year 2018, which
will be humanity’s first mission to Sun. This mission has been renamed as Parker Solar Probe in honor of
astrophysicist Eugene Parker.This is the first time NASA has named a spacecraft for a living individual.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is set to launch the world’s first mission directly
into the atmosphere of the sun in 2018.
• Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has said on 1st June that the second Scorpene-class submarine is ready for
surface sea trials. The first Scorpene-class submarine INS Kalvari has already undergone various trials and is
expected to be inducted in the Indian Navy later this year.
• The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has launched INAM-Pro + web
platform in New Delhi on 1 June, 2017. INAM-Pro+ is an upgraded version of INAM-Pro.
• Indian Institute of Technology of Kharagpur on 2nd June has developed a wireless technology for remote
monitoring of patients.The technology has been developed in the SWAN lab of the Department of Computer
Science and Engineering (CSE) of the institute.
• On June 3, 2017, SpaceX successfully launched its first recycled supply ship to the International Space Station
(ISS).SpaceX’s Falcon rocket lifted off carrying Dragon capsule, which was loaded with nearly 6000 pounds
of scientific research and station supplies.
• On June 5, 2017, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Geosynchronous
Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III (GSLV-Mk III) – D1, along with a communications satellite GSAT-
19 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
• First university satellite of Mongolia named after the Mongolian Gobi bear Mazaalai. It was sent off into
space in the United States on 4th of June, 2017
• TRAI has launched a three apps My Call app, MySpeed app and Do-not-disturb 2.0 app.It enables subscribers
to rate the quality of a phone call. The application will help mobile phone users rate their experience about
voice call quality.
• Standing Committee of the National Board of Wildlife has given clearance for Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO’s) long-range missile test facility at South Andamans’ Rutland Island.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced on 6th of June that it is working on a forecasting
system that will give 15-day alerts on the likelihood of a malaria or chikungunya outbreak across different
regions of the country.
• China has successfully tested a solid-fuel variable flow ramjet engine that could enhance the real combat
ability of the country's stealth aircraft and boost firing range of missiles on 6th of June, 2017
• The world's first hybrid "aeroboat" has been built by an Indo-Russian joint venture was unveiled in Moscow
on 6th of June. It is capable of travelling on land, water, snow and sand.It is a start-ups event organised
by Russia's state-run Skolkovo Foundation.
• President Pranab Mukherjee has launched the 'Selfie with Daughter' mobile application on 9th of June, 2017. It
aimed at raising awareness about female foeticide and sex selection.
• On June 8, 2017, North Korea fired multiple ground-to-ship missiles into the waters between Korea and
Japan.The missile launches on June 8, 2017 came less than a week after the UN expanded sanctions against
North Korea in response to ballistic missile tests.
• China has launched a record breaking swarm of 119 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles on 11th of June,
2017. The China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC)has said that the feat broke the
previous record of a swarm of 67 drones. China is currently the largest maker of drones.
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been working on a new propulsion system known as
the Electric Propulsion (EP) system that is set to usher in a new era of cost effective satellite launches. This
technology was first used as a technology demonstrator in GSAT-9 or the South Asia Satellite launched on
May 5, 2017.
• On June 15, 2017, NASA’s Orion spacecraft, designed to take astronauts to deep space destinations
successfully completed a series of tests for its critical safety systems. This week, NASA engineers tested the
abort motor for Orion's launch abort system (LAS) with success.
• Scientists have revealed some of the targets to be observed by James Webb this includes celestial objects both
inside and beyond our solar system. It will observe Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, as well as Trappist-
1e and the massive space telescope will also observe distant galaxies and asteroids.
• According to monthly analysis of global temperatures by NASA scientists , May 2017 was the second
warmest May in 137 years of modern record-keeping.
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• The World’s smallest and cheapest private jet Vision Jet has launched in USA on 12th of June. The Vision
Jet can haul five adults up to 1,150 miles at 28,000 feet.It’s the only private jet to be built entirely out of
carbon fiber.
• In Kochi Kochi1 mobile app was launched by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to stay connected to all
transport systems.
• A scientist comes up with cost-effective toilet that weighs less than 500kg and that has a life of 25-30 years. It
can be made in-situ and even assembled in less than five hours. It is one of the prototypes the CSIR Chennai
has developed.
• The State-run power NTPC has energised 150 kWp canal top solar PV System on cooling
water (CW) channel inside power station premises at its 2,320 MW, Mouda Thermal Power Project, near
Nagpur in Maharashtra.
• According to the official Xinhua news agency a Long March-4B rocket has carried the 2.5-
tonne telescope into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert at 11:00
am (3:00 GMT).
The Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT), named Insight, will allow Chinese scientists to observe
magnetic fields and the interiors of pulsars and better understand the evolution of black holes.
• The farmers of Telangana will soon be able to sell and purchase cattle online. The state government has
launched a website to facilitate this service.
• On June 23, 2017, Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) launched Cartosat-2E satellite and 30 nano
satellites using ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle(PSL-C38) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre located at
Srihrikota in Andhra Pradesh.
• Maharashtra forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has launched a mobile app named ‘My Plant’ on 23rd of July
2017. The forest department has set a target of planting 4 crore saplings through public participation between
July 1 and 7July.
• Shri Piyush Goyal launches POSOCO-IMD Weather Portal for Power Sector & Web Portal ‘MERIT’ (Merit
Order Despatch of Electricity for Rejuvenation of Income and Transparency). It has been developed
by Ministry of Power in association with POSOCO and Central Electricity Authority.
• NASA launches world's lightest satellite designed by 18-year-old Tamil Nadu student weighing 64
grams called Kalamsat. Kalamsat was the only Indian payload in the NASA mission. The satellite was
designed by 18-year-old Tamil Nadu student RifathSharook and his team.
• ISRO has made Satellite-based chip systems to alert road users at unmanned level crossings about
approaching trains and also help in tracking train movement on a real-time basis. On a pilot basis,
the Mumbai and Guwahati Rajdhani trains will be equipped with this system.
• NASA's Kepler space telescope has spotted 219 new potential planets. Out of which at least 10 are near-Earth-
size with conditions suitable to host life.
• Union minister Harsh Vardhan has praised Indian scientists' contribution to the world's biggest telescope on
24th of June 2017. It would enable astronomers to observe the intricacies of the universe from the comfort of
the earth. Hanle in Ladakh was one of the sites being explored.
• Chinese scientists have developed world’s most powerful submarine detector which could find hidden metallic
objects, including minerals and submarines.
• On June 19, 2017, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also referred to as Mangalyaan, completed 1000
Earth days in Martian orbit and is still in good health.The designed mission life of Mangalyaan was six
months
• Dr.Harshvardhan Launches Mobile App “Celebrating Yoga” to connect people through Yoga for scientific
healthy living
• China is planning to send mini-ecosystems which contain potato seeds and silkworm eggs – to the Moon in
2018.
• Over the weekend of June 17-18, 2017, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) engineers,
for the first time tested the effectiveness of a flexible solar array on space station that could be used to power
satellites and spacecrafts in future.
• SpaceX has successfully launched and landed the second Falcon 9 rocket in roughly 48 hours. It gives SpaceX
two wins in its “weekend doubleheader.” It delivered 10 satellites into orbit for the communications company
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Iridium.
• The Russian military has successfully test-fired a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile.
The Yuri Dolgoruky nuclear-powered submarine has launched the Bulava missile on 26th 2017. The Yuri
Dolgoruky is the first in a series of Borei-class submarines carrying the Bulava.
• Scientists have created the brightest light ever produced on the Earth, shining a billion times stronger than the
surface of the sun.
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s latest communication satellite GSAT-17 was successfully
launched on board Arianespace rocket from Kourou in French Guiana on June 29, 2017.GSAT-17 with a lift-
off mass of about 3477 kg carried payloads in normal C-band, extended C-band and S-band to provide various
communication services.
• On June 28, 2017, China's Navy launched its biggest new generation destroyer weighing 10,000 tonnes as part
of its ambitious plans to become a global naval power.\
• A new cyber attack similar to WannaCry has hit a terminal operated by AP Moller-Maersk at the Jawaharlal
Nehru Port Trust (JNPT). It is to be noted that JNPT is India’s biggest container port. Owing to the attack,
Gateway Terminal India, can’t identify which shipment belongs to whom.
• NASA has achieved a significant milestone in its effort to make supersonic passenger jet travel over land a
real possibility by completing the preliminary design review (PDR) of its Quiet Supersonic Transport or
QueSST aircraft design. QueSST is the initial design stage of NASA’s planned Low Boom Flight
Demonstration (LBFD) experimental airplane, otherwise known as an X-plane.
• NASA has launched rocket in 11th attempt to form colorful cloud on 29th of June 2017 of the NASA Terrier-
Improved Malemute suborbital sounding rocket for the vapor release mission.
• National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has launched a Web Application for freelegal services
to prisoners and the Legal Services Management System. NALSA is entrusted with responsibility
to provide legal aid inter-alia to all persons in custody.
DEFENCE
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on June 2nd successfully test-fired the
indigenously-developed nuclear-capable ballistic Prithvi-II missile in Odisha.The trial of the surface-to-
surface missile, which has a strike range of 350 km, was carried out from a mobile launcher from launch
complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near Balasore in Odisha.
• India has successfully test-fired its first all-weather tracked-chassis Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile
(QR-SAM) on 4th of June.The test was carried out for validating various parameters of the sophisticated
weapon system to strengthen its air defence system.
• Three Indian warships reached to Australia to participate in a week-long naval exercise off the Western
Australian coast. Exercise Australia India (AUSINDEX) is a regular bilateral maritime exercise which aimed
at developing a deeper understanding and cooperation between the two navies.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) has successfully test fired anti-tank missile
'Nag' in a desert in the western sector of Rajasthan.
• On June 20, 2017, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) announced the launch of a Floating Dock (FDN-2) designed and
built for the Indian Navy at the company’s shipyard at Kattupalli, near Chennai.L&T was mandated by the
Ministry of Defence to design and build the FDN- 2 for an order value of Rs. 468 Crore.
ENVIRONMENT
• As per ‘Animal Discoveries 2016, New Species and Records’, brought out by the Zoological Survey of
India and ‘Plant Discoveries 2016’, by the Botanical Survey of India, 499 new species of animals and
plants (313 species of animal and 186 of plants) have been discovered from various areas of India last year.
• According to a study published in the journal Nature the planet called KELT-9b is hotter than most stars.
KELT-9b is 2.8 times more massive than Jupiter, but only half as dense.
• Scientists have discovered a new species of flying squirrel in North America that had been hiding in plain
sight for hundreds of years. It is known as Humboldt's flying squirrel, or Glaucomysoregonensis. The new
flying squirrel species inhabits the Pacific Coast region of North America.
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• The world’s oldest fossil mushroom has been discovered in Brazil- dating back to about 115 million years.
The mushroom has been named Gondwanag Aricites Magnificus.
• Bengaluru girl, Sahithi Pingali to get planet named after her for research, app on lake pollution, crowd-sourced
method to monitor pollution in water bodies.
• NASA’s Opportunity Mars rover is examining the edge of a crater on the red planet that may once have been
a lake of liquid water.The Opportunity rover found rocks at the edge of Endeavour Crater that were either
transported by a flood or eroded in place by wind.
• On June 26, 2017, city mayors from around the world including Washington, Berlin, Paris, Tokyo and
Sydney called on G20 leaders to stick to their commitments on tackling climate change. G 20 leaders will
gather in Hamburg, Germany on 7th and 8th July, 2017.
• China is constructing for the 175 hectare the world’s first “Forest City “ in Liuzhou and it designed by
Stefano BoeriArchitetti, a team that develops green projects all over the world. Liuzhou Forest City will be
situated along the Liujiang River in the northern part of Liuzhou. This will be planned to complete in 2020.
• A new summer variety of groundnut has been developed by agro-scientists of the UGC-affiliated Chandra
Shekhar Azad Agriculture Technology University (CSA) at khanpur in Uttarpradesh.
SPORTS
• The West Indies team from now on officially, will also be called as just Windies and not West Indies as
previously. West Indies Cricket Captain: Carlos Brathwaite
• Indian wild card Nitin Kumar Sinha defeated Malaysian player Christian Didier Chin to win the boys singles
title of HCL Asian Junior Tennis Championship held at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge
- Balewadi, in Pune.
• Ganeshan Neelakanta Iyer has become the first Indian to be nominated as a member of the Umpires and
Referees Committee (URC) by International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).
• B Sai Praneeth beat Indonesian Jonatan Christie 17-21, 21-18, 21-19 to win the Thailand Grand Prix Gold on
4th of June.
• On June 4, 2017, Real Madrid retained the UEFA Champions League title (Football Competition) by
defeating Juventus in the final match at Cardiff, UK. Real Madrid has won the UEFA Champions League title
for a record 12th time.
• Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli (89th Spot) is the only Indian sportsperson to feature among
the world’s 100 highest paid athletes in the latest Forbes list.With a total pay of $ 22 million that includes $ 3
million from salary and winnings and another 19 million from endorsements, Virat Kohli, ranked 89th. The
list has been topped by soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo with a total pay of $93 million.
• The three Indian men featured in the top-15 of the world rankings released by the Badminton World
Federation (BWF) on 8th of June 2017. Ajay Jayaram (No.13), Kidambi Srikanth (No.14) and Sai
Praneeth (No.15) are the three men who achieved this high.
• Muttiah Muralitharan is the most successful bowler in Tests and one-day internationals was inducted into
the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame on 8th of June, 2017. He became the first player from Sri Lanka and the 83rd
overall to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
• Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC striker Jeje Lalpekhlua has been nominated as the '2016 All India Football
Federation (AIFF) Player of the Year.The Jeje Lalpekhlua from Mizoram will be presented a prize of Rs 2.5
lakh along with a trophy.
• Indian tennis player Ramkumar Ramanathan has won Raymond Sarmiento of the USA in Singapore.
He wins the USD 15,000 ITF men's Futures tennis title.
• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved new events for the 2020 Tokyo Games, including a
number of mixed-gender competitions. The additions include a mixed team event for judo.
116th edition of the French Open 2017 – Overview
Men’s Singles Rafael Nadal (Spain) Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland)
Women’s Singles Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia) Simona Halep (Romania)
Men’s Doubles Ryan Harrison (US) & Michael Venus (New Donald Young (US) & Santiago
Zealand) Gonzalez (Mexico)
Women’s Doubles Bethanie Mattek-Sands (US) & Lucie Safarova Ashleigh Barty (Australia)& Casey
(Czech Republic) Dellacqua (Australia)
Mixed Doubles Gabriela Dabrowski (Canada) & Rohan Anna-Lena Grönefeld (Germany) &
Bopanna (India) Robert Farah (Colombia)
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• England’s players wonthe U-20 World Cup final against Venezuela in Suwon (South Korea) on 11th of June,
2017.. England beat Venezuela 1-0 to win their first Under-20 World Cup title. England won after 51-year for
a global trophy.
• Vietnam Grand Master Nguyen DucHoa has bagged a decisive win against Indian GM Neelotpal Das on
10th Mumbai Mayor's Cup International Open Chess Tournament on 11th of June, 2017.
• Lewis Hamiltonwon the Canadian Grand Prix for the sixth time on 12th of June.
• India captain Virat Kohli has become the quickest batsman to 8000 runs in one-day international
cricket.Yuvraj Singh will become the fifth Indian player to play 300 ODIs at Edgbaston.He has crossed the
8000-run mark in his 175th innings.
• According to the latest MRF Tyres ICC ODI Player Rankings Indian captain Virat Kohli has reclaimed
the world number one position in the ODI batting rankings.Josh Hazlewood of Australia achieved the top
spot in the bowlers’ rankings.
• Rafael Nadalmoved up to No. 2 spot in the ATP rankings and Novak Djokovic slides from No. 2 to No. 4
ranking. The top position is retained by Andy Murray. Angelique Kerber retained the No. 1 position among
women despite losing in the first round itself.
• India's Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu have won the gold medal in mixed team 10m air pistol event of the ISSF
World Cup at Gabala, Azerbaijan on 13th of June 2017.
• Shashikant Kutwal has won the gold medal at the 17th World Individual Chess Championship for differently-
abled on 11th of June. The World Chess Championship held in Slovakia.
• Dhanya Shah and Sanmay Gandhi have won the Under-14 doubles title of the Asian Junior Tennis
Championships on 11th of June. Asian Junior Tennis Championships heldat the Balewadi Stadium in Pune.
• According to sources in ICC, the next edition of World T2O will only be held in 2020. The main reason is the
top member nations will be busy with bilateral commitments in 2018.
• Kolkata likely to host match between Real Madrid and Barcelona legends in the City of Joy in the third week
of September.The proposed match is likely to be held at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium.
Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Championships- Punjab.
• 21st Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Championships was held from 1st – 4th June 2017 in Patiala,
Punjab.
• Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won the gold in men's javelin throw (throw of 85.63m) contest on the second
day of the Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Championships in Patiala on June 2, 2017.
• Sarita Singh of Uttar Pradesh set a new national record in the women's hammer throw with an effort
of 65.25m to claim the gold medal at the 21st Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Championship in
Patiala. She also became the first Indian woman to cross the 65m mark.
• Javelin thrower Anu Rani smashed her own national record and won the gold medal on the fourth and final
day of the 21st Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Championships in Patiala.
• Wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi, who played for New Zealand and having earlier also represented
Australia, has announced his retirement from the international game on 22nd of June 2017.
• Top Eight teams of the world will be competing for a winner's prize of USD 660,000 in the ICC Women's
World Cup.It will be held in the United Kingdom from June 24 to July 23.
• India cricket coach Anil Kumble has stepped down from his position on 20th of June.
• Pakistan beat India by 180 runs, wins ICC Champions Trophy 2017 on 18th of July 2017. It was held in
Birminghan, London. The Man of the Match is awarded to Fakhar Zaman. Golden Bat Award for scoring 338
runs in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 goes to ShikharDhawan.
• The Iranian wrestlers won 7 medals (three gold, two silver and two bronze) and 69 points to win the Junior
Asian Championships title. Junior Asian Wrestling Championship was held in Taichung, Taiwan, from 15th –
18th June 2017.
India bagged five medals, including a gold in the 2017 Asian Junior Wrestling Championships in Taiwan.
India's gold came in the women's 51kg freestyle category through Puja. Besides Puja, Sonu clinched a silver
medal in the 44kg category while Manu claimed a bronze in the 59kg division.
Winners of Indonesia Open 2017:
Category Winners
Men’ Singles KidambiSrikanth (India)
Men’s Doubles Li Junhui (China) / Liu Yuchen (China)
Women’s Singles Sayako Sato (Japan)
Women’s Doubles Chen Quingchen (China) / Jia Yifan (China)
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Mixed Doubles Tontowi Ahmad (Indonesia) / Liliyana Natsir (Indonesia)

• International Cricket Council (ICC) conferred Test match status on Ireland and Afghanistan, thereby
taking the number of test-playing nations to 12.
• Kuldeep Yadav has become first male Chinaman bowler to represent India in One Day Internationals (ODI).
He made a debut in ODI against West Indies on June 23, 2017.
• Professional wrestler Jinder Mahal retained World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Championship at St
Louis, Missouri, US on June 18, 2017.
Jinder won WWE championship by beating Randy Orton at St Louis, Missouri, US on June 18, 2017.
• Indian Wushu team won 6 medals -- two golds, two silvers and two bronzes -- in the Wushu competition of
the BRICS Games, which concluded on June 19, 2017, in Guangzhou, China.
• Former Indian powerlifter and South Asian Games gold medal winner, Kavita Devi will become the first
Indian woman to appear in WWE. It is the first-ever WWE tournament for women.
• India shuttler KidambiSrikanth has defeated Olympic champion Chen Long to win the Australia Open Super
Series men's singles title on 25th of June 2017.
• Indian shooter Anish Bhanwala has won a gold medal at the ISSF Junior World Championship in the 25m
Standard Pistol category in Germany on June 25, 2017.
• Col Dr Srinivas Gokulnath of Nashik became the first Indian to complete solo Race Across
America (RAAM) cycle race of 5,000 kms on 25th of June 2017. Srinivas has completed the toughest cycle
race in the world in 11 days and 11 hours in the 18-49 age categories.
• Yashaswini Singh Deswal of Chandigarh has won Gold Medal in the Women's 10m Air Pistol at the end of
day two of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Championship Rifle/Pistol, in
Suhl, Germany.
• Bhumika Sharma, another Indian has become Miss World in bodybuilding championship on 26th of June
2017. The Bodybuilding championship held in Venice, Italy.
• The fast-rising AnkushDahiya (60kg) clinched a gold medal and L Devendro Singh (52kg) got a silver
medal in Ulaanbaatar Cup boxing tournament on 26th of June 2017. The Ulaanbaatar Cup held in Mongolia.
• Tennis star Leander Paes has won the Aegon Ilkley Challenger trophy with Canadian partner AdilShamasdin
on 25th of June 2017. Leander Paes and AdilShamasdin has defeated BrydanKlien and Joe Salisbury.
• India shooters have won a bronze medal in men's 25m rapid fire pistol team event at the ISSF Junior World
Championship Pistol on 26th of June 2017. The ISSF Junior World Championship Pistol held in in Suhl,
Germany.
• The Indian men's and women's throwball teams have created history by bagging a gold medal in the World
Games. It was held at Kathmandu, Nepal and it took place from June 15 to 18, 2017. The women's team
defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 15-13, 15-12 to clinch the title.
• Roger Federer won ninth Halle Open title by defeating Alexander Zverev in the final match played at Halle,
Germany.
• FIFA is set to shift India's Under-17 World Cup matches from Mumbai to the Delhi on 28th of June 2017.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) initially wanted Mumbai to host India's home matches.
• Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the formation of a special seven-member
committee to analyse the few contentious Lodha panel reforms which are being opposed by the Board's state
units. The committee will be headed by Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Rajeev Shukla, with BCCI
acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary as its convener.
• Riding on his back-to-back Super Series triumphs, India’s top badminton player KidambiSrikanth broke back
into the top-10 at eighth in the latest World Badminton Rankings released on June 29, 2017.
• Wayde Van Niekerk breaks the World Record in 300m at Golden Spike Meet. Wayden Van Niekerk ran 30.81
at the Ostrava Golden Spike Meet in the Czech Republic to break Michael Johnson’s previous world record in
the 300m of 30.85.
OBITUARY
• Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member from Telangana PalvaiGovardhan Reddy has died on 10th of June.
He was 80.
• Noted historian, former ICHR chairman Basudev Chatterji passes away in Guwahati in Assam.
• S S Khaplang, the chairman of banned rebel Naga outfit, National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang,
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NSCN (K), died in Myanmar on June 9, 2017. He was 77.

• Veteran journalist T.S.V. Hari has died on June 1, 2017. He was 62. Hari was a former IANS Bureau
Chief .He started as a crime reporter and later switched to political reporting.
• Tamil poet S. Abdul Rahman ‘Kavikko’ passes away
• Character actor Shivraj has passed away. He was one of the most recognizable faces in the Hindi cinema of
the 1950s and the 60s.
• Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, a tycoon known for his lavish billionaire lifestyle and far-reaching
international connections, has died in London at the age of 82.
• Mehrunnisa Dalwai, wife of prominent Muslim activist and thinker late Hamid Dalwai and the protagonist of
a reformist movement 'Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal', passed away in Pune on June 9, 2017. She was 87.
• Juan Goytisolo the winner of Spain's Cervantes prize had died at the age of 86.
• Veteran Tamil politician and former Parliamentarian Era Sezhiyan has passed away on 6th of June. He was
95.
• John Avildsen, the Oscar-winning director of Rocky had died on 16th of June in USA.
• Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, the architect of German reunification, passed away on June 16,
2017.
• Miguel D’Escoto Brockmann, former President of the UN General Assembly, passed away. He was born in
the United States to a Nicaraguan diplomat who served in the administration of dictator Anastasio Somoza
Garcia.
• Adam West was an actor defined and also constrained by his role in the 1960s series “Batman” had died on
9th of June in Los Angeles.
• Legendary Telugu poet and writer C Narayana Reddy passed away in Hyderabad on June 12, 2017.
• Eminent playwright Ajmer Singh Aulakh passed away passed away on June 15, 2017, at his residence
at Mansa town of Punjab.
• Sam Beazley, who played Professor Everard in 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix', has passed away.
• Former Chief Justice of IndiaP N Bhagwati has passed away in New Delhi on 15th of June 2017.
• Italian fashion legend Carla Fendi dies at 79.
• President of Vanuatu Baldwin Lonsdale dies aged 67.
• Veteran Bollywood actor Amrit Pal passes away in Mumbai.
• Swami Atmasthanandaji, president of Ramakrishna Mission passes away.
• Scientist P K Kaw who led thermonuclear experiments India dies at 69.
• Lupin founder and Chairman DeshBandhu Gupta passes away
• Noted Malayalam filmmaker KR Mohanan passes away
• Former Bureaucrat O N Dhar passes away
• Swedish actor Michael Nyqvist dies at 56
• Legendary Singer Sabita Chowdhury dies at the age of 72
• Former CPI legislator N Gurusamy dead
BOOKS & AUTHORS
• 'Beren and Lúthien' new book by 'Lord of the Rings' author J.R.R. Tolkien has been published, 100 years after
it was first conceived.
• The book “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness” has been authored by Arundhati Roy, which was release on
June 5, 2017. It is fiction-based novel and will be published by Hamish Hamilton UK and Penguin India.
• The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has received the first copies of book ‘Lalan Shah Fakir
KeGeet’ written by Prof. Muchkund Dubey and DVD of selected songs of Lalan Shah Fakir on 3rd of June
2017 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• A book titled ‘The Crisis Within’ authored by Ganesh Devy was released in June 2017.
• The book "Indira Gandhi - A life in Nature", was launched by Congress president Sonia Gandhi at the Indira
Gandhi Memorial. The former Union minister Jairam Ramesh, who has authored the book published by
Simon & Schuster, presented the first copy of the book to the Congress President.
• Ex-Uttarakhand CM Pokhriyal authors book on Vajpayee ‘Yug Purush, Bharat Ratna, Atal Ji’. He gives credit
to Vajpayee for his debut in politics.
• President of India receives first copy of book ‘Garuda Purana’ published by All India Kashiraj Trust. He
appreciated the efforts made by Dr.AnantNarain Singh and All India Kashiraj Trust (which was inaugurated
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by the first President, Dr.Rajendra Prasad) to preserve and propagate our ancient texts.
• Venkaiah Naidu has launched the book which titled The Emergency — Indian Democracy’s Darkest Hour on
24th of June 2017. A book is written by Surya Prakash who is a chairman of PrasharBharati
• Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate an exhibition of art works at Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata. He also
received the first copies of two Coffee Table books ‘Images and Impressions – Profile and Persona of Pranab
Mukherjee’ and ‘Pranab Mukherjee 100 Frames’ from the Governor of West Bengal, Shri Keshari Nath
Tripathi who formally released these books
IMPORTANT DAYS
• The Global Day of Parents has been observed on the 1st of June every year. It was first celebrated in 2013.
• World Milk Day has been observed on 1st of June every year.It is an initiative of the United Nations Food and
Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The theme of World Milk Day 2017 is Raise a glass for milk.
• International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression was observed across the world on 4 June
2017. It focuses on victims of the 1982 Lebanon War.
• World Environment Day (WED) is being observed on 5th June to raise global awareness for the protection of
our environment and the planet Earth.The theme of 2017 is “Connecting People to Nature”.
• The first World Pest Day was launched here in China on 6th of June, 2017. It aims at reduction and
elimination of pest-borne diseases. The inaugural of World Pest Day is initiated by the Chinese Pest Control
Association (CPCA).
• World Oceans Day is observed globally on June 8th of every year to honor, help protect, and conserve the
world’s oceans. 2017 theme of world ocean day is "Our Oceans, Our Future".
• UN Russian Language Day is observed annually on June 6. Alexander Pushkin is known as the father of the
modern Russian literary language as well as of modern Russian literature.
• Celebrating Father’s Day on third Sunday of June originated from US. After few failed attempts at
establishing a Father’s Day, in 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential
proclamation honoring fathers, designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day.
• The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was observed globally on 17 June 2017. The World
Day to Combat Desertification and Drought theme is 'Our land Our home Our Future’.
• The ASEAN Dengue Day (ADD) is observed every year on 15th June. The 2017 ASEAN Dengue Day theme
is United Fight Against Dengue.
• World Day against Child Labour 2017 is observed globally on 12th of June. The World Day against Child
Labour theme is In conflicts and disasters, protect children from child labour.
• The International Albinism Awareness Day has been observed on 13th of June 2017.The United Nations
Human Rights Council adopted a resolution in 2013 calling for the prevention of attacks and discrimination
against persons with albinism.
• World Blood Donar Day is observed globally on 14th of June. World Blood Donor Day 2017, theme is What
can you do? Give blood. Give now. Give often.
• The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)observed each year on 15th June. It was
officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly.
• The International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) has celebrated on 16 June. The IDFR was proclaimed by
all 176 member states of IFAD's Governing Council at its 38th session in February 2015.
• The government has decided to observe anti-Emergency day on 25-26 June, 2017. The government also asked
all its ministers to hold programmes across the country to remind people how Emergency was clamped by
former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975.
• The Day of Seafarer (DotS) has observed on 25th of June 2017. The theme of Seafarer Day 2017 is "Seafarers
Matter".
• The International Widows day is observed on 23rd of June 2017. Theme of International Widows Day
2017 is"Empowering Women for Greater Achievements".
• World Public Service day is observed on 23rd of June 2017. The Theme of World Public Service Day 2017 is
‘The Future is Now’.
• The International Olymic day is celebrated on 23rd of June 2017. This day was introduced in
1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on 23 June 1894 at the Sorbonne in Paris.
• World Refugee Day 2017 is celebrated across the world on 20th of June. World Refugee Day 2017 theme is
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“Waterloo Region Celebrates Refugees”.

• 3rd edition of International Yoga Day was celebrated across India on June 21, 2017 with several government
and private institutions organising yoga events for the masses.2017 International Yoga Day theme is 'Yoga for
Health'
• The RamamaniIyengar Memorial Yoga Institute of Pune has been selected as the first recipient of the Prime
Minister's award for outstanding contribution for promotion and development of yoga 2017.
• World Music Day 2017 not to be confused with International Music Day is being celebrated on 21st of June
2017.The theme of World Music Day 2017 is Musicians gather to perform at public place.
• The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed on 19th of June 2017.The
theme of 2017 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is “Preventing Sexual
Violence Crimes through Justice and Deterrence”.
• The 2017 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed on 26 June 2017.The
theme of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is Listen First - Listening to children
and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe.
• June 29, is celebrated as National Statistics Day in India to mark the birth anniversary of Prof.Prasanta
Chandra Mahalanobis, a renowned and eminent statistician.
• United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution on 14 June 2016, which declared that 29 June of each
year is to be observed as the International Day of the Tropics.
• International Trade Centre (ITC) is celebrating the first International MSME Day on June 27, 2017.
The theme of MSME is ‘Small business – big impact’
Current Affairs July 2017

INDIAN AFFAIRS
• Rail Land Development Authority has joined hands with National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC)
for redevelopment of 10 railway stations across the country on global standards.
• Mumbai's 'Vikrikar Bhavan' was renamed as 'GST Bhavan' on 2nd of July 2017 after the Goods and Services
Tax regime was rolled out. 'Vikrikar Bhavan' is the headquarters of Maharashtra government's erstwhile Sales
Tax department.
• Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, has decided to present a separate agriculture budget for the
state from next year.
• Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated computerisation of PACS and launched RuPay Kisan
Credit cards in the state on 1st of July 2017. Odisha is the first state to implement an integrated Core Banking
Solution Project.
• The Madhya Pradesh government has set a record of 6 cr saplings were planted in 24 districts of Narmada
basin in just 12 hours.
• The Supreme Court has permitted a woman, who is in her 26th week of pregnancy, to abort her foetus that is
suffering from severe cardiac ailments. It has been announced by Supreme Court on 3rd of July 2017.
• Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched a G-Ride app. It is a digital ride sharing platform
designed and deployed for the IT industry by the Group of Technology Companies (GTech).
• In Goa, the Office of the Commissioner of Commercial Taxes has set up GST facilitation centres in ward
offices across the state. The department’s head office has set up in Panaji.
• President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to a bill banning hookah in Gujarat on 3rd of July 2017. Those
who will run hookah bars in Gujarat will now draw a maximum jail term of three years.
• On July 5, 2017, Environment Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan launched a month-long plantation drive to
mark Van Mahotsav at Ram Lila Park, C. C Colony and Model Town in Delhi.
• On July 4, 2017, Law Commission submitted its 270th report titled “Compulsory Registration of Marriages” to
Law Ministry. In this report, Law Commission has recommended compulsory registration of all marriages to
deal with social evils such as child marriages, bigamy, and marriage frauds, desertions of women by their
husband and gender violence.
• On July 4, 2017, Union Government has announced that 97% of the total outstanding debt of all state power
distribution companies (discoms) has been covered under the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY). As
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on September 30, 2015, the total debt of all state-owned discoms was Rs. 3.95 lakh crore. The 26 states and 1
UT which have joined the UDAY scheme.
• On July 5, 2017, Supreme Court told Central Government that there is a need for Parliament to make law to
ensure fair and transparent appointments of Election Commissioners (EC).Currently, the Prime Minister and
his council of ministers decide as to who will be Election Commissioner.
• The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has become the last state to adopt the Goods and Services Tax
(GST) resolution during a special session on 5th of June 2017.
• According to the Ministry of Agriculture India has declared itself free from highly pathogenic avian influenza
(H5N1 and H5N8) and notified the same to World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
• On July 6, 2017, ‘JIGYASA’, a student- scientist connect programme was officially launched in New
Delhi. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has signed Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) to implement this programme.
• Private bus operators in Punjab, including the Badals, may run into financial troubles with the Congress
Government’s “new” transport policy which was approved on 5th July, 2017. It also abolished the system
of district transport officers (DTO) and restructuring the transport department.
• Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju, piloted the anti -hijacking law on 5th July .The new Anti-
Hijacking Act replaces a 1982-vintage law.The new law covers offences against an aircraft or personnel even
when it is on ground.The defaulters of hijacking would now be punishable with death penalty where such an
act results in the death of "any person".
• The Minister of State for Minority AffairsMukhtar Abbas Naqvi inaugurates first Gharib Nawaz Skill
Development Centre in Hyderabad. The minister also said 100 such Gharib Nawaz Skill Development Centres
to be established in 100 Districts of the country.
• Union minister Mahendra Nath Pandey said on 6th July in Agartala that the government has decided to do
away with the no-detention policy for students from the next academic session. The no-fail provision has been
laid down under Section 16 of the RTE Act 2009, and prohibits schools from detaining or expelling any
student up to Class VIII.
• The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has established a four member GST Facilitation Cell on 7th of
July 2017.The members of the GST Facilitation Cell can be accessed through Toll Free No 1800111175 or
on #AskonGSTFPI.The cell will be headed by Shri Bijaya Kumar Behera.
• On July 7, 2017, Union Food Processing Minister, Harsimrat Kaur Badal laid the foundation stone,
of Punjab’s first maize based Food Park at Rehana Jattan village in Kaputhala District of Punjab. This food
park will be set up on 55 acres, at the cost of Rs. 123 crore.
• According to the reports Chhattisgarh has topped the list in issuance of soil health cards among all the states in
the country. Chhattisgarh has issued over 43 lakh soil health cards (SHCs) to farmers in the past two years.
• The ministry of commerce and industry has launched a scheme for awareness on Intellectual Property Rights
(IPR). It was further step to take forward the National Intellectual Property Rights Policy 2016. 'Scheme for
IPR Awareness Creative India; Innovative India' has been launched by Cell for IPR Promotion and
Management (CIPAM).
• President Pranab Mukherjee on 9th July launched digital initiatives Swayam, Swayam Prabha, National
Academic Depository and National Digital Library in New Delhi to push e-education in the country.
• Indiais planning to invite the leaders of the 10 ASEAN nations for the Republic Day parade for 2018. It has
been announced on 8th of July 2017. This year also marks the 25th year of dialogue partnership between India
and ASEAN.
• The government has merged the ministries of urban development, and housing and urban poverty alleviation
on 7th July- involved in policy making in urban areas - to form the Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs.This is third time the ministries have been merged.
• The centre has cleared the decks for the Reliance Aerostructure proposal for the development of the Dhirubhai
Ambani Aerospace Park with related infrastructure facilities and services at Mihan SEZ (Nagpur) on 10th of
July 2017.
• The government is going to organise a global food fair in November 2017. The Food Fair will be organized to
provide a platform to Indian farmers and manufacturers so that they can showcase their products and explore
partnerships with foreign companies.
• The Maharashtra Government has launched the 'Antara' program on account of World Population Day, which
involves giving women the Modroxy Progesterone Acetate (MPA) injection to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
The government is providing it free of cost. The state has become the first to launch this injectable
contraceptive.
• CM Arvind Kejriwal has launched e-RTI in Delhi and has become second state to accept online application. It
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has been launched on 10th of July 2017.Maharashtra had followed suit in 2015 with its own RTI portal.
• Cabinet approves Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) between India and Germany on cooperation in the field of
Health.
• Cabinet approves enhancement of the age of superannuation of Medical Officers of Central Armed Police
Forces and Assam Rifles. General Duty Medical Officers of Central Armed Police Forces and Assam
Rifles from 60 to 65 years.
• Cabinet has approved the creation of three posts of Directors for the three new All India Institutes of Medical
Sciences (AIIMS) at Mangalagiri near Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, Kalyani in West Bengal and Nagpur in
Maharashtra. These AIIMS are being set up as a part of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana
(PMSSY).
• The government has saved over Rs 57,000 crore with its Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. By which
subsidies are given directly to beneficiaries.
• Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has launched the ambitious flagship programme titled “Livelihood
Intervention and Facilitation of Entrepreneurship” (LIFE) at Songsak in East Garo Hills on 12th of July 2017.
In 2017-18, the programme aims to reach out to additional 2144 villages.
• The Indian Railways launch RailCloud on 12th July 2017, a virtual server with an inbuilt security system for
faster connectivity at a reduced cost. It has been developed by rail PSU RailTel at an estimated cost of about
Rs 53 crore.
• On July 12, 2017, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J P Nadda, launched the National Strategic
Plan for Malaria Elimination (2017-22) at a function in New Delhi. The government would like to eliminate
malaria by 2027.
• The Indian government has given Army vice-chief Sarath Chand full financial powers to procure weaponry
for short intense wars following "critical voids" in capabilities of the Army.
• Supreme Court has allowed Arunachal Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands to get exemption from the
court's ban on sale of liquor within 500 metres of National and State Highways.
• Indian Railways launched its first 1,600 HP solar powered Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU)
train from Safdarjung station, New Delhi
• The Union Government has set up a new wing Directorate General of Analytics and Risk Management
(DGARM). It is formed to provide intelligence inputs taking action against tax evaders. It will be under the
Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).
• Delhi will be the first state police who will get ‘super cop belt,’. It is a specially designed belt, widely used by
Police in UK, USA, Russia and para-military forces like CRPF, CISF, NSG etc.
• The government has launched a GST training programme to skill around two lakh youths in six months and to
handle tax compliance issues like invoice making.The people would be trained under the Pradhan Mantri
Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).It will be implemented in 14 states.
• According to the Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar said the government is working on a vision
to set up one passport centre in every 50 km range in the country in future.
• Falun Gong is a Chinese spiritual practice that combines meditation and qigong exercises with a moral
philosophy. Falun Gong is the ancient Chinese holistic system that is banned in China. It will be celebrated in
India on 15th July with a parade and Human Word Formation in the capital.
• Minister of Railways inaugurates Sindhudurg leg of the Science Express in Maharashtra.
• This phase of train is being referred as ‘Science Express Climate Action Special (SECAS) – II’ as it conveys
message about global challenge related to climate change.
• Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property (Amendment) Bill, 2017 introduced in Lok Sabha
by Minister of State for Planning, Programme Implementation and Statistics Rao Inderjit Singh.
• A bill has introduced in Lok Sabha for setting up of the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy in Andhra
Pradesh. It has been introduced on 18th of July 2017. According to the Objects and Reasons of the bill the
institute would be established in Visakhapatnam district in pursuance of the central government’s commitment
for setting up a petroleum university.
• A bill to grant statutory status to the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) in Public Private
Partnership (PPP) mode was passed through a voice vote in Lok Sabha on July 19, 2017.
• Cabinet approves MOC in respect of tax matters between India and BRICS countries – Brazil, Russia, China
and South Africa to promote cooperation amongst the BRICS Revenue administrations in international forum
on common areas of interest in tax matters and in the area of capacity building and knowledge sharing.
• Cabinet approves IRDAI’s admission as a signatory to International Association of Insurance Supervisors
(IAIS), Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MMoU)
• Cabinet approves revalidation of permission to raise Extra Budgetary Resource (EBRs) of Rs. 660 crore as
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Government of India Bonds by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in 2017-18

• Union cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for the promulgation of the Central Goods and Services Tax
(Extension to Jammu & Kashmir) Ordinance, 2017 and replacement of the Ordinance by the Central Goods
and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2017.
• National Steering Committee on Climate Change (NSCCC), under the Chairmanship of Secretary
Environment Ministry, Mr Ajay Narayan Jha, approved the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) submitted by
Governments of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Sikkim for funding under the National Adaptation Fund for Climate
Change (NAFCC).
• Cabinet approves alternative mechanism for creation and launch of a New Exchange Traded Fund. To take
decision for divestment through Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) out of all the listed central public sector
enterprises (CPSEs) including CPSEs listed subsequently subject to Government of India (GoI) retaining 51%
stake in these CPSEs.
• Telangana government has launched a portal “Janahitha” grievance redressal system. This portal will receive
complaints from the public. It has been launched on 19 July 2017. The programme was inaugurated in
Suryapet district by Telangana Energy minister G Jagadish Reddy.
• According to the Telangana Government Order, the maximum weight of a school bag with textbooks and
notebooks should not exceed 1.5 kg for Class I and II and 2 to 3 kg for Classes III to V.
• The civil nuclear cooperation deal between India and Japan that provides for collaboration between their
industries in the field came into force on 20th July 2017.
• The govenment of Chhattisgarh has targeted planting over 8crore saplings by the end of August this year. It
has been announced on 20th July 2017. Chief minister Raman Singh has called for active participation of
people in the ‘Hariyar Chhattisgarh’ campaign. Oxy-zones will be developed in all the 27 districts of the
Chhattisgarh.
• Arun Jaitley the Finance Minister of India has introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha to repeal the necessary Acts
in wake of the merger of State Bank of India (SBI) with its subsidiary banks on 20th July 2017.
• Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017, a bill amending the law on
free and compulsory education to extend the deadline for teachers to acquire the prescribed minimum
qualifications for appointment was passed in Lok Sabha.
• The Bill adds a provision to Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 by stating that
those teachers who do not possess the minimum qualifications as on March 31, 2015 will acquire the
minimum qualifications within a period of four years i.e. by March 31, 2019.
• The Union Cabinet has approved revision of the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) guidelines. It has
been approved on 19th of July 2017. The approval was granted during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
• The Centre has accepted a proposal to set up an Aerospace University in India. It has been announced on 22nd
July 2017. A high-powered Expert Group headed by former Cabinet Secretary B.K. Chaturvedi has made the
recommendation.
• On July 24, 2017, The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2017, was introduced in Lok Sabha by Finance
Minister Arun Jaitley. The bill seeks to amend the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and replace the Banking
Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, which was promulgated in May 2017.
• On July 29th 2017, Union Minister of state for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Mukhtar
Abbas Naqvi launched “JIYO PARSI PUBLICITY PHASE – 2” function in Mumbai. In the year of 2013
“Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-1” was initiated to increase the small minority population of parsi community.
• Rajaswa Gyansangam’ is going to be held on 1st and 2nd September, 2017 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate this two day Conclave on the 1st day of September, 2017.
• The Executive Committee of National Mission for Clean Ganga in its 4th meeting has approved seven projects
worth Rs 425 crore in the sector of sewage infrastructure, Ghat development and research. In sewage sector it
includes three projects each in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been approved.
• Arun Jaitley,a Defence Minister has inaugurated the 315th Sainik Rest House of the Kendriya Sainik Board
(KSB) in New Delhi. It aimed to provide facilities for former servicemen.
• The government has withdrawn from the Rajya Sabha a bill to amend the Architects Act, 1972 which provides
for registration of architects. It has been announced on 24th of July 2017.
• Rajya Sabha passed Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) Bill, 2017 and The Admiralty
(Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims), 2017. Both the bills were passed by voice vote.It was
established under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.Headquarters of FDDI is located
in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
• On July 24, 2017, Government introduced in the Lok Sabha, Central Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2017, a
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bill providing for allocation of about Rs 2,000 crore from Central Road Fund (CRF) for developing national
waterways (NWs).
• The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the first meeting of the newly constituted Islands
Development Agency (IDA) on 24th of July 2017 in New Delhi
• On July 26, 2017, Rajya Sabha passed Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Bill, 2017, which seeks to amend
the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008. The amendment bill was introduced by the Minister of Statistics and
Programme Implementation, Mr. D.V.Sadananda Gowdain Lok Sabha in March 2017 and was passed in April
2017.The Act extended to the whole of India except Jammu and Kashmir.
• Cabinet gives ex-post facto approval for amendment of the Constitution (Application to Jammu & Kashmir)
Order, 1954. The approval paves the way for applicability of Goods and Services Tax regime in the State of
Jammu & Kashmir.
• Cabinet apprised of the Joint Declaration of Intent between India and Germany on Indo German-Centre for
Sustainability.
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of Department of Rural Development for
revision of cost of Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC 2011) which provides for:Revising the cost
of SECC 2011 to 4893.60 crore from the approved estimated expenditure of Rs.3543.29 crore.
• On July 26, 2017, Union Cabinet cleared a new Minimum Wage Code Bill that will integrate four different
wage legislations.The bill also seeks to empower the Centre to set a minimum wage across sectors, and states
will have to maintain that.
• Lok Sabha passed Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2016, a bill to amend the Companies Act, 2013, seeking to
strengthen corporate governance standards, initiate strict action against defaulting companies and help
improve the ease of doing business in India.
• On July 28, 2017, Rajya Sabha passed Indian Institute of Information Technology (Public-Private Partnership)
Bill, 2017, a bill to declare 15 Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIITs) set up through public-private
partnership mode as "institutions of national importance" as well as to set up such institutes through
collaboration.
 NITSER (National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research) Amendment Bill passed in
Rajya Sabha. The Bill proposes to introduce two new Institutions.
1.Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati
2.IISER Berhampur in the Second Schedule of the NITSER Act, 2007.
• Supreme Court strike out immediate arrests in dowry harassment cases was ruled out on 27th of July 2017.
Every dowry harassment complaint made under Section 498A of Indian Penal Code must be referred to the
committee, which would look into them.
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released Operational Guidelines for Planning and Implementation
of Family Participatory Care (FPC). These guidelines are aimed at improving newborn health.
PLACES IN NEWS
• Raghubar Das, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, has recently inaugurated the India’s largest fresh water
aquarium “Ranchi Machchli Ghar” at Bhagwan Birsa Munda Biodiversity Park in Ranchi.
• Mizoram celebrates 31st anniversary of the Mizo Peace accord on 30th of June. Mizo peace accord is signed
between the Union government and the Mizo National Front (MNF).
• On July 3, 2017, Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajeev Pratap
Rudi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan laid the foundation stone of the India’s
biggest Global Skill Park in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
• The new ATC tower at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport will be the tallest structure in Delhi.It is
likely to start operations by December. This is a 101.9-metre tower.
• The Dree Festival of Arunachal Pradesh is an agricultural festival celebrated by the Apatani tribe of Arunachal
Pradesh.
• Telangana is the first state to build India’s first university for Dalit students by 2018. It has been announced on
7th of July 2017. The university will be a part of the government’s policy of providing education free of cost
to students from weaker sections from kindergarten to post-graduation (KG to PG) level.
• Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced to set up an international standard sports city
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announced on 11th of July 2017. Kalinga International Sport City will be set up in Bhubaneswar.
• Cabinet approves establishment of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), South Asia Regional
Center (ISARC) at campus of National Seed Research and Training Center (NSRTC) in Varanasi.
• Rajasthan is the first state of our country has set minimum educational qualification to candidates for elections
to village cooperative societies and various other cooperative bodies.
The minimum educational qualification from class 5 to class 8 is must for members of dairy societies,
farming societies, consumer societies, weavers' societies, urban banks, housing construction societies, primary
land development banks, credit societies and cooperative unions.
• President of India has given assent to the Maharashtra Prohibition of People from Social Boycott (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2016. Maharashtra has thus become the first state in the country to bring a law
making social boycott a crime.
• Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of
India, signed an Institutional agreement with the Punjab State Council of Science and Technology in New
Delhi to establish India's first Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) at Patent Information
Centre, Punjab, under the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) TISC program.
• India is set to get its first high-speed rail training centre at Gandhinagar Gujarat announced on 13th of July
2017. The estimated cost is Rs 600 crore and the training centre will
• Haryana government has decided to set up a modern ornamental fish hatchery in Jhajjar district announced on
12th of July 2017.It total estimated cost of Rs 13.68 crore and will be the first-of-its-kind project in the
country. The National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources has declared Haryana as a fish disease-free state.
• In a bid to empower women, Central Railway has appointed all women staff at suburban Matunga railway
station (located in central Mumbai), thereby making it India’s first railway station run by women. A formal
event to mark all women railway station will be held soon.
• The Jammu and Kashmir has launched a first ever 'Cultrue of Cruise', a weekly cultural programme at Dal
lake on 16th of July 2017. It aimed to bring artists from various fields on one stage.
• Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has dedicated to the nation the state's longest bridge. The longest
bridge is named it after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.The 2.88 km bridge over the river Kathajodi will connect
the state capital of Bhubaneswar with Cuttack.
• The Uttar Pradesh Assembly has adopted two resolutions on renaming the Kanpur and Bareilly airports after
freedom fighter Ganesh Shanker Vidyarthi and as Nath Nagri respectively.
• The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has inaugurated the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Paika
Rebellion of Odisha on 20th July 2017 in New Delhi. The Paika Rebellion of 1817 was India’s first organized
armed rebellion against British Raj.
• Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the Research Institution of World Ancient,
Traditional, Culture& Heritage (RIWATCH) Museum at Roing in Arunachal Pradesh and hoped that it would
serve as a place of exchange of cultural values of various tribes of the state and the North East.
• Kerala will be going to host the 5th edition of South India Writers Ensemble (SIWE) at Chengannur in coastal
Alappuzha district from 24 July 2017. The theme of the festival 2017 is ‘tolerance’.
• India’s first Lucknow metro network to offer free drinking water and toilet facilities and will also become the
first in the country to have its own FM radio station. It has been announced on 24th of July 2017.
• Madras High Court has ruled that Vande Mataram should be sung in all schools and colleges across the state
“at least once a week” and in government and private offices “at least once a month”. The order has been
issued on 25th of July 2017.
• On July 27, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated APJ Abdul Kalam’s memorial in
Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu on the second death anniversary of the former president. PM Modi also hoisted
the national flag at the memorial. The memorial has been designed and built by the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO).
• The Mumbai Metro One Private Limited has announced the launch of India’s first Mobile Ticketing System
‘OnGo’on 26th of July 2017. It will help commuters to buy their tickets on their mobile phones.
• Delhi Metro is the first Metro system to become completely green in the world announced on 28th of July
2017. DMRC also announced it is now generating 20 megawatt (MW) of solar power.
FOREIGN VISITS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel - Overview

• Commemorating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, Danziger Flower Farm named
the flower Crysanthumun as 'Modi', on the name of Prime Minister.Crysanthumun is a new fast-growing
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Israeli flower.
• PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, first ever visit of an incumbent Indian prime minister.
• India’s Mahindra Telephonics and Israeli firm Shachaf Engineering signed a MoU to collaborate on design,
development and manufacture of strategic electronics for military use.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu replicas of two sets of relics
from Kerala, regarded as key artefacts of the long Jewish history in India. The gift comprise two different sets
of copper plates that are believed to have been inscribed in 9-10th Century.
India, Israel sign seven agreements, to cooperate in fight against terror
1. A MoU was signed between the Department of Science and Technology, India, and the National
Technological Innovation Authority, Israel, for setting up an India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological
Innovation Fund (I4F).
2. India's Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation signed a MoU with Israel's Ministry of National
Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources on a national campaign for water conservation in India.
3. A MoU on state water utility reform was signed between the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam and the Ministry of
National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources of Israel.
4. India-Israel Development Cooperation on a three-year work programme in agriculture from 2018 to 2020.
5. A Plan of Cooperation was signed between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Israel
Space Agency (ISA) regarding cooperation in atomic clocks.
6. ISRO and ISA signed a MoU on cooperation in GEO-LEO Optical Link.
7. ISRO and ISA signed another MoU on cooperation in electric propulsion for small satellites.
8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced to start a new flight service connecting Delhi, Mumbai and Tel
Aviv and invited youth of Israel to visit India.
9. In a bid to enhance people-to-people contacts between India and Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
announced the setting up of an Indian Cultural Centre in Israel.
• World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the end of the latest Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in
the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It comes at 42 days after the last confirmed case of Ebola.
• The world’s first emergency call telephone line marks 80th anniversary on 1st of July 2017 by police forces
across Britain. The best known phone number in Britain is now 999 number to alert police, fire, ambulance
and coast guard in emergencies.
• On June 30, 2017, India told China that its attempt to construct a road in the Doklam area in Bhutan will cause
a "significant change of status quo", is a "violation of a 2012 understanding", and will lead to "serious security
implications.
• The United States of America has started rolling out its Global Entry programme for Indian citizens which
allows for expedited clearance of pre-approved, low-risk travellers. Global Entry programme is an initiative
of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). India has become the 11th country whose citizens are eligible to
enrol in this initiative of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• On July 5, 2017, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley told a meeting of the U.N. Security
Council that the United States is prepared to use military means to defend against the threat posed by North
Korea’s launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.
• Italian lawmakers on 5th of July, 2017 finally passed a bill making torture a crime under national law, after
years of parliamentary haggling.
• A global treaty banning nuclear weapons was adopted at the United Nations on 7th July by 122 countries. But
all nuclear states and NATO members have boycotted the negotiations except for the Netherlands.This is the
first multilateral nuclear disarmament treaty to be concluded in more than 20 years.
• Vietnam granted Indian oil firm ONGC Videsh a two-year extension to explore oil block 128. This was stated
by the state-run company’s managing director Narendra Verma.The part of the oil block 128 is in the U-
shaped ‘nine-dash line,’ the area which is claimed by China.
• India and Bangladesh have decided to construct a bridge over Mizoram’s Khawthlangtuipui River to facilitate
trade and improve communication between the two neighbours. Mizoram shares a 318 km unfenced border
with Bangladesh.
• According to the World Bank, India is emerging as a front runner in the global fight against climate change,
with a sweeping commitment to solar power, innovative solutions and energy efficiency initiatives to supply
its people with 24x7 electricity by 2030. World Bank said the country also walked away from plans to
install nearly 14 GW of coal-fired power plants.
• According to the UN’s health agency New drugs is needed to treat against gonorrhoea. It is a sexually-
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transmitted disease threatening and out of control as it develops resistance to existing antibiotics.
• The British government has launched a new project the ‘Grand Trunk Road’ to mark the 70th anniversary of
India’s Partition in August 1947.
• According to the Islamic State militant group its supreme leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has died.
• A 21-year-old man has become the first in Britain to give birth to a girl on 9th of July 2017. The girl was born
on 16th June at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
• India has granted USD 500000 to the Philippines to fight ISIS. It has been given for the rehabilitation and
relief efforts in war-torn Marawi City. It is the first time that India is sending financial aid to another country
affected by terrorism.
• Malta parliament voted to allow same-sex couples to marry on 12th of July 2017. Malta, the EU's smallest
nation, becomes the bloc's 15th member to legalise same-sex unions.
• A Model United Nations (MUN) Regional Conference is being held from July 10, 2017 at Kathmandu, Nepal.
The conference will conclude on July 14, 2017.
• European Union (EU) and India announced the establishment of an Investment Facilitation Mechanism (IFM)
for EU Investments in India.The mechanism will allow for a close coordination between the European Union
and India with an aim to promote and facilitate EU investment in India.
• India has contributed an additional million dollars to a UN partnership fund. It has launched to support
sustainable development projects across the developing world.
• The US House of Representatives has passed a $621.5 bill on defence cooperation with India.The bill
proposes to advance defence cooperation with India.
• The world's first centre is being constructed in Vietnam's central region for breeding Saola. Saola, a critically
endangered hoofed mammal is identified by two parallel horns with sharp ends, which can reach 51
centimetres in length and are found on both males and females. The centre is located in Bach Ma National
Park in Thua Thien Hue province.
• Indonesia has become the latest Southeast Asian nation to rename South China Sea as North Natuna
Sea.Indonesia will refer to the northern areas of its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea as the
North Natuna Sea.
• The administration of US President Donald Trump is imposing new economic sanctions against Iran over the
Islamic Republic’s ballistic missile program.
• Australia became the 35th country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA), an initiative launched by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2015 in Paris. ISA is co-led by India and France.
• The UN has selected Dubai as the data hub for the Middle East North Africa and South Asia (MENASA)
region.Dubai has launched a series of comprehensive and integrated initiatives to mine and manage the city’s
data.
• The world's first full-scale floating wind farm has started to take shape off the north-east coast of Scotland
announced on 24th of July 2017.
• The world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge the Europabrücke or Europaweg (Europe Bridge) on 29th
July 2017, a ribbon-thin span nearly a third of a mile long at in Randa, Switzerland. It measures 1,620 feet
long and rises as high as 278 feet above the Grabengufer ravine.
• Bolivia’s President Evo Morales has declared his government’s independence from World Bank and IMF on
25th of July 2017.
• Zimbabwe's parliament has passed a bill by amending the constitution to give the president (Present: Robert
Mugabe )sweeping powers to appoint the country's top judges without consulting any other institution It has
been announced on 25th of July 2017.
• 10th Session of the India- Jordan Trade and Economic Joint Committee (TEJC) held in New Delhi.
• External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has inaugurated the 9th edition of Delhi Dialogue on 4th of July
2017. The theme for Delhi Dialogue 9 is India-ASEAN relations: Charting the Course for the Next 25 Years.
• Ms. Sumitra Mahajan - Speaker of the 16th Lok Sabha inaugurated the 4th National Summit on Good,
Replicable Practices and Innovations in Public Health Care Systems at Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
• 5th Meeting of BRICS Education Ministers was held on July 5, 2017 in Beijing, China. The Indian delegation
was led by Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Prakash Javadekar.
• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has organized Scorecard 2017 on 6 July, 2017 at New Delhi, various
government delegates attended the meet including Vijay Goel, Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports.
• First International Aviation Security seminar organised by National Security Guard in Haryana.
• First Edition of WINGS 2017 – “Sab Uden, Sab Juden”- Expanding Regional Connectivity Hosted in New
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Delhi. The session was chaired by the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju and the
Union Minister of State for Civil AviationShri Jayant Sinha .
• Two day Regional conference on Good governance and Replication of best held in Nainital, Uttarakhand.
• President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates ‘Ashiana Annexe’ in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. At the inauguration
function, MoU between M/s. Prashak Techno Enterprises and Central Building Research Institute was signed
to collaborate for effective proliferation of Habitech-NivaraTantra Technology solutions.
• The National Conference of Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories organised by NITI Aayog is
held in New Delhi. It will cover a wide range of issues and will focus is on best practices in social and
economic sectors across states.
• The two-day national conference on crowd management has successfully concluded at Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala on 14th of July 2017.
• Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will inaugurate the 212th meeting of Indian
Road Congress (IRC) in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The Indian Road Congress is the apex body of highway
engineers in the country.
• The United Kingdom hosted a major international summit on family planning, in partnership with UN
Population Fund (UNFPA), in London, UK, to discuss efforts to reach our Family Planning 2020 goals.
• The Informal BRICS Leaders meeting held in Hamburg, Germany. The leaders had discussed preparations
and priorities for the forthcoming Xiamen BRICS Summit. The forthcoming 9th BRICS Summit will be in
September in Xiamen, China.
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee met
for its 41st session in Krakow, Poland.During the session, the
• The 5.5 km walled city area in Ahmedabad, Gujarat with an approximate population of four lakh has been
declared India’s first World Heritage City by UNESCO.
• 22nd World Petroleum Congress (WPC) International Conference held in Istanbul, Turkey. Theme for
22nd World Petroleum Congress was ‘Bridges To Our energy Future’.
2017 G20 Summit
• The 2017 G20 Summit was the 12th meeting of the Group of Twenty (G20), which was held on 7th and
8th July, 2017, in Hamburg, Germany.The theme for this year's G20 Summit was "Shaping an Inter-connected
World".
• The G20 nations, including India, pledged to strengthen health systems and also combat the menace
of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which the grouping termed as a "growing threat" to public health and
economic growth.
• G20 leaders adopted a World Bank funding plan of up to USD 1 billion for women entrepreneurs in
developing nations, an initiative championed by US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump.
• The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in association with the West Bengal Government, will host Horasis
Asia Meeting, a Global Business meeting, in November 2017 announced on 18th of July 2017.
• India to host 5th Global Conference on Cyber Space 2017 – World’s Largest Conference on Cyber Spacein
Aero City, New Delhi.The GCCS 2017 will take place on the 23rd and 24th of November, 2017. The theme of
Cyber4All is “An Inclusive, Sustainable, Developmental, Safe and Secure Cyberspace”.
• The 5th North East Connectivity Summit- 2018 will be held in Arunachal Pradesh. It has been announced on
20th July 2017..The 4th North East Connectivity Summit will be held in Nagaland in the month of September
2017.
• Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a hosting of three-day International Conference on
'Reclaiming Social Justice, Revisiting Ambedkar' from 21stJuly to 23rd July to mark 126th birth Anniversary
of Dr B R Ambedkar at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru.
• Hyderabad will host the 10thedition of Urban Mobility India conference this November. The event will be
jointly organised by the Union Ministry of Urban Development and the Telangana Government.
• Japan will host the G20 summit of leading nations in 2019, with Saudi Arabia presiding the 2020 edition.
• 2017 BRICS Youth Forum opened in Beijing, China on July 25, 2017, to discuss youth development in the
BRICS member-nations viz. Brazil Russia, India, China and South Africa.
• Theme of 2017 BRICS Youth Forum is “Enhance BRICS Partnership, Promote Youth Development”.
• BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meet was held on 26th and 27th July, 2017 in Chonqging,
China. Indian delegation to this meet was led by Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister of State (Independent
Charge) for Labour & Employment.
• 2017 BRICS National Security Advisors (NSAs) meeting was held on 27th and 28th July 2017, in Beijing,
China. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval represented India at this meeting.
• The 7th edition of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Artists Camp and Exhibition
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of Paintings has begun at Kathmandu on 28th of July 2017.

• The 10th edition of the Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference-cum-exhibition will start in Hyderabad from
November 4. The theme of this year's conference is intelligent, inclusive and sustainable mobility
RANKINGS & REPORTS
• TERI was ranked number two by the International Center for Climate Governance (ICCG). ICCG is an
internationally-renowned body whose activities focus on the design of climate policy and related governance
issues. ICCG ranking helps highlight the scale and magnitude of work done by the think tanks working in the
field of climate change.
• As per an analysis of the latest figures compiled by the Swiss National Bank, India has slipped to 88th place in
terms of money parked by its citizens with Swiss banks by the end of 2016. With maximum holdings, UK has
topped the list.
• On July 3, 2017, international body for global financial system, Financial Stability Board (FSB) submitted its
status report to G20 on progress in financial regulatory reforms in various jurisdictions, including India. FSB
has listed India among countries that are 'compliant or largely compliant' on implementation of priority area
reforms.
• As per UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU),Cyber-Security Index, India ranks 23rd out of the
193 countries with a score of 0.683 . ITU is a specialised ICT agency under the United Nations that is
responsible for allocation global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, along with developing technical network
standards. Singapore tops thecharts with a 0.925 score with the highest level.
• According to the NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Gujarat are the three
best-performing states in "ease of doing business". Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam are included worst in the
rankings.
• Patanjali, Reliance Jio among top 10 most influential brands in India
As per a new study by global research firm Ipsos, spiritual guru Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali and Muekesh
Ambai controlled Reliance Jio have been rated among the top 10 most influential brands in India.Search
engine Google has been ranked at the No 1 slot.
• Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, has ranked first in Customer Satisfaction Index
Surveyamong 49 airports in India.Raipur Airport has scored highest, 4.84 on a five point scale index in the
latest Customer Satisfaction Index Survey conducted by an independent agency for the period of January-June
2017.
• According to OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2017-2026, released by Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development (OECD) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations,
India will be the world's largest milk producer by 2026 and will account for the biggest increase in wheat
production globally.
• According to a report titled ‘Measuring Global Migration Potential 2010-2015’ by International Organisation
for Migration (UN Migration Agency), India has the second highest number of adults planning to migrate to
other countries with the US and the UK among the most favoured destinations. The study is based on
international survey data by the Gallup World Poll.
• India has ranked 116 out of 157 nations on a global index that assesses the performance of countries towards
achieving the ambitious sustainable development goals (SDGs). Sweden leads the list, followed by Denmark
and Finland. The United States ranks 42nd on the Index, while Russia and China rank 62nd and 71st
respectively.
• According to the International Migration Outlook 2017 report on Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and Development (OECD) member countries. As per the report, Indians and Chinese were the top asylum
seekers in countries such as New Zealand and Latvia between 2012 and 2016.
• According to a senior US counter-terror official more than half of the terror attacks in the world in 2016 took
place in five countries, including India and Pakistan.55% of all attacks took place in Iraq, Afghanistan, India,
Pakistan, and the Philippines.
• India presented its ‘Voluntary National Review Report on Implementation of Sustainable Development
Goals’ to the United Nations (UN). The report was presented by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind
Panagariya at the United Nations high-level political forum on ‘Sustainable Development in 2017’.
• As per World Health Organization (WHO) Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2017, launched at the
United Nations on July 19, 2017, several countries have implemented tobacco control policies, ranging from
graphic pack warnings and advertising bans to no smoking areas.
• The report has been funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg
Philanthropies is WHO Global Ambassador for Non-communicable Diseases.
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• As per a report titled ‘Ending AIDS: Progress towards the 90-90-90 targets’ by the Joint UN Programme
on HIV/AIDS, UNAIDS, India, China and Pakistan are among the 10 countries that accounted for more than
95% of all new HIV infections in the Asia and the Pacific region in 2016.
• India has ranked 132nd out of 152 countries on the inaugural “Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index”
released by international NGO Oxfam in association with Developmental Finance International. Sweden
topped the index while Nigeria took the bottom most spot.
• According to National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism
(NCSTRT) data compiled by the US state department, India is third after Iraq and Afghanistan on a list of
countries facing terror attacks in 2016. Earlier, Pakistan held the third position.The US analysis has
labelled Naxalsthe third most deadly terror organisation in the world after IS and Taliban, even ahead of Boko
Haram.
• As per World Bank’s latest edition of the report titled ‘Global Economic Prospects – A fragile recovery’, India
is the fourth fastest growing economy in the world behind Estonia, Uzbekistan and Nepal.For FY 2017-18,
Indian economy is expected to grow at 7.2%. For following fiscal year it will grow at 7.5%It pegs
world GDP to grow at 2.7 percent in 2017 and 2.9 percent in 2018-19.
• Singapore Airlines has been rated as the world’s best airline in a survey by the Travel + Leisure (T+L)
magazine.Singapore Airlines is followed by Emirates and Qatar Airways, which ranked 2 and 3, respectively.
• According to the second edition of National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) State
Investment Potential Index (N-SIPI 2017) report, Gujarat has retained the top position in the list of 21 states
and UTs with most investment potential.The report has highlighted that although Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and
West Bengal are ranked among the least favourable states for investment, they rank higher under individual
pillars.
• 197 Asian companies have featured in the latest edition of the Fortune Global 500 list, which ranks companies
by their revenues in 2016. A Total of 7 Indian companies have featured in this list out of which four are from
the public sector.Indian Oil, ranked at 168th is the only Indian company in the top 200.
• As per Agricultural Outlook 2017-2026 report released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and
the Organisation for Economic Cooperation (OECD), India is the world’s third-biggest exporter of beef and is
projected to hold on to that position over the next decade. Brazil was ranked as the world’s top beef exporter.
• Central Government has launched ‘Swachh Survekshan-2018’ to rank all the 4,041 cities and towns of the
country on 31st of July 2017. In the 2017 Survey, 434 cities with a population of one lakh plus each and state
capitals were assessed in which Indore, Bhopal and Visakhapatnam were the cleanest cities.
• As per `Global Infrastructure Outlook’ released by Global Infrastructure Hub (GIH), India will need
investments to the tune of around USD 4.5 trillion till 2040 to develop infrastructure to improve economic
growth and community wellbeing. The report is based on an intensive study of 50 countries and seven
industry sectors.
• Bengaluru has ranked 40th out of 50 cities on Women Entrepreneur (WE) Cities Index 2017 study released
by Dell. The index ranks cities in terms of its ability to attract and foster growth of women-owned firms. New
York topped the list.
BANKING & FINANCE
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime officially came into force from July 1, 2017.As per an order issued
by Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), July 1 will be known as ‘GST Day’ and will be celebrated
in all offices of CBEC just as Central Excise Day and International Customs Day.
• As per Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Financial Stability Report 2017, released on June 30, 2017, reform
initiatives like goods and services (GST) and continuing political stability will push the economic growth
scale to 7.3% in terms of gross value added (GVA) in 2017-18.
• India has contributed USD 500,000 to the UN Peacebuilding Fund, expressing hope that more funding by
nations will boost efforts by the world body to build and sustain peace.
• The government has lowered interest rate on small saving schemes like PPF, Kisan Vikas Patra and Sukanya
Samriddhi by 0.1% for the July- September quarter. Investments in the public provident fund (PPF) scheme
will fetch lower annual rate of 7.8%.Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) investments will yield 7.5% and mature in 115
months.The one for girl child savings, Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme, will offer 8.3% annually, from
8.4% at present.The investment on 5-year Senior Citizens Savings Scheme will yield 8.3.
• Punjab National Bank (PNB) will block all the Maestro debit cards from 31st of July 2017 if the card holders
will fail to replace it with a more secure EMV chip based card by the end of this month.
• Karnataka Bank has launched the ‘KBL-Image Debit Card’ on 2nd of July 2017. Karnataka Bank has enabled
its cardholders to personalise the card with the image of his/her choice.
• The Syrian Central Bank has announced that a new 2000 Syrian Pound bank note with the face of President
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Bashar al-Assad will soon go into circulation. The notes are the first time Syria will depict President Bashar
al-Assad on its currency since he took office 17 years ago.
• According to the Reserve Bank of India FINO Payments Bank has commenced the operations as a payments
bank with effect from 30th June, 2017.HQ of FinoPaytech is in Mumbai, India.
• On July 3, 2017, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced that its Unified Payments
Interface (UPI) has crossed 1 crore transactions mark in June 2017. UPI was launched in August 2016 with 21
banks. Currently it is offered by around 50 banks.
• Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed USD 220 million for improving road connectivity as well as
transport efficiency and safety on state highways of Rajasthan on 3rd of July 2017.
• Reserve Bank has raised the FPI investment limit in government securities by 4.7% to Rs 2.42 lakh crore (Rs
2.42 billion) for July-September quarter, mainly to increase foreign capital inflows.
• As per a notification issued by Revenue Department, restrictions on cash dealings of Rs. 2 lakh or more will
not apply to credit card bill payments, business correspondents appointed by banks and issuers of prepaid
instruments.It is to be noted that the Finance Act 2017 banned cash transaction of 2 lakh or above with
effect April 1, 2017. However, some exceptions were made.
• China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has said its board has approved USD 329 million loan
to build access roads to 4,000 villages in Gujarat on 5th of July 2017.
• Yes Bank has signed an MoU in London with Santander to promote India-UK trade and business
opportunities on 5th of July 2017.
• Axis Bank has introduced a special super bike loans for the bike lovers on 5th of July 2017.The loan will
offer funding up to 95% of their costs. The loans which are for Bikes with an engine displacement of over 500
cubic centimetres(cc) will come at a price tag of 10-11% per annum.
• Kolkata-headquartered Srei Infrastructure Finance has signed an MoU with Russia's Vnesheconombank on to
create a $200 million IT and Innovation Fund. This MoU provides for a credit line of $500 million to Srei.
• Indus OS has announced a partnership with YES BANK to launch the first OS integrated UPI payment
platform on 6th of July 2017. Their main aim is to further drive up the existing growth rate of UPI-
based transactions.
• EPFO a retirement fund body has inked pacts with five banks for collections of provident dues and to make
retirement payments.The tie-ups with Bank of Baroda, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bankand Kotak
Mahindra Bank will help EPFO save around Rs 125 crore a year and expedite its investments as well as
payment of benefits to its members.
• South Indian Bank has tied up with PFG Forex for remittance facility for the benefit of Indian expatriates from
Australia on 6th of July 2017. Under this arrangement, NRIs can enjoy cost-effective and fast remittance
services using SIB's Express facility.
• According to a report by BMI Research, Indian economy is expected to clock a real Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) growth of 6.9% in this financial year.
• As per a study presented by researchers at Centre for International Development (CID) at Harvard University,
India will be the base to the economic pole of global growth over the coming decade, remaining ahead of
China.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 6th July directed banks to credit the amount involved in the unauthorised
electronic transaction within 10 working days to the account holder from the date of such notification by the
customer (without waiting for settlement of insurance claim, if any). RBI has capped the customer liability at
Rs 25,000 if they report unauthorised transactions within seven working days.
• The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has allowed Non Banking Finance Companies to sell and market the new
pension scheme ( NPS). Those NBFCs which have asset size of Rs 500 crore and above that and have made a
net profit in the preceding financial year are permitted to sell NPS to their clients after registration with the
pension regulator.
• Private life insurance company Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance, has tied up with
Dhanlaxmi Bank for marketing bancassurance on 7th July 2017.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is considering setting up a public credit registry in India to address the twin
balance sheet problem of the banking sector and the corporate sector. Reserve Bank celebrated its ‘11th
Annual Statistics Day Conference’ on July 04, 2017 on the Theme ‘New Frontiers on Statistical Methods and
Information Base for Central Banks’.
• India will soon get a seat on the Global Foreign Exchange Committee (GFXC), a newly-constituted forum of
central bankers and experts working towards promotion of a robust and transparent forex market.
• MobiKwik and Samsung Pay enable one-tap payment solution for e-wallet users. It allows users to just tap
and pay using the debit/credit cards and wallets stored on their mobile devices.
• Nepal SBI Bank, a subsidiary of the State Bank of India, on 8th July launched its fully automatic digital
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banking services sbiINTOUCH in Kathmandu. This is for the first time the State Bank of India has expanded
the paperless banking system outside India.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has amended its earlier order asking banks to initiate bankruptcy
proceedings against 12 companies which have outstanding loans amounting to over Rs 5,000 crore as on
March 2016.
• The next tranche of sovereign gold bond (SGB) scheme will be launched by Government on July 10, 2017.
This time is providing a 2.5 per cent annual interest to investors. The minimum investment will be 1 gram of
gold. The maximum limit can be subscribed up to 500 grams per person per fiscal year (April-March).
• A new tax payer service module ‘Aaykar Setu’, was launched by the Union Finance Minister, Shri Arun
Jaitley on 10th of July 2017.This e-initiative would help in reducing physical interface between assesses and
tax assessing authorities.
• Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley was the Chief Guest on the occasion of 36th Foundation Day of
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), celebrated in New Delhi. NABARD
dedicated this day to celebrate the Silver Jubilee (25 years) of Self Help Group Bank Linkage Programme
(SHG BLP).
• Axis Bank has announced a collaboration with Inter- American Investment Corporation that it will help
traders boost relations between India and Latin America.Axis Bank said it is the first Indian Bank to be a part
of such a facility.
• SBI has waived charges for fund transfer of up to Rs 1,000 through its IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) to
promote small transactions. SBI charge Rs 5 along with the applicable service tax for IMPS fund transfer of
up to Rs 1,000.
• YES BANK, India's fourth largest private sector bank, along with YES Global Institute has launched 'YES
GST' program for MSMEs(Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) under its MSME CSR initiative, 'Say YES
to Sustainable MSMEs in India'.The Bank has also created a portal http://www.Yesbank.In/yes-gst which will
be easy-to-understand knowledge material of all GST related information.
• The Chhattisgarh government has planned to merge all district cooperative central banks (DCCBs) of the state
into a single State Cooperative Bank.
• YES Bank has got $150 million funding from US government and Wells Fargo to fund SME lending on 14th
of July 2017. This is the third round of funding between the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)
US government development finance institution and Wells Fargo.
• The government has extended the deadline till 16th August for businesses to opt for composition scheme
under the GST regime. It has been announced on 22nd of July 2017. Small businesses with turnover of up to
Rs 75 lakh were earlier given time till July 21 to opt for the scheme in the Goods and Services Tax regime.
• SBI bank has launched ‘SBI Realty’ www.sbirealty.in . It is a one stop integrated website for home
buyers.The lender is expected to expand its home loancredit through such move.
• According to ADB India is expected to achieve the projected growth rate of 7.4% in 2017 and further up 7.6%
on 2018.
• The Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue bank notes of denomination Rs 20 in Mahatma Gandhi
series 2005. It will be similar in design to those currently in circulation. The new notes will be bearing inset
letter 'S' in the number panel and signature of Governor Urjit R Patel.
• ICRA has launched a new system for rating of infrastructure projects in association with the India
Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL).The new rating system will emphasise on the overall recovery of
external funds given to the lender.
• ICICI Bank will be offering personal loans of up to Rs 15 lakh through its ATMs. It can be availed by salaried
customers even if they haven't previously applied for one.
• Markets regulator SEBI has signed a pact with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) for
exchange of information Central Counterparties (CCPs) on 20th July 2017.
• Bank of Baroda has signed an agreement with Directorate General of Supplies & Disposal (DGS&D) on 21st
of July 2017. The MoU has been signed for extending various banking services to Government e-Marketplace
(GeM).
• Karnataka Bank has launched a Met Loan & Life Suraksha” (MLLS) for its customers. It has been announced
on 20th of July 2017. The bank also introduced ‘KBL MLLS’ app, which marks the celebration of 15 years of
partnership with M/s PNB MetLife.
• In latest update of World Economic Outlook released by International Monetary Fund (IMF) on July 24,
2017, economic growth outlook for India has been kept unchanged at 7.2% in 2017-18 and 7.7% in 2018-
19.IMF has kept its outlook for global growth unchanged at 3.5% in 2017 and 3.6% in 2018.
• India’s GDP growth is to be higher at 6.6% in the June quarter from the previous three months this year.
According to Japanese financial services major Nomura.
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• RBI has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore on Union Bank of India for “non-compliance” on Know Your
Customer (KYC) norms announced on 31st of July 2017.
• State Bank of India has cut interest on savings account deposits by 50 basis points to 3.5 per cent on balance
up to Rs 1 crore. The bank decides to continue 4 per cent interest on savings account balance of Rs 1 crore and
above.
• Aurionpro Solutions has launched its Branch-in-a-Box product, the Virtual Teller Machine (VTM) a fully
integrated self-service kiosk for automating 90% of banking transactions at the branch level.
• On July 24, 2017, NSE Nifty breached the 10,000 level for the first time while the BSE Sensex hit another
record high of 32,374.30 in opening trade. Nifty breached the historic 10,000 level by gaining 44.90 points, or
0.45 %, to trade at an all-time high of 10,011.30, surpassing its previous intra-day high of 9,982.05 touched on
July 24, 2017.
• Standard Chartered Bank has launched a Multi-currency Forex Card for overseas travellers. The card is
designed to offer travelers a secure way to carry money when traveling abroad.
• According to the Nomura report Retail Inflation in India is expected to rise "noticeably" from 'trough' in June
to 4.4% in the second half of 2017.
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has started its full-fledged merchant banking operations
to help MSME’s tap market announced on 26th of July 2017.
• Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Bajaj Allianz General Insurance have signed an agreement for the
distribution of insurance products through the branches on 26th July 2017.
• BSE has joined hands with Egyptian Exchange (EGX) for cooperation in exchange of information across
business areas. The MoU between BSE and EGX represents an important step in integrating both the
exchanges to build capital market flows.
• RBI has set up Supervisory Colleges for six Scheduled Commercial Banks which have sizeable international
presence to enhance information exchange and cooperation among supervisors, to improve understanding of
the risk profile of the banking group. The Banks which are included are State Bank of India, ICICI Bank Ltd.,
Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Axis Bank Ltd. and Punjab National Bank.
• The RBI has given a final nod to National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the umbrella organisation
for all retail payment to function as the Bharat Bill Payment Central Unit (BBPCU) and operate the Bharat
Bill Payment System (BBPS).
• Indian Overseas Bank has offered the Bharat Bill Payment System(BBPS) which is introduced by the National
Payments Corporation of India, for its customers.
• India has featured among 60 nations on Digital Evolution Index 2017, exhibiting a high potential in terms of
digital payments.On the Digital Evolution Index 2017, India has been categorised under the “break out”
segment which refers to countries that have relatively lower absolute levels of digital advancement, yet remain
poised for growth and are attractive to investors by virtue of their potential.
• Canara Bank has launched its first ‘Digital Banking Branch’ at Spencer Towers in MG Road, Bengaluru. The
branch is titled “CANDI” and its aim to provide an end-to-end digital experience to customers.
BUSINESS
• On June 30, 2017, Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan launched National Biopharmaceutical
Mission. This programme has been named Innovate in India (i3).It is a $250 million dollar initiative that
includes a $125 million loan from the World Bank.
• The growth of eight core sectors slowed to 3.6% in May due to fall in output of coal and fertilisers.The growth
rate of eight infrastructure sectors coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel,
cement and electricity was 5.2% in May last year.
• The Finance Ministry has removed additional excise duty on tobacco, pan masala and cigarettes with effect
from July 1, following the GST implementation.
• Aadhaar architect Nandan Nilekani and Helion Venture’s Sanjeev Aggarwal have launched an investment
fund called Fundamentum on 3rd of July 2017. It has been launched with a corpus of $100 million.
• In a bid to identify and nurture innovative start-ups, Karnataka government has launched the ‘Elevate 100’
scheme. Karnataka Minister for IT and BT, Priyank Kharge has mentioned that aim of ‘Elevate 100’ scheme
is to identify 100 most innovative start-ups in the state to elevate them to the next level of success.
• Siemens has opened its first digital factory in India on 5th of July 2017. It is also the third globally after one
each in Germany and China. It is as the industrial conglomerate pitches smart facilities to small and medium
scale enterprises in the country.
• The Consumer Affairs Ministry has amended the rules that govern packaged commodities from 1st Jan. 2018.
The Centre has clarified that the retail sale price shall be the maximum retail price (MRP) inclusive of all
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taxes, with the provision to round off the price to the nearest rupee or 50 paise.
• National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) and Industrial Infrastructure Development
Corporation (IDCO) have launched a joint venture company to set up an aluminium park at AngulOdisha.
• According to the official figures released on 6th July, India became the fourth-largest foreign investor into the
UK. It slipped one position from 3rd to 4th.The data was based on the number of projects set up by various
countries in UK. The US remains on the top, investing in 577 projects in the UK
• US tech giant Oracle has announced the opening of its first 'Digital Hub' in the Asia Pacific regionin
Bengaluru on 7th of July 2017.
• India will be going to import crude oil from US and the shipment is expected to touch Indian shores in
October for the first time in history.
• The government has exempted the import of aircraft, aircraft engines and its parts on lease from the Goods
and Services Tax (GST).
• The income-tax authorities have added a new provision in the tax return form (ITR2) which will require all
non-residents to disclose details of their bank accounts outside India.
• BMW motors has opened a new research and development (R&D) centre in China, the largest outside of
Germany.
• Auto major Tata Motors has developed the country’s first bio-CNG (bio-methane) bus on 17th of July 2017.
The buses were showcased at the Urja Utsav organised by oil ministry.
• Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) for the first time crossed Rs 5 lakh crore in market capitalisation.It is the
second company (Tata Consultancy Service (TCS) was the first company in 2014) to cross Rs 5 lakh crore in
market capitalisation.
• As per Government data released on July 18, 2017, India’s food grain production has increased by 8.7% to a
record high 273.38 million tonne during 2016-17. India last had a record output in food grains of 265.04
million tonne during 2013-14.
• Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (NTFAP) and
said WTO-Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) coming into force on February 22, 2017 was a major
milestone for the global trading system.
• The Indian Army has signed a MoU with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to
raise one regiment of the advanced Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles ( MRSAM) . The entire project has
a total cost of Rs 17,000 cr.
• India has launched its first petroleum Research & Development (R&D) facility for testing high-end BS-VI
quality fuel emissions. This "first-of-its kind" facility was inaugurated by Petroleum Minister Dharmendra
Pradhan in Faridabad in the National Capital Region (NCR) on 22nd of July 2017.
• The Food Safety and Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned the stapler pins in tea bags from January 2018
announced on 24th of July 2017. The FSSAI has directed the concerned food business operators to discontinue
the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of stapled tea bags by 1st January 2018.
• Microsoft India has launched Kaizala app, a 'made in India' app. It ha been designed for large group
communications and work management, even for remote locations with 2G optimisation. It is powered by
Azure Cloud platform.
• Global food standard-setting body Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) adopted three Codex standards
for black, white and green pepper, cumin and thyme paving the way for a universal agreement on identifying
quality spices in various countries. These three Codex standards were adopted at CAC’s recent meeting in
Geneva, Switzerland.
• According to Minister for Steel Chaudhary Birender Singh said that first time India has become a net export
country in Steel. It has been announced on 31st of July 2017.
• Amazon Prime Video has signed deal with Bollywood star Salman Khan to premiere his all future films first
exclusively on Amazon Prime Video right after the theatrical release.
• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has entered into 9 Unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements
(UAPAs) with Indian taxpayers on 31st of July 2017. The APA Scheme will provide certainty to taxpayers in
the domain of transfer pricing.
• Australia has sent its first uranium shipment to India for testing purposes ahead of possible commercial sales.
It comes after India and Australia signed an agreement for civil nuclear cooperation in 2014 to meet India’s
growing energy needs.
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• 2 Indian-Americans Shantanu Narayen and Vivek Murthy to be honoured with Great Immigrants award on
US's Independence Day on July 4.
• Former India defender Subrata Bhattacharya set to be awarded with Mohun Bagan Ratna
Former India defender Subrata Bhattacharya will get the 'Mohun Bagan Ratna' for this year. It was announced
on 30th of June 2017.Debabrata Das will get the best cricketer prize. Balwant Singh will also bag the best
footballer of the year.
• On June 30, 2017, writer Preeti Shenoy was awarded Indian of the Year Award by Brands Academy in New
Delhi.
• Telangana IPS officer Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat gets award from US state department. Mr. Bhagwat, the
current Rachakonda Police Commissioner is the third IPS officer to get the honour.
• Swayam Shikshan Prayog is a city-based NGO, has been awarded the United Nations Development
Programme’s Equator Prize. It is the only Indian organisation to win the award among 800 nominations across
120 countries.
• An Indian-origin man Guruswamy Jayraman was awarded Order of Australia for community work on 6th of
July 2017. It is Australia's highest civilian award.
• Water Health International (WHI), a US-based company with operating headquarters in Hyderabad, has been
awarded the Unilever Global Development Award at the 20th Responsible Business Awards ceremony, held
in London on July 4, 2017.
• Tata Steel has won the Prime Minister's trophy for being the best performing integrated steel plant in the
country during 2014-15 and 2015-16. This makes it the third consecutive-year for the firm to be honoured
with this award
• Actor Ranveer Singh has featured in GQ's Most Influential Young Indians 2017. 'Baahubali'
actor Prabhas with other actors have featured in the Most Influential Young Indians Artistes list by GQ India
magazine.
• Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman has been shortlisted for the World Soundtrack Awards for
his upcoming film, Viceroy's House.It is a film directed by Gurinder Chadha, a British filmmaker of Sikh
origin, "Viceroy's House"
• Mother Terasa’s blue border sari which worn by nuns of Missionaries of Charity was recognised as
Intellectual Property of Missionaries of Charity on September 4, 2016, the day the Mother Teresa was
canonized. This is the first time that a uniform has been made intellectual property.
• During the ‘Maruti Suzuki Sportsperson of the Year’ Charity Gala Awards Rio Olympics silver medallist P V
Sindhu was bagged with the Sportsperson of the Year award on 8th of July 2017.P Gopichand(Sindhu’s
coach) received the Coach of the Year award and Sikh Milkha Singh was given the Living Legend of the Year
award.2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist Abhinav Bindra was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Climate and energy efficiency solutions company Danfoss India has been recognized with the ‘Golden
Peacock Award’ for Environment Management.
• Indian Railways Organization for Alternate Fuel (IROAF) has set gold standards by winning Golden Peacock
Award for Eco Innovation for the year 2017 for introducing eco friendly and cost saving Compressed Natural
Gas (CNG) based Dual Fuel 1400 HP Diesel engines on Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains.
• Kishore Sansi, Managing Director and CEO of Vijaya Bank, has been conferred the ‘Personality of the Year’
award by Skoch Consultancy Services on 13th of July 2017. The award is part of the ‘Skoch Banking and
Financial Leadership’ series.
IIFA Awards 2017 in New Jersey, USA – Winners List
Category Winner
Best Film Neerja
Best Actor – Male Shahid Kapoor (Udta Punjab)
Best Actor – Female Alia Bhatt (Udta Punjab)
Best Director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury (Pink)
• According to Forbes Middle East the UAE Minister of State for Tolerance Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi has
topped a poll of the most powerful Arab women in government this year.
• The Toronto Film Festival is set to honour Priyanka Chopra. She will be the guest of honour at the fundraiser
event on 6th of September, 2018. The Toronto Film Festival will begin from 7th Sept to 17th September, 2017
in Canada.
• Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his
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contributions as a parliamentarian in the Lok Sabha. The award was given by the Vice President Hamid
Ansari at a function organised by the Lokmat Media Group to honour distinguished Lok Sabha and Rajya
Sabha members.
• On July 24, 2017, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee conferred this year's 'Mahanayak Samman
2017' to veteran actress Shakuntala Barua for her contribution to the world of cinema. For this year, Prosenjit
Chatterjee and Nusrat Jahan took home the Best Actor and Best Actress awards
• An Army medic from Michigan is becoming the first person to receive the Medal of Honor from President
Donald Trump in Wahington. While McCloughan was a 23-year-old, he was drafted into the Army and sent to
Southeast Asia.
• Kolkata-based football club Mohun Bagan conferred prestigious Mohun Bagan Ratna award on former club
captain and coach Subrata Bhattacharya, while Indian Women's cricket team veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami
was given a special award at the club's annual day programme in Kolkata on July 29, 2017.
• Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has become the world's richest person with a fortune of over $90.5 billion
announced on 27th of July 2017. Bezos owns around 17% of the equity of Amazon.
Winners of Ramon Magsaysay Awards 2017

Winner Awarded for
Yoshiaki Ishizawa For devoting 50 years of his life to help preserve Cambodia’s Angkor Wat
(Japan)
Gethsie Shanmugam For braving bombings and threats of arrests in conflict zones to counsel war widows,
(Sri Lanka) orphans and children traumatized by three decades of brutal civil war in Sri Lanka
Abdon Nababan For leading an effort to return state-controlled forest land to indigenous communities and
(Indonesia) give them a political voice and identity
Tony Tay For organizing volunteers starting in 1983 to cook and distribute thousands of free meal
(Singapore) packs every day to feed the elderly, migrant workers and low-income families.
Ms. Lilia de For overseeing the opening of hundreds of job-generating export processing zones across
Lima (Philippines) the country as head of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority
Philippine Philippine Educational Theatre Association was founded in 1967 with an initial aim of
Educational Theatre creating a national theatre but served as an artistic platform for protest when
Association dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law five years later. Its advocacies through the
(Philippines) arts have since expanded to gender issues and disaster preparedness.
Appointee Desination and Organisation

KK Venugopal 15th Attorney General of India
Rajiv Kumar Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh
Achal Kumar Jyoti 21st Chief Election Commissioner
Carrie Lam was sworn Hong Kong's first female leader
Vidya Balan Brand Ambassador of Signature Global
Dinesh Malkani (quits Office) Cisco India President
Lt General Mahesh Senanayake New Army Commander of Sri Lanka.
Himachal Pradesh DGP Sanjay Kumar National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Chief
Pradeep Kumar Rawat Ambassador of India to the Republic of Indonesia
N Chandrasekaran Chairman of Tata Global Beverages
Sanjiv Goenka IIT-Kharagpur chairman
Sandeep Chakravorty (India's Ambassador to New York Consul General
Peru )
Khaltmaa Battulga (Democratic Party) wins Mongolian presidential election
Saima Wazed Goodwill Ambassador of WHO
Kewal Handa Non-executive chairman of Union Bank
Melwyn Rego Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Syndicate
Bank.
R K Pachnanda Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
John Joseph Director General of GST intelligence agency
Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah First Ever black assistant for Queen Elizabeth
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Raninder Singh (Re Elected) National Rifle Association of India President

Debi Prasad Dash Director General of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
(DRI).
Leslie Thng CEO of Vistara
M&M's Rajeev Dubey Governing board of the International Labour Organisation
Thomas Kuehl President of Nissan Indian operations
Ravi Shastri New head coach of Indian cricket team
Sandeep Patil Brand ambassador of Indoor Cricket Team
Farzaneh Sharafbani First female CEO Iran Air
Justice Vikramajit Sen Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC-chairperson)
Subra Suresh President of Nanyang Technological University (NTU)-
Singapore
Senior IRS Officers Arbind Modi and Bajrang CBDT Members
Dass Vishnoi
Aarthi Subramanian - Chief Digital Officer of Tata Sons
Bishwadip Dey (concurrently) High Commissioner of India to Montserrat
Lilly Singh UNICEF's Global Goodwill Ambassador
Sanjiv Kohli (concurrently) High Commissioner of India to Niue
Mukesh Kumar Jain MD & CEO of Oriental Bank
Sushant Kumar Panda, Ameeta Suri, Pranab Members in the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).
Kumar Das and Joseph
Bilal Dar Brand ambassador of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation
(SMC)
Justice Gopal Prasad Parajuli Chief Justice of Nepal
Farooq Abdullah (Srinagar-Budgam) Lok Sabha members
Kunhalikutty(Malappuram)
UK's first woman Sikh MP Preet Kaur Gill Parliament panel in UK
Smriti Irani Additional charge as I&B Minister
NarendraTomar Additional charge -Minister for housing and urban affairs.
Swami Smarananandaji Ramakrishna Mission president
TR Zeliang 19th Cheif Minister of Nagaland.
Bharat Arun Cricket India bowling coach until 2019 World Cup
Ram Nath Kovind (NDA) 14th President of India
Mayawati (resigns) From Rajya Sabha MP post
Lady Super Star Nayanthara Brand Ambassador for Tata Sky
Kamal Haasan Brand ambassador of Tamil Thalaivas
Shanmugh Natarajan MD of Adobe India operations
Former minister Lord Davies Chair of the UK India Business Council
Sanjay Kothari Secretary to new President Ram Nath Kovind
Brenda Hale UK supreme court's first female president
Google CEO Sundar Pichai Alphabet Board of Directors
Ajay Kanwal Janalakshmi Financial Services- CEO
Subhash Chandra Garg India’s Alternate Governor on the Board of Governors of ADB
JDU President Nitish Kumar Chief Minister of Bihar for 6th time
Shikha Sharma (Term Extended three-year Axis Bank CEO
from June 2018 )
Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif (resigns) Over Panama Papers verdict
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Interim Pakistan Prime Minister
Ravi Mittal Part-time member on IRDAI board
Amitabh Bachchan Ambassador of UNICEF
• National Multi Commodity Exchange (NMCE) will merge with Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX) creating
the India's third biggest commodity exchange.ICEX will hold a 62.8% stake in the merged entity,
while NMCE shareholders will own 37.2%.This is the first merger deal in the commodity exchange space in
India.
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• Nokia has announced that it has entered into a wide-ranging patent licensing and purchase deal with
Xiaomi on 5th of July 2017. Xiaomi is the Chinese maker of smartphones, wearables and other hardware,
which will also become a customer of Nokia’s for networking equipment.
• Google has acquired Bangalore-based artificial intelligence firm Halli Labs. It focuses on Artificial
Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
• State Bank of India (SBI), the Carlyle Group and GE have announced that they have signed definitive
agreements.Under this agreement SBI and Carlyle Group will acquire GE Capital's entire stake in SBI Card,
the second-largest credit card franchise in India.SBI and Carlyle will own 74% and 26% respectively in each
of the two entities.
• Eurofins Scientific is acquiring Advinus Therapeutics from the Tata Group. Eurofins Scientific is the world
leader in food, environment and pharmaceutical products testing and a Luxembourg-based group of
laboratories.
• The Cabinet has given an in-principle approval to sell the government’s entire 51.11% stake in
Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd to Oil and Natural Gas Corp. It has been announced on 24th of July 2017.
• Yatra Online Inc, India’s second-largest online travel operator has acquired Air Travel
Bureau (ATB)announced on 24th July 2017. The estimated cash-and debt deal is of $22.5-27.5 million.
• Axis Bank has announced that it has agreed to buy mobile payments wallet provider FreeCharge from e-
commerce company Snapdeal for Rs 385 crore.
• Lulu Exchange, a foreign exchange and remittance company, has announced that it has entered into an
agreement to acquire 100 per cent ownership of Al Falah Exchange Company in the UAE for Rs. 95 crore.
MoUs
• Odisha government has signed an Expression of Intent (EOI) with the International Association of Athletics
Federations (IAAF) and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on 6th of July 2017. It is for establishing
an 'Odisha-AFI-IAAF High Performance Academy', to provide coaching, integrated support services and
education to athletes and junior potential elite athletes of the state.
• 65 MoUs in the textiles sector were signed on July 1, 2017, the 2nd day of mega textiles trade fair, ‘Textiles
India 2017’. These MoUs were signed in presence of Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani.
• Microsoft India has signed an agreement with National Independent Schools Alliance (NISA) to offer
Microsoft Aspire School Program (MASP) Pro Plus to over 55,000 member schools. Through this
partnership, schools across 23 states can now avail MASP Pro Plus.
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government
of West Bengal to set up a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Transfusion Medicine on 10th of July 2017.
The Centre of Excellence in Transfusion Medicine will be set up in Kolkata. Government has approved an
outlay of approximately Rs.200 Crores towards equipment, manpower and running costs.
• MoU Between ESIC & DGFASLI has been signed on occupational health and prevention of occupational
injuries and diseases in New Delh. It will remain in force for a time period of three years.
• Cabinet approves MoU between India and Palestine on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine.
• Bangladesh would impart clarity to the interpretation of the existing Agreement between India and
Bangladesh for the Promotion and Protection of Investments (BIPA).
• Union Cabinet has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indian Computer
Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and Bangladesh Government Computer Incident Response Team
(BGD e-Gov CIRT) for cyber security cooperation.
• Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Palestine on cooperation in the field of Information Technology
and Electronics (IT&E)
• The Uttar Pradesh government has signed an MoU with the Centre for setting up of an AIIMS hospital in
Gorakhpur on 14th of July 2017.
• A MoU was signed for promoting regional air connectivity in Bihar.The MoU has been signed in presence of
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok GajapatiRaju and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Kumar.
• Five states and a union territory including Gujarat and Telangana would ink an MoU with Government e-
Market (GeM) for smart procurement of goods and services. The other states that will ink the agreement are
Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and union territory Puducherry.
• HAL has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ministry of Defence for the financial year 2017-
18.The revenue from operations has been targeted at Rs 17,900 crore, the highest ever.
• BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd (BRPL) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) have signed an MoU to
explore collaboration opportunities for solar rooftop, electric vehicles, energy storage systems, energy
efficiency and smart grid technologies.
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• India and Sri Lanka have signed a MoU to develop a village in Anuradhapura District. The total estimated cost
is Rs 30 crores Sri Lankan rupees.
• The MoU has been signed between the department of Defence Production and Bharat Electronics Limited
(BEL) for the financial year 2017-18 with the Ministry. BEL is a Navratna Schedule ‘A’ Central Public Sector
Enterprise (CPSE).
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and
Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) for the financial year 2017-18.A MoU has been signed between
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a Schedule ‘B’ Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and a
Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence for the financial year 2017-18. Goa Shipyard Limited
(GSL), a miniratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) for the financial year 2017-18.
• Union Cabinet has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and
Netherlands on cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes. The MoU was
signed on May 11 & 22, 2017 at Bangalore and The Hague, Netherlands respectively.
• India and Bangladesh have signed a pact to connect both the countries by waterways announced on 24th of
July 2017. The waterways will facilitate movement of passengers and goods between India’s northeast and
West Bengal with Bangladesh.
• Cabinet apprised of the MoU signed between India and Palestine on cooperation in the field of youth affairs
and sports.
• Maharashtra’s women commission will sign an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP).It has been signed for rescue and rehabilitation of women who are victims of sex trafficking, acid
attack and domestic violence.
• The Punjab government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Foundation for
Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) on 28th of July 2017. The MoU was signed on the occasion of World
Hepatitis Day.
• Iran and Iraq has signed an agreement to boost military cooperation and the fight against terrorism and
extremism on 23th of July 2017.
• The BRICS nations have signed the BRICS Taxation Cooperation Memorandum on 27th of July 2017. The
aim is to establish a mechanism for taxation cooperation. It includes improving consultation procedures
efficiency, boost taxation capacities and plan paths for coordination of taxation policies and tax collection.
• On July 29, 2017, Sri Lanka’s government signed an agreement to sell a 70% stake in a $1.5 billion
Hambantota port to China in a bid to recover from the heavy burden of repaying a Chinese loan obtained to
build the facility. The deal document was signed between the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and China Merchants
Port Holding Co. in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has signed a MoU with Government of Uttarakhand Civil Aviation
Development Authority (UCADA). The MoU has been signed on 21st of July 2017.
SCHEMES
• Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on 8th July, 2017 announced a new health scheme to enable capital’s
residents avail free surgery in private hospitals at government’s cost. This would be applicable in case
government hospitals were unable to operate within one month.
• The Maharashtra government has approved a revised policy of the 'Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree' scheme who
have a yearly income of upto Rs 7.5 lakh will be benefited from this scheme. As per the revised provisions
after having the first girl child, if the mother or the father undergoes a family planning operation, a sum of Rs
50,000 shall be deposited in a bank in the name of the girl child.
• Madhya Pradesh’s school education department is going to start programmes such as 'Hamari Shala Kaisi Ho'
and 'Shala Siddhi Karyakram' to provide qualitative education to the government school studentsof the state.
• Finance Minister Arun Jaitley formally launched Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY), a pension
scheme exclusively for senior citizens (60 years and above) with 8% fixed rate of interest on their
savingsfor 10 years.It can be purchased offline as well as online through Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of
India.
• The Ministry of Rural Development will launch a new sub-scheme under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana –
National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) which will be named as “Aajeevika Grameen Express
Yojana (AGEY)”.
• Uttar Pradesh Power Minister Srikant Sharma has launched free power connection scheme for the BPL card
holders in the state
• The Centre has approved the construction of 30,000 houses for the urban poor on private land in Maharashtra's
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Sholapur on 25th of July 2017. It is the first such project to be taken up on private land under PMAY(U).
• On July 26, 2017, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave approval for revision
of guidelines of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB) Scheme with a view to achieve its intended objectives.
• The Punjab health minister Brahm Mohindra has launched a flagship care companion health scheme on 28th of
July 2017. The main aim is to improve patient outcomes through better family engagement and education.
• Haryana government has prohibited mixing of liquid nitrogen with any drink or food article announced on 29th
of July 2017. The ban has been issued under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
(Central Act 34 of 2006).
• The Punjab government has announced the launch of its flagship 'Apni Gaddi Apna Rozgar' scheme by
flagging off over 100 uber MOTO bikes.Under the scheme the state government will be providing commercial
two wheelers and four wheelers to unemployed youth at subsidised rates.
COMMITTEE
• A four-member committee of BCCI will take the final call in appointing the support staff of the Indian team
and then decide on the contracts that will be handed to the coaches.A four member committee will have
President CK Khanna, acting Secretary Amitabh Choudhary, CEO Rahul Johri and Committee.
• Karnataka has constituted a nine member committee to design a 'state' flag and submit a report on giving it
legal sanctity. If such a flag does come into being, Karnataka will only be the second state in the country to
officially have a flag of its own.
• The Supreme Court has allowed the Centre to replace the MCI oversight committee and to supervise the
functioning of the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a fresh panel of five eminent doctors.
• The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has formed a selection committee headed by the Cabinet
Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha to identify and recommend eligible persons for appointment as the chairman
and members of the National Anti-profiteering Authority.
• Reliance Jio Infocomm has launched the Asia-Africa-Europe (AAE-1) submarine cable system. It is
the longest 100Gbps technology based submarine system, will stretch over 25,000 km from Marseille, France
to Hong Kong, with 21 cable landings across Asia and Europe.
• NASA is developing the first-ever mission that will deflect a near-Earth asteroid. It help in testing the systems
that will allow mankind to protect the planet from potential cosmic body impacts in the future.
• Scientists have developed the world's sharpest laser with record-breaking precision. It can help in making the
optical atomic clocks more precise as well as test Einstein's theory of relativity.
• The indigenously developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air (QRSAM) short range missile was successfully
test-fired from a test range along the Odisha coastChandipur near Balasore. The missile has a capability of
engaging multiple target and has a strike range of 25 km to 30 km.
• North Korea claims to have successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on 4th of July
2017. It can strike targets anywhere in the world, following its most recent launch.
• On July 3, 2017, SpaceX's Dragon cargo spacecraft returned to Earth from the International Space
Station (ISS) bringing back the first Chinese experiment ever to ISS. This was SpaceX's 11th contracted cargo
re-supply mission for NASA.
• The world's most detailed scan of the brain's internal wiring has been produced by scientists at Cardiff
University, UK. The scanning was done in Cardiff, Nottingham, Cambridge and Stockport, as well as London
England and London Ontario.
• Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines, Piyush Goyal launched
the ‘MERIT app (Merit Order Despatch of Electricity for Rejuvenation of Income and Transparency)’ and the
e-bidding portal for providing e-Bidding solution to States to select Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for
procurement of power by transferring their domestic coal under the scheme of flexibility in utilization of
domestic coal.
• SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket successfully delivered super-heavy Intelsat 35e, a commercial communications
satellite, to a Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). Intelsat 35e was launched from Kennedy Space Centre,
Florida, US.
• Pakistan has successfully undertaken a series of training launches and tests during the current week for
validation of new technical parameters of ‘Nasr’ which is a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile
system . The launch took place in Rawalpindi. This missile system ranges from 60 km to 70 km.
• University of Washington researchers have invented a cellphone that requires no batteries.This battery free
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cellphone works by harvesting the few microwatts of power it requires from either ambient radio signals or
light.
• Centre has launched a GST Rates Finder app to verify the accurate tax rate on commodity and services under
the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. Through this app, user can determine GST rate by entering the
name of the commodity or service.
• The Madhya Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched the RSS website on 10th of July 2017.
The website will energise and inspire people to do good work and people to come forward to serve others.
• The findings mark the first time a vaccine has shown any protection against gonorrhea .Researchers say a
vaccine, originally developed to protect against a strain of meningitis, has been shown to ward off gonorrhea -
a sexually transmitted infection.
• According to NASA's Juno mission has completed a close flyby of Jupiter's Great Red Spot on 12th of July
2017. This flyby came as part of Juno's sixth science orbit around the planet the next close flyby will occur
1st Sept.
• Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has inaugurated Doppler Weather Radar on 12th of July 2017. Doppler
Weather Radar is built by Indian Meteorological Department at Kochi.
• Astronomers from Cambridge University have discovered a smallest star in our galaxy.The star known as
EBLM J0555-57Ab is almost 600 light-years away from Earth.
• A team of Indian astronomers has discovered a large supercluster of galaxies which named as Saraswati. It is
as big as 20 million billion suns.It has been said by Pune-based Inter University Centre for Astronomy and
Astrophysics (IUCAA) on 13th of July 2017.
• Russian Soyuz Rocket lifted off from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and deployed 73 satellites into
three different orbits.The satellites were launched by Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of the Russian space agency,
Roscosmos.
• The Rail Minister has launched an integrated mobile application SAARTHI (synergised advanced application
rail travel help and information) to cater to various passenger requirements, including ticket booking, inquiry,
on-board cleaning and ordering meal on a single platform.
• Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed super-stretchy and strong artificial silk. It is
composed almost entirely of water, which may be used to make eco-friendly textiles and sensors.
• Ministry of Science and Technology launched Sohum Hearing Screening device, a low-cost indigenous
screening device to detect congenital hearing loss in newborns. The device was formally launched in New
Delhi by the Minister of State for Science and Technology YS Chowdary.
• Scientists from ETH Zurich in Switzerland have developed a 3D-printed soft silicone heart that closely
resembles and functions like the human organ.
• UIDAI, which issues Aadhaar numbers, has launched mAadhaar app for mobile users. It will allow users to
carry unique identification profile on mobile.
• Google has launched 'Hire', a recruiting app for small- and medium-sized businesses on July 20, 2017. It also
integrates seamlessly with G Suite.
• According to the scientists the three space-based observatories Astrosat, Chandra, Hubble Space Telescope
and a ground-based observatory HARPS have detected a massive coronal explosion on the nearest planet-
hosting star ‘Proxima Centauri’. The exercise to investigate the fate of this Earth-like planet orbiting the
‘Proxima Centauri’, around 4.25 light years away from the Sun.
• Wi-Fi Local Area Network (LAN) was launched at the Arunachal Pradesh. The facility would modernize
work culture in the civil secretariat on 23rd of July 2017. It is the first secretariat in the country to be fully
under wireless coverage.
• The WCD minister also directed the officials to make the 'SHe-box'(sexual harassment electronic box) as
"interactive" as possible. This aims to enable women employees of the central government to file complaints
related to sexual harassment at the workplace.
• Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER) in Thiruvananthapuram have
developed a hydrophobic sorbent that can suck up oil and congeal it.
• Scientists have developed a super strong, flexible bio-glue for wound healing without causing toxicity. It has
been developed by the erudite researchers from the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and
the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).
• The Union Minister Shri Tomar and the ILO Deputy Director General (Policy) International Labour
Organization Ms. Deborah Greenfield has launched the Mobile App for Road Maintenance “Aarambh”. It has
been announced on 24th of July 2017.
• Scientists have produced human antibodies in the laboratory for the first time using a technique that can lead
to rapid development of new vaccines to treat a wide range of infectious diseases. Researchers, led by
Facundo Batista from the Francis Crick Institute in the UK.
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• On July 25, 2017, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched Uttar Pradesh Real Estate
Regulatory Authority (UP RERA) website, http://www.up-rera.in/. This will help Home buyers who can get
complete information about builder’s right from registration number of builders to his/her antecedents.
• This rare eclipse will be the first in 99 years, when the Earth will cross the shadow of the moon, creating a
total solar eclipse. The event will occur on 21st August 2017.
• Scientists in the US for the first time have successfully used gene-editing tools on human embryos to correct
defective DNA that cause inherited diseases. This study may open gates to Designer Babies.
• On the occasion of Foundation Day of Ministry of Earth Sciences in New Delhi Union Minister of Science &
Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has launched an
app“India Quake”on 27th of July 2017.
• On July 27, 2017, Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forests & Climate
Change, Dr. Harshvardhan launched an Integrated Information Dissemination System, “Sagar Vani” on the
occasion of Foundation Day of Ministry of Earth Sciences in New Delhi.
• Iran has successfully launched a satellite-carrying rocket Simorgh into space on 28th of July 2017. The launch
of a "Simorgh" rocket that is capable of carrying a satellite weighing 250 kilograms (550 pounds). "Simorgh"
means "phoenix" in Farsi.
• Scientists have developed new Artificial intelligence (AI) software called SurfNet that can create three
dimensional (3D) models from 2D photographs.SurfNet can be used in robotics, object recognition and even
self-driving cars.
• The NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog has approved 6 transport proposals of the
Transport ministry exploring options to improve public transport. The ministry is headed by former top
official of Railways to study parameters associated with these technologies and their best global practices.
• Breakthrough Starshot, a Russian billionaire Yuri Milner’s $100-million effort to explore the closest star
system to our own, has launched the smallest-ever spacecraft into orbit around Earth Known as Sprites.
DEFENCE
• There is a 15-day long joint military training exercise named Ex Maitree 2017 between the Indian and Thai
army has begun from 3rd July in Himachal Pradesh.
• The Trilateral Malabar exercise begins in Chennai on 7th July 2017. The U.S., Indian and Japanese maritime
forces will be participating in the Malabar Naval Exercise 2017. Naval ships, aircraft and
personnel from India, Japan and the United States will participate in exercise Malabar 2017.
• NATO military exercises in Eastern Europe have begun in Bulgaria. It involves 25,000 military personnel
from more than 20 allied and partner countries. The Saber Guardian 17 exercises are being led by U.S. Army
Europe and run until 20th July.
• China and Russia have started their large-scale naval exercise “Joint Sea 2017” in the Baltic Sea. It has been
announced on 23rd of July 2017. The Joint Sea naval exercises were held for the first time in 2012.
• The US and Australia have jointly test-fired a hypersonic missile capable of moving at a speed eight times
faster than sound as part of a $54-million research project. The test was part of a project called the Hypersonic
International Flight Research Experimentation Program (HIFiRE) involving the US and Australian militaries,
Queensland University, Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group and private companies, including
Boeing and BAE Systems.
• U.S. Navy recently tested the world’s first-ever active Laser Weapons System (LaWS). It is $40 million
system which is currently deployed on board the USS Ponce amphibious transport ship in the Persian Gulf.
• The second of the eight Mark IV LCU vessels was formally handed over to the Indian Navy at a ceremony in
Kolkata on 19th of July 2017. It is built by Garden Reach Shipbuilderss and Engineers Limited (GRSE),
Kolkata.
• US Navy commissioned world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R Ford into the fleet. The commissioning
ceremony was held at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia in presence of US President Donald Trump. The ship is
named after the 38th President of the United States Gerald Ford.
• On July 25, 2017, Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure)
announced the launch of its first two Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPVs) – ‘Shachi’ and ‘Shruti’ - at their
shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat.
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an unmanned, remotely operated
tank named ‘Muntra’ which has three variants – surveillance, mine detection and reconnaissance in areas with
nuclear and bio threats. Muntra has been developed and tested for the Army by Combat Vehicles Research
and Development Establishment (CVRDE) in Avadi, Chennai.
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ENVIRONMENT
• As per a publication titled ‘Mangrove Forest Cover Changes in Indian Sundarban (1986-2012) Using Remote
Sensing and GIS’, by the School of Oceanographic Studies, Jadavpur University, 124.418 sq. km. mangrove
forest cover in Indian Sundarbans has been lost from 1986 to 2012.
• The Assam government has raised a new Special Rhino Protection Force (SRPF)on 1st July, 2017. It has
been raised for better protection of the one-horned rhinos in Assam.
• A rare ‘white tiger’ with a pale skin color has been spotted for the first time in the Nilgiris by a wildlife
photographer on 5th of July 2017.
• A study by the University of Hyderabad and the Indian Institute of Technology – Bombay suggests that the
extreme El Nino that occurred in 2015 played an important role in Chennai’s heavy rainfall.
After 1982 and 1997, the 2015 event also turned out to be an extreme El Nino event.
• India among top 5 countries using dirty wastewater farms the report has been published on 5th of July 2017.
India and four other countries are China, Pakistan, Mexico and Iran. These countries account for the most
cropland in the world irrigated by dirty wastewater according to the new research has found.
• The study have found that the surface of Mars contains a toxic cocktail of chemicals that can eradicate living
organisms. According to the study the Mars soil may be toxic to alien life on red planet.
• Scientists have discovered a unique new species of hermit crab. The newly discovered crustacean is called
Paragiopagurus atkinsonae or the Green-eyed hermit crab.
• National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a ban on nylon and synthetic ‘manja’ the string used to fly kites as it
poses a threat to the lives of birds, animals and humans. The ban also includes cotton ‘manja’ coated with
glass, the tribunal clarified.
• Scientists from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have discovered the presence of millions of tonnes of
precious metals and minerals deep under the waters that surround peninsular India.
• The underwater ghost nets is posing threat to the marine ecosystem off Kerala coast. It may become major
threat to the natural habitat and breeding ground of underwater fish.
• The Indian state of Telangana will have eco-friendly bridges for easy movement of tigers.The Telangana
Irrigation Department has already given permit for the construction of the eco-bridges.
• A study has been conducted by researchers from University of Hyderabad’s plant sciences department
highlights Castor plants can reduce the soil which is highly polluted with heavy metals due to industrial
pollution.
• Typhoon Haitang struck China's eastern Fujian Province with continual rain blows on different parts of the
region. Over 2 lakh people have been evacuated from Typhoon. As per Xinhua news agency Typhoon Haitang
the 10th typhoon this year made landfall at 4.40 pm in Pingtung on the island of Taiwan.
• Scientists have discovered a three new species of toads living in Nevada's Great Basin in the US.It has been
announced on 24th of July 2017.
• As per the announcement by Trivendra Singh Rawat, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand the count of tigers in
Uttarakhand shot up 242 with an increase of 63 big cats in the year 2017. Uttarakhand is the second state in
terms of tiger count behind Karnataka, which has 400 big cats.
• Scientists have discovered a new species of glow-in-the-dark shark in the Pacific Ocean. It has an unusually
large nose, weighs a little less than a kilo and measures less than a foot.
• According to the Land and Resources Ministry China has successfully produced natural gas from methane
hydrate, also known as “flammable ice”, in an experimental project in the South China Sea (SCS).
SPORTS
• Australia's Jeff Horn stunned Pacquiuao to claim a unanimous 12-round decision and win the WBO world
welterweight title in front of 50,000 fans at Lang Park on 2nd July 2017.
• On June 30, 2017, M S Dhoni became the first Indian batsman to hit more than 200 sixes in One Day
International (ODI) cricket.M S Dhoni accomplished this feat while playing a crucial unbeaten knock of 78
runs against West Indies in the third ODI in North Sound, Antigua on June 30, 2017.
• Harinder Pal Sandhu won the eighth title at the PSA level on 8th July 2017 and the third this season after
winning two in Malaysia in the month of May. The tournament was held at Adelaide,Australia.
Eastbourne Aegon Championship
Men’s Singles Novak Djokovic (Serbia) Gaen Monfils (France)
Women’s Singles Karolína Plíšková (Czech Republic) Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark)
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Men’s Doubles Bob Bryan (US) & Mike Bryan (US) Rohan Bopanna (India) & Andre Sa
(Brazil)
Women’s Doubles Chan Yung-jan (Taipei) & Martina Hingis Ashleigh Barty (Australia) & Casey
(Switzerland) Dellacqua (Australia)
• Germany has won their first ever football Confederations Cup title after they secured a 1-0 victory against
Copa America winners Chile on 2nd of July 2017.
• Indian woman badminton player Ritika Thaker defeated another Indian woman badminton player Simran
Singhi to win the singles title in the Ivory Coast International badminton tournament at Abidjan. In women’s
singles final, Ritika defeated Simran by 21-13, 21-19 in 31 minutes.
• Jehan Daruvala became the first Indian driver to win in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship claiming
victory at Norisring in the final race of Round 5. Jehan Daruvala’s historic win comes 18 years after Naren
Karthikeeyan won in the British F3 championship.
• India has moved four places up to the 96th position in the FIFA World ranking released on 6th of July 2017.
Brazil remain on top of the FIFA rankings.
• India’s leading Pankaj Advani teamed up with Laxman Rawat to beat Pakistan in the final of the Asian Team
Snooker Championship is to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
• India's Harinder Pal Sandhu won beating beat Rex Hedrick of Australia, a Victorian Open squash title, in
Melbourne.
• Asian champion Govindan Lakshmanan (Tamil Nadu) has won a gold medal in men’s 5000m race on the
opening day of the National Inter-State Athletics Championships. He bagged a gold medal at the Asian
Athletics Championships 2017 held in Bhubaneswar.
• Teenage Atthaya Thitikul became the youngest winner on the Ladies European Tour in Thailand at the
Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club. He beat Ana Menendez of Mexico by two strokes.
Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas dominated the Austrian Grand Prix to take his second victory of the year ahead
of Sebastian Vettel as Lewis Hamilton recovered to fourth.
• India Women’ Cricket Team Captain Mithali Raj scripted history as she became the all-time leading run-getter
in women's one-day internationals (ODI). She overtook Charlotte Edwards (5992 runs) after scoring her 34th
run against Australia in Bristol. Mithali first player in the women’s game to reach 6000 ODI runs when she hit
a six off Kristen Beams.
• Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism has announced that 8th edition of the greatest
carnival of Theatre in the World will take place in India for the first time ever from February 17 – April 08,
2018.
• Former Pakistan test captain Misbah-ul-Haq was honoured with Honorary Life Membership by the
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The 43-year-old Misbah is the 22nd Pakistani to receive the honour.
22nd -Asian Athletics Championships 2017 - Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar
• Bhubaneswar was the third Indian city to host Asian Championships.
• The mascot of Championship was Olly, the Olive Ridley sea turtle.
• India ended the four-day championship on top with their highest ever medal haul of 29 medals (12 gold, 5
silver and 12 bronze) ,India's best came way back in the 1985 Jakarta edition where they had won 22 medals.
• This time India created history by topping medal tally at Asian Athletics.
• Neeraj Chopra (men's javelin), Govindan Laxmanan (men's 10,000 metres) and Swapna Burman (women's
heptathlon) along with the men's and women's teams in the 4x400m relays won gold medals in their respective
events.
131st -Wimbledon Championships 2017 – Overview
Men’s Singles Roger Federer (Switzerland) Marin Cilic (Croatia)
Women’s Singles Garbine Muguruza (Spain) Venus Williams (US)
Men’s Doubles Lukasz Kubot (Poland) & Oliver MArach (Austria) & Mate
Marcelo Melo (Brazil) Pavic (Croatia)
Women’s Doubles Ekaterina Makarova (Russia) & Monica Niculescu (Romania) &
Elena Vesnina (Russia) Chan Hao-ching (Taiwan)
Mixed Doubles Jamie Murray (UK) & Martina Heather Watson (UK) & Henri
Hingis (Switzerland) Kontinen (Finland)
• Lewis Hamilton Mercedes driver won his fourth successive British Grand Prixfor a record-equaling fifth time
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at the Silverstone on 16th of July 2017.

• India has bagged three medals, including gold in the Asian Cadet Judo Championship in Bishkek,
Kyrgyzstan. Thangjam Tababi Devi of Manipur won the yellow metal for India in the girl's below 44kg
weight category. Haryana's Simran clinched a bronze in the girl's below 40kg division.Paramjeet of Haryana
bagged bronze medal in the boy's below 90kg category.
• H Manudev from Karnataka won the first National Masters snooker tournament title in Chennai on July 16,
2017. He defeated former Asian champion, Alok Kumar.
• The first ever Kargil International Marathon ‘Run for Sarhad’concluded with more than 800 runners from all
over the world participating in the event. The event concluded on 17th of July 2017.
• Indian youngster Damneet Singh has wonthe India’s first silver medal at the IAAF World U18
Championships. He has won in the boys’ hammer throw category. The IAAF World U18 Championships
being held in Nairobi, Kenya.
• World football's governing body FIFA has lifted the ban on the Sudan Football Association (SFA). The ban
was imposed on the Sudan Football Association (SFA) for its failure to comply with its obligations stipulated
in articles 14 and 19 of the FIFA Statutes.
• Kerala emerged champions with 159 points at the 57th National Inter-State Championships that was held from
15th – 18th July, 2017 in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Tamil Nadu finished second with 110 points followed by
Haryana with 101 points in overall team rankings.
• A group of seven Indian students has bagged two awards at a robotics Olympiad organised by ‘FIRST Global’
in Washing D.C., US.
• Francesco Totti, a footballer legend from Italy confirmed his retirement on 17th of July 2017.
The Roma legend had announced he will take a directorship role at the Serie A club.
• Mumbai teens Neel Joshi and Ananya Dabke has bagged the under-15 boys and girls titles in the Dutch Open
Junior Squash Championship held in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• Russia's Kazan has been selected to host the 2022 World Short Course Swimming Championships.
• According to PTI, for the first time in 21 years Chennai will not host India’s lone ATP tour tournament. The
competition will now be held in Pune and called “Maharashtra Open.”
• Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has launched a statewide football grassroots development
programme 'Mission Football'at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on 23rd of July 2017.
• Indian Shot-putter Manpreet Kaur has been caught in the dope net after testing positive for a banned stimulant
(dimethylbutylamine) which might lose the gold medal clinched by her earlier this month. Kaur, who won a
gold medal in the recently-concluded Asian Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar.
Eighth edition of World Para Athletics Championships -London, UK
• India ranked at 34th position on medal table. Indian team won 5 medals (1 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze) in this
championship. China Topped the medal tally with 65 medals including 30 Gold.
• Indian Para-athlete Sundar Singh Gurjar (javelin throw) became second Indian to win gold at the World Para
Athletics Championships.
• India’s Amit Kumar Saroha clinched a silver medal in men’s club throw competition in World Para Athletics
Championships on July 17, 2017.
• Discus-thrower Karamjyoti Dalal won a Bronze medal at World Para Athletics Championships 2017, in the
Women’s category.
• High jumpers Sharad Kumar and Varun Bhati won silver and bronze medalrespectively at Para Athletics
Championships 2017.
• England beat India to won ICC women world cup 2017held at Lord’s Cricket Ground at London.The 2017
Women’s Cricket World Cup was the eleventh edition of the Cup.The Player of the Series title has been
awarded to Tammy Beaumont of England.
• Indian shuttler C Rahul Yadav and Men’s doubles pair of Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy has won the
Men’s singles and Men’s doubles title at Lagos International challenge. The Lagos International challenge was
held in Nigeria.
• India has bagged total 24 medals at the Jordan Junior and Cadet Open table tennis tournament.The event held
in Amman the capital of Jordan. The tally includes 7 Gold, 7 Silver and 10 Bronze medals. In the event India
was the second best finishers.
• Sebastian Vettel won a Hungarian Grand Prix.He took the checkered flag 0.9 seconds ahead of Raikkonen on
30th July 2017. This is his fourth win of the season and 46th of his Formula One career.
• John Isner(From USA) won his fourth ATP Atlanta title on 30th of July 2017. He had defeated Ryan Harrison
by 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (9/7). Isner, who has reached the final in seven of eight editions of the tournament, added a
fourth title to those he won in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
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• Indian Shuttler H S Prannoy has won the US Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament title on 24th July
2017. He has defeated his compatriot Parupalli Kashyap.It was held at Anaheim, California USA.
• World Youth Champion Sachin Siwach had won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games held in
Nassau Bahamas on 23th of July 2017.
• HarmanpreetKaur has made a jump of seven slots to move to 6th position in the latest ICC Women’s ODI
Rankings. It is released on 25th of July 2017.
• Indian weightlifter Konsam Ormila Devi has bagged a gold medal at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting
Championships in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has announced on 24th of July that India will host their first
Men’s World Championship in 2021.The AIBA Men’s World Championships 2019 will be held in Russia city
of Sochi. The 2018 Women’s World Championships will also be held in New Delhi.
• The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Competition Committee has awarded Indonesia the hosting of the
AFC Under-19 championship 2018.
• Indian shuttler HS Prannoy climbed to 17th position in the BWFworld rankings released on 28th of July 2017.
Indian, Kidambi Srikanth is highest ranked at number 8. India now has four shuttlers in top-20.
• India finished 6th in the girl’s team event of the 2017 WSF-World junior squash championship on 29th of June
2017. World Junior Squash held in Tauranga, New Zealand.
• The 20-year-old American Swimmer Caeleb Dressel has become the first swimmer to win three gold medals
on a single night at either the FINA World Swimming Championship or the Olympics at 2017 FINA World
Aqatics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
• Britain's Adam Peaty broke the 50m breaststroke world record for the second time in a day as he reached the
World Aquatics Championships final in Budapest, Hungary. In medal tally US topped with 39 medals(17
gold, 12 Silver and 10 bronze)
• Indian boxers have bagged a total of 8 medals at the 48th Grand Prix at Usti Nad Labem in Czech Republic. In
the tournament out of the eight, five were gold medals. The three other medals are two silver and one bronze.
OBITUARY
• Simone Veil, iconic European feminist politician, dies at 89

• Noted Odia Actor Minaketan Das Passes Away
• Veteran Journalist Ravinder Randev passes away in shimla.
• Veteran Marathi actor-writer Madhukar Toradmal passes away
• Drummer John Blackwell Jr dies at 43
• Former Bengal Cricketer Gour Ghosh passes away
• Actor Nelsan Ellis was best known for playing Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO series "True Blood," has died
at the age of 39.
• Veteran actress Sumita Sanyal passes away at the age of 7.
• Former Indian Ambassador to the US Naresh Chandra passes away.
• Water expert Mohanakrishnan passed away.
• 'The Indian Fighter' Actress Elsa Martinelli Dead At 82
• Renowned cartoonist Mangesh Tendulkar passed away in Pune. He was 83.
• Forensic expert Prof P Chandra Sekharan passes away
• Ray Phiri, a South African jazz musician died. He has died of cancer at age 70.
• Chinese Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo passes away
• Iranian- born mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani dies
• Former Sikkim CM Nar Bahadur Bhandari passes away
• Oscar-winning Actor Martin Landau has died at the age of 89, announced on 17th of July 2017.He was an
American film and television actor.
• Red West, an Actor-song writer died at the age of 81 in USA on July 18, 2017.
• Senior Congress leader Shivajirao Patil, passed away on 22nd of July 2017 after a brief illness.Patil was a
former MP and also a former member of the Maharashtra Legislature and the state cabinet.
• Nationalist Congress Party Kerala unit president Uzhavoor Vijayan died on 23rd of July 2017.
• Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington has passed away. He was 41. He was an American Singer
• Professor Udupi Ramachandra Rao, ex-Isro chief and renowned space scientist passes away.The first Indian
satellite ‘Aryabhata’ was launched in 1975 under his watch.
• Former Himachal Pradesh chief secretary Sudripta Roy died at the age of 63.
• Veteran scientist, administrator and popular science communicator, Professor Yash Pal passed away on July
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24, 2017 in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. He was 90.

• Former Australian Grand Slam champion and reputed coach Mervyn Rose has passed on 25th of July 2017.
• Veteran freedom fighter and social worker Kubersingh Saklecha passed away on 25th of July 2017.
Kubersingh was born in 1923 in Raisen district's Bareli tehsil, Uttar Pradesh
• Noted Gandhian and Freedom fighter K.E. Mammen, who had participated in the Quit India Movement,
passed away on July 25, 2017 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• Former Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh passed away.He was 80. Dharam was the 17th Chief
Minister of Karnataka and a member of the Janata Dal (Secular) and Congress alliance government between
2004 and 2006.
• Bollywood Actor Inder Kumar, best known for his role in films like Khiladiyon KaKhiladi and Kahin Pyaar
Na Ho Jaaye, died in Andheri, Mumbai.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
• The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has received the first copy of a book “President Pranab
Mukherjee – A Statesman” on 2nd July 2017 from Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at a function held
at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He appreciated the wonderful photos taken by Shri Varun Joshi from The Statesman
that feature in the photo essay
• Amit Bhardwaj, the founder of Amaze Mining & Research Limited, has launched his third e-book
‘Cryptocurrency for Beginners ‘ in the series, after ‘Cryptocurrency Trading for Beginners’ and
‘Cryptocurrency Mining for Beginners’.
• BJP President Amit Shah and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has released a coffee table book on Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s life in New Delhi.The book – Making of A Legend, has been compiled by Sulabh
International Founder Bindeshwar Pathak.
• A coffee-table book on Dalhousie has released on 13th of July 2017 by Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy.The
book 'Dalhousie...Through My Eyes', authored by retired civil servant Kiran Chadha.
• The President of India, ShriPranab Mukherjee received the first copy of the book “President’s Lady”
(Pranaber Preyosi) on his wife Late Smt. Suvra Mukherjee on 13th of July. The author of the book is Sangeeta
Ghosh.
• Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has released a coffee table book on 'Ganga Avahan'. It is a 2,800 km
exploratory open-water swim expedition on the Ganga river.
• Katie Price has disclosed the cover for her next novel "Playing With Fire", which will be available later this
year.
• The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee receives the first copy of the book ‘Future of Indian
Universities: Comparative and International Perspectives’ at a function to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.It has
been complied by Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor of JGU University and is published by
Oxford University Press.
• Governor of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu (additional charge) C. Vidyasagar Rao and Chief Minister of
Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis has released the book ‘Mann Ki Baat – A Social Revolution on Radio’ at Raj
Bhavan in Mumbai on 29th of July 2017. The book includes transcripts of the first 23 episodes of Prime
Minister’s monthly address on radio ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has released the fourth volume of Selected Speeches of President
Pranab Mukherjee on 24th of July 2017.
IMPORTANT DAYS
• Each year, first Saturday of July is observed as International Day of Cooperatives to increase awareness on
cooperatives. 2017 slogan of the International Day of Co-operatives is "Co-operatives ensure no one is left
behind".
• National Doctor's Day is celebrated to commemorate the contributions of the gods on earth.India
observes doctor's day on 1st of July in honour of former West Bengal Chief Minister, Dr Bidhan Chandra
Roy, who was also a physician.
• World Sports Journalists Day is a global professional observance which is held on 2nd of July.
• Global Forgiveness Day is observed on 7th July 2017. It is a day to forgive, and a day to be forgiven!. It was
created in 1994 by the Christian Embassy of Christ's Ambassadors. The date has been moved from August
27th to July 7th.
• International Plastic Bag Free Day has been observed on 3rd of July 2017.It has been dedicated to heightening
awareness about plastic and disposable carrying devices.
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• The World Zoonoses Day is observed every year on 6th of July to create awareness on zoonotic diseases, how
to prevent them and what actions to take when exposed.
• World Population day is observed every year on July 11th 2017 to raise awareness of global population issues
since 1989.Theme of World Population Day 2017 is ‘Family Planning: Empowering People, Developing
Nations‘.
• Malala Day is celebrated on July 12 in honour of Nobel Peace Prize and UN activist Malala Yousafzai. Malala
Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl engaged in the promotion of women’s education, delivered an impassioned speech
at the United Nations (UN) headquarters regarding the importance and need of gender equality in education.
• The World Youth Skills Day is observed globally on 15 July. It has been observed to raise awareness about
the importance of youth skills development.The World Youth Skill Day 2017 Theme is “Skills for All”.
• International Justice Day has been observed on 17th July. It marks the 19th anniversary of the 1998 Rome
Statute, the founding treaty that created the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC began its work in
The Hague, Netherlands in 2002.
• Nelson Mandela International Day (or Mandela Day) is celebrated every year on 18th July to honour the
former Nobel Prize winner. The United Nations officially declared this day in November 2009. Nelson
Mandela was South Africa’s first black president (1994-1999).
• The United Forum of Bank Unions has decided to observe 19th July as 'Save public sector banks' day. It is the
48th anniversary of nationalisation of major banks.
• Radio broadcast had completed 90 years in country on 23rd of July 2017. It is the first ever radio broadcast in
the country went on the air from the Bombay Station on 23rd July 1927 under a private company, the Indian
Broadcasting Company. All India Radio, now under Prasar Bharati, has the significance of being one of the
major broadcasting organizations in the world.
• The Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) has celebrated its 78th Anniversary at CRPF Headquarters in New
Delhi on 27th of July 2017.
• The country is celebrating the 18th Anniversary of ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ on 26th of July, 2017.Kargil Vijay
Diwas is celebrated on 26 July, pay homage to India’s emphatic victory against Pakistan and honors the war
heroes.
• World Hepatitis Day has observed on 28th July every year. The 2017 theme of World Hepatitis Day
is "Eliminate Hepatitis" to mobilize intensified action towards the health targets in the 2030 Sustainable
Development Goals.
• ‘International Tiger Day’ is celebrated every year on 29th July. This year’s International Tiger Day was
celebrated with the slogan ‘Fresh Ecology For Tigers’ Protection’.
• The United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2017 was observed on 30 July 2017 around the
world. The theme of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is ‘Act to Protect and Assist
Trafficked Persons’.
Current Affairs August 2017

INDIAN AFFAIRS
• On July 31, 2107, Constitution 123rd Amendment Bill, 2017 for setting up of a National Commission for
Backward Classes was passed by Rajya Sabha after dropping an important clause.
• A campaign to protect children from major childhood diseases like measles, mumps and rubella has been
started in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh from August 1, 2017. The campaign has been initiated
by Dharamshala Municipal Corporation Mayor Rajni Vyas.
• The Supreme Court has imposed a ban on the use of five harmful heavy metals likelithium, antimony,
mercury, arsenic and lead in the manufacturing of firecrackers as they cause air and noise pollution.
• The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has announced a package of Rs 2350 crore for relief, rehabilitation and
building flood mitigation infrastructure in the flood-affectedNorth-Eastern states including Assam on
1st August 2017.
• The Union Government has proposed to establish an additional 14 new AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical
Science) in a phased manner in different States under Pradhan MantriSwasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has appointed an expert panel
committee that would study various issues relating to data protection in the country and will suggest a draft
data protection Bill. It is a 10 member panel and it is headed by Supreme court Judge (retired) Justice B N
Srikrishna.
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• On August 2, 2017, Lok Sabha passed two bills, CGST (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill, 2017 and
IGST (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill, 2017, extending Central Goods and Services Tax (GST) and
Integrated Goods and Services Tax (GST) to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
• In an attempt to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture, Government launched “AGRI
UDAAN”- Food and Agribusiness Accelerator 2.0 programme in New Delhi on August 4, 2017. The
program will be run by ICAR-NAARM Technology Business Incubator (TBI), a-IDEA and Indian Institute of
Management Ahmadabad’s Center for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE).
• The Bihar Government has informed that it has decided to compulsory retirement to the non-performing
teachers, head masters and education department officials above the age of 50 years announced on 3rd of
August 2017.The committee is headed by RK Mahajan.
• On 3rd August 2017, Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Shri Jayant Sinhainformed that the
Indian Government is encouraging to develop green airports, Airports Authority of India ( AAI )has
inaugurated installation of 1MWp solar power plant at Tirupathi and Vijaywada Airports.
• The state government of Assam has decided to distribute 13 lakh Soil Health Cards among farmers.
• The Yogi Adityanath cabinet in Uttar Pradesh has approved a proposal to rename the Mughalsarai railway
station near Varanasi after the Jan Sangh leader who died in 1968.
The centre has approved a proposal to rename the Mughalsarai railway station in Uttar Pradesh after RSS
ideologue DeenDayalUpadhyaya.
• Union Home Ministry passed an order to merge the three-decade old National Crime Records
Bureau (NCRB) with Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD).
• Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and luxury cars, which became cheaper after the rollout of the goods and
services tax (GST) from July 1, 2017, may now cost more as the GST Council, has decided to raise cess on
them from 15% now to up to 25%.
• Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Mr. Shripad Yesso Naik, informed that during the year
2016-17, central Government released Rs. 41711.849 lakhs fund to State/UT Governments under
National AYUSH Mission (NAM). Abbreviation AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy,
Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.
• Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has become the first female actor ever to hoist the Indian National
Flag at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM),Australia’s annual celebration of film from India and
the subcontinent. Aishwarya was also bestowed with ‘Excellence in Global Cinema’ award at the film festival.
• The 2030 Water Resources Group (2030WRG) will help the Maharashtra Government to raise $270 million
from the Green Climate Fund, which will be invested in integrated watershed programmes in the state
• In a bid to eliminate measles and curb instances of rubella by 2020, Union Government has rolled out
the second phase of its measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in the country.
• The Centre has declared the entire Assam as a “disturbed” area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers)
Act, the AFSPA for three more months.
• The Goa Legislative Assembly has passed a bill which regain coconut as a `tree, ensuring legal protection for
it on 8th of August 2017. The Assembly, on the last day of Monsoon session has passed the Goa, Daman and
Diu (Preservation of) Trees Act, 1984 to regulate felling of coconut trees and reclassify it as tree.
• The Bombay High Court has accepted Maharashtra government’s statement that it would not allow children
under the age of 14 years to participate in the ‘Dahi Handi’ festival on 7th of august 2017.
• Government will soon expand operation of Logistics Data Bank (LDB) project to India’s southern region. So
far, it had covered only the western logistics corridor..
• On August 8, 2017, NITI Aayog announced partnership with six states (with three states for health sector
reforms and three states for education sector reforms) under its Sustainable Action for Transforming Human
Capital (SATH) initiative. NITI Aayog has selected Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Karnataka to improve
healthcare delivery and key outcomes in these States.
• Government has constituted a committee of joint secretaries for ensuring enhanced affordability, availability
and accessibility of drugs for the citizens announced on the parliament on 8th of August 2017.
• On August 10, 2017, Union Government announced that it has set up institutional mechanisms including
a task force, an inter-ministerial synergy group and a steering committee to realise the full potential of textile
sector. National Mission for Clean Ganga has approved ten projects in Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar
Pradesh to the tune of about Rs 2,033 crore.
• On August 9, 2017, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology PP Chaudhary said first
phase of National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC), set up to scan the country’s web traffic to detect cyber
security threats, has been made operational now.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a temporary ban on use of non-biodegradable plastic bags
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which are less than 50 microns in Delhi.A bench is headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar.
• The Uttar Pradesh Government has launched a new awareness drive called Namami Gange Jagriti
Yatra announced on 10th of August 2017. The drive will mainly focus on cleanliness along the banks of
Ganga river and maintain hygiene.
• The Supreme Court has issued a set of directions including that insurance companies will not renew insurance
of a vehicle unless the owner provides pollution under control (PUC) certificate. It has been announced on
10th of August 2017.
• On August 10, 2017, the Lok Sabha passed State Banks (Repeal and Amendment) Bill 2017 to repeal the SBI
(Subsidiary Banks) Act 1959, State Bank of Hyderabad Act 1956 and to further amend the State Bank of India
Act, 1955, following the merger of five associates with the parent State Bank of India.
• As per Economic Survey 2016-17 Volume II, tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on
August 11, 2017, meeting the upper end of the 6.75-7.5 per cent GDP growth forecast for 2017-18 will be a
challenge.
• Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Raohas initiated Rs2,000-crore project that seeks to modernise
and strengthen its network. It has been initiated to modernise the SriramSagar project and increase the area
served by this lifeline project.The project on the Godavari River has the capacity to boost water supply to
several districts in the State.
• Government has fixed an ambitious target of installing 60 giga watt (GW) wind power capacity in the country
by 2022.Power Minister Piyush Goyal said, the current wind power installed capacity in the country is over
32.5 GW.
• The Delhi Assembly has passed the Minimum Wages (Delhi) Amendment Bill 2017and the Delhi Netaji
Subhash University of Technology Bill 2017.In the amended bill, the penalty for violation of law had been
raised from the existing Rs 500 to Rs 50,000 and minimum imprisonment of 6 months increased to 3 years.
• Code on Wages 2017 Bill that seeks to fix a national minimum wage was introduced in the Lok Sabha on
August 10, 2017. Introducing the Bill, Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said, Code on Wages Bill will
consolidate and amend the laws relating to wages and bonus.The Bill seeks to unite four laws — the Payment
of Wages Act 1936, the Minimum Wages Act 1948, the Payment of Bonus Act 1965 and the Equal
Remuneration Act 1976.
• The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has launched a new video of the National Anthem in sign
language, featuring disabled and partially disabled children announced on 10th of August 2017..It is directed
by veteran filmmaker GovindNihalani. The 3-minute video features film star Amitabh Bachchan along with
physically challenged children performing the anthem in sign language with the Red Fort in the background.
• To improve road safety in Hyderabad with the use of technology, the Government of Telangana, along
with World Resources Institute (WRI) India Ross Center, has announced the launch of Smart Streets Lab
program.
• The 9 year old Kaamya Karthikeyan became the youngest person to reach the summit of the 6,153 metres-
high Mt Stok Kangri in Kashmir.Kaamya reached the peak by climbing 30 Km over a course of 3 days, with
an altitude gain of 2,750 metres.
• Jharkhand Assembly passed the below two bills on August 12, 2017.Jharkhand Assembly Passes Religious
Freedom Bill, It also passed land acquisition 2013 amendment bill.
• All state-run universities in Rajasthan will not observe a holiday on October 2 on the occasion of Gandhi
Jayanti this year announced on 11th of August 2017.
• A Parliamentary Panel has suggested that 100 per cent pension should be given to the widow of the deceased
soldier. Standing Committee on Defence headed by Maj. General (Retired) B C Khanduri tabled its report in
Parliament. The report said after the death of a soldier, the pension of the spouse comes down to 60 per cent of
his pension.
• Infusion Nurses Society (INS) is a global authority in infusion therapy has launched India’s first online course
on Infusion Therapy for nurses on 13th of August 2017.
• Gabriel Chundan, the snake boat powered by oarsmen of Thuruthippuram Boat Clubhas won the 65th edition
of the prestigious Nehru Trophy held at the Punnamda Lake.
• A three-day annual cultural festival named ‘Fete de Puducherry’ organized by the Government of India begins
in Puducherry.Artistes from 11 states and the union territory of Puducherry will take part in ‘Fete de
Puducherry.
• Union home minister Rajnath Singh has launched a digital policing portal (www.digitalpolice.gov.in) on
21st of Aug 2017 making it possible to electronically apply and seek verification for tenants, domestic helps
and even passports.The initiative is a follow up of Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems Project
(CCTNS) or the crime and criminal tracking network system.
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• Karnataka Government has launched clouding seeding Project Varshadhari in Bengaluru under which
an aircraft will spray chemicals to induce rainfall.
• The Supreme Court announced its judgement on the issue of instant triple talaq with majority of 3:2 .They
banned “triple talaq”, or instant divorce and termed as void or invalid.Triple talaq is a form of divorce in
Islam . It allowed any Muslim man to legally divorce his wife by stating the word talaq (the Arabic word for
“divorce).
• NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has launched the Mentor India Campaign. It is a strategic nation building
initiative to engage leaders who can guide and mentor students at more than 900 Atal Tinkering Labs.It has
established across the country as a part of the Atal Innovation Mission on 23rdof August 2017.
• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is going to establish National Sports Museum at Jawaharlal Nehru
Stadium, New Delhi. It will be first of its kind sports museum in India. The aim of the Museum is to
popularise the sports as a way of life within the country.
• On 23rd August 2017 a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed between India and Nepal for
new Mechi Bridge over Mechi River at Indo-Nepal border which is the ending point of Highway 02 in India
leading to Nepal.The estimated cost of construction of the bridge is Rs. 158.65 crore.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the renaming of the new Central Sector Scheme –
SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) .”Pradhan
Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) “covers for the period of 2016-20 coterminous with the 14th
Finance Commission cycle.
• The Cabinet has approved a proposal for setting up of a Commission to examine the issue of sub-
categorization of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) under article 340 of the Constitution.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of Ministry of Railways to close
the Bharat Wagon and Engineering Company Limited (BWEL). It is a Central Public Sector Enterprise
(CPSE) under Ministry of Railways.
• The Union Cabinet has given in-principle approval for Public Sector Banks to amalgamate through an
Alternative Mechanism (AM). The decision regarding creating strong and competitive banks would be solely
based on commercial considerations.
• On August 24, 2017 The Supreme Court (SC) ruled that privacy is a fundamental right because it is essential
to the right to life. Chief Justice JS Khehar informed that ruled privacy was part of the fundamental right to
life and personal liberty guaranteed to all citizens under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• Jats of Dholpur and Bharatpur districts have been given reservation under the Other Backward Class (OBC)
category in Rajasthan on August 24,2017. Jats residing in districts except for Dholpur and Bharatpur were
getting benefit of the OBC quota.
• Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched door step enrolment facility with Common
Services Centers (CSCs) in Delhi. It is the facility available for the elderly, patients and others who cannot
travel the Aadhar centers.The van was flagged off by Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
• Telangana government launches 181 helpline for distressed women. Department of Women Development and
Child Welfare in collaboration with Hyderabad District Collectorate launched a Women Helpline 181 to help
and assist women in distress.
• Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated grid connected roof top solar programme to
encourage the public participation to harness renewable energy.
Under this programme, the consumers can introduce small solar plants on their rooftops and consume
the generated solar power during day time. Excess power can be exported to the grid through their service
cable.
• The Cabinet Committee has approved the renaming of the new Central Sector Scheme– SAMPADA (Scheme
for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) as “Pradhan Mantri Kisan
Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) “for the period of 2016-20 coterminous with the 14th Finance Commission cycle.
The Main purpose of PMKSY is to supplement agriculture, modernize processing and decrease Agri-Waste.
• Cabinet approves MoU between India & Nepal on Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit
Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance
• The government has raised the income limit defining ‘creamy layer’ for OBC reservation by Rs two lakh per
annum. According to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley the government has hiked the creamy layer ceiling
for the Other Backward Classes to Rs 8 lakh per annum from the existing Rs 6 lakh for central government
jobs.
• EPFO organizes Tiranga Yatra to Commemorate 75th anniversary of Quit India Movement in Mumbai.
The Tiranga Yatra is an opportunity to achieve ‘Sankalp’ to ‘Siddhi’ towards a ‘New India’.
• Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman has constituted a Task Force on Artificial
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Intelligence (AI) for India’s Economic Transformation. The task force will have the Chairperson Dr. V.
Kamakoti, IIT Madras.
• India is deploying along its volatile border with Pakistan a smart Israel-developed fencing systemwhich is
having a ‘quick response team’ mechanism that strikes when the CCTV-powered control room detects an
infiltration attempt.The BSF is implementing a project called the comprehensive integrated border
management system (CIBMS).
• Odisha Government will soon launch “Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran” (DAMAN), a special
programme to prevent the spread of malaria in remote areas of Ganjam district.
The community health centres that have been identified are Patrapur, Adapada, Badagada, Dharakote and
Gallery.
• The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis has launched Namo Yuva Rojgar Kendra on 14
August 2017.Namo Yuva Rojgar Kendra is an initiative on the part of the state government to provide job
opportunities to the unemployed youth in Mumbai.
• Prime Minister Narendra modi has launched a New India movement from 2017-2022, a Sankalp Se Siddhi
(Attainment through Resolve) Program was organized at Coimbatore.The New India Movement 2017-
2022 organized an India free of Poverty, Corruption, Terrorism, Communalism, Casteism, and Un-cleanliness.
• The government has imposed a penalty of USD 264 million (about Rs 1,700 crore)on Reliance Industries Ltd
and its partners. The penalty has been imposed for producing less than the targeted natural gas from eastern
offshore KG-D6 fields in 2015-16.
• The government has directed internet majors Google, Facebook, Whats App, Instagram, Microsoft and
Yahoo to immediately remove links of the dangerous online game Blue Whale Challenge. It leads to suicides
of children in India and other countries.The Blue Whale game was created by a 22-year-old Russian named
Philipp Budeikin.
• The 6th session of India-Turkmenistan Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) on Trade, Economic,
Scientific& Technological Cooperation was held in New Delhi on August 14, 2017.
• ‘Indira Canteen’, aimed at serving food to poor at subsidized rates, was inaugurated in Bengaluru on August
16, 2017, by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi who had the first breakfast at the canteen
in Jayanagar, said ‘Indira Canteens’ would serve the migrants who came to Bengaluru with a dream to build
something.
• Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a live Twitter wall for promoting ‘Bharat Ke Veer portal’
on the eve of the 71st Independence Day.On this occasion, Ministers of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram
Ahir and Kiren Rijiju contributed their one month salary for the portal.
• Union Cabinet has approved a new Metro Rail Policy that seeks to enable realization of growing metro rail
aspirations of a large number of cities but in a responsible manner.
• Cabinet approves creation of a single non-lapsable corpus fund for Secondary and Higher education and also
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Sweden on IPRs.
• In series of approvals the cabinet approved completion of balance works of North Koel Reservoir Project,
closure of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Forest and Plantation vi. Development Corporation Limited
(ANIFPDCL), Port Blair, besides raising Rs.9020 cr for long term irrigation fund.
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved following
two proposals of Department of Investment and public Asset Management (DIPAM) for strategic
disinvestment:
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval
to the Scheme of providing Budgetary Support under Goods and Service Tax (GST) Regime for the eligible
industrial units located in State of Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and North Eastern
States including Sikkim.
• The Finance Ministry and the World Bank has signed an agreement of $24.64 millionfrom the Global
Environment Facility (GEF) of the World Bank for ecosystem service improvement project.The project’s
duration is for five years.
• The OMCs( Oil Marketing Companies) and EESL( Energy Efficiency Services Ltd) was to ink Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU)on August 18,2017 for selling LED bulb for Rs 65, tube light for Rs 230 and ceiling
fan at Rs 1,150.The consumers able to buy these above appliances in mentioned petrol bunk.
• The Prime Minister has interacted with Young Entrepreneurs at the “Champions of
Change” initiative organised by NITI Aayog at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra. The Prime Minister described the
“Champions of Change”initiative as one effort to bring together diverse strengths for the benefit of the nation
and society.
• Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has launched the “Harit
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Diwali, Swasth Diwali” campaign on 17th August 2017. About 800 children from schools of Delhi and NCR
have participated in the campaign.
• The government has banned exports of gold jewellery, medallions and other articles above 22- carat purity in
a bid to check round stumbling of the precious metal.India is the world’s second-biggest gold consumer after
China. Imports now attract only 3% integrated GST.
• Under project Navika Sagar Parikrama which will commence in September 2017, a team of women officers of
the Indian Navy would circumnavigate the globe on an Indian-built sail boat INSV Tarini. This is the first ever
Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all-women crew.
• The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), in a joint initiative with the Northern Railway, launched
the ‘mosquito terminator train’ at the New Delhi Railway station on 18th of Aug 2017.It is expected to cover
a distance of 70 kilometres a day.
• SmritiI rani has inaugurated Jharkhand’s first textiles manufacturing and export unit‘Orient Craft Ltd’.Irani
will also lay foundation stones of numerous companies under special make in Jharkhand drive, called
“Momentum Jharkhand in Jamshedpur.
• Government of India’s Street Lighting National programme (SLNP) has illuminated 50,000 KM of Indian
roads with installation of 30 lakh LED street lights across the country. With this milestone Energy Efficiency
Services Limitedhas become the world’s largest street light management company.
• On November 13, 2017, Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry will be conducting National
Assessment Survey (NAS) for the students of class 3, 5, and 8for assessing various learning outcomes.
• Government has doubled monthly child care allowance for women with disabilities. At present, the allowance
of Rs 1500 per month is given to differently-abled female employees for taking care of their newborn
child. This has been raised to Rs. 3000 per month.
• To prevent adulteration and revenue leakage, the Assam government has decided that country liquor would
be grain-based, undergo chemical tests and be branded and make it mandatory for the bottles to sport a
hologram as in the case of IMFL.
• Delhi Metro has opened a facility to recycle the waste produced during its demolition and construction
work.The construction waste generated by DMRC is generally dumped at pre-designated sites identified and
approved by the government.
• The Maharashtra platform is aimed at measures such as micro irrigation for cotton. The 2030 Water Resources
Group (2030WRG), a consortium of public and private sector entities under the International Finance
Corporation (IFC) will be raising up to $10 million to help about four lakh cotton farmers in Maharashtra.
• Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has informed that the government has decided to offer 40 per cent
reservation for girls at 100 Navodaya-type schools and five higher education institutes. A panel formed by The
Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF), a government-funded agency, had recommended a three-tier
model to tackle educational backwardness among minorities, particularly the Muslims.
• On August 21,2017 ‘Swasth Bachche, Swasth Bharat’ Programme, was launched in Kochi.Union Minister for
Human Resource Development Shri. Prakash Javadekar unveil the Profile Card in a function held at Kendriya
Vidyalaya at KV NAD, Aluva (Kochi).The programme aims to make students, teachers and parents aware of
the importance of good health and fitness and encourage ‘60 minutes of play’ every day.
• The National Mineral Policy, 2008 should be reviewed is mandatory and the panel suggest a new framework
will submit its report by October-end.The 29-member panel has headed by Mines Additional Secretary K
Rajeswara Rao.
• On 25th Aug 2017 according to the Parliamentary panel no Genetically Modified (GM)crop should be
introduced in India unless the bio safety and socio- economic appeal is evaluated in a “transparent” process
and an accountability regime is put in place. The report of the committee, chaired by Congress leader Renuka
Chowdhury was presented to the Rajya Sabha chairman.
• Minister of State Shri MJ Akbar made official visits to Ghana and Equatorial Guinea from August 14 to
August 18, 2017 to launch the Freedom@70 celebrations and to inaugurate FICCI’s ‘Namaskar Africa’ trade
show.
• As per RBI panel there is a need to adopt a rights- based privacy framework in household finance announced
on 25th Aug 2017.The committee was headed by Tarun Ramadorai, a professor in financial economics at
Imperial College London, and had representatives from all financial regulators.
• The fifth round of Foreign and Security Policy Consultations between India and the European Union were
held in New Delhi on 25th of Aug 2017.
• Kerala government has begun e-waste disposal in its state schools. Under a programme aimed at clearing the
accumulated junk with about 12500 kg being disposed on a single day. It has been announced on 26th Aug
2017.
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• Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has launched BEML’s third Line Ultra Modern Metro Manufacturing
Facility announced on 26th Aug 2017. It has been launched to enhance the production of metro cars for the
forthcoming metro projects in India.
• Assam forest department deployed around 10000 security and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)
personnel, 20 elephants and 20 excavators to evict 1400 families that have been encroaching upon Amchang
Wildlife Sanctuary on the northeastern fringe of Guwahati. The sanctuary is spread over 78.64 sq km.
• Supertech has received green nod for developing a sports-centric housing project in Greater Noida. It would
have an investment cost of Rs1,130 crore.
• The first edition of Miss Transqueen India, a beauty pageant for transgenders, will take place in Gurugram on
22nd Aug 2017.Under this beauty peageant total 1500 participants fought it out to make it to the top 16.
• Karnataka’s Department of Tourism has announced Dasara Special Tour Packages announced on 28th of Aug
2017.
• On August 26 2017 Defence minister Arun jaitley, inaugurates the 5.8-tonne category Light Combat
Helicopter(LCH) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) design upgrade program (Hawk – i) to our nation
at HAL(bengaluru)
• Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams which is the famous temple of Lord Venkateswara and of the richest Hindu
temple in India has deposited 2,780 kg of gold with State Bank of India under long term deposit
schemeannounced on 29th Aug 2017.
• The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is going to launch Deep Ocean Mission by January 2018 to
encourage research activities in ocean science.India was ranked 15th in the number of research papers on
ocean science.
• The Ministry of Textiles has organized Pan India camps in handlooms and handicrafts groups under the
initiative “Hastkala Sahyog Shivir”. The camps will be organized during 7th October to 17th October
2017.This initiative is dedicated to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Garib Kalyan Varsh, the birth centenary year
of Pandit Deendayal Upadhayay.
• Union Cabinet approved the proposal of the Election Commission of India(ECI) to enter into Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration with the
Election Management Bodies of other countries/International Agencies.
• Cabinet approves MoU with Myanmar for the Conservation of Earthquake-Damaged Pagodas at Bagan.
Implementation of this project will strengthen India’s ties in culture and religion with Myanmar. This project
has religious significance as well as the touristic significance.
• Cabinet approves promulgation of the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Ordinance, 2017.
The approval would allow to increase the maximum rate at which the Compensation Cess can be levied from
15% to 25%.
• Cabinet apprised of jointly issue of postage stamps between India and Canada. India and Canada have
mutually agreed to jointly issue a set of two Commemorative Postage Stamps on India-Canada, on the
theme “Diwali“. The joint stamps will be released on 21st September, 2017.Diwali it is a cultural theme for
both the countries and also considering the large presence of Indian Diaspora in Canada.
• Cabinet approves equivalence of posts in Central Public-Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Banks, Insurance
Institutions with Posts in Government so that the children of those serving in lower categories in PSUs and
other institutions can get the benefit of OBC reservations.
Narendra Modi’s visit in Rajasthan – August 2017
• He laid foundation stone and inaugurated national highway projects worth Rs 15,000 crore.
• He dedicated 11 national highways to the nation. These highways cover a total length of 873 kms and
inaugurated a suspension bridge built across the Chambal river at Kota, making it the first 6-lane cable
suspended bridge in the Rajasthan. The bridge, 1.4 km in length, is constructed at a cost of Rs 278 crore at
Kota.
• The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has inaugurated the ‘YUVA’ – a skill development
programme. It is an initiative taken by Delhi Police under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana on 29th of
Aug 2017. Delhi Police has tied up with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Confederation
of Indian Industry(CII) to provide the job-linked skilling for selected youths.
• The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has decided to close the process of holding interview for selection of candidates for
the government jobs in all the non-gazetted posts of Group B, C and D categories announced on 29th of Aug
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2017.
• On august 29,2017, The Geographical Indications Registry (GIR) has granted geographical indication
(GI) status to Gobindobhog rice, a speciality from Burdwan district of West Bengal. The state has applied for
GI status in the year 2015.
• The Ministry of Railways has signed two MoUs with Switzerland on 31st of Aug 2017. It has been signed
between Ministry of Railways and Swiss Confederation.The first MoU is between Ministry of Railways and
Federal Department of the Environment, Transport and Communications of the Swiss Confederation for
technical cooperation in Rail Sector. The second MoU is between Konkan Railway Corporation Limited
(KRCL) and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich.
• The Fourth Session of the India-Tanzania Joint Trade Committee meeting was held in New Delhi on 29th
Aug, 2017.The Indian delegation was led by Commerce and Industry (Independent Charge) Ms. Nirmala
Sitharaman. TheTanzanian delegation was led by the Industry, Trade and Investment Mr. Charles John
Mwijage.
• Amazon has announced a partnership with the Akshaya Patra Foundation to implement the Karnataka
government’s ‘Ksheera Bhagya’ Scheme in Bengaluru on 30th Aug 2017. Under this
scheme schoolchildren would be provided a glass of milk each five days a week.
• Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has inaugurated a unit to process small onions in
Perambalur district in Tamil Nadu on 31st Aug 2017.
• The Government of India has given scholarship for 20 Sri Lankan students to study Hindi at the Kendriya
Hindi Sansthan (Central Institute of Hindi) in Agra.The Government of India has sponsored their visit,
academic fees and local hospitality for one year in Agra.
• The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) under the commerce and industry ministry will
release a new industrial policy by October.The new policy is expected to replace the United Progressive
Alliance government’s National Manufacturing Policy (NMP) 2011, which sought to create 100 million jobs
by 2022.
• On 30th august,2017, Central Statistics Office(CSO) published new series of gross State Domestic Product
(SDP) data with 2011-12 as the base year. According to it Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh were
the fastest expanding State economies in 2015-16. On per captia income Gujarat topped with
Rs.1,22,502.06followed by Maharashtra (₹1,21,514.50). Maharashtra remains the largest State economy, with
its size estimated at ₹16,59,776.05 crores (₹16.6 lakh crore) at constant 2011-12 prices.
PLACES IN NEWS
• India’s First Heli-taxi service launched by MoS for Civil Aviation Jayanth Sinha in Bengaluru. Kempegowda
International Airport (KIA) is the first airport and Bengaluru is the first city in the country with such a service.
• Union Agriculture Ministry signed a memorandum of association (MoA) for setting up a regional centre of
the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh to develop high- yielding rice
varieties.
• AadiPerukku is celebrated for the birth of the Tamil month of Aadi. This is the beginning of all the festivals
during the festival seasons. It is celebrated in a special way in temples like MangaduKamakshi Temple.
• On August 3, 2017, India’s first private sector missile sub-systems manufacturing facility, a joint venture
between the $2.5 billion Kalyani Group and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd., was inaugurated
near Hyderabad, Telangana.
• The dawn of cruise tourism in India was inaugurated in Mumbai on 8th of August 2017.
There is the launch of three reports, “Mumbai Port SoP’s for cruise operations”, “Road map for Sea cruise
tourism” and “Cruise terminals in India”.
• Bangladesh will open a new diplomatic station in Chennai. It is likely to focus on medical tourism and
educational centres that drew thousands of Bangladesh citizens to India every year.
• Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) under Ministry of Commerce and Industry has
approved two projects for development of industrial clusters at Hindupur and Bobbili in the respective
districts of Ananatapur and Vizianagaram of Andhra Pradesh. It comes under ‘Modified Industrial
Infrastructure Up gradation Scheme (MIIUS)’.
• India’s first railways disaster management village is expected to come up near Bengaluru by December 2018,
where situations like trains falling into rivers and coaches catching fire will be replicated and mock rescue
operations will be carried out in real time.
• Vijaya Bank has disbursed loan sanction letters to beneficiaries who were trained at the Vijaya Bank Self
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Employment Training Institute (VIBSETI) in Bhenslay Village, Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

• The land of 19 acres of land which housed around 70 government office buildings in Chattisgarh’s Raipur is
being converted into India’s first micro forest to create an oxy-zone.
• Australian city Melbourne has topped the Global Liveability Rankings compiled by the Economist
Intelligence Unit (EIU) for seventh-straight year.
• The first regional centre of the New Development Bank was officially opened in South Africa on 17thAugust
2017 by South African President Jacob Zuma and the banks Indian head K V Kamath. It was set up by India
and other BRICS nations.
• Utrecht has opened the world’s largest bicycle parking garage. The parking lot is spread in an area of
over 17,100 sq m and three storeys.
• India’s first museum will open in Amritsar Punjab, as India and Pakistan celebrate 70 years as independent
nations.It will have ‘The Gallery of Hope’, where visitors can scribble messages of love and peace.
• On August 16,2017 , Union minister Jitendra Singh confirmed about the initiation of north eastern cultural and
information centre will be set up in Delhi.Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had allotted a land of 5341.75
sqm.(1.32 acre) at Sector-13, Dwarka, New Delhi, at a cost of approx Rs. 6 crore, to North Eastern Council
(NEC) for the purpose of construction of North Eastern Cultural and Information Centre.
• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has inaugurated Dr.Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University
(MITWPU) in MIT, Pune.
• External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will inaugurate the country’s first Videsh Bhavan, incorporate all
Regional Passport Offices under one roof, at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)in Mumbai.
• The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to set up an Eco-Park on over 34 acres of land retrieve from
encroachers in the state’s Rajouri district announced on 25th of Aug 2017.
• Manipur’s Nungthaang Tampak village has emerged as the ‘100% computer literate’ in the entire North
East announced on 24th August 2017.
FOREIGN VISITS
Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba on 5-day visit to India

Nepal’s PM Sher Bahadur Deuba made his maiden visit to India as prime minister. India and Nepal signed eight
memorandums of understanding (MoUs)
1. Modalities for utilization of India’s housing grant component to support reconstruction of 50,000 houses:
2. Implementation of the grant component of India’s post-earthquake reconstruction package in the education
sector in Nepal.
3. Implementation of the grant component of India’s post-earthquake reconstruction package in the
cultural heritage sector in Nepal.
4. Implementation of the grant component of India’s post-earthquake reconstruction package in the health
sector in Nepal.
5. Implementation arrangement on cost sharing, schedules and safeguard issues for construction of Mechi Bridge
under ADB’s SASEC Road Connectivity Programme (Tranche 2), funded by India:
6. 6.Drug demand reduction and prevention of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and
precursor chemical and related matters.
7. Agreement on cooperation in the field of standardisation and conformity assessment.
8. An MoU was signed between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of Nepal.
• World Bank has said that India is allowed to construct hydroelectric power facilities on tributaries of the
Jhelum and Chenab rivers with certain restrictions under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). World Bank’s
comments came as officials from India and Pakistan concluded the secretary-level talks over the IWT.
• The United States has issued a ban prohibiting its citizens traveling to North Korea. The ban which comes into
effect from 1st of September. The new ban will remain in effect for one year, unless it is revoked sooner by US
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
• A new representative body US- India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) is being set up to enhance
business relations between India and US.
• Qatar’s Cabinet approved a draft law making permanent residency available to some non-citizens of the
country announced on 3rd of August 2017. Under the new law, Residency permits will be granted to children
of Qatari women married to foreigners.
• On August 2nd 2017,The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted a resolution to preventing
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terrorists from acquired weapons, particularly small arms and light weapons.
• The Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari has said that the government is
keen on developing Chabahar Port in Iran and is hopeful of starting operations by 2018. The Indian
Government has allocated Rs 6 billion for the development of the port.
• On August 7, 2017, at Eighth Mekong Ganga Cooperation Ministerial Meeting in Manila, Philippines, India
called for expanding the areas of cooperation among the member countries of the bloc to further deepen
mutually beneficial partnership and cooperation. Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh represented
India at this meeting.
• India has ratified the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol announced on 9th of August 2017 that
commits countries to contain the emission of greenhouse gases, reaffirming its stand on climate action. India
has become the 80th country to accept the amendment relating to the second commitment period of the Kyoto
Protocol, the international emissions reduction treaty.
• The Qatari government has announced that citizens belonging to 80 countries including India, Canada, US and
UK can now enter Qatar without the need of applying for a visa.The passport will have a minimum validity of
six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket.
• The Bank of England has announced that it would not change the way its new plastic banknotes are
made. Some vegetarians and religious groups have concerned about trace amounts of animal fat used in their
production.
• Dr Ruth Pfau, a German doctor popularly known as Pakistan’s ‘Mother Teresa’ for dedicating her life
to eradicate leprosy in the country passed away on August 10, 2017 in Karachi.
• African country, The Republic of Chad will release a limited edition Lord Krishna silver
coin on Janmashtami in commemoration of the 5,244th birth anniversary of the Hindu God.The price has been
kept at Rs 25,555 per coin with free shipping within India.
• UN World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that in the last three years Somalia had not recorded any
case of polio disease and announcing the country polio free on 13th of August 2017.
• Nepal and China has signed three pacts to boost their ties in power and energy sectors and undertake a
feasibility study to excavate natural gas and petroleum in the Himalayan country, including in the southern
Terai plains.
• President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia put an end to Colombia’s 50-year conflict with FARC guerrillas as
the last truckloads of decommissioned weapons rolled away to be melted down finally over on August 15
2017 at Bogota.
• Emma Stone has been named Hollywood’s best-paid female actor in Forbes’ annual list of top earners.Emma
Stone has been named as this year’s highest-paid actress, taking in $26m in the last 12 months.
• The United States named Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation
• The US and Japan have agreed to advance their multilateral security and defence cooperation with countries
like India, South Korea and Australia, amidst Chinas growing assertiveness in the Asia Pacific region.
• Saudi Arabia is going to open up its border and airports for those attending the annual Haj
pilgrimage announced on 17th of August 2017.
• Qatar has launched a new direct route between the country’s Hamad Port and Pakistan’s port of Karachi. It
will boost trade between the two countries.
• Pakistani Nobel Prize winner MalalaYousafzai will study at Oxford University.The 20-year-old will study
philosophy, politics and economics. In April, she became the youngest-ever UN Messenger of Peace.
• On August 18, 2017, China launched its first cyber court specialising in handling internet-related cases in the
e-commerce hub of Hangzhou amid a spike in the number of online disputes.The Hangzhou Internet Court in
Hangzhou, capital of east China’s Zhejiang Province will handle cases such as online trade disputes and
copyright lawsuits.
• India and US have established TWO-BY-TWO Ministerial Dialogue with an aim to elevate their strategic
consultations.
• A team of civilian researchers led by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has discovered the wreckage of World
War II warship USS Indianapolis nearly after 72 years. It is 18000 feet (5.5 km) below the surface in the
Pacific Ocean. It has been announced on 18th of August 2017.
• Qatar will build a stadium shaped like an Arabian cap for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.This symbolic design
embodies everything that unites us as Arabs and Muslims, and is a fitting tribute to the first FIFA World Cup
in the Middle East. Qatar is building at least eight air-conditioned stadiums for the tournament
• Indian bananas, pomegranate, custard apple and okra will soon be available in Canada as the North American
country has allowed their import for the first time.
• Typhoon Hato smashed into Hong Kong on 23rd of Aug 2017 with hurricane force winds and heavy rains in
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the worst storm the city has seen for five years. Due to this cancellation of hundreds of flights and shutting
down the stock market.
• Nepal launches world’s First Climate smart landscape management plan for snow leopard conservation
• The International Military Music Festival “Spasskaya Tower” is the parade of the best military music bands of
Russia and other countries that takes place every year at Red Square in Moscow. “Spasskaya Tower” is
scheduled from 24 Aug to 03 Sep2017
• The State Administration of Work Safety announced in a five-year plan that China will shut 6,000 non-coal
mines to reduce mining accidents and deaths by 2020.
• According to Canadian Government Canadians who do not identify as male or female will be able to mark
“X” on their passports, instead of “M” or “F” from 31st August 2017.
• The US has imposed“strong” financial sanctions on Venezuela, barring banks from any new deals with the
government announced on 25th AUG 2017. The sanctions restrict trading of Venezuelan bonds sold by the
government in the American financial markets to raise money.
• President Donald Trump has formally signed a presidential memo directing the Pentagon to ban transgender
people from joining the US military announced on 25th Aug 2017.
• India and Germany has signed an agreement on technical cooperation under the Indo-German Energy
Programme – Green Energy Corridors (IGEN-GEC) on 28th Aug 2017.
• France holds migrant summit seeking European unity. The main focus of a summit of Europe’s ‘big
four’ continental powers is getting Europe’s migrant crisis under control. It is hosted on 28th of Aug 2017 by
French President Emmanuel Macron.
• Union Finance Ministry has imposed a five year anti-dumping duty on Sodium Nitrite imports from
Chinaannounced on 26th of Aug 2017. It was imposed based on recommendations of Directorate General of
Antidumping and Allied Duties (DGAD).
• Uber has announced a two new features namely ‘In-app chat’ and ‘multi-destination’ option in India
announced on 28th Aug 2017.
• On August 29, 2017 International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) decided to open a low enriched Uranium
bank in Kazakhstan. The objective is to ensure the supply of nuclear fuel in the event of disruption due to
political or market problems.
• Kenya passes world’s toughest plastic bag law. Those who are producing, selling or even using the non-
degradable bags now face four years in jail or a $40,000 (USD) /(£31,000) fine in Kenya.
• Harvey is one of the most destructive storms in US history thrashed Texas for the consecutive fifth day. It has
claimed 30 lives and left thousands homeless.
• The Trump administration has given $ 225 million worth of conditional military assistance to Pakistan that the
country can access only if it takes more action against terror groups announced on 31st of Aug 2017.
• 19th round of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Trade Negotiating Committee
(TNC) meetings and other related meetings were held from 17th to 28th July 2017 in Hyderabad, India.
• The first meeting of the Japan-India Coordination Forum (JICF) for Development of North-Eastern
Region was held in New Delhi on 4th of August 2017.
• On 1st and 2nd August 2017, Union Commerce Minister NirmalaSitharaman attended BRICS Trade Ministers
meeting in Shanghai, China. On the sidelines of this meeting she also held meeting with Chinese Minister of
Commerce Zhong Shan.
• Southeast Asian foreign ministers and their counterparts from the U.S., China, Russia, Japan, the two Koreas
and other have arrived to the 50th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (ARF)
meeting in Manila on Aug 5, 2017.
• The 8th meeting of the Regional Technical Group of Confidence Building Measure on Trade, Commerce &
Investment Opportunities under the Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process was hosted by Indiain New Delhi.
• 15th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
(BIMSTEC) Ministerial Meeting was held in Kathmandu, Nepal on August 11, 2017.
• The India-Asean YouthSummitis begun in Bhopal. It is a 5 day long summit. The main focus is to bring the
participants to work for eradication of terrorism, poverty and drug menace. The summit with the theme –
“Shared Values, Common Destiny”
• Italy would be hosting the summit of Group of Seven Interior Ministers to discuss on security matters
in October 2017.The meeting is being organised at the request of Italy’s G-7 partners- Canada, France,
Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and the United States.
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• India will host the next steering committee meeting of the proposed 1,814 kilometre-long Turkmenistan-
Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline. The meeting will be held in New Delhi.
• A two day Chief Electoral Officers’ Conference of all States and Union Territories commenced in New
Delhi. It was inaugurated by Shri. A.K. Joti, Chief Election Commissioner of India and Shri. O.P. Rawat,
Election Commissioner of India.
• On August 21, 2017,The Minister of State for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines
(Independent Charge) Shri Piyush Goyal addressing the 3- day 8th World Renewable Energy Technology
Congress in New Delhi.The theme of the conference is “Renewable Energy: What Works”.
• On August 22,2017 the seventeenth Meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was
held in New Delhi under the Chairmanship of the Union Minister of Finance, Shri Arun Jaitley.
• The 9th meeting of Heads of Governments of SCO dealing with the prevention and elimination of emergency
situation, made by the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh at Cholpon- Ata in Kyrgyz Republic on
24th August 2017.
• First Synergy Conference on Defence Pension Organised by Defence Accounts Department held in New Delhi
• The bilateral meeting between India and Uzbekistan held in New Delhi on 23rd August 2017.The Commerce
and Industries Minister, Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman ,Mr. Abdulaziz Kamilov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Mr. Elyor Ganiev, Minister of Foreign Trade held detailed discussions on deepening trade and economic ties
between India and Uzbekistan.
• The 10th India-European Union Counter Terrorism Dialogue was held at New Delhi on 30th Aug
2017.The Indian delegation was led by Shri Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary for Counter Terrorism at the
Ministry of External Affairs of India, while the European Union’s delegation was led by Mr. Pawel
Herczynski, Director for Security Policy, European External Action Service.
RANKINGS & REPORTS
• As per ‘ICT Facts and Figures 2017’, released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the
United Nations specialised agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), India and
China are home to 39% of the 830 million young people worldwide who use the Internet.
• India ranked 43rd position in 2017 Global Retirement Index (GRI). It is published by French asset
management company Natixis Global.The top three countries in 2017 GRI are Norway, Switzerland, and
Iceland.
• According to the survey, almost all rural households in Kerala and Haryana had access to a toilet
report published on 9th of August 2017. The survey is released by the Ministry of Drinking Water and
Sanitation and was carried out by the Quality Council of India (QCI). Bihar and Uttar Pradesh has least access
to toilets compared to other states.
• According to Asian Cities & Regions Outlook 2016 by Oxford Economics, Delhi will have the fastest growth
among all Asian cities with the economy growing almost 50 percent larger in 2021 than it was at the end of
last year.
• On 29th august, 2017, BRICS Innovative Competitive Report 2017 was released by China Science and
Technology Exchange Centre. The report says India is expected to surpass China in innovation
competitiveness between 2025-2030. At present, China is the leading BRICS nation in innovation
competitiveness.
• Forbes has released its list of the world’s 20 highest paid actors of 2017. Mark Wahlberg soared to the top of
the world’s highest paid actors on an annual Forbes magazine list. Wahlberg earned an estimated $68 million
in 2017. Three of Bollywood’s biggest stars – Shah Rukh Khan ($38 million), Salman Khan ($37 million) and
Akshay Kumar ($35.5 million) – took the 8th, 9th and 10th places on the Forbes list, respectively.
• Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba’s Founder Jack Ma has become Asia’s richest person with net worth of
$38.3 billion.Jack Ma is currently ranked as the world’s 18th richest man.
• According to a report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), The island of Tuvalu
was the least visited country in 2016. The report said 2,000 people visited Tuvalu in 2016, while 1,000 people
visited the country in 2014.
BANKING & FINANCE
Reserve Bank announces its third bi-monthly policy review of current fiscal
Policy Repo Rate 6.00% Reduced by 25 basis points. Earlier it was 6.25%
Reverse Repo Rate 5.75% Reduced by 25 basis points. Earlier it was 6.00%
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Marginal Standing Facility Rate 6.25% Reduced by 25 basis points. Earlier it was 6.50%
Bank Rate 6.25% Reduced by 25 basis points. Earlier it was 6.50%
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) 20.00% Unchanged – since 7th June 2017
• As per a report by global financial services major UBS, Indian government is on track to achieving the fiscal
deficit target of 3.2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the current fiscal year.
• Airtel Payments Bank; India’s first payments bank has announced a strategic partnership with Hindustan
Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) on 1st of August 2017.
Under which 14,000 HPCL fuel stations will act as banking points for Airtel Payments Bank.
• SEBI has set up a committee on fair market conduct on 2nd of August 2017. It will suggest measures for
improving surveillance of the markets and strengthen rules for algo trades, among other norms. The panel is
headed by former law secretary T K Viswanathan.
• The State Bank of India (SBI) and Samsung India has announced the availability of Samsung Pay for higher
variants of SBI debit card to advance Digital India initiativeon 1st of August 2017.
• As per Japanese financial services firm Nomura, India along with ASEAN – 5 countries (Indonesia, Malaysia,
Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam) is more attractive Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) destination as
compared to other emerging markets. Nomura has dubbed as “Asia’s tiger cubs”and has said that Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) flows to these nations are expected to surge to around USD 240 billion by 2025.
• State Bank of India plans to raise Rs 2,000 crore by allotting Basel-III compliant bonds to various investors.
• India signs loan agreement with AIIB for Financing of US$ 329 million for Gujarat Rural Roads Project.
• On August 4, 2017, Finance Minister ArunJaitley launched a new Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) under the
name Bharat 22, comprising shares of 22 companies from 6 sectors of the economy. The ETF will feature four
banking stocks — SBI, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda and Indian Bank — other than CPSEs such as Nalco,
ONGC, IOC, BPCL and Coal India.
• Canara Bank has hit the international debt market with a benchmark dollar bond issue that will have a tenor of
5 years. Through this issue, Canara Bank will raise $400 million as part of its $2 billion medium-term note
programme. Bond sale will be drawn through London branch of Canara Bank.The bonds will be listed on
the Singapore Stock Exchange.
• Kotak Mahindra Bank has launched a new service called “Kotak Remit”.This service is an Aadhaar-based
integrated outward forex remittance solution for both customers and non-customers.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has directed to companies which fail to disclose any
default on the payment of interest or repayment of principal to banks or financial institutions within a day.
• During the week to July 28, the RBI showed data which refers the country’s foreign exchange reserves surged
by $1.536 billion to touch $392.867 billion, helped by rising in foreign currency assets (FCAs). In the
previous week, it had increased by $2.27 billion to $391.33 billion.
• In a bid to emerge as a top consumer finance brand in the digital space, mobile wallet major MobiKwik has
entered into a strategic partnership with Bajaj Finance to transform itself into a financial services app from a
payments app at present.
• Mastercard and PayPal have announced an extension of their partnership into Asia Pacific for making
MasterCard a clear payment option within PayPal.
• PNB customers will have to pay charges for depositing cash above Rs 5,000 in a non-base branch even if it is
located in the same city. A customer will have to pay Re 1 per Rs 1,000 for above Rs 5,000 cash deposit or
part thereof with a minimum of Rs 25 per transaction.
• The Department of Financial Services under Ministry of Finance has set up a committee to resolve the
pending issues of bank pensioners and retirees.
• ICICI Bank has announced the launch of Instant Credit Card Service that will enable its savings account
customers to get a credit card instantly, in a completely digital and paperless manner. There is a credit limit of
up to Rs 4 lakh based on pre-checked bureau scores.
• IDFC Bank has partnered with digital payments company Zeta, to launch ‘IDFC Bank Benefits’ announced on
9th August 2017.‘IDFC Bank Benefits’is a payment solution for corporates that digitizes employee spends
and claims, making the process simple, real-time and paperless.
• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has introduced a biometric attendance register in the place of the existing system
of signing attendance in the attendance register. The biometric attendance device will capture the attendance
along with the time of marking the attendance.
• Markets regulator SEBI has introduced an online registration mechanism for custodians of securities to make
it convenient for them to do business on 10th of August 2017. The new system would help custodian of
securities to complete registration and other regulatory filings with SEBI much faster and in a cost-effective
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manner.
• This year, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will be transferring to the Government Rs 30,659 crore as
dividend. This amount is less than half the amount of Rs 65876 crore it transferred to Government last year.
• On August 10, 2017; Canara Bank unveiled two new digital services for online payments. Bharat QR (Quick
Response) for payment settlement at merchant locations and Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), an
integrated bill payment system for net banking customers.
• Indian Bank has introduced two tier interest rate structures for saving bank accounts. It will offer 4% per
interest per annum for incremental balance over Rs 50 lakh and 3.50% per annum for balance up to Rs 50
lakh.
• Flipkart has taken over the rein of the market by becoming the third most funded private company in the
world.Flipkart’s total raised capital is now almost $7 billion which is higher than that raised by global giants
like online house rental aggregator Airbnb ($3.3 billion) and mobile phone maker Xiaomi ($1.4 billion). In
valuation, Flipkart stands at the 9th position with about $15 billion.
• Indian messaging app Hike has acquired a Bangalore-based startup Creo. It is known
for releasing smartphones, media streaming dongles, and an operating system.
• StateBank of India (SBI) launched a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, ‘SBI Gram
Seva’.Under the initiative, SBI will adopt five villages each from 10 village panchayatswith each village
getting around Rs 2.40 crore over the next three years. The bank plans to adopt 100 gram panchayats in the
next three years.
• City Union Bank is going to offer instant credit cards and customers can generate a credit card online.The
bank introduced the option of an “instant credit card” for free for its Net banking customers.The customer will
be allowed a credit limit of up to 80% of the deposit or a maximum of 3 lakh.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made Aadhar linkage mandatory for farmers who wish to avail short-term
crop loans in 2017-18 on 16thAugust 2017.Under Interest Subvention Scheme, the banks are advised to make
Aadhar linkage mandatory for availing short-term crop loans in 2017-18.
• State Bank of India held two-day Home Loan Utsav at its local head office in Bengaluru.The bank is offering
a 0.25% concession in interest rate from the fourth year of the home loan if it is availed at the SBI Utsav.
• Private sector Karur Vysya Bank hasunveiled the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre in Chennai.
KVB is the first private sector bank to provide Aadhaar Enrolment Centre service in the country.
• NSE has decided to introduce seamless corporate announcement filing mechanism for information related to
change in auditors, change in directors, and declaration of audit reports with unmodified opinion. This system
will be in effect from 17th August 2017.
• Under the new scheme Shubh Aarambh Home Loans Axis Bank will waive 12 equated monthly installments
(EMIs) on regular repayments of loans of up to Rs 30 lakh.Customers also have the option to transfer existing
home loans to Axis Bank without additional cost.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will soon release Rs 50 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi
(New) Series, having signature of Governor Urjit R. Patel. Dimension of the banknote will be 66 mm x 135
mm.
• Country’s largest lender SBI accounts for over 27% of the total amount owed to public sector banks by wilful
defaulters announced on 20th August 2017.Total 1,762 wilful defaulters owed Rs 25,104 crore to State Bank
of India as on 31 March.Punjab National Bank (PNB) is next on the list with 1,120 wilful defaulters having
outstanding non-performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans of Rs12,278 crore.
• State Bank of India (SBI) has announced waiver of up to 100% of processing fee on car loans, personal gold
loans and personal loans for the festive season.
• The National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned a loan assistance of Rs
1,349.55 crore to the Rajasthan government announced on 20th Aug 2017.
The loan has been approved for creation of rural infrastructure in the state under the Rural Infrastructure
Development Fund (RIDF).
• According to the Reserve Bank of India’s ‘Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India’, 45 of the 56
RRBs earned profits without carrying any accumulated losses during 2015-16.Karnataka Vikas Grameena
Bank and Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank recorded net profit of more than ₹150 crore during 2016-17.
• Asia Index Private Ltd has announced the launch of S&P BSE Bharat 22 Index. It has been launched to track
the performance of state-run companies in which the central government has divested its stake.
• DHFL Pramerica Life Insurance Company has signed on Kerala-based Dhanlaxmi Bank as its bancassurance
partner announced on 24th of Aug 2017.
• The Reserve Bank of India has launched the Rs 200 notes from 25th August from select RBI offices and some
banks.The notes will be in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series, bearing signature of Governor Urjit
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Patel.Dimension of the banknote will be 66 mm × 146 mm.

• HDFC Bank has launched an all-in-one offering, DigiPoS Machine that offers a complete suite of digital
payment solutions announced on 22nd of Aug 2017. With DigiPoS, a merchant can use as many as 12 various
digital payment options like UPI, Bharat QR, SMS Pay, PayZapp, Tap & Pay, EMIs in addition to
debit/credit card swiping.
• According to the government norms the Banks importing gold and precious metals will have to pay 3% tax
under the GST which can be claimed as input tax credit.
• The government has find a way to initiate insolvency resolution process to recover bad loans by giving
authorize to RBI through Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act. The banking sector is burdened with non-
performing assets (NPAs) of over Rs 8 lakh crore, of which Rs 6 lakh crore is with public sector banks
(PSBs).
• The Insuranace Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has launched a Central Database
named “Envoy” of all Insurance Sales Persons in the country. Envoy covers POS, specified persons of
corporate agents, qualified persons of insurance brokers and authorised verifiers of web aggregators.
• Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company (CHOICE) has launched with a ‘Point-
of-Sale’ Easy Bima Plan targeted at the mass-market segment.
• Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ujjivan Financial Services Ltd, has
been included in the second scheduled to the RBI Act 1934 on 30th Aug 2017.This grants the ‘Scheduled
Bank’ status to Ujjivan Small Finance Bank’ from the date of notification.
• Solar energy services company Freyr Energy has tied up with Axis Bank announced on 31st Aug 2017. It
will offer term loans ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 50 lakh for tenures up to five years, for solar rooftop
installations in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• Markets regulator SEBI has barred Orion Capital as well as Orion Broking and their
partners from the securities markets for 10 years announced on 29th of Aug 2017.
BUSINESS
• The new bilateral Agreement on Trade Commerce and Transit between India and Bhutan came into force on
29th July 2017. The agreement was last renewed on 29th July 2006 for ten years.
• Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev-led Herbal products manufacturer PatanjaliAyurved plans to team up with social
media site Facebook and search engine Google in a push to increase its digital presence for better online
marketing.
• On August 4, 2017, Indian Railways signed its first Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC)
contract with L&T for large electrification projects. Including this contract, Railways Ministry has signed total
nine EPC contracts for electrification of railway lines at a cost of Rs. 2,800 crore.
• Essar Ports has signed a 30-year concession agreement with the Government of Mozambique to develop a 20
million tons per annum (MTPA) coal terminal at Beira Portas part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP)
project.
• Mauritius government-led Metro Express Limited has given an order to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to design and
build an Integrated Light Rail-based Urban Transit System in the African island nation with an estimate cost
of Rs. 3,375-crore.
• Government revises the base year of All-India Wholesale Price Index (WPI) from 2004-05 to 2011-12.The
new series has 697 items as compared to 676 items in old series.
• Indian government has formulated National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (2017-20), a detailed action plan
with timelines for smooth implementation of WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Recommendations
made by four working groups on legislative changes, time release study, outreach programme and
infrastructure augmentation have been included in this plan.
• India’s leading FMCG Britannia Industries would set up its largest plant in Maharashtra in a food park at
Ranjangaon announced on 7th August 2017.
• Bajaj Auto has announced a partnership with Triumph Motorcycles UK on 8th of August 2017. The aim of
this partnership is to deliver a range of outstanding mid-capacity motorcycles.
• Flipkart is going to launch a programme under which the e-commerce major will provide financial assistance
to employees. It has been announced on 8th of August 2017. The programme will cover all national and
international sports and non-sports competitors recognized by the govt. authorities.
• ONGC Videsh, the overseas arm of the state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp has planned to invest $150 million
in exploration to drill more wells in Colombia, Kazakhstan and Bangladesh.
• Amazon has announced the launch of Virtual Customer Service (VCS) model on 9th of August 2017.It is an
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initiative launched to create cost efficient employment prospects for skilled candidates seeking more flexible
work opportunities. VCS has currently been launched in Hyderabad, Pune, Coimbatore and Noida.
• The Gujarat government has issued a tender for power developers to receive cheap coal. It is marked for the
state in return for selling coal-based power at less than Rs 2.82 a unit.The aim is to reduce the cost of fuel for
financially ailing distribution companiesand ensure effective distribution of domestic coal.
• On August 8, 2017, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Google India launched Android
Skill Development Programme to impart mobile app development training on the Android and Web platform
and improve the quality of mobile app development ecosystem in India.
• Softbank fund invests in Flipkart, becomes one of its largest shareholders
Flipkart Group (Flipkart), India’s leading e-commerce marketplace, has announced an investment – a mix of
primary and secondary capital – from SoftBank Vision Fund (Vision Fund), the world’s largest technology-
focused investment fund. SoftBank Vision Fund is the $100-billion technology-focused fund floated by
Masayoshi Son.
• The commerce ministry has started the process of shutting down over 100-year-old government procurement
arm – Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D)- in this fiscal year.The public procurement of
goods and services is being managed by the ministry’s e-market platform (GeM) since last year.
• Facebook has launched Youtube competitor called ‘Watch’ on 10th of August 2017. To help and keep up with
the shows one follow, Watch has a ‘Watchlist’ so the latest episodes of the shows would be available.
• The Multi Commodity Exchange Ltd (MCX) has received markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board
of India (SEBI)’s approval to launch country’s first gold options contract. MCX has received the approval to
launch options on futures in gold contract from SEBI.
• Facebook to monitor MSME growth in Odisha, launches SheMeansBusiness. Facebook has partnered with the
Odisha’s MSME department and Project Mission Shakti to train 25,000 entrepreneurs by the end of 2018.
• Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) bought 1.9 million barrels of U.S. crude in its second import tender making it
the first Indian refiner to purchase Eagle Ford shale oil.IOC bought 950,000 barrels of light sweet Eagle Ford
shale oil and 950,000 barrels of heavy sour Mars crude for end-October delivery from trading firm.
• Three Indian firms namely Hindustan Unilever, Asian Paints and BhartiAirtel are among Forbes’ list of
the world’s 100 most innovative companies.Salesforce.com has replaced Tesla Motors on the top
position. BhartiAirtel has entered the ranking at 78th position.
• India’s Factory output fell to a four-year low and contracted by 0.1% in June 2017with poor performance of
manufacturing and mining sectors..Since June 2013 this is the lowest growth when the Index of Industrial
Production (IIP) contracted by 1%. In June 2016, it had grown 8%.
• Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)-promoted India International Exchange (India INX) has got Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI’s) approval to launch Gold Options. India INX will launch trading in gold
options from August 30, 2017.
• India and Mexico are planning to set up a CEO Forum to boost the trade ties. It has been announced on
15th of August 2017.
• Nestle India has tied up with Amazon India for the launch of its new Nutritious range of Maggi Noodles.
• On August 17, 2017, Rajasthan State Government and public sector oil firm Hindustan Petroleum Corporation
Limited (HPCL) inked an agreement to form a joint venture company for Barmer petroleum refinery and
petrochemical complex.
• State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will invest about Rs 52,000 crore in expanding Paradip refinery in
Odisha and setting up petrochemical complex after the Odisha State Gvernment agreed to restore part of tax
incentives.
• The Finance Ministry has imposed an anti-dumping duty on certain “textured toughened tempered
glass” which imports from China.Textured toughened tempered glass is used as a component in solar
photovoltaic panels and solar thermal applications.
• On August 22,2017 The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has signed an agreement with
the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to strengthen the cooperation in the
fields of broadcasting and telecommunications regulation.
• India’s exclusive rights to explore polymetallic nodules from seabed in Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB)
have been extended by five years by International Seabed Authority (ISA). India is the first country to have
received the status of a pioneer investor in 1987.
• Airline Vistara and Persian Gulf carrier Qatar Airways have entered into an interline partnership. Under this
partnership they will provide “through check-in” facility to customers for seamless travel.The partnership is
effective from 22nd of August 2017.
• India has granted US drug giant Pfizer a patent for its Prevenar 13. It is a vaccine that helps prevent cases
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of pneumonia, one of the leading causes of deaths of children under five years of age. The company said the
patent is valid in India until 2026.
• Airports Authority of India (AAI) has tied up with cab aggregators Ola and Uber to allow for cab bookings
from airport kiosks. It will provide option for passengers to hire these cabs at select aerodromes.
• Andhra Pradesh’s Eastern Power Distribution Company Ltd (EPDCL) and the Southern Power Distribution
Corporation of AP Ltd (SPDCL) have become the first state-owned distribution companies in India to accept
payments through Bharat QR. It is the world’s first interoperable quick response code acceptance solution
launched by the Reserve Bank of India.
• Tata Power announced its joint venture company Adjaristsqali Georgia LLC (AGL) has synchronised 186
MW Shuakhevi Hydro Project in Georgia. AGL is a Tata Power joint venture with Norway’s Clean Energy
Invest AS Norway (Clean Energy) and IFC InfraVentures (IFC), a member of the World Bank group.
• Jet Airways, one of India’s premier international airlines, has announced a partnership with Airbnb on 24th of
Aug 2017.The partnership will allow Jet Airways to offer a wide spectrum of rapidly growing, global
hospitality choices to its guests from India.
• The director general of foreign trade (DGFT) issued the notification withdrawing the facility given under a
free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea signed in 2009 regarding gold, silver and their articles
announced on 26thAug 2017. To curb surging gold and silver imports from South Korea, the government has
decided to put these items in the restricted category.
• The government has clarified that selling of space for advertisements in print media would attract 5 and 18%
Goods and Services Tax (GST). It depends on the terms of the contract between the newspaper, advertisement
agency and the client.
• On 28th august ,2017 the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) which is under ministry of
commerce and industry has released the consolidated Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy on Monday
subsuming all the changes in rules and procedures notified by the government over the past year.For the
firsttime, the document included the start-upswhich can raise up to 100% of funds from foreign Venture
Capital Investors(FVCI).In Banking- Private Sector – Automatic route up to 49%. Approval route beyond and
up to 74%.
• The Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX) has launched the world’s first diamond futures contracts. It is going
to be the first diamond exchange in the world announced on 28th of Aug 2017. It will provide exporters with a
hedging tool.
• NTPC has signed a term loan agreement for Rs 3,000 crore with ICICI Bank for partially funding its capital
expenditure signed on 29th Aug 2017.The loan has a tenure of 15 years and it will be utilised to part finance
the capital expenditure of NTPC.
• Unicity International has launched world’s first ever Genomeceutical (gene controlling) range of products to
India.Unicity International headquartered in Orem, Utah, United States.
• On 30th august ,2017, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management(DIPAM) has approved a
100% disinvestment through strategic sale along with transfer of management control of Central Electronics
Ltd. (CEL).
• Reliance Industries Chairman MukeshAmbani has become Asia’s 2nd richest personannounced on 1st of
August 2017.Ambani Net worth is $35.2 billion.LiKa-shing is the richest man in Hong Kong with a business
empire that ranges from telecommunications to retail and port.
• Former India hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay was honoured with the ‘Bharat Gaurav’ by East Bengal Football
Club on its foundation day on 1st August 2017.
• JK Rowling, the creator of Harry Potter tops the ranking of the highest paid author by Forbes with earnings of
£72m ($95) this year announced on 4th of May 2017.
• Veteran actress and national award winner Sharada has been selected for this year’s PremNazir. The award
will be presented to Sharada by Kerala state DevaswomMinisterKadakampallySurendran at a function at
Chirayankeezhu on August 15, 2017.
• Firoz Merchant, an Indian businessman in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who has spent over USD 4
million to help free prisoners languishing in jails due to non-payment of debts, has been honoured with UAE’s
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prestigious Community Service Medal.

• Indian-origin actor Dev Patel is to be honoured by a leading educational organisation for making a
“transformative and positive” difference for the future of Asia and the world.
He will be felicitated with the Asia Society 2017 Asia Game Changers Award at a ceremony to be held at the
United Nations, New York, in November.
• The Hindu Playwright Award 2017 is awarded to GerishKhemani and Akshat Nigam for their play ‘In Search
of DariyaSagar’. The playwriting awards was organized by the newspaper The Hindu in Chennai.
• Veteran journalist T J S George has bagged for the first Kesari Media Awardannounced on 11th of August
2017.It is instituted by the Kesari Memorial Journalist Trust.
• African-American author Nora K. Jemisin, has won the Hugo Award for Best Novel 2017 for her work ‘The
Obelisk Gate’. The award was presented at the 75th World Science Fiction Convention in Helsinki, Finland on
August 11, 2017.
• On August 14, 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind approved 112 Gallantry Awards to Armed Forces Personnel
and members of Paramilitary Forces which include 5 Kirti Chakras, 17 Shaurya Chakras, 85 Sena Medals
(Gallantry), 3 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
• Corporation Bank has bagged the best performance awards for SHG-bank linkage programme for Karnataka
for 2015-16 and 2016-17 from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
• Dr Nanda Kumar Jairam, CEO, Chairman and Group Medical Director, Columbia Asia Hospitals, India, has
been awarded the ‘Healthcare Personality of the Year’ award by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce
and Industry (FICCI) is an attempt to recognise the contributions of those who have set benchmarks of
excellence in the healthcare space.
• Five Indian-origin persons, including Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, have featured in Fortunes annual list
of 40 young and influential people in the field of business inspiring others with their work. The list also
includes Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg on the second spot.
• Preethi Srinivasan, the former State under-19 cricket captain, who braved a debilitate accident to support those
suffering from spinal cord injuries like her was presented with the ‘Kalpana Chawla Award for Courage and
Daring Enterprise’.
• According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office the Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar
Rao has been selected for the prestigious Agriculture Leadership Award-
2017.A committee is headed by agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan has recommended the CM’s name.
• An Indian-origin boy, 12-year-old Rahul Doshi was crowned as the UK’s ‘Child Genius’in a popular
television quiz competition on 20 August 2017.Rahul Doshi won the Channel 4 show ‘Child
Genius’ by defeating his opponent Ronan a 9 year old boy by 10-4 points in the programme’s finale.
• On August 22, 2017 Our Government announced the list of awardees of National Sports Awards 2017.
National Sports Awards are distributed every year to recognize excellence in sports. Notably Para Athelete
Shri Davindra and hockey player Sardar Singh has been chosen for Khel Ratna Awards for 2017.
Dronacharya Awards Winners
Name of the Awardee Fields
Late Dr. R. Gandhi Athletics
Mr. Heera Nand Kataria Kabaddi
Mr. G.S.S.V. Prasad Badminton (Lifetime)
Mr. Brij Bhushan Mohanty Boxing (Lifetime)
Mr. P.A. Raphel Hockey (Lifetime)
Mr. Sanjoy Chakraverthy Shooting (Lifetime)
Mr. Roshan Lal Wrestling (Lifetime
Dhyan Chand Award Winners
Mr. Bhupender Singh Athletics
Mr. Syed Shahid Hakim Football
Ms. Sumarai Tete Hockey
Arjuna Awards Winners
Ms. V.J. Surekha Archery
Ms. Khushbir Kaur Athletics
Mr. Arokia Rajiv Athletics
Ms. Prasanthi Singh Basketball
Sub. LaishramDebendro Singh Boxing
Mr. CheteshwarPujara Cricket
Ms. Harmanpreet Kaur Cricket
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Ms. OinamBembem Devi Football

Mr. S.S.P. Chawrasia Golf
Mr. S.V. Sunil Hockey
Mr. Jasvir Singh Kabaddi
Mr. P. N. Prakash Shooting
Mr. A. Amalraj Table Tennis
Mr. SakethMyneni Tennis
Mr. SatyawartKadian Wrestling
Mr. Mariyappan Para-Athlete
Mr. Varun Singh Bhati Para-Athlete
• On 24 August 2017 odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik granted the Biju Patnaik Award for Scientific
Excellence for the year 2016 to Prof Digambar Behera.
• NRDC, the technology transfer and commercialisation arm of the Ministry of Science &
Technology hasgrabbed two awards on 29th Aug 2017. The award ceremony was held in Stockholm, Sweden.
• Lieke Martens has won the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year award after her player-of-the-tournament
performance at UEFA Women’s EURO 2017.The 2017-18 UEFA Champions League held in Monaco.
• Union Minister of Textiles, Information, and Broadcasting Smriti Irani will present Women Transforming
India Awards 2017 a prestigious award to 12 incredible women winners at an event in New Delhi on 29th of
Aug 2017. The Winners are
1, Laxmi Agarwal, Uttar Pradesh.
2, Subasini Mistry, Hasnapukur, West Bengal
3, Safeena Husain, Mumbai, Maharashtra
4, Arunima Sinha, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh
5, Kamal Kumbhar, Osmanabad, Maharashtra
6, Jamuna Tudu, Maturkham, Jharkhand:

Venkaiah Naidu 13th Vice-President of India
Sameer Garde Cisco president for India, Saarc region
Arvind Panagariya (resigns) NITI Aayog Vice Chairman
Lt.Gen. Abhay Krishna Eastern Naval Command chief
DhirendraSwarup BSE chairman
Christopher Wray Chief of FBI USA
Sanjay Baru Secretary General of FICCI
Peter O’Neill (Re-Elected) Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
Hassan Rouhani Iran’s president for a second term
Rahul Dravid Brand ambassador of InCred (financial services group)
Harmanpreet Kaur DSP by Punjab Government
Ushanath Banerjee AIFF-chairman of Transfers Dispute Committee
Air Marshal Hemant Narayan Bhagwat Air Officer-in-charge Administration of IAF
Prabhat Kumar Ambassador of India to the Republic of Kazakhstan
Mohammad Mustafa CMD Of SIDBI
Indian-Americans are Neil Chatterjee, Krishna Members of the Federal Energy Regulatory
R. Urs, and Vishal Amin. Commission (FERC).
Akshay Kumar Brand ambassador of Swachh Bharat Mission- Uttar
Pradesh
Gautam Kaushik CEO of PayBack India
Paul Kagame Wins the Rwanda Election forPresident
DarshanLal First Hindu to work in Pak govt
Economist Rajiv Kumar Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog
Senior bureaucrat S Aparna Executive Director -World Bank
Justice Dipak Misra 45th Cheif Justice of India
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Indian-American Neil Chatterjee Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

(FERC).
Indian-American Dilip Chauhan Deputy Comptroller to the minority affairs in Nassau
County
Hrithik Roshan Brand Ambassador Health and wellness startup cure.fi
Reenat Sandhu Next Ambassador of India to the Republic of San
Marino
Bollywood lyricist-screenwriter Prasoon Joshi Chairperson of CBFC
Uhuru Kenyatta Kenya’s President (Re Elected)
Gaitri Issar Kumar Ambassador of India to the Grand Duchy Luxembourg
Vinay Dube CEO of Jet Airways
David Rasquinha Exim Bank MD
Dilip Asbe Acting chief executive of NPCI
Lalit Modi (resigns) As the president Rajasthan Cricket Association
Milkha Singh WHO Goodwill Ambassador
VidyaBalan, Gautami CBFC board Members
Sandeep Gupta New India Head- Earthport
Gurdeep Singh Sappal (resigns) Rajya Sabha TV CEO
Santosh Sharma Chairman and Managing Director of HindustanCopper
Limited (HCL)
Sankara Rao IFCI Chief Executive Officer
I.V. SubbaRao Secretary to Vice President
P.B.Balaji Chief Financial Officer of Tata motors
Sohail Mahmood Pakistan’s new High Commissioner to India
Sanjiv Gupta President, MD of GM India
Vishal Sikka (resigns) MD & CEO of Infosys
U B PravinRao (Interim-Appointment ) MD & CEO of Infosys
Neymar Goodwill ambassador for Handicap International
Dr. (Ms.) Mamta Suri Executive Director, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board
of India (IBBI).
Nikolay Kudashev Russia’s New Envoy to India
Travis Sinniah First Tamil Navy chief of Sri Lanka after four decades
P R Seshadri MD and CEO KarurVysya Bank.
AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam Deputy chief minister of Tamilnadu
Ashwani Lohani Chairman of Railway Board
Nandan Nilekani Chairman of Infosys board
Rajiv Bansal Air India chief
Ajay Vipin Nanavati chairman of Syndicate Bank
Nachiket Mor (re appointed) RBI’s central board for 4 years
Dharmendra Kumar Director General of RPF
Banmali Agrawala president, infrastructure, defence and aerospace- Tata
Sons
Roopa Purushothaman Chief Economist & Head of Policy Advocacy- Tata
Sons
Dipak Misra 45th Chief Justice of India
Mohammad Mustafa Chairman and Managing Director of SIDBI
Ashish Chauhan CEO of BSE for 5 Year
Dara Khosrowshahi Uber’s new CEO
Dr. R.K. Raghavan High Commissioner of India to Cyprus
PV Sindhu Brand ambassador for Bridgestone India
Rajiv Gauba Union Home Secretary
Puneet Chhatwal MD and CEO of Indian Hotels
• To build out a more elaborate personal assistant for the Messenger users, Facebook has acquired an artificial
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intelligence (AI) startupOzlo that specialises in understanding text-based conversations. However, there are no
details so far about the financial terms of the deal.
• The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved the proposed merger between Bharti
Airtel and Telenor India announced on 3rd of August 2017.
• Software services firm Infosys would acquire London-based firm Brilliant Basics for Rs 62.76 crore (£7.5
million).
• Online entertainment platform Netflix has announced that it has acquired Millarworld, a comic book
company. Netflix is the leading platform globally with 104 million members in over 190 countries.
• The National Company Law Tribunal has approved the merger of Reliance Communications (RCom) and
Aircel announced on 15th August 2017. The merger will create a more competitive telecom company.
• Microsoft has announced the acquisition of Cycle Computing on 21st of August 2017. It will help it easier for
Azure customers to use High Performance Computing (HPC) and other Big Computing capabilities in the
cloud and help them accelerate their movement to the cloud.
• The Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) has given ‘in-principle’ approval to acquire government’s 51.11%
stake in Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd. ONGC currently owns 71.63% of MRPL while HPCL has 16.96%
stake in it.
• The Ruias-run Essar Oil today announced the completion of sale of its India assets to the Russian government
controlled Rosneft-led consortium for $12.9 billion.The deal comes more than 10 months after it was
announced on October 15 last year on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Goa.
• HCL Technologies has completed the acquisition of Urban Fulfilment Services, LLC on 25th Aug 2017.It will
be acquiring 100% stake in UFS, and that the total cash consideration for this transaction is up to USD 30
million.
• India’s mobile operator Bharati Airtel tied up with US cyber security firm Symantec to provide cyber security
solutions in India. Recent wannacry and petraware ransom attacks poses a threat to India’s cyber security.
MoUs
• Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi apprised of MOU between India and Spain on India-
Spain cooperation in renewable energy.
• Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed
among India and various BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, China & South Africa) for establishment of
the BRICS Agriculture Research Platform (BRICS-ARP).
• India and Somalia has signed an agreement on1st of August 2017. The agreement has been signed for transfer
of sentenced persons.
• The Delhi Police has tied up with Uber for enhancing the women safety. Commuters can now access the Delhi
Polices women safety mobile application Himmat via cab aggregator Ubers application while travelling in
taxis.
• Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited (MCX) and Mahindra Agri Solutions Ltdhave signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide agriculture related price
information. This information would be available on their recently launched mobile application
‘MyAgriGuru’ which is available for free on Google play store.
• ISRO and CSIR-NPL sign MoU for time and frequency traceability services. The MoU provides for time and
frequency traceability services to ISRO by CSIR-NPL.
• On August 3rd 2017, Tata Memorial Centre has joined with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) to initiate
India’s first digital initiative for prevention and early detection of oral cancer.
• Amazon India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)with the Telangana Department of
Handloom and Textiles on 8th of August 2017.The MoU is signed to educate, train and enable weavers and
artisans to directly sell their products to Amazon customers across the country.
• Markets regulator SEBI has entered into a pact with its counterpart in Iran on 10th of August 2017.The
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Securities & Exchange Organization (SEO) of Iran have
entered into a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mutual cooperation and technical
assistance.
• On August 14, 2017, a MoU was signed between Government eMarketplace (GeM) special-purpose vehicle
SPV and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in the presence of Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce
& Industry Minister at Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi.
• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has signed a MoU with the International Vaccine
Institute (IVI) for collaborating on vaccine research and development.India will accomplish $5,00,000 (₹3.20
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crore) annually for a stake in IVI. An amount approved during a Cabinet meeting in January.
• Cabinet approves MoU on “India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund”. India and Israel
will make a contribution of four million US Dollars each for the Fund, annually for five years.
• Cabinet approves MoU between India and Brazil for cooperation in the fields of Zebu Cattle Genomics and
Assisted Reproductive Technologies in cattle. An implementation committee shall be created with an equal
number of representatives of each party for determining the activities and developing work plans and for their
evaluation.
• Karnataka Agriculture Department has signed a Memorandum of Understandingwith Microsoft
India to develop a first unique “farm price forecasting model”.
SCHEMES
• On August 20,2017 Assam state government is introducing a new Scheme called, Scheme for Compassionate
Family Pension (CFP) at GAUHATI.The scheme plans to offer the compassionate family pension instead of
job offers to family members due to some practical difficulties.
COMMITTEE
• A high level committee headed by former Supreme Court Judge Justice B N Srikrishna set up to review the
Institutionalization of Arbitration Mechanism, has submitted its recommendations to Union Law ministry.
• The all-new Jeep Compass SUV has been finally launched in India with prices starting at a very
competitive Rs. 14.95 lakh for the entry-level Sport petrol and goes up to Rs. 20.65 lakh (ex-showroom) for
the range-topping diesel.
• Scientists in the U.S. (Researchers at Nemours Children’s Hospital and the University of Central Florida
(UCF)) have found a method to use curcumin, the bioactive component of turmeric, to treat cancer in children.
• The Union Government has launched a portal, e-RashtriyaKisanAgriMandi(e-RaKAM) on 1st of August
2017. The e-RaKAM is a first-of-its-kind initiativethat leverages technology to connect farmers of the smallest
villages to the biggest markets of the world through internet and e-RaKAMcentres.
• The Indian Army has developed a mobile application app “Humraaz”through which serving soldiers can track
their details like postings and promotions.
• An international team of scientists have discovered a way to successfully freed embryos of a piece of faulty
DNA that causes deadly heart disease in families.
• Indian Railways have launched to provide the ‘buy tickets now and pay later’ service for any Express
trains announced on 3rd of August 2017.Through this service a passenger can book a ticket five days prior to
the journey with a service charge of 3.5% and pay it in the next 14 days.
• Maharashtra Government has launched two online portals MahaDBT and MahaVASTU to ease the process of
direct benefit transfer (DBT).It is the first state in the country to launch such a system that will provide direct
benefits with Aadhaar authentication.
• Two satellites have been launched by Israel that is one dedicated to monitoring the effects of climate change
on vegetation were successfully launched into orbit. The satellites were launched from Korou, in French
Guiana, at 10:56 PM (local time) on 3th of August 2017.
• NASA’s Curiosity rover which found evidence that ancient Mars had the fair conditions to support microbial
life has marked five years of exploring the red planet. The Mountain found in the middle of the crater about
long ago lakes on Mars.
• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have tested a new antibiotic drug-delivery
system that improves the efficacy of drugs thereby reducing the dosage used for treating bacterial infections.A
peptide called sushi-peptide, which has not been approved for clinical use, bound to gold nanoparticles was
able to kill coli and Salmonella typhi more efficiently at lower dosages.
• Indian Institute of Science (IISc)researchers from Bengaluru have developed a highly sensitive, low cost
nanometre-scale carbon monoxide (CO) sensor with possible applications in environmental pollution
monitoring.
• NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has discovered the strongest evidence for a stratosphere on an enormous
planet outside our solar system, WASP-121b.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to launch a full-fledged niche Earth observation
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(EO) satellite called the Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite orHySIS using a critical chip called optical imaging
detector array it has developed. ISRO first tried it out in an 83-kg IMS-1 experimental satellite in May 2008.
• Upendra Kushwaha, Minister of State, Ministry of Human Resource Development has launched the NCERT’s
Web portal for supply of textbooks to schools and individuals in New Delhi on 9th of Aug 2017. The portal
will ensure better distribution of textbooks across the country.
• Oxford University Press (OUP) has launched online dictionaries in Tamil and Gujarati as part of its special
focus on Indian languages. The Oxford Global Languages (OGL) initiative began in September 2015.
• BitBay is one of the top ten cryptocurrency trading platforms in the world. It has launched a platform for trade
and exchange of digital currencies such as bitcoin, litecoin, ether, Lisk, monero, dash and gamecredits. The
company will also work towards creating awareness about digital currencies.
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has lined up over 21 rocket launchesand will be putting
over 70 satellites in space over the next five years. ISRO’s plan to launch 21 rockets in coming years is a part
of the Rs 8,658.74 croresanctioned by the Indian Government to build and launch about 31 rockets,
including 15 PSLVs, 13 GSLV’s and three GSLV MK-III.
• Engineers at Purdue University in the US have designed and tested a micropropulsion system. It is used liquid
water as the propellant for orbital maneuvering of tiny satellites called CubeSats.CubeSats are miniature
satellites that weigh about 2 kilograms.
• As per new study published in The Astrophysical Journal, researchers have found that the TRAPPIST-1 star is
between 5.4 and 9.8 billion years. This is up to twice as old as our own solar system, which formed some 4.5
billion years ago.
• On August 15, 2017, According to the global leader in broadband testing Ookla declared that Norway has the
fastest mobile Internet (has speed of 52.6 megabits per second) in the world. The Netherlands and
Hungary are ranked number two and three on the list of the world’s fastest mobile networks.
• Scientists have been successful in developing a plant-based Zika vaccine that could be more effective and
economical to produce than other Zika medicines.According to the researchers, experiments
of immunisation on mice have showed a 100% success in triggering antibody and cellular immune
response to protect against multiple Zika virus strains
• On August 21, 2017 Google has announced the final version of Android 8.0, now known to be called
Oreo.Android O is much more streamlined than Nougat with various OS optimisations. According to Google,
devices boot twice as fast and all apps run faster and smoother by default.
• A team of Scientists from USA has discovered an inexpensive prevention technique against Sepsis in new
born babies. The team was led by US-based Indian Doctor Pinaki Panigrahi.
• Microsoft has introduced “Project Brainwave”. It is a deep learning acceleration platform that will enable
faster system processes with ultra-low latency.The ‘Project Brainwave’ uses the massive field-programmable
gate array (FPGA) infrastructure.
• Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education(MSBSHSE) set up portals to help
students to prepare for competitive exams on their own.An online question bank will be created for students
attempting the competitive tests, which can be accessed for free.
• On August 14, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a website, http://gallantryawards.gov.in to
honour all the gallantry award winners since Independence.
• After the successful launch of the country’s first indigenously developed robot ‘BRABO’ in April 2017, TAL
Manufacturing, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Motors, has launched ‘Robo Whiz’
• ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has launched a new website called ‘PlanYourGoal.com‘ on 16th of August
2017. It has been launched to help users plan their investments according to their future financial goals.
• Space X has successfully launched Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE) Spaceborne Computer towards the
International Space Station using Falcon 9 rocket.The launch is a part of HPE’s joint experiment with NASA.
• Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed a 3D cardiac tissue patch using
silk protein membranes seeded with heart muscle cells.
• A new species of a 100-million- year-old damselfly discovered in Myanmar has been named in honour of
famed British broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough.The species, belonging to a group more
commonly known as shadowdamsels, has been named Mesosticta davidattenboroughi.
• The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has capped the prices of orthopaedic knee implants.
The cobalt chromium knee implant, available at over Rs 1,58,000 at hospitals, will now be available for a
ceiling price of Rs 54,720.
• Tata Power has become the first power utility to introduce a QR code based bill payments system in
India announced on 17th of August 2017.
• FASTag vehicles set to be operational at all toll plazas from 1st of September. The Centre has made
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arrangements for their online and offline sale. In order to enable the availability of FASTags for Electronic
Toll Collection, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken two steps in consultation with
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• Stanford scientists have developed a low-cost and highly sensitive blood test that may quickly detect cancer
growth and spread.
• Ridesharing app Uber has announced a new feature called ‘Uber for Business’ in India with an aim to give
organizations a more efficient way to manage their business travel and improve employees’ experience.
• State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) went digital by launching a bespoke mobile wallet (mobile
payment App)on 17th of August 2017.The wallet has been developed and issued by MobiKwik on behalf of
BSNL.
• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched two mobile Apps, MyFASTag and
FASTag Partner on August 17 2017.These mobile apps will be useful for Electronic Toll Collection (ETC).
• Scientists have developed an artificial womb has been successfully tested to save premature babies. It has
been developed by researchers from the University of Western Australia and Tohoku University Hospital in
Japan.
• Bengaluru-based social education start-up Meghshala Trust has launched Meghshala (‘School on the Cloud’)
offline mobile app on Google Play Store for the Android platform.It is supported by Tata Trusts.The app
empowers teachers with the necessary tools and resources to create classroom learning experiences.
• NASA has launched TDRS-M satellite on 18th of August 2017. It is the latest in a series of
satellites.It aimed at ensuring astronauts at the International Space Station can communicate with Earth.
• Scientists have found a potential new state of matter that may help explain phenomena like
superconductivity.The high-magnetic-field state of the heavy fermions superconductor “CeRhIn5“revealed a
state in which the material’s electrons aligned in such a way to apparently reduce the symmetry of the original
crystal.
• UK Scientists have developed the world’s smallest surgical robot with low-cost technology. It
is used in mobile phones and space industries. The robot named Versius, mimics the human arm.
• In Indapur, about 140 kilometres from Pune, the Pathan family celebrated the birth of a new family member
Vijay, the country’s first calf delivered by a surrogate cow through In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
technology carried out in a mobile laboratory.
• Google is launching its public Wi-Fi program at railway stations and other locations such as universities
in Indonesia on August 23 2017.
• The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has decided to facilitate its electronic platform ENIT(Electronic NSE
Interface for Trading Members) for faster processing and online reporting by brokers to the bourse related to
bulk/ block trades. It is effective from September 8.
• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has given an approval to Spice Digital
Ltd. for processing bill payments under the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) as a Bharat Bill Payment
Operating Unit (BBPOU) announced on 26th Aug 2017.
• NASA rocket mission is set to create white artificial clouds that will glow in the night sky. It has been created
tostudy disturbances in the upper atmosphere that interfere with communication and technology
systems.The artificial clouds will be visible to residents of the Republic of the Marshall Islands during two
rocket flights to occur between 29th August and 9th September.
• Scientists from CSIR’s National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST),
Thiruvananthapuram have been able to turn waste into wealth and have produced ethanol from discarded
cotton-stalks by using a combination of chemical and biological techniques.
• The Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu has launched the National Sports Talent Search Portal at the
Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. It is a government initiative to bring sporting talent from every
nook and corner of the country announced on 28th Aug 2017.
• Researchers from Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), Bombay and Indore, have jointly developed a
biosensor to detect kidney disorders in less than eight minutes.Tests have revealed the accuracy of the
biosensor to be more than 97%.It can help make rapid and accurate point-of-care diagnostic test for kidney
disorders.
• The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) of the Ministry of Earth
Sciences hasinaugurated the Ocean Forecasting System for Comoros, Madagascar, and Mozambique.
• Drug pricing regulator NPPA has tied up with National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). It will help
athletes tounderstand medicines that could contain prohibited substances in sports through its app Pharma Jan
Samadhan.
• Researchers of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has successfully created an implantable
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bioartificial pancreas model grown within a 3D silk scaffold.The “pancreas” which encapsulates insulin-
producing cells, is capable of naturally producing insulin in a sustained manner.
• YouTube has announced and introduced some major design changes in its iconic logo for its desktop and
mobile apps. It has been changed for the first time in 12 years. In the new logo, YouTube is simply brought
about in black text with its iconic red play button.
• United States has approved the first gene therapy in the nation on 30th of Aug 2017. It is a treatment that uses
a patient’s own immune cells to fight childhood leukaemia.
DEFENCE
• Sri Lankan Navy has commissioned an India-built state-of-the-art Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel
(AOPV) announced on 5th of August 2017. Sri Lankan President and Armed Forces commander-in-chief
Maithripala Sirisena commissioned the new patrol vessel “SLNS Sayurala” at a ceremony at the Eastern
Container Terminal of the Port of Colombo.
• A 66-member Indian Navy band has joined the historic Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in the UK announced
on 5th of August 2017. Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will join for this year’s musical event where they will
mark the 70thyear of India’s Independence.
• China has formally launched its first overseas naval facility in Djibouti, an East African nation. The event
marked the 90th anniversary of the Chinese military.
• The Indian Army has been evicted from a multi-nation tank competition in Tank Biathlon Russia 2017
at Russia due to their T-90 main battle tanks had technical problems at the Alabino ranges in the Moscow
region.
• On August 12, 2017, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra
Pradhan commissioned Indian Coast Guard ship ‘Shaurya’ in Goa. ICGS ‘Shaurya’ is the fifth in the series of
six 105-metre offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).
• India and Russia will hold a major bilateral military exercise in October 2017 involving their armies, navies
and the air forces for the first time to further ramp up defense ties. The exercise ‘Indra’, which will be held
in Russia from 19th to 29th October 2017, will primarily focus on achieving coordination between forces of
the two countries in a tri- services integrated theater command scenario.
• Despite growing tensions with China, the Indian Navy would join the Chinese Navy in the maiden
International Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (IMMSAREX) to be chaired by Bangladesh at the Indian
Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in November 2017
• On August 17, 2017, India’s Defence acquisition council (DAC) gave the green light to a proposal to buy six
Apache AH64E attack helicopters for the army from the United States. The six Apache AH64E attack
helicopters along with weapons systems from American giant Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore will be
Indian Army’s first fleet of attack choppers.
• Central Government has approved a nearly Rs 32,000 crore “definitive five-year action programme” for the
Indian Coast Guard to enhance its capability in maintaining vigil on coastal waters.
• On August 20 2017,The Ministry of Defence has decided to delegate administrative and financial powers to
the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to overcome delays in the construction of strategic roads along the
India-China border.
• On August 21, 2017 Dr. Jagdish Mukhi, Lieutenant Governor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, commissioned
IN LCU L52 into the Indian Navy at Port Blair. IN LCU L52 is the second Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mk-
IV class .This ship has been designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata.
• The Ulchi-Freedom Guardian is a military drill which sees the US and South Korea join forces in a string of
exercises.The annual drill involves huge land, air and sea exercises, with tens of thousands of troops involved
from both countries.
• A student of Chennai’s SRM University, Dacharla Panduranga Rohith developed a Nano Missile on 21
August 2017 recognised by World Records of India.This 1 cm nano missile can fly by burning the red
phosphorus, and hit the target of three metres distance.
• Defence Minister Arun Jaitley handed over the Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) jointly
developed by India and Israel, to the Indian Navy at Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) at Kanchanbagh,
Hyderabad. It is designed as a BVR missile with a range of 110 Km in head-on mode and 20 Km in tail-chase
mode. BVR missiles are the latest in air to air combat.
• ‘Varuna’ Indian Coast Guard Ship which was part of the First Training Squadron of the Navy was
decommissioned.ICGS Varuna was fourth of its series, known as Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) and built by
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Mazagaon Dock, Mumbai.

• American Navy’s amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor arrived in Goa on 24th Aug 2017 as part of
defense cooperation between the two countries. It is the American Ship USS Pearl Harbor first visit to India.
• On 30th august, 2017Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved implementation of the first phase of
recommendations of Shekatkar Committee. This committee was formed to recommend measures to enhance
combat capability and rebalancing Defence Expenditure of the Armed Forces with an aim to increase “teeth to
tail ratio”.
ENVIRONMENT
• As per two different studies, using entirely different methods published in the journal Nature Climate Change,
the global temperature is likely to rise more than 2 degrees Celsius by the end of this century.
• An international team of astronomers has found that the Sun’s core rotates nearly four times faster than its
surface. These low-frequency waves, called g-modes, revealed that the solar core is rotating some four times
faster than the solar surface.
• The Archaeological Survey of India has declared all ASI protected Monuments and Archaeological Sites as
‘Polythene Free Zone’ announced on 4th of August 2017. The move follows a recommendation by
the Ministry of Culture that suggested prohibition on the use of polythene.
• Research conducted on a tree found in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in West
Bengal has revealed two new species of Cycas to the world. Research based on morphological and anatomical
characters of this tree led to the discovery of new species of Cycas pschannae and, later, Cycas dharmrajii in
the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Scientists have identified a new type of barred snakes, now the total number of European grass snakes species
to four.The grass snake is among the most common and widespread snakes in Europe and these non-toxic
reptiles which can reach a length of up to one meter.
• Vizag’s Rayichapalu is declared one of the rarest fish in the world by researchers from the Marine Living
Resources Department of Andhra University. Ranguchapulu is a colourful fish which is around 97mm in
length and lives near the reefs.
• Canada based researchers have discovered fossils of a new species of arrow-shaped marine animals.Theyhas
translucent bodies and it makes them difficult to spot.
• Anthropologists in Kenya have discovered a 13 million year-old baby ape skull that reveals what the common
ancestor of all living humans and apes would have looked like. According to the study published
in Nature roughly the size of a lemon, the skull belongs to a newly identified species of early ape
named Nyanzapithecusalesi.
• The largest volcanic region on Earth, with nearly 100 volcanoes, has been discovered 2 km below the surface
of the vast ice sheet in west Antarctica.These newly discovered volcanoes range in height from 100 to 3,850
metres, with the highest almost as tall as Switzerland’s 3,970 meters Eiger Mountain.
• On analysing data collected by National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Orbiting Carbon
Observatory-2 (OCO-2) satellite, which measures level of carbon dioxide in atmosphere, scientists have found
that the monster El Nino of 2014-16 caused over 3 billion tonnes of carbon to get released into the
atmosphere, pushing carbon dioxide concentration to record levels.
• Aeroplanes may be ejecting significant amounts of black carbon (BC).Climate researchers from multiple
institutions in India including from the Indian Institute of Science and ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre,
made a study about BC a pollutant known to aggravate breathing disorders, upset the monsoon and quicken
glacier melt. Black Carbon may also be depleting the ozone layer.
• US-based Rice University researchers have found a new tectonic plate in the eastern Pacific Ocean off
Ecuador’s coast. It is named after a Colombian island, the Malpelo plate is the 57th plate to be discovered and
the first in nearly a decade.
• According to preliminary results from the first-ever synchronised all-India Elephant Population
Estimation released by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change on World Elephant Day
(August 12, 2017), India is home to 27,312 Asian elephant population.Karnataka has the highest number of
elephants (6,049), followed by Assam (5,719) and Kerala (3,054).
• Union Agriculture Ministry in its recent report to a parliamentary committee has revealed that extreme
weather events are costing India $9-10 billion annually and climate change is projected to impact agricultural
productivity with increasing severity from 2020 to the end of the century.
• As per National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a large near-Earth sized asteroid
named ‘Asteroid Florence’ will pass safely by our planet on September 1, 2017 at a distance of about seven
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million kilometres.
• Scientists have discovered two new species of earthworm in the Western Ghats mountain ranges in Kerala on
19th of August 2017.These new species belong to the ancient family
Moniligastridae.The findings were published in the Journal Zoo Keys in August 2017.
• Indian scientists have discovered Nasikabatrachus Bhupathi, a new species of frogthat has a snout-shaped
nose, just like a pig in Westen Ghats.
• As per the latest research by scientists from Japan, delicate mosses found on rocks and trees in cities around
the world can be used to measure the impact of atmospheric change and could prove a low-cost way to
monitor urban pollution.
SPORTS
• According to the latest ICC Test Rankings RavindraJadeja maintained his top positionin the bowlers’
list while India skipper ViratKohli remained stayed at fifth place in the batting charts released on 1st of
August 2017. The batting list is being topped by Australia captain Steve Smith.
• Paris will host the 2024 Summer OlympicsGames. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Olympics after
reaching a deal with Olympic organizers, the Los Angeles Times reported on 31st of July 2017.
• Indian Super League Club FC Goa has confirmed the signing of Moroccan International Ahmed Jahouh on a
one year loan deal from FUS Rabat of Morocco.
• Neymar has become the most expensive player in football history after completing his blockbuster transfer
to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($262 million).Neymar had signed a five-year
contract to PSG until June 2022.
• DevendraJhajharia has become the first paralympian to be recommended for India’s highest sporting
honour — the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna — along with celebrated former hockey captain Sardar Singh.
• Indian doubles pair of JoshnaChinappa and Dipika Pallikal Karthik bagged for a bronze medal at the WSF
World Doubles Squash Championship in Manchester England.
• On August 5, 2015, Boxer Vijender Singh of India defeated China’s ZulpikarMaimaitialito win the unified
WBO Asia Pacific and Oriental Super Middleweight title in Mumbai. This was Vijender Singh’s ninth
successive win in his professional career.
• Ukrainian former professional boxer WladimirKlitschko has announced his retirement from boxing at the age
of 41.
• Usain Bolt has finished third in his final individual event at the 16th World Athletics Championships - London
6th of August 2017.Justin Gatlin from USA has received gold and Bolt had to settle for Bronze in 100 m
Final. American Christian Coleman took silver with 9.94 having beaten Bolt in the semi-finals.
• India’s ManjuKumari clinched the bronze medal in women’s 59kg category of the Junior World Wrestling
Championship in Tampere, Finland.
• Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has beaten Bengaluru Hockey Association (BHA) by 4-2 in the
final in 91st All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament held in Chennai on 6th of August
2017. ONGC has also defeated Indian Railways in the semi-finals.
• Indian shooter Ankur Mittal has won the individual as well as the team gold medal in Men’s double trap at the
7th Asian Shotgun Championship held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
• Kerala High Court ordered Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to lift the life ban imposed on
Cricketer Sreesanth in the wake of the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal.
• In the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings, Ravindra Jadeja has been ranked as World No.
1 all-rounder after eclipsing Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh.
• Trap shooter and Olympian Kynan Chenai won the bronze medal in the Men’s Trap, at the ongoing 7th Asian
Championship Shotgun, being held at Astana, Kazakhstan.Kynan first shot 116 out of 125 to qualify for the
six-man final round in third position and then held on to it till the end of the finals.
• India shooter Shapath Bhardwaj, aged 15, has become the country’s youngest athlete to figure in the
government’s Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme. The Sports Ministry has launched the TOPS with the
aim of supporting medal prospects for Olympics.
• Real Madrid, a professional football club of Spain, has won the 2017 UEFA Super Cup football tournament
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by defeating Manchester United in the final by 2-1. UEFA awards €2.2 million to the runners-up and
€3.2 million to the winners of the Super Cup..
• Davinder Singh Kang has become the first Indian to qualify for the final round of the javelin throw World
Championships.The IAAF World Athletics Championships is going on in London.
• According to the previous FIFA rankings, India dropped one step to be placed 97th in the latest edition of the
FIFA rankings issued on 10th of August 2017.Brazil has gained the top spot from Germany.
• Maheshwari Chauhan has won an individual bronze medal at the 7th Asian Championship Shotgun in Astana,
Kazakhstan.She becomes the first Indian to win a medal in women’s skeet at the top international level in
Astana, Kazakhstan.
• India beat SL Test Series 2017, Clinch Series 3-0/India claimed their first ever 3-0 series win overseas.
• The eight-member Olympic Task Force, constituted to plan a roadmap to improve India’s performance in
Olympics submitted an extensive final report titled “Preparation of 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic
Games” to the Sports Secretary, Injeti Srinivas on August 11, 2017.
• India finished their campaign at the 7th Asian Shotgun Championship. The pair of Mairaj Ahmad
Khan and RashmmiRathore bagged a gold medal in the skeet mixed team event on the concluding day on
13th of august 2017.
• Tennis Player Rafael Nadal return to the number one spot in ATP ranking after 3 years.
He returned to No.1 spot after Roger Federer pulled out of the Cincinnati Masters due to an injury.
• India Men’s Hockey team has defeated world No. 4 Netherlands by 2-1 to win the series.
Led by Manpreet Singh, the team featured nine players from the junior team, but they still managed to beat an
experienced Netherlands squad through goals from Gurjant (4th minute) and Mandeep (51).
• Alexander Zverev beats Roger Federer by 6-3, 6-4 points in the Rogers Cup final on 13th of August 2017.He
has posted his 10th consecutive victory and fifth tournament title this year.
• India has won 10 medals, including two gold medals in the 6th Golden Glove women’s Boxing Tournament at
Vojvodina, Serbia. Jyoti has won Gold in 51 kgcategory, and Vanlal haritpuii bagged it in 60 kgcategory.
• 2017 IAAF World Championships was the 16th edition of the IAAF World Championships, and was held in
London from 4th to 13th August 2017.The U.S. topped 2017 IAAF World Championships claiming 30 total
medals. Kenya finished a distant second with 11 total medals.
• Real Madrid won the Spanish Super Cup for the 10th time with a 2-0 win over Barcelona.TheSpanish Super
Cup held at Santiago Bernabeu on 16th of August 2017 and Real Madrid has won by 5-1 on aggregate points.
• On the 7th World Dwarf Gamesthe 21-member Indian contingenthold a record of 37 medals. It was held in
Toronto, Canada. India had won 15 gold, 10 silver and 12 bronze medals in the World Dwarf Games.
• Young Indian shuttlerLakshyaSen has won the Bulgaria Open International Series title on 16th of August
2017.He has defeated Croatia’s ZvonimirDurkinjak in the Men’s singles final in Sofia, Bulgaria.
• India captain Virat Kohli continues to top the ICC One-Day International rankings.It has been announced on
18th of Aug 2017.Kohli who has a 12-point lead over second placed Aussie opener David Warner, will look to
enhance their position.
• American Tennis Player Serena Williams has topped the Forbes’ list of highest paid female athletes of 2017
with $27 million in earnings between June 2016 and June 2017.
• Australia, playing for the first time at the rebranded FIBA Asia Cup, became the first Oceanic team to be
crowned champions of Asia. Australia has beaten Iran in final held on 20th August 2017.
• India’s junior para-athlete Rinku Hooda won a silver medal in the Javelin Throw F46 at the first World Para
Athletics Junior Championships.World Para Athletics Junior Championships held in Nottwil, Switzerland.
Western & Southern Open 2017 (Cincinnati Masters)-United States-Winners list
1 Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov won his first Men’s singles Masters 1000 title
2 Garbine Muguruza of Spain won women’s singles
3 Frenchmen Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut won Men’s Cincinnati Doubles
4 Chan Yung-jan and Martina Hingis captured women’s double
• A total of 220 athletes from 33 countries will take part in the International Shooting Sport Federation
(ISSF) Junior World Cup Shotgun event at Porpetto in Italy. A 23-member Indian squad will take part in the
competition. Notably Shapath Bharadwaj from india won a bronze medal in the double trap event while
Lakshay Sheoran and Manisha Keer combined to win a bronze in the mixed team trap competition at the ISSF
Junior Shotgun World Cup.
• Abu Dhabi Chess Festival Committee has conducted the 24th chess annual event, which consists of numerous
FIDE registered tournaments. It was conducting in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE from 13th to 23rd
of August, 2017.GM Amin Bassem of Egypt is winner, Briton GM Nigel Short was runner-up and GM Aryan
Chopra from India finished third in Masters Tournament.
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• Former England captain Wayne Rooneyannounced his retirement from international football on Wednesday,
ending a 14-year careerin which he became the country’s top goalscorer with 53 goals.
• According to the World Table Tennis governing body announced the 2018 ITTF Team World Cup will be
held in London from February 22 to 25 in 2018.The International Table Tennis Federation
(ITTF) has awarded the hosting rights for the event.
• Cristiano Ronaldo was named UEFA Player of the Season for 2016–2017 on 25thAugust 2017. After a
campaign which saw the Portuguese superstar help Real Madrid to the La Liga and Champions League
double.It was the third time that Ronaldo had won the award which was presented on the sidelines of the
Champions’ League group stage draw.
• Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Vijay Goel has announced that the first edition of Rural
Games or Gramin Khel Mahotsav will be started from Delhi announced on 26th Aug 2017.It will take place
between 28th August to 3rd September 2017.
• Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi became the first player to pass 350 goals in La Liga
historyannounced on 27th of Aug 2017. Messi, who has played 384 league matches, is now 66 goals ahead
from Cristiano Ronaldo.
• The Indian U-15 football team defeated Nepal to win the SAFF U-15 Championships in Kathmandu on 27th of
Aug 2017.India beat Nepal by 2-1 in the final and the match took place at ANFA Complex, Lalitpur in Nepal.
Winners of 23rd BWF World Campionship-2017-Glasgow (Scotland)
Event Gold Winners Silver Medalists
Men's Singles Viktor Axelsen (Denmark) Lin Dan (China)
Women's Singles Nozomi Okuhara (Japan) P. V. Sindhu (India)
Men's Doubles Chinese pair Liu Cheng and Zhang Nan Indonesian pair Mohammad Ahsan and
Rian Agung Saputro
Women's Doubles Chinese pair Chen Qingchen and Jia Japanese pair Yuki Fukushima
Yifan andSayaka Hirota
Mixed Doubles Indonesian pair Tontowi Ahmad and Chinese pair Zheng Siwei and Chen
Liliyana Natsir Qingchen
• On August 29,2017, without winning any medal India ended its campaign in 14th World Wrestling
Championships (WWC) 2017 held at Paris, France. This is the second successive World Championship that
Indian wrestlers have returned empty-handed (previous one was at Budapest, Hungary).
• Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan has launched the host city logo for Kochi. This time Kochi is
selected as one of the venues of FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 announced on 29th Aug 2017.The logo
represents and reflects Kochi’s identity and will be a valuable tool in linking the local community in a global
World Cup.
• Lewis Hamilton wins Belgian Grand Prix in F1 title race
OBITUARY
• Eminent Dhrupad singer UstadSayeeduddinDagar passes away at 78

• Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Santosh Mohan Dev has passed away in Silchar, Assam on
2nd of August 2017. He was 83.
• Sam Shepard, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Oscar-nominated actor passed away on 27th July
2017. Shepard was from Fort Sheridan, Illinois U.S.
• Dr P M Bhargava, an eminent scientist and founder-director for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB)
passed away on 1st of August 2017.
• An India international hockey player, Jyoti Gupta a 20-year-old has committed suicide on 2nd of August
2017.Jyoti hails from Sonepat and had represented India in the South Asian Games in 2016.
• English actor, Robert Hardy, famous for his role as Cornelius Fudge in Harry Potter, passed away on August
3, 2017.
• Ex-MP Vishvjit P Singh passed away. He had represented Maharashtra for two consecutive terms from April
1982 to April 1988 and April 1988 to April 1994.
• BJP MP from Ajmer and Former Union Minister Ajmer Sanwar Lal Jat passed away
• Former West Bengal minister Gyan Singh Sohanpal passed away
• Acclaimed Bollywood actor Sitaram Panchal passed away
• Poet, Writer Vijay Nambisan passed away. He became the first All India Poetry Champion in 1988.
• Veteran sports journalist Ted Corbett passed away in Huntingdon, the UK. He was 82.
• South African Bodybuilder SifisoThabete passed away
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• Israeli Holocaust survivor Yisrael Kristal died at the age of 113 on 11th of August of 2017. Israel Kristal
passed away in his hometown of Haifa.
• Joe Bolognais renowned for his comedy style; actor-screenwriter has passed away on August 14 2017 at the
age of 82.
• Actor Shanmuga sundaram, who has appeared in a number of Tamil movies in character and supporting roles,
died in the city on 15th August 2017.
• Former Advocate General of Kerala MK Damodaran passes away
• Veteran photographer S Paul passed away.Hewas born in Jhang in Pakistan in 1929. He moved to India after
partition and his family shifted to Shimla.
• Dick Gregory was a comedian who played a prominent role in the 1960s civil rights movement after becoming
one of the first black comics to perform for white audiences.
• US comedian Jerry Lewis passed away.
• Former Manipur CM Rishang Keishing passes way
• New Zealand’s oldest cricketer Tom Pritchard dies aged 100
• Brian Aldiss, the “grand old man” of science fiction has died at the age of 92. He was from United Kingdom.
• India’s oldest cinematographer Ramanda Sengupta has passed away in Kolkata on 23rd of August 2017.
• Jay Thomas, ‘Murphy Brown’ and ‘Cheers’ Actor, Dies at 69
• Tony de Brum, champion of Paris climate agreement, dies aged 72
• Legendary footballer and Olympian Ahmed Khan dead at 90.Khan represented India in two Olympic Games
— 1948 in London and 1952 in Helsinki Finland apart from two Asian Games in Delhi and 1954 in Manila
BOOKS & AUTHORS
• The world’s shortest woman Jyoti Amge has presented a 51-feet high book at a programme on 6th of August
2017. The book KadveVachan is written by Jain saint Acharya TarunSagarMaharaj. It was unveiled by her in
the presence of BJP state president Ashok Parnami.
• Award-winning Santal author Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar, who has written the acclaimed novel The
Mysterious Ailment of Rupi Baskey (2014) and a collection of stories, The Adivasi Will Not Dance (2015).
The book has been released recently.
• ‘I am HIV positive, so what?’ book from Manipur bodybuilder Pradipkumar Singh’s inspirational fight to
overcome HIV. The book was released at the Press Club of India in New Delhi on August 18,2017.
• Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has penned a book titled ‘I Do What I Do: On Reform, Rhetoric and
Resolve’.The book will be launched on 4th of September.
IMPORTANT DAYS
• The Non-cooperation movement was launched on 1st August 1920 by the Indian National Congress
(INC) under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. It signified a new chapter in the history of Indian freedom
struggle.
• World breastfeeding week 2017 is being celebrated from 1st to 7th August 2017 with the theme “Sustaining
Breastfeeding Together”.
• Japan has observed the 72nd anniversary of the atomic bomb attack in Hiroshima on 6th of August 2017.
• National Handloom Day is being observed on 7th August 2017 to encourage people to use hand-made loom in
the country. It is celebrated every year due to its significance in India’s history, as ‘Swadeshi Movement’ was
launched in 1905 on this day.
• The resolution 49/214 of 23 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly has decided that
the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples will be observed on 9th August every year. This
year’s celebration of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples marks the 10th anniversary of the
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• The nation is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement on 9th of August 2017. This
year’s theme is “Sankalp se Siddhi- the attainment through resolve.
• The second round of National Deworming Day (NDD) is observed between 10th of August to 23rd August in
33 States and Union Territories to tackle worm Infections, targeting more than 11 crore children. The NDD
program was launched in 2015.
• Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas celebrated the World Biofuel Day 2017 on 10thof August 2017 to
create awareness about non fossil-fuels such as biodiesel, ethanol, biogas, etc.
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• The International Youth Day was observed on 12 August 2017 across the world.The 2017 International Youth
day Theme is ‘Youth Building Peace’.
• Union Environment, Forest and ClimateChange Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhanhaslaunched ‘Gaj Yatra’ on
12th of August 2017.The goal of World Elephant Day is to create awareness about the plight of elephants and
to share knowledge and positive solutions for the better care and management of captive and wild elephants.
• International Left-Handers Day is being observed on 13th August. International Left-Handers Day is
designated by Lefthanders International. It was first observed on the 13th of August, in the year 1976.
• Organ Donation Day is observed every year on 13th of August. The aim of this day is to motivate people to
donate organs after death, and to spread awareness about the importance of organ donation.
• Pakistan on 14th of August celebrated its Independence Day. Pakistan hoisted a 400-feet high national flag,
the largest in its history at the Attari-Wagah border to mark its 70th Independence Day.
• The Social Security day is being observed on 14th of August 2017.
• India on 15th of Augustmarked its 71st Independence Day with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the
celebrations in the national capital of India New Delhi.In his speech, PM Modi said the nation needs to come
together to lead a “new India”, where there is no casteism, communalism, corruption and terrorism.
• World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is observed every year on 19thAugust to pay tribute to aid workers who risk
their lives in humanitarian service, and to rally support for people affected by crises around the
world.The theme for WHD 2017 will be #NotATarget.
• World Photography day is observed on 19th August across the world. It aims to inspire photographers across
the planet to share a single photo with a simple purpose and to share their world with the world.
• The birthday of Shri Rajiv Gandhi is celebrated on 20th August every year. It is called Sadbhavana Diwas.
The Sadbhavana Diwas 2017 is the 73rd birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi.
• The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition was observed across the
world on 23rd August 2017.
• On August 29 2017 Prime Minister Narendra Modi tribute to the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan
Chand, and congratulated all sportspersons on the occasion of National Sports Day.
He also launched National Sports Talent Search Portal.It will give essential direction and support to
youngsters to pursue their ambition in sports.
• The International Day against Nuclear Tests is observed on 29th August. It was established on 2ndDecember
2009 at the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly by the resolution 64/35.
• On August 30th each year, The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day of the Victims of
Enforced Disappearances. On this day organizations such as the UN and Amnesty International play an active
role in raising awareness that enforced disappearance is a crime and should not be used as a tool to deal with
situations of conflict.
• On 30th august every year small industry day is celebrated by ministry of Micro, Small &Medium
Enterprises(MSME).
Current Affairs September 2017

INDIAN AFFAIRS
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the annual conference – Rajaswa Gyan Sangam, 2017 in New
Delhi on 1st of Sep. The Conference have been jointly organised by the Central Board of Direct Taxes
(CBDT) and the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).
• The deadline for linking Permanent Account Number (PAN) with Aadhaar has extended by four months to
31st December announced by the government.
• On September 1, 2017 Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goelhas announced that a
new Youth Sports Centre to be built at Alipur, Delhi. Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and Sports
Authority of India (SAI) will jointly create and run this unique Youth Sports Centre.
• The Kerala Tourism department has launched a campaign called ‘Yalla Kerala’ (Yalla means lets go). It has
been launched to target tourists from Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and
Qatar.
• India’s first indigenous sniper rifle was launched at the rifle factory in West Bengal.Its total cost is Rs 2.5
lakh and weighing 6.7 Kg.The rifle has a shooting range of 800 meters.
• With an aim to improve the condition of small and marginal farmers, the Union Ministry of Science and
Technology is planning to create Farmer Zone which is a collective open source data platform for smart
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agriculture using biological research.

• On September 1,2017,Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has approved the constitution of an Empowered
Steering Committee (ESC) on the basis of the recommendations of the interim report of the8-member Task
Force headed by AbinavBindra.It will increase India’s medal prospects in forthcoming Olympic games
including 2020 Tokyo Olympic games.
• Environment Ministry will launch an environment awareness initiative. Under which an online environmental
quiz competition named “Prakriti Khoj” an Environment Quiz to be conducted at the national
level.The quiz is being launched on 5th of September on the occasion of Teachers’ Day.
• On September 3,2017, the cabinet got extended and reshuffled for the third time. Modi expanded his council
of ministers twice–first on November 9, 2014 and then on July 5, 2016. Nine new Ministers of state were
inducted into the Union Council of Ministers. Four Ministers of state were elevated to the cabinet rank.
• On September 2 ,2017 Delhi lieutenant governor Anil Baijal banned dumping of waste at the Ghazipur landfill
site because on September 1 ,2017 a mountain of waste collapsed into a canal, killing two people. Baijal
ordered immediate halt to dumping of solid waste at the landfill and clearing the site within two years.
• The Karnataka government has decided to make education free for all girls from Class 1 to graduation level in
all public and aided private schools and colleges from the next academic year announced on 2nd Sept 2017.
Under this scheme, student must pay the fees first at the time of admission and later get it reimbursed by the
government.
• Cell for IPR Promotions and Management (CIPAM), which works under the Department of Industrial Policy
and Promotion (DIPP) in the ministry, has started an “#LetsTalkIP” initiative to promote Indian Geographical
Indications.
• ‘Ye India ka time hai’ event was organized at National Institute of Technology, Raipur Chhattisgarh on 3rd of
Sept.The event was held as per the directives of HRD ministry to mark India’s 70 years of independence and
75 years of the Quit India movement.
• Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has flagged off a fleet of first batch of 1000 E-rickshaws from Huda
City Centre metro station in Gurugram on 3rd of Sept 2017. The E rickshaw fleet is being operated by
Treasure Vase Ventures Private Limited in partnership of Delhi Metro, under the SmartE brand name.
• The Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation constituted a task
force for speedy implementation of various ongoing Namami Gange program.
Namami Gange programme is a program of Union Government aiming at integrating various efforts to clean
and protect River Ganga.
• On 5th September 2017, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Home Minister Rajnath
Singhflaged off the first run of the Lucknow Metro from the Transport Nagar Metro Station in
Lucknow.The 8.5-km-long ‘Priority Corridor’ from Transport Nagar to Charbagh, which is part of the Phase-1
of the project, will be operational for the public from 6 am to 10 pm everyday.
• On 5th September 2017, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched two new contraceptives,
an injectible MPA (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) under the ‘Antara’ programme and contraceptive
pill ‘Chhaya’ in New Delhi. The contraceptives are said to be safe and highly effective.
• On 5th September 2017, Leader of the Green Revolution Dr.M.S.Swaminathan and Padma Shri
Dr.H.Sudarshan launched the National Nutrition Strategy, along with Vice Chairman of Niti Aayog Dr.Rajiv
Kumar and Member of Niti Aayog Dr.Vinod Paul.
• Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani has launched “Gyakunj e-class project” from Shahpur primary school in
Gandhinagar announced on 4th Sept 2017. Under this initiative, interactive e-class will be launched with smart
board.In the first phase, 550 schools will be covered under the ‘Gyankunj Project’ and gradually standard 5th
to 9th of every schools of the state will cover under the project.
• Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated the Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and
Hospital (SLNMCH) in the tribal-dominated district of southern Odisha on 4th Sept. 2017. The SLNMCH in
Koraput has been established at a cost of Rs. 192 crore.
• In Assam, the state govt. has set up a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Cell for implementation of DBT across
schemes in the Country. It helps in coordinating efforts at the State Level in taking the DBT initiative forward
with immediate effect.
• Assam government will upgrade employment exchanges to Modern Career Centres announced on 6th of Sep.
2017. All modern facilities including counselling will be provided at the proposed career centres.
• As part of labour law reforms, the Government has undertaken the exercise of rationalisation of the 38 Labour
Acts by framing 4 labour codes viz Code on Wages, Code on Industrial Relations, Code on Social Security
and Code on occupational safety, health and working conditions.It subsumes 4 existing Laws,
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1. The Minimum Wages Act, 1948;

2. The Payment of Wages Act, 1936;
3. The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; and
4. The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.
• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced a new programme named ‘Jala Siriki
Haarati’. It is a programme offering prayers to water bodies and to create awareness among the public
regarding water preservation announced on 6th sept. 2017. The programme will be held on September 6, 7 and
8 across the state.
• On 6th September 2017, an Expert Task Force was constituted with the NITI Aayog Vice Chairman, Dr.Rajiv
Kumar, as its Chairperson to provide a major thrust to job creation by enhancing India’s exports.
• On 6th September 2017, Home Ministry announced that Chiefs of central armed police forces like Central
Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) and other central agencies have been
empowered to spend up to Rs.15 crore for executing major projects and Rs.1 crore for minor works, including
repairing of residential buildings.
• Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Andhra
Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) on 6th of Sept. 2017.The pact has been signed to connect
Vijayawada and Amaravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh in Guntur district.After conducting the
feasibility study, in the second phase of the project, the company will construct and build the first hyperloop in
the country.
• On 8th September 2017, Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of Water Resources entered into a
Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore for development of
ground water flow models and preparation of aquifer management plans for Karnataka, in New Delhi.
• First water ATM has been inaugurated by Telangana State Home Minister N Narasimha Reddy at Nalgonda X
Roads on 7th of Sept. 2017.It will provide affordable, 24×7 safe water access in Hyderabad.
• The government has allowed import of 3 lakh tonnes of raw sugar at a concessional duty of 25% import duty
under Open General License (Tariff Rate Quota) has been allowed through millers/refiners on 7th of Sept.
2017. The imports will be allowed through the ports namely Tuticorin, Karaikal, Chennai, Mangalore,
Kakinada, Gangavaram and Vishakapatnam in the South.
• On 8th September 2017, in New Delhi the Ministry of Civil Aviation introduced new rules for the formation
of a national No – Fly list that bans unruly passengers from travelling in airplanes.
• On 7th September 2017, a new study claimed that one of the biodiversity-rich uninhabited island of
Lakshadweep ‘Parali I’ has vanished due to coastal erosion.Parali I island of Laskshadweep has been eroded
completely and vanished.The island was a part of Bangaram chain of islands, and was 0.032 square km in area
in 1968.
• On 9th September 2017, the 21st meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council was held at
Hyderabad International Convention Centre, in Hyderabad. This is the first time the GST Council met after
filing of GST returns.
• On 8th September 2017, in New Delhi, the Government announced that it has approved cadre review policy for
Junior Commissioned Officers & other rank-holders in the Army, and Indian Army is to induct women in
military police.The last cadre review for army personnel was done in 1984.The new proposal will allow
women to serve in the non-officer cadre for the first time in India.
• Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Anant Geete mentioned that
the government wasconsidering the extension of a scheme to promote electric and hybrid vehicles by another
six months.The scheme’s phase-I was introduced from April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2017.The phase was
subsequently extended by six months till September end.
• On 8th September 2017, Deputy Director General of the National Apex Agricultural Research Body,
Mr.Narendra Singh Rathore announced that ICAR (Indian Council for Agricultural Research) would
undertake major research works on agriculture, in Chennai.
World Bank granted a fund Rs.1100 crore for this project.
• On 7th September 2017, Assam passed the Industrial Disputes (Assam Amendment) Bill, 2017, regarding lay
off of employees, in Guwahati. The law enables employers to lay off up to 300 employees without prior
permission from the government.
• Minister of State in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jitendra Singh will
inaugurate the “North East Calling” festival in New Delhi on 9th of Sept. 2017.
The two-day event is being organised by the Ministry of DoNER under its Destination North East series for
this year.
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• According to the reports, the national average is 23%; Bengal leads the pack with as high as 77% in new tax
registration under the GST regime in India.States such as Gujarat and Maharashtra are behind West Bengal in
GST registration.
• On 9th September 2017, Union Water Resources Minister Mr.Nitin Gadkari and Chief Minister of Maharashtra
Mr.Devendra Fadnavis announced a project to link rivers in Maharashtra, in Mumbai. Two major river linking
projects in Maharashtra – Par-Tapi-Narmada and Damanganga-Pinjal worth Rs.20,000 crore are about to start.
• The Centre has issued a notice, stating that all the SIM cards have to be linked to Aadhaar before February
2018 to avoid deactivation of the phone numbers.It is being done to prevent criminals, fraudsters, and
terrorists from using SIMs in the name of ordinary citizens.
• On September 9,2017, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Sri Lankan counterpart Tilak
Marapana held wide-ranging talks to deepen bilateral relationship between the two countries. It is Marapana’s
first overseas visit after assuming charge as foreign minister on 15th August. Marapana also met Prime
Minister Narendra Modi concluding the official part of his three-day visit.
• On 11th September 2017, The Union Finance Ministry, has announced that is has planned to launch ‘Project
Insight’ from October, 2017, in a move to restrict black money holdings and transactions.The aim of this
project is to observe and check high value transactions, and track tax evaders with the help of technology to
restrict black money holdings.
• On 11th September 2017, Assam government announced that it would provide skill development training to
30,000 surrendered militants.Mission Director of Assam Skill Development, Mr.A.P.Tiwari said that the skill
development training would be given to 30,000 surrendered militants and jail inmates, during an AIR (All
India Radio) talk show.
• The traditional Bonderam festival has started in Divar Island of Goa on 9th September 2017.
The word “Bonderam” originated from the involvement of flags. This festival starts with a flag which is
accompanied by the brass band.
• After the recent ministry reshuffle On September 11,2017 the Union Government has reorganised six
Committees of the Cabinet. Defence minister Nirmala sitharaman and Railway ministerPiyush whose
portfolios was recently elevated were inducted in Cabinet Committee on Political affairs(CCPA).
• On September 11,2017, the second Strategic Partnership Council meeting between two nations was held at
New Delhi.As a part of the meeting, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and her Afghan counterpart
Salahuddin Rabbani held talks on wide- ranging topics.
• On September 10,2017, an eight-foot bronze statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was unveiled at the Naval
Area headquarters of West Bengal by Vice Admiral HCS Bisht, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern
Naval Command in the presence of Professor Krishna Bose, Netaji’s niece-in-law and chairperson of Netaji
Research Bureau. Several dignitaries attended the statue opening ceremony including Consul-General of Japan
in Kolkata Masayuki Taga
• On September 12,2017 Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh inaugurated first phase of 65 MW Kashang
Hydel Project in the tribal Kinnaur district. Kashang Project is being executed by Himachal Pradesh Power
Corporation Limited (HPPCL).It is a 195 MW project (three units of 65 MW each).
• On September 11,2017, the PFRDA chairman Hemant Contractor announced at a conference in Delhi that the
upper age limit for joining the National Pension System (NPS) has been raised to 65 years from the current
60. The announcement by PFRDA will allow more people to come under the pension cover as currently only
15-16 per cent of employees in India are covered by pension
• The cabinet approves the introduction of the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in the Parliament.
• This amendment will be beneficial for persons who are not covered under CCS (Pension) Rules, at par with
Central Government employees.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approves development of six laning of Narasannapeta-
Ranastalam section of National Highway (NH) – 16 in Andhra Pradesh
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approves survey of Un-appraised Areas of Sedimentary Basins
of India. Project cost is Rs. 2932.99 crore spread over five years. The Target year is 2019-2020.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approves doubling of Daund-Manmad Railway Line for
promoting Speedy, Reliable & Safe Service. The estimated cost of the project will be Rs.2,081.27 crore and
completion cost of Rs. 2,330.51 crore with 5% escalation per annum.
• Cabinet approves hiving off mobile tower assets of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited into a separate company,
fully owned by BSNL.There are around 4,42,000 mobile towers in the country out of which more than 66,000
mobile tower are of BSNL.
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• Cabinet approves release of additional 1% Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and
Dearness Relief to pensioners with effect from 01.07.2017. This move of increasing additional 1% from 4% is
to compensate for price rise as suggested by 7th pay commission.
• On September 12,2017, the union cabinet gave its approval for signing of MoU’s between
Armenia, Japan and morocco with respect to multiple fields. These MoU’s will enhance the bilateral ties
between nations.
• Cabinet approves MoU between India and Armenia on Cooperation in the field of Disaster Management
• Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Japan for collaborative research in the field of silkworm and silk
industries
• Government constitutes Group of Ministers under Sushil kumar Modi & Hasmukh Adhia to resolve IT
challenges faced in GST implementation. It Chaired by Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Sushil Kumar
Modi.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belarus President A.G. Lukashenko signed 10 pacts which includes
Sports, Vocational Education and Training, Scientific and Technical Cooperation between Indian National
Science Academy (INSA) and the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Agricultural Research and
Education, culture for 2018-2020 and Oil and Gas Sector to expand cooperation in wide range of areas and
decided for a joint collaboration in manufacturing and in defence sector under the ‘Make in India’ programme.
• On 12th September 2017, The Union Minister of State for AYUSH (Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) Mr.Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated India’s first State of art
virology laboratory at Dr.Anjali Chatterjee Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy in Kolkata.The cost
for establishment of this laboratory is Rs.8 crore.
• On 11th September 2017, India has started producing ‘Civet Coffee’ the most expensive coffee in the world, in
Karnataka.Civet Coffee is made from the feces of a species of cat called ‘Civet Cat’.
• On 12th September 2017, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan
inaugurated a two-day conference on “Sustainable landscapes and forest ecosystems: Theory to Practice”, in
New Delhi.He launched the “Wood is Good” campaign.
• On 12th September 2017, the Supreme Court declared that the 6-month ‘cooling off’ period for granting
divorce can be waived, in New Delhi.The Supreme Court declared that the 6 month cooling off period under
the Hindu Marriage Act for getting divorce is not mandatory. The local judges can decide about waiving off
that period.
• The Ministry for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched a nationwide
hackathon‘OpenGovDataHack’ to support and showcase potential ideas and talent from inner India.The
hackathon aims to enable participants develop their ideas into apps and infographics primarily by the use of
open government data.
• On September 12,2017, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs(CCEA) approved a “Dairy Processing &
Infrastructure Development Fund” (DIDF) with an outlay of Rs10,881 crore during the period from 2017-18
to 2028-29.This fund will give new impetus to the dairy industry and to people relying on it.The project will
be implemented by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National Dairy Development
Cooperation (NCDC).
• India is planning to launch major connectivity initiative, connecting Chennai with key Russian
port Vladivostok via sea route with an aim to harness natural resources from Northeast Asia and Western
Pacific region. This effort by government of India will counter china’s OBOR project.
• Ministry of Railways permits m-Aadhar as one of the prescribed proofs of Identity for Rail Travel Purpose.
• On September 12,2017, The University Grants Commission(UGC) announced the beginning of a 90-day
application process for public and private universities to seek the status of institutions of eminence, which
will provide them freedom from the regular regulatory mechanisms.
• On september13,2017 Managing Director of National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRC) Achal
Khare informed that high-speed rail training centre worth 600 crore for the first bullet train project will be set
up in Vadodara.This centre will come up on the five hectares of land inside the National Academy of Indian
Railways (NAIR).
• On September 12,2017 Kerala’s Health minister K.K. Shylaja announced that kerla is planning to open India’s
first transgender-exclusive clinics at government medical colleges across the state. The first clinic will be set
up at the government medical college of Kottayam within the next two months and will be one of the two
clinics to provide the sex-change surgery.
• On 12th September 2017, Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar launched Mission 24—to improve the quality
of life in one of Mumbai’s poorest wards, in Mumbai. The project is carried out by NGO Apnalaya and
Mumbai’s Municipal body – BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation).
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• Karnataka Cabinet has cleared Karnataka Electric Vehicle & Energy Storage Policy 2017 with a clear plan
tomake Bengaluru the electric vehicle capital of India.The policy main aim is to reduce pollution.
• The US Trade and Development Agency has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Airports
Authority of India to support a 20-year master plan aimed at expansion of operational capacities of the
Kolkata and Lucknow international airports.
• On September 13,2017, the centre announced that will soon grant citizenship to nearly one lakh Chakma
Buddhists and Hajong Hindu refugees, who came from the erstwhile East Pakistan(Bangladesh) five decades
ago and are living in camps in the northeast.
• On 14th September ,2017, Ministry of External affairs launched operation Insaniyat to help the Rohingya
refugees staying in Bangladesh. This move will enhance India-Bangladesh ties.
• On september 15,2017 ,The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh launched the “Swachhta Hi
Sewa” campaign of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), at ITBP campus, Tigri. ITBP( Indo Tibetian Border
Force) officers and jawans participated in cleanliness drive around the campus. A Swachhta demonstration by
ITBP’s women personnel was presented. Theme song created and composed by ITBP personnel on cleanliness
was also presented.
• After a two-week-long protest by farmers the Rajasthan government has announced a Rs 20,000 crore farm-
loan waiver.The government has agreed to waive loans for farmers up to Rs 50,000.
• Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has launched first Intelligence Wing of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and
Welfare & Rehabilita tion Board (WARB) App in New Delhi authorized to Protect the shared borders of India
with Nepal and Bhutan.
• On 15th September ,2017, The Assam state Assembly passed PRANAM(Parental Responsibility And Norms
for Accountability and Monitoring ) bill that makes it mandatory for state government employees to take care
of their parents and needy siblings or face a cut in their income.
• On September 15,2017 Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi inaugurated
India’s first Centre for Animal Law that has been established at the NALSAR University of Law in
Hyderabad.
• On September 15,2017 ayurveda sytudents from across the country have set a new Guinness World Record for
maximum number of people receiving ‘nasya panchakarma’treatment at 1st Rashtriya Ayurved Yuva
Mahotsav, the national event for students of ayurveda.The event was hosted by the National Institute of
Ayurveda (NIA) in Jaipur.
• On his 67th birthday on September 17,2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Sardar Sarovar
dam built on the Narmada river to the nation at Kevadia in the Narmada district, Gujarat. The project was
accomplished by Gujarat government’s Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNL). The height of the dam
was recently raised to 138.68 metres.
• Centre has signed a loan deal for $76 million with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for a
project regarding upgradation of environment management plan at Alang-Sosiya ship recycling yards, in
Gujarat. The total cost of the project would be $ 111 million. Out of which $76 million would be provided as
loan from JICA. The project would be completed by 2022.
• Indian Navy’s INS Garhial carries relief material under ‘operation Insaniyat’ for Rohingya refugees. Indian
Navy will carry around 86 thousand family packs as relief material in the ongoing operation.
• On September 14,2017, The Odisha government passed a bill for starting the first Odia language university for
post-graduate in literature, linguistics and epigraphy. After Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra
Pradesh, Odisha became the fourth state in country to have a special university for development of its
language and literature. The university would be established in Bhubaneswar.
• On September 17,2017, The government announced that it has exempted import duty for sports items and a
wide range of goods for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup India.The following goods will also be
exempted from the integrated tax levied under the GST. The 17th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, has
the slogan ‘Football takes over’.
• On September 17,2017 Jharkhand Government launched the “Shaheed Gram Vikas Yojana” at Ulihatu
Village ,Khunti district of Jharkhand. BJP President Amit Shah along with Jharkhand Chief Minister
Raghubar Das launched the initiative.The scheme aims at developing the villages of freedom fighters in the
state . Ulihatu Village is the birth place of freedom fighter and Jharkhand’s tribal icon, Birsa Munda.
• On September 18,2017 ,Tripura became the first state in the country to set up family welfare district
committees to deal with the issue of fake and biased complaints by women against their husbands, in-laws and
husband’s relatives.These committees have been formed as per the directives if supreme court.
• On Sep 18 ,2017 Jammu and Kashmir governor N N Vohra inaugurated the second International Yoga
Festival and International Yoga Sports Championship 2017 in which about 300 people from various parts of
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India, Vietnam, Taiwan, Canada, Bulgaria, USA and Nepal are participating.The festival is being organized
by the Yoga Society of Kashmir at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre.
• On September 19 2017, The Government of Singapore is proposed to be set up Skill Center at Guwahati by
the year 2019 and Dr Jitendra Singh,the Ministry of DoNER will coordinate in this initiative.
• On September 20 2017, Siachen is India’s highest and hardest battlefield situated at an average altitude of
18,000 ft above sea level.Our Indian Army carried Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda of Swachh Bharat
and make Siachen stays clean.
• On September 19 2017,Vice President Venkaiah Naidu unveiled commemorative coins of Rs 100 and Rs 10
denominations on the birth centenary musician Bharat Ratna M S Subbulakshmi and inaugurated an exhibition
entitled “Kurai Onrum Illai-MS: Life in Music” nearly two-week-long exhibition.
• On September 20 2017,Our Home Ministry informed that India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
is going to conduct a disaster management exercise between October 10-13 in New Delhi with BIMSTEC
countries and acronymed as BIMSTEC DMEx-2017.
• On 20th September 2017, NBCC announced that it has obtained license to develop a commercial project as
‘World Trade Centre’ at Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi. NBCC has obtained license from World Trade Centre
(WTC), New York to develop the Nauroji Nagar commercial project as World Trade Centre (WTC).
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, as union cabinet chairman has given approval for beginning of the
Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in Parliament subject to modifications of drafting or significant nature, if
any, as may be considered necessary by the Legislative Department by amending the Dentists Act, 1948 (16 of
1948).
• A revamped ‘Khelo India’ scheme has been approved by union cabinet. There may be 1,000 selected athletes
will receive an annual scholarship of Rs5 lakh each for eight years under this scheme.The cost under this
scheme will be Rs1,756 crore between 2017-18 and 2019-20, will also promote 20 universities across India as
hubs of sporting excellence.
• The Union Cabinet has been apprised of the progress under National Health Mission (NHM). The Cabinet was
also approved the decisions of the Empowered Programme Committee (EPC) and Mission Steering Group
(MSG) of NHM. National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)
became two sub-missions under the overarching NHM.
• Cabinet approves rationalization/merger and modernization of 17 Government of India Presses (GIPs)/Units
into 5 Government of India Presses (GIPs) at below places1.Rashtrapati Bhavan , Minto Road and Mayapuri
in New Delhi, 2.Nashik in Maharashtra and 3.Temple Street in Kolkata, West Bengal.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home
Affairs extension of time period for Scheme “Special Industry Initiative for J&K” (Sll J&K)- Udaan upto 31st
December, 2018 without any modification and cost escalation from 2016-17.
• Cabinet approved a proposal to transfer three India Tourism Development Corp. hotels to the state
governments of Rajasthan, Karnataka and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Union approves to pay Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 78 days wages to eligible non-gazetted
railway employees (excluding RPF/RPSF personnel) before Dussehra/Puja holidays for the financial year
2016-17.
• On 18th September 2017, Law Ministry approved the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2017, in New
Delhi.The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2017 would enable the government to seize the property of
economic offenders and defaulters who escape from India, through a new provision.
• On 20th September 2017, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) made a significant oil discovery
near Mumbai High in the Arabian Sea, in Mumbai. Oil was discovered in a well on the west of Mumbai High
oil fields in the Arabian Sea.
• On 21st September 2017, ADB announced that it has sanctioned a $ 300 million loan to West Bengal for
carrying out fiscal reforms to make public services more accessible, affordable, and high quality.
• On 19th September 2017, the First National Conference on ‘Mission Mode to address Under-Nutrition’ was
held in New Delhi. The conference was inaugurated by the Minster of Women & Child Development,
Ms.Maneka Gandhi. The focus of the conference was ‘Mission Malnutrition Free India-2022’.
• Dr Jitendra Singh had inaugurated the first ‘Pension Adalat’ on 20th of Sept. 2017.He will award the
Pensioners for their outstanding contribution towards ‘Anubhav’. It is a platform for retiring employees for
sharing their experience of working with Government.
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• The Indian Army has organized Operation Sadbhavana for National Integration. These
operations are carried out by Indian Army in Jammu & Kashmir and North East states respectively. It has been
organized on 21st of Sept. 2017.
• On 20th September 2017, the Department of Biotechnology announced ‘lab on boat’ project for biological
analysis of the Bramhaputra river. The Department of Biotechnology has announced 3 projects for the North
East India.The projects would have mobile laboratories on boat, on the Brahmaputra river and its tributaries.
• On 21st – 24th September 2017, VASTRA 2017 – International Textile and Apparel Fair was held at the
Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This is the 6th edition of VASTRA. Main focus
of the fair is to create business opportunities.
• On 21st September 2017, Mazagon Dock Ltd delivered INS Kalvari, the first scorpene-class submarine to
Indian Navy, in Mumbai. INS Kalvari, is the first of the six Scorpene-class submarines. This was handed over
to Indian Navy by Mazagon Dock Ltd.
• On 21st September 2017, the Himachal Pradesh government started electric bus service for the first time, in
Rohtang Pass.Himachal Pradesh is the first state in India to start this initiative.Also, Himachal Pradesh is the
first state in the world to operate electric buses at a height of 13,000 feet.
• On 20th September 2017, The Indian Coast Guard commissioned two high-speed interceptor boats fitted with
12.7 mm machine gun at the Dighi Port, in Mumbai. The high speed interceptor boats C-433 and C-434 boats
were built by L&T Shipbuilding in Chennai.
• On 21st September 2017, the Central Government announced a new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy
to improve affordable housing.Under the existing ‘Housing For All’ policy, buyers purchasing a low-end
house from a private developer will be eligible for financial help.
• On 21st September 2017, The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) and the International
Road Federation, Geneva (IRF Geneva) signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) to cooperate in the field of
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
• On 21st September 2017, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Mr.Chandrababu Naidu announced that the
transgender community can avail government schemes. Also, Andhra Pradesh is to be declared ODF by
March 2018.
• Union minister Anupriya Patel has launched a nationwide health campaign to sensitise women about the early
screening and the preventive care for cancer. It has been launched on 21st of Sept. 2017.The theme of the
campaign is ‘Nurturing the Nurturer’ and the campaign was launched by FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) in
partnership with the Apollo Hospitals group.
• Bollywood film ‘Newton’ becomes India’s official entry in the Foreign Language Film category at the 2018
Oscars.Newton’ has been selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars. It was unanimously chosen from 26
entries this year.Rajkummar Rao, who played the lead role in ‘Newton’. Newton ‘director’ is Amit Masurkar.
• India will host the World Congress on Adolescent Health on October. It is the biggest global event in
adolescent health this year announced on 21st Sept. 2017.It will be held from October 27-29 and held once in
every four years.The 11th World Congress on Adolescent Health, theme is Investing in Adolescent Health the
Future is Now.
• On 23rd September 2017, ‘Pralay Sahayam’, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise
was held in Secunderabad. On 22nd September 2017, as a part of ‘Pralay Sahayam’ a seminar on
“Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief” was conducted at College of Defence Management in
Secunderabad Cantonment.
• On 21st September 2017, the state cabinet of Odisha approved the establishment of Handlooms and
Handicrafts Development and Promotion Council, in Bhubaneswar. Aim of this council is to improve growth
of handlooms and handicrafts sectors.
• On 21st September 2017, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued aerodrome licence to
Shirdi Airport, in Shirdi, Maharashtra. DGCA has issued license to Shirdi Airport for day operations. It is
capable of handling Code 3C type aircraft, including the Airbus 320 and Boeing 737.
• On 17th September 2017, the Railway Board issued a circular that states that passengers can only sleep
between 10 pm and 6 am, cutting down sleeping time by 1 hour. Prior to this circular, the permissible sleeping
time was from 9 pm to 6 am.
• ‘Zero Hunger’ programme will be launched in Gorakhpur of Uttar Pradesh, Koraput of Odisha and Thane of
Maharashtra on World Food Day, 16th October 2017. These three districts would act as a role model for other
districts to achieve Zero hunger goal. This programme is executed in line with India’s Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) to end hunger by 2030.
• On 12th September 2017, The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion organised the Second State
Startup Conference in New Delhi. The conference was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Commerce and
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Industry, Mr.C.R.Choudhary.
Narendra Modi’s visit to Varanasi:
• Mr.Modi inaugurated the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, a Trade Facilitation Centre, at Bada Lalpur,
Varanasi.The facility has been named after former BJP President Mr.Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.
• Mr.Modi flagged off the Vadodara-Varanasi weekly express remotely through a video link.
• He also inaugurated banking services of the Utkarsh Bank in Varanasi. He also laid foundation stone for the
headquarters building of the bank.This bank focuses on micro-finance.
• Mr.Modi launched the service of four water ambulances and four coffin carrying boats remotely through video
link. The PM also released a postage stamp on different aspects of Lord Ram’s life at the Tulsi Manas Mandir,
in Varanasi.
• On 22nd September 2017, The Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences & Environment, Forest &
Climate Change, Dr.Harshvardhan launched ‘Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhayay Vigyan Gram Sankul Pariyojana’ in
Uttarakhand.The main idea of this project is to acquire local resources and skill sets and transform them using
science and technology.
• on 23rd September 2017, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr.Dharmendra Pradhan launched
the ‘Pradhan Mantri LPG Panchayat’ in Mota Ishanpur village of Gujarat. The launch aimed to spread
awareness among LPG users about the proper use and benefits of LPG.
• On 24th September 2017, Odisha Government launched ‘Sampurna (Sishu Abond Matru Mrityuhara Purna
Nirakaran Abhijan) Yojna’ scheme for pregnant women, in Odisha.Under the ‘Sampurna Yojana’ scheme
Odisha government will provide Rs.1,000 as transport cost for pregnant women to travel to the hospital from
inaccessible areas arranging their own vehicles.
• NITI Aayog and Government of Assam organises workshop on health sector reforms in Guwahati; launches
SATH. NITI Aayog selected has three states for this programme: Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.
• On 24th September 2017, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mr.Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Puducherry
Chief Minister Mr.V.Narayanasamy inaugurated “Hunar Haat” at Puducherry. This provides an opportunity
for artisans to display and sell their products.
• On 23rd September 2017, final event of ‘Pralay Sahayam’, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
(HADR) exercise was held in Hyderabad. The final event of ‘Pralay Sahayam’ was a multi-agency exercise. It
was conducted on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake in Hyderabad.
• Google Doodle celebrates 100th birthday of a renowned Indian chemist, Asima Chatterjee, who was also
thefirst female Doctorate of Science in India from an Indian University.
• On 25th September 2017, TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India) organised
a National Workshop on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Minor Forest Produce (MFP), in New Delhi.
Minister of Tribal Affairs Mr.Jual Oram inaugurated the workshop.
• India has been ranked third in the world with respect to number of nuclear reactors being installed, by the
World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2017, which was released in September 2017. India occupies 3rd
position in the list with 6 nuclear reactors being installed.China is in the lead with 20 reactors.
• On 27th to 29th September 2017, India, US and Afghanistan will conduct a joint trade and investment show
for the first time, in Delhi. The event will be inaugurated by Afghanistan CEO Dr.Abdullah.
• On 25th September 2017, Infosys Foundation signed a MoU with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc),
Bangalore aims to improve infrastructure and broaden research activities at the Centre for Infectious Diseases
Research (CIDR).
• On 25th September 2017, Prime Minister Mr.Narendra Modi launched a new scheme, Pradhan Mantri Sahaj
Bijli Har Ghar Yojana –‘Saubhagya’, to carry out electrification of all households in India.The total budget for
this project is Rs.16,320 crore. Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) provided is Rs.12,320 crore.
• On 25th September 2017, the 2nd India-Indonesia Biennial Trade Ministers’ Forum Meeting was held in New
Delhi. Mr.Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industry of India, and Mr.Enggartiasto Lukita, Minister
of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia participated in the meet.
• On 25th September 2017, Karnataka government launched Vision-2025 project, in Karnataka.
This project aims at developing a draft policy for development of Karnataka in the next 7 years based on the
opinion of the public.Executive officer of the project is Ms.Renuka Chidambaram.
• On 21st September 2017, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Mr.N.Chandrababu Naidu declared 2017 as e-
pragati year, at Vijayawada. The e-pragati training programme is for government officials to familiarise and
update new technologies.
• Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport became the first airport in the country to introduce a
wheelchair lift or Verti-lift on 24th of Sept. 2017.The lift was installed as part of the Accessible India
Campaign.
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• Cabinet approves Inter-bank Local Currency Credit Line Agreement & Co-operation Memorandum relating to
Credit Ratings by Exim Bank. Exim Bank will reach the international platform through this agreement.
• The Cabinet approved the implementation of Umbrella Scheme of ‘Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF)’ for
years 2017-18 to 2019-20. The estimated cost of the scheme is Rs.25,060 crore.
• Cabinet approves Enhancement of age of superannuation of doctors other than Central Health Service doctors
to 65 years.
• The Cabinet has approved a proposal for revision of policy of Ministry of Defence for providing Defence land
to Communication Operators for construction of Shared Communication Towers and allied Infrastructure.
• Cabinet approves MoU between India and Belarus in the oil & gas sector and Bilateral Investment Treaty. The
MoU will serve for three years from the day of its signing.
• The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of an agreement with Ethiopia to increase cooperation in the field
of information, communication and media.
• he Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval for signing of a bilateral MoU
between India and Afghanistan for technical cooperation in police training and development..The MoU
will help in capacity building of Afghanistan National Police and improving the security apparatus in the
region.
• On 26th September 2017, Mr.Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution launched the Web Portal of Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) and
Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt (e-NWR) System, in New Delhi. WDRA has simplified the
Warehouse Registration Rules by digitizing the entire process of registration, monitoring and surveillance.
• On 25th September 2017, Mr.Uri Ariel, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Israel, announced
that Israel will provide increased support to Haryana’s White Revolution, in Israel. Israel to support Haryana’s
White Revolution. The milch cow of Israel is the world’s leading milk producer. The average milk production
of milch cow in Israel is 32 kg per day.
• On 26th September 2017, Vice President, and Mr.M.Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the ‘Shouchalayakkagi
Samara’ (A Crusade for Toilets) Programme, in Karnataka. He also declared the rural areas of Naragund
Taluk as an ODF (Open defecation Free) block.
• On 26th September 2017, Artists constructed a 100 feet bamboo idol of Goddess Durga, world’s tallest
bamboo idol, in Guwahati, Assam. 5,000 bamboo poles have been used to make the idol.
• As per Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan singh the government has set up the Dairy Processing and
Infrastructure Development Fund (DPIDF) worth Rs 10,881 crore to boost the dairy sector announced on
26thof Sept. 2017.
• On 27th September 2017, the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) started a monthly ‘Jan Sampark’
program to enable the public to obtain information related to Adoption, in New Delhi. This programme is the
first of its kind, regarding adoption.
• On 27th September 2017, Karnataka Cabinet approved the state Bio-Technology Policy 2017-22 and Anti-
Superstition Bill, in Bengaluru. Bio-Tech Policy for 2017-22 will enable further development in the
Biotechnology sector in Karnataka.
• On 20th – 28th September 2017, Bathukamma, one of the major festivals of Telangana and some parts of
Andhra Pradesh was celebrated. This festival is celebrated for nine days days during the Durga Navaratri
celebrations before Dussehra.
• The Haryana Cabinet under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has approved a proposal
of Irrigation and Water Resources Department to announce 1,019.2994 acres of land acquired for construction
of Dadupur Nalvi Irrigation Scheme.
• The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has raised paid maternity leaves for women employees from 135 days to 180
days announced on 27th of Sept. 2017. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.
• ADB approves USD 80 mn loan for modernisation of TVET in Himachal Pradesh. The Asian Development
Banks (ADB) board of directors has approved the loan to modernize TVET institutions and programmes to
enhance job prospects of the state’s youth announced on 28th of Sept. 2017.
• Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC) has sanctioned a term loan of Rs 4,009 crore to the Telangana Power
Generation Corporation Lt (TSGENCO) for setting up a 4000 MW Yadadri thermal power plant announced
on 27th Sept. 2017. The Yadadri plant would generate approximately 29,784 million units of energy to meet
the future power requirement of Telangana.
• On 28th September 2017, Finance Minister Mr.Arun Jaitley said that, the government is finalising the
Electoral Bonds Scheme, in New Delhi. Mr.Arun Jaitley announced this at a book release, named
‘India@70 Modi@3.5’. This is being done in a move to monitor political funding.
• On 28th September 2017, Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) celebrated Diamond Jubilee to
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mark 60 years of its existence. Diamond Jubilee was celebrated to mark the completion of 60 years by DGQA,
at DRDO Bhawan, in New Delhi.
• On 29th September 2017, Indian Railways launched 100 new local train services on its Mumbai suburban
network of Western Railway and Central Railway zones.
100 new local train services in Mumbai:
• On 28th September 2017, Union minister for Railways, Mr.Piyush Goyal said that, Indian Railways is
working with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to employ safety mechanisms in trains, in New
Delhi. Indian Railways and RailTel are working together with ISRO to explore the use of space technology for
safety in railways.
• Gujarat will become the second state after Goa to use the new VVPAT system for the Assembly elections in
the entire state.It is the first time to use Electronic Voting Machine (EVMs) equipped with Voter Verifiable
Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).
• The third India International Science Festival will be held in Chennai next month announced on 28th Sept.
2017. Prominent scientists from the government are expected to participate in the four-day festival which will
be held from October 13-16 at IIT-Chennai.
• On 26th September 2017, the Union Environment Ministry notified the new Wetland (Conservation and
Management) Rules 2017, in New Delhi. The new rules will replace the 2010 version of the Wetland rules.
• On 29th September 2017, Sample Registration System (SRS) bulletin was released, which stated that Infant
Mortality Rate (IMR) of India has declined by three points (8%).IMR has reduced to 34 per 1000 live births in
2016, compared to the 37 per 1000 live births in 2015.
• On 27th – 29th September 2017, India’s first Mobile Congress, India Mobile Congress 2017, was held at New
Delhi. More than 300 exhibitors, and hundreds of startups from India participated in the India Mobile
Congress.
• On 30th September 2017, Defence Minister Ms.Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the Pratham-Shyok Bridge
that links Leh to Karakoram, in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pratham-Shyok Brigde provides connectivity to the
Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Olde axis, for military transport.
• On 29th September 2017, an exhibition highlighting the achievements of Indian Space Research Organization
(ISRO) was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Department of Atomic Energy and Department of
Space, Dr.Jitendra Singh, at Surat.
• Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) will procure 10,000 electric vehicles from Tata Motors
Limitedannounced on 29th Sept. 2017.
PLACES IN NEWS
• On September 1,2017,Assam Government has extended term of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA),
1958 and declared entire state a Disturbed Area for six more months under section 3 of AFSPA act.This is for
first time state government has extended AFSPA and Disturbed Area provision on its own. In the past,
AFSPA provisions in state were always extended by the centre.
• Australia and East Timor have agreed on key elements of a maritime boundary and revenue sharing from
anatural gas field beneath the seabed between the two countries announced on 2nd Sep 2017.Australia and
Timor-Leste have resolved their bitter and long-running dispute over maritime boundaries in the Timor Sea. It
is being described as a “landmark day” in the relationship between the two nations.
• On September 1 ,2017, An international team of sand artists has built the world’s tallest sandcastle in
Duisburg, in the Ruhr region, Germanyafter the city’s attempt failed last year.It was 54.5ft (16.68 meters) high
and its theme is tourism.It is the new Guinness World Record for tallest sandcastle.
• On September 8,2017, The West Bengal government cleared a proposal to rename the state as ‘Bangla’ and
sent a proposal to the Centre for approval. If the Parliament clears its, then West Bengal’s position will be
raised to four from 28 currently (By Alphabetical).
• On September 9,2017 Vice president M.Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the first and only
greenfield smart city project, in Ranchi coming up on the HEC land. It is his maiden visit to Jharkhand after
becoming vice president.
• The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has inaugurated the new HQs building of Bureau of Police
Research and Development (BPR&D), Ministry of Home Affairs on 8th of Sept. 2017 in New Delhi. The new
headquarters building has been constructed at the cost of Rs. 100 crore approx.
• On September 12,2017 Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH Shripad Naik has
inaugurated the Regional Research Institute of Homoeopathy (RRI) in Agartala, Tripura, as part of the
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government’s plan to strengthen health services and propagate traditional systems of medicine in North-
Eastern states.
• On 16th September 2017, Vice President Mr.M.Venkaiah Naidu laid foundation stone for Regional
Vocational Training Institute, in Hyderabad.This Regional Vocational Training Institute for women is the first
of its kind in Telangana.
• Tunisia has abolished a ban on Muslim women marrying non-Muslims on the recommendation of the
president. He seeks to secure equal rights for the country’s female population.
• On 21st September 2017, Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Justice Badar Durrez
inaugurated the first e-court of Jammu and Kashmir, in Srinagar.The first paperless e-court of Jammu and
Kashmir in Srinagar will function from next week.
• On 15th September 2017, China opened a dual use highway in Tibet to the Nepal border which could be used
for civilian and defence purposes, in China. The highway is 40.4 km long and 25 m wide.It has 4 double lanes.
• To set up India’s first lithium-ion battery facility in Gujarat. Suzuki Motor has invested more than Rs 1,150
crore along with Japanese partners Toshiba and Denso.Maruti Suzuki is a major boost to the government’s
ambitious vehicle electrification and Make in India initiatives.
• Under the state Urban Development department in Tripura, a new underground water treatment plant has been
commissioned at Sadhutilla in the southern part of Agartala inaugurated on 23rd of Sept. 2017. The built-up
cost of this water treatment plant was Rs. 4 crores 99 lakh.
• On 25th September 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) opened its sixth branch in Singapore.
SBI launched its 6th branch in Ang Mo Kio area of Singapore.
• On 23rd September 2017, SBI (State Bank of India) launched its Management Institute in Kolkata. SBI (State
Bank of India) launched its 6th Management Training Institute in Kolkata.
It is named as State Bank Institute of Management (SBIM).
• The Ministry of Shipping has renamed Kandla Port Trust as Deendayal Port Trust with effect from 25th of
September 2017. Kandla Port, located on the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat, is one of the twelve major ports in the
country.
FOREIGN VISITS
Arun Jaitley visit to Japan 2017

• On 4th September 2017, Mr.Arun Jaitley left to Japan for a two day visit. During the meeting issues relating to
the US-2 amphibious aircraft were also figured out.
• The two sides also agreed to commence technical discussions for research collaboration in the areas
of Unmanned Ground Vehicles and Robotics.
• India plans to buy the US-2 ShinMaywa aircraft from Japan for its navy. Last year, China had reacted angrily
to reports that Japan plans to sell weapons to India at cheaper prices, saying that such a move is disgraceful.
Swiss president Doris Leuthard is on a three-day visit to India
• Swiss president Doris Leuthard will begin her three day visit to India on August 6 2017. The visit is
significant as Switzerland is the chair of the Nuclear Suppliers Groupwhere India has been seeking
membership.
• Both countries will sign trade agreements and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on railway
infrastructure.
• Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under Ministry of Power, Government of India has launched
UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable Lighting for All) Scheme in the State of Melaka, Malaysia on 6th of Sept.
2017. UJALA’s impact in Malaysia will bring about clean energy, contribute to climate change targets and
save the already dwindling energy resources.
• Lebanese President Michel Aoun has officially signed an animal welfare and protection law. It guarantees that
domestic and wild animals will be legally protected from abuse in the country announced on 30th Aug 2017.
• Recently on 18 July 2017 India and China jointly submitted a proposal to the World Trade Organisation
(WTO) calling for the elimination of farm subsidies by developed countries. In WTO context, this trade
distorting farm subsidies is calledAggregate Measurement of Support (AMS) or ‘Amber Box’. It is a
prerequisite for consideration of other reforms in domestic support negotiations.
• The world’s largest and powerful X-ray laser- European X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) presented in
Hamburg, Germany.The XEFL is series of 3.4-kilometer tunnels up to 38 meters underground near the city of
Hamburg.It took 8 years to build 1.5-billion-euro ($1.7 billion) facility.
• The “artificial quake” in North Korea thought to be its sixth nuclear test was five to six times more powerful
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than the fifth nuclear test.As per the South’s Yonhap news agency reported it was 9.8 times more powerful
than the tremor from Pyongyang’s fifth test.
• The Tajikistan government has banned its women from wearing veils and Tajikistan government has
introduced a legislation, wherein it has asked the women to “stick to traditional national clothes and culture”.
• According to the US space agency NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson is set to depart the International Space
Station (ISS) and return to Earth after completing a 288-day long mission.
• The New Development Bank (NDB) of the five nations has approved $1.4 billion loans for sustainable
development projects in China, India and Russia. For India, the bank has approved $470 million loan for
Madhya Pradesh’s Multi-Village Rural Drinking Water Supply Scheme Project.
• Nepal has signed UN assistance package for a USD 635 million for 2018-2022. The UNDAF lays out the
development strategy for the UN Country Team for the next five years.
• Seychelles ratifies the ISA Framework Agreement and became the ninth member of ISA framework
agreement announced on 3rd sep 2017.
• Nepal’s government has enacted a new law which aimed at stopping the practice of forcing a woman who is
menstruating, or has just given birth, to sleep outside their home, in a hut or shed.
• Nepal’s Parliament has endorsed an electoral law for upcoming elections to the federal and provincial council
which bars people involved in corruption and criminal offences to stand as candidates.
• On 5th September 2017, Cuba began a five-month political transition expected to end with Raul Castro’s
departure from the Presidency, due to his family’s dominance in the country’s
• According to the reports, an Indian parliamentary delegation, led by Speaker Lok Sabha Sumitra
Mahajan,refused to be a part of the Bali Declaration adopted at the World Parliamentary Forum on Sustainable
Development held at Nusa Dua in Indonesia.India has refused to be a part of the Bali Declaration to show of
solidarity with Myanmar.
• The Department of Financial Services has fined USD 225 million to Pakistan’s Private lender Habib Bank and
its New York branch announced on 8th Sept. 2017.The bank has failed to comply with laws and regulations
designed to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit financial transactions.
• Under the state Urban Development department in Tripura, a new underground water treatment plant has been
commissioned at Sadhutilla in the southern part of Agartala inaugurated on 23rd of Sept. 2017. The built-up
cost of this water treatment plant was Rs. 4 crores 99 lakh.
• On 25th September 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) opened its sixth branch in Singapore.
SBI launched its 6th branch in Ang Mo Kio area of Singapore.
• On 23rd September 2017, SBI (State Bank of India) launched its Management Institute in Kolkata. SBI (State
Bank of India) launched its 6th Management Training Institute in Kolkata.
It is named as State Bank Institute of Management (SBIM).
• The Ministry of Shipping has renamed Kandla Port Trust as Deendayal Port Trust with effect from 25th of
September 2017. Kandla Port, located on the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat, is one of the twelve major ports in the
country.
• The Airbus Perlan 2 aircraft has set a new altitude world record for a glider, climbing to 52,172 feet on
3rdSept. in El Calafate, Argentina.The Perlan 2 is a composite-intensive, engineless glider designed to fly at
the edge of space using stratospheric mountain waves.
• On 8th September 2017, Jordan launched a project to grow crops from seawater, in Aqaba, port city of Jordan.
They have contributed a major amount of $3.7 million to the project.
• On 10th September 2017, Asian Development Bank announced that it would provide $152 million loan to
Nepal, to enhance power transmission, in Kathmandu.
• On 10th September ,2017 , Indian Ambassador in UAE Navdeep Singh Suri inaugurated its second Indian
Worker’s Resource Centre (IWRC) in Sharjah ,UAE to provide support and counselling to Indians particularly
blue collar workers in distress on legal, personal and financial matters, free of cost.
• On September 8,2017 Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi inaugurated the China-backed 340
MegaWatt (MW) nuclear power plant in its Punjab province. The fifth nuclear C-4 plant is located at
Chashma in Mianwali district of the Punjab province.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has given the message to the South East Asian
countries toassimilate their national plans and mobilise and utilise resources efficiently to reach the
Tuberculosis elimination target of 2030.The five-day 70th Regional Committee Session of WHO South East
Asia Region concluded in Male on 10thof Sept. 2017.
• Hurricane Irma has become the first storm in the world to sustain winds of 185 miles per hour for more than
24 hours. It’s the longest storm to sustain this speed since the 1970s.
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The hurricane, which has already devastated several islands in the Caribbean, is headed toward south Florida
US, where the National Hurricane Center has issued evacuation orders.
• On 12th September 2017, The UN Security Council imposed strong sanctions on North Korea, to ban its
textile exports and reduce fuel provided to it, in Washington.
• On 13th September 2017, Global ranking for the least and most stressful cities of the world was released, by
a firm called Zipjet, in London. Stuttgart,Germany is at the top ,Bangalore 130th and, New Delhi 142nd.
Terrorist attacks have pulled down cities like Bhagdad , Kabul and Cairo to be the most stressful cities in the
world.
• On 15th September 2017, China displayed its first unmanned combat helicopter AV500W for foreign buyers
in the northeastern Tianjin city, China.
• According to the Henley & Partners – Kochenov Quality of Nationality Index (QNI) Germany’s quality of
nationality is ranked first in the world. It was launched in London on 13th of Sept. 2017. Germany scored
82.7% out of a possible 100% on the index while Afghanistan sitting at the bottom of the index with a score of
14.6%. India was ranked 101 among 159 countries.
• Russia and Iraq restored scheduled commercial airline services on 17th of Sept. for the first time since
2004.According to the Russia’s civil aviation authority the first commercial flight arrives on 17th of sept.
• On 17th September 2017, Japanese postal department released postage stamps on Yoga Expert Mr.Bishnu
Charan Ghosh and his family members, in Kolkata. Japan has released postage stamps on Indian Yoga experts
Mr.Bishnu Charan Ghosh, his son Mr.Biswanath Ghosh, daughter Ms.Karuna Ghosh and Karuna’s father in
law Mr.Asutosh Ghosh.
• China has issued a commemorative stamp in honour of the world’s largest radio telescope located in Guizhou
province on 18th of Sept. 2017.It includes one commemorating the Five-hundred-metre Aperture Spherical
Radio Telescope priced at 1.2 yuan.
• The Foreign Ministerial meeting among India Foreign Minister, US Secretary of State Tillerson and Japanese
FM Kono held in New York.The Ministers emphasized the need for ensuring freedom of navigation, respect
for international law and peaceful resolution of disputes.
• On 20th September 2017, Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on internet calling applications like WhatsApp, Skype
etc.The lift of ban on internet calling apps have been done in a move to lower online restrictions. Since, Saudi
Arabia has been criticised heavily over censorship.
• On September 19 2017, Russia unveiled a statue of Mikhail Kalashnikov, inventor of the AK-47 assault
rifle that became the most lethal weapon ever made and the best known Russian brand abroad.
• A report named ‘Antibacterial agents in clinical development – an analysis of the antibacterial clinical
development pipeline, including tuberculosis’ was released on 20th September 2017, by the WHO. The report
stated that out of the 51 antibiotic drugs that are in developing stage, only 8 can be considered as totally new
drugs.
• Dr.Sekhar Basu, Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of Department of Atomic Energy
attended the 61st IAEA General Conference held in Vienna, Austria.The 61st Annual IAEA (International
Atomic Energy Agency) General Conference is conducted from 18th – 22nd September 2017 at the Vienna
International Centre (VIC) in Vienna, Austria.
• China has launched world’s fastest bullet train on the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway line to 350
kilometres per hour announced on 21st Sept. 2017.
• According to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List, Hui Ka Yan, the chairman of Chinese real estate giant
Evergrande Group, has become Asia’s richest man, with a net worth of $41.1 billion. Hui Ka Yan ranks No.
15 globally.
• The United States and the European Union have signed an agreement for smooth regulations on international
insurance and reinsurance companies and free up capital for investment announced on 23rd Sept. 2017. The
agreement with the EU is a positive sign for the United States, its insurance industry, and US policyholders.
• On 21st and 22nd September 2017, the 7th ASEM (Asia–Europe Meeting) Economic Ministers’ Meeting was
held in Seoul, South Korea. Theme for this year’s meeting was ‘Innovative Partnership for Inclusive
Prosperity’.
• On 23rd September 2017, Saudi Arabian women were allowed to attend celebrations at a sports stadium in
Riyadh, for the first time in its history.Women were allowed to enter a sports stadium for the first time in
Saudi Arabia’s history to attend Saudi Arabia’s national day celebrations.
• India has launched a campaign on 24th Sept. 2017 to attract Egyptian travellers and make them aware of
alluring holiday options in the country. The campaign will run on five routes in East, Middle, North, South
and Giza parts of Cairo Metropolitan area.
• On 12th to 25th September 2017, the 72nd Regular Session of UN (United Nations) General Assembly
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(UNGA 72) was held at UN Headquarters, in New York.On 20th September 2017, 50 countries signed a treaty
to ban nuclear weapons. Brazil was the first country to sign the treaty.
• On 21st September 2017, BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs for International Relations held their annual
meeting.
• The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced that it had provisionally suspended the WADA
accreditation of the laboratory of the National Anti-Doping Organisation of France (AFLD) announced on
26th Sept. 2017. The main reason of provisionally suspended the WADA is because of “analytical issues”.
• On 27th September 2017, Russia completely destroyed its chemical military weapons, in the southwest of
Russia. Experts said that all those chemical weapons could destroy all life on earth several times. This has
been done in a move to make the modern world more balanced and secure. Russia was among the first to sign
the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
• On 27th September 2017, India launched the Access India Programme (AIP) to attract investments from small
and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UK, in London. Access India Programme (AIP) was launched by the
Indian High Commission in the UK along with knowledge partner UK India Business Council (UKIBC), at
India House in London.
• The International Police Organization or Interpol, as it is commonly known, has decided to accept the state of
Palestine as a new member announced on 86th Interpol General Assembly in Beijing on 27th of Sept. 2017.
Some 75 countries voted in favor, with 24 voting against and 34 abstaining.
• On 28th September 2017, China announced the commissioning of its first radar-evading J-20 stealth fighter
jets into military service, in Beijing. The Chengdu J-20 is China’s fourth-generation medium and long-range
fighter jet. It is a twin-engine, single seat stealth fighter.
• On 29th September 2017, Team India won the Enactus World Cup 2017, in London. Enactus is an
international non-profit organization dedicated to inspire students to take entrepreneurial action to improve the
lives of others. Team India was declared the World Champion 2017 for its ‘Mission Raahat’ and ‘Project
Udaan’.
• The ninth BRCIS Summit is held from 3-5 September, 2017 in Xiamen, China. The participating countries are
the five member nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The summit is hosted by China for
the second time after the 2011 Summit.The theme of the 2017 BRICS Summit is“BRICS: Stronger
Partnership for a Brighter Future”.Thelogoof the 2017 BRICS Summit resembles both full sails and a rotating
earth, painted in 5 colors representing the 5 BRICS countries.
• On 4thSeptember, 2017 Chinese President Xi JinPing announced that China will give 500 million yuan ($76.4
million) for BRICS economic and technology cooperation plan, and another $4 million for projects at the
BRICS countries’ New Development Bank.
• The three-day International Hindu Conference began on 31st Aug 2017. Its aim is to reinstitute Kathmandu as
the global capital of Hinduism.The theme of the conference is ‘Emerging spiritualism: Renaissance of
Hinduism’.
• On august 31,2017 External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj travelled to Colombo to participate in the two-
day Indian Ocean Conference in Colombo, SrilankaTheme of the conference is peace, progress and prosperity.
• On 5th September 2017, External Affairs Minister Ms.Sushma Swaraj arrived at Vladivostok, in Russia on
a three day visit and to attend Eastern Economic Forum till 8th September, 2017.
The Eastern Economic Forum is considered as the biggest international communication platform for co –
operation between businesses leaders and senior government representatives from Russia, the Pacific Region
and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
• Anupriya Patel was inaugurated the 10th Medical Technology Conference organized by Confederation of
Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi on 7th of Sept. 2017.
• On 9th September 2017, 5th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers Meeting was held in Pasay City,
Philippines.
• The first National Canine Seminar organized by National Security Guard (NSG) in NSG Campus, Manesar
(Gurugram), Haryana on 7th of Sept. 2017. The theme of the two days National Canine Seminar is ”Canine as
Tactical Weapon in Fight against Terrorism”.
• Kochi will host the 5th edition of the ‘Coastal Shipping and Inland Water Transportation Business Summit
2017’ on 22nd of September at Hotel Crowne Plaza announced on 10th of Sept. 2017.The summit will create
a platform to discuss various topics such as Indian Coastal Shipping & Inland Water Transport.
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• On September 11,2017, the second World Congress of Optometry began in Hyderabad. It was inaugurated by
State Health Minister C. Laxma Reddy.It was organised in partnership with the Asia Pacific Council of
Optometry (APCO) and the India Vision Institute (IVI).The theme of the conference is “Accessible, quality
vision and eye health”
• On 12th September 2017, the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) organized the 2nd States’
Startup Conference at Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, New Delhi.
• Kiren Rijiju inaugurates first National Conference on “Uniformed Women in Prison Administration” in
NewDelhi.
• Two-Day Regional Conference on Good Governance and Replication of Best Practices begins in Goa. Good
governance is an aid to ensure speedy delivery of services to the people. So bureaucracy must change its
mindset for effective good governance.
• Third meeting of India–Kuwait Joint Ministerial Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and
Technological Cooperation held in Kuwait. Mr.M.J.Akbar, Minister of State for External Affairs would lead
an Indian delegation for the Meeting in Kuwait.
RANKINGS & REPORTS
• On august 31,2017 India’s largest autonomous public research and development organisation Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has been ranked ninth best government organisation in the world,
according to the Scimago Institutions ranking World Report 2017.Chinese Academy of Sciences topped the
list.
• Oxford and Cambridge named the best universities in the world; IISc, Bangalore tops Indian universities
according to the World University Rankings 2018 was published by the Times Higher Education (THE).
• On September 2 ,2017, Forbes an American bi-weeklybusiness magazine published a report stating that India
remains the most corrupt country in the Asia Pacific region. The report was based on a study by Transparency
International.While India remains the most corrupt country in this region, with 69 per cent bribery rates, Japan
came out as the least corrupt nation, with a 0.2 per cent bribery rate, the report said.
• India has been ranked 103 on Global Human Capital Index 2017 released by World Economic Forum (WEF).
India has scored the least among the BRICS countries. Norway topped the list.
• On 11th September 2017, Global Financial Centres Index 2017 was released, in which London has retained its
1 rank despite major issues regarding Brexit. Mumbai has managed to get 60th rank in the list.
• HDFC Bank has retained its No.1 position in the BrandZ India Top 50 report of the year 2017.According to
the reports, the bank is stated to have doubled its brand value from $9.4 billion to $18 billion since 2014.
• On 25th September 2017, Platts Top 250 Global Energy Company Rankings was released, with RIL,ONGC
and IOC in the top rankings.1strank was secured by Russian gas firm Gazrpom.2ndrank was bagged by German
utility E.ON.3rdrank was obtained by Indian energy producer, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL). RIL has the
world’s biggest refinery complex.Other Indian firms in the top of the list are Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) in
7th position and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in 11th position.
• Acharya Balkrishna, the associate of Baba Ramdev-run FMCG company Patanjali and Radhakishan Damani
of D-Mart are among the top 10 rich people in the country. Balkrishna has ranked eighth in the Hurun India
rich list 2017. His position rose to 8th position from 25th last year after seeing his wealth grow by 173%.
• WEF released Global Competitiveness Report 2017 – Switzerland at 1st, India at 40th position. On 27th
September 2017, World Economic Forum (WEF) released the Global Competitiveness Report, in Switzerland.
• As per HSBC survey India jumps the global rankings by 12 places to take the 14th spot in terms of best
country for expats to live and work in announced on 28th Sept. 2017.The list is topped by Singapore, is part of
HSBCs latest expat explorer survey.
• According to a study conducted by a realty consultancy firm Bengaluru is the world’s most affordable
technology hub on 30th Sept. 2017. Among the top 29 global technology hubs covered by the
study, Bengaluru emerged the cheapest in office rentals. Gurugram, another Indian city, comes second.
BANKING & FINANCE
• As per the data released by the RBI, old notes worth Rs 15.44 lakh crore were there in the market out of
which 15.28 lakh crore have been received by the bank.It means all but 1.4% of the old Rs 1,000 notes have
come back into the banking system.As per the RBI report about 89 million units of the demonetised Rs 1,000
notes, worth Rs 8,900 crore, had not come back into the system.
• On September 1,2017,Fincare Small Finance Bank (previously known as Disha MicrofinLimited) started its
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banking operations with about 25 operational branches across Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh.The bank was given final small finance bank (SFB) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in
May this year.Fincare CEO Rajeev Yadav informed that the bank started its operations with 25 branches, out
of which nearly 50 per cent are located in Gujarat.
• On September 2,2017, the first project funded by The New Development Bank, set up by India and other
members of the BRICS grouping of emerging economies, has started operation in Shanghai. The $76 million
loan with a maturity length of 17 years was granted to Shanghai Lingang Distributed Solar Power
Project, under an agreement signed in December 2016.
• On September 3,2017, Global brokerage firm UBS has lowered India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.6 per cent
from 7.2 per cent.
• On September 4,2017, Singapore based bank DBS has got final approval to operate as a wholly-owned
subsidiary (WOS) in India.DBS was the first foreign lender to apply for the new operating WOS model two
years ago and its approval was delayed due to lack of precedent.
• China has banned individuals and organisations from raising funds through initial coin offerings (ICO), or
launches of digital currencies announced on 4th of Sept 2017. According to cryptocurrency analysis website
Cryptocompare in total, $2.32 billion has been raised through ICOs, with $2.16 billion of that being raised
since the start of 2017.
• RBI has included HDFC Bank in the list of ‘too big to fail’ lenders, referred to as D-SIB or domestic
systemically important bank announced on 4th of Sept. 2017. India’s largest lender SBI and private sector
major ICICI Bank was classified as D-SIBs in 2015.
• On 5th September 2017, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) CEO Mr.Ajay Bhushan
Pandey said that the UIDAI has given banks one more month to open Aadhaar enrolment centres in a
stipulated 10 per cent of branches and will impose Rs.20,000 as fine per uncovered branch after
30th September 2017.
• A member of the World Bank Group, International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invested $10 million as
equity in e-commerce firm Power2SME announced on 5th sept 2017. It will helps small and medium
companies to buy raw materials at bulk prices and get working capital without collateral.
• Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM-L) and Yes Bank has tied up with the purpose of spreading
climatic awareness announced on 5th of Sept. 2017. The main aim of the collaboration will be to enhance the
‘Climate Literacy’ amongst people.
• According to the Ujjivan Small Finance Bank it will bring down its cost of funds by up to 150 basis points
during the current financial year.It has replaced 75% of its bank loans with borrowings using money market
instruments including certificate of deposits.
• Punjab National Bank and BSNL has joined hands to roll out open mobile wallet Speedpay across 10 states in
the country announced on 8th Sept. 2017.PNBs Speedway wallet will operate like any other mobile wallet for
paying bills, recharging phone. Its users will be able to deposit and withdraw money from authorized retail
outlets.
• On 8th September 2017, United Bank of India announced that is has removed processing fee for retail home
loans, car loans and two-wheeler loans, in Kolkata. The processing fee waiver will be available till December,
2017.
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had imposed Rs 2,423 crore fine on PACL Ltd and its four
directors for illegal fund mobilisation through various schemes.
• Exide Life Insurance has announced a partnership with Punjab & Maharashtra Co-operative Bank (PMC
Bank) to offer its protection and savings products to the existing customers.Exide Life Insurance works with
around 50 banks.
• SBI Life Insurance has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India for an IPO of up to
Rs 8,400 crore ($1.3 billion), with launch targeted for the September 20-22 period. ICICI Lombard General
Insurance Company has got approval from capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India
(SEBI)’s which could be the first by a general insurer in the country.
• On 10th September 2017, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) announced usage of
OTP (One Time Password) for opening e-Insurance Account (eIA) as an alternative to electronic signature, in
New Delhi.
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• On 11th September 2017, the board of directors of IndusInd Bank signed an agreement with Bharat Financial
Inclusion to analyse a potential merger between the two companies.
IndusInd Bank and Bharat Financial Inclusion have signed an exclusive agreement.
• On 12th September 2017, Fitch Ratings declared that Indian banks will need an additional capital of $65
billion in order to satisfy all the banking rules of global Basel III norms, by March 2019.
Indian banks will need an additional capital of $65 billion by March 2019.
• RBI will introduce Rs 100 coins to mark the birth centenary of MG Ramachandran. He was the AIADMK
founder and former chief minister of Tamil Nadu. The Rs 100 coin will be 44 millimeter in diameter, with a
metal composition of silver (50%), copper (40%), nickel (5%) and zinc (5%).
• Paytm Payments Bank (PPB) has partnered with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) tolaunch
a RuPay-powered digital debit card announced on 12th of Sept. 2017. Through the PPB Digital debit card
customers will now be able to transact at all merchants who accept credit and debit cards.
• On 12th September 2017, World Bank President Mr.Jim Yong Kim announced that World Bank has
allocated $8 billion for infrastructure projects under China’s Silk Roadinitiative, Beijing. The purpose of Silk
Road initiative is to create an economic corridor connecting China with Asia, Europe and the rest of the world.
• On 13th September 2017, a report by Japanese financial services company Nomurasaid that India’s GDP
growth is expected to be around 7.1 % this fiscal year (2017 – 2018).
• On 15th September 2017, a report by DBS, a multinational banking and financial services corporation, said
that India’s GDP growth is likely to reduce below 7 % this financial year.
• HSBC Bank has entered into an agreement with Sa-Dhan to develop ecosystem for the unbanked segment in
the country.HSBC Bank is providing technology expertise to train and educate micro-finance consumers at
grass-root level and introduce digital banking.
• On 15th September 2017, ADB (Asian Development Bank) announced that it signed a deal with IndusInd
Bank to provide loans for low income women in rural areas, in India. Total amount of loan allotted is $200
million.Atleast 95 % of the loan would be allotted to women borrowers.
• India’s foreign exchange reserve has crossed the $400 billion mark for the first time to hit an all-time high of
$400.726 billion on 8th September. It took the country over nine years to cross the $400 billion level after
hitting the $300 billion mark in 2008.India is now in the sixth position in forex reserves ranking, ahead of
Taiwan, Brazil and euro zone.
• On 18th September 2017, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) allowed Infrastructure Investment
Trusts (InvITs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) to raise funds by issuing debt securities, in
Mumbai. SEBI has also allowed single-asset REITs. Previously, the trust needed at least two projects under it,
with one of the projects limited to 60 % of the value of assets.SEBI has also allowed strategic investors to
participate in REITS, similar to InvITs.
• On 20th September 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms
would be treated as Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC).Peer-to-peer lending (P2P) platforms have
been regulated by RBI by treating them as Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).
• On 20th September 2017, Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSE) launched a Member Activation Drive
for its members. MSE introduced a Business Loyalty Program called MY MSE. This scheme will provide
infrastructural support, incentive schemes and lowest transaction charges on all product contracts to its
members.
• SBI card is all set to offer pre-approved cards to customers of its parent State Bank of India announced on
21st Sept. 2017.It has entered into a tripartite agreement with SBI and India’s first credit bureau TransUnion
CIBIL to offer pre-approved cards to eligible customers.
• On 21st September 2017, OECD, a Paris based think tank, announced that Indian economy is expected to
grow at a lower than expected rate of 6.7 % in 2017-2018. OECD has said that Indian economy is expected to
grow at a lower than expected rate of 6.7% in this fiscal year 2017-2018.
• On 21st September 2017, SEBI announced the grant of a unified license for brokers and clearing members to
operate in both commodity derivative and equity markets. Now, SEBI allows brokers of stock and commodity
exchanges to do both the businesses under a single entity. A one-time certificate of registration as stock
broker/clearing member would be provided by SEBI.
• NABARD has sanctioned a loan of Rs.119 crore to construct seven bridges and improvement of one rural road
project in five districts of Haryana.
• On 22nd September 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) launched India’s first bond index series for overseas
investors at the London Stock Exchange (LSE), in United Kingdom. SBI launched the FTSE (Financial Times
Stock Exchange) SBI Bond Index Series in alliance with FTSE Russell at the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
• On 22nd September 2017, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) gave the final
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approval to online non-life insurance company Acko General Insurance Ltd. Acko General Insurance Ltd.
would start operating in December 2017.
• IT major Infosys has announced partnership with software services provider ToneTag announced on 22 Sept.
2017.The partnership has been signed to offer sound-based payment solution to bank customers using its
financial product Finacle.
• Market regulator SEBI has imposed a penalty of Rs 9 lakh on ING Vysya Bank’s former official for violating
insider trading regulations announced on 22nd Sept. 2017. The fine was imposed on Vinay Agrawal, who
was regional head of business banking in ING from August 2011 till June 20, 2012.
• On 22nd September 2017, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that Masala bonds will be treated as
External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) from 3rd October 2017. Masala bonds are rupee-denominated
overseas bonds.
• Under the Centre’s affordable housing scheme, the interest subsidy of up to Rs 2.60 lakh on home loans will
now be available to middle income group (MIG) beneficiaries for 15 more months till March 2019.Under
CLSS, MIG beneficiaries with annual income of above Rs 6 lakh and up to Rs 12 lakh would get an interest
subsidy of 4% on a 20-year loan component of Rs 9 lakh.
• On 25th September 2017, SBI (State Bank of India) reduced service charges for not maintaining monthly
average (MAB) balance by 20-50%.The minimum balance requirement in metro centres are reduced to
Rs.3,000. The charges for not maintaining MAB at semi-urban and rural centres vary from Rs.20 to Rs.40.
• On 26th September 2017, ADB (Asian Development Bank) lowered India’s growth projection to 7% for the
current financial year and 7.4 % for the next financial year.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred banks from investing in category III alternative investment funds
(AIFs), specified norms for their participation in commodity derivatives clearing on investing in financial
services firms announced on 25th of Sept. 2017. Banks may invest as much as 10% in the paid-up capital/unit
capital in category I and II funds, but cannot invest in category III funds.
• ICICI Bank will partner with e-commerce firms to provide automated payday loan-type credit to customers at
the bottom of the digital pyramid. The ‘pay later’ facility will be available to even those who have not availed
of any loan in the past and for small amounts of up to Rs 20,000.
• Markets regulator SEBI has imposed a penalty of Rs 4 lakh on Swagruha Infrastructure Ltd
(SIL) for failing tomake necessary disclosures for 11 continuous years announced on 25th of Sept. 2017. As
per SEBI SIL violated the provisions of SAST (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations.
• On 26th September 2017, IDBI Bank launched ‘Project Nishchay’ in partnership with Boston Consulting
Group (BCG) to improve its turnaround programme and financial performance. This project will be led by
senior management of IDBI Bank and BCG.
• SWIFT India has announced that Citibank and Standard Chartered Bank have joined the Indian services as
shareholders on 26th of Sept. 2017. Standard Chartered and Citibank become the first foreign lenders to invest
in the platform.
• On 27th September 2017, IDBI Bank said that it has sold 9 % stake in Small Industries Development Bank of
India (SIDBI). The amount for which the 9 % stake was sold is undisclosed. This has been done in a move to
mobilise funds by exiting non-core business.
• On 27th September 2017, India Ratings lowered the growth forecast for the current financial year to 6.7 %
from 7.4 % estimated earlier.India Ratings has pointed out the reasons for this downfall as demonetisation and
GST (Goods & Services Tax) implementation.
• SEBI has barred Jeevan Suraksha Energy and Industries Ltd (JSEIL) from the capital markets for not
complying with public issue norms on 27th of Sept. 2017. It has been found that the company allotted
redeemable preference shares worth about Rs 25.82 lakh to 125 persons during 2012-13.
• Karnataka Bank has opened its first Aadhar Enrollment and Updation Centre at Sanjaynagar Branch
Bengaluru announced on 26th Sept. 2017.
• On 28th September 2017, ICICI Bank launched a new home loan product that offers 1 % cash-back for every
EMI (Equated Monthly Instalment) during the entire loan period.The EMI cash-back is available for fresh
home loans with minimum period of 15 years.
• On 29th September 2017, the Government has kept unchanged the interest rates on small savings schemes like
PPF, Kisan Vikas Patra and Sukanya Samriddhi for October-December quarter. The interest rates have been
kept unchanged for the following schemes:
· Public Provident Fund (PPF) – 7.8 % annually
· Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) – 7.5 % – matures in 115 months
· Sukanya Samriddhi Account – 8.3 % annually
• On 29th September 2017, The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) allowed Sovereign Wealth
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Funds and other long term Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) to buy up to Rs.9,500 crore worth corporate debt
in infrastructure sector. This has been done, following the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) decision to exclude
masala bonds (foreign investment in rupee denominated bonds) from the Combined Corporate Debt Limit
(CCDL).
• The state-owned Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (Ireda) became the first Indian financial
institution to raise funds overseas announced on 30th Sept. 2017. The five-year dated bond raised
approximately $300 million (Rs19.5 billion), with a coupon of 7.125%.It became the first Green Masala Bond
to be listed on the International Securities Market (ISM).
• State Bank of India (SBI) has raised shares worth over Rs 99 crore as part of a share buyback programme by
its subsidiary SBI DFHI on 29th Sept. 2017. Currently, SBI holds the largest shareholding of 72.17% in the
subsidiary. Rest of 22.32% is owned by banks and 5.51% by financial institutions.
BUSINESS
• India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will meet this month in order to conclude their long
pending negotiations on FTA (Free Trade Agreement). Nirmala Sitharaman said that India would look into
“every concern” of foreign investors on intellectual property rights (IPR) and investment protection.
• The first consignment of 30 MT of High Speed Diesel was sent on 4th of Sept from India to Myanmar by land
route.
• Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has entered into four more Advance Pricing
Agreements (APAs)related to sectors like telecom, banking, manufacturing and education announced on 4th of
Sept. 2017.Out of these four agreements, three are unilateral and one is a bilateral.
• On 6th September 2017, the National Highway Authority of India awarded its first international project in
Myanmar to a joint venture of Punj Lloyd-Varaha. This project is for the upgradation of the Yagyi–Kalewa
section in Myanmar to two lanes with Project length – 120 km and Estimated cost – Rs.1,177.02 crore.
• On 7th September 2017, Airtel Business an arm of the Bharti Airtel telecom launched Airtel GST
Advantage to enable small businesses and start-ups file their GST (Goods & Services Tax) returns with ease,
in New Delhi.
• The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has inaugurated India’s first ever food safety institute
set up by Nestle India in Manesar.
• On 8th September 2017, Government announced that a Countervailing Duty (CVD) for a period of five years
is levied on certain Chinese flat steel products, in New Delhi.
• On 8th September 2017, it was officially announced that Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) would
be granted Maharatna Status soon, in New Delhi. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) would be the
8thPublic Sector Enterprise to obtain the Maharatna Status.
• Amazon has opened its largest fulfilment centre (FC) at the GMR-led Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in
Hyderabad announced on 8th of Sept 2017.
• Telecom operator Bharti Airtel has announced a partnership with South Korean telecom operator SK Telecom
to build the most advanced telecom network in India announced on 13th of Sept. 2017.The companies
will work towards building an enabling ecosystem for the introduction of these technologies.
• After the success of Digital Pumpkin in Bengaluru Mindtree has set up its first global Digital Pumpkin in US.
The Digital Pumpkin provides solutions for Internet of Things, artificial Intelligence, cognitive solutions,
virtual and augmented reality, machine learning, conversational cloud and big data.
• Hindustan Shipyard Ltd will ink a partnership with Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd of South Korea for
construction of fleet support ships (FSS) for the Navy in both the countries.An MoU is likely to be signed next
year on this. At present, talks are in progress between the Ministry of Defence and South Korea.
• On 14th September 2017, UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) Trade &
Development report 2017 stated that growth in India and China is slow and they could not contribute to be
growth poles for the global economy.The report was titled ‘Beyond austerity — towards a global new deal’.
• The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced to invest USD 50 million (about Rs 320 crore) in
realty firm Mahindra Lifespace Developers industrial park projects.Mahindra Lifespace and IFC announced a
partnership for the development of multiple industrial parks across Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
• On 15th September 2017, Amazon, India’s leading e-commerce venture announced that it has joined hands
with Bank of Baroda to offer micro loans to its sellers, in India. The Indian unit of Amazon has planned to
provide unsecured micro loans for its sellers. The loans would be provided for amounts ranging from Rs.1
lakh to Rs.25 lakh. Interest rates would be low around 10.45 % – 11 %.
• Air India has launched its direct flight from New Delhi to Copenhagen. It is the eleventh destination for the
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airline in Europe and described as connecting ‘Maharaja with the Mermaid’.

Denmark is Air India’s 44th international destination and 11th European non-stop destination.
• Airtel has launched ‘Office-In-a-Box’ for start-ups which is registered under the Karnataka government’s
Start-Up Cell initiative.Airtel has been included in top priority as the preferred partner for the state
government’s initiative.
• The GST Network (GSTN) has reopened the facility till 30th September for small taxpayers with a turnover of
up to Rs 75 lakh to select for composition scheme. The taxpayers who opt this scheme could file returns on a
quarterly basis unlike the others who have to file returns on a monthly basis.
• On September 16 2017, Due to the United Nations theme for this year’s World Tourism Day, Ola and the
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation initiated a campaign to promote and raise awareness about
responsible tourism named “GhoomoResponsibly”.
• On 18th September 2017, Mahindra & Mahindra and Ford Motor Company signed a MoU that ensures an
alliance to explore electric vehicles, for three years.This collaboration would give a global reach for the Indian
automotive company Mahindra & Mahindra and a better reach in India for Ford Motor Company.
• On 19th September 2017, The Finance Ministry imposed anti-dumping duty on Chinese tyres used in buses
and trucks. The anti-dumping duty has been imposed on new or unused pneumatic radial tyres with or without
tube, having rim diameter above 16 inches. This anti-dumping duty will be valid for a period of five years.
• On 20th September 2017, Tata Steel and German steel company ThyssenKrupp signed a MoU to combine
their European steel operations in a 50-50 joint venture, in Frankfurt. The merger would combine Tata’s steel
plants in the UK and the Netherlands and ThyssenKrupp’s plants in Germany.
• On 19th September 2017, The Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund officially reached $1 trillion for the first
time, in Oslo, Norway. This is the world’s largest Sovereign Wealth Fund.It is managed by Norwegian
Central Bank. It has reached $1 trillion on 19th September 2017, for the first time.
• On 19th September 2017, 3 state run PSUs National Aluminium Company (NALCO), Hindustan Copper
(HCL) and Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL), signed a MoU to form a joint venture named
Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (Kabil).
• On 19th September 2017, The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) cut mobile termination charges
(MTC) by 57% to 6 paise per minute with effect from October 1, 2017. MTC is currently 14 paise per minute.
• India gets its first High Power Locomotive from France soon. The arrival of the first bodyshell of 12000 HP
loco from Alstom France at Kolkata port on 20th of Sept. 2017.It is the first high-power electric locomotive
will be used to haul freight trains at twice the existing speed by 2018.
• On 21st September 2017, the revised estimates of World Trade Organisation (WTO) stated that the world
trade in goods is estimated to grow at a rate of 3.6 % in 2017. Growth in world trade for 2017 was earlier
predicted as 2.4 % by WTO.Now it has been revised to 3.6 %.
• Transport for London (TfL) took the decision to cancel the Uber license in London City. Uber would lose its
licence to operate its cab in the London city from September-end.Uber transport app’s license expires
on September 30 2017.
• Abof.com the e-commerce site owned by Aditya Birla Group will be shut down by the end of this year due to
the strong competition from leading sector Amazon and Flipkart.
• Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) has signed with Turkey’s Armagan family for acquiring 100% of Erkunt
Traktor Sanayii A.S., the fourth-largest tractor manufacturer in Turkey. Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
(M&M) also agreed to acquire 80%-100% equity in Erkunt Sanayii A.S, a foundry unit belonging to the same
Turkish group.
• Flipkart, the online e-commerce sector has developed India’s first “anti-theft” packaging to prevent goods
from in-transit theft and damage.This exclusive pilferage protection box specially designed for electronic
goods and high-end mobiles. Now it is awaiting for patent grant and incorporates special security features in
shipment.
• On 23rd September 2017, Etihad Airways has launched a ‘Fly Now and Pay Later’ scheme, in Abu Dhabi.
This scheme provides an option for paying the ticket fare in monthly instalments.Etihad Airways is an Abu
Dhabi-based airline.
• FMCG major Dabur India has tied up with e-commerce major Amazon for an online ayurveda
marketplaceannounced on 24th Sept. 2017.
• On 26th September 2017, Maharashtra secured the 1st position in manufacturing emergence in India,
according to a study conducted by the non-governmental industry body ASSOCHAM. Maharashtra has
topped the ranking, with the highest growth in entrepreneurs.Gujarat has obtained the second position.
• On 27th September 2017, National e-Governance Services Ltd. (NeSL) received the final approval to become
India’s first Information Utility (IU). NeSL is a union government company.
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• On 27th September 2017, Air India tied up with Punjab National Bank (PNB) and IndusInd Bank to secure
loans of Rs.3,250 crore. Air India has tied up with PNB and IndusInd bank, in order to avail a loan of
Rs.3,250 crore.
• Amazon has launched its Business marketplace in India. Amazon Business will help in the procurement needs
of small and medium businesses in the country.SMBs can register for the business account at no charge.
• Asian Development Bank (ADB) plans to raise its annual lending to India to a maximum of USD 4
billion tosupport the country to accelerate inclusive economic transformation toward upper middle-income
statusannounced on 27th Sept. 2017.The proposal was endorsed at new ADB Country Partnership Strategy
(CPS) for 2018-2022.
• On 27th September 2017, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with Chinese firm, ZTE, at India Mobile Congress (IMC), in New Delhi in order to make a virtual
network architecture of a 5G eco system, for research and commercialization in India.
• Telecom equipment and solutions provider VNL and BSNL have signed a MoU to provide solutions for
disaster management. According to that, the ‘Relief 123’ service will restore connectivity at disaster sites, help
locate the affected people and integrate information across platforms.
• LG Mukhi inaugurates first ever industry established by a tribal youth in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• The Union Government has extended the last date of using (Maximum Retail Price) MRP labelled pre-Goods
and Services Tax (GST) stock to December 31.Through this step, it will be a relief for the traders, who were
reportedly stuck with old stocks.
• On the occasion of National Sports Day on 29th August Former India Women’s Hockey captain Sumurai Tete
was awarded Dhyan Chand Award 2017 by the President Ramnath Kovind at a function held at Rasthrapati
Bhawan in New Delhi.
• Minister of Women & Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi has given National Level Awards to
anganwadi workers at New Delhi on 31st Aug 2017.
• Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced the winners of the 2017 International Literacy
Prizes on the occasion of International Literacy Day, celebrated on 8 September.The awards will be handed
out to five laureates from Canada, Colombia, Jordan, Pakistan and South Africa.
• The Reliance Foundation was awarded with the prestigious Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Award at Rashtrapati
Bhawan.Chairperson of the foundation, Nita Ambani collected the award from President Ram Nath Kovind in
New Delhi.
• Hyderabad International Airport Ltd has bagged the National Award for ‘Excellence’ in Energy
Management at a conference hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The event focused on recognizing companies that are engaged in energy efficiency initiatives and displaying
commitment towards energy conservation.
• Karnataka Bank has bagged the ‘best bank’ award among small banks for the use of technology for financial
inclusion announced on 3rd Sept 21017.It is the 13th IDRBT Banking Technology Excellence Awards 2016-
17.
• On 5th September 2017, The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) was honoured by Minister of State for
Personnel, Mr.Jitendra Singh for successfully resolving public grievances.
• Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy and Mumbai-born Scientist Veena Sahajwalla has granted the PLuS
Alliance Prize. It is a prestigious honour that recognises Research Innovation, Education Innovation, Global
Leadership and Global Innovation.The Prize of USD 50,000 was awarded in two categories; Education
Innovation and Research Innovation.
• To mark the first anniversary of Mother Teresa’s canonization, the Archdiocese of Kolkata will declare the
saint a co-patroness of the local Church announced on 6th of sept.
• On 6th September 2017, India’s first operational Smart City, Gujarat International Finance-Tec City (GIFT
City), has won the prestigious Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)
Services Excellence Award in New Delhi.
• Tahir Mahmood has received the prestigious Prof N R Madhava Menon Best Law Teacher Award as part of
the Law Teachers’ Day celebrations.The function was organised by the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF)
and Menon Institute of Legal Advocacy Training (MILAT).
• During a ceremony at Germany’s Lagau on the occasion of the One World Festival Sikkim Chief Minister
Pawan Chamling was honoured for his pioneering work in the field of organic
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farming.Chamling was conferred the Grand Prix Award during the One World Award ceremony on
8th September.
• On 9th September 2017, Prince Charles became the longest-serving Prince of Wales in history.
Prince Charles has broken the record of Edward VII who held the title for more than 59 years before becoming
king.
• On 11th September 2017, Badminton Association of India (BAI) announced that it would award its first
Lifetime Achievement Award to Prakash Padukone, in Kochi. He would be awarded a cash prize of Rs.10
lakh and a citation.
• On 11th September 2017, TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) appeared in Fortune’s annual list of the Top 50
companies that are changing the world.TCS is the only Indian Company that made to the list.TCS is ranked
number 30 on the list.
• On 12th September 2017, Indian economist Ms.Bina Agarwal was announced the Balzan Prize, which is to be
awarded in Bern, Switzerland, in November 2017. This award is presented for outstanding achievements in
the fields of humanities, natural sciences, peace etc.
74th Venice Film Festival Awards 2017
VENICE HORIZONS
Best Film Nico, 1988, directed by Susanna Nicchiarelli
Best Director Vahid Jalilvand, No Date, No Signature
Special Jury Prize Caniba, directed by Lucien Castaing-Taylor and Véréna Paravel
Best Actress Lyna Khoudri, Les Bienheureux
Best Actor Navid Mohammadzadeh, No Date, No Signature
Best Screenplay Los Versos Del Olvido, directed by Alireza Khatami
Best Short Film Gros Chagrin, directed by Céline Devaux
Lion of the Future “Luigi De Laurentiis” Venice Award for a Debut Film Jusqu’à la Garde, directed byXavier
Legrand
• On 7 September 2017, Raghunandan Industries Private Limited was awarded Krishi Pragati Award 2017, by
th
National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX), in New Delhi.

• On 12th September 2017, HDFC Bank became the second most valuable company in BSE (Bombay Stock
Exchange), in India, in terms of market capitalisation. Reliance Industries is in the 1st place currently.
• On 13th September 2017, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Container Terminal (JNPCT) was awarded “Container
Terminal of the Year” Award, in Mumbai. JNPCT was given the award in ‘The Gateway Awards 2017’ held
at Mumbai.
• On 14th September 2017, Vijaya Bank was awarded the first prize under the Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar (Region
C) for the year 2016-2017. Vijaya Bank was given this award to honour its work in implementing Hindi as a
language in its day-to-day activities.
• A Nigerian lawyer Zannah Mustapha was awarded with UNHCR top UN peace prize on 19th Sept. 2017.
He worked for the rights of displaced children growing up amid violence in north-eastern Nigeria.
• On 15th September 2017, The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) was awarded
National level Rajbhasha Keerti Award.President of India Mr.Ramnath Kovind handed the award to MPEDA
Chairman Mr.A.Jayathilak on 14th September 2017, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.MPEDA bags the award
for the third consecutive year.
• On 15th September 2017, Salman Khan was awarded Global Diversity Award at Britain’s House of
Commons, in London. The award was given to Salman Khan by Keith Vaz, the longest serving Indian-origin
MP in British Parliament.
• On 13th September 2017, The Hindu Group was awarded two gold and one silver at the South Asian Digital
Media Awards at the WAN-IFRA (World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers) India 2017
conference, in Chennai. Best news website: www.thehindu.com won the Gold award.
• On 16th September 2017, Former DIG D Roopa, who revealed alleged irregularities a the central jail in
Bengaluru, was awarded the President’s medal, in Bengaluru.The award was given to Roopa for her
meritorious service.
• On 18th September 2017, Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP), a Pune-based non-governmental organisation
(NGO) working for women farmers, won 2017 UN Equator Prize.
• On September 18,2017 Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) was awarded the “Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar” for
the 11th consecutive time . It won in the category of ‘B’ region for autonomous bodies and boards, for
its excellent implementation of the Official Language.
• SS Rajamouli has received the ANR National Award from Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu on 17th of Sept.
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2017.He has received the award for his contribution to the Telugu film industry in Hyderabad.
• On 20th September 2017, three Indians were listed in Forbes ‘100 Greatest Living Business Minds’ list. Three
Indians – Lakshmi Mittal, Ratan Tata and Vinod Khosla were listed in Forbes special list of the world’s ‘100
Greatest Living Business Minds’.
• On 20th September 2017, The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) nominated Mahendra Singh
Dhoni for the Padma Bhushan award. BCCI has nominated only Mahendra Singh Dhoni for Padma Bushan
award this year. Padma Bushan is the country’s 3rd highest civilian award.
• On September 20 2017, ISKCON’s Govardhan Eco village has received the ‘spirit of humanity’award,
instituted by AmeriCares, a non-profit organisation working for disaster relief and global health, in the
‘livelihood’ category.
• An Indian, Kheyti, a Hyderabad-based startup has won a prestigious award and a cash prize of USD 42,000 in
Israel on September 17,2017 for developing an affordable modular greenhouse that aims to give farmers a
steady and dependable income.
• Riz Ahmed has become the first man of Asian t to win an acting award at the 69th Emmy Award.He is a
British actor of Pakistani descent. Riz won in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
category for his role in ‘The Night Of’. He plays Nasir “Naz” Khan, a Pakistani/Iranian-American college
student accused of murdering a young woman.
• Professor C.N.R Rao, has become the first Asian to be chosen for the prestigious Von Hippel Award for his
contribution in materials research. The award is the US-based Materials Research Society’s (MRS) highest
honour.
• 9th Primetime Emmy Awards 2017- Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, United States.
 Outstanding Comedy Series – Veep (HBO)
 Outstanding Drama Series – The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
 Outstanding Variety Talk Series – Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
 Outstanding Variety Sketch Series – Saturday Night Live (NBC)
 Outstanding Limited Series – Big Little Lies (HBO)
 Outstanding Television Movie – Black Mirror: “San Junipero” (Netflix)
 Outstanding Reality-Competition Program – The Voice
 Leading actors were awarded under the following categories:
 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series – Donald Glover
 Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series – Julia Louis-Dreyfus
 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series – Sterling K. Brown
 Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series – Elisabeth Moss
 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie – Riz Ahmed
 Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie – Nicole Kidman
• On 22nd September 2017, Rajkummar Rao was awarded the GQ Actor of the Year Award, in Mumbai. GQ
(Gentlemen’s Quarterly) magazine conducted the GQ Men of the Year Awards for 2017, in Mumbai.
• Banaj Devi, famous Odia poet and short story writer is to be awarded Sarala award for her short story
compilation ‘Kathapua’ on 26th October 2017.The annual Sarala Puraskar award is one of the prestigious
literary awards of Odisha.
• The two Indian women have features on Fortune’s list of most powerful women in business outside the US
announced on 26th if Sept. 2017.Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank Chanda Kochhar was ranked
5th and Managing Director and CEO of Axis Bank Sikha Sharma was ranked at 21st position.
• A noted scientist, Mahtab Bamji has been selected for the Living Legend Award of the International Union of
Nutritional Sciences ((IUNS).
• On 26th September 2017, famous vocalist Manik Bhide was chosen for the prestigious Bharatratna Pandit
Bhimsen Joshi award for the year 2017-18, for her contribution to the field of music.The Bhimen Joshi Award
is given by the Maharashtra government.
• Colin Gonsalves, a senior Indian advocate was selected for a prestigious rights award in Swedenannounced on
26th Sept. 2017. He will share the award and the prize money worth over USD 300,000 (SEK 3 million) with
two other laureates — Khadija Ismayilova from Azerbaijan and Robert Bilott from the US.
• The security cover provided by the CISF at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has bagged the best
airport security award from the World Quality Congress (WQC) announced on 26th of Sept. 2017.
• According to the world’s highest-paid TV actresses 2017 list Priyanka Chopra is 8th among the world’s 10
highest paid television actresses announced on 27th of Sept. 2017.
It will be Priyanka’s second year on the list and this time also she is the 8th highest paid TV
actress.Colombian actress Sofia Vergara tops the list again.
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• Apple became the world’s most valuable brand in Interbrand’s 2017 best Global Brands ranking .It was
Apple’s fifth consecutive year in the position.Apple’s brand value was measured as $184,15 billion, which
was grew 3 percent from the year 2016.
• On 26th September 2017, ten scientists were awarded Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, at a function held at
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in New Delhi.
• Biological Sciences – Deepak Nair, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad & Sanjeev Das,
• Gujarat was named the best state for Comprehensive Development of Tourism at the National Tourism
Awards presented by President Ram Nath Kovind on 27th Sept. 2017.
• Maryna Viazovska of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland has been selected for
the 2017 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize announced on 28th of Sept. 2017.
• On 27th September 2017, Srinagar International Airport, Jammu & Kashmir and Swami Vivekananda Airport,
Raipur, Chhattisgarh were jointly awarded the National Tourism Awards 2015-16, in New Delhi. President
Mr.Ram Nath Kovind, gave away the award for Best Airport under ‘rest of India’ category.
• Indian Police Service (IPS) Officer of Uttar Pradesh Cadre, Aparna Kumar has become the first Indian woman
to scale Mount Manaslu announced on 28th Sept. 2017.Mount Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain peak in
the world

Sunil Arora Election Commissioner
Former Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi Comptroller and Auditor General of India
Rajiv kumar NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman
Indian-origin civil servant J Y Pillai Singapore’s acting president
Rajiv Kumar Secretary, Department of Financial Services
IGCAR nuclear scientist U. Kamachi Mudali Heavy Water Board chief
Anita Karwal CBSE chairperson
Nirmala Sitharaman India’s first women new Defence Minister
Kenneth I. Juster U.S ambassador to India
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore Union sports minister
Roelant Oltmans (sacked) - Hockey India National coach
KV Rama Moorthy MD & CEO of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd
Vasant Narasimhan CEO of Novartis Pharma
Sankara Narayanan MD and CEO of Vijaya Bank
Gopal Singh CMD of Coal India
Parineeti Chopra First Indian woman ambassador for Tourism Australia
Ashish Kashyap (resigns) President- MakeMyTrip
Viveck Goenka New PTI Chairman
N. Ravi Vice Chairman of PTI
Harshil Mehta Joint MD and CEO of Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd
Baijendra Kumar National Mineral Development Corporation-chief
Sjoerd Mrijne Indian Men’s hockey team coach
Harendra Singh Indian women’s Hockey Team Coach
Halimah Yacob First female President of Singapore
UIDAI Head A.B. Pandey Additional Charge as GSTN Chairman
Abhay Firodia Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM ) President
Pat Hickey (resigns) International Olympic Committee Board
Raj Shah Principal Deputy Press Secretary in US
Brian Acton (Leaves) WhatsApp co-founder
Mahendra Pratap Mall CMD of IRCTC
Nagaraja Sharma CMD of United India Insurance
Peter Thomson First UN envoy for oceans
Harsh Kumar Jain Ambassador of India to the Slovak Republic
Former United Nations Secretary General Ban Head of International Olympic Committee Ethics Commission
Ki-moon -
Stephane Cottalorda (resigns India’s first foreign coach for women boxers
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Suresh Chitturi Vice-Chairman of International Egg Commission

Vikram Sakhuja President of Advertising Club
Abanti Sankaranarayanan Chairperson of Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).
Mr.Bjarni Benediktsson (resigns) Iceland PM
Sekhar Basu ( 1 Year Extension) Atomic Energy Secretary
Y C Modi Director General of NIA
Economist Mercedes Araoz Peru’s new Prime Minister
Akshay Kumar Brand Ambassador of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in Uttarakhand
Raquel Dodge First woman General Prosecutor of Brazil
India-born Sriram Krishnan Senior Director of Twitter
Ajay Bisaria High Commissioner to Pakistan
India TV Chairman Rajat Sharma News Broadcasters Association (NBA) President
B Sambamurthy NPCI interim Board chairman
Vani Sarraju Rao Ambassador of India to the Republic of Estonia
Jaideep Mazumdar Ambassador of India to the Republic of Palau
Umesh Chand Asawa Indian Banks Association (IBA) management committee
Balraj Joshi NHPC ‘s Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD)
Chuck Robbins Executive chairman of Global IT and networking major Cisco
Gautam Bambawale New envoy to China
Bandhan Bank appoints five lead managers for its IPO
Ram Jethmalani (retires) As advocate at 94
Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Binay Chairman of a new board of administrators to run the Darjeeling hills.
Tamang
Arvind Subramanian (1yr extension) Chief Economic Adviser
Vanlalawmpuii Chawngthu Mizoram’s first woman minister in 30 yrs
Rajni Kant Mishra New DG of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
Angela Merkel 4th term as Chancellor of Germany
Industrialist Rajinder Gupta Punjab Cricket Association president
Shashi Shanker ONGC Chairman
Bilal Dar,an 18 year old Srinagar - ambassador for Swachhata Hi Seva
Joao Lourenco Angola’s first new president in 38 years
David Harquail Chairman of World Gold Council
Mridul Kumar High Commissioner of India to Malaysia
Rajiv Sabharwal Tata Capital CEO
Royana Singh First woman chief proctor-Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Tony Douglas CEO of Etihad Airways Group
Banwarilal Purohit Governor of Tamilnadu
Brigadier (Retd.) BD Mishra- Arunachal Pradesh Governor
Satya Pal Malik - Governor of Bihar
Jagdish Mukhi Governor of Assam
Ganga Prasad Governor of Meghalaya
Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi Lieutenant Governor for Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Former German chancellor Schroeder Chairman of Russia’s Rosneft (oil producer)
• HCL has announced that it has agreed to buy Datawave a business unit of ETL Factory Limited, a UK–based
company to accelerate data integration and migration for their clients.
• On 6th September 2017, State-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) partnered with Coriant, a US-based
packet optical and mobile routing solutions company to study and deploy 5G-based industrial internet
applications for enterprise customers in New Delhi.
• On 8th September 2017, Tierra Agrotech Private Limited, a Hyderabad based company acquired Monsanto
Holdings, a US based cotton Seed Company, in New Delhi.
• On 11th September 2017, Infosys announced that it has acquired London-based product design firm Brilliant
Basics.Infosys has acquired Brilliant Basics for 7.5-million pounds (approx Rs 63 crore) in an all-cash deal.
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• On 13th September 2017, restaurant discovery and food delivery firm Zomato acquired logistics startup
Runnr. The amount for which Runnr was acquired has not been disclosed.
• Google has acquired a part of electronics company HTC Corporation’s engineering and design teams for $1.1
billion announced on 21st Sept. 2017.
• On 25th September 2017, Swiss Engineering Firm ABB announced that it would buy GE’s Industrial
Solutions Business. ABB would buy GE’s Industrial Solutions Business for $2.6 billion.
• Flipkart has acquired F1 Info Solutions, a mobile and IT repair services company with a pan-India presence of
owned and franchised centres.
MoUs
• The Gujarat government has signed a MoU with Google India for ‘Digital Gujarat’ movement under ‘Digital
India’. Under the MoU Google will train small and medium scale entrepreneurs the use of digital platform for
business development under the ‘Digital Unlocked’ programme.
• Assam government has signed a MoU with Google India Pvt. Ltd. to increase digital literacy and takeInternet
connectivity to the remotest part of the north-eastern state. Under this MoU the government would work
to provide Internet connections to 26,000 villages and 1,500 tea garden areas in Assam.
• The Women & Child Welfare Department of the Gujarat Government, Gujarat Milk Marketing Federation and
three leading dairies have signed tripartite MOU to save the children of anginawadi from malnutrition. The
MoU was signed in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani in Gandhinagar.
• On 11th September 2017, The Maharashtra government and Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Private
Limited, a subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), announced the signing of a MoU, in
Mumbai to set up plant for the processing of milk and milk products.
• The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) has signed an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh
Innovation Society (APIS) announced on 14th of Sept. 2017. The pact has been signed to encourage start-up
in the manufacturing & technology driven sectors.
• On 11th September 2017, Karnataka Department of Information Technology (IT) and Biotechnology (BT)
signed a MoU with the Embassy of Finland, in Bengaluru. The innovation co – operation between Karnataka
and Finland is calledKarnataka–Finland Innovation Corridor.
• MOU signed between the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and CBDT for Automatic and Regular Exchange of
Information.
• An autonomous body of Ministry of Science and Technology, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute has
signed MoU with Ludhiana based Bonn Food Industries on 14th of Sept. 2017 to promote coloured wheat with
antioxidant qualities beneficial for control of diabetes, cholesterol and obesity.
• India & Sri Lanka sign MoU to upgrade Thondaman Vocational Training Centre in Srilanka. The Thondaman
Vocational Training Centre (TVTC), is located in Nuwara Eliya district of Sri Lanka.
• Infosys Foundation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Visakha Jilla Nava Nirman
Samithi (VJNNS) an NGO to construct 100 gravity fed water supply systems in the tribal villages
of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• On 22nd September 2017, Deakin University of Australia said that it has signed a MoU with the National
Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) for projects in skills ecosystem. The MoU is for a period of five years
• Government of India has collaborated with US, Japan and Norway in the fields of health security, rail safety
and health co-operation respectively.
• On 27th September 2017, Tamil Nadu signed a joint technical co-operation agreement with Germany-based
GIZ, to carry out ‘land use planning and management project’, in Tamil Nadu.
• Indian Army and Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMIU), New Delhi has signed MoU for Academic
Collaboration, technical advancement and progression of Army Personnel announced on 29th Sept. 2017.
• On 26th September 2017, The Maharashtra Government signed a MoU with South Korea for increased co-
operation in infrastructure projects like development of smart cities, roads, airports and metros.This MoU
would help with implementation strategy, legal systems, and policies.
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COMMITTEES
• On 8th September 2017, a Joint Parliamentary Committee has been formed to examine and present a report on
the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017, in New Delhi. This is a joint committee of both the
houses of the parliament and Mr.Bhupender Yadav, MP as its chairman.
• On 25th September 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reconstituted the Economic Advisory Council
(EAC) under the Chairmanship of Bibek Debroy.Bibek Debroy is an economist and member of NITI Aayog.
• Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has constituted a steering committee to monitor and coordinate the
states drug de-addiction and rehabilitation programme announced on 26th of Sept. 2017. The decision to set up
the committee, headed by the state chief secretary, was taken by the chief minister at a meeting of the State
Board of Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation.
• On 28th September 2017, a committee headed by Mr.T.K.Viswanathan, submitted a report to the Home
Ministry, regarding new laws or amendments to deal with hate speech on the internet, in New Delhi.The
committee has suggested that section 78 of the IT Act needs to be substituted and Section 153 & 505A of the
Indian Penal Code needs to be amended.
• Insurance regulator IRDAI has formed a ten-member committee to help in implementing the new risk-based
capital (RBC) regime and it will also enhance protection to policyholders. The RBC Committee headed by
Dilip C Chakraborty. He suggested that the industry should move ahead with RBC to ensure that capital held
by a company will take into account its overall risk profile.
SCHEMES
• Karnataka government will merge the existing seven health schemes to launch a unified health scheme-
‘Arogya Bhagya’. It will cover all 1.4 crore households of the state. The main theme of the ‘Arogya Bhagya’
scheme is ”Treatment Firstand Payment Next”.
On 4th September 2017, Mr. Ram Nath Kovind, President of India laid the foundation for Link-4 pipeline
canal of SAUNI Scheme at Jasdan in Rajkot district of Gujarat. Saurashtra Narmada Avataran
Irrigation (SAUNI) Scheme was conceived by Mr. Narendra Modi when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
• On 8th September 2017, Union Human Resource Development Minister Mr.Prakash Javadekar announced that
Government would implement ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ scheme in 2018, in New Delhi. This scheme has been
introduced in order to enroll students who have dropped out from school. The scheme aims to enroll 70 to 80
lakh students around the country.
• On august 31,2017, India’s ISRO failed in its attempt to launch its eighth regional navigation satellite
(IRNSS-1H) from Sriharikota at 7pm. The satellite got stuck in the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch
Vehicle–PSLV-C39.
• Chipmaker AMD has presented a new line of microprocessor chips called ‘Ryzen Pro’ for commercial
desktop workstations to be available in India and other countries by end of 2017.
• Tamil Nadu Police has launched of new online services. Under the online services petitioners seeking
documents to file accident claims can now download all necessary documents via the Internet on payment of a
minimum charge.The online services has launched in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu.A copy of the LDR
would be sent to the applicant’s registered email.
• On September 1,2017 Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar launched an online portal for redressal of public
grievances — aimed at addressing complaints within 30 days. The portal www.goaonline.gov.in can be
accessed after providing basic information like name, address, mobile number, Aadhaar number, date of birth,
email id, etc.
• The Food and Drug Administration has approved its first gene therapy drug in the United States that will treat
childhood leukemia.Novartis drug Kymriah works by genetically modifying pediatric and young adult
patients’ blood cells to attack cancer cells in blood and bone marrow.
• The government has issued an alert on spread of new malware ‘Locky Ransomware’ that can lock
computers and demand ransom for unlocking them. Ransomware is a malicious software and the Locky
Ransomware is learnt to be demanding ransom of half bitcoin, which at present rate is equivalent to over Rs
1.5 lakh.
• Intel has introduced a new vision processing unit (VPU) called Movidius Myriad X. The new Intel
VPU is aimed at providing end-to-end artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to a wide range of product
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categories such as smart cameras, virtual reality (VR) devices, robotics and even drones.Myriad X is
the world’s first system-on-chip (SOC) shipping with a dedicated neural compute engine for accelerating deep
learning inferences at the edge.
• Astronomers had discovered seven Earth-sized planets orbiting a relatively nearby dwarf star. The system is
called TRAPPIST-1. It is especially appealing because it has three planets in the habitable zone it means that
these worlds could potentially support liquid water and perhaps even life announced on 1st sept 2017.
• Breakthrough Listen project detected 15 Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) coming from a dwarf galaxy about 3
million light years away from earth.
• WhatsApp is launching a new app to help businesses communicate with their customers announced on 6thsept
2017. WhatsApp Business gives users a verified green checkmark badge next to their names.
• According to the Commerce Ministry, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development
Authority(APEDA) has developed a mobile app “Hortinet” for farmers to facilitate registration, testing and
certification of certain fruits and vegetables.
• Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has launched national teacher’s portal diksha.gov.in on 5th of Sept.
2017. DIKSHA Portal is created to provide digital and advance technology to the teachers.
• Astronomers have discovered a pulsar spinning at more than 42,000 revolutions per minute. It is thesecond-
fastest Spinning Pulsar identified so far. The new object, named PSR J0952-0607 – or J0952 for short –
is classified as a millisecond pulsar and is located between 3,200 and 5,700 light-years away in the
constellation Sextans.
• On 8th September 2017, the Government set up an online service named Contact @DGFT facility to help
importers and exporters resolve all foreign trade-related issues, in New Delhi.
• Scientists have developed an artificial leaf that absorbs sunlight to generate hydrogen fuel from water. It is
an advance technology that may provide clean energy for powering eco-friendly cars in the future.
• On September 14,2017 scientists from Brown University have created the first map of water and its chemical
building blocks trapped in the uppermost portion of the Moon’s soil.The research was funded by the NASA
Lunar Advanced Science and Exploration Research Program. The study was published in Science
Advances journal.
• On September 14,2017 ,The Uttar Pradesh tax department has launched a web page
(page comtax.up.nic.in/feedback.htm) to allow traders and others to submit their complaints and feedback
related to the GST.
• On 7th September 2017, scientists of Cardiff University, successfully created a fuel ‘methanol’ from methane
and oxygen obtained from the free air, in the United Kingdom.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight tested India’s
indigenously developed third generation Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) ‘Nag.
The missile was tested in a desert in the western sector of Rajasthan on 9th Sept. 2017.
• SpaceX has launched the US Air Force’s super-secret space shuttle announced on 7th Sept. 2017 & a
technology tester capable of spending years in orbit. It’s the fifth flight for one of these crewless mini
shuttles, known as the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle.This is the first time SpaceX has provided a lift for the
experimental mini-shuttle.
• On 8th September 2017, CEO of SpaceX Billionaire Elon Musk shared a picture of his space exploration
startup SpaceX’s first full-body spacesuit on Instagram.The spacesuit is designed to protect astronauts when
they are in the space capsule and while moving over to other vehicles like the International Space Station
(ISS) under pressurised conditions.
• Reliance Energy has launched a digital assistance robot named ELEKTRA. This system provides automated
responses to customers for their queries and requests.
• On 11th September 2017, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) launched an online platform
named ‘FoSCoRIS’, in New Delhi.FoSCoRIS is an online web-based platform where data related to
inspection, sampling and test result data would be shared by all the officials.
• On 11th September 2017, Payment gateway provider PayU announced its collaboration with the Indian
Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), in New Delhi. PayU and IRCTC have joined hands to
provide users a safe and secure option to make payment for rail tickets booked on the IRCTC website
• On September 15,2017 NASAs Cassini spacecraft ended its 20-year-long epic journey with a fiery plunge into
the Saturns crushing atmosphere, while sending back never- before-seen images of the ringed planet and its
moons.
• Airtel Payments Bank has become the first payments bank in India to integrate the Unified Payments Interface
(UPI) on its digital platform announced on 17th of Sept. 2017. It will help in making instant money transfers
to any bank account in India and will add to customer choice and convenience for making secure digital
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payments to online and offline merchants.

• Google has launched its Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based digital payment service by the name ‘Tez’ in
India announced on 18th of Sept. 2017. The new Google payment App ‘TeZ’ is powered by UPI. It is
a payments protocol built by the Government-backed National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• On 19th September 2017, HP Inc India launched its new, all-in-one point-of-sale (POS) system HP ElitePOS
at the “India Retail Forum 2017″ event, in Mumbai.Elite POS is priced at Rs.59,999.
• On 20th September 2017, Fino Payments Bank launched its mobile banking app called BPay in India.
• The “Bandhan Tod” app is launched by Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on 18th of Sept. 2017. It is
a unique initiative, Gender Alliance Bihar, a collective effort of over 270 civil society organisations.Bandhan
Tod is part of Gender Alliance’s strategy to support the state government’s efforts to end child marriage and
dowry.
• Scientists at The University of Manchester have created the world’s first ‘molecular robot’. This robot
iscapable of performing basic tasks including building other molecules.
• Scientists, including one of Indian origin, have found that jellyfish go into a sleep-like state, making them
thefirst animals without a brain or central nervous system to do so.The study was published in the journal
Current Biology.
• On 22nd September 2017, NASA’s asteroid-chasing spacecraft ‘Osiris-Rex’ swung by Earth on its way to an
asteroid. Osiris-Rex spacecraft was launched in 2016 within 17,237 km of Earth above Antarctica by NASA.
• On 25th September 2017, SBI (State bank of India) launched a Chatbot (chat assistant) to respond and answer
customer enquiries. The chat assistant is named as SBI Intelligent Assistant (SIA). Payjo, an Artificial
Intelligence Banking Platform developed the Chatbot in collaboration with SBI.
• On 25th September 2017, Indonesia announced that the world’s smallest squirrel was discovered by
Indonesian scientists in Borneo rain forest, Indonesia. The Bormean pigmy squirrel or exilisciurus exilis was
found in Meratus mountain of South Kalimantan province of Indonesia.
• On 26th September 2017, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh launched the PENCIL Platform for Effective
Enforcement of No Child Labour Project (NCLP), in the National Conference on Child Labour, in New Delhi.
Intel has announced the roll out of the 8th generation of the “Intel Core” desktop processor family which
begin from 5th October. It is built for gamers and content creators for heavy duty tasks.
• Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has signed contract with Research Centre Imarat (RCI) for supply of
Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) to Indian Army announced on 25th Sept. 2017.
• On 26th September 2017, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot launched the
Mobile App ‘Divyang Sarathi’ for the differently abled.This mobile application would empower the
‘Divyangjans’ (differently abled) by providing easy access of information regarding schemes, scholarships,
statutes, institutional support systems etc.
• NASA and the Russian space agency Roscosmos have announced a new partnership for human exploration of
the moon and deep space on 27th Sept. 2017.Both agencies signed a joint statement on cooperation at the 68th
International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide, Australia.
• On 28th September 2017, scientists announced that Gravitational waves have been detected for the fourth
time, in the fabric of space and time. The gravitational wave signal was formed by the collision of two
massive black holes, located about 1.8 billion light-years away.
• Researchers have discovered a new snake species named ‘Aquatic Rhabdops’ in the north of Western Ghats.
The new species of burrowing snakes belongs to genus Rhabdops. It is found in Koyna, Chandoli, Barki and
Amboli regions of Maharashtra.
• State-run telecom firm Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd has announced agreement with IoT solutions provider Aeris
Communications to jointly tap the Internet of Things market in India on 29th Sept. 2017.The partnership
will ensure faster permeation of IoT across India and help businesses and PSUs gain remarkable advantages.
DEFENCE
• On 5th September 2017, India handed over an off-shore patrol vessel, Varuna, to Sri Lanka as a part of
stepping up co-operation between the two coast guards. The ship (Varuna) was decommissionedwith
traditional honours on August 23 to facilitate the handing over at Kochi.
• On 7th September 2017, the seventh edition of India-Sri Lanka joint maritime naval exercise SLINEX 2017
started near Vishakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh in India on the Bay of Bengal. It will last till 14th
September 2017.SLINEX – Sri Lanka India Naval Exercise are a series of naval exercises between the Indian
Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy.
• Nepal India Joint Military Exercise Surya Kiran has launched and it is to be held from September 3 to 16. This
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is the 12th edition of the exercise.Joint military exercise, Surya Kiran Nepal Army Battle School at Saljhandi.
• Ashok Leyland Defence Systems (ALDS), Russia’s Rosoboronexport and ELCOM Group have signed a
cooperation agreement in defence business announced on 6th of Sept. 2017.The MoU has signed on the
sidelines of the International Military Technical Forum Army, held at Kubinka, near Moscow.
• Swedish defence giant Saab and Indian conglomerate Adani group has announced a collaboration in defence
manufacturing announced on 1st sept 2017.The project would encompass design, development and production
of Gripen jets for India in line with the Make in India initiative.
• In accordance with the India’s ‘Act East Policy’, two Indian Naval Ships departed for deployment to East and
South-East Asia.INS Satpura and INS Kadmatt departed from Visakhapatnam on 8th of Sept. 2017 to visit 12
ports.
• The Indian Navy’s woman team has embarked on a circumnavigation of the globe, with Defence Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman on 10th of Sept. 2017. The Indian Navy calls it a “historic” day for the country.The
minister flagged off the first such expedition by the Indian Navy, ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama’, at a ceremony at
the INS Mandovi naval training base, Panaji Goa.
• Sweden hosts huge war games exercise with NATO. It is biggest military exercise in more than 20 years with
support from NATO countries.Sweden is not a member of NATO but the exercise, called “Aurora”, involves
19,000 troops and will replicate an attack from the east on the Baltic island of Gotland, near the Swedish
mainland.
• The air forces of China and Pakistan has begun a joint training exercise and deployed their latest fighter jets
and AWACS aircraft.Pakistan has sent JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and early warning aircraft to join the
exercise, named “Shaheen VI”.
• On September 15, 2017 the final Development Flight Trials of Astra – Beyond Visual Range Air to Air
Missile (BVRAAM) were successfully conducted over the Bay of Bengal, Off the Coast of Chandipur, and
Odisha .A total of seven trials were conducted against Pilotless Target Aircrafts (PTA) successfully.
• On September 15,2017, An indigenous artillery gun Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS),
developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the private sector has set a
new world record in range by hitting targets at a distance of 48 km.
• On September 20 2017, two Navy ships, a submarine and two Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft
of the Western Naval Command (WNC) are presently on deployment to the Western Arabian Sea and the
southern Indian Ocean.
• The US Army and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) inaugurated a permanent base In Israel. This is the first
time that a permanent American base has been opened in the Middle Eastern country.
• On 14th September 2017, The Indian and U.S. armies started the 13th edition of their ‘Yudh Abhyas’ series of
joint military exercises.The exercise began on 14th September 2017, at Joint Base Lewis McChord in
Washington, United States.
• On 16th September 2017, The US and UAE’s joint military exercise began in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The joint military exercise is named as Iron Union 5.The Iron Union 5, is an extension of of Iron Claw
exercises.
• On 18th September 2017, China and Russia started the second stage of their “Joint Sea-2017” naval exercises
in Vladivostok, Russia.The exercises took place in Sea of Japan and the Okhotsk Sea.
• As per the defence ministry the small training maneuvers “Exercise Panda-Kangaroo 2017” were the first joint
drills between China and Australia held in China.Chinese and Australian soldiers have ended a series of
military exercises in the mountainous terrain of southwestern China.
• Turkey was holding naval exercises with NATO members at a time of crisis in relations with several alliance
states and controversy over Ankara’s plan to purchase weapons from Russia.The NATO exercises, focused on
submarine rescue operations and called “Dynamic Monarch”.It will take place in Turkish waters in the
Mediterranean Sea off the resort city of Marmaris.
• On 26th September 2017, INS Tarasa, a Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (FAC) was commissioned into the Indian
Navy by Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command at the
Naval Dockyard, in Mumbai.INS Tarasa is 50 m long.It is powered by three water jets, with speed more than
35 knots (65 km/hr).It is equipped with a 30 mm main gun and several light, medium and heavy machine
guns.
• A new interceptor boat (V-409) which is built by Bharathi Defence and Infrastructure Limited (BDIL)
waslaunched at a function held at the Mangaluru Coast Guard yard on The 28-metre long, V-409 interceptor
boat has aluminium hull and fitted with new generation of Arneson Surface Drive (ASD) which is drive by
two powerful diesel engines of 1650 KW each.
• Pakistan and Russia will hold a two-week long military exercise which mainly focuses on counter-terrorism
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operations. It enhances defence ties between the two countries.The joint exercise DRUZBA 2017 between
special forces of Pakistan and Russia Armies started in Minralney Vody, Russia.
• On 23rd September 2017, Pakistan Navy successfully test-fired an anti-ship missile from a helicopter in the
northern Arabian Sea.The anti-ship missile was fired from Pakistan Navy helicopter Sea King into the open
sea.The missile hit its target placed in the sea successfully.
ENVIRONMENT
• On august 28,2017 , Archaeologists in Andhra Pradesh have discovered an ancient Buddhist site that dates
back to 1st century AD , in Guntur district, in Putlagudem village of Achampet mandal.
• The new species of edible freshwater fish has been discovered in Pampa River in Pathanamthitta district of
Kerala.
• On 9th September 2017, Egypt announced the discovery of a tomb belonging to a royal goldsmith who lived
more than 3,500 years ago, in Luxor, Egypt.
• On 13th September 2017, a few mouse deer were released into Amrabad Tiger Reserve, near Mannanur, in
Mahbubnagar district of Telengana.
• On 13th September 2017, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has released its first compendium named ‘Fauna
of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve in Indian Sundarbans’.
• On 14th September 2017, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) announced that the snow
leopard which was considered to be a long endangered species has been upgraded to ‘vulnerable’ status. Snow
leopards were listed as endangered species in 1972.
• On 20th September 2017, Denmark launched a US based global alliance to manage Climate change, in
Copenhagen. Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) is supported by the following
members –China, Indonesia and C40.
• On 19th September 2017, scientists have discovered an underwater city built by octopuses and named it as
‘Octlantis’, in Australia. This underwater city built by octopuses was found near the Australian coast.
• On 28th September 2017, PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency published its new report on
global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in Netherlands.India ranked 3rd in the GHG emissions with an
increase of 4.7 % in GHG emissions.
SPORTS
• Young Indian shuttler Rahul Bharadwaj is defeated by top seed Thai Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the men’s singles.
He finish runners-up at the India Junior International Grand Prix on 3rd Sept 2017.
• MS Dhoni reached a record of 100 stumpings in One-Day Internationals during his 301st match, as India
played Sri Lanka in the fifth ODI of the five-match series at Colombo.Dhoni surpassed former Sri Lankan
wicket-keeper Kumar Sangakkara, who had 99 stumpings in 404 matches.
• Nagpur-based Divya Deshmukh clinched the gold medal in the the girls’ U-12 category at the World Cadets
Chess Championship at Pocos de Caldas, Brazil.She scored a total of 9.5 points to give India its only medal in
the championship this year.
• Amritpal Singh becomes first Indian to sign up for Australia’s National Basketball LeagueDraft Combine in
Melbourne, Australia.
• India’s Konsam Ormila Devi bagged a gold medal in 44kg weight category on the opening day of
theCommonwealth Youth (boys & girls) weightlifting championships.Commonwealth Youth weightlifting
Championship was held at Gold Coast, Australia.
• The official song for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup football tournament was launched by the Local
Organising Committee (LOC) and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) on 4th of Sept 2017. The official song
called “Kar Ke Dikhla De Goal”and the song has been written by lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya and
composed by Pritam.
• Star India bagged the IPL media rights for TV and digital broadcast for a consolidated sum of Rs.16, 347.5
crore ($ 2.55 billion) for a period of five years.It will start from the 11th edition of IPL 2018 for five years. It
pipped Sony to acquire the rights from 2018 to 2022.
• Lewis Hamilton has won the Italian Grand Prix 2017 to take lead in Formula-1 title race announced on
3rd sept. 2017.
• India has been selected to host the 2019 edition of the Commonwealth (Youth, Junior and Senior)
Weightlifting Championships. The current edition of the tournament is being held at the Gold Coast Australia.
• Tejasvi Duduka from Hyderabad won the women’s singles of U.S. Open Grand Slam Carrom tournament.
Earlier, she had won the Telangana State Women’s singles title in Nizamabad. In the men’s singles, Vemuri
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Anil Kumar of India finished runner up for the second year in the U.S Open.
• India’s Ankur Mittal has won the silver medal in the men’s double trap event at the ISSF Shotgun World
Championships held in Moscow.Russia’s Vitaly Fokeev has won the gold medal at ISSF Shotgun World
Championships. In the junior category, Ahvar Rizvi also won a silver medal in the same event.
AIBA world boxing championships - Hamburg, Germany
• On 25th August 2017, the 2017 edition of AIBA world boxing championships started. This event was hosted
byHamburg, Germany. The event lasted till 2nd September 2017.
• On 31stAugust 2017, 24 year oldIndian boxer Gaurav Bidhuri and 19 year old American boxer Duke
Ragan fought in the semi-finals of the bantamweight (56 kilogram) category.Gaurav Bidhuri lost 0-5 to Duke
Raganand clinched
• Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak wins Best Boxer, Cuba win Best team and USA’s Billy Walsh wins Best
Coach
• India’s Sonam Malik bags Gold in Cadet World Wrestling Championship; Neelam settles for bronze. It
is held in Athens, Greece.
• Tottenham have announced plans for the world’s first dividing retractable football pitch at their new
stadium on 7th of Sept. 2017. The club’s new ground will boast separate playing surfaces for NFL and
football.
• Harinder Pal Sandhu has won the Malaysian Squash Tour. This is his 21st consecutive international match to
win in a row.He beat Malaysia’s Mohammed Syafiq Kamal to win the final match. The tournament was held
in in Kuala Lumpur.
• On 9th September 2017, India won the Second South Asian Basketball, SABA, Under – 16 Championship, in
Kathmandu, Nepal.In its last match India defeated Bhutan by 131 – 50 points.
• On 9th September 2017, Joycilline Jepkosgei of Kenya broke her own 10 km road world record, in Prague,
Czech Republic. Joycilline Jepkosgei is a 23 year old Kenyan runner. She has become the first woman to run
10 km distance under 30 minutes on road.
• Kochi is all set to host the BWF World Senior Badminton Championships from September 11 to 17 2017. The
championship will be held in India for the first time.
137th edition - US Open Tennis 2017-New York.
Category Winners Runners
Men’s singles Rafael Nadal Kevin Anderson
Women singles Sloane Stephens of US Madison Keys (US)
Men’s doubles Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez
Women Doubles Chan Yung-Jan and Martina Hingis Lucie Hradecka and Katerina Siniakova.
Mixed Doubles Martina Hingis and Jamie Murray Chan Hao-ching and Michael Venus
• On 9th September 2017, Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal won the ITF Futures tournament, in Chennai. S R
Subramaniam Memorial ITF Futures tournament was held on 9thSeptember 2017, in Chennai.
• On 12th September 2017, Asian Games gold medalist Priyanka Panwar was suspended for eight years after
she tested positive for a banned performance enhancing drug, in New Delhi.Priyanka Panwar a 29 year old
Indian athlete won gold medal in 4x400m women’s relay at the 2014 Asian Games.
• On 13th September 2017, Goa’s Sports Minister Mr.Manohar Ajgaonkar said that Goa would host the 36th
National Games, in Goa. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has given the official rights to Goa to host
the 36th National Games. The event would be held in November, 2017.
• Maharashtra has won the Chief Minister’s cup at National kickboxing championship. It has 45 gold
medals.The National kickboxing championship is being held in Raipur.
• On 13th September 2017, Rishabh Shah of Mumbai, bagged two bronze medals in the Under-14 Rapid and
Blitz formats of the 2nd Western Asia Youth Chess Championship in Sri Lanka.
• On 15th September 2017, Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr.Devendra Fadnavis launched the ‘Maharashtra
Mission 1 Million’ initiative through which 10 lakh (1 million) students across the state would play football,
in Mumbai. The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 is to happen for the first time in India and in Maharashtra.
• On 16th September 2017, South African all-rounder JP Duminy announced his retirement from test cricket, in
South Africa.
• On 17th September 2017, Indian badminton player PV Sindhu won the women’s singles title at the Korean
Open Super Series 2017 by defeating Japanese player Nozomi Okuhara, in Seoul, South Korea.
• Former Sri Lanka batsman Chamara Silva has banned for two-year from cricket-related activities and for
breaching the spirit of the game during a Tier-B first class match.
• In the latest ICC T20 rankings of batsmen Indian captain Virat Kohli has remained on top spot with 826
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points.In the bowlers’ list, Imad Wasim of Pakistan leads the table with 742 points and India’s Ravichandran
Ashwin is at the 10th placed with 626 points.
• Pakistan beat World XI to clinch the final Twenty20 match and the series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on
15thof Sept. 2017.
• On 17th September 2017, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton won the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, in Singapore.
• West Indies legend Chris Gayle has become the first batsman to hit 100 sixes in the shortest format of the
game during their Twenty20 International match.
• On 17th September 2017, Ana Carrasco of Spain became the first female to win an individual World
Championship motorbike race, in Portugal. Ana Carrasco won the 1st place in the Supersport 300 World
Championship’s round 10 in Portugal. She has become the first female to win an Individual Championship
motorbike race.
• On 18th September 2017, British cyclist Mark Beaumont set a new world record by cycling around the world
in 79 days, in Paris. Mark Beaumont travelled around the world in 79 days. He beat the previous record of 123
days.
• On 20th September 2017, FIFA’s Ethics Committee banned Caribbean soccer leader Gordon Derrick for six
years due to financial offenses.
• Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a five-year ban and a fine of one million rupees on batsmanKhalid
Latif for his involvement in spot-fixing during the PSL.
• The official emblem and slogan for FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 were unveiled in Paris,
France.The slogan of the tournament “Dare To Shine” reflects the development of football, especially
women’s football.
• Los Angeles has received its official go-ahead to host the 2028 Olympics from the International Olympic
Committee’s evaluation commission.IOC will award the 2024 Games to Paris and the 2028 Games to Los
Angeles.
• Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has become the first Indian spinner to take a hat-trick in ODI cricket during
the second match of the ongoing series against Australia at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on 22nd Sept. 2017. He
became only the third Indian after Kapil Dev (1991) and Chetan Sharma (1987) to take a hat-trick in an ODI.
• Indian professional badminton player, Rio Olympic silver medalist PUSARLA V. Sindhu has jumped two
places to the second spot in the BWF (Badminton World Federation) women’s singles ranking.TAI Tzu Ying
of Taiwan ranks first in BWF women’s singles.
OBITUARY
• A Japanese man Sumiteru Taniguchi who survived the Nagasaki atomic bomb in August 1945 has died.
• Pulitzer-prize winning poet John Ashbery, a post-modern American trailblazer, has died at age 90 in Hudson,
New York.
• Noted poet and activist Shirish Pai had passed away on 2nd sept 2017. She started writing Haiku in 1975.
She studied Japanese Haiku, its origin and nature and published five Marathi Haiku books.
• Former Union minister and Trinamool Congress MP Sultan Ahmed had passed away on 4th of Sept. 2017. He
was elected to the Lok Sabha from Uluberia constituency on a TMC ticket.
• Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Jomde Kena had passed away on 5th Sept. 2017.
• Veteran Kannada actor RN Sudarshan had passed away in Bengaluru. He was 78.
• On September 11,2017, Former Odisha Health Minister Syed Mustafiz Ahmed (76) passed away today
following a prolonged illness.
• LGBT rights activist Edith Windsor passed away. Windsor, whose same-sex marriage fight led to a landmark
US ruling, passed away on 12 September 2017. She was 88.
• Senior Supreme Court Lawyer and Constitutional expert PP Rao passed away at New Delhi due to cardiac
arrest.He was awarded the Padma Bhushan.
• Frank Vincent, an American actor died in New Jersey, United States.
• Violet Mosse Brown had passed away in Jamaica 6th Sept. 2017. She was born on 10th March 1900. She
became the world’s oldest person on 15th April this year at 117.
• On 16th September 2017, Marshal Arjan Singh, who led the Indian Air Force during the 1965 India-Pakistan
war, died. Arjan Singh was the IAF chief from 1964-1969.
• On 17th September 2017, BJP MP, Mr.Mahant Chandnath, from Alwar, passed away at a hospital in
Delhi. Mr.Mahanth Chandnath won the Alwar seat in Rajasthan in 2014 parliamentary elections by defeating
Congress candidate and former Union Minister Mr.Jitendra Singh.
• On 17th September 2017, Dr.K.S.Chugh, the “father of nephrology in India”, died at the Postgraduate Institute
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of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. Dr.K.S.Chugh was suffering from blood cancer
for the past two years.
• On September 17 2017,Former Union minister and senior Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Mohammed
Taslimuddin,74 died in a Chennai Appollo hospital. He had visited to Chennai for a parliamentary committee
meeting.
• Veteran Congress lawmaker and former Karnataka Minister Qamarul Islam had passed away on 18th of Sept.
2017. He was 69.
• Stanislav Petrov,a former Soviet military officer credited with preventing a possible nuclear disaster at the
peak of the Cold War has died at the age of 77.He died at his home in Moscow in May but his death has only
now been made public.He was known in the West as “the man who saved the world”.
• Liliane Bettencourt, the L’Oréal heiress and the world’s richest woman, had passed away at the age of 94 on
21st of Sept. 2017.
• Boxing legend Jake LaMotta passed away aged 95. He was from U.S.A.
• Babuji Dheere Chalna’ actress Shakila passes away aged 82.She earned the tag of ‘fairy queen of Indian
movies’.
• Renowned Marathi writer, journalist Arun Sadhu passes away at 76 in Mumbai
• Legendary soul singer Charles Bradley diedin Brooklyn New York. He was 68.
• Former world’s heaviest woman Eman Abd El Aty died in Abu Dhabi on 25th Sept. 2017.
• Veteran Bengali actor Dwijen Bandyopadhyay passed awayin Kolkata.
• Former Speaker and sitting MLA of Nagaland Kiyanilie Peseyie died at a private hospital, in Dimapur,
Nagaland.
• P P Antony, former national women’s hockey coach, who also trained and taught coaches at the SAI,
Bengaluru campus passed away on 27th Sept. 2017.
• Veteran freedom fighter Suryamani Panda had passed away at the age of 96 on 26th of Sept. 2017.
• Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy Enterprises, has passed away at the age of 91 on 27th Sept. 2017.
• On 28th September 2017, Makhan Lal Fotedar, a veteran Congress leader, died at the age of 85, in Delhi.
• Veteran theatre, television and film actor Tom Alter, best known for his performances in “Shatranj Ke
Khilari”, “Junoon” and “Kranti”, passed away at the age of 67 on 30th Sept. 2017.
• Radhika Mohan Bhagawati, veteran Guwahati-based journalist and editor of Dainik Asam, oldest Assamese
daily newspaper had passed away. He was 84.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
• Amish, a best selling writer who has entertained readers with his mythological series on Lord Shiva and Lord
Rama, has announced to launch his new book “Immortal India” in non-fiction category.It was published by
Westland and Tranquebar Press.
• The book of Former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran named “How India Sees the World: Kautilya to the 21st
Century” launched by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh .The book records the crucial meeting of
the CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security) on the eve of India-Pakistan Defence Secretary-level talks in May
2006.
• The BCCI player’s handbook is titled ‘100 things every professional cricketer must know’.The handbook
document will be the official handbook for all the cricketers registered with the BCCI.The book titled ‘100
things every professional cricketer must know’ which is also in line with Lodha recommendations.
• Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has launched his first book named Hit Refresh. The book includes the inside
story of the company’s continuing transformation, Nadella’s own personal journey, Vision for the coming
wave of intelligent technologies.
• book titled Unstoppable: My Life So Far is authored by tennis star Maria Sharapova was launched in
September 2017.The book talks about how a seventeen-year-old Maria Sharapova became popular by
defeating the two-time defending champion Serena Williams to win the prestigious Wimbledon.
• On September 20 2017, Dr.Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent charge) for Culture released the
book entitled “Bhartiya Kala Mein Salil Kridayen Evam Sadyahsnata Nayika” at a function in National
Museum at New Delhi.It was written by Dr. Kshetrapal Gangwar and Shri Sanjib Kumar Singh.
IMPORTANT DAYS
• World Coconut Day is all about coconut. Coconut day is celebrated on 2nd of Sep. It is celebrated by
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theCoconut Development Board.The main function will be held at Vijayawada, with the theme ‘Coconut for
Family Nutrition, Health and Wellness.’
• National Nutrition Week has been observed throughout the country from 1st to 7th September. National
Nutrition week is used to make the people get every knowledge about the nutrition and its importance for
human body.The theme of the National Nutrition Week for 2017 is “Optimal Infant & Young Child Feeding
Practices: Better Child Health”.
• Each year, Teacher’s Day is celebrated on the 5th of September in India. Teacher’s Day is celebrated to mark
in honour of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.The first Teachers’ Day was celebrated in India in 1962.
• On 5th September every year International Day of Charity is observed world-wide. It was declared in
the United Nations General Assembly in 2012.
• On 8th September 2017, 51st International Literacy Day was celebrated at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The
theme was`Literacy in a digital world’.
• Himalayan Day will be observed across the country on 9th September and the main programme will be held in
Dehradun.The theme for this year is ‘Contribution of Himalayas and Our Responsibility’.
• On 10th September 2017, World Suicide Prevention Day is observed throughout the world.
This year’s theme is ‘Take a minute, change a life.’
• On 12th September 2017, United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation is observed.
The theme would be “South-South Cooperation in the Era of Economic, Social and Environmental
• Transformation: Road to the 40th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action
(BAPA+40)”.
• On 14th September every year Hindi Diwas (Day) is celebrated in India. After India got Independence in
1947, the selection of official language was of great concern.
• On september 15,2017, The international day on democracy was celebrated on United Nations Headquarters
on new York, US. This year’s theme is “In defence of democracy: The 20th anniversary of IPU’s Universal
Declaration on Democracy”
Engineers day was celebrated all over India on 15th September every year by engineering community. It is
celebrated as a tribute to the greatest Indian Engineer Bharat Ratna Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya. This year’s
theme is “Role of Engineers in a devolping India”
• Every year on September 16, the World celebrates the International day for the preservation of Ozone layer as
the World Ozone Day. The theme of this year is “Caring for all life under Sun”.
• The International Coastal Cleanup day is conducted on September 16 in various parts of the world on the third
Saturday of September every year under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and
under the aegis of South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) in the South Asian Region.
• The International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has
declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and
peoples.The theme for 2017 is “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All.”
• On 25th September 2017, Ministry of Rural Development conducted an event named ‘Bharat ke
Kaushalzaade’, to honour beneficiaries of its skill development programmes, at Vigyan Bhawan, New
Delhi.Beneficiaries of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) and Rural Self
Employment Training Institutes (RSETI) were honoured.
• The World Tourism Day is celebrated across the world on 27th of September. The theme for World Tourism
Day 2017 is ‘Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development’.
• The President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind presented the “National Tourism Awards” to various segments
of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry at a function organised by Ministry of Tourism in Vigyan
Bhawan, New Delhi on World Tourism Day.
• World Rabies Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness about rabies prevention.
The 2017 World Rabies Day theme is ‘Rabies: Zero by 30’.
• Maritime Day is celebrated across the world on 28 September across the world. The theme for 2017 World
Maritime Day is ‘Connecting Ships, Ports and People’.
• The World Heart Federation (WHF) organizes the World Heart Day, an international campaign on September
29th every year. This year, World Heart Day theme is ‘share the power’.
• International Translation Day is celebrated every year on 30 September on the feast of St.
Jerome. International Translation Day 2017 theme, ‘Translation and Diversity’.
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Union -Ministers and Portfolios after reshuffle

Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers
Narendra Modi Prime Minister and also in-charge of: Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions;
Department of Atomic Energy; Department of Space; and All important policy
issues; and All other portfolios not allocated to any Minister.
Rajnath Singh Home Affairs
Sushma Swaraj External Affairs
Arun Jaitley Finance and Corporate Affairs.
Nitin Jairam Gadkari Road Transport and Highways; Shipping; and Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
Suresh Prabhu Commerce and Industry.
D.V. Sadananda Gowda Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Uma Bharati Drinking Water and Sanitation.
Ramvilas Paswan Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Maneka Sanjay Gandhi Women and Child Development
Ananthkumar Chemicals and Fertilizers; and Parliamentary Affairs
Ravi Shankar Prasad Law and Justice; and Electronics and Information Technology
Jagat Prakash Nadda Health and Family Welfare
Ashok Gajapathi Raju Civil Aviation
Pusapati
Anant Geete Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal Food Processing Industries
Narendra Singh Tomar Rural Development; Panchayati Raj; and Mines.
Chaudhary Birender Singh Steel.
Jual Oram Tribal Affairs
Radha Mohan Singh Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Thaawar Chand Gehlot Social Justice and Empowerment.
Smriti Zubin Irani Textiles; and Information and Broadcasting.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan Science and Technology; Earth Sciences; and Environment, Forest and Climate
Change.
Prakash Javadekar Human Resource Development
Dharmendra Pradhan Petroleum and Natural Gas; and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Piyush Goyal Railways; and Coal.
Nirmala Sitharaman Defence
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Minority Affairs.
Minister of State (Independent Charge)
Rao Inderjit Singh Planning; and Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Santosh Kumar Gangwar Labour and Employment.
Shripad Yesso Naik Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH).
Giriraj Singh Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Dr. Jitendra Singh Development of North Eastern Region; Prime Minister’s Office; Personnel, Public
Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy; and Department of
Space.
Dr. Mahesh Sharma Culture; and Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Manoj Sinha Communications; and Railways.
Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Youth Affairs and Sports; and Information and Broadcasting.
Rathore
Raj Kumar Singh Power; and New and Renewable Energy
Hardeep Singh Puri Housing and Urban Affairs.
Alphons Kannanthanam Tourism; and Electronics and Information Technology.
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Ministers of State
Shiv Pratap Shukla Finance.
Vijay Goel Parliamentary Affairs; and Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Ashwini Kumar Chaubey Health and Family Welfare.
Virender Kumar Women and Child Development; and Minority Affairs
Anantkumar Hegde Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Dr. Satya Pal Singh Human Resource Development; and Water Resources, River Development and
Ganga Rejuvenation.
General(Retd.) V.K. Singh External Affairs.
Santosh Kumar Gangwar Finance
Faggan Singh Kulaste Health and Family Welfare
S.S. Ahluwalia Drinking Water and Sanitation.
Ramdas Athawale Social Justice and Empowerment.
Ram Kripal Yadav Rural Development.
Haribhai Parthbhai Mines; and Coal.
Chaudhary
Giriraj Singh Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Hansraj Gangaram Ahir Home Affairs.
Ramesh Chandappa Jigajinagi Drinking Water and Sanitation
Rajen Gohain Railways.
Parshottam Rupala Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; and Panchayati Raj.
M.J. Akbar External Affairs.
Upendra Kushwaha Human Resource Development.
Radhakrishnan P. Finance; and Shipping.
Kiren Rijiju Home Affairs
Krishan Pal Social Justice and Empowerment.
Jasvantsinh Sumanbhai Tribal Affairs.
Bhabhor
Vishnu Deo Sai Steel
Sudarshan Bhagat Tribal Affairs.
Y.S. Chowdary Science and Technology; and Earth Sciences
Jayant Sinha Civil Aviation.
Babul Supriyo Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti Food Processing Industries.
Vijay Sampla Social Justice and Empowerment.
Arjun Ram Meghwal Parliamentary Affairs; and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation.
Ajay Tamta Textiles
Krishna Raj Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Mansukh L. Mandaviya Road Transport and Highways; Shipping; and Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Anupriya Patel Health and Family Welfare
C.R. Chaudhary Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; and Commerce and Industry.
P.P. Chaudhary Law and Justice; and Corporate Affairs.
Subhash Ramrao Bhamre Defence.
Current Affairs October 2017

INDIAN AFFAIRS
• In a bid to strengthen bilateral relations with its eastern neighbours, India has opened two immigration check
posts along the borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
• L&T Infotech, the infotech arm of engineering giant Larsen & Toubro has bagged $ 100-mn Government
contract for an initiative to use social media analytics to identify tax non-compliance.
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• On 1st – 5th October 2017, the 3rd annual ‘Women of India Organic Festival’ is held at DilliHaat, in New
Delhi. The ‘Women of India Organic Festival’ is hosted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
The theme for 2017 is ‘Good for Women; Good for India; Good for You’.
• On 28th September 2017, ‘No helmet, no petrol’ rule for two wheelers came to act in Andhra Pradesh.
Mr.Chandrababu Naidu has sanctioned Rs.10 crore for implementation of this rule.
• On October 2, 2017, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri announced that five
more States viz., Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Haryana have reached the
milestone of making all cities and towns Open Defecation Free. It is to be noted that On October 2, 2017,
‘Swacch Bharat Mission’ completed three years.
• Rajghat, the Samadhi of Mahatam Gandhi in Delhi, has for the first time acquired a statue of Mahatma
Gandhi. The statue was unveiled by Vice-President of India Mr. M.Venkaiah Naidu on October 2, 2017, on
the occasion of the 148 Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The statue is 1.80 metre tall and is made of
bronze. It has been sculpted by renowned Indian sculptor, Mr. Ram Sutar.
• On October 2, 2017, Union Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan unveiled India’s third National Wildlife
Action Plan for 2017-2031, which outlines the future road map for wildlife conservation across the country.
The plan was unveiled on the inaugural day of the Global Wildlife Programme (GWP) conference in New
Delhi.
• Odisha State Government is creating a 1.2 lakh acre land bank across the state which will be allocated for
industrial use and purposes. Odisha Government is creating the land bank in order to avoid another POSCO-
like fiasco.
• On 2nd October 2017, The Minister of Road Transport & Highways Mr.NitinGadkari launched the
countrywide Free Eye Check-up Campaign at Panjari Toll Plaza, Nagpur Bypass, Nagpur, in Maharashtra.
• India, Bangladesh to hold border talks on Rohingyas, other issues. On 3rd – 5th October 2017, Border Guard
Bangladesh (BGB), led by Director General Maj Gen. Abul Hossain conducts talks with Border Security
Force (BSF) of India, led by its chief KK Sharma, at New Delhi.
• On October 3, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of All India Institutes of
Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Bilaspur and International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) at Una in
Himachal Pradesh.
• On October 3, 2017, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the development of an
inland waterway in the Krishna River between Muktyala and Vijayawada in the Andhra Pradesh. Besides, he
dedicated seven national highway projects in Andhra Pradesh to the nation and also laid the foundation stone
for six new projects.
• On October 3, 2017, Assam Chief Minister SarbanandaSonowal laid the foundation stone for the first ever
Industrial Training Institute (ITI) exclusively for the Dibyangans (Differently Abled) at ITI Complex
in Dibrugarh.
• As per statistics released by the Union Home Ministry, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of active gun
licences among all states and union territories of India. 12.77 lakh people in Uttar Pradesh are authorised to
carry weapons.
• The Central Government has approved development of a Turtle sanctuary in Allahabad along with a River
Biodiversity Park at Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical
Sarasvati) under NamamiGangeprogramme.
• On 29th September 2017, Ministry of Railways announced that service charge exemption on tickets booked
online (e-tickets) will be extended till March 2018.
• On 4th October 2017, Government forces launched a major Cordon-and-Search-Operation (CASO), in Hajin
town of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district. Cordon-and-Search-Operation (CASO) was launched following
specific inputs about the presence of militants in the Bandipora area.
• Prime Minister inaugurates Golden Jubilee Year Celebrations of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India
(ICSI) in New Delhi.
• On 5th to 25th October 2017, the Ministry of Tourism conducts ‘ParyatanParv’, a tourist festival to promote
India to Indians, all over India. ‘ParyatanParv’ is a tourism festival in which state governments and 18 central
ministries take part. This festival will be conducted for 20 days.
• Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari inaugurated sea route to Baratang& laid foundation stone for shipping
projects in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• The first ever ASEAN-India Music Festival has begun at PuranaQuila in New Delhi on October 6, 2017. It
will continue till October 8, 2017. First Edition of the ASEAN-India Music Festival has been organised
by Union Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with Union Ministry of Culture and arts/cultural
group Seher.
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• On 6th October 2017, the First Meeting of India-Australia Joint Steering Committee was held in New Delhi.
This meeting is a follow-up to the MoU on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism and
Transnational Organized Crime between India and Australia.
• 22nd meeting of the Good and Services Tax (GST) Council was held on October 6, 2017 in New Delhi, under
the chairmanship of Finance Minister ArunJaitley. During 22nd meeting of the GST Council, decision was
taken to lower tax rates on 27 products and certain services. At the 22nd Meeting of GST Council, decision
was taken to raise the eligibility threshold for ‘composition scheme’ to Rs. 1 crore of annual sales from Rs.75
lakh earlier. PAN card not required for jewellery purchase of above Rs 50,000
• On Oct.6 2017, The 3-day international exhibition -9th Annual ‘World Dental Show 2017’ has opened
Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai.It is an integral part of Asia’s biggest dental event.
• The government has made Aadhaar is mandatory for all post office deposits, PPF, the National Savings
Certificate scheme and KisanVikasPatra.
• Chhattisgarh Government has completely banned the usage of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) carry bags in their
state. The government also banned the manufacture, storage, import, sale, transport and use of such plastic-
borne goods.
• On September 30, 2017, a high-level meeting on Railways Safety was held at Western Railways (WR)
headquarter’s at Churchgate in Mumbai, under the chairmanship of Railway Minister Mr. PiyushGoyal.
PM Narendra Modi’s two day visit to Gujarat
• On October 7, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for second airport in
Rajkot.Gujarat government had proposed this new Greenfield Airport at Hirasar, Rajkot, as the existing airport
in Rajkot is capacity constrained with no further scope for expansion.
• AAI has been allotted 2534 acres land for this purpose on which it will undertake development work at a cost
of Rs 1405 crore in the initial phase.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the six-laning of Ahmedabad-Rajkot National Highway and four-
laning of Rajkot-Morbi State Highway.
• He also dedicated a fully automatic milk processing and packaging plant; and a drinking water distribution
pipeline for Joravarnagar and Ratanpur area of Surendranagar.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of a four-lane cable-stayed bridge between Okha and
Beyt Dwarka. It will be constructed at a cost of Rs 962.43 crore.
• PM launched Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan Scheme in Gandhinagar aimed at imparting
digital literacy to citizens in rural areas.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) at Vadnagar in Gujarat to
ensure full immunization to more than 90% by December 2018. Earlier, Government had set the target to
achieve 90% immunisation coverage by 2020.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the setting up of India’s first “Marine Police Training Institute” at
Dev Bhoomi Dwarka district of Gujarat.
• Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has addressed a regional conference of north east labour ministers and
officials to take a sincere effort to end the alienation of people from the north east on 6th Oct. 2017.The
conference was held at the Hotel Classic Grande in Imphal.
• On 9th October 2017, the Department of Tourism (Kerala) launched a 3 year long Continuous Tourist Survey
(CTS), to double the number of domestic tourists and increase the foreign tourists by 50 %, by 2021. The
Continuous Tourist Survey (CTS) 2017-2020 sample survey is conducted in collaboration with M/s
Datamation Consultants. The Central Government would provide funds for Rs.25 lakhs.
• On 9th October 2017, a UGC panel recommended that, words such as ‘Hindu’ and ‘Muslim’ in names of
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), should be dropped. This UGC
panel was formed to investigate alleged irregularities in 10 central universities.
• On 9th October 2017, the Supreme Court (SC) imposed a ban on the sale of firecrackers till 31st October 2017,
in the National Capital Region (NCR)-Delhi. The Supreme Court has banned the sale of firecrackers prior to
Diwali. The SC permitted the sale of firecrackers after 1st November 2017.
• Gujarat state government announced a 4 per cent reduction in VAT (Value Added Tax) on petrol and diesel. It
has thereby become the first state to cut VAT on fuel.Out of the total levy on fuel, state governments get all of
the VAT collection along with 42 per cent of the central excise collections.
• With an aim to gradually phase out private contractors from the data collection process in Aadhaar
enrolment, Central Government has approved Rs 2,000 crore for setting up Aadhaar centres in post offices. By
March 31, 2018, Government will set up Aadhaar enrolment and updation facilities in around 15,000 post
offices.
• On 10th October 2017, the President of India, Mr.Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated India Water Week 2017, at
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Vigyan Bhavan, in New Delhi. Theme of India Water Week 2017 is ‘Water and Energy for Inclusive Growth’.
• The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has planned to make Kempegowda International Airport
(KIA) as India’s first airport to have complete Aadhaar-enabled entry and biometric boarding system in the
country by December 2018.
• The National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) has sanctioned Rs.700 crore for eight projects in the Namami
Gange programme.Four projects related to sewage management in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.
• On October 10, 2017, a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) was signed in New Delhi between Union Ministry of
Railways and Germany for carrying out feasibility study on existing Chennai-Kazipet corridor of Indian
Railways by German Railways for increasing the speed of passenger trains to 200 kmph.
• On 11th October 2017, the first meeting of the Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
(EAC-PM) was held at NITI Aayog, in New Delhi.The EAC-PM is chaired by Dr.Bibey Debroy. Within the
next few months the council would outline the long-term measures for Indian economy, to increase economic
growth.
• On October 11, 2017, Union Cabinet gave its approval for International Association of Marine Aids to
Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) to change its status from Non-Governmental
Organisation (NGO) to Inter-Governmental Organisation (IGO).
• On 11th October 2017, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath flagged off 50 buses under the ‘Sankalp
Seva’ bus service in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.The buses launched under ‘Sankalp Seva’ bus service will
connect 6,000 villages.
• On 11th October 2017, the Central Government approved setting up of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) at
Haridwar and Varanasi under its Namami Gange programme. The project would be done in public-private
partnership mode for a combined cost of Rs.324.69 crore. Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari
presided over the programme where the agreement was signed.
• On 11th September 2017, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced ration cards for nomadic tribes
living in different parts of Haryana.
• On October 12, 2017, Gujarat State Government under Chief Minister Vijay Rupaniannounced its Garments
and Apparel Policy-2017.To encourage women’s employment in textiles sector, State Government will
provide financial assistance of Rs. 4,000 per month to female workers working in the factories. This assistance
will be provided for five years.
• On Oct 11th 2017 , The Bihar state cabinet has approved reservations for persons with disabilities in
government jobs and educational institutions.The approval was given during a meeting presided by Chief
Minister Nitish Kumar and the Cabinet Secretariat Department Special Secretary Upendra Nath Pandey.
• On 26th – 31st October 2017, Kolkata is to host an international Puppet festival named ‘PUN (Puppets Unite
Neighbours) International Puppet Festival’ at Mohorkunj, Kolkata.
• On October 12, 2017, Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated the 44th edition of Indian Handicrafts
and Gift Fair (IHGF) 2017 at India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
• The annual Dilli seminar on ‘India and Southeast Asia – Maritime Trade, Expedition and Civilisation
Linkages’ began on October 13, 2017 at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Kerala.
• On 12th – 14th October 2017, APPICON 2017, the 63rd Annual National Conference of Association of
Physiologists and Pharmacologists of India, was held at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical
Education and Research (JIPMER), in Puducherry. Theme of APPICON 2017 was ‘Physiology beyond
Academics in the Era of Translational Research’.
• On 13th October 2017, NITI Aayog said that, it is working with states to adopt first set of agri market reforms,
like contract farming, online spot and futures trading, encouraging private investment.
• 48th Conference of Governors was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi from 12thand 13th October 13,
2017.Sessions on ‘Infrastructure for New India 2022’, ‘Public Services for New India 2022’ and ‘Higher
Education in States and Skill Development’ were also held during this two-day conference.
• Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) has introduced a free bicycle ride scheme for its customers.
To implement this scheme, CMRL has tied up with a private agency to provide 100-hours of bicycle ride free
of cost every month.
• On October 13, 2017, West Bengal State Cabinet took a decision to set up its scheduled caste advisory
council. As per West Bengal State Government, it is the first Indian state to have such council.
• On October 13, 2017, three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra disagreed with a
recent judgment which diluted the rigour of Section 498A of Indian Penal Code (IPC) in dealing with dowry
related complaints of cruelty. Section 498A of IPC warrants immediate arrest of a husband and his relatives in
a dowry-linked complaint of cruelty.
• On 12th October 2017, the Election Commission announced that, Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh will
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be held in a single phase on 9th November 2017 and the results will be declared on 18th December 2017.
Himachal Pradesh will be the second state after Goa with 100 % VVPAT (Voter-verified paper audit trail)
coverage.
• On 12th October 2017, The Hyderabad High Court directed the Telengana government not to grant licence, to
establish liquor retail outlets in the scheduled areas without the resolution of the gramsabha.
• Rajasthan State assembly has become the first in India to call attention and adjournment motions and
proposals online from legislators.The new online system was inaugurated by Rajasthan Assembly Speaker
Speaker Kailash Meghwal by sending a call for an attention motion to the state government with a click of
mouse.
• On October 16, 2017 Punjab police launched foot patrolling i.e. an initiative whereby police personnel will
patrol designated areas on foot to keep a watch on anti-social elements.
• Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) has been declared an ‘Institute of National Importance’ as
the provisions FDDI Act 2017 have come into force from October 16, 2017. Headquarters of FDDI is located
in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
• On 16th October 2017, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan Singh reviewed
Project CHAMAN during a presentation on the project in New Delhi. This project is being implemented by
Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC) using remote sensing technology. It is likely to be
completed in March 2018.
• As per a latest report, prevalence of Cancer in India has been on the rise and Haryana is home to 39% of
cancer patients in India.It is estimated that nearly 17.3 lakh new cancer cases will be registered in India by the
year 2020.
• On October 17, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA)
in Delhi on the occasion of ‘National Ayurveda Day’.AIIA has been set up on 10.015 acres of land at a cost of
Rs. 157 crore.
• In a bid to end gender bias in women against women, Union Ministry of Women and Child Development
(WCD) has started an online campaign #IamThatWoman.This campain aims to highlight various aspects of
women standing ‘by’ and ‘for’ women.
• On 17th October 2017, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the
TU142M aircraft museum in Visakhapatnam.
• With the slogan of“Jawan aur Awaam Amun Hai Muqam”( Army and Locals together, peace will prevail ), 19
batch Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian Army on 19th October 2017 organised ‘Jashn-e-Breng’ festival in
Kokernag village of the Anantnag district to promote peace and brotherhood between security forces and the
local population.
• On 17th and 18th October 2017, the “AYUSH Festival of Stamps 2017” was held at Panaji, Goa.
The two-day exhibition event is jointly organised by the Goa Postal Region, Indian postal department and the
Ministry of AYUSH.
• In order to meet emergent and unforeseen needs for security measures in States and Union Territories, Central
Government has formulated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for deployment of Central Armed Police
Forces (CAPF) when such requests are made.
• As per a report titled “Levels and Trends in Child Mortality 2017”, India along with Pakistan, Nigeria, Congo
and Ethiopia is responsible for half of all new-born deaths in the world. As per the report, 6 million children
died before reaching the age of five in 2016.This marks a decrease as compared to year 2000 in which 9.9
million children had died before turning five.
• On October 19, 2017, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra
Pradhan inaugurated Odisha’s first PNG (Piped Natural Gas) project in Bhubaneswar.This PNG supply
project is a part of ‘Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga’ pipeline project.
• On 20th October 2017, the Gujarati New Year was celebrated by the Gujaratis. The Gujarat is celebrate their
New Year a day after Diwali. The Gujarati New year is also called Bestu Varas. It is celebrated on the first
day of the Kartik month in the Shukla Paksha.
• Health Minister KK Shailaja told that, The State government will organise a four days international seminar
and Global Ayurveda meet in Kochi on February 2018 .This meet includes seminars, road shows, awareness
campaigns, free health camps for women and children.
• On October 14, 2017, environmental activists in Mumbai launched Chipko movement to protect over 3,000
trees from being axed in Aarey Colonywhere Mumbai Metro Corporation is planning to construct a car shed.
• On October 19, 2017, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh restored the Special Family
Pension for widows of government employees killed by extremists.
• The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has issued a notification on commencement of Section 247 of the
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Companies Act, 2013 (Valuation by Registered Valuers) with effect from 18th October, 2017.The Rules,
provide regulations for Registration of Valuers, and to conduct valuation, under the Companies Act, 2013.
• As per an internal circular of Kerala Information and Public Relations Department, words ‘Dalit’ and
‘Harijan’ will not be used in its official communications.This circular is based on the directive from Kerala
State Commission for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) Chairman Justice PN Vijayakumar.
• Rajasthan State Government under Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has passed Criminal Laws (Rajasthan
Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 which seeks to protect serving judges, former judges, magistrates and public
servants in Rajasthan from being investigated for on-duty action without Government’s prior sanction.
• On October 21, 2017, Uttar Pradesh State Government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced
to double the ex-gratia amount for police officials martyred on duty. Post this announcement, the ex-gratia
amount for Police officials martyred on duty stands, revised to Rs. 40 lakh from Rs. 20 lakh earlier.
• The Central Government has asked each state to name the toilets in their rural households as “izzat ghar”, or
to use a phrase in regional language equivalent to “house of dignity”.
• As a gesture to acknowledge the Talwar couple’s services , the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to
rename the dental clinic at Dasna Jail in Ghaziabad after Aarushi Talwar, who was murdered at the age of 14
at her residence in 2008.
• Government-owned Kandla Port Trust has received environment clearance for setting up a smart industrial
port city in Kutch, Gujarat As per the proposal, smart industrial port cities will be set up at two separate sites
in Gandhidham city, (in Kutch district of Gujarat).Cost for setting up these industrial port cities is estimated at
Rs. 1176 crore.
• PM dedicated to the nation, the Vadodara City Command Control Centre; New Head Office Building of the
Bank of Baroda and Waghodiya Regional Water Supply Scheme.
• PM Modi laid foundation stone for the capacity expansion of the Mundra-Delhi petroleum product pipeline,
and a greenfield marketing terminal project of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), at
Vadodara.
• Union Environment Ministry has given green clearance for a greenfield airport project at Hirasar, located
about 28 km from Rajkot in Gujarat.
• On 22nd October 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the ‘roll-on-roll-off’ (ro-
ro) ferry service between Ghogha in Saurashtra and Dahej in south Gujarat. Gujarat Maritime Board has
executed the ro-ro project. This project has been carried out with funds of Rs.615 crore.
• The 20th International Children’s Film Festival (ICFFI) is to be held in Hyderabad between 8 and 14
November 2017.The International Children’s Film Festival (ICFFI) festival is also called ‘The Golden
Elephant’. It is being organised by Children’s Film Society, India (CFSI).
• On 23rd October 2017, Odisha government approved the Bijepur lift irrigation project and construction of
sewerage system for Bhubaneswar. The Bijepur lift irrigation project is named after renowned poet Gangadhar
Meher.The project is estimated for Rs.1246 crore. It will be completed by March 2018.
• The Indian travel and tourism industry is expected to grow by 2.5 %, according to a study by the
ASSOCHAM and Yes Bank. A study conducted by ASSOCHAM and Yes Bank has predicted the growth for
Indian tourism industry as 2.5 %.It has also proposed developmental suggestions for the tourism industry.
• On October 22, 2017, Haryana State Government announced to set up ‘PGs (Paying Guests) for
cattle’, through which people living in high-rises or in urban areas will be able to rear their own cattle and
produce quality milk for their personal consumption.
• On October 23, 2017, Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh along with Union Minister of Petroleum and
Natural Gas and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated India’s first
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) for Skilling in Smart Cities in New Delhi in collaboration
with New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
• On October 23, 2017, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar mentioned that from the next academic
session, ‘Paika Bidroha’ (Paika rebellion of Odisha) of 1817 will included in history text books as ‘the First
War of Independence’. Central Government has allocated Rs. 200 crore for commemorating it across the
country.
• On 23rd October 2017, Agriculture Minister of Andhra Pradesh Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy announced
the release of third installment under Crop Loan Waiver Scheme.
• Centre approves mega Rs 7-lakh crore project to develop 83,000 km highways in 5 years. 34800 km of
highways will be constructed in the first phase of this plan which will be completed by year 2022. The first
phase will entail an investment of nearly 7 lakh crore.
• Madhya Pradesh State Government has shelved off its plan to switch to January-December financial year
format from 2018.
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• Chhat Pooja is celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Chhath Puja is one of the most
ancient Hindu Vedic festivals.
• Madras high court banned the use of pictures of living persons on banners and hoardings in Tamil Nadu.
• In a bid to practice preventive vigilance, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) will develop an ‘Integrity
Index’, which will annually rank government entities viz.
• Tamil Nadu CM lays foundation stone for Rs 198 cr aerospace parkat Kanchipuram district.
• Deadline for linking Aadhaar with government schemes extended to March 31, 2018: Centre to SC
• Odisha State Government has started the process to prepare the second phase of the State Climate Change
Action Plan (SCCAP) for the next five years with an outlay of Rs. 31667 crore.
• On October 26, 2017, Rajasthan State Assembly passed Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in
Educational Institutions in the State and of Appointment and Posts in Services under the State) Bil,
2017 which increases reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the state from 21 per cent to 26 per
cent.
• Six-day ‘International Puppet Festival’ began in Kolkata, West Bengal on October 26, 2017.
• Union Railway Minister, Piyush Goyal launched railway’s first set of solar plants with a total capacity of 5
megawatt peak (MWp) installed on the roof tops of Hazrat Nizamuddin, New Delhi, Anand Vihar and Delhi
railway stations.
• Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the fifth edition of Tawang festival, at Tawang,
Arunachal Pradesh.
• Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the Special Centre for Disaster Research at
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi.
• The Ministry of External Affairs launched the “#AsktheSpokesperson” initiative on Twitter, to create better
awareness and understanding of foreign policy issues to general public.
• Union Shipping Ministry announced that it has sanctioned Rs 25 crore to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and
another Rs 50 crore to the Karwar port in Karnataka for development of coastal berth under the
flagship Sagarmala project.
• Union Cabinet has approved over Rs 7,000 crore for construction of permanent campuses of six new Indian
Institute of Technology (IITs). Permanent campuses for six new IITs will be constructed at Tirupati (Andhra
Pradesh), Palakkad (Kerala), Dharwad (Karnataka), Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir), Bhilai (Chhattisgarh) and
Goa.
• President Ram Nath Kovind launched a Technocity in Pallippuram, Kerala and laid foundation stone of Kerala
Government’s first Information Technology (IT) building in the campus.Technocity in Kerala is spread across
400 acre land in Pallippuram.
• International Peace Conference was held in Imphal, Manipur on October 18, 2017.
International Peace Conference in Imphal was held with an objective to promote peace and harmony in the
North Eastern region of India.
• Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Pandurang Fundkar has announced that, in order to avail fertiliser subsidy,
farmers in Maharashtra will have to provide their Aadhaar number. The subsidy will be deposited to farmers’
account only if Aadhaar number has been provided.
• Uttar Pradesh State Government issued an order notifying Vrindavan and Barsana towns in Mathura district as
“pavitra teerth sthals” (sacred pilgrimage sites). Due to this notification, no meat and liquor shops will be
allowed in these towns anymore.
• Central Government has released Rs 8698 crore as compensation to states for revenue loss following
implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST).All states except Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh have
been given compensation for the first two months (July-August) after GST rollout.
• In a bid to enhance security after the Doklam standoff with China, Union Government has armed the Indo-
Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) with access to ‘GSAT-6’ communication satellite’s feeds to track activities
along Himalayan border.
• Phase 1 of Bharat Net project to be completed by December 2017, and will thereby provide internet access to
100000 gram panchayats across India.This announcement was made that at the fourth edition of the ‘i-Bharat
2017’ conference held in New Delhi on October 26, 2017. Under Union Budget 2017-18, Rs.10000 crore has
been allocated to Bharat Net Project.
• On 30th October 2017, it was announced that, to boost the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the Union home ministry
has relaxed the Arms Rules. Under the new rules, the licence granted for manufacturing will be valid for life-
time of the licensee company. Up to 15 % of the quantity approved under the licence will not require any
further approval by the government.
• On October 30, 2017, Law Commission of India has recommended that Indian Government should ratify a
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United Nations Convention against Torture in order to avoid difficulties in extradition of criminals from
foreign countries
PLACES IN NEWS
• Central Government has given approval for the combined development of phase II and phase III of Harohalli
industrial zone in Ramnagara district of Karnataka.Cost of the project is pegged at Rs 1,561 crore and is
expected to generate 23,500 jobs.
• On 2nd October 2017, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr.Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated a community
toilet for third gender, in the Mangalwara area, Bhopal.This is the first community toilet for exclusive third
gender usage in India.
• On 5th October 2017, follower and supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, J.P.Singh, announced that, a
temple worth Rs.30 crore is to be built in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
A 100 feet statue of Prime Minister Modi would be installed in the temple.
• Turkey has opened its largest military base in Africa, in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia to train Somali
Soldiers.
• In a bid to make transactions of the Uttarakhand State Government more convenient, Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) opened a branch in Dehradun on October 3, 2017.
• Manipur’s traditional Mera Houchongba festival symbolizes brotherhood and unity among indigenous
communities settled in both hill and valley of State.It was celebrated at the Manipur Royal palace (Sana
Konung) in Imphal in the presence of King of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba as the main host. This is
the first time Manipur Government and Royal Council of Manipur King jointly organised the Mera
Houchongba festival under the name of State Level Mera Huchongba Committee.
• On October 13, 2017, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar gave approval to rename Amin village in
Kurukshetra district to Abhimanyupur.
• On 8th October 2017,In Gurugram Saudi Aramcos ARAMCO ASIA INDIA office has been inaugurated by
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra
Pradhan along with Mr Amin H Al-Nasser, President and CEO of Saudi Aramco.
• Pakistan and Iran have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve border security between
the two countries. This MoU was signed in Gwadar, Pakistan during the 21st two-day meeting of Pak-
Iran Joint Border Commission.
• On 18th October 2017, Gandhi museum was inaugurated on a small piece of land once owned by Mahatma
Gandhi in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh
inaugurated the museum. The museum will reflect the life and universal influence of Mahatma Gandhi.
• On October 18, 2017, Arunachal Pradesh State Assembly passed Arunachal Pradesh (Re-Orgaisation of
Districts) Amendment Bill 2017 to create a new district named ‘Kamle’. The bill was introduced on October
14, 2017 by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prema Khandu.
Kamle is the 23rd district of Arunachal Pradesh. It has been created by bifurcating the present Upper and
Lower Subansiri districts.
• On October 14, 2017, Gujarat Minister of State for Tribal Welfare Shabdasharan Tadvi inaugurated the Birsa
Munda Tribal University in Rajpipla, a tribal-dominated town in Narmada district of Gujarat.
• Second edition of India International Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from 8th – 11th November, 2017
in Shillong, Meghalaya. This festival is being organised by Meghalaya State Government in association with
the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal, and the Indian Council of Cultural
Relations.
• Electric car maker Tesla has set up its first electric car manufacturing plant outside the US at Shangai in
China. China has the world’s largest auto industry.
• On 24th October 2017, Lonely Planet, the travel guide company, ranked Chile as the number one country to
visit in 2018, in its Best in Travel 2018 list. It was followed by South Korea and Portugal in the 2nd and
3rd positions.
• Odisha will be the ‘Focus State’ in the World Food India (WFI)-2017, the international food event to be held
at New Delhi from 3 to 5 November 2017.
• On 24th October 2017, Netherlands opened the world’s first 3D-printed concrete bridge, mainly for the use of
cyclists.There world’s first 3D-printed concrete bridge was inaugurated at the southeastern town of Gemert,
Netherlands. The bridge is 26 feet long and less than 12 feet wide.
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FOREIGN VISITS
President Ramnath Kovind’s first overseas visit to Ethiopia and Djibouti:

• On October 4, 2017, India and Djibouti signed an agreement to establish regular Foreign Office-level bilateral
consultations.
• The agreement was signed in the presence of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind during his official visit to
Djibouti. It is to be noted that Ram Nath Kovind is the first Indian leader to visit Djibouti.
• On October 5, 2017, India and Ethiopia signed agreements on trade, communication and media to boost
bilateral ties. These agreements were signed in presence of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind during his
official visit to Ethiopia.
• India’s support to Ethiopia in the power sector, healthcare, and education sector was discussed between both
the Presidents.
• They also released a book titled ‘India- Ethiopia: 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations’.
• President Ram Nath Kovind’s visit to Ethiopia is the first by an Indian President in past 45 years since
President V V Giri’s visit in 1972.
• During his visit to Ethiopia on October 5, 2017, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind announced
that India would extend USD 195 million line of credit to Ethiopia for power transmission sector and another
USD 2 million line of credit for medicines.
Dharmendra Pradhan’s two day visit to Japan:
• An Indian delegation led by Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra
Pradhan visited Tokyo, Japan from 17th – 18th October, 2017 to participate in LNG Producer- Consumer
Conference 2017.
• Mr Pradhan and Mr. Seko (Minister of Economy) also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on
establishing a Liquid, Flexible and Global LNG Market between India and Japan.
Sushma Swaraj’s two days visit to Bangladesh
• During the course of this visit, Swaraj co-chaired meeting of the fourth Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC)
and also met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
• It is to be noted that India-Bangladesh bilateral economic relations have strengthened considerably in recent
years.
• On October 23, 2017, Ms. Sushma Swaraj opened the new chancery complex of the Indian High Commission
in Dhaka. Swaraj had lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the opening of this complex.
• Austria’s law banning face veils such as burqa or niqab, came into force from October 1, 2017. This
legislation was brought in by the outgoing centrist government of Chancellor Christian Kern.
• From October 1, 2017, United Arab Emirates (UAE) has begun collecting new “sin” taxes
on tobacco products, energy drinks and soft drinks. Tobacco and energy drinks will be taxed at 100% and soft
drinks at 50%.
• Benghazi’s commercial port in east Libya reopened on October 1, 2017 for the first time in three years.
KhalifaHaftar had declared victory in July 2017 and Benghazi airport had reopened soon after that.
• On October 1, 2017 China opened a 409-km new expressway linking Tibet’s provincial capital Lhasa with
Nyingchi, which is close to Arunachal Pradesh border. Lhasa and Nyingchi, both are major tourist attractions
in Tibet.
• Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan attended a special parliamentary session in Sri Lanka that is being
convened to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Sri Lankan Parliament.
• On 2nd October 2017, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled to mark his 148th birth anniversary, in
Cardiff, Wales. The Mahatma Gandhi statue weighs 300 kg. It is 6 feet tall. It is made of Indian bronze.
• Nepal and India will conduct a joint head count of tigers in the national parks, forests and sanctuaries in Nepal
and those in India adjoining Nepal using the same camera tapping method.
• On 3rd October 2017, France’s lower house of parliament approved a new Anti-Terror Law, in Paris, France.
By approving the new counter-terrorism law, several controversial measures under the state of emergency that
has been in act for nearly two years have been made permanent.
• On 4th to 6th October 2017, the 8th conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians
(ASSP) is held at Hotel Hilton, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Theme of this conference is ‘Association of the
SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians’: a platform for the Parliamentarians of South Asia to work together
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to reach the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.

• On 4th October 2017, Bangladesh signed a $ 4.5 billion Line Of Credit (LoC) agreement with India, for its
infrastructure and social sector development, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• On 1st October 2017, The World Government Summit announced India as the guest country for its annual
gathering on 11thto 13th February, 2018, in Dubai. The World Government Summit focuses on hosting guest
countries with exceptional experiences, worthy of being global models to follow.
• On 5th October 2017, India’s High Commissioner to Singapore announced that, External Affairs Minister
SushmaSwaraj will lead a ministerial delegation to the ASEAN-India ‘PravasiBharatiyaDiwas’ (PBD) to be
held in 2018, in Singapore.
• On 5th October 2017, the UN soldiers left Haiti finishing their 13 year military peacekeeping mission in Haiti.
A UN peacekeeping mission helped to maintain order in Haiti through 13 years of political turmoil and
disaster. It has come to an end now.
• On October 6, 2017, US State Department announced its decision to ease the penalising economic and trade
sanctions against Sudan which have been in place since 1997. This decision of US administration is a result of
16-month diplomatic effort which started during the tenure of previous US President Barak Obama.
• A BRICS-themed subway train with carriages representing the five member nations – Brazil, Russia, India,
China and South Africa – has started test operations in China’s south-eastern Xiamen city on October 6, 2017.
• On 5th October 2017, Oman announced that, it has revised the tourist visa for people from India, China and
Russia in order to attract more tourists from these countries.
• Maharashtra has become the leading Indian tourist source market for Australia with over 59,000 tourists
having visited Australia in the year ended in June 2017, According to the data compiled by Tourism Australia.
• On 13th October 2017, the G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting was held
in Washington D.C., US, in which Finance Minister Arun Jaitley participated.
• On 12th October 2017, the US and Israel announced that, they quit from the UN’s cultural agency UNESCO,
after US accused UNESCO of “anti-Israeli bias”.
• On 12th October 2017, Palestinian political parties Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation deal in, Cairo,
Egypt. Reconciliation deal between Hamas and Fatah has been signed in an effort to end a decade-long rift.
• On October 13, 2017, Permanent Representative of India to the Conference on Disarmament, Amandeep
Singh Gill told the UN General Assembly that there is no possibility of India joining Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) as non-nuclear weapon state.
• Five students from SR Engineering College in Warangal, Telangana have been selected to take part in the 5th
annual NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge.The challenge has been scheduled to be held in April
2018 in the US.
• On October 12, 2017, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi extended the countrywide state of emergency
for an additional three months. State of Emergency was first imposed in Egypt in April 2017 after bomb blasts
in two churches which killed 45 people.
• On October 11, 2017, world’s first ‘negative emissions’ power plant started operating in Iceland. The
term negative emission in this context indicates that the power plant eliminates more carbon dioxide (CO2)
than it produces.
• The first metro train to Pakistan has arrived from China as a gift to the country and rolled into Lahore and it is
set to be launched in December 2017. This metro train service is Called as “The Orange Line Metro Train
service”, and this is the Pakistan’s first mass transit system. It’s fully automated and driverless system.
• On 16th October 2017, Bangladesh Naval Ship (BNS) Somudra Avijan arrived at Visakhapatnam on a 4 day
goodwill visit to the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. BNS Somudra
Avijan is commanded by Commander M Moniruzzaman. It is a part of Cadet Training Squadron with 60
cadets onboard for sea training.
• The east African landlocked country Zimbabwe, with immediate effect, banned the import of fruits and
vegetables to preserve the scarce foreign currencies. Already in late 1990’s Hyperinflation occurred and thus
the stability of the currency had down and therefore the country had to dump its currency for the US dollar.
• On October 16, 2017, 15 member nations including Pakistan have been elected to serve on the United Nations
(UN) Human Rights Council.These members would serve three-year terms beginning on January 1, 2018. It
has 47 members.UN Human Rights Council is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Poland’s Finance Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has stated that Poland will quit a precautionary Flexible
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Credit Line (FCL) from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) worth $9.2 billion.
• On October 18, 2017, India, Brazil and South Africa signed the IBSA Trust Fund Agreement that seeks to
combat poverty in developing countries.Each country (India, Brazil and South Africa – IBSA) contributes
USD 1 million annually to this fund.
• Canada has been chosen as the partner country for the 23rd edition of Technology Summit which is scheduled
to be held from 14th – 15th November, 2017 in New Delhi. This event is India’s largest knowledge
and technology conference and exhibition.
The theme of this summit will be ‘Advanced Manufacturing’ focusing on advances in various sectors
including aerospace, Aviation, Artificial Intelligence and Life Sciences.
• On October 19, 2017, Lebanon’s parliament approved country’s first budget in 12 years. This budget is aimed
towards reforming the fragile economy and preventing rising debt from becoming a crisis-like
situation.Political crisis gripped Lebanon since assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri in 2005,
thereby preventing successive government from passing the budget.
• World’s first floating wind farm located over 15 miles off the coast of Peterhead, Aberdeenshire in
Scotland has started generating electricity. The farm consists five 6MW turbines. It is expected that this
floating wind farm will generate 135GWh of electricity each year.
• On October 19, 2017, Peru’s conservative Congress passed a bill to legalize medical uses of marijuana with
68-5 vote in favour.
• As per the recently released State of World Population 2017 report by the United Nations Population Fund,
prevailing inequality between rich and poor has to be tackled on an urgent basis and poorest and most
vulnerable women will have to be empowered to make their own decisions about their lives. On failing to do
so, countries across the world could face unrest and their development will be hampered. The report has been
titled “Worlds Apart: Reproductive Health and Rights in an Age of Inequality.”
• 2nd World Congress on Marxism is scheduled to be held in Peking University in Beijing from 5th – 6th May
2018. The theme of 2nd World Congress on Marxism will be “Marxism and the current world
• Central American country, Nicaragua officially signed the Paris climate change agreement and presented the
relevant documents for the agreement at the United Nations. Now as Nicaragua has signed the Paris Climate
Change Agreement, US and Syria are the only countries who are not party to this agreement.
• On 22nd October 2017, India gifted a memorabilia of the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 to the
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The memorabilia of the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 was
handed over to Sheikh Hasina by Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
• India has ranked 28th out of 30 countries in the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index 2017 published by
Australian Centre for Financial Studies (ACFS).Denmark has retained the top spot in this index for sixth
consecutive year.
• On October 25, 2017, India provided equipment and vehicles worth USD 585,000 to University of Jaffna in
Sri Lanka. Jaffna is a Tamil-dominated former war zone in Northern part of Sir Lanka.
• Qatar announced minimum wage for its workers for the first time. It has not been announced when these
reforms will come into effect.
• China began test runs of its world’s first track-less train in Zhuzhou city, China.China’s world’s first track-less
train, that runs on virtual track is promoted as the ‘World’s First smart train’. This train could travel at
the speed of 70 kmph. This train is called Autonomous Rail Transit (ART).
• In a bid to strengthen maritime security, India and the United States have agreed to implement the programme
for Helicopter Operations from Ships other Than Aircraft Carriers (HOSTAC). This decision was taken during
a meeting between Indian Defense Minister, Ms. Nirmala Sitharama and US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis.
• As per a report by UBS AG and Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Asia now has more billionaires than US, for the
first time. In 2016, combined wealth of billionaires across the world increased 17 percent to $6 trillion.
• African country Burundi has withdrawn from International Criminal Court (ICC) with effect from October 27,
2017 and has thus become the first nation to do so.
• India and Sri Lanka signed two agreements for construction of 1,200 houses through 50 model villages in Sri
Lanka.
• Catalonia declared independence from Spain after lawmakers in the autonomous region voted to declare
independence.The parliament of Catalonia has voted to declare independence from Spain. The decision was
made during a secret vote in Barcelona on 27th October 2017.
• Australia’s High Court disqualified the deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce and four senators to sit in
parliament due to a constitutional ban on dual citizens sitting in Parliament.
• On 26th October 2017, India organised a tourism exchange seminar in China’s Sanya city to create awareness
about India’s tourist destinations.Indian Consulate in Guangzhou, China organised ‘India-China (Sanya)
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Tourism Exchange Seminar’ at Sanya. The seminar was held to coincide with a 3-day Global Yoga Exchange
Conference 2017 organised in Sanya.
• The first batch of the Afghan Air Force pilots completed their training in the United States for the newly-
deployed modern UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
• Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power and New & Renewable Energy,
R. K. Singh addressed the 3rd Global Investors’India Forum in New Delhi.Theme of this event was ‘Ideate,
Innovate, Implement and Invest in India’.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two-day International Conference on Consumer Protection for
east, south and Southeast Asian countries in New Delhi.Theme of this conference is ‘Empowering Consumers
in New Markets’.
• Vice President inaugurated the 3rd International Conference on Yoga on the theme ‘Yoga for Wellness at
Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in collaboration with National Geographic Society is hosting an
international conference on “Dialogue of Civilizations – IV” from 8th – 15th October, 2017 at Delhi,
Gandhinagar (in Gujarat) and Dholavira (in Gujarat). “Dialogue of Civilizations” conference was initiated by
National Geographic Society in 2013.
• On 24th October 2017, the 4th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus was held in Clark,
Philippines. The meeting was chaired by Secretary of National Defence of the Philippines Delfin
Lorenzana.Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman represented India. This is her first foreign visit after
taking charge as Defence Minister.
• 14th South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation in Law (SAARCLAW)Conference is being held
from 27th -29th October, 2017 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, along with the 11th SAARC Chief Justices
Conference.Theme of 14th SAARCLAW Conference is “Emerging Legal Trends in SAARC Countries”.
• On 28th October 2017, the UN for Environment Programme announced that, India will host the next United
Nations (UN) global wildlife conference on migratory species (CMS COP13) in 2020.
• On 26th October 2017, the 11th Trade Policy Forum (TPF) Meeting was held in Washington D.C., US. In the
11th Trade Policy Forum (TPF) Meeting, Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry, Suresh Prabhu had
productive discussions with the United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Robert Lighthizer and his
team.
• On 27th – 29th October 2017, the 11th World Congress on Adolescent Health is held in New Delhi.
The theme for World Congress on Adolescent Health 2017 is ‘Investing in Adolescent Health—the Future is
Now’. This year’s event is focused on lowering mortality rates for adolescents
• On October 29, 2017, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held second round of strategic dialogue in
Abu Dhabi.India-UAE Second Strategic Dialogue was held with an objective to deepen bilateral cooperation
in various areas such as trade and investment.
• On October 3, 2017, a high-level delegation from Government of India and the United States met at NITI
Aayog to plan the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, which is scheduled to be held from 28th –
30th November 2017 in Hyderabad. Theme of GES 2017 is “Women First, Prosperity for All”.
• On 4th October 2017, a three day international medical conference, ‘IMTechCon 2017’, began at CSIR-
Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), in Chandigarh. The aim ‘IMTechCon 2017’ is to engage
industry and academic leaders to discuss current unmet medical needs at global level.
RANKINGS & REPORTS
• On 4th October 2017, a report by Norton by Symantec, stated that India ranks first in online harassment, in the
Asia Pacific region.8 out of 10 surveyed Indians said that, they had encountered some form of online
harassment.
• With a net worth of $38 billion, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) chairman MukeshAmbani has topped Forbes’s
India Rich List 2017. He has topped Forbes rich list for 10th consecutive year. Azim Premji stood at second
position with networth of USD 19 billion.
• India has ranked at 100th position among 119 countries on the Global Hunger Index (GHI), 2017. This year’s
ranking marks a drop of three positions as compared to 97th rank in Global Hunger Index 2016. India’s GHI
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2017 score of 31.4 , it becomes at the high end of the “serious” hunger problem category.Chile, Cuba and
Turkey have a GHI score of less than 5 and have ranked as the best nations on the index.
• India has ranked as 8th most valuable nation brand as per Brand Finance’s Nation Brands 2017 report. US
retained its top spot as most valuable nation brand; however meagre growth of 2% percent is putting its
dominance at risk. Besides, perception about Donald Trump’s Presidency is not helping ‘Brand America’.
• SEBI Chairman Ajay Tyagi has been named among the world’s top 10 regulators in the Market structure. The
regulators list is topped byEuropean Unions Commissioner Margrethe Vestager
• Japan’s capital Tokyo has topped Economist Intelligence Unit’s Safe Cities Index 2017 of 60 cities. Indian
cities Delhi and Mumbai have ranked 43rd and 45th respectively
• On 10th October 2017, LinkedIn released a report stating that, India ranks as the second largest market for
pharmaceuticals and biotechnology workforce.The report was published in the newly released e-book “The
Indian Pharma and Biotech Industry”.
• As per a survey by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, India’s capital Delhi is one of the worst megacities in
the world on the parameter of women safety. In the overall ranking, Delhi ranked fourth from the bottom,
better than Cairo (Egypt), Karachi (Pakistan) and Kinshasa (Congo). Japan’s capital Tokyo emerged as the
safest city in terms of risk of sexual harassment.
• Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has emerged as top-ranked Indian institute in the
latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Rankings 2018.IIT Bombay has ranked 34th and
Singapore’s Nanyang Technology University has topped QS Asia University Rankings 2018.
• On 17th October 2017, a new survey named “Authentic Brands Study” stated that, Indian consumers regard
Google as the most authentic brand.Globally, Amazon occupies the 1st place and Apple the 2nd, as the most
authentic brands, according to the Cohn & Wolfe survey.
• As per ‘Global Passport Power Rank 2017’, compiled by international financial advisory firm Arton
Capital, passport of Singapore is now the “most powerful” passport in the world. India Ranked 75th in the list.
• Biocon ranked 9th in Science Careers’ top employers’ survey. Biocon is the only Company from Asia to
feature in the list since 2012.
• As per “CS Family 1000” report by Credit Suisse Research Institute, India has 3rd highest number of family-
owned businesses in the world.Family-owned companies in Spain have highest average market capitalisation
– USD 30 billion.
• According to ‘Global TB Report 2017’ released by World Health Organization (WHO), India has topped the
list of seven countries, accounting for 64 per cent of the 10.4 million new tuberculosis (TB) cases worldwide
in 2016.
• According to a survey by global consulting firm Capgemini and LinkedIn, India has the highest proportion of
Digital Talent among the countries surveyed.At 76%, India had the highest proportion of Digital
Talent among all the countries that were surveyed. The global average stood at 56%.
• India has overtaken the United States and become the 2nd largest smartphone market in the world, according
to independent analyst Canalys.Canalys has released a report recently that states, India has become the second
largest smartphone market in the world. The 1st position is occupied by China.
• As per a report by Coeus Age Consulting, Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the top state in terms of digital
initiatives undertaken by State Government. Coeus Age Consulting is an organisation which provides
consultancy services on various aspects of digital economy.
BANKING & FINANCE
RBI - 4th Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy

Policy Repo Rate 6.00% Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
Reverse Repo Rate 5.75% Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
Marginal Standing Facility Rate 6.25% Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
Bank Rate 6.25% Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) 19.50% With Effect from 14th October 2017
• RBI has projected inflation to stay in the range of 4.2-4.6 per cent in the second half of 2017-18 while
economic growth forecast has been revised down to 6.7 per cent from the August 2017 projection of 7.3 per
cent.
• On September 29, 2017, The U.S. Federal Reserve fined HSBC Holdings PLC $175 million for “unsafe and
unsound practices” in its foreign exchange trading business.
• From October 1, 2017, savings bank account customers of State Bank of India (SBI) will not have to pay any
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charges for closing the account. This waiver applies to savings accounts which have existed for more than 1
year.Earlier, SBI levied closure charges of Rs 500 with Goods and Service Tax (GST)for its savings account
customers.
• On 2nd October 2017, ClearTax, upgraded its GST-compliant software to intelligent features, to help
businesses ensure unobstructed flow of credit. ClearTax is an Income Tax returns e-filing service provider.
• India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT)
IFSC has ranked at 10th place in the latest September 2017 edition of Global Financial Centres Index 22
(GFCI) – London.GIFT IFSC is located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
• Credit Rating Agency Fitch Ratings has lowered India’s economic growth forecast for Financial Year 2017-18
to 6.9 % from 7.4% after the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was lower than expected in the April-
June 2017 quarter (at 5.7% vs. 6.1% in previous quarter).
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has formed a High-level Task Force on Public Credit Registry (PCR) for
India. The task force has been constituted under the chairmanship of Yeshwant M. Deosthalee.PCR is
an extensive database of credit information of entities/individuals in a particular area
(country/state/region) that is accessible to all stakeholders.
• On 3rd October 2017, HDFC Life Insurance Company launched Neo, a servicing bot for Twitter, to improve
customer service.
• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned an amount Rs. 273 crore to
the Andhra Pradesh Government for Rural Water supply, Road and Bridge projects. These funds have been
sanctioned under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
• On October 4, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) came out with master directions for peer-to-peer (P2P)
lending.Peer-to-peer lending is an online mechanism which raises loans for people who need to borrow, from
people who want to invest. It is to be noted that in September 2017, Reserve Bank of India notified that peer-
to-peer (P2P) lending platforms would be treated as non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
• Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB)will co-finance a USD
100-million loan for boosting the power sector in India.It is to be noted that India is the second largest
shareholder in the AIIB.
• On 5th October 2017, Mobile wallet provider, MobiKwik renamed its payment gateway as ‘MobiKwik
Payment Gateway’. The new payment gateway has been introduced with new features for secure transactions.
It supports all major instruments like credit and debit cards, netbanking, UPI and wallets.
• On October 5, 2017, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board (IBBI) announced that it has amended the rules
for information utilities. Now onwards, a person can, either alone or together with persons acting in concert,
have a maximum of 51 per cent stake in an information utility for up to three years from the date of its
registration. Indian company listed in India can hold up to 100 per cent of the paid-up equity share capital or
total voting power of an information utility for three years from the date of inception.
• World Bank Group member, International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced that it has invested USD
76 million in 5-year unrated masala bond issuances of Fullerton India Credit Company.
• On 5th October 2017, India and European Investment Bank (EIB) signed the finance contract for lending of
300 million euros (about Rs.2,293 crore) for Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-II.
As per the financial agreement, European Investment Bank (EIB) would lend 300 million euros, as first
portion of funds, for phase-II works of Bangalore Metro Rail Project.
• Government of India has decided to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds 2017-18 – Series-III. These bonds will
be issued by Reserve Bank India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India. 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. The scheme will fetch 2.50% per annum, payable every 6 months.
• Vijaya Bank (a public sector bank) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan
Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) for enabling all HPCL retail outlets in Karnataka with BHIM/UPI
merchant solutions.
• J Sagar Associates (JSA) is the first law firm have a plan to open an office at Gujarat International Finance
Tec-City (GIFT).
• On 5th Oct. 2017 ,Tata AIA Life launches of Chatbot ‘Eazy Connect’ ,a online customer service through
social media platform like Facebook Messenger, Twitter DM, Web chat and Whatsapp.ThisChatbot service
helps to support the customers to resolve the frequent queries by providing 24/7 service.
• On October 5, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed certain restriction on banking activities of Oriental
Bank of Commerce. RBI initiated prompt corrective action (PCA) against OBC in view of high non-
performing assets.
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• AU Small Finance Bank has entered into a corporate agency tie-up agreement to sell health insurance products
of Aditya Birla Health Insurance.
• On 7th Oct. 2017, IDBI Bank informed that its promoter the government of India, has increased its stake in the
company to 77.79% by acquiring 3.81% shares through preferential allotment. In previous, government had
73.98% stake in IDBI Bank.
• On 9th October 2017, Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd said that, it has signed an agreement with Indian
Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) for Rs.300 crore loan, in Mumbai to lend to renewable
energy and energy efficiency projects.
• As a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, ICICI Bank has committed a financial assistance of
Rs 10 crore to the Indian Armed Forces, which will be utilised for welfare activities and betterment of the
families of ex-servicemen who have lost their lives on duty.
• On October 10, 2017, Standard Chartered Bank opened its Global Business Services (GBS) centre in
Bengaluru which will complement its existing GBS centres in China, India and Malaysia.
• As per latest edition of World Economic Outlook released on October 10, 2017, International Monetary Fund
(IMF) has lowered India’s growth forecast for 2017 to 6.7% from its earlier estimate of 7.2%.Global
economy, as per the latest World Economic Outlook is projected to rise to 3.6% in 2017 and to 3.7% in 2018.
• On 10th October 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) announced the setting up of its 15,000 square feet Innovation
Centre, India’s largest Innovation Centre, in Navi Mumbai.
• On October 9, 2017, credit rating agency, Moody’s Investors Service assigned a Baa3 issuer rating with
positive outlook to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
• On 11th October 2017, the World Bank released a report that stated that, India’s GDP might slowdown from
8.6% in 2015 to 7.0% in 2017.Good policies balancing public spending with private investment might
increase growth to 7.3% by 2018.
• On 10th October 2017, HSBC launched the mobile app, ‘HSBCnet Trade Transaction Tracker’, to help
customers track the status of their trade transactions on a real-time basis.
• On 10th October 2017, SEBI announced that, listed companies not following the norms with regard to
Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) would be taken action including fine (penalty) and delisting. According
to MPS norms, any listed company must have at least 25 % as public shareholders and 75 % can be held by
promoters. Companies not following these norms should to pay a fine of Rs.5,000 a day.
• On 12th October 2017, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that, Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio
for NBFCs has increased to 5 % at end of March 2017 from 2.9 % at end of March 2012.Bad loans of NBFCs
amount to around Rs.74,230 crore.
• On October 12, 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) launched a new product called ‘SME Assist’ to provide a
short-term working capital demand loan to its Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) clients.
• On October 10, 2017, American financial technology company Mastercard launched its first innovation lab in
India in Pune, Maharashtra.This centre is Mastercard’s ninth lab in the world and the second in Asia Pacific
besides Singapore.
• On October 12, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) instructed banks and non-bank entities to make
their digital wallets/prepaid payment instruments (PPIs), interoperable through the Unified Payments Interface
(UPI) within six months. However, cash loading to PPIs will be limited to Rs 50,000 per month. At any point
of time, PPI’s should not have outstanding amount of more than Rs 100000.
• India’s biggest reinsurer, General Insurance Corp of India (GIC Re)’s Rs. 11,370 crore Initial Public Offer
(IPO) opened for subscription on October 11, 2017.GIC Re’s Rs. 11370 crore IPO is Indian primary market’s
third largest IPO after Coal India (Rs.15,200 crore in 2010) and Reliance Power (Rs. 11,600 crore in 2008).
• Through its latest set of guidelines for E-Wallets, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced strict know
your customer (KYC) norms which has evoked mixed response from digital wallet companies. E-Wallet
firms have been instructed to ensure KYC compliance of existing users by December 31, 2017.Users who do
not have stipulated KYC in place, will be allowed to keep only up to Rs 10,000 in wallets post the deadline.
• In a bid to become preferred banker for the start-up community in India, HDFC Bank has announced the
launch of SmartUp zones in its branches across India.To start with, SmartUp zones will be launched in over
65 HDFC Bank branches in 30 cities including Tier-2 and-3 cities that are emerging as start-up hubs.
• On 14th October 2017, the Odisha government’s Directorate of Treasuries and Inspection signed a MoU with
SBI, for integration of SBI e-Pay with cyber treasury. The SBI e-Pay is the payment aggregator service wing
of SBI.
• On October 13, 2017, Union Shipping Ministry stated that Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has
raised Rs 660 crore through bonds.E-bidding for these bonds was held on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
portal on October 11, 2017. The bonds carry a coupon rate of 7.47%.
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• Kenneth Kang Deputy Director Asia Pacific Department of International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suggested
three policy priorities for India in the area of structural reforms.i. Addressing the corporate and banking sector
weaknesses: ii. Continued fiscal consolidation through revenue measure: iii. Improving the efficiency of
labour and product markets:
• On 13th October 2017, Union Bank of India launched an Android app named, ‘Union Sahyog’, as a part of its
efforts to digitise customer-facing banking services.
• On 11th October 2017, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the International Financial Centre in Abu Dhabi,
and Yes Bank have signed a MoU, to further encourage cross-border exchange between the fintech
ecosystems of the United Arab Emirates and India.
• South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu has become the first country in the world to accept Bitcoin in exchange
for citizenship. Currently, the citizenship programme of Vanuatu costs USD 200000. With Bitcoin price
hovering around USD 6000, Vanuatu citizenship can be availed at a price of nearly 35 Bitcoins.
• On October 16, 2017, National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) of Indiasigned an investment
agreement worth $1 billion with Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).
• Credit Ratings firm Moody’s Investors Service has affirmed its ratings on domestic as well as foreign
currency bond programmes of State Bank of India (SBI).Moody’s is expecting that SBI’s financial profile will
remain stable over the mid-term.
• iGTB (Intellect Global Transaction Banking) a specialist firm of Intellect Design Arena Ltd. has been selected
by Bangkok Bank, as a technology partner to implement a comprehensive cash management platform and
corporate portal. Bangkok Bank is Thailand’s market leader in corporate and small and medium-sized
enterprise (SME) banking.
• On October 17, 2017, the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras, Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) launched
trading in Gold option’s contract in presence of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.Options contract offers the
buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a stock/commodity/asset at an agreed-upon price (referred
to as strike price) during a certain period of time up to a specific date.
• North East Small Finance Bank Limited has commenced operations as a small finance bank from October 1,
2017. Guwahati-based RGVN (North East) Microfinance Limited, was one of the 10 applicants which got
Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) in-principle approval for setting up a small finance bank in September 2015.
On October 16, 2017, Yes Bank announced that it has committed Rs 156 crore to fund first Sewage Treatment
Plant (STP) to be constructed at Varanasi under Namami Gange Project. Yes Bank has signed a deal
with Essel Infraprojects for the above mentioned STP which will be constructed under Hybrid Annuity-Public
Private Partnership (PPP) Model.
• On 17th October 2017, SBI Foundation granted Rs.10 crore for the conservation and restoration of Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSTM) of Mumbai over the period of 3-5 years.As per the MoU, SBI Foundation
will provide Rs.10 crore for the project under the “SBI-Project Swachh Iconic CSMT”.
• On October 18, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued revised guidelines on Interest Subvention Scheme
under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), stating that banks
will provide funds to women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas at 7 per cent under the DAY-NRLM in
current fiscal, 2017-18. These guidelines will be implemented by 21 public sector banks and 19 private banks.
• Kotak Mahindra Bank in collaboration with financial technology firm Zeta has launched a multi-wallet digital
prepaid solution for salaried employees named ‘Paymint’.
• Kotak Mahindra Bank has tied up with Samsung, under which its credit and debit cardholders will be able to
tap and pay using Samsung smart phones at merchant establishments. Currently, Samsung Pay works on 2.9
million points-of-sale card machines across India.
• In order to encourage savings, Central Government has issued a notification allowing all public sector banks
and top three private sector banks (ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank) to accept deposits under various
small savings schemes, which until now, were only sold through post offices. According to this recent
government notification, all public sector banks and top three private sector banks (ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank
and Axis Bank) can now sell National Savings Time Deposit Scheme 1981, National Savings (Monthly
Income Account)Scheme 1987, National Savings Recurring Deposit Scheme 1981 and National Savings
Certificate – VIII issue.
• On 21st October 2017, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) clarified that linking of Aadhaar to bank account is
mandatory under the Prevention of Money-Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Second Amendment Rules,
2017, published in the Official Gazette on 1st June, 2017.
• As per the latest notification issued by Department of Revenue under the Finance Ministry, banks and
financial institutions will have to mandatorily check the original identification documents of individuals
dealing in cash above the prescribed threshold.
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• State Bank of India (SBI) has launched second edition of its Hackathon. This hackathon has been
named ‘Digitize For Bank’.The winners of ‘Digitise For Bank’ hackathon will get an opportunity for
incubation and acceleration with SBI.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to make Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) compulsory for companies having
aggregate fund-based and non-fund based exposure over Rs 5 crore.LEI is a unique 20 digit alphanumeric
code that will be assigned to corporate borrowers.
• Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) India, the premier trade and investment promotion body has
signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Punjab National Bank (PNB) to provide easy access to export
finance to the exporters in India. Exporters can avail loans up to Rs 10 crore at competitive rates.
• On October 23, 2017, India’s largest public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI) announced that it has
entered into a tie-up with Escorts Limited to finance farmers for the purchase of Escorts tractors.
• IndusInd Bank and MobiKwik announced the launch of a co-branded wallet, “IndusInd Mobikwik”. IndusInd
Mobikwik wallet allows IndusInd bank’s customers to pay at the MobiKwik merchant network using their
accounts.
• Union Government announced to infuse Rs. 2.11 lakh crore capital over the next two years into public sector
banks (PSBs). 18000 crore out of Rs. 2.11 lakh crore will be funded through Government’s Indradhanush
Plan. In 2015 Government had announced Indradhnush Plan to infuse Rs 70,000 crore in public sector banks
over four years to meet their capital requirement as per Basel –III norms.
• Govt. of India and Asian Development Bank Sign $300 Mn Loan to Promote Further Fiscal Reforms in West
Bengal
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed penalties on two private sector banks, Yes Bank and IDFC Bank for
regulatory violations. Monetary penalty of Rs. 6 crore has been imposed on Yes Bank for non-compliance of
RBI’s guidelines on Income Recognition Asset Classification (IRAC) and delayed reporting of information
security incident involving ATMs of the bank. Rs. 2 crore penalty has been imposed on IDFC Bank for
violating rules relating to sanction and renewal of loans and advances.
• Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley has presented Letters of Intent (LOI) to seven shortlisted entities under
the ‘Adopt a Heritage Scheme’. LOIs were presented at the closing ceremony of ‘Paryatan Parv’ in New
Delhi on October 25, 2017.
• Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) has started work on exiting the infrastructure and
private equity funds management business, IDFC Alternatives, which has assets worth $2.6 billion.
• On October 25, 2017, Government retained the interest rate for general provident fund (GPF) at 7.8% for
October –December 2017 quarter in line with that for public provident fund (PPF).
• Asian Development Bank signs $65.5 mn Loan with GOI to support Coastal Protection in Karnataka. This is
the second tranche of a USD 250 million financing facility under the Sustainable Coastal Protection and
Management Investment Programme.
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) revised the framework for ‘block deals’ on stock exchanges
by providing two separate trading windows of 15 minutes each and increasing the minimum order size to Rs
10 crore.
• Star Health and Allied Insurance (SHAI) has introduced first-ever health insurance cover for people already
diagnosed with cancer. This insurance policy has been named ‘Star Cancer Care Gold’.
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has revamped its portal udyamimitra.in with enhanced
features to provide easy access to credit and hand-holding services for micro small medium enterprises
(MSME).
• AU Small Finance Bank has entered into a tie-up with Small Industries Development Bank of India
(SIDBI) to launch Rs. 200 crore fund for providing loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
• In a bid to ensure that the benefits of the various Government Schemes reach to the last mile, Government has
made use of Public Finance Management System (PFMS)mandatory for central schemes.PFMS has been
rolled-out by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) at the behest of Union Finance Ministry.
• Foreign Exchange and inward remittance service provider company Transcorp International has launched a
platinum pre-paid card in association with Yes Bank.
This card can be used for transactions in stores and ATMs across the country.
• Union Finance Ministry and World Bank signed a loan agreement worth $200 million for the Assam
Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project.The $200 million from International Bank for Reconstruction
and Development (IBRD) is for 16.5 yrs term and has a grace period of seven years.
• State Bank of India (SBI) and the World Bank announced Rs 2317 crore credit facilities to seven companies
to finance grid connected rooftop solar projects.These grid connected rooftop solar projects which will
together generate 575 mw.
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BUSINESS
• On 2nd October 2017, India received its first-ever shipment of US crude oil at Paradip port, in Odisha, as a
part of purchases made by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
(BPCL).IOC and BPCL have placed orders for over 2 million barrels from the United States. This is the first
shipment as per the deal.
• On October 4, 2017, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) announced the launch of news services in four
more Indian languages — Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi and Telugu. With this announcement, BBC’s Delhi
bureau will become its largest bureau outside the United Kingdom.
• On October 3, 2017, Digital payments firm MobiKwik announced its partnership with Indian Railway
Catering and Tourism Corporation – IRCTC Rail connect app, which will allow customers book railway
tickets using Mobikwik’s payment gateway.
• On October 5, 2017, Andhra Pradesh State Government signed a MoU with American payments solution
company Mastercard for setting up centre of excellence in Vizag.
• European Securities & Markets Authority (ESMA) has certified the clearing arms of National Stock
Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) as qualified central counterparty (CCP).
• On 3rd and 4th October 2017, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), under Union
Commerce Ministry approved several foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals. During 2016-17, India
received $43.47 billion FDI inflows, which marks 9% growth as compared to previous year.
• Adobe announced investment on integration of Aadhaar-based authentication in its e-signature
solution “Adobe Sign” on 4th Oct.2017.The market for e-signatures in India is growing at a Compound
Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 57 percent, and is expected to cross over a massive 90 million transactions
by 2020 as per the Adobe commissioned survey conducted by Forrester Consulting.
• On 5th October 2017, Flipkart announced the launch of MarQ, an in-house brand in the large appliances
category. MarQ is an in-house brand of Flipkart, that sells large appliances.This has been done in a move
expands Flipkart’s self-branded offerings on its marketplace.
• On October 6, 2017, Maharashtra State Government and Tata Trusts entered into a tie-up for social
development initiatives in Chandrapur district. The tie-up will focus on livelihood, digital literacy, data driven
governance and child protection.
• Magicbricks announced its launch of India’s first online bidding platform for residential and commercial
properties.It tied-up with leading developer ‘Magnificence in the Trinity Of Men, Materials & Money'( M3M)
for their new inauguration of ‘My Bid, My Home’ .
• On Oct. 5 2017, National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) has signed a MoU with Finlands
Fortum Oyj for developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure in upcoming development projects in India.
• On October 6, 2017, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said it has signed two more advance pricing
agreements (APAs) in September 2017 with Indian taxpayers. These two latest APAs pertain to automobile
and healthcare consulting sectors.
• On October 10, 2017, Andhra Pradesh State Government and international digital payments
company Visa announced a tie up for Visakahpatnam Digital Dhan Sankalp Project. Digital Dhan Sankalp
project, is an initiative to develop Visakhapatnam into India’s first ‘less cash’ city.
• On 11th October 2017, the government announced that, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has
revised rates for transportation of natural gas through pipeline, offshore works contracts etc. The
transportation of natural gas through pipeline will attract 5% GST without input tax credit, and 12% with input
tax credit.
• On October 9, 2017, Indian Government imposed anti-dumping duty on imports of certain steel wire rods
from China to safeguard the interest of domestic industry.The anti-dumping duty has been imposed for a
period of five years.
• European Securities & Markets Authority (ESMA) has certified Metropolitan Clearing Corporation of India
Ltd. (MCCIL), the clearing arm of Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSE) as qualified central
counterparty (CCP).
• A central counterparty (CCP) is a corporate entity which guarantees the terms of a trade even if a buyer or
seller defaults on the agreement.Under the Basel III framework introduced by the Basel Committee on
Banking Supervision, entities are subjected to lower capital requirement/charges while participating in capital
markets through qualified central counterparty (CCP).
• On 11th October 2017, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced the setting up of 16 new Gujarat
Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) townships, in Gujarat.Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said that, 16
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new GIDC townships would be set up in 2400 hectare area to encourage the Small and Medium Enterprises
(SMEs).This township would attract 15,000 industrial units.
• On 10th October 2017, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan announced the
formation of an internal ‘think-tank’, consisting of experts to advise on technology and build a successful gas
network in India.The think tank will be in an advisory role and will look after gas infrastructure, financing
model for projects, price competitiveness etc.
• Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), a public sector oil company has started selling lubricants
in Myanmar. With this move, HPCL has become first oil company of India to start marketing lubricants in
Myanmar.
• A new Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act 2016 which was notified on March 22, 2016 has been brought
into force with effect from October 12, 2017.Hallmarking of the precious metal articles has been made
mandatory under this new act.
• As per data released by Central Statistics Office (CSO) on October 12, 2017, Industrial production in India
grew at a nine-month high of 4.3 per cent in August 2017.Previous Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growth
high of 5.7 per cent was registered in November 2016.
• On 12th October 2017, Hyperloop One has announced to rebrand itself as ‘Virgin Hyperloop One’ after
Richard Branson’s Virgin Group invested in the firm. The Virgin investment group has taken an undisclosed
stake in Hyperloop One. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
• India must invest around $45 billion to generate an additional capacity of handling 500- 600 million
passengers at its airports by 2030By the next five years the passenger capacity is possible to increase as per a
study by an aviation think-tank.
• On 13th October 2017, Indian Accent restaurant in New Delhi featured among the top 10 best restaurants in
Asia Travellers’ Choice in TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards 2017.Indian Accent has secured the second
position among the top 10 restaurants in Asia in TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards 2017. Indian Accent
is known for introducing innovative cuisine by involving Indian flavours with global ingredients and
techniques.
• On 16th October 2017, E-commerce major Myntra has tied up with the Union Textile Ministry, to work
directly with weavers and improve their economic status.
• On October 15, 2017, auto manufacturer Mahindra and Mahindra celebrated ‘Mahila Kisan Diwas’ and
launched a programme, ‘Prerna’ to empower women working in the agriculture sector
• BNP Paribas Securities Services has teamed up with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to deliver an
innovative blockchain based platform, Corporate Event Connect.
• The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has approved three foreign direct investment
(FDI) proposals, including that of Merlin Entertainment-owned Madame Tussauds, to open single-brand
retail.Madame Tussauds is expected to open its first museum in India in Delhi. DIPP has approved 20 single-
brand retail proposals worth Rs.4,900 crore so far.
• Software industry association National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) is
setting up centres of excellence on artificial intelligence (AI) and data sciences for a better understanding on
the emerging technologies.These centres of excellence are being set up in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
• The US has initiated an antidumping duty investigations against the import of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
resin from India and China, according to the US Department of Commerce. The PTFE is mostly used as a
non-stick coating for utensils.
• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)an apex organisation
under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry will conduct programmes to promote products of north
eastern India in Bangladesh and Myanmar.
• According to 10th KPMG Survey of Corporate Responsibility Reporting, India has emerged as the top country
for reporting corporate social responsibility information in the annual financial report of companies.
• On 20th October 2017, Australia’s last car factory was shut down, as GM Holden Ltd, a unit of US carmaker
General Motors Co, closed its plant in South Australia.
• 400 out of the 13,000-odd industrial training institutes (ITIs) have been being de-affiliated by the Union
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
• According to the latest data by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Maruti Suzuki India has
emerged as the largest passenger cars exporter from India for the April –September 2017 period.As per the
latest data by SIAM, Maruti exported 57300 units of passenger cars in the first half of the ongoing fiscal,
which marks a 6% growth as compared to 54008 units exported in the same period of previous fiscal year.
• On October 23, 2017, 26 major American companies headed by Aircraft Manufacturer Boeing interacted with
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adtiyanath to explore investment opportunities in the state. This
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interaction has been given the tagline ‘US in UP’.

• On October 23, 2017, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) announced that it has commenced execution
of Yadadri supercritical thermal power project ordered by the Telangana State Power Generation Corporation
Ltd. (TSGENCO). The project is located at Damaracherla in Nalgonda district of Telangana and is valued at
approximately Rs 20,400 crore.
• In its recommendations to the Department of Telecom, on approach towards sustainable telecommunications,
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended 40 per cent carbon emission reduction in
telecom network by 2022-23.
• On 26th October 2017, GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad
(MAHB) and Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) signed a MoU to promote the growth of tourism
traffic.
• Union Petroleum Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan launched Start-up Programme for entrepreneurs in Oil and
Gas sector.The venture fund will disburse Rs 320 crore over a 3-year period to support novel ideas which
would cause positive disruption in the energy sector.
• On 26th October 2017, SAP launched the Asia Pacific Japan (APJ) region’s first SAP Leonardo Center, in
Bengaluru. The Leonardo Centre in Bengaluru is the first in Asia Pacific Japan region and the fourth SAP
Leonardo Center globally.
• Indian software company, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has signed a pact with the National University in
the Philippines to launch a comprehensive training programme aimed at enhancing the skills of university
graduates for the job market.Under this scheme, 5000 students of National University, Philippines will have
access to digital courses.
• Karnataka State Government announced signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
with Microsoft Corporation India Private Limitedwith an objective to provide technology-oriented solutions to
small farmers for helping them to increase their income.
• Mukesh Ambani’s company Reliance Industries Limited has reached yet another milestone by becoming
the first Indian company ever to cross a market capitalization of Rs. 6-trillion.The recent tariff hikeby
Reliance Jio also contributed to RIL’s stock price rise.
• The telecom company owned by Anil Ambani, The Reliance Communications, is planning to shut down its
2G mobile business by the end of November because the company is running under a debt of nearly Rs 45,000
crore.As a result 1,200 employees will lose their jobs.
• Air Passengers Association of India (APAI) launched its unique membership card titled “Flysecure”, which
provides insurance cover related to air travel. APAI card “Flysecure” is available in three variants – Annual
price of Rs. 1500 for Silver, Rs 3000 for Gold and Rs 5000 for Platinum.
• On October 29, 2017, India sent its first consignment of wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port
in Iran.The shipment was flagged off from the Kandla port in Gujarat. After reaching Chabahar, it will be
transported to Afghanistan viz. land route.
• French Aircarft manufacturer, Dassault Aviation will invest over USD 116 million in a joint venture with Anil
Ambani-led Reliance Aerospace to manufacture aircraft components of 36 Rafale fighter jets, which India has
agreed to purchase from France.
NOBLE PRIZE 2017 WINNERS

Category Winners Recognition For
Physics Rainer Weiss (US) For decisive contributions to the LIGO detector and
Barry C. Barish (US) the observation of gravitational waves.
Kips S. Thorne (US)
Chemistry Jacques Dubochet(Switzerland) For developing cryo-electron microscopy for the
Joachim Frank (Germany) high-resolution structure determination of
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Richard Henderson (Scotland) biomolecules in solution.

Medicine/P Jeffrey C. Hall () For their discoveries of molecular mechanisms
hysiology Michael Rosbah controlling the circadian rhythm.
Michael W. Young
Literature He wrote novels of great emotional force, has
Kazuo Ishigoru (Britan) uncovered the abyss beneath our illusory sense of
connection with the world.
Peace International Campaign to For its work to draw attention to the catastrophic
Abolish Nuclear Weapons humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear
(ICAN) - Geneva, Switzerland weapons and for its ground-breaking efforts to
achieve a treaty-based prohibition of such weapons”.
Thaler came up with the concept of 'nudging' people
Economics Richard H. Thaler (USA) through subtle changes in government policy to do
things that are in their self-interest. (behavioural
economics)
• A Ghana-based Indian entrepreneur named BirendraSasmal has won a prestigious International Business
Person of the Year at the Asian Achievers Awards in London for turning his company into a thriving
Information Technology (IT), telecoms and manufacturing success story with operations across West Africa.
• On 27th September 2017, tour guide Ms.RamaKhandwala was awarded a National Tourism Award in the
`Best Tourist Guide’ category, in Delhi. Ms.RamaKhandwala was awarded the `Best Tourist Guide’ award by
President Mr.RamNathKovind.
• On 2nd October 2017, the MeenakshiSundareswarar Temple of Madurai was awarded the best ‘Swachh Iconic
Place’ (Cleanest Iconic Place), in India. Meenakshi Temple has been honoured with this award for the swift
cleaning process carried out.
• On October 2, 2017, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs conferred Swacchhata awards on those who
contributed towards the Clean India objective in urban areas. 20 individuals and agencies in seven categories
were felicitated with these awards. Delhi-based Facebook citizen group — ‘My Delhi Keep It Clean’ – was
awarded for promoting efforts to clean public places.
• On 2nd October 2017, The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was awarded as the best department for its
contribution during ‘SwachhtaPakhwada’, in New Delhi.
• On 3rd October 2017, Manipal University’s Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) bagged the 1st place in
‘Most Clean Campus in South Western Region’ award and 3rd place in ‘Most Clean Campus 2017’ award, in
Pune, Maharashtra.
• TAKE Solutions would receive the Golden Peacock Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance, from the
Institute of Directors, in London, on 25th October 2017. The Golden Peacock Award is given by the Institute
of Directors, in London. It honours extra-ordianryorganisational performances through a three-tier process.
• On 5th October 2017, Reach All Women (RAW) in War announced GauriLankesh as the winner of Anna
Politkovskaya Award 2017. Journalist-activist GauriLankesh was shot dead on 5thSeptember 2017. She was a
critic of right-wing Hindu extremism, campaigner for women’s rights, rights of Dalits etc.
• Noted Novelist T D Radhakrishnan’s has been selected for this year’s prestigious Vayalar award. The award
will be presented to him on October 27, 2017, the death anniversary of poet and lyricist Vayalar
Ramavarma. It is given for the best literary work in Malayalam.
• On 8th October 2017, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), was awarded as the best
FMCG in the food sector, at the 5th International Advertising Associations (IAA) Leadership Awards, in
Mumbai. K.M.Jhala, Chief Operating Officer, GCMMF received the best FMCG in the food sector award at
the 5thInternational Advertising Associations (IAA) Leadership Awards.
• President Ram Nath Kovind gave away the National award for senior citizens to Indian boxing coach Gurbax
Singh Sandhu and Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration, Academics
and Management for 2017 to Dr.Bindeshwar Pathak.
• Richard H. Thaler won the 2017 Nobel Prize for Economics for his work on behavioural economics. He plans
to spend the prize money “irrationally”.Thaler, 72 and a professor at the University of Chicago, is one of the
founders of behavioral economics and finance.
• On 10th October 2017, Prakash Raj, actor and film-maker, received the Kota Shivaram Karanth Huttura
Prashasti award, at the Kota Shivaram Karanth Theme Park, in Kota, Udupi district of Karnataka. The Kota
Shivaram Karanth Huttura Prashasti award is instituted in the name of Jnanpith awardee K Shivaram Karanth.
• On 12th October 2017, Mathrubhumi Managing Director M P Veerendra Kumar announced that, famous critic,
biographer and orator M K Sanu has been chosen for the Mathrubhumi Literary Award for 2016. The award
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consists of a cash prize of Rs.2 lakh, a citation and a statuette.

• Eminent writer Namita Gokhale has been nominated for the first Centenary National Award for Literature, for
her outstanding literary contributions.The award has been conferred by the Asam Sahitya Sabha, which is
regarded as one of the most prestigious literary bodies in India.
• Singer T M Krishna has won 30th Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration for the year 2015 and 2016..
Krishna is a pre-eminent vocalist in the Carnatic tradition of Indian classical.It carries a citation and a cash
prize of Rs. 10 lakh.
• 12-year old Indian girl Poorvi G B has been awarded the ‘best performer’ subtitle at the ‘Little Miss World
2017’ pageant held in Greece.
• Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan’s wax statue is to be displayed in Madame Tussauds wax museum in Hong
Kong.Varun Dhawan will unveil his wax statue in the first quarter of 2018. This is his first ever wax figure.
• This year’s ‘Kalakar Puraskar’ instituted by Mandd Sobhann will be conferred on renowned Konkani folk
artiste Gopal Gowda.
• Prabha Varma, an eminent poet, lyricist and journalist has been selected for this year’s Padma Prabha
Puraskaram for his contribution to Malyalam literature.The award carries a cash prize of Rs 75,000, a plaque
and a citation.
• On 17th October 2017, 50 Indian peacekeepers placed in South Sudan were awarded the UN Medal for their
service in maintaining peace in South Sudan. The award was presented by UNMISS Force Commander
General Frank Mushyo Kamanzi. Indian Ambassador to South Sudan, Srikumar Menon, attended the medal
ceremony.
• Swraj Lord Paul, a famous NRI industrialist and Chairman of “The Caparo Group” a leading UK-based
manufacturer of steel products, has been honoured with the Life Time Achievement Award at the 2nd British
Asian Achievers Awards which was organised by Jagatwani a Hindi weekly. Paul was the first person from
Indian origin to hold the post of Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, from 2008 to 2010.
• Indian-origin teenager Akshay Ruparelia has become one of UK’s youngest millionaires, after his online real
estate agency business reached the value of 12 million pounds. Akshay Ruparelia, a 19 year old Indian-origin
teenager had started online real estate agency, “doorsteps.co.uk” a year ago.
• Noted Indian-American attorney Ajay Raju has been honoured with the 3rd American Bazaar Philanthropy
award. Ajay Raju has been awarded for his philanthropic activities in the US.
• US author George Saunders has won 2017 Man Booker Prize for his novel ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’.
• Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar is to be honoured with the Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award on
26thOctober 2017.
• On 2nd October 2017, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) was awarded Swachh Bharat Inter-
Ministerial Award in Swachh Bharat National Award ceremony on Gandhi Jayanti, in New Delhi.
• CSS Corp, a US-headquartered IT services and technology support company, has won the Customer Service
Excellence Award 2017 by National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM).
• Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has ranked No. 1 in the Airports Council
International’s (ACI) service quality survey in the category of 5 to 15 million passengers per annum.
• On 18th October 2017, Jaipur and Srinagar Airport got first and second rank respectively in the category of 2-5
million passengers in Airport Council International (ACI)-Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Survey.
• Environmental scientist Hans Joachim Schellnhuber has received Blue Planet Prize, world’s most prestigious
award for pioneers in environmental science.
• Govardhan Eco Village, set up by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Palghar
district of Maharashtra has won the ‘Green Platinum Award’.
• Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina,the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), will be recognized
as the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate.He was Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture and rural
development.
• The very popular playback singers Alka Yagnikand Udit Narayan and the music composers Usha Khanna,
Bappi Lahiri, Anu Malik and have been selected for the Madhya Pradesh state government’s
prestigious National Lata Mangeshkar
• According to the latest Forbes’ Rich List Cristiano Ronaldo is the richest sports personality in the world.
World number two tennis player Serena Williams is the only woman on the list, in 51st, with $27m (£20.92m)
made last year. Meanwhile, Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli is the only cricketer to feature in the Top
100 list.
• 11 years old Gitanjali Rao from Lone Tree, Colorado, is the winner of this year’s Discovery Education 3M
Young Scientist Challenge for her sensor that can detect lead levels in water better than traditional methods.
• Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has been named FIFA Men’s Player of the Year and Lieke Martens has been
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named FIFA Women’s Player of the Year.Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid Club was awarded FIFA Best
Men’s coach and Sarina Wiegman, manager of Netherlands women’s national football team was awarded Best
Women’s Coach.
• On 24th October 2017, an official announced that, the Meghalaya Election Department has entered Limca
Book of Records for the formation of the biggest human logo comprising young voters in the state.
• L&T Technology Services (LTTS) has been honored with the CII Industrial Innovation Award, 2017 in New
Delhi.
• South African Indian-origin couple Salim Abdool Karim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim wins top US award
for AIDS research
• Indian-origin campaigner, Gina Miller, became the UK’s most influential black person, by topping the 2018
‘Powerlist’ of 100 people of African and African Caribbean heritage.
• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu received the Golden Peacock Award, at the
17th London Global Convention, held in London.
• Sharmila Tagore was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, at a ceremony held at Siri Fort Auditorium, in New Delhi. Sharmila Tagore is 72 years old. She is a
renowned Bollwood actress.
• Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) has received an award from All India Council for
Technical Education (AICTE), at the International Science Festival’s Start-up Summit – 2017, at Chennai.
• At Madame Tussauds Delhi, wax figures of famous personalities including sports, history, politics and
glamour will be displayed under one roof.Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the figures of
celebrities, which is a unique part of the show.
• On 27th October 2017, online travel solutions provider Cleartrip was named the ‘Best Mobile App for Travel
and Leisure’ at the Mobexx Awards 2017.
• On 27th October 2017, Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder, replaced Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates as the richest
person in the world.
• On October 29, 2017, veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher received Parmod Mahajan Smriti Award in
Pune.Anupam Kher is the current Chairman of Film and Television Institute of India.
• The democratic opposition and political prisoners in Venezuela won the European Union’s Sakharov Prize for
human rights on October 26th 2017. The prize amount of this award is 50,000euros ($59,000).
• Michael Jackson, who died in the year 2009 i.e, Eight years ago, is still generating millions of dollars. He was
an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. Late singer Michael Jackson has been named the highest-earning
dead celebrity for the 5th consecutive year by Forbes list of top-earning dead celebrities. His earnings have
been estimated to be $75 million (₹485 crore).

Amrender Sharan Amicus on a plea seeking re-probe of Mahatma Gandhi murder
Sambit Patra Non-Official Director of ONGC
Ms.Eman Al-Ghamidi (first
woman to hold senior government Assistant mayor of Al Khubar governorate- Saudi Arabia.
post)
Jagmeet Singh First non-white politician to lead a major party in Canada
PV Sindhu Ambassador of Swachh Andhra Mission.
Birendra Prasad Baishya Chairmen of two sub-committees of IWF
Brenda Hale UK Supreme Court’s first female president
Dr SoumyaSwaminathan WHO’s deputy director general
Rajnish Kumar SBI Chairman
Zafar Mahmood Abbasi New Navy Chief of Pakistan
Actress Jacqueline Fernandez Brand ambassador of Delhi Dynamos
Corey Anderson Event ambassador for U-19 World Cup 2018- ICC
PoojaKapur (concurrently) Ambassador of India to the Republic of Macedonia
UkhnaagiinKhurelsukh New PM of Mongolia
Rahul Bothra Swiggy’s (Food delivery company) first-ever CFO
Sangram Singh CEO of Axis Bank acquired Freecharge
John K Paul (re-elected) Federations of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA)-President
Ashish Srivastava MD & CEO of PNB MetLife
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Katrina Kaif Brand ambassador of Lenskart

Vinay Mohan Kwatra Ambassador of India to the Principality of Monaco
D Shivakumar (quits) PepsiCo Chairman
D Sivakumar Aditya Birla Group as the group executive president
Vinit Kumar Kolkata Port Trust chairman
Actor Anupam Kher Chairman of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.
Umang Bedi (quits) Facebook India MD (Bhushan named interim head)
Nisha Desai Biswal Head of U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC).
Yuvraj Singh Laureus’ first Indian ambassador
France’s Audrey Azoulay Next UNESCO chief
Kwon Oh-hyun (resigns) Samsung CEO
Rukaiya Rangwala MobiKwik Payment Gateway
Gautam H. Bambawale Indian Ambassador to China
Leslie Thng Vistara CEO
Cabinet appoints 11 new secretaries
Environment secretary Ajay Secretary in the expenditure department in the Finance Ministry.
Narayan Jha
C.K. Mishra Environment secretary from Ajay Narayan Jha.
Injeti Srinivas - Corporate affairs secretary in the Union Finance Ministry.
Rahul Prasad Bhatnaga Sports Secretary
Preeti Sudan Secretary of Department of health and family welfare.
Alok Shrivastava Secretary of Department of Justice
K.V. Eapen Secretary of Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances and
Pensions and Pensioners` Welfare
Ravi Kant Secretary of Food Ministry
Shakuntala Secretary of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
Gopal Krishna Secretary of Shipping Secretary
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha Secretary of AYUSH Ministry
Pradeep Bakshi MD, CEO of Voltas
Naresh Kumar Gupta Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta
Sunny Verghese – World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Chair from
2018
Manika Jain Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia
Ranjit Kumar (resigns) Solicitor General of India
Jacinda Ardern New Zealand Prime Minister (youngest-ever female)
Oxford University college drops Suu Kyi from common room name
Shinzo Abe’s coalition wins supermajority in Japan election
Sibi George Ambassador of India to Switzerland
Izham Ismail CEO Malaysia Airlines
Jayant Rikhye HSBC India CEO
Former AC Milan football star Mayor of Tbilisi
Kakha Kaladze
Robert Mugabe WHO withdraws as goodwill ambassador title
Dineshwar Sharma Interlocutor for peace talks with Assam’s insurgent groups, including the United
Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA).
Rakesh Asthana CBI Special Director
Ngangom Sarat Singh Member of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for Manipur and
Mizoram
Suresh Sethi Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer - India Post Payments Bank
Kanwaljit Singh Cheema Principal secretary of BoA in Darjeeling
NS Venkatesh Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) chief executive
Deep Kumar Upadhyay (resigns ) Nepal government accepts resignation of its Ambassador to India
Alok Kumar Pateria ADG of CISF
Utpal Kumar Singh Uttarakhand Chief Secretary
Kenneth Chenault (Step Down) American Express CEO
Richard Verma Board member of US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF)
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N.J.Gangte High Commissioner of India to Republic of Zambia

Satya Gopal Chief secretary of Arunchal Pradesh
Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS)
Suresh Raina Brand ambassador of Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation
SK Sinha Secretary (security) in Cabinet Secretariat
AP Maheshwari DG, Bureau of Police Research
T V Narendran Global CEO, MD- Tata Steel
Vikram Singh Private Secretary to President
Birendra Prasad Baishya (re- President of IWLF
elected)
• On Oct.6 2017, Zee Entertainment has acquired 100 per cent stake in two media entities, 9X Media and INX
Music for Rs 160-crore.
• China has approved HP Inc’s $1.1 billion purchase of Samsung Electronics’ printer business with certain
restrictions and concerns about the U.S. firm’s dominance in the laser printer market.
• Anil Ambani-led Reliance Communications (RCom) has called off plans to merge its wireless business with
rival Aircel. As announced by RCOM, the merger has been called off owing to legal and regulatory
uncertainties as well as ‘intervention of vested interests to derail the deal’.
• Qatar Airways, one of the Middle East’s biggest carriers has announced that it has completed the acquisition
of a 49 per cent stake in Italy’s AQA Holding. Alsarda, previous sole shareholder will retain a 51 per cent
share in the company. It is to be noted that AQA Holding is the parent company of Italy’s second largest
carrier Meridiana.
• On 3rd October 2017, Bharti Airtel received Ghana’s National Communications Authority’s approval for the
merger between Bharti Ghana (Airtel) and Millicom Ghana (Tigo), in Ghana. This merger will result in the
second largest mobile network operations in Ghana.
• On 29th September 2017, Power Finance Corp (PFC)’s board approved the proposal for merger of its wholly-
owned subsidiary PFC Green Energy with the parent company. In the board meeting, on 29th September
2017, the PFC board approved the merger of its subsidiary PFC Green Energy with the parent company.
• On 4th October 2017, ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), the overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
(ONGC), announced that, it has acquired 30 % interest in the Namibian Petroleum Exploration License (PEL)
37, from UK’s Tullow Oil.OVL has acquired 30 % interest in the Namibian Petroleum Exploration License
(PEL) 37. The value of the deal has not been disclosed.
• Itelligence India Software Solutions Private Limited has acquired the Hyderabad-based reseller of SAP
software and SAP services provider named vCentric Technologies. The acquisition deal value has not been
disclosed so far.
• Rural financial institution National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has bought an
additional 7% stake in Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for Rs900 crore from IDBI Bank
Ltd.
• On 12th October 2017, Bharti Airtel announced the acquisition of Consumer Mobile Businesses (CMB) of
Tata Teleservices Ltd (TTSL) and Tata Teleservices Maharastra Ltd (TTML).Tata Teleservices has been
merged with Bharti Airtel. After this merger, over 40 Million Tata customers will join Bharti Airtel.
• On 14th October 2017, India’s IndusInd Bank Ltd agreed an all-share deal to buy Micro-lender Bharat
Financial Inclusion Ltd.IndusInd Bank has sealed the deal for $2.4 billion to buy Bharat Financial.
• Bharti Airtel Limited and Millicom International Cellular S.A with their respective subsidiaries (Airtel Ghana
and Tigo Ghana) came out with the conclusion to combine their operations in Ghana.The combined business
would serve nearly 10 million customers, of which 5.6 million are data customers.
• Anil Ambani-led Reliance Communications (RCom) announced that it has received the final approval on
its merger with Sistema from the Department of Telecommunication (DoT).
• American technology conglomerate, Cisco Systems has finalised a deal to acquire American communication
software and service provider BroadSoft for $1.9 billion.
• Thomas Cook India announced the acquisition of the wholly-owned subsidiaries of Tata Capital Limited, Tata
Capital Forex Limited(foreign exchange) and TC Travel and Services Limited (travel services).
MoUs
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• On 5th October 2017, a MoU was signed by Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya under the ‘Ek
Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ programme, to boost cultural ties.
• 14th Annual Summit between India and the European Union (EU) was held in New Delhi. Following three
agreements were signed, i. Finance Contract of Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-2-Line R6 for Euro 300
million out of total loan of Euro 500 million.ii. Implementing Arrangement between the European
Commission and the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) for Indian Researchers hosted by the
European Research Council grantees in Europe.iii. Joint Declaration between the Interim Secretariat of
the International Solar Alliance and the European Investment Bank.
• Central Water Commission (CWC) has signed MoUs with IIT Roorkee and Motilal Nehru National Institute
of Technology (MNNIT) Allahabad to support dam rehabilitation efforts of various implementing agencies
and CWC.
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Kharagpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with Samsung India for the setting up of a digital academy in its campus.
• On 9th October 2017, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Mr.N.Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated a two day
International Blockchain Business Conference, at Fintech Valley Vizag, in Vishakapatnam.Thomson Reuters
signed a MoU with Andhra Pradesh government for setting up innovation app studio in Gitam University,
Andhra Pradesh. MoU were signed with several other companies on this occasion.
• On October 11, 2017, Union Cabinet gave its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) between Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Financial Services Commission (FSC),
Gibraltar for mutual co-operation and technical assistance.
• On October 11, 2017, Union Cabinet gave its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) between Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Capital Markets Authority (CMA),
Kuwait for mutual co-operation and technical assistance.
• Union Cabinet has approved the signing of Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and Japan on
the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP).
• On October 11, 2017, Union Cabinet approved the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC)
between India and Japan on establishing a liquid, flexible and global LNG Market.
• Cabinet approves MoU between India and Belarus for Cooperation in the field of Vocational Education and
Training
• Cabinet approves MoU between India and Morocco on cooperation in the field of water resources
• Union cabinet has given its approval for the signing and ratification of the Extradition Treaty between India
and Lithuania.
• Cabinet apprised of the MoU between India and Switzerland on Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector
• Cabinet approves MoU on Upgradation of the Women’s Police Training Centre at Yamethin, Myanmar
• National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) has signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with Andhra
Pradesh State Government to develop technologies relating to banana production.
• Ms. Florence Parly, the French Minister for the Armed Forces, was on an official visit to India from 26th –
28th October, 2017. During Ms Parly’s meeting with Indian Defense Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, India
and France agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.
• On October 30, 2017, India and Tunisia agreed to jointly combat terrorism and extremism and scale up
bilateral cooperation in the field of security. On October 30, 2017, Union External Affairs Minister, Sushma
Swaraj co-chaired the 12th India- Tunisia Joint Commission Meeting with Tunisian Foreign Affairs Minister,
Khemaies Jhinaoui.
SCHEMES
• On October 3, 2017, Uttar Pradesh State Government launched a mass marriage scheme
called ‘MukhyamantriSamoohikVivaahYojana’. Under the scheme, Uttar Pradesh social welfare department
will conduct mass marriages.
• On October 4, 2017, Himachal Pradesh Cabinet under Chief Minister VirbhadraSinghapproved ‘Heritage
Tourism Policy 2017’ & ‘MukhyaMantri Rural Road Repair Scheme’ along with other developmental and
welfare initiatives.
• On 4th October 2017, the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry started a special training course for
untrained teachers, designed by National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), called Diploma in Elementary
Education (D.El.Ed). This course would be offered through ‘Swayam’, a platform for online education and
knowledge through Dish TV.
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• On October 2, 2017, Union Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan in association with the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) launched SECURE Himalaya project for conservation of biodiversity, land
and forest resources in the high Himalayan ecosystem.
• On October 2, 2017, during the inaugural day of Global Wildlife Programmeconferencein New Delhi, Harsh
Vardhan also launched India Wildlife mobile App and released National Wildlife Action Plan for the period
2017-2031.
• On October 1, 2017, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched ‘Single Click Pension
Delivery’ scheme. Under this scheme, the money will go directly into the account of the beneficiaries.
• On 5th October 2017, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal approved the Delhi government’s students higher
education loan scheme, in New Delhi. In 2017, the scheme was extended to Delhi students pursuing courses
outside Delhi in government recognised institutions.
• On 2nd October 2017, Karnataka Chief Minister Mr.Siddaramaiah launched ‘Mathru Poorna’ scheme, for
nutritional wellness of pregnant and lactating women in rural areas, at VidhanSoudha, in
Bengaluru,Karnataka.The ‘MathruPurna’ scheme, aims at providing pregnant and lactating poor women in
rural areas with one nutritious meal daily, for 25 days in a month.
• On October 8, 2017, Uttarakhand State Government and a charitable funding agency named Swan Cultural
Center and Foundation, launched ‘Solar Briefcase’ in Kedarnath Dham.This initiative aims to provide
electricity to far flung areas in Uttarakhand.
• On 8th October 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind launched Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM)’s,
‘Jivamritam’ filtration system, a clean water initiative, in Vallikkavu, Kollam district of Kerala. ‘Jivamritam’
filtration system aims at providing filtration for clean drinking water to 1 crore villagers. The first phase of
this project is to install ‘Jivamritam’ filtration systems for clean drinking water in 5,000 villages all over India.
This project will be funded by MAM for Rs.100 crore.
• In a bid to provide a boost to ‘Skill India Mission’, on October 11, 2017, Union Cabinet approved two new
skill development schemes named Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion
(SANKALP) and Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE). Both these schemes are
result oriented programmes focusing on vocational education and training.SANKALP is a centrally sponsored
scheme having financial outlay Rs 4,455 crore out of which 3300 crore will be in the form of a loan from
World Bank.
• On 13th October 2017, the Minister for Communications Manoj Sinha launched the Sampoorna Bima Gram
(SBG) Yojana and an initiative for expansion of clientele base of Postal Life Insurance
(PLI).Under Sampoorna Bima Gram (SBG) Yojana, at least one village (having a minimum of 100
households) will be identified in each of the revenue districts India. All households of that identified village
will be covered with a minimum of one RPLI (Rural Postal Life Insurance) policy each.
• On October 10, 2017, Maharashtra State cabinet approved a climate change adaptation policy that will focus
on developing environment-friendly villages and cities.Maharashtra State Government will set up a special
cell under the state Environment department for the effective implementation of this policy of developing
environment-friendly villages and cities.
• On October 10, 2017, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnacis launched a web portal that will help
people get information about all the government schemes. The portal has been named ‘MahaLabharthi‘.
• Central Government has received 260 applications from foreign scientists for Visiting Advanced Joint
Research (VAJRA) Faculty scheme. Out of these 260 applications, 70 will be shortlisted for this year. The
department intends to select 1,000 scientists every year under this scheme.
• On 9th October 2017, Himachal Pradesh government implemented the Senior Citizen Health Insurance
Scheme (SCHIS), in Shimla. The scheme would increase coverage of Rs.30,000 per senior citizen to all
existing Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) smart card holders.This would be in addition to the basic
coverage of Rs.30,000 in Trust and Society mode.
• On October 17, 2017, Assam State Government approved a new Information Technology (IT) Policy.Under
the new IT policy, companies involved in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO),companies engaged in
software development and firms carrying out research will be provided financial support.
• On October 19, 2017, Assam State Government rolled out ‘Tourism Policy of Assam 2017’ with an aim to
increase tourist inflow in the state by at least two to three times within next five years. ‘Tourism Policy of
Assam 2017’ will be effective from January 2018 to December 2022.
• On October 16, 2017 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the
ambitious ‘Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojna’ in the presence of the farmers at the Krishi Upaj Mandi in Khurai,
Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh.Under this scheme, farmers will be compensated the difference between
Minimum Support Price (declared by Union Government) and the actual sale price or Model Price, whichever
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is higher.
• Chhattisgarh State Government has reduced the rate of interest on loan given to women and their self help
groups (SHGs) under ‘Saksham Yojna’ from 6.5 per cent to 5 per cent.
• On October 18, 2017, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis announced that the State Government
has released a sum of Rs 4,000 crore under the first phase of the farm loan waiver scheme.
• Karnataka state cabinet approved a policy which seeks to provide legal protection to transgender
community and thereby safeguard them from social and sexual exploitation.
• Ministries of Power and Textiles jointly launched SAATHI (Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient
Textile technologies to Help small Industries).Under the SAATHI initiative, Energy Efficiency Services
Limited (EESL), would provide energy efficient Powerlooms, motors and Rapier kits to the small and medium
Powerloom units at no upfront cost. EESL is a public sector entity under the administrative control of Ministry
of Power.
• On October 30, 2017, Union Minister for State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas
Athawale launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana in Mumbai. Mr. Athawale
COMMITTEE
• On 2nd October 2017, President Ram NathKovind appointed a five member Commission under Delhi High
Court’s former Chief Justice G Rohini to examine sub categorization of Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
• Government constitutes a High Level Committee for proper management of water resources in North Eastern
Region. The Committee has been formed under the Chairmanship of Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman of
NitiAayog.
• Uday Kotak-led panel on corporate governance wants MD, CEO roles split; 6 independent directors on board
• On 26th September 2017, the government formed a committee to achieve the target of rolling out 5G
technology in India by 2020.The Central Government has allocated funds of Rs.500 crore for research and
development of 5G.
• Central Government has set up a study group to examine the problems being faced by the people residing near
the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The study group has been
formed in the wake of regular cross border firing by Pakistan. The study group will be headed by RinaMitra
(Special Secretary in the Home Ministry).
• On October 6, 2017, Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
constituted a group of ministers (GoM) to make the ‘composition scheme’ more attractive and also
revisit GST rates on restaurants. The GoM has been set up under Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa
Sarma and will submit its report within 2 weeks.
• Committee to review the existing Haj Policy of Indian Government for 2013-17 and to suggest framework for
new Haj policy 2018-22, has presented its report to Union Ministry of Minority Affairs.Afzal Amanullah, IAS
(Retd.), former Secretary to Govt. of India and Ex Consul General of India, Jeddah was appointed as the
convener of this committee.Special quota for Jammu & Kashmir is to be increased from 1500 to 2000.
• On 10th October 2017, the Standing Committee on External Affairs headed by Shashi Tharoor, Congress
member of the Lok Sabha, was formed to examine the India-China relations. The Standing Committee on
External Affairs will examine the issue of cooperation between India and China in international organisations.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) panel on an external benchmark rate for banks headed byJanak Raj, Principal
adviser of Monetary Policy Department has submitted its report. As per the report, several disconcerting
banking practices, including violation of the RBI guidelines, inflating of base rate and arbitrary adjustment of
spreads are prevalent among major banks in India.
• Union Law Ministry has finalised the appointment of a panel (Second National Judicial Pay Commission) to
recommend new salary structure for judges of lower courts in India.
Former Supreme Court judge PV Reddi will be the head of this proposed commission which will submit its
recommendations in early 2019.
• A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, headed by BJP MP B C Khanduri will examine the
operational preparedness of the armed forces. Next meeting of this committee is scheduled to be held in
November 2017.
• On 12th October 2017, the Ministry of Culture announced that, a government committee has been formed to
coordinate year-long celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary from 2nd October, 2019. The
government committee will be headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has set up an internal committee which will
provide suggestions to Indian government on framing a national policy on artificial intelligence (AI).
• As per an order from Rajya Sabha secretariat, a five-member committee has been formed to select the
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candidate for the post of editor-in-chief of Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV).This committee is headed by Prasar
Bharati Chairman A Surya Prakash.
• On 16th October 2017, SEBI reorganised its committee on Market Infrastructure Institutions (MII) that advises
it on reviewing norms related to stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depository participants. The five
member expert committee on MII is now chaired by R Gandhi, former Deputy Governor at Reserve Bank of
India (RBI).
• On 27th October 2017, panel under former Madras High Court judge A.Arumughaswamy started probe into
the death of former Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa.
• On October 30, 2017, Punjab Chief Minister, Amarinder Singh constituted a steering committee under
International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, Randhir Singh, to work out the modalities for setting up a
sports university in Patiala.
• On October 30, 2017, Union Government set up an alternative mechanism panel headed by Finance Minister
Arun Jaitley, to consider and oversee mergers among the India’s public sector banks.
• On 29th September 2017, the Defence Ministry launched ‘ARPAN Version 3.0’ software for the Defence
Security Corps. ‘ARPAN Version 3.0’ software was rolled out by Deputy Chief of Army Staff – Information
Systems & Training (DCOAS -IS &T) J.S.Cheema for the Defence Security Corps.This software was
developed by Tech Mahindra.
• Scientists in Austria and China made the first video call using quantum encryption technology. The video call
was done using a satellite named ‘Micius’.
• On 30th September 2017, Gurugram-based VVDN Technologies, in partnership with Ireland’s Embedded
Downloads, launched the first Blockchain technology based smartphone ‘BitVault’.
BitVault is the world’s first blockchain technology based smartphone.
• In a bid to reinforce its leadership in the Arctic, Russia has launched world’s largest nuclear-powered
icebreaker ship named Sibir (Siberia). It was launched into the water at the Baltic Shipyard in St Petersburg.
• On 2nd October 2017, Researchers announced that, they have developed a new test ‘Oncotype DX’, that
predicts the return of cancer, thus sparing breast cancer patients from unnecessary chemotherapy, in London.
• On 25th September 2017, Australia announced that it will establish a national space agency, as a part of long
term plan to develop Australia’s domestic space industry, in Australia.
• On 3rd October 2017, Deepak Kumar, Chairman of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), launched
a new multilingual website and a Project Monitoring Information System (PMIS) Mobile App. In two
months, the new NHAI website would enable the public to rate national highways.
• On 4th October 2017, WWF-India, in partnership with Capgemini, launched One Planet Academy, the first
environment education portal for students and teachers in India.The One Planet Academy website is a digital
network for schools, teachers and students. It acts as a training and resource centre for environmental
education.
• A team of researchers, including those from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US has
developed a low-cost rapid test that can quickly and accurately detect Zika and dengue viruses from blood.
• On 5th October 2017, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced the setting up of a research
centre for startups, academicians, environmentalists and entrepreneurs, in Guwahati, Assam.This is the first
time ISRO is setting up an exclusive research facility in Assam.
• Embryo transfer technology (ETT) has revolutionized the breeding strategies in Bovines and is being used as a
tool to optimize the genetic improvement in cattle. Under this scheme, Department of Animal husbandry,
Dairying and Fisheries in co-operation with 12 States has undertaken a Mass Embryo Transfer programme in
Indigenous Breeds.
• On 5th October 2017, Governor for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh E S L Narasimhan launched the first
regional language version of ‘GST Rate Finder’ App in Telugu, in Hyderabad.
• ‘thenationspride.com’, India’s First Portal Dedicated to Para-sports was launched on October 6, 2017. This
platform has been launched to create awareness about para-sports and provide a platform to para sportspersons
to share their success stories against adversities
• Scientists have identified a new bacterium from a lime quarry in Karnataka and it will be expecting as a
source of antibiotics for several diseases including malaria. It named as Allostreptomyces indica YIM 75704T,
the bacterium belonged to Streptomycetaceae, a family of bacteria.
• On October 7 2017,Prasar Bharati Chairman A Surya Prakash has launched an online application system for
music auditions for the All India Radio (AIR) due to the occasion of 64th Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan.
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• On 5th October 2017, SS Athenia, the first British ship to be sunk during the Second World War was believed
to be found, in Ireland.SS Athenia was sunk by German submarine during World War II in 1939. It is believed
to be found on the sea bed off the coast of Ireland.
• On October 9, 2017, 10 more satellites for the Iridium Satellite Constellation were launched by SpaceX from
Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, US.
• On October 9, 2017, China launched a remote sensing VRSS-2 satellite for Venezuela from the Jiuquan
Satellite Launch Center in Gobi desert.VRSS -2 Satellite was launched by China’s Long March-2D carrier
rocket.
• On October 10, 2017, Japan launched Michibiki satellite, the fourth satellite for a new high-precision global
positioning system (GPS).Michibiki satellite was launched by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency aboard
H-2A rocket from Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture.
• On 11th October 2017, NVIDIA unveiled the world’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) computer designed to
drive fully autonomous robotaxis, named Pegasus. The new system developed to drive robotaxis is codenamed
Pegasus. Pegasus will be available to NVIDIA automotive partners in the second half of 2018.
• On 12th October 2017, SpaceX launched its recycled rocket Falcon 9 and landed it on a drone ship in the
Atlantic Ocean.SpaceX has launched the rocket Falcon 9, that had already flown to space and landed it
successfully on an ocean platform. It is as part of SpaceX’s effort to recycle costly rocket components.
• On 12th October 2017, two experimental vaccines against the Ebola virus proved safe and efficient to produce
an immune response that would last for at least one year, through a clinical trial in Liberia.The results of the
clinical trial were, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. They are based on a study of 1,500
adults, that began during the West Africa Ebola outbreak.
• On 12th October 2017, the Indian Air Force (IAF) launched an innovative mobile health App named
‘MedWatch’ on the occasion of its 85th anniversary. The concept and content of the App were developed by
the Directorate General of Medical Services (Air).
• National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD), world’s largest combustion research
centre was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras on October 13, 2017.It has largest
infrastructure facilities for any combustion research centre in an academic setting globally.
• The Indian Navy long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft P 8I has dispatched to Manila to undertake
a Search and Rescue operations (SAR) to find the missing sailors of a merchant vessel that sank off the coast
of Phillippines.i. The aircraft took off at 11:45pm on October 15 to Manila in search of the missing sailors of
MV Emerald Star which sank in North East of Philippines.
• Scientists have developed a military watch for the Russian army kit, that can resist high impact, and even
survive the consequences of a nuclear blast, in Russia.
• Trump Government has promised to provide the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System(EMALS)
technology to India for aircraft carriers.EMALS also weighs less, is expected to cost less and require less
maintenance, and can launch aircraft that are heavier or lighter.
• On 17th October 2017, Odisha government unveiled the State Open Government Data Platform
namedwww.odisha.data.gov.in. Odisha’s Chief Secretary A P Padhi inaugurated the
portal www.odisha.data.gov.in.
• The Income Tax Department has launched an ‘online chat’ service for taxpayers to seek answers to their basic
queries and doubts relating to direct tax issues.
• Scientists have said that, ‘Lusi’, the world’s largest ongoing mud eruption that began on the Indonesian island
of Java in 2006, would not stop soon, as it is connected to a nearby volcanic system.
• On 17th October 2017, French defence firm Thales announced the development of a radar catering to the
specific needs of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to equip the Tejas light combat aircraft.
• On 18th October 2017, WhatsApp rolled out the option to share “live location” for its users.
The “live location” sharing feature of WhatsApp enables a user to let a contact or a group trace his/her
location or movement on a map in real time for a defined window of time.
• The refurbished “USS Constitution” which is world’s oldest commissioned warshipsailed again on October
20, 2017. ‘USS Constitution’ was named by the first President of United States, George Washington.
• The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced an online single window system to issue
permissions for new businesses and factories, in Mumbai. All new business permissions will now be available
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through the online portal and the BMC will stop accepting physical applications. This system will also display
real-time status of the application, from all the departments handling the request.
• GST Network (GSTN) has launched an excel-based offline tool for businesses to file initial GSTR-3B
returns.Taxpayers can download excel-based offline tool from the GSTN portal under the download section
and later fill in the data.
• Astronomers have discovered a Sun-like star, a planet-eater that’s currently 350 light years away. This Sun-
like star has consumed the rocky equivalent of 15 Earths.
• Scientists have developed a new online virtual reality experience that lets users explore a Second World War
shipwreck of SS Thistlegorm.Researchers from University of Nottingham in the UK, have combined a 3D
model of the sunken ship SS Thistlegorm, based on thousands of photographs, with 360-degree underwater
video of divers exploring key sections of the wreck.
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced a second mission extension for Dawn
spacecraft which is currently in an orbit around dwarf planet Ceres. Dwarf planet Ceres is the largest object in
the asteroid belt (located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter).
• India’s neighbouring country, Myanmar has announced to launch its own satellite system MyanmarSat-2 in
June in 2019. MyanmarSat 2 will carry six C-band and six Ku-band transponders
• On 24th October 2017, Minister for Commerce and Industry, Suresh Prabhu launched the official website for
the Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion
(DIPP).
• A navigation tool recovered from a ship of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, that guided ships to India in
the 16th century, has been confirmed as the world’s oldest astrolabe (maritime navigation tool).It showed
that, it was an astrolabe from the 15th century, used by mariners to measure the altitude of the sun while at
sea. It is the world’s oldest astrolabe.
• Researchers from Brunel University in the UK have developed the first 3D printed wearable ‘battery’. The 3D
printing method of the wearable ‘battery’ stacks silicone, glue and gel electrolyte, layer by layer to make a
supercapacitor. The supercapacitor stores energy on its surface without chemical reactions.
• During the ongoing Naval Commanders’ Conference, Indian Navy has approved a “new mission-based
deployment” plan under which mission-ready ships and aircrafts will be deployed along critical sea lanes of
communications. This plan comes in the wake of China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean region.
• On October 23, 2017, India’s first all-woman crew on circumnavigation of globe under ‘Navika Sagar
Parikrama’ expedition arrived at Fremantle, Australia after sailing for 43 days. Under ‘Navika Sagar
Parikrama’, six-member all-women crew will cover 21,600 nautical miles around the world in eight months
and will return to Goa from where the expedition began in September 2017.
• On 26th October 2017, Saudi Arabia became the world’s first country to grant citizenship to a robot, by
granting citizenship to Sophia, an Artificially Intelligent (AI) robot.The robot, Sophia, was awarded
citizenship of Saudi Arabia at the Future Investment Initiative summit in Riyadh. Specific details of Sophia’s
citizenship were not discussed.
• Researchers from Florida State University have developed a new tool for objectively defining the onset and
departure of the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM).The researchers from Florida State University, US have
developed a method that uses rainfall rates to mark the span of the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) at any
given location throughout the affected region.
• On 27th October 2017, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched a web portal ‘Assam
Darpan’ where details of government schemes and projects would be available to the people. The Assam
Darpan platform has been developed by the National Informatics Centre, Ministry of Electronics &
Information Technology, as a part of the Digital India Programme.
• The world’s first hybrid electric tram powered by hydrogen fuel cells has started running in China, marking a
big step in the application of green energy in public transport.
• Swiss researchers have generated the world’s shortest laser pulse, a 43-attosecond X-ray flash, beating the 53-
attosecond record set by the US earlier in 2017. Scientists at the ETH Zurich have demonstrated the fastest
light pulse ever developed, beating the 53-attosecond record set by the US. The newly developed laser pulse is
a 43-attosecond X-ray flash.
• On October 28, 2017, Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways and Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Nitin Gadkari digitally flagged off a Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) ship
from Chennai Port to Mongla port in Bangladesh.
• Scientists have linked a new virus to the kala-azar or visceral leishmaniasis infection, a parasite infection that
has affected thousands of Indians.
• On 27th October 2017, NASA’s GRACE-1 and GRACE-2 satellites ended operations after experiencing
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problems due to failure of several battery cells.NASA said that, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment
(GRACE) mission, carried out in cooperation with the German space agency DLR, had ended science
operations after the retirement of one of its twin spacecraft GRACE-1 and GRACE-2.
• On 30th October 2017, Rajasthan’s Chief Electoral Officer Ashwini Bhagat launched the Election
Commission’s web-based project, ERO-Net, using which voters can register their names on electoral rolls
DEFENCE
• On October 8, 2017, Bangladesh Armed Forces Division and U.S. Army began their participation in
the Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (DREE). It is a civil-military disaster
preparedness and response initiative between the governments of Bangladesh and US.
• Indian Naval Ships Satpura and Kadmatt are visiting Sasebo, Japan from 12th to 15th October 2017. The visit
of these ships is in line with India’s Act East Policy and reiterating of India’s commitment to peace and
stability in the Indo-Pacific Region. The two Indian naval ships will also take part in Passage Exercise
(PASSEX) with the Murusame Class destroyer, JS Kirisame.
• On 13th – 25th October 2017, Mitra Shakti 2017, a joint exercise between India and Sri Lanka for military co-
operation and interoperability, is conducted at the Aundh Military Camp, in Pune.
• On October 16, 2017, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman commissioned India’s third indigenously
built Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette INS Kiltan into the Indian Navy. The commissioning
ceremony was held at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and was attended by Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral
Sunil Lanba. INS Kiltan is 109 meters long and 14 meters at the beam. Its displacement tonnage (ship’s
weight) is 3500 tonnes.
• Exercise INDRA-2017, the first ever Tri Services Joint Exercise between Indian and Russian Armed Forces
begun in Vladivostok, Russia on October 19, 2017. INDRA -2107 will continue till October 29, 2017.
• On October 21, 2017, Sri Lankan Navy commissioned Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCGS) Ship
Suraksha.SLCGS Suraksha is an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) provided by the Indian Coast Guard to the Sri
Lanka Navy. During its tenure with Indian Coast Guard, this OPV was named ‘Varuna’.
• On 24th October – 5th November 2017, the 30th edition of CORPAT (Coordinated Patrol) and 3rd Bilateral
exercise between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy is conducted in Belawan, Indonesia.
• On October 27, 2017, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) handed over offshore patrol vessel (OPV) ‘Vikram’ to Indian
Coast Guard. In March 2017, Union Ministry of Defense had awarded Rs 1,432-crore contract to L&T to
build seven offshore vessel patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) aircrafts on 24th oct 2017 took off as part of a special drill on a Four kilometre
stretch of the Agra-Lucknow Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district. The exercise by the IAF, in
collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government, saw aC-130 J Super Hercules transport aircraft make a short
landing on the highway, around 65 km from Lucknow.
• In a bid to deepen operational coordination in the strategically important sea lanes, Indian Navy and Japan
Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) began a three-day anti-submarine warfare exercise in the Indian
Ocean region on October 29, 2017.In this exercise, Indian Navy is represented by two P-8 I long-range
maritime reconnaissance anti-submarine warfare aircrafts.
• Indian Army has finalised one of its biggest procurement plans for infantry modernisation at a cost of nearly
Rs 40,000 crore to replace its ageing and obsolete weapons. Under this plan, around 7 lakh rifles, 44,000 light
machine guns (LMGs) and nearly 44,600 carbines will be procured.
ENVIRONMENT
• On October 5th 2017,The Snow Leopard has been clicked first time in India at Thembang village’s
Community Conserved Area, a community-owned reserve, in West Kameng district, Arunachala Pradesh.It
was spotted in the High Asian region, especially in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ladakh region in India. It was
clicked at a height above sea level of 3,900 metres.
• On 17th October 2017, Marine scientists said that, the sawfish, included in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife
(Protection) Act 1972 is more threatened than tigers and elephants.On 17th October 2017, the first Sawfish
Day was observed all over the world.
• Experts have said that, the world’s deepest lake, Siberia’s Lake Baikal, containing 22–23% of the world’s
fresh surface water, is in deep trouble. One-fifth of all non-frozen fresh water in the world is located in a
single Russian lake, Baikal. It is a UNESCO world heritage site.
• According to a paper published in the taxonomic journal Comptes Rendus Biologies, a team of scientists have
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discovered a new species of gecko (lizard) from the Eastern Ghats.

• As per a study conducted by Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health, released in Lancet medical
journal, India has topped the list of countries with highest pollution-related deaths in year 2015. In 2015,
pollution-related death toll in India stood at 2.51 million, which is 28 per cent of an estimated 9 million
pollution-linked deaths worldwide in the same year.
• On October 24th 2017,The Supreme Court has fined of Rs 2 lakh on the Union Environment Ministry for not
fixing the pollution emission standards of Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide for 34 categories of industries
as per May 2 order and also SC banned of using pet coke and furnace oil in Delhi and the NCR to control the
air pollution.
• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has eased standards for sewage treatment plants (STP) coming
up after June 2019. As per 2015 proposal of Government, biochemical oxygen demand (BoD) in water treated
by upcoming STPs should not be more than 10 mg/litre. BoD is a marker for organic pollutants in the water.
• An almost completely fossilized skeleton of ‘fish lizard’, a type of marine reptile that lived in the Jurassic-era,
has been discovered for the first time in India from Kutch district of Gujarat. The skeleton was discovered by a
team of Indo-German geologists near the Kaas hills of Bhuj town, in January 2016. At that time, it was
believed to be fossil of a dinosaur.
• Scientists have declared a 6,000-year-old human skull that was discovered in Papua New Guinea in 1929, as
the world’s oldest tsunami victim’s skull.
• On 28th October 2017, several species including four Asian vultures, were awarded the highest protection by
the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, held in Manila.The Asian vultures
that were included on highest protection list are the red-headed vulture, white-rumped vulture, Indian
vulture and slender-billed vulture.
SPORTS
• Max Verstappen of the Red Bull team won the Malaysian Grand Prix 2017 title.
• On 1st October 2017, Jagan Kumar of TVS Racing won his sixth consecutive title in the premier Super Sport
Indian (165cc) class, in the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship, in
Chennai.
• On 1st October 2017, FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) announced that, female
assistant referees will work in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, for the first time in a FIFA men’s competition.
• Hyundai India has announced that it will be official transportation partner for the upcoming FIFA U17 World
Cup Tournament which starts from October 6, 2017 in India.
• On 1st October 2017, ViswanathanAnand finished joint second at the Isle of Man Chess Championship, in
Douglas, Isle of Man.The title was won by Norway’s world champion Magnus Carlsen, who secured 7.5
points.
• On 26th September 2017, Team Europe defeated Team World by 15-9 and won the first Laver Cup 2017, in
Prague, Czech Republic. Laver Cup 2017 is the first edition of Laver Cup tennis tournament. Laver Cup is an
international indoor hard court men’s tennis tournament.
• On 1st October 2017, nine countries were suspended from weightlifting for 1 year by the International
Weightlifting Federation (IWF), in Budapest, Hungary.The 9 suspended countries are Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. The suspended countries have been given
a 1 year ban.
• On 4th September 2017, Adidas launched its new campaign named #HereToCreate, to inspire young football
talent in India and to kick start a football revolution. #HereToCreate is Adidas’ new campaign for football. It
is a film that showcases how football has caught the imagination of India both on and off the pitch.
• On 4th October 2017, MahaveerRaghunathan became the first Indian to win a European racing championship,
by winning the Boss GP Championship (Formula Class) title, at Imola, Italy. MahaveerRaghunathan is a 19
year old racer from Chennai. He has won the Boss GP Championship (Formula Class) title.
• On 4th October 2017, PoojaKadian created history by winning India’s first ever gold medal at Wushu World
Championships, in Russia. PoojaKadian has won gold medal, becoming India’s first gold medal winner in
Wushu World Championships.
• Australian Cricketer John Wayne Hastings confirmed his retirement from Tests and One-Day Internationals
(ODIs). He plans to focus on T20 cricket.
• On Oct.6th 2017,Morgan Hurd from America won the women’s all-around title in world gymnastics
championships at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium. Canada’s Ellie Black took silver and Elena Eremina of
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Russia won the bronze.

• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suspended its Brazilian arm amid an investigation into
corruption allegations.
• India finished second in 20th Asia Masters Athletics Championship held in Rugao, China. and bagged 146
medals, including 37 golds, 43 silvers and 66 bronze.China was topped.
• On 8th October 2017, Indian golfer 28-year-old Ajeetesh Sandhu won Asian Tour title at the USD 500,000
Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (TPC) at Taipei.
• On October 8, 2017, Formula One motorist Lewis Hamilton won Japanese Grand Prix.i. Lewis Hamilton of
Mercedes finished the race 1.2 seconds ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
China Open:
• On October 8, 2017, Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal won the men’s singles title at China Open 2017in
Beiging. He defeated Australia’s Nick Kyrgios in the final match. This is Nadal’s 75th Career Title.
• On October 8, 2017, French tennis player Caroline Garcia won the women’s singles title at China Open
2017. She defeated Romania’s Simona Halep in the final match.
• On October 8, 2017, Chan Yung-Jan of Taiwan and Martina Hingis of Switzerland won the women’s doubles
title at China Open 2017.
• On 8th October 2017, Anupama Ramachandran of India won the World Open Under-16 Snooker
Championship title in the girls category, in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
• 2017 World Solar Challenge – the solar car race, began on October 8, 2017 from the northern Australian city
of Darwin.In this race, 42 solar cars will cover a distance of 3,000 kms from Northern Australian city of
Darwin to southern city of Adelaide.First edition of World Solar Challenge took place in 1987. It has now
become one of the world’s foremost innovation challenges.
• On 9th October 2017, mixed pair of Jemson Ningthoujam and Ankita Bhakat from India, won the recurve team
gold medal, in the World Archery Youth Championship 2017, in Rosario, Argentina.India bagged one gold,
one silver and one bronze at the World Archery Youth Championship 2017.
• On 9th October 2017, Iceland became the smallest country ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Iceland has qualified to participate in FIFA World Cup 2018 by defeating Kosovo by 2-0 in the finals. Iceland
finished the group with 22 points from their 10 games.
• In a bid to make India Cricket team one of the fittest sides in world cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in
India (BCCI) has made it mandatory for cricketers to pass the ‘yo-yo’ endurance test.In a yo-yo test, players
have to pace themselves to and fro between two rows of cones kept 20 metres apart.
• On October 8, 2017, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist RMV Gurusaidutt won the men’s singles title at
the Bulgarian International Future Series Badminton tournament.
• Ashish Nehra announces retirement from all forms of cricket. Ashish Nehra has collected 44 Test, 157 one-
day international and 34 Twenty20 wickets in his 18-year international career.
• The Pakistan football federation was suspended from FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football
Association) by the Bureau of FIFA council on 10th Oct 2017. The reason behind the suspension was
the “Interference of third party” in PFF.
• Arjen Robben retires from International Footbal. Arjen was in fourth position in the Netherlands “all time goal
scorers” list.
• On 11th Oct. 2017, India won against Macau at the Sree Kanteerava stadium and secured the path into
the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
• Switzerland’s Esther Staubli is set to become the first female football referee to officiate a match at
the FIFA U-17 World Cup when Japan takes on New Caledonia in the final round group E match on October
14, 2017 at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
• On Oct.13 2017, International Cricket Council approved to conduct Test championship and one-day
international league. Nine teams will be participated and will play six series of Test matches over a two-year
period .This will be three series at home and three series away in a world Test championship final.
• On 13th October 2017, The International Cricket Council (ICC) approved four-day Tests on a trial basis
between South Africa and Zimbabwe from 26-29 December, 2017.
• Shakib Al Hasan becomes first Bangladeshi to be inducted in MCC World Cricket Committee
• On October 15, 2017, Maria Sharapova of Russia beat Aryna Sabalenka of Belarusin the final match
of Tianjin Open tennis tournament. This was Sharpova’s first title victory since May 2015 and seventh event
since she returned in April 2017 from a 15-month drug ban.
• On October 15, 2017, Roger Federer of Switzerland beat Rafael Nadal of Spain by 6-4 6-3 to win the final
match of Shanghai Masters tennis tournament China.This is Roger Federer’s 94th career title and has
equalled Ivan Lendl’s record in terms of Open era titles. Top spot is held by American player Jimmy Connors
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with 109 career titles.

Shanghai, China.
• India’s young paddler Selena Selvakumar,17 won gold medal in the Junior Girls Team event to annex the
2017 Egypt Junior and Cadet Table-Tennis Open.
• Football club Mohun Bagan has won the 37th All India Governor’s Gold Cup football tournament.Mohun
Bagan defeated Partha Chakra by a narrow 1-0 margin to win the 37th All India Governor’s Gold Cup. The
final match was played at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Sikkim.
• On 15th October 2017, Kavita Devi, a former competitive powerlifter, became the first Indian woman to be
signed by the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
• On 16th October 2017, Brazilian sailor Robert Scheidt announced his retirement from Olympic competition.
Robert Scheidt has ended his 25 year career. He said that, he would continue to participate in non-Olympic
events and support Brazil’s sailors to prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Games.
• On 15th October 2017, India’s Selena Selvakumar won three gold medals in Egypt Junior and Cadet Table
Tennis Open 2017, with the junior girls’ singles and doubles titles at Sharm El Sheikh, in Egypt.
• On 17th October 2017, the Kerala High Court restored life ban imposed on cricketer S.Sreesanth by the Board
of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
• Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri is the world’s highest-earning cricket coach in the world.He is paid
around 1.17 million dollars per year from the BCCI which is more than the salary of Indian cricket team’s
captain Virat Kohli.
• On 19th October 2017, India lost its number 1 status in ICC ODI rankings to South Africa, following South
Africa’s win over Bangladesh in an ODI match. According to the updated ICC ODI rankings, after South
Africa’s 104-run win over Bangladesh in the second ODI in Paarl, South Africa has occupied the number 1
rank in ODI.
• Men’s magazine Playboy has featured its first ever transgender model as ‘playmate’ centerfold in its
November 2017 issue. Playboy has featured its first ever transgender ‘playmate’ centerfold in its November
2017 issue. This has been done in a move to create way for all women including transgenders in fashion and
other sectors.
• On 19th October 2017, the Greek Olympic committee announced that, Champions League winner Park Ji-sung
will be the first South Korean to carry the flame for the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.
• Indians Mohit Dudeja and Kiran bagged a silver and a bronze medal respectively at the World skills
competition 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
• Veda Krishnamurthy, Indian cricketer, has signed a 1 year contract with Hobart Hurricanes and will be
available for their 10 league games of the third season, starting on 9th December 2017.Veda Krishnamurthy
has become the third Indian cricketer to sign a Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) contract. In 2016,
Harmanpreet Kaur became the first Indian women’s cricket team player to be signed by an overseas Twenty20
franchise.
• On 22nd October 2017, Lewis Hamilton won the 2017 United States Grand Prix at Austin, Texas, United
States.
• On October 22, 2017, during the one day international (ODI) match between India and New Zealand at
Wankhede stadium, Mumbai, Virat Kohli became the highest run-scorer after 200 ODIs. During his innings in
this match against New Zealand, Virat’s total runs scored in ODIs reached 8888 mark and thereby overtook
South Africa captain AB de Villiers, who has 8621 runs after 200 ODIs.
• Marc Márquez Alentà who was born on 17 February 1993 is a Spanish Grand Prixmotorcycle road racer and
three-time MotoGP world champion.
• On 22nd October 2017, India beat Malaysia by 2-1 in the finals and won the Asia Cup hockey championship
for the third time, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.India has won the 2017 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup. India’s previous
Hockey Asia Cup titles were won in 2003 at Kuala Lumpur and 2007 at Chennai.
• The Indian junior women boxers have won 4 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals in the third Youth
International Championships Balkan Open 2017 at Sofia, Bulgaria. India’s Nitu (48kg) defeated Emi-Mari
Todorova of Bulgaria by 5-0. Nitu (48kg) won a gold medal. India’s Shashi (57kg) defeated Italy’s Giordana
Sorrentino and won a gold medal. Sakshi (54kg) defeated Biancamaria Tessari of Italy and won a gold medal.
Neha Yadav (+81 kg) beat Adrienne Juhasz of Hungary by 3-2 and won a gold medal.
• On October 22, 2017, Indian Golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar won Macao Open 2017 at the Macau Golf and Country
Club in Macau.
2017 Denmark Open Super Series Premier
Men’s Singles Kidambi Srikanth (India) Lee Hyun-il of South Korea
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Women’s Singles Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand Akane Yamaguchi of Japan

Men’s Doubles Liu Cheng and Zhang Nan pair of China Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin
Sanjaya Sukamuljo pair of Indonesia
Women’s Doubles Lee So Hee and Shin Seung Chan pair of South Korea Shiho Tanaka and Koharu Yonemoto
pair of Japan
Mixed Doubles Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet pair of Hong Zheng Siwei and Chen Qingchen pair
Kong of China
FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 – Overview
• The 17th edition of FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by India between 6th and 28th of October 2017. A total of
24 teams qualified for the final tournament.
• Total 6 venues in the host cities Kochi, Delhi, Navi Mumbai, Guwahati, Margao and Kolkata. The final was
held at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on 28 October 2017.
• The mascot of 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup is a clouded leopard named Kheleo. Official slogan for 2017 FIFA
U-17 World Cup is ‘Football Takes Over’.
• The official song for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup football tournament Called "Kar Ke Dikhla De Goal", the
song has been written by lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya and composed by Pritam.
• England has won the FIFA U-17 World Cup, in the final match, England defeated Spain by 5-2.The final
match was held on October 28, 2017 in Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan/Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
• Phil Foden of England has been adjudged tournament’s best player and has been awarded ‘Golden Ball’.
• Another Player from England, Rhian Brewster who scored the most goals in the tournament (8 goals) has been
awarded ‘Golden Shoe’.
• Gabriel Brazao the goalkeeper of Brazil’s national football team has won the ‘Golden Glove’.
• The official ball for Under-17 football World Cupis called ‘Krasava’, a word generally used by Russian sports
fans to describe a striking performance. The ball is manufactured by ‘Adidas’ and the pattern on it features a
striking red design with jagged lines running through it.
• Switzerland’s Esther Staubli became the first female football referee to officiate a match at the FIFA U-17
World Cup. She was the referee for the match between Japan and New Caledonia in the final round group E
match on October 14, 2017 at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
• India’s Divij Sharan and America’s Scott Lipsky won the European Open trophy in Antwerp, Belgium. Divij
Sharan and Scott Lipsky defeated Santiago Gonzalez and Julio Peralta by 6-4, 2-6, 10-5 in the finals. They
won the 2017 European Open title.
• Manav Thakkar has become the first Indian to occupy the top spot (3,455 points) on the ITTF World Junior
Circuit standings.Manav Thakkar hails from Surat. He was previously placed at No. 5 position. He has
reached the top position of top ITTF Junior Circuit standings after finishing runner-up at the 2017 Serbian
Junior and Cadet Open, Belgrade.
• Jitu Rai, a Commonwealth and Asian Games gold-medallist, and Heena Sidhu, also a former Commonwealth
Gamesgold-winner, picked up their third gold together in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, being held
officially for the first time at an ISSF World Cup on the opening day of competitions in New Delhi .
• The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced Scott Fleming, former India men’s national team head
coach, has joined NBA India as Head of Basketball Operations.
• Kochi Tuskers have won arbitration case against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over
wrongful termination from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and demand Rs.850 crore compensation from
BCCI.
• On 25th October 2017, the Committee of Administrators (COA) chose Puducherry as an associate member in
the Indian cricket board (BCCI).
• Virat Kohli, the captain of Indian cricket team, has been ranked above the Argentinean and Barcelona football
legend Lionel Messi, as one of the most valuable brands among sports athletes by Forbes. According
to Forbes, Kohli is ranked seventh in the list released by Forbes ahead of Messi, who is at ninth. Roger
Federer tops the list with a brand value of $37.2 million, followed by basketball star LeBron James with $33.4
million and Usain Bolt with $27 million.
• On 21st October 2017, Gokul Natesan became the second Indian-origin player to be signed by an NBA G-
League side. Gokul Natesan was signed by Canton Charge, a minor league affiliate team of Cleveland
Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
• The International Hockey Federation (FIH) declared that China have qualified for the Hockey World Cup for
the first time.China’s place was confirmed when South Korea drew 1-1 with Malaysia, a result which put the
Malaysians into the final against India.
• India’s Amanpreet Singh secured third place in the 50-metre pistol final at the International Shooting Sport
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Federation World Cup Final in Delhi on October 27, 2017. He shot 76 out of 80 targets, three behind gold
medallist Hu Binyuan (79).
• Patna Pirates defeated Gujarat Fortune giants by 55-38 at the finals in Chennai and won the fifth edition of Pro
Kabaddi, for the third consecutive time. Patna Pirates’ Raider Pardeep Narwal won the Most Valuable Player
and Best Raider awards in the 2017 Vivo Pro Kabaddi League season.
• Rwanda’s first cricket stadium was inaugurated on 29thoct 2017 byPresident Paul Kagame as a permanent
home for developing the sport in the country.
Winners of Yonex French Open Badminton 2017
Category Winner Runner-up
Men’s Singles Kidambi Srikanth (India) Kenta Nishimoto (Japan)
Women’s Singles Tai Tzu Ying (Chinese Taipei) Akane Yamaguchi (Japan)
Men’s Doubles Lee Jhe-Huei & Lee Yang (Chinese Mathias Boe & Carsten Mogensen
Taipei) (Denmark)
Women’s Doubles Apriyani Rahayu & Greysia Polii Lee So Hee & Shin Seung Chan (South
(Indonesia) Korea)
Mixed Doubles Tontowi Ahmad & Liliyana Natsir Zheng Siwei & Chen Quingchen (China)
(Indonesia)
• Women in Saudi Arabia have been allowed to attend matches at sports stadiums form 2018.
• Virat Kohli became the sixth Indian and the fastest to score 9000 runs in ODI, during a match against New
Zealand in Kanpur.
• Italy topped the medal count and Chinese were crowned ‘Champion of Champions’, in the ISSF World Cup
Final 2017, in New Delhi. Italy topped the medal count by winning 2 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze medals. It
was followed by China in 2nd position with 2 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals. India, which hosted the
event, finished in the 7th position overall. It won 1 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medal.
• Max Verstappen wins Mexican GP, Lewis Hamilton wins the 2017 Formula One championship title
• On 30th October 2017, the West Bengal cabinet decided to provide a 15 acre land to the All India Football
Federation (AIFF) on lease for Rs 1 to help set up the National Centre of Excellence. The West Bengal cabinet
has decided to give 15 acre of land to the AIFF for 90 years on an exchange of Rs 1 only.
• Indian cricket team captains Virat Kohli and Mitali Raj occupied the No.1 position in the latest ICC ODI
Cricket rankings for batsmen and bats women which was published on 29thoct 2017.
• Indian table tennis player Diya Chitale won silver medal in the girls’ doubles category of the 2017 ITTF
World Cadet Challenge, inSuva, Fiji
OBITUARY
• Veteran writer HM Marathe passes away in Pune.

• Former Union minister and socialist leader PurushottamLal Kaushik died in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund
district.
• National Award-winning director Kundan Shah died at his age of 69 due to heart attack.
• Congress leader Prabhakarpant Ojharkar passed away on October 7, 2017 in Nashik.
• Noted journalist Bismoy Kumar Mohanty died due to heart attack at Puri, Odisha.
On 13th October 2017, Veteran historian of medieval India and noted educational administrator, Satish
Chandra passed away, in New Delhi.
• Veteran filmmaker, Lekh Tandon, passed away at his residence in Powai, Mumbai.
• India’s first Olympic swimmer, Shamsher Khan passed away in Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur district.
• On 15th October 2017, poet Punyaslok Dasgupta, died of kidney ailment at a hospital in Jalpaiguri, West
Bengal.
• Veteran British Actor Roy Dotrice dies at 94
• Richard Wilbur, Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Winner, Dies at 96in Belmont, Massachusetts, US.
• Mr. Ram Singh Yadav, Congress MLA of Shivpuri (Madhya Pradesh) passed away on 18thoct 2017 after a
sudden heart attack.
• American Chess grandmaster William Lombardy passed away
• French film legend Danielle Darrieux dies aged 100
• Former MP Amal Datta passes awayin Kolkata.
• Shankaracharya Madhavashram Maharaj passes away at 76 in Chandigarh.
• Noted Malayalam filmmaker I.V.Sasi passed away in Chennai.
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• Thumri Queen, Padma Vibhushan awardee Girija Devi passes away at 88 at BM Birla Heart Research Centre,
in Kolkata.
• On 24th October 2017, cross-country woman bike rider Sana Iqbal died in a car accident in Hyderabad.
• Gaur Kishore Ganguli, the noted freedom fighter passed awayat his residence in Dhanbad, Jharkhand.
• Singer Fats Domino died due to natural causes in New Orleans, United States.
• Manikchand Group chairman Rasiklal Dhariwal dies of cancerat Ruby Hall Clinic, in Pune.
• Malayalam writer Punathil Kunjabdulla passed away at a private hospital, in Kozhikode, Kerala.
• On 27th October 2017, former BJP minister Dr Digamber Singh passed away due to multiple organ failure, in
Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• On October 30 2017 ,Dr. M.V. Sridhar , 51 a Former Hyderabad Ranji Trophy star and ex-secretary of the
Hyderabad Cricket Association passed away .He was suffering from a massive heart attack.
• Gautam Adhikari, co-founder of SAB TV dies at 67
• South Korean veteran actor Kim Joo-hyuk passed away
• Writer and journalist Khadri Achyuthan dies at 71in Bengaluru, Karnataka
BOOKS & AUTHORS
• On 4th October 2017, a book titled ‘The Singing Tree’ was launched by an international NGO, Orbis India, to
spread awareness on preventing child blindness.Author of this book is Ken Youngstein.
• A documentary on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, titled ‘An Insignificant Man’, is to be released on
17th November 2017 in theatres. Vice Media is presenting the movie ‘An Insignificant Man’. It was produced
by Memesys Lab. It was directed by Khushboo Ranka and Vina Shukla.
• On October 14, 2017, former president Pranab Mukherjee released ‘The Coalition Years: 1996-2012’, the
third part of his memoir in New Delhi.First part of Pranab Mukherjee’s memoir is ‘The Dramatic Decade: The
Indira Gandhi Years’. The title of the second part is ‘The Turbulent Years: 1980-1996’.
• On 23rd October 2017, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje launched an e-book titled ‘India 2017
Yearbook’. India 2017 Yearbook’ was compiled by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and
former Union home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi.
• On 27th October 2017, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman released a coffee table book on the
Department of Defence Production (DDP), titled ‘A journey towards self-reliance’.
• On 15th October 2017, the book ‘Dreamnation: Uniting a Country with Handwritten Dreams’
was releasedonline by Indian women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj.It was released on 15th October 2017,
which is the 86th birth anniversary of APJ Abdul Kalam.The book was co-authored by Saji Mathew and Jubie
John. Itwas published by Bloomsbury in collaboration with NGO LetterFarms.
• On 16th October 2017, Deepika Padukone launched the biography of veteran actress Hema Malini named
‘Beyond the Dream Girl’ in Mumbai.The biography of Bollwood actress Hema Malini titled ‘Beyond The
Dream Girl’, is written by Ram Kamal Mukherjee.
IMPORTANT DAYS
• On 1st October 2017, International day of Older Persons was observed all over the world.
Theme for the International Day of Older Persons 2017 was ‘Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents,
Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society’.
• World Vegetarian Day and International Coffee Day was also observed on October.International Coffee
Day is used to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage across the world. The first official date was 1
October 2015, as agreed by the International Coffee Organization and it was launched in Milan.
• On 2nd October 2017, International Day of Non-Violence was observed all over the world.
International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2nd October every year, to mark the birthday of Mahatma
Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement.
• On 2nd October 2017, World Habitat Day was observed all over the world. The theme for World Habitat Day
2017 is ‘Housing Policies: Affordable Homes’
• On 4th to 10th October 2017, World Space Week is observed all over the world.World Space Week theme for
2017 is ‘Exploring New Worlds In Space’. It challenges us to look outwards from Earth and consider the
possibilities beyond our own sky’s limits.
• On 5th October 2017, World Teachers Day is observed all over the world. World Teachers Day is also known
as International Teachers Day. Since 1994, it is celebrated worldwide.Theme of 2017 World Teachers Day is
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‘Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers’.

• On October 8 2017, The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 85th anniversary. The celebrations were marked
by a stellar show in the skies by various aircraft at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad
• On 9th October 2017, World Post Day was celebrated all over the world.The World Post Day is celebrated to
mark the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in the Swiss Capital,
Bern.
• On 10th October 2017, the World Day against the Death Penalty is observed all over the world. The theme for
World Day against the Death Penalty 2017 is ‘the death penalty and poverty’.
On 10th October 2017, World Mental Health Day is observed all over the world. ‘Mental health in the
workplace’ is the theme of World Mental Health Day 2017.
• ‘International Day of the Girl Child’ is observed across the world on October 11 every year. Observance of
‘International Day of the Girl Child’ can be traced back to ‘Because I Am a Girl’ campaign started by Plan
International, a non-governmental organization that operates worldwide.Theme of International Day of the
Girl Child’ 2017 is “EmPOWER Girls: Before, during and after crises”.
• In view of ‘International Day of the Girl Child’ on October 11, 2017, Union Ministry of Women and Child
Development will be celebrating the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Week from 9th to 14th October, 2017.Theme of
this celebration will be “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Week- The Daughters of New India”.
• On 13th October 2017, International Day for Disaster Reduction was observed all over the world.‘Home Safe
Home: Reducing Exposure, Reducing Displacement’ is the slogan for International Day for Disaster
Reduction 2017.
• On 14th October 2017, World Standards Day was observed all over the world.World Standards Day theme for
2017 is “Standards make cities smarter”.
• On 15th October 2017, International Day of Rural Women is celebrated all over the world. The theme for
2017 International Day of Rural Women is “Challenges and opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture for
gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls”.
• On 15th October 2017, World Students Day was celebrated all over the world.The United Nations declared
former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam’s birthday (October 15) as ‘World Student’s Day’ in 2010.
• On 16th October 2017, World Food Day was observed all over the world. The theme for World Food Day
2017 is ‘Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development’.
• On 17th October 2017, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was observed all over the
world.Theme for International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2017 is: ‘Answering the Call of October 17
to end poverty: A path toward peaceful and inclusive societies’.
• World Statistics Day was celebrated for the first time on 20th October 2010 throughout the world. The United
Nations Statistical Commission declared 20th October as World Statistics Day.
• On 21st October 2017, the Police Commemoration Day was observed all over India.
This day remembers the sacrifice of ten policemen who died in Chinese firing in 1959.
• On 22nd October 2017, International Stuttering Awareness Day was observed all over the world.The theme for
International Stuttering Awareness Day 2017 is ‘A World That Understands Stuttering’.
• On 24th October 2017, World Polio Day was observed all over the world.It is held on October 24th in
celebration of the birth of Dr. Jonas Salk, the man who led the first team to develop a vaccine against polio.
On 24th October 2017, the World Development Information Day was observed all over the world.
• On 24th to 30th October 2017, the Disarmament Week is observed all over the world. The Disarmament week
was established in 1978. The observance of Disarmament Week focuses on raising public awareness of the
dangers of the arms race and the need for international disarmament.
• United Nations Day is celebrated on 24th October every year across the world. United Nations Day is
celebrated on 24th October every year to mark the anniversary of UN Charter which came into force on
October 24, 1945. UN Charter is the foundational treaty of the United Nations.
• On 24th October 2017, the first International Day of Diplomats was celebrated in Brasilia.Diplomats of
Bangladesh, Brazil, France, Ghana, India, Israel, Italy, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey participated in the
First International Day of Diplomats celebration in Brasilia.
• On 27th October 2017, Infantry Day was celebrated by the Indian Army. 27th October is celebrated as
Infantry Day, since, on this day in 1947, the first contingent of infantry landed at Srinagar Airfield.
• On 27th October 2017, World Day for Audiovisual Heritage was observed all over the world.Theme for The
World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2017 is “Discover, remember and share”.
• On 28th October 2017, International Animation Day was observed all over the world.
• On 29th October 2017, World Stroke Day was observed all over the world.The theme for World Stroke Day
2017 is: What’s your reason for preventing stroke? “.
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• October 31 is celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) in India.This day marks the birth
anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played an instrumental role in integration of princely state with
Indian Union post independence.
• On 31st October 2017, World Savings Day was observed all over the world. The theme for World Savings
Day 2017 is: Our future starts with savings. World Savings Day was established to spread awareness among
people around the world about the idea of saving money in a bank.
• ‘World Cities Day’ is observed on 31st October, every year across the world.’World Cities Day’ is observed
with ‘Better City, Better Life’ as a general theme.
Current Affairs November 2017

INDIAN AFFAIRS
• Union Cabinet has given its approval for introduction of a Bill in Parliament namely the National Council for
Teacher Education (Amendment) Act, 2017, to amend the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993.
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given ex-post facto approval for implementation of Special
Banking Arrangement (SBA) for Rs. 10,000 crore for payment of outstanding claims on account of fertilizer
subsidy in the year 2016-17.
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the continuation of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
(RKVY) as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana- Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector
Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR) for three years i.e. 2017-18 to 2019-20.The financial allocation of this
scheme is Rs. 15,722 crore.
• Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing and ratifying an agreement between India and Armenia on
cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters.
• Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for the trade agreement between India and Ethiopia for
strengthening and promoting trade and economic co-operation.
• Union Cabinet has approved the sale of government’s entire 73.47 percent stake in Dredging Corporation of
India.
• The 9th edition of ‘CMS Vatavaran’, a global film festival on environment and wildlife, will begin on
November 2, 2017 in New Delhi.Theme of CMS Vatavaran is “Conservation 4 Water”.
• On November 1, 2017, Union Ministry of Finance increased the maximum age of joining the National Pension
System (NPS) from the existing 60 years to 65 years. They will have an option of normal exit from NPS after
completion of three years.
• Central Government has earmarked Rs 109 crores to promote heritage and spiritual tourism projects under
‘Swadesh Darshan’ Scheme in Puducherry.
• On October 30, 2017, Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA)approved Maharashtra
State government’s application to increase the height of the proposed statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
(off the coast of Mumbai) from the earlier 192 metres to 210 metres.
• On 31st October 2017, the Haryana government announced lifetime monthly pension of Rs 10,000 for Hindi
Satyagrahis and few more assistances.
• Karnataka’s Mudhol Hound, an Indian dog breed, is being trained to serve in the Indian Army, making it the
First Indian Dog Breed to be trained for Army Duty.
• On 1st November 2017, the Civil Aviation Ministry released draft norms for the unmanned aircraft systems
that stated that, drones for civilian use will require a Unique Identification Number and Radio Frequency tags.
• On November 3, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘World Food India’ 2017 in New
Delhi.India is hosting World Food Fair for the first time.
• On November 2, 2017, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the 21st World Congress of Mental
Health in New Delhi.
• India has made an offer to 10 Indian Ocean littoral States to share intelligence of maritime movements in the
Indian Ocean on real-time basis.
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• On 2nd November 2017, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified that, all four-wheel motor
vehicles sold on or after 1st December, 2017, will have FASTags fitted on them by the manufacturer of the
vehicle or its authorised dealer.
• NITI Aayog has said in a presentation that, the foundation for freedom from six problems namely poverty,
dirt, corruption, terrorism, casteism and communalism will be laid by 2022 when India celebrates 75 years of
Independence.
• On 4th and 5th November 2017, the 1st Heli Expo India and International Civil Helicopter Conclave-2017
was held at the Pawan Hans Heliport, Rohini, New Delhi. The theme of this conclave was ‘Enhancing
Connectivity’. It was organised by Pawan Hans Limited in association with PHD Chamber of Commerce and
Industry.
• On 4th November 2017, the annual Balijatra festival began on the banks of river Mahanadi in Cuttack at
Gadagadia ghat.
• On November 4, 2017, the second day of ‘World Food India’ 2017 event in New Delhi, Telangana State
Government launched its ‘Food Processing Policy’.
• On November 4, 2017, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched 647 schemes with a total
financial outlay of Rs. 24.57 crore to boost Majuli’s development.
• Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling on 05th Nov 2017 announced about a plan to launch a second
phase of organic movement in the state. Sikkim became a fully organic state on 2016.
• Union Ministry of Shipping has announced to provide financial assistance worth Rs 2302 crore for projects
under the Coastal Berth Scheme of the flagship Sagarmala Programme.
• Indian Railways has launched the main arch of the world’s highest bridge on the river Chenab in Jammu and
Kashmir’s Reasi district which will provide direct connectivity to the Kashmir valley.The bridge will
stand 359 metres above the bed of the River Chenab and will be 30 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower in
Paris.
• On 3rd November 2017, the Railway Board issued a letter stating that, it will install Aadhaar-based biometric
attendance system in all its zones and divisions by 31stJanuary 2018.
• On November 3, 2017, Department of Post issued stamps with photos of three Hyderabadi dishes – Biryani,
Baghare Baingan and Seviyan.
• On November 1, 2017, Embassy of Sweden and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Ltd jointly
inaugurated the Nobel Memorial Wall at the Rajiv Chowk Metro station of the Delhi Metro network. The wall
will be on display till November 7, 2017.
• On November 6, 2017, Bombay High Court allowed a 28-year-old woman to abort her 25-week foetus with
neuro abnormalities. This order by Bombay High Court’s bench of Justices Shantanu Kemkar and Girish
Kulkarni was based on a report by government-run JJ hospital which suggested that it is advisable to
terminate pregnancy.
• On November 6, 2017, Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar inaugurated
a two-day National Workshop ‘Chintan Shivir’ in New Delhi.
• On 8th November 2017, the Kerala government launched a new scheme for school students named ‘She Pad’
in Kerala. Free sanitary napkins, storage spaces and environment friendly incinerators at all government-aided
schools in Kerala will be provided as part of the project.
• Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi MoU between India and Philippines on
agriculture and related fields.
• Cabinet has approved agreement between India and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)
of China for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on
income.
• Cabinet approves amending DTAA with Kyrgyzstan.
• Cabinet approves Joint Interpretative Declaration between India and Colombia.
• Cabinet approves continuation and Restructuring of National Rural Drinking Water Programme.
• Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman, Guruprasad Mohapatra has stated that, Central Government is
working on adopting the ‘Land Pooling’ methodology as an alternative mechanism for development and
expansion of airports.
• Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared a proposal for creation of a National Testing
Agency (NTA) which will conduct various entrance examinations.
• The labour commission of Karnataka has certified the formation of the Karnataka State IT/ITES Employees
Union (KITU) under the Trade Union Act, 1926, and Karnataka Trade Unions Regulations, 1958.
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• The Biaras Small Hydropower Project (SHP) of 1.5 Mw was commissioned on 4th November 2017. This is
the first project to be commissioned under the Prime Minister’s Ladakh Renewable Energy Initiative
(LREI). The plant will power the Drass town in Kargil.
• Union minister Nitin Gadkari announced World Bank-supported Rs 6,000 crore scheme to improve the
irrigation facilities and water accessibility capacity in several states.
• On November 9, 2017, Telangana Chief Minister, K Chandrasekhar Rao declared Urdu as the state’s second
official language.
• On 9th November 2017, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan Singh inaugurated
the three-day Organic World Congress – 2017 at India Expo Centre in Greater Noida.
• The Nordic-Baltic embassies are set to host the first ever youth film festival of the European nations at India
Habitat Centre in New Delhi from 13 – 18 November 2017.
• ‘Bandhan Express’ a passenger train between Kolkata and Bangladesh’s southwestern industrial city of
Khulna was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta
Banerjee and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
• On November 8, 2017, Delhi Government signed a twin city agreement with the Seoul (South Korea)
Metropolitan Government with an objective to strengthen cooperation between two cities in the fields of smart
city, e-governance, climate change and transportation.
• 23rd meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council headed by Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley
was held in Guwahati, Assam on November 10, 2017. GST rate on 177 items has been reduced from 28% to
18%. Now only 50 items, mostly demerit, sin and luxury goods will attract 28% GST rate.
• Telangana State Assembly has passed three key bills including Telangana Prevention of Dangerous Activities
of Bootleggers, Dacoits, Drug Offenders, Goondas, Immoral traffic offenders and Land grabbers
(Amendment) Bill, 2017.
• On 10th November 2017, the second meeting of the Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister Narendra
Modi (EAC-PM) was held in New Delhi.The meeting was chaired by Bibek Debroy.
• As Delhi’s air is turning toxic over recent weeks and reaching crisis levels, the Centre stepped in and decided
to set up a 7-member-committee of secretaries from the Centre, Delhi Government and experts to
continuously monitor and implement a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) that would include control of
road and construction of dust garbage burning, control of power plants and industrial emissions, entry of
vehicles and several other related factors.
• Haryana has emerged as the first state in India to treat Hepatitis-C patients through oral medicine. This
announcement was made by Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij, during a training workshop organised by the
health department.
• On November 8, 2017, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the second meeting of Island
Development Agency (IDA) in New Delhi.The meeting was attended byGovernor of Andaman & Nicobar
Islands, Admiral D.K. Joshi, who is also the Vice Chairman of IDA.
• According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Varanasi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 4pm on
10th November 2017 was at 491 at Ardhali Bazar monitoring station, making it the most polluted city of
India.
• In a bid to tighten the existing coastal security mechanism, Odisha and its neighbouring state West Bengal will
soon organize a joint security exercise named as ‘Sagar Kavach’along the 630 km long coastline.
• As a part of the ongoing Indo-Bangladesh defense cooperation, an army training capsule on counter-
insurgency operations will be conducted in Patna’s Danapur Cantonment from November 13, 2017 to
December 10, 2017. This training capsule will be first of its kind being organised for the Bangladesh Army at
Danapur Cantonment.
• Punjab State Government has announced that the first Military Literature Festival would be held
in Chandigarh from 7th – 9th December, 2017.
• Gurugram to have North India’s biggest butterfly park. On November 11, 2017, Haryana State Forests
Minister Rao Narbir Singh, laid the foundation stone for a Butterfly Conservatory Park in Gurugram.
• Turner International India, the parent entity of Cartoon Network brand has announced that it has entered into a
brand partnership with a Gujarat-based private firm to set up India’s first cartoon network theme amusement
park in Surat.
• Ex-servicemen Welfare Board officials said that, Sainik Sankshema Sabha will be organised in all districts
in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• Northeast is set to get India’s first-ever “Air Dispensary” based in a helicopter and the Union Ministry of
Development of Northeast (DONER) has already contributed Rs. 25 crore as part of the initial funding.
• Rail Land Development Authority has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with government
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owned infrastructure firm NBCC to redevelop 10 railway stations across India with airport-like amenities by
year 2020 at an estimated cost of Rs 5000 crore.
• Delhi Cabinet approved to set up Delhi Village Development Board (DVDB) for civic works in rural and
urban villages of Delhi.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed that, only 50,000 pilgrims will be allowed to visit the Vaishno
Devi shrine in Jammu to avoid any unwanted incidents.
• National Achievement Survey (NAS), the largest ever assessment survey on national level was conducted
by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) across India on November 13, 2017 to
ascertain learning level of students. This survey has been amongst the largest national level surveys in the
world.
• Bihar State Government gave approval for setting up a ‘State Ayush Society’ with an aim to promote the
usage of alternative medicine in the state.Approval for setting up a ‘State Ayush Society’ was given at a State
cabinet meeting chaired by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
• Railways plans to equip all trains with Bio-Toilets by December 2018
• Karnataka State Government unveiled an ambitious project to install Wi-Fi facility in all gram
panchayats across the state.
• National Green Tribunal (NGT) rapped the Amarnath Shrine Board for not providing proper infrastructure
facilities to pilgrims travelling to Amarnath Shrine.
• Nagaland became the first among the North Eastern states to launch Point of Sale (PoS) for electricity bill
payment.
• Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi inaugurated the fourth edition of ‘Hunar Haat’ at
Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Hunar (skill) Haat’ is a platform created by the Minority Affairs Ministry to offer
employment and market opportunities to artisans and craftsmen from minority communities.
• Union Cabinet has given its approval for the creation of the posts of Chairman and Technical Members of the
National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) under Goods and Services Tax.
• Union Cabinet has been apprised of the agreement between the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and
the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB) on Scientific and Technological Cooperation for
mutual benefit in the areas of science, technology, agriculture, etc.
• Cabinet approves MoU between India and Poland for the promotion of Civil Aviation Cooperation.
• Cabinet approves Continuation of sub-schemes under Umbrella Scheme “Integrated Child Development
Services (ICDS). These sub-schemes will be continued till November 30, 2018 with financial outlay of over
Rs.41000 crore.
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for removal of prohibition on export of all
types of pulses.
• Karnataka Legislative Assembly unanimously passed ‘Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil
Practices and Black Magic Bill, 2017’.The bill has two categories of practices – ‘savings’ and ‘schedule’.
• India Road Assessment Programme (IndiaRAP) was launched to rate highways’ safety levels, and to eliminate
the most unsafe roads. The IndiaRAP programme is being supported by FedEx Expressand will be hosted by
the Asian Institute of Transport Development
• Maharashtra government announced ban on plastic bottles, with effect from 18 March 2018, which will cover
government offices, functions and state educational institutes before it is extended to private institutes.It was
said that, plastic bottles will be prohibited at the Mantralaya – the state government headquarters, before the
statewide ban comes into effect on Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian New Year, in March 2018.
• Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that, the Centre has given an in-principle approval to
provide an assistance of Rs 10,000 crore to fund 107 irrigation projects in drought-hit Vidarbha and Maratha
regions of Maharashtra.
• Punjab State Cabinet approved ‘Punjab Victim or Their Dependents Compensation Scheme’which stipulates
to provide minimum compensation of Rs three lakh to an acid attack victim.In case of death of such victim,
the family will be provided an assistance of Rs. 5 lakh.
• Punjab State Cabinet has approved the “Connect with Your Roots” (CYR) programme to reach out to
youngsters of Punjabi origin whose parents, grandparents or great grandparents have settled abroad.
• Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh launched an Electronic Total Station (ETS) programme
aimed at simplifying the complex process of land demarcation.
• Punjab State Cabinet has given its approval for a state-of-the-art Cloud-based National Generic Document
Registration System (NGDRS), an online interface for citizens to register revenue-related documents across
the state.
• Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia said that, the Delhi government would form “Mahila Suraksha
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Dals” (women protection groups) to curb crimes against women in the national capital.
• The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has recently announced the launch of daily regimen for TB patients
across the country under the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP).It has now decided to change
to daily drug regimenusing Fixed Dose Combinations (FDC) for treatment.
• Karnataka State Legislative Assembly passed ‘Karnataka Extension of Consequential Seniority to
Government Servants Promoted on the Basis of Reservation (To the posts in the Civil Services of the State)
Bill 2017’.
• Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) launched India’s first Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station at a petrol pump in
Nagpur. IOC, in collaboration with Ola, has launched India’s first electric charging station at one of its petrol-
diesel stations in Nagpur.
• India and France decided to strengthen counter-terror cooperation, and asked the international community to
oppose the countries which are supporting terrorism by providing financial assistance and shelter to terrorists.
• Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a new initiative against childhood obesity in Pune.
Under this initiative, schools will be given Body Mass Index (BMI) dialler, through which children will be
able to know their BMI.
• Jammu and Kashmir Education and Tourism Minister Priya Sethi inaugurated ‘Heritage Week’ to generate
awareness on preservation of the state’s ancient culture and environment, in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Indian Government has decided to cancel a $500 million deal for procuring Spike ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided
Missile) from Israel.The $500 million deal to procure Spike ATGM form Rafael Advanced Defence Systems
of Israel was expected to be signed after price negotiations completed last year.
• Central Government has set Rs 10000 minimum balance in bank account as one of the 21 parameters to assess
poverty in gram panchayats under ‘Mission Antyodaya’. Union Rural Development Ministry’s ‘Mission
Antyodaya’ aims to create 50000 poverty-free gram panchayats.
• Government of India signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) under Ujwal DISCOM Assurance
Yojana (UDAY) Scheme with Nagaland, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman &
Diu.
• Karnataka State Cabinet approved ‘Karnataka Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (KESDM)
Policy 2017-22’ to promote electronic design and manufacturing in the state.
• Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) launched ‘Manyata’, a nationwide
movement emphasising the need for quality care for mothers during and immediately after childbirth.
• Maharashtra’s Minister for Finance and Planning, Sudhir Mungantiwar has announced to set up Gender
Budget Cells in his ministry for improving coordination and implementation of various schemes of Women
and Child Welfare department (WCD) with other government departments.
• Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J P Nadda inaugurated the 1st World Conference on Access to
Medical Products and International Laws for Trade and Health in the Context of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development, in New Delhi.
• On the World Fisheries Day (21st November 2017), Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said, the Centre
has banned use of LED lights and other artificial lights on mechanised fishing vessels in order to protect the
marine ecology.
• On November 22, 2017, Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modiapproved the ‘Wage Policy’
framework for the 8th Round of Wage negotiations for workmen in central public sector enterprises (CPSEs).
This decision will impact 9.35 lakh unionised workmen in central public sector enterprises.
• Cabinet approves agreement between India and Philippines on co-operation in customs matters.
• Union Cabinet has approved India’s Membership for European Bank for Reconstruction & Development
(EBRD). Department of Economic Affairs under Union Ministry of Finance will now initiate necessary steps
to acquire the membership.
• This Agreement is proposed to be signed during the visit of Indian Delegation to Russia, led by Union Home
Minister Rajnath Singh from 27-29 November, 2017.
• Union Cabinet has given its approval for continuation of the scheme on Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs
(IICA) for another three financial years (2017-18 to 2019-20).Besides, it has also been decided to providing
Grants-in-aid of Rs.18 crore to the Institute. Government aims to make IICA a self-sustainable institute by the
end of FY 2019-20.
• In order to fulfill the constitutional obligation under Article 280 (1) of Indian Constitution, Union Cabinet has
approved the setting up of the 15th Finance Commission. Terms of Reference for the 15th Finance Commission
will be notified soon.
• In a bid to generate a deeper positive impact on child sex ratio across the country, Cabinet Committee on
Economic Affairs has given its approval for expansion of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao yojana for a pan-India
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reach covering all the 640 districts.

• Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired a meeting to initiate the process of formulating ‘safe city’ plans
for women in 8 metropolitan cities. The safe city plan will be implemented in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata,
Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow and Hyderabad. The steering committee meeting was constituted
by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Punjab Cabinet gives nod to amend Punjab excise Act & amendments to Co-operative Societies Act. The
cabinet amended Section 13 of the Act, which provides for amalgamation of co-operative societies and allows
the societies concerned and their creditors to object to the proposed order of amalgamation of more than one
society by the Registrar.
• Karnataka Assembly passed a diluted version of law proposed by the Congress government to regulate pricing
and certain policies at private hospitals and medical establishments in Karnataka.
The Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) (KPME) Bill, 2017 was passed with some
modifications, as demanded by private medical establishments during the course of protests held against the
Bill last week.
• Consultative Workshop on New National Policy on Biofuels held in New Delhi
• Centre Promulgates Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 to exempt bamboo grown in non-forest
areas from definition of tree.
Centre announces infrastructure projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore for Tamil Nadu
• On November 24, 2017, Punjab State Government notified the ‘Punjab Goods Carriages (Regulation and
Prevention of Cartelization Rules), 2017’, banning goods carriage operators from forming cartels in the state.
• On 24th November 2017, the government had identified 115 backward districts for rapid transformation by
2022 to create a "New India"over the next five years. Under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary P.K.
Sinha, Senior level government officials have been nominated as 'Prabhari' officers for each district.
• On Nov.24 2017, The World's first Sanskrit 3D film 'Anurakthi’ directed by Asokan PK is the main attraction
in 3D category at the ongoing International Film Festival of India in Panaji in Goa. The movie revolves
around the “Koodiyattam”-2000-year-old dance form of Kerala.
• On November 26, 2017, Union Minister of Women and Child Development (WCD), Maneka Gandhi
launched an intensive training program for Capacity Building of Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) of
Panchayati Raj Institutions in New Delhi and it was organized by National Institute of Public Cooperation and
Child Development (NIPCCD).
• On 26th November 2017, the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the 12th meeting of the Standing
Committee of Inter-State Council (ISC), in Delhi. The Standing Committee considered 118 recommendations
contained in Volumes-III, IV and V and finalised its recommendations.
• On November 26, 2017, a two-day ‘Korea Culture and Tourism Festival’ showcasing Korea’s rich art, culture
and heritage was inaugurated in Gurugram, Haryana by Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) Executive Vice
President, Min Hong Min along with Suman Billa, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry Of Tourism.
• On November 28, 2017, Eastern Railways brought into service, the India’s first rake of upgraded Sealdah -
New Delhi ‘Swarna’ Rajdhani under Project 'Swarna' of Indian Railways. Budget of Rs. 50 lakh per rake was
allocated for this purpose.
• On November 29, 2017.,2nd meeting of Higher Education Funding Agency (HEFA) Board was held and
approved projects worth Rs. 2066.73 Cr to improve the research infrastructure in six institutions – IITs
Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kharagpur, Kanpur and NIT Suratkal.
• On 28th November 2017, Prime Minister NarendraModi inaugurated 30-km long, first phase of Hyderabad
Metro Rail between Miyapur and Nagole, at Miyapur Station.
• On 27th November 2017, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated a two-day India-Myanmar
media interaction programme in Imphal sponsored by the Manipur tourism department in collaboration with
Information and Public Relations department and the state level committee of the Act Easy Policy.
• U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) announced a collaborative initiative titled "Women for Women
Innovators, Social Leaders & Entrepreneurs (WISE)"to offer leadership, mentoring, and development
opportunities for women entrepreneurs and innovators.
• Mumbai is to host the 15th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) for Documentary, Short and
Animation films from 28th January – 3rd February 2018.
• Central Government has sanctioned Rs 275 crore for establishing a Global Centre for Security and Counter-
Terrorism in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• Health Ministry andIndian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) launched India Hypertension Management
Initiative (IHMI) to reduce morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
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• Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh and N. Biren Singh, Chief
Minister of Manipur, launched Pradhan MantriSahajBijliHarGharYojana (SAUBHAGYA) in Manipur.1.62
lakh rural households and 13 thousand urban households in Manipur will be included under this scheme.
• On 28th November 2017, Air India commissioned its first ATR simulator ‘ATR 72-600 full-flight simulator
(FFS)’, set up at an investment of Rs 63 crore, at its Central Training Establishment (CTE) in Hyderabad
PLACES IN NEWS
• After signing a memorandum of understanding with the Maharashtra government, Walmart India on 2nd Nov
2017 has announced its plans to launch its Cash and Carry business in Mumbai to enable small businesses.
• The Odisha Government has imposed seven-months ban i.e. til May 2018, on fishing in the Puri coast in order
to protect the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle.This ban comes prior to arrival of Olive Ridley turtles for
nesting in the winter season along the east coast of Odisha.
• Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Union Ministry of Defense has constructed the world’s highest
motorable road (at 19300 feet) in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.This road passes through Umlingla
Top at a height of over 19,300 feet.
• On November 2, 2017, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi inaugurated ‘Sonepur Mela’ (in
Sonpur town of Bihar). Sonepur Mela is considered as one of the biggest cattle fair in Asia. The fair will
continue till December 3, 2017.
• World’s third largest book fair, Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2017, opened pm November 1, 2017
in Sharjah, UAE. Theme of SIBF 2017 is ‘A World in My Book’.
• The Nordic-Baltic embassies are set to host the first ever youth film festival of the European nations at India
Habitat Centre in New Delhi from 13 – 18 November 2017.
• After the great success of the first two editions, the third edition of the Russian film festival titled‘Russian
Film Days’ is now open for cinema lovers in NewDelhi until Sunday 12th Nov 2017.
• Punjab State Government has announced that the first Military Literature Festivalwould be held
in Chandigarh from 7th – 9th December, 2017.
• Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is to set up a Centre of Excellence in Kochi, Kerala.This centre will
facilitate the exchange of research findings and studies in the field of fisheries and ocean studies among IORA
member countries.
• The Geographical Indications (GI) Registry announced that, West Bengal has been awarded the Geographical
Indications (GI) status for ‘Rosogolla’.
• Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh is hosting the first edition of its Hot Air Balloon Festival.The Hot Air
Balloon Festival is organised by SkyWaltz and supported by Andhra Pradesh tourism.
• On 16th November 2017, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ a fortnight long
tribal festival at Dilli Haat, in New Delhi. The theme of the festival is ‘A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal
Culture, Cuisine and Commerce’. More than 750 tribal artisans and artisans from over 25 states are taking part
in the festival.
• Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Namami Barak festival at Silchar, Assam.
• On 19th November 2017, Parab-2017, the annual cultural festival of Odisha’s Koraput district, showcasing the
tribal art and culture, started. Parab 2017 started from the shrine of goddess Sankulai Devi of B
Singhpur under Borigumma block, with a tribal dance. The objective of this festival is to protect and promote
the region’s rich cultural heritage.
• On 21st November 2017, the Sangai Festival 2017 was inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind in
Manipur. The Sangai Festival 2017 is held for 10 days. It is named after Manipur’s state animal, the brow-
antlered Sangai deer.
• On 19th November 2017, the world’s biggest toilet pot model was unveiled at Marora, popularly known as
the “Trump village”, in Haryana.
• On 24th November 2017, Assam Chief Minister SarbanandaSonowal said the Assam government would
celebrate ‘Lachit Divas’ at various state capitals in India from next year.
• On November 25, 2017, President Ram NathKovind inaugurated the International Gita Mahotsava-2017
in Kurukshetra, Haryana.Mauritius is the partner country and Uttar Pradesh is the partner state for this event.
• AyodhyaMahotsav’, depicting the cultural heritage of the temple town, would be held in Seoul and
Gimhe cities of South Korea in 2018.In return, a ‘Korea Festival’ will be held in Lucknow and Ayodhya
• Indian Railways installs Asia’s largest Solid State Interlocking (SSI) in Kharagpurat a cost of Rs 39 crore.
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FOREIGN VISITS
Italy PM Paolo Gentiloni’s two days visit to India

• This is the first visit to India by an Italian Prime Minister in last ten years.Romano Prodi was the last Italian
Prime Minister to visit India.
• During the course of this visit, Mr. Gentiloni met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India President Ram
Nath Lovind and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
• India and Italy signed six pacts to deepen cooperation in the fields of railways sector safety, energy and
promoting mutual investments.
• Italian airline Alitalia re-started direct flights to India after a gap of nine year. The direct flight will connect
New Delhi and Italian capital, Rome.
• ‘Fake news’ has been named the word of the year by Collins dictionary due to its widespread use around the
world in recent times
• Kazakhstan, a Central Asian Country will change its name to Qazaqstan.
• The Minister of State (Independent Charge) Youth Affairs and Sports Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore has left to
attend World Youth Forum, scheduled to be held at Sharam El Shiekh, Egypt.
• On November 5, 2017, Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore met Sports Minister of
Egypt, Khaled Abd El Aziz and discussed ways to step up cooperation in the field of sports and youth affairs.
• On 4th November 2017, China adopted a new law enforcing a three-year punishment for disrespecting the
national anthem, which would be enforced in the specially administered provinces of Hong Kong and Macau.
• On November 5, 2017, Nepal inaugurated a bridge on the Kaligandaki River at Jomsom area in Mustang
district near China border.This bridge has been built with financial assistance of 44.5 million Nepali rupees
provided by India. The financial assistance was provided as a part of India–Nepal Economic Cooperation
(INEC) programme.
• On November 6, 2017, Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held a meeting with Guinea’s Foreign
Minister, Mamady Toure. During the course of this meeting, Mamady Toure handed over Guinea’s Instrument
of Accession to the India-initiated International Solar Alliance (ISA).
• On November 5, 2017, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ)released ‘The Paradise
Papers’, a global investigation that revealed as to how some of the world’s most powerful/famous people and
business entities moved money to and from 19 tax havens to evade taxes through trusts, foundations and shell
companies. Among these countries India ranks 19th in terms of the number of names.
• On 7th November 2017, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) was launched to
monitor the general and provincial polls in Nepal which are scheduled for 26 November and 7 December,
2017.
• On November 10, 2017, India got re-elected as a member of the Executive Board of the UN Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The executive board is the top decision- making body of
UNESCO.India was re-elected to executive Board during 39th session of the general conference of UNESCO
in Paris, France.
• On 9-11th November 2017, the International AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and
Homoeopathy) Conference and Exhibition 2017 is held in Dubai.
• Chennai has been included in United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO’s)
Creative Cities Network for its rich musical tradition. Chennai is the third Indian city to be included in
UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. Jaipur and Varanasi have already featured in the network for their
contributions to music and folk arts.
• On 9th November 2017, Unity Technologies, said that, India is now ranked third in global gaming installs,
surpassing Brazil and Russia.
• International Energy Agency (IEA) Ministerial meeting was held in Paris, France on 7th and 8th November,
2017.
• The American Congress has authorised up to $700 million in Coalition Support Fund (CSF) to reimburse
Pakistan for activities carried out in support of US operations in Afghanistan.
• On 10th November 2017, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistan Rangers decided to conduct
Commandant-level talks along the International Border (IB) to resolve local issues.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banos,
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Philippines and inaugurated ‘Shri Narendra Modi Resilient Rice Field Laboratory’ named after him.
• Nepal has cancelled the Budhi Gandaki hydropower project with the Chinese firm due to irregularities and
lack of transparency. The project was granted to the Gezhouba Water & Power (Group) Co Ltd
(CGGC) company one and half year ago by the the Nepal government, headed by Former Prime Minsiter
Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
• United Nations announced that, Syria has officially signed the Paris Agreement on climate change.Syria has
become the 169th of 196 countries that are members of the UN climate convention to take the legal step of
ratification.
• The US Consulate General, Kolkata launched ‘Youth for Business-Y4BIZ’, a support programme for young
entrepreneurs in the eastern region of India.
• Major travel publication Travel+Leisure has named Canada ‘the destination of the year’ in their recent
feature. The selection was based on data from polls conducted on travel agents, arrival statistics and cultural
relevancefor the year 2017.
• Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has retained the prestigious seat of the Director on
Global Board of International Co-operative Alliance (ICA).This is the second time in a row that IFFCO has
retained the seat of the Director on Global Board of ICA.
• China has opened the world’s coolest library in the Binhai Cultural District in Tianjin, China.The library has
been designed by Dutch design firm MVRDV in collaboration with the Tianjin Urban Planning and Design
Institute (TUPDI). It covers33,700 square meters.
• Sarajevo Haggadah, the 14th- century richly illuminated Hebrew manuscript, has been included in UNESCO’s
Memory of the World Register. It is one of the oldest Sephardic Haggadahs in the world, originating in
Barcelona around 1350.
• United Nations (UN) General Assembly unanimously passed a Pakistan-sponsored resolution that considers
right of peoples to self-determination as a fundamental condition for the effective guarantee and observance of
human rights. This resolution was co-sponsored by 75 member countries of UN and was adopted without a
vote in UN General Assembly’s Third Committee.
• On November 18, 2017, 10th round of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-
China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held between Indian and Chinese officials in Beijing.
• 2017 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which incorporated the twenty-third Conference of the
Parties (COP23), the thirteenth meeting of the parties for the Kyoto Protocol (CMP13) and the second meeting
of the parties for the Paris Agreement (CMA2) concluded on November 18, 2017 in Bonn,Germany. The
conference concluded with ‘Talanoa Dialogue’, a year-long process to assess countries’ progress on climate
actions.
• On 21st November 2017, a pact for visa free entry of the crew of chartered and scheduled flights between India
and Russia was signed by the two countries.
• On 21st November 2017, China launched three remote sensing satellites Jilin-1 04, Jilin-1 05 and Jilin-1
06 from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in China’s northern Shanxi Province.
• Indian Government urges United Nations (UN) declare 2018 as the ‘International Year of Millets’
• On November 23, 2017, Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding on the return of
Rohingya Muslims who fled the Rakhine state in Myanmar to escape a military crackdown.
• UN Environment has stated that developing countries will receive $540 millionfrom developed countries for 3
years starting from 2018 to continue their work in phasing out ozone-depleting chemicals.
• Victoria has become the first Australian state to legalise assisted dying, or ‘euthanasia’, allowing terminally ill
patients the right to request a lethal drug to end their lives from June 2019.
• Aung San SuuKyi has been formally stripped of the Freedom of the City of Oxford award over her response to
the repression of Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslims.
• On Nov.28th 2017, According United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report, India had the highest
share of welfare costs (loss of income from labour), of about $220 billion in South and South-East Asia from
mortality due to air pollution, ‘Towards a pollution-free planet’, was launched during the first Conference of
Parties for the Minamata Convention in September 2017. Across the world China has highest.
• On Nov.30th Russian government has revealed plans to develop an ‘independent internet’ for BRICS nations
that operates separately from the Domain Name System used worldwide.This plan to a separate ‘backup’
system of Domain Name Servers (DNS).
• From 27th November to 1st December, 2017 High Level Inter-Governmental Mid-point Review Meeting of
Asia and Pacific Decade for Persons with Disabilities has been organized by United Nations Economic and
Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), 2013-2022 is being held in Beijing, China.
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• On 1st -3rd November 2017, the 7th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER7) was held in Bangkok,
Thailand. The Government of Thailand hosted the 7th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER7). It
was co-Hosted by the United Arab Emirates. Theme for AMER7 was ‘Global Energy Markets in Transition:
From Vision to Action’.
• 23rd annual “conference of the parties”(COP) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) begun on November 6, 2017 in Bonn, Germany. This conference will continue till
November 17, 2017. COP23 was opened on November 6, 2017 by Fiji’s Prime Minister Voreqe ‘Frank’
Bainimarama.India’s theme for COP 23 is ‘Conserving Now, Preserving Future’.
• 4th meeting of the India-US Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Co-operation (JWGACTC)
was organised in India from October 29, 2017 to November 3, 2017.
• On 1st November 2017, the India-US Ocean Dialogue, hosted by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs,
began at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-
NIO) in Goa.
• On 1st November 2017, the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the Global Clubfoot
Conference, organised by the CURE India in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,
in New Delhi.
• International Conference on “Ramayan Circuit and Mithila-Awadh Relations” begins in Janakpur. Culture
Minister of Nepal Jitendra Naryan Dev, inaugurated this conference.
• “FIPSPHYSIOCON 2017”, Conference on Human Physiology – VII Congress of Federation of Indian
Physiological Societies (FIPS) along with XXIX Annual Conference of the Physiological Society of India
(PSI) was inaugurated at Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (VPCI), University of Delhi on November 5, 2017.
Theme of “FIPSPHYSIOCON 2017” was “Integrating Physiological and Biomedical Science Approaches to
Improve Performance, Health and Safety”.
• 31tst ASEAN Summit and Related Summits were held in Manila, Philippines from 10th – 14th November,
2017.Philippines President Rodrigo Roa Duterte chaired the plenary session of the 31st ASEAN Summit.
‘Partnering for Change, Engaging the World’, has been the theme of Philippines’ Chairmanship of ASEAN in
2017.
• Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan Singh inaugurated the three-day Organic
World Congress – 2017 at India Expo Centre in Greater Noida.
• International Energy Agency (IEA) Ministerial meeting was held in Paris, Franceon 7th and 8th November,
2017.
• The second meeting of the Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister Narendra Modi (EAC-PM) was
held in New Delhi.
• On November 9, 2017, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijijuinaugurated ‘India Disaster
Response Summit’ in New Delhi. During the Summit, Facebook introduced a Disaster Information Volunteers
(DIV) programme.
• Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting was held on 10th and
11th November, 2017 in Da Nang, Vietnam. Theme of this meeting was ‘Creating New Dynamism, Fostering
a Shared Future’.
• For the first time, Mumbai is to host the 34th annual conference of the Asian Bankers Association (ABA) on
16th and 17th November 2017. The Asian Bankers Association (ABA) summit will be hosted by State Bank.
The theme for this year’s summit is ‘Asia’s turn to transform’.
• On 13th November 2017, the United Nations is set to open its first official talks on the use of autonomous
weapons, including killer robots, at the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) for 5 days,
in Geneva.The meeting is chaired by Indian ambassador on disarmament, Amandeep Gill.
• Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT) Conference held in New Delhi.The conference
theme is “Building Trust in the Digital Economy”.
• President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the 37th India International Trade Fair (IITF) – 2017, at Pragati
Maidan, in New Delhi.The theme for ITTF 2017 is “Startup India: Stand Up India”. Jharkhand is the partner
state for the fair and Vietnam is the partner country.
• Traditional International ‘Lavi fair’ was held from 11th -14th November, 2017 in Rampur, Himachal
Pradesh.The fair was inaugurated by Himachal Pradesh Governor, Acharya Dev Vrat. The governor also
inaugurated the ‘Kinnauri market’ and exhibition put up by various Government departments.
• 4th India-Canada Annual Ministerial Dialogue (AMD) begun in New Delhi on November 14, 2017. Canadian
delegation was led by the Canadian International Trade Minister, François-Philippe Champagne,
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whereas Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Suresh Prabhu led the Indian side.
• A Curtain Raiser Event for the Founding Ceremony of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was held
at Bonn, Germany on November 13, 2017.
• 10th South Asia Economic Summit (SAES) begun in Kathmandu, Nepal on November 14, 2017.
Theme of this summit: “Deepening Economic Integration for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in South
Asia”.
• India’s 1st Tribal Entrepreneurship Summit was held in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh on November 14,
2017.The Summit was organised by NITI Aayog in association with Government of United States of
America.
• Four-daylong symposium to discuss ways to promote the economic and food value of buffalo, organised
by Agriculture and Forestry University at Chitawan, Nepal begun on November 15, 2017. The
symposium “Increase in buffalo production for food and economic growth” is being held in Nepal for the first
time.
• UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial Conference 2017 was held in Vancouver, Canada on 14th &
15th November, 2017. This conference was the largest gathering of Defence ministers of countries who
support UN Peacekeeping operations.
• Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the three-day Andhra Pradesh AgTech Summit
2017 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• 12th North East Business Summit inaugurated in New Delhi
On 16th November 2017, 12th North East Business Summit, a two day event, was inaugurated in New
Delhi.The Summit is being organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Manipur is the state
partner for this event.
• Plenary session of 4th Global Conference on Sustained Eradication of Child Labour was held in Buenos Aires,
Argentina on November 15, 2017.This Conference was jointly organised by Government of Argentina and
International Labour Organization (ILO).
• On 17th November 2017, an interim meeting of the Steering Committee of the International Monetary Fund
(IMF)’s South Asia Regional Training and Technical Assistance Center (SARTTAC) was held in New
Delhi. The Committee endorsed the FY 2018 work plan. The next Steering Committee meeting will take
place in Sri Lanka in May, 2018.
• 24th meeting of the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency (APRSAF-24) forum held in Bengaluru.
The theme for the 24th Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-24) was ‘Space
Technology for Enhanced Governance and Development’.
• 12th Biennial International Conference & Exposition of Society of Petroleum Geophysicists (SPG) -
India started in Jaipur, Rajasthan on November 17, 2017. This conference will continue till November 19,
2017. Theme of the conference was “Energy trough Synergy”.
• Two-day 13th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting begun on November 20, 2017 in Nay Pyi Taw, the
capital of Myanmar.The meeting was inaugurated by Aung San Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of Myanmar.
• On 21st and 22nd November 2017, conference of all Commanders of Eastern Air Command was held at
Shillong. Air Force Station, Chabua was awarded the ‘Pride of EAC’ Trophy, for standing best in overall
performance. Air Force Station, Laitkor Peak was awarded the ‘Best Non-Flying Station’.
• International Seminar on Indian Space Programme: ‘Trends and Opportunities for Industry’ was inaugurated
in New Delhi on November 20, 2017.
• Manipur hosted the first- ever North East Development Summit (NEDS) 2017 in Imphal on21st and
22nd November, 2017.President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the summit on November 21, 2017.
• Zurich-based global think-tank Horasis’ first Asia Meet will be held in Kolkata, West Bengal on 26th and
27th November, 2017. This event will be organised in partnership with West Bengal State Government.
• On November 23, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 5th Global Conference on Cyber Space
(GCCS) in New Delhi. India is hosting the Global Conference on Cyber Space (GCCS) for the first time.
Theme of the 5th GCCS was ‘Cyber4All: A Secure and Inclusive Cyberspace for Sustainable Development’.
• 42nd World Congress of the International Committee of Military Medicine (ICMM) begun in New Delhi on
November 19, 2017.Theme of the 42nd World Congress of ICMM is “Military Medicine in Transition:
Looking Ahead”.
• On 16 and 17th November 2017, Global Ministerial Conference on ‘Ending TB in the Sustainable
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Development Era: A Multisectoral Response’ was held in Moscow, Russia.

• From Nov. 28th – 30th November 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017 with the theme “Women
First, Prosperity for All” head by Ivanka Trump was held in Hyderabad and hosted by NITI Aayog in
partnership with Government of the United States of America.
• On 25th November 2017, President Ram NathKovind inaugurated the 2-day conference on National Law Day
in New Delhi.
• The Government of India will assist Mauritius to develop and set up digital locker services on the sidelines of
Global Conference on Cyber Space 2017 held in New Delhi
• On 27th November 2017, the first India-New Zealand Cyber Dialogue was held in New Delhi. The Indian
Delegation was led by Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma and New Zealand delegation was led by Mr. Paul Ash,
agreed to hold the next India-New Zealand Cyber dialogue in New Zealand in 2018.
• On 27th November 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the International Ambedkar Conclave,
organised by the Forum of SC and ST Legislators and Parliamentarians, in New Delhi.
• As per the information on November 25 2017, The 36th International Geological Congress (IGC) is to be held
under the control of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) in Delhi in the year 2020.
• First Edition of the five-day International Symposium to Promote Innovation & Research in Energy Efficiency
(INSPIRE 2017) begun in Jaipur, Rajasthan on 27th November 2017.
RANKINGS & REPORTS
• India has leaped to 100th rank out of 190 countries on World Bank’s latest edition of ‘ease of doing business’
index. ‘Ease of Doing Business’ index is prepared annually by World Bank since 2003. The List is topped by
New Zealand.
• Goa ranked at top and Bihar featured at the lowest in the first ever Gender Vulnerability Index (GVI) released
by child rights organisation ‘Plan India’. Gender Vulnerability Index (GVI) has been compiled by ‘Plan India’
a non-government organisation and was released by Union Women and Child Development Ministry on
November 1, 2017.
• As per joint study by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India(ASSOCHAM) and Ernst &
Young (EY), India has the largest number of malnourished children in the world.Nearly 40% of Indian
children were reportedly undernourished in the year 2015.Jharkhand has the highest number of underweight
kids (less than five years of age).
• According to global airlines’ grouping IATA, India’s domestic aviation sector grew the fastest and India
topped the domestic growth chart again in September as the country registered double-digit growth for 37
consecutive months.
• India has ranked 108th out of 144 countries on Global Gender Gap Index 2017 released by World Economic
Forum (WEF). This year’s rank marks a drop by 21 places as compared to previous year’s ranking. Iceland
topprd the list.
• Air New Zealand has been named ‘Airline of the Year’ for 2018 by AirlineRatings.com.
Air New Zealand has been adjudged ‘Airline of the Year’ for the fifth consecutive year.
• As per Grant Thornton’s International Business Report (IBR), India has slipped to 7thposition in ‘business
optimism’ index for the September 2017 quarter. The List is topped by Indonesia. Grant Thornton
International Business Report (IBR) is a business survey launched in 1992.
• Unity Technologies, said that, India is now ranked third in global gaming installs, surpassing Brazil and
Russia.
• The Economic Research Department of State Bank of India (SBI) has released a report on oil price
hike and how unlikely it is to impact the Current account deficit (CAD) and how inflation could stretch
fiscal. The report is authored by Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Adviser of SBI. The report
depicts oil price hike and its impact on the Current account deficit (CAD) and inflation.
• According to a report based on a survey by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), published on November 7,
2017, India’s Silicon Valley – Bengaluru has been adjudged as the best city among 45 cities for the confidence
of its businesses in their ability to go digital
• On 7th November 2017, a report published by Euromonitor International, said that, Hong Kong remains the
world’s most visited city by international travelers.
• India has ranked as sixth most vulnerable country in the world on Global Climate Risk Index
(CRI) 2018 released by Germanwatch (an independent Berlin-based development and environmental
organization. Haiti tops the list.
• Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge), Col. Rajyavardhan
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Rathore released the ‘India Youth Development Index and Report 2017’ in New Delhi.
• For constructing Youth Development Index for the year 2017, the latest definition of youth (15-29 years) as
used in India’s National Youth Policy – 2014 and World Youth Development Report of Commonwealth has
been taken into consideration.
• As per a report by global consultancy and research firm, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), India will
be world’s third largest aviation market for departures by 2019.Currently, India is the fourth largest
aviation market in the world with 131 million passengers per annum (for the year 2016).US is the largest
aviation market with 815 million passengers, followed by China(490 million passengers) and Japan(141
million passengers).
• Uttar Pradesh has topped in opening new Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts after
demonetisation (post November 8, 2017).Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal cumulatively
added another 2.2 crore new PMJDY accounts in the last one year.
• As per a survey released by online streaming platform Netflix, binge watching in public is on the rise among
Indian population. Indians have been adjudged as the second-highest public bingers in the world, just behind
Mexico. ‘Binge’ means excessive indulgence in an activity.Prevalence of binge watching in public is highest
in Mexico (89%) followed by India (88%).
• As per ‘India State-level Disease Burden Initiative Report’, child and maternal malnutrition was responsible
for 15 per cent of the total disease burden in 2016 across India. The report was released by Vice President M.
Venkaiah Naidu on November 14, 2017.As per the report, prevalence of child and maternal malnutrition is
higher in ‘Empowered Action Group’ States and Assam.
• According to the 5th biennial Hotelivate State Ranking Survey for Tourism, Delhi is the top tourist destination
of India. This survey was conducted by hospitality consulting firm, Hotelivate in association with World
Travel & Tourism Council-India Initiative (WTTC-II).
• India has ranked 14th out of 56 nations and European Union on Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)
2018 released by environmental organisation Germanwatch. This marks an improvement from its 20th rank in
CCPI 2017. China, which is one of the highest GHG emitting country, ranks 41st.
• World Health Organization (WHO) Global Ministerial Conference “Ending TB in the Sustainable
Development Era: A Multisectoral Response” was held on 16th and 17thNovember, 2017 in Moscow,
Russia. During this conference, delegates from 114 countries agreed to take urgent action to
end tuberculosis (TB) by 2030.
• As per rankings released by business magazine ‘Fortune’, Qatar is World’s Richest Country in terms of Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) Per Capita.
• As per data which forms part of the latest World Economic Outlook report of the International Monetary
Fund (IMF), India ranks 126th out of 200 countries in terms of Qatar topped the rankings with GDP Per Capita
of USD 124930.
• India has ranked 51st out of 63 countries on IMD World Talent Ranking 2017. This marks an improvement of
three spots as compared to previous year’s rank.Globally, Europe continues to dominate the rankings,
with Switzerland, Denmark, and Belgium occupying the top three spots.
• In a set of peer review reports released by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD), India has slipped from a rating of ‘compliant’ to an overall rating of ‘largely compliant’ in
meeting international standards for exchange of tax information.
• Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ranked as third most trusted government in the
world as per Government at a Glance 2017 published by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD).As per the report, nearly 74 percent of Indians have expressed confidence in
their national government.This list is topped by Switzerland wherein 84% have expressed confidence in
national government. Indonesia has ranked 2nd on this list.
• Bengaluru has joined 91 cities across the globe in Datacity programme to collate data on climate change.
• As per a report presented by UN Women and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Latin America and
the Caribbean is the most violent region in the world for women.There is high prevalence of Femicide (killing
of woman by a man on account of gender) in Central America, wherein two out three women murdered died
because of their gender.
• As per a latest report released by real estate consultancy firm Cushman & Wakefield, Delhi’s Khan Market is
most expensive retail location in India and 24th most expensive retail location across the world. Global
ranking is topped by Upper 5th Avenue in New York, followed by Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay and London’s
Bond Street at 2nd and 3rd rank respectively.
• On November 27 2017,World Health Organisation (WHO) has released clinical guidelines for general
practitioners, gynaecologists, paediatricians, nurses and other frontline health care providers who may directly
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receive a victim of sexual abuse or may identify signs of sexual abuse while diagnosing or treating a patient.
• O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) in Haryana ranked among the Top 10 Private education Institutions
in India in ‘QS University Rankings: BRICS 2018’.JGU is placed in the 251-300 rank out of 9000 universities
in the BRICS region
• Global University Employability Ranking 2017 by Times Higher Education – IISc ranks 29th in the
World,IIT- Delhi ranked 145th IIT - Bombay ranked 148th .The List is topped by California Institute of
Technology
• Tamil Nadu has highest number of women entrepreneurs- Reportreport by ‘Sheatwork.TN is followed
by Kerala and West Bengal.
BANKING & FINANCE
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that purchase price for the latest Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB)
series which opened on October 30, 2017 has been fixed at Rs 2,945 per gram.Investment in these bonds can
be done in multiples of 1 gm of gold.
• With effect from November 1, 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) has cut its benchmark lending rate by 0.05 per
cent across maturities.This decision has reduced SBI’s marginal cost of funds based lending rate
(MCLR) from 8.00 per cent to 7.95 per cent.
• On October 31, 2017, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) approved Rs. 13,000 crore loan for five
projects in Andhra Pradesh.
• Private sector bank, Yes Bank has unveiled BHIM YES PAY which is being termed as India’s 1st wallet that
is fully integrated with all the IndiaStack APIs and National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) products.
• On November 3, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a notification, directing corporate borrowers
having exposure of Rs 5 crore and above to mandatorily obtain 20-digit Legal Entity Identifier (LEI).
• On 3rd November 2017, Yes Bank signed a MoU with the government to provide Rs 1,000 crore financing for
food processing projects.Yes Bank said that, the funding will be provided to around 100 food processing
projects with an average size of Rs 10 crore each.
• AU Small Finance Bank has received an approval from Reserved Bank of India (RBI) to operate as Scheduled
Commercial Bank and has thereby been included in the Second Schedule of Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• On November 3, 2017, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) clarified that farmers do not need to quote
Permanent Account Number (PAN) for cash sale of their produce up to Rs 2 lakh a day.
• On November 3, 2017, Union Communications Minister Manoj Sinha stated that India Posts Payments Bank
(IPPB) will have nationwide presence by April 2018.By April 2018, IPPB branches will be opened in 650
districts across India.Currently IPPB branches are operational in Raipur(Chhattisgarh) and Ranchi
(Jharkhand).
• As per a report by Japanese financial services firm Nomura, India’s current account deficit (CAD) for FY
2017-18 is expected to be around $40 billion, or 1.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• Insurance firm Bajaj Allianz has come up with India’s first ever insurance cover for individual victims
of cyber crime.
• On November 3, 2017, digital payment platform Paytm launched ‘Inbox’, a messaging service that will allow
consumers to chat with friends and family and send and request money at the same time.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data has showed that, India’s foreign exchange reserves fell for the second
consecutive week to $398.761 billion.
• ICICI Bank teams with Apple to launch voice-based international remittance service for NRIs to send money
to any bank in India.
• On 6th November 2017, HSBC pledged to provide $100 billion in financing and investment by 2025 to help
combat climate change.HSBC has promised $100billion of finance for low-carbon technology and sustainable
development by 2025 as part its commitment to tackling climate change and other “green” goals.
• On November 6, 2017, India has pledged an additional USD 100 million towards the UN partnership
fund. This amount is in addition to India’s USD 10.582 million contributions to various other UN
programmes.
• HDFC Bank Ltd has made online transactions through RTGS and NEFT free of cost from 1st November 2017,
with an aim to promote a digital economy.
• On 7th November 2017, Paytm introduced payments using BHIM UPI through which users can create their
own Paytm BHIM UPI ID on the app, using which customers can transfer money.
Using BHIM UPI users can create their own Paytm BHIM UPI ID on the app, which will be issued by Paytm
Payments Bank.
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• On November 7, 2017, India singed a loan agreement with World Bank for USD 119 million for
the Odisha Higher Education Programme for Excellence and Equity (OHEPEE) Project.
• On November 7, 2017, Bank of China formally launched its operations in Pakistan by opening its first branch
in Karachi.
• On November 7, 2017, Syndicate Bank formed a human chain to create awareness among the public to fight
corruption. This human chain was formed by Syndicate Bank in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has amended IBBI (Insolvency Resolution Process for
Corporate Persons) Resolution Process, 2016 to ensure that the corporate insolvency resolution process results
in a credible and viable resolution plan. As per the norm stipulated in this amendment, the antecedents, credit
worthiness and credibility of a resolution applicant, including promoters will be checked by the Committee of
Creditors before approving the resolution plan
• International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), an international financial institution and a
specialised agency of the United Nations has approved a USD 30 million soft loans for fourth phase of the
North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP).
• On 9th November 2017, the government raised the maximum amount that a central government employee can
borrow from the government to Rs 25 lakh for new construction/purchase of new house/flat. Also, the rate of
Interest on HBA will be only 8.50% at simple interest.
• On November 9, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a notification outlining norms for outsourcing of
functions/services by Non-Bank Financial Institution (NBFCs). As per the new norms, NBFCs cannot
outsource core management functions like internal audit, management of investment portfolio, strategic and
compliance functions for know your customer (KYC) norms and sanction of loans.
• Federal Bank gets RBI nod to open offices in Kuwait, Singapore
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked banks to provide doorstep banking facilities to senior citizens of more
than 70 years of age and differently-abled persons including the visually-impaired.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has simplified the Foreign Exchange Management regulations pertaining
to Transfer or Issue of Security by a Person Resident outside India.This has been done by putting all the 93
amendments to Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) under one notification.
• American Digital payments company PayPal has launched its domestic operations in India and will now
provide digital payment solutions for merchants and customers in India.
• India’s securities market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has penalised 22 entities
which includes Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani’s Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) that was found to be
involved in manipulative trading through a listed firm called Sarang Chemicals. Mr. Rupani’s firm has been
asked to pay a Rs 15 lakh fine within 45 days.
• The Economic Research Department of State Bank of India (SBI) has released a report on oil price
hike and how unlikely it is to impact the Current account deficit (CAD) and how inflation could stretch fiscal.
The report is authored by Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Adviser of SBI.
• The US has announced a grant of nearly USD 500,000 for organisations which can come up with ideas and
projects to promote religious freedom in India and Sri Lanka.
• IDFC Bank entered into a strategic partnership with digital payments solution company MobiKwik to launch
a co-branded virtual Visa prepaid card for customers of MobiKwik.
• Private sector life insurance company PNB MetLife has entered into a tie-up with Bank of Bahrain and
Kuwait (BBK) to sell retail and group insurance products to BBK’s customers in India.
• Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) has announced that linking of Aadhaar
number to insurance policies is now a mandatory requirement under Prevention of Money-laundering
(Maintenance of Records) Second Amendment Rules, 2017.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE’s) second largest bank, Emirates NBD has started operations in India by opening
a branch in Mumbai.The Mumbai branch is Emirates NBD’s fifth international branch outside of its UAE.
• Air India has received a loan worth of Rs 1,500 crore from Bank of India to meet urgent working capital
needs.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE’s) second largest bank, Emirates NBD has started operations in India by opening
a branch in Mumbai.
• As per a recent report by Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofA-ML), by 2028, India is likely to overtake
Japan as world’s third largest economy, in terms of nominal gross domestic product (GDP).
• On November 13, 2017, Government of India launched New Fund Offer (NFO) for BHARAT-22 Exchange
Traded Fund (ETF), through which it is targeting to raise initial amount of about Rs. 8000 crore as a part of
disinvestment programme for the current fiscal.
• On 14th November 2017, the Japanese embassy said that, Japan will simplify its visa rules for Indians from
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January 2018 and issue multiple-entry visa for short-term stays.Multiple entry visas with
a validity of maximum five years and stay of maximum 90 days will be issued to applicants who have travel
records to Japan twice or more in the last one year.
• On 15th November 2017, Marketplace Tech Infra Services, an arm of the premier exchange BSE (Bombay
Stock Exchange), launched BEST (BSE Electronic Smart Trader). BEST (BSE Electronic Smart Trader) is an
advanced hosted trading solution built on Thomson Reuters Omnesys NEST platform.
• BSE Institute Limited (BIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of BSE Limited has signed an Memorandum of
Understanding with DLT Labs to set up the India’s first state-of-the-art Block Chain Lab in Mumbai.
• Central Government has given approval for setting up India’s first mega coastal economic zone (CEZ) at
the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Maharashtra.
• Digital payments services company, Paytm has entered in to a tie-up with ICICI Bank to jointly
launch ‘Paytm-ICICI Bank Postpaid’, that offers short-term credit to their common customers.Based on the
credit-score, instant interest-free credit is offered to the customer. The borrowed amount has to be repaid
within 45 days, after which interest at the rate of 3% is charged just as per terms of a physical credit card
product. Currently maximum credit limit has been set at Rs. 20000 per customer.
• Yes Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Innovation Centre Denmark – India
(ICDK India), to bring financial technology innovations and startups from Denmark to India, and facilitate
entry of Indian startups in Denmark.
• Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded the Government of India’s local and foreign currency issuer ratings
to Baa2 from Baa3 and changed the outlook on the rating to stable from positive.India’s rating has been
upgraded by Moody’s after a gap of 13 years.
• On November 17, 2107, private sector RBL Bank inaugurated an all women branch in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• On November 13, 2017, Moody’s Investors Service upgraded ratings of nine Indian public sector firms.
Rating of four financial institutions – Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM India), HDFC Bank, Indian
Railway Finance Corporation Limited (IRFC) and State Bank of India (SBI) – has also been upgraded to
Baa2.
• In a bid to kick-start its lending operations focused on retail and small & medium enterprises
(SMEs), Centrum Capital has acquired South Africa-based First Rand Bank’s (FRB’s) microfinance business
in India.Centrum is a non-banking finance company (NBFC) which has already received a microfinance
institution (MFI) licence from the Reserve bank of India (RBI).
• Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Action Construction Equipment Ltd (ACE) have tied up for augmenting
tractors/agricultural implements financing to the farmers across India through PNB’s branch network.
• Reliance General Insurance, a subsidiary of Reliance Capital, has signed a comprehensive bancassurance-
corporate agency agreement with YES Bank. YES Bank with its network of 1,040 branches across all 29
States and seven Union Territories will enable Reliance General Insurance to reach a large base of retail and
MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) clients.
• Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has stated that Non-resident Indian (NRIs) and Persons of
Indian Origin (PIOs) are not required to link bank accounts and other services with Aadhaar.
• Central Government has set Rs 10000 minimum balance in bank account as one of the 21 parameters to assess
poverty in gram panchayats under ‘Mission Antyodaya’. Union Rural Development Ministry’s ‘Mission
Antyodaya’ aims to create 50000 poverty-free gram panchayats.
• On November 19, 2017, Economic Affairs Secretary, Subhash Chandra Garg, stated that Central Government
has only sought Rs 13,000 crore of surplus which Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has and has not asked it to pay
any ‘special dividend’. The fiscal year for RBI is June-July. For 2016-17 fiscal, ending in June 2017, RBI’s
profit was about Rs 44,000 crore.
• On November 20, 2017, India Index Services & Products (IISL), a National Stock Exchange (NSE) Group
entity, launched Nifty SME Emerge Index, a new Nifty Index to measure the performance of small and
medium enterprises (SMEs) listed on NSE’s EMERGE platform (dedicated NSE platform for small
companies).This index represents about 62 per cent of the full market capitalisation of all SMEs listed on
EMERGE.
• The government has given infrastructure status to logistics sector, covering cold chain and warehousing
facilities, in a move to attract more funding at competitive rates for these segments. Amending the existing
framework, a notification issued by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) has widened the category
of infrastructure sub-sectors to “transport and logistics” from the earlier sub-head of “transport”.
• On November 20, 2017, Central Government announced that issue size of New Fund Offer (NFO) of Bharat
22 Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) has been raised to Rs 14500 crore from Rs. 8000 crore earlier.
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• Mswipe, a domestic maker of Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, has partnered MasterCard to digitise merchant
acquisition and can now enable a shopkeeper anywhere in India to acquire a card swipe machine. This
solution to digitally validate and authenticate KYC documents has been developed by Bengaluru-based
startup Signzy.
• New Development Bank (NDB) floated by BRICS nations has approved two infrastructure and sustainable
development projects in India and Russia with loans of $400 million. In India, funds procured by means of
NDB loan will be used to rehabilitate the Indira Gandhi canal system.
• During the International Fraud Awareness week (12 – 18 November 2017), Axis Bank in association
with Mumbai Police has launched its latest campaign #MuhPeTaala to promote safe banking. The aim of this
campaign is to raise awareness about how to keep oneself safe from falling prey to fraudulent calls asking
information such as pin code, CVV, OTP etc.
• On November 21, 2017, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidulaunched Pattabhi
Sitaramayya-Self Business Group (PS-SBG) scheme, a loan scheme for rural women in the state, who want to
start their own businesses. Under this scheme, Andhra Bank would extend working capital and term loan up to
Rs. 25 lakh to the group or in individual capacity within group.
• On November 22, 2017, Messaging app Hike announced that it has entered into a tie-up with Airtel Payments
Bank for its mobile wallet product.
• On November 16, 2017, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organized a one-day national workshop on
the promotion of male participation in family planning in New Delhi.This Workshop was a precursor and
curtain raiser to the ‘Vasectomy Fortnight’ which is being observed from 21st November 2017 to 4th December
2017 across all states and Union Territories in India.
• Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has become the first Canadian bank to be added to the Financial Stability
Board’s (FSB’s) list of global systemically important banks (G-SIB) deemed ‘too big to fail’.
• On 22nd November 2017, United Bank of India (UBI) said it has received SEBI’s approval for issue of equity
shares worth Rs 1,000 crore by way of institutional placement. Union Bank of India (UBI) in January 2017,
said it planned to raise up to Rs 1,500 crore through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP), rights or public
issue.
• President approves ordinance to amend Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.Wilful defaulters, of one year or
more will be considered ineligible to be a ‘resolution applicant.’
• SBI launches YONO, India’s first integrated lifestyle and banking app.YONO stands for ‘You Only Need
One’
• Bajaj Allianz General Insurance launched ‘Pro-fit’ platform
• RBI relaxes 26% debt-equity conversion cap for ARCs on condition net-owned funds are maintained at Rs
100 crore on an ongoing basis.
• Kotak Mahindra Bank (Kotak) launched “Smart Banking 24X7” e-lobbies, in the Mumbai suburbs of Juhu
and Powai
• Canara Bank rolls out Canarites app and digital librarya field recovery mobile app, a retail loan (vehicle) –
tracking system, and a regulatory guidance tracking system for benefits of their staff
• JM Financial has received certificate of registration from the National Housing Bank (NHB) for carrying out
housing finance activities through its subsidiary JM Financial Home Loans.
• On November 24, 2017, rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) kept its sovereign rating for India unchanged
at ‘BBB-‘, with outlook for the nation as ‘stable’. S&P’s ’Stable’ outlook for India indicates sound external
account position.
• Private sector bank, Axis Bank has launched an instant international payment services using RippleNet
(Ripple’s enterprise blockchain technology solution).This facility is currently available for Axis Bank’s retail
customers in India to receive payments from the UAE-based Rak Bank.
• Indian online payments firm BillDesk-owned Hatio Innovations has launched cryptocurrency exchange
‘Coinome’ in India offering trading of Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash. To start trading on this exchange, the user
has to follow an e-KYC process. Management of ‘Coinome’ has laid out plan to introduce trading of leading
20 cryptocurrencies by 2018.
• On November 27, 2017, Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched digital Supply Chain Finance solution which has
been designed to ensure faster approvals, smoother transaction processing and availability of finance to the
Small and Medium Enterprises and it provides supply chain finance products such as pre- and post-shipment
finance.
• Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced that it will provide loans up to $4 billion to India on annual basis
including non-sovereign/private debt during 2018-22.
• DBS Bank has lowered India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for current fiscal (FY 2017-
18) to 6.6 % from the previous 6.8 %.
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• ICICI Prudential Life has become first private Life Insurer in India to implement Electronic – National
Automated Clearing House (e-NACH) service of the National Payment Corporation of India.
• IndiaFirst Life Insurance has launched India’s first-ever micro-insurance plan ‘insurance khata’ for those in
the informal sector and agricultural labourers with seasonal incomes.
• On November 28, 2017, Union Finance Minister, ArunJaitley formally launched 'Paytm Payments Bank' in
New Delhi.
• Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced that it will provide a $500 million loan for the 'Second Rural
Connectivity Investment Programme' to improve rural roads in West Bengal, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Odisha
and Madhya Pradesh.
• Karnataka Bank Ltd has partnered with the Boston Consulting Group (India) Pvt Ltd for its transformation
initiatives and the transformation project ‘KBL Vikaas’ was launched in Mangaluru on 29th November 2017.
• On Nov.30 2017,Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked co-operative societies not use the word 'Bank' in their
names as it have neither been issued any licence under the Banking Regulation Act. i. RBI has specified that
using ‘bank’ in the name of cooperative societies violates Section 7 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
BUSINESS
• As per data released by Union Commerce and Industry Ministry on October 31, 2017, core industries
registered a growth of 5.2% in September 2017. Coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers,
steel, cement and electricity are together referred to as core industries.
• Global Environment Facility (GEF), an international partnership of 183 countries, International development
banks, United Nations agencies and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will provide $454
million funding for energy-efficiency projects run by Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL).
• Asia Index Pvt Ltd, a joint venture of S&P Dow Jones Indices and BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange), has
launched an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) index.
• On November 1, 2017, United States (US) Government approved a $1.1 billion deal to service Qatar’s F-15
fighter jets despite the ongoing diplomatic stand-off between Qatar and its neighbouring countries.
• Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has signed seven unilateral advance pricing agreements (APAs) with
Indian taxpayers during October 2017.7 unilateral APAs signed by CBDT in October 2017, pertain to sectors
like FMCG, semi-conductor, information technology, travel and leisure, office furniture and engineering.
• On 3rd November 2017, TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) announced that, Reliance
Communications will shut down voice call service from 1st December 2017 and its customers can move to
other networks by the end of 2017.
• On 3rd November 2017, a Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) of Rs 10, 000 Crore was signed between
the Government of India and Patanjali at the World Food India 2017.
• The transportation network company Ola announced its strategic partnership with Microsoft company, and
thereby choosing the microsoft as its preferred cloud provider.
• On November 6, 2017, Kerala State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Intel
and UST Global for exploring the possibility of transforming the state into an electronic hardware
manufacturing hub.
• HSBC pledged to provide $100 billion in financing and investment by 2025 to help combat climate change.
• On 8th November 2017, Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX) said that, it has successfully completed first-
ever diamond futures contracts settlement with the total traded quantity in November expiry for 5,382.08
carats valued at Rs 173.32 crore.
• Indian government has notified the third protocol with New Zealand for the avoidance of double taxation and
prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.This protocol updates the existing protocol by
incorporating new provisions about sharing of tax-related information as per the latest international standard.
• Ratings firm CRISIL(Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited) and Small Industries Development
Bank of India (SIDBI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch CriSidEx, a sentiment
Index for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
• A report by non-governmental environmental organisation Greenpeace has stated that, China will either shut
down or reduce operations at several steel plants for the next 5 months to reduce pollution in Beijing.
• Adani Power has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Adani Power (Jharkhand) has inked long-term
pact with Bangladesh Power Development Board to supply electricity from its upcoming 1,600 MW plant at
Godda in Jharkhand.
• On November 8, 2017, Indian government doubled the import duty on wheat to 20 per cent to restrict cheap
shipments and thereby provide price support to farmers in the ongoing Rabi season.
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• On 9th November 2017, Haryana Agriculture University (HAU), Hisar, and the Netherlands government
decided to jointly work on a project to tackle issues like crop residue management.
• Sixth China-India Forum meet was held in Bengaluru on November 10, 2017. This event was jointly hosted
by the Government of China, Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC),
China-India Friendship Association (CIFA), and Podar Enterprise.
• The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has announced a target to support setting up 1000GW of solar energy
capacity by 2030 across its member countries.The 1000 GW solar energy capacity target by 2030 has been set
by the ISA. It willbe met through projects that ISA will support under its various work programmes.
• Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced that, Maharashtra governemnt
would raise a Rs 25,000 crore project on 800 acres at Heti (Kundi) village in Vidarbha, Maharshtra
• Uber inaugurated its engineering facility in Hyderabad, the second such unit in India.
• The Indian Navy has signed a contract with Tata Power SED under the ‘Buy and Make’ category, through
which Tata Power SED will supply Portable Diver Detection Sonar (PDDS) for Indian Navy.
• Nepal Electricity Authority, NEA has signed a joint venture agreement with China Three Gorges Corporation
(CTGC) to construct 750 MW West Seti hydropower Project.
• The Karnataka government has partnered with Intel company Mobileye to launch a project for automotive
safety called “Automotive Safety Innovation”, which will create a repository of road and traffic information.
• On November 17, 2017, Central Government doubled the import duties on most varieties of crude edible oil.
This decision has been taken to support local oilseed prices such as groundnut, soybean and sunflower, which
have dropped below their minimum support prices (MSPs) in this kharif season.
• On 17th November 2017, Japanese automakers Toyota Motor Corp. and Suzuki Motor Corp. said they had
agreed to ally to introduce Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India by around 2020.
• India and the World Bank signed a $100-million loan and grant agreement for increasing solar power
generation capacity in India.
• Mahindra opened its new manufacturing plant in the world’s car capital Detroit, which got its first automotive
production facility in 25 years.Mahindra has opened its new manufacturing plant with an investment of $230
million. The new plant will create 250 new jobs in the US.
• Madhucon Projects Ltd said that, the World Bank has debarred it from participating in the projects aided by
the multilateral funding agency for two years. The World Bank had temporarily debarred Madhucon
Projects from participating in World Bank aided projects for a period of three years due to allegednegligence
of its project staff in Lucknow-Muzzafarpur Highway projects.
• On November 21, 2017 (on the occasion of ‘World Fisheries Day’), Union Agriculture Minister, Radhan
Mohan Singh stated that India has become the second largest fish producing country in the world. Total fish
production in India (including capture and culture) reached 11.41 million tonnes in 2016-17.
• On November 22, 2017, Samsung India announced a partnership with Uttar Pradesh State Government
for ‘Smart Healthcare Programme’. Under this programme, Samsung India will set-up 20 new smart
healthcare centres across Uttar Pradesh to offer affordable and quality healthcare to patients from the
economically and socially weaker sections of society.
• On 22nd November 2017, Facebook said it expects to train about 5 lakh people in India on digital skills by
2020 and unveiled two programmes designed for individuals and start-ups
• Uber Technologies partners with Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) to add electric vehicles on its platform in
India
• NPPA caps prices of 51 essential medicines.Reduction in prices for these essential formulations is in the range
of 6-53%.
• Government doubles incentives rates for garments, made-ups to 4 percent from 2
Under Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS)
• On Nov.24 2017,Third Trump Tower with 140 ultra-luxury apartments launched in Kolkata and Indian
developers aim Rs 700 crore sales. Realty firms Unimark Group, RDB Group and Tribeca Developers have
already sold about 50 per cent units.
• On 26th Nov 2017,The Swedish home furnishing retailer IKEA (Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd)
launched its first centre “IKEA Hej HOME” in India at Hyderabad by 2018 , the second store will open in
Mumbai in 2019, followed by Bengaluru and Delhi NCR. IKEA has a commitment to hire 50% women co-
workers at all levels in India.
• Air India Express (AIE), has secured the Category III-B certification from Director General of Civil Aviation
(DGCA), by which it can now land and takeoff in low visibility conditions even up to an RVR (runway visual
range) as low as up to 50 meters.
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• India became the biggest market for Ukrainian agriculture products in the first 10 months of 2017, importing
11.3 % of exports in cash terms.
• World Bank has agreed to provide a subsidy of Rs7 lakh per bus to West Bengal to buy 130 electric buses.
• On November 28, 2017, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) upheld the basic principles of Net
neutrality, disallowing telecom operators from prioritising or blocking content on their networks and also
proposed to amend the existing licences to incorporate Net neutrality principles
• On 29th November 2017, High Commissioner of India to South Africa and Lesotho, Ruchira Kamboj handed
over the donation of 500 metric tonnes rice to the King Letsie III in Lesotho’s capital, Maseru at Southern
Africa, which is facing acute food shortage due to famine.
• On November 29, 2017, India's airline operator, Jet Airways and Air France-KLM announced a tie-up to boost
flights from the Indian subcontinent to Europe and then onwards to the United States.This tie-up could give
Jet Airways, unrestricted access to Europe and North America and could reduce the scope of its existing
partnership with Etihad Airways.
• Noted Malayalam Poet and literary critic, K Satchidanandan, has been selected for 2017 Ezhuthachan
Puraskaram award, Kerala government’s highest literary honour.
• ICICI Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) Chanda Kochhar and Bollywood
actress Priyanka Chopra have featured on the list of the world’s 100 most powerful women compiled by
Forbes. The overall list was topped by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She has retained the top position
for the seventh consecutive year and 12 times in total.
• On 1st November 2017, Royal Opera House in Charni Road, Mumbai, was awarded the 2017 UNESCO Asia-
Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation.The Royal Opera House was closed to the public in 1993. It
was reopened in 2016 after restoration
• On 1st November 2017, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, overtook China’s Hui Ka Yan and
became Asia’s richest person with a total wealth of$42.1 billion, According to Forbes’ real time billionaire’s
list.
• Tata Power Solar has won ‘Dun & Bradstreet – Everest Infra Awards 2017’ under Infrastructure Project
category for commissioning India’s largest solar project under Domestic Content Requirement for NTPC at
Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.
• On 3rd November 2017, the Jnanpith Selection Board announced that renowned Hindi writer Krishna Sobti has
been chosen for 2017 Jnanpith Award.
• Indian playwright, actor, film director, and writer Girish Karnad has been announced as the recipient of
the Tata Literature Live! Lifetime Achievement Award for 2017.
• Srirangam temple of Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu has won the UNESCO Asia Pacific Award of Merit 2017 for
cultural heritage conservation.It has become the first temple in Tamil Nadu to be given the prestigious award
from the UN body. The renovation of the temple began in June 2014.
• On November 4, 2017, India set a Guinness world record by cooking 918 kg khichdi at ‘World Food India’
2017 event in New Delhi.Khichdi is a traditional Indian multi-grain dish that is relished equally by rich as
well poor people across India.
• On November 6, 2017, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs announced ‘Best Urban Transport
Practices’ Award on the concluding day of the three day Urban Mobility Conference –cum-Exhibition at
Hyderabad.Surat Municipal Corporation has won ‘Best City Bus Services Award’ for attracting 87% of the
private vehicle and auto rickshaw users to use city buses. This feat was accomplished with Bus Rapid
Transport System (BRTS) which was made operational in 2014. BRTS in Surat currently operates 275 buses
on 28 routes.
• On 5th November 2017, Veteran actor Mohan Joshi was honoured with the prestigious Vishnudas Bhave
award for his contribution to theatre.Mohan Joshi was honoured with Vishnudas Bhave award at
a ceremony held in Sangli, Maharashtra on the eve of Marathi Rangbhumi Din.
• On November 3, 2017, Goa State Government signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
the Department of Bio-Technology under Union Ministry of Science and Technology and Nobel Media,
Sweden to hold the ‘Nobel Prize Series — India 2018’ from 1st – 28th February, 2018. Theme of this event
will be ‘Science Impacts Life’.
• Banaganapalle mangoes of Andhra Pradesh and six other products have been granted Geographical
Indications (GI) during this fiscal year, 2017-18 by the Indian patent office.In 2016-17, as many as 33 items
across India got GI tag.
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• On 31st October 2017, ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) honoured
CMC Skills’ Founder Ms. Maya Swaminathan Sinha with the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2017’ award
in Ranchi.
• On 1st November 2017, Apollo Munich Health Insurance Company was awarded the 21st Asia Insurance
Industry Awards in the “General Insurance Company of the Year” category, at Singapore.
• On 5th November 2017, Indian short film ‘The School Bag’ won the Best Short Film Award at the South
Asian Film Festival of Montreal (SAFFM) in Montreal. Actress Rasika Dugal has played the mother role. The
film was directed by Dheeraj Jindal.
• On 6th November 2017, Eric Vuillard’s novel L’ordre du jour (in English ‘Agenda’), story of how German
industry and finance backed Adolf Hitler, won the top Goncourt Prize 2017 award, at the restaurant Drouant in
Paris.
• Transport for London has been given the 2017 ‘Bad Grammar Award’ by The Idler Academy in Britain.
• Indian women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj bagged the Indian Sportswoman of the Year (Team
Sports) award at the Indian Sports Honours (ISH) 2017 event held in Mumbai.Also, Mithali-led Indian
woman’s cricket team, which ended as runners-up in the ICC world Cup 2017, won the Team of the Year
award.
On 15th November 2017, Google paid its tributes to Cornelia Sorabji, India’s first woman lawyer, through a
doodle on the occasion of her 151st birth anniversary.
• On 14th November 2017, Indonesia’s Kevin Lilliana was crowned Miss International 2017 by the Philippines’
Kylie Verzosa at the Tokyo Dome City Hall in Japan.
• On 15th November 2017, Forbes said that, India’s Ambani family has topped the Forbes list of Asia’s Richest
Families for the first time with a net worth of$44.8 billion, up $19 billion from the previous year.
• On 14th November 2017, the Andhra Pradesh government announced Nandi Awards of the year 2014, 2015
and 2016. Baahubali won fourteen awards and Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth were the winners of NTR
honour.
• The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) bagged the ADI PEC (Abu Dhabi Intl
Petroleum Exhibition and Conference) Excellency in Energy Awards 2017 as runner-up, in Abu Dhabi.
On 10th November 2017, Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited (NINL) received the prestigious “Kalinga Safety
Award” in the 8th Odisha State Safety Conclave. The Odisha-based NINL got the award in gold category for
best safety performer of the year 2016.
• On 7th November 2017, organizers announced that, Natalie Portman has been awarded Israel’s 2018 Genesis
Prize in recognition of her commitment to social causes and deep connection to her Jewish and Israeli roots.
• Eminent classical singer late Girija Devi will be honoured with the prestigious Sumitra Charat Ram Award for
Lifetime Achievement on 17th November 2017 in New Delhi.
• On 9th November 2017, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was named as the
recipient of the Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice, 2017 as an acknowledgement of its
exceptional work worldwide.
• On 9th November 2017, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) hosted the National
Entrepreneurship Awards 2017 marking the completion of three years of its inception. Best State Engaging
Apprentices awarded to – Haryana.
• India’s gymnastic star Dipa Karmakar, who finished fourth in the final round of the women’s vault event at
the Rio Olympics Games in Brazil last year,was conferred a D.Litt. degree by the National Institute of
Technology (NIT), Agartala.
• Nicaraguan author and former politician Sergio Ramirez Mercado has won the 2017 Cervantes Prize, the
Spanish-speaking world’s highest literary honor.Sergio Ramirez has written more than 20 novels, including
“Margarita, esta linda la mar” (Margarita, How Beautiful the Sea), which won Spain’s prestigious Alfaguara
award in 1998.
• On 14th November 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind awarded “Rashtriya Bal Kalyan Award 2017” to Super
30 founder Anand Kumar for his contributions in the field of teaching and education, at Rashtrapati Bhavan,
in New Delhi. The Rashtriya Bal Kalyan Award was launched by the Department of Women and Child
Development. It carries a citation and Rs. 1 lakh.
• Former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has been chosen for Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace,
Disarmament and Development for the year 2017. Dr. Manmohan Singh has been chosen for achievements
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during his term as Prime Minister of India between 2004 and 2014.
• Haryana girl Manushi Chhillar wins Miss World 2017. India has won the Miss World 2017 title 17 years after
Priyanka Chopra won the title in 2000. Andrea Meza, who is Miss Mexico was the first runner
up andStephanie Hill from England was second runner up.
• Sri Lankan author Anuk Arudpragasam’s “The Story of a Brief Marriage” has bagged the $25,000 DSC Prize
for South Asian Literature 2017. Bangladesh Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith presented the award
to Arudpragasam at the magnificent Bangla Academy in Dhaka during the closing ceremony of the three-day
long Dhaka Literature Festival on 18th November 2017.
• Veteran journalist Manik Banerjee, who is also a renowned mountaineer was presented with the Life Time
Achievement Award by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
• On 20th November 2017, Tamil actor Trisha Krishnan was conferred the UNICEF celebrity advocate status for
child rights at an event held in Chennai.
• Popular Bengali writer Nabaneeta Dev Sen has been declared as winner in ‘Author in Bengali
language’ category at the second edition of Big Little Book Award.
• Beyonce has jumped from number 5 last year to clinch the top spot (number 1) in Forbes magazine’s 2017 list
for the highest-paid women in music. Beyonce’s most praised album “Lemonade,” her sixth No. 1 hit, and her
subsequent Formation World Tour accounted for the bulk of the estimated $105 millionshe has earned
between June 1, 2016, and June 1, 2017.
• A team of research students from Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management-Kerala (IIITM-
K) have won the prestigious NITI Aayog prize in the inaugural edition of the Proffer Hackathon held at Indian
Institute of Technology (IIT) – New Delhi. This Hackathon was organised by NITI Aayog along with Proffer
at IIT Delhi from Nov 10-13, 2017.
• On 19th November 2017, at the Tata Literature Live! Awards, Pankaj Mishra’s ‘Age of Anger: A History of
the Present’ was named as Best Book of the year 2017.
• Sri Lankan author Anuk Arudpragasam has bagged the Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize 2017 for his debut
novel “The Story of a Brief Marriage”, set in the backdrop of the civil war.
• Pondicherry University library has bagged the Highest Profile Registration category award for effective
utilisation of the J-Gate@eShodhSindhu platform.
• RajkummarRao won the best actor award and MayankTewari &Amit V. Masurkar secured the best screenplay
honour at Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Brisbane
• Lionel Messi received his fourth Golden Shoe award for leading all of Europe’s leagues in scoring last season,
in Barcelona.The Golden Shoe is awarded by European Sports Media
• On 24th November 2017, ‘World Book of Records’( WBR) awarded the Golden Temple for the ‘most visited
place of the world’ an average more than one lakh devotees visit every day. General secretary of ‘World Book
of Records’( WBR) India chapter, Surbhi Kaul, and president of WBR Punjab chapter, Randeep Singh Kohli,
gave this award to Shriomani Gurdwara Pharbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief secretary Roop Singh at Teja
Singh Samundari Hall, Amritsar .
• Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare , Shri. Jagat Prakash Nadda has won Bronze Medal for its
creative and informative display at the 37th India International Trade Fair 2017 which was held from 14th –
27th November, 2017 in New Delhi.
• On 26th November 2017, Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters was crowned Miss Universe 2017 at the
AXIS theater at Planet Hollywood casino-resort on the Las Vegas Strip. The runner-up was Miss Colombia
Laura Gonzalez, and the second runner-up was Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett.
• Actor Ishaan Khattar has won the Best Actor award for his debut film ‘Beyond The Clouds’ directed by
Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi at the International Bosphorus Film Festival in Turkey. Music composed by
A. R. Rahman. It was the opening movie of the 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on November
20, 2017.
• On 26th November 2017, the Chandigarh Literary Society awarded children's author Ruskin Bond its
first Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Chandigarh Lit Fest ‘Literati-2017’ at the Lake Club, in
Chandigarh.This Award consisted of a citation and Rs 2 lakh cash.
• President Ram NathKovind conferred the 3rd ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) Distinguished
Indologist Award on Professor Hiroshi Marui of Japan in New Delhi.
• Egyptian journalist Khaled el-Balshywill receive the Individual Activist award of the Nelson Mandela -
GracaMachel Innovation Awardson December 7, 2017 in Fiji’s capital Suva.
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Awardees at Indian Sport Honours 2017:

Award Awardee
Sportsman of the year SrikanthKidambi (Badminton player)
Sportswoman of the year PV Sindhu (Badminton player)
Sportsman of the year for team sport R Ashwin (Cricketer)
Sportswoman of the year for team sport Mithali Raj (Cricketer)
Inspirational Honour SaniaMirza (Tennis player)
Emerging Sportswoman of the year Aditi Ashok (Golfer)
Emerging Sportsman of the year Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Thrower)
Differently abled Sportswoman of the year Deepa Malik
Differently abled Sportsman of the year DevendraJhajharia
Breakthrough Performance of the Year Hardik Pandya (Cricketer)
In the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2017, in New Delhi, awards were given for excellence in display:
Category Awardee Honour
Ministries/ Departments Pavilion of Ministry of Water Resources, River Gold medal
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
PSUs/ EPCs/ commodity boards, Pavilion of National Mission for Clean Ganga Appreciation
banks and other government certificate
departments/organisations
48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa - Award Winners List:
Award Awardees
Best Film 120 Beats Per Minute by Robin Campillo
Indian Film Personality of the Year Amitabh Bachchan
Best Female Actor Parvathy for Take Off
Best Male Actor Nahuel Pérez Biscayart for 120 Beats Per Minute
Best Director Vivian Qu for Angels Wear White
Lifetime Achievement Award Atom Egoyan
Best Debut Film of a Director Kiro Russo for Dark Skull
ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal Kshitij for A Horizon
Special Jury Award Mahesh Narayanan for Take Off
Appointee Desigantion –Organisation

Suresh Chukkapalli Consul General of South Korea
Knut Ostby Myanmar resident coordinator (UN named)
Neelamani N. Raju Karnataka’s first woman police chief
Vikas Seth CEO of Bharti AXA Life
Sudhanshu Jain CFO of Paytm Payments Bank
Rajesh Vaishnaw High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Malta
Neeraj Chopra Brand Ambassador of Gatorade, sports drinks giant
Nasir Kamal Additional Director General of BSF
Shamika Ravi Member of PM economic panel
Mary Kom Youth World Championships ambassador
Kenneth Juster US Ambassador to India
Saad al-Hariri (resigns) Lebanese Prime Minister
Madhu Azad Gurgaon’s first woman mayor
Delhi PWD Secretary Ashwani Kumar Chief Secretary of Puducherry
R K Kulshrestha GM, Southern Railway
Poonguzhali First woman Senior DDG appointed in TERM, DoT- Tamil Nadu
Binoy Kumar Special Secretary in Commerce Ministry
Hasmukh Adhia Finance Secretary
Sanjeev Kaushik Whole-time member of SEBI
Ravi Bangar Ambassador of India to Ecuador
Debjani Ghosh first woman to be President of NASSCOM in 2018
Gautam Gambhir Govt nominee in DDCA managing committee
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RedBus co founder Phanindra Sama Chief Innovation Officer of Telengana.

Tulsi Gabbard Chairperson of World Hindu Congress 2018
Union minister Alphons elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan
Ravinder Singh First Sikh mayor of US city
Indian Origin Priti Patel (resigns) British Minister
Hyderabad Police Commissioner M. Director General of Police (DGP) of Telangana
Mahender Reddy
Bhaskar Ganguly AIFF ombudsman by Supreme Court
RBI Governor Urjit Patel BIS Advisory Board
Surendra Kumar Sinha (resigns) Bangladesh Chief Justice
Vijay Prasad Dimri President of 36th International Geological Congress
Slovenia’s President Borut Pahor Wins
Second Term in Runoff Election
Ganga Kumari First transgender to be appointed in Rajasthan Police
S Ravi Chairman of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
Chakravarthi Ambassador of World Packaging Organisation (WPO)
Bhaskar Bhat, Saurabh Agrawal Tata Sons board
Anand Rajeshwar Baiwar SEBI executive director
Sibi George Ambassador of India to the Principality of Liechtenstein
Sarah Clarke First female Black Rod after 669 years
India’s Justice Dalveer Bhandari (re- Judge in International Court of Justice
elected)
Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim UNAIDS Special Ambassador
Ira Joshi Director general of Doordarshan News
Robert Mugabe (resigns) Zimbabwe’s President
Shubhangi Swaroop First female pilot in Indian Navy
Aashish Kamat (resigned) Chief Executive Officer of Swiss banking giant UBS’s India operations
Chakravarthi Ambassador of World Packaging Organisation (WPO)
Bhaskar Bhat, Saurabh Agrawal Tata Sons board
Anand Rajeshwar Baiwar SEBI executive director
Sibi George Ambassador of India to the Principality of Liechtenstein
Sarah Clarke First female Black Rod after 669 years
India’s Justice Dalveer Bhandari (re- Judge in International Court of Justice
elected)
Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim UNAIDS Special Ambassador
Ira Joshi Director general of Doordarshan News
Robert Mugabe (resigns) Zimbabwe’s President
Shubhangi Swaroop First female pilot in Indian Navy
Aashish Kamat (resigned) Chief Executive Officer of Swiss banking giant UBS’s India operations
EmmersonMnangagwa Zimbabwe’s second president since independence in 1980
N SambasivaRao Andhra Pradesh DGP
Justice SatrughanaPujahari Judge of the Madras High Court
Justice Ved Prakash Vaish Allahabad High Court
Nirmala Sitharaman President of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA)
Vineet Arora MD & CEO of Aegon Life Insurance
Shaktikanta Das India's G20 (Group of Twenty) Sherpa for the Development Track
N K Singh Chairman of 15th Finance Commission
Pradeep Singh Kharola Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Air India
Bill Gates Foreign academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE)
Karen Pierce First female UK ambassador to the United Nations
Upendra Prasad Singh Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation
BadriNarain Sharma Chairman, National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA)
SnehlataShrivastava First woman Secretary General of the LokSabha
Sibi George Ambassador of India to the Holy See
K Ratna Prabha Chief secretary of Karnataka
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Dia Mirza UN (United Nations) as Environment's Goodwill Ambassador for India

Ajay Kumar Secretary in Department of Defence Production
• On 1st November 2017, the Cabinet approved ONGC for acquiring majority 51.11 % stake in HPCL
(Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited).The government’s 51.11% stake in HPCL is sold to ONGC for an
amount of Rs 26,000 crore to Rs 30,000 crore.
• Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) has received approval from its board of directors to form a joint venture
company with Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd (MECL) and NALCO Ltd.The three entities will now
form a Joint Venture (JV) in the name of Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL).
• Magazine publisher and broadcast company Meredith Corp. is acquiring Time Inc. in a deal valued at $2.8
billion.
SCHEMES
• Union Minister of Communications Manoj Sinha launched a pan India scholarship program for school
children called Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana to increase the reach of Philately. Philately is the hobby of
collection and study of Postage stamps.
• Kerala State Government has decided to formulate a ‘Trauma-Care Scheme’, under which all accident victims
in Kerala will be provided necessary emergency care and treatment free-of-cost for the first 48 hours after
being admitted to a hospital.
• A committee headed by M Vinod Kumar, GST chief commissioner for Karnataka has started a review of the
laws governing Goods and Services Tax (GST).
• The Maharashtra state government has decided to set up a committee for the implementation of a Rs.4,000-
crore project on climate resilience agriculture in 5,000 villages of 15 districts in the state. The project would
be funded by the World Bank.
• Indian Railways will start ‘Project Saksham’, India’s largest time-bound ‘upskilling’ exercise, to upgrade the
skill sets of its 13 lakh employees. ‘Sakham’ is a Hindi word which translates as ‘capable’ in English.‘Project
Saksham’ will begin in January 2018 and will continue till September 2018.
• On November 15, 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind launched various schemes and laid the foundation stones
of infrastructure projects in Jharkhand. These schemes and projects are to be carried out at an expenditure
of Rs 3455 crore. It is to be noted that November 15, 2017 was 17th Statehood Day of Jharkhand.
• Madhya Pradesh is the partner state of Manipur and Nagaland under ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’
Yojana. Thus, Madhya Pradesh State Government has assigned the task of implementing this scheme to
Higher Education Department of State.
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave approval for the expansion of schemes of the Ministry
of Women and Child Development (WCD) under the umbrella scheme “Mission for Protection and
Empowerment for Women”.The expansion has been approved for a period from 2017-18 to 2019-
20 with financial outlay of 3636.85 crore. Central Share will be approximately Rs.3084.96 crore.
• Odisha government decided to launch “Nabakrushna Choudhury Seccha Unnayan Yojana” to provide
irrigation facility to about 55,000 hectare of agricultural land across Odisha. The scheme, “Nabakrushna
Choudhury Seccha Unnayan Yojana”, has been named after former chief minister and freedom
fighter Nabakrushna Choudhury.
• Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced a new scheme offering Domestic Power Connections
in rural areas On Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI). Currently it costs between Rs. 3000/- to Rs. 4000/- to
get a domestic power connection.
• Dr Jitendra Singh announces exclusive ‘“North East Rural Livelihood Project” for North-eastern states of
India. This project is being supported by World Bank. Initially, this scheme will be rolled out to help tribal
people in Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
• On 24th November 2017, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed the sanction of 30.76 lakh houses for
the urban poor since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) - Urban scheme in June 2015.
• On November 27, 2017, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik launched the 'Fish Pond Yojana' while inaugurating a
workshop on 'Doubling of Farmer Income through Dairy and Allied Farming Practices' in Bhubaneswar. The
scheme has been launched with a budgetary provision of Rs 96 crore
• Centre suggests Odisha to enhance PMGSY target to 10,000 kmtarget under the PradhanMantri Gram
SadakYojana (PMGSY)
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MoUs
• On 1st November 2017, Assam government signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Terms of
Reference (ToR) with Singapore for skilling youth of the state.
• Indiana, a State in the US, and Karnataka have signed an agreement to establish sister-state ties for
cooperation in economic, educational and cultural fields.
• On 2nd November 2017, the Haryana government signed a MoU with Verbind, an integrated trade facilitation
services organisation, to set up a logistics and trading hub in Haryana.
• Haryana State Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Vyakti Vikas Kendra, a
training institute of the Art of Living Foundation for helping jail inmates to maintain and improve their health
and reduce physical and mental stress.
• Karnataka government announced the launch of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for data science and artificial
intelligence withNasscom as its programme and implementation partner.
• India and Russia have entered into an agreement under which, EMERCOM of Russia would cooperate with
India in the establishment of the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) in India to handle disaster and
other emergency situations.
• A tripartite MoU was signed between National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Tourism and
Hospitality Sector Skill Council (THSC) with Airbnb to provide hospitality skills training to hospitality micro-
entrepreneurs in India.
• India and United Kingdom (UK) will soon sign a MoU in the urban transport sector for cooperation in policy
planning, technology transfer and institutional organisation.
• India and Greece signed an air services agreement and a MoU on cooperation in the field of new and
renewable energy.The agreement was signed between Union External Affairs Minister SushmaSwaraj and
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias.
• An MoU was signed by Manpreet Vohra, Indian ambassador to Afghanistan, and Afghan Transport Minister
Hameed Tahmasi, as per which India will provide USD 2.87 million to Afghanistan for refurbishment of 350
buses that will help in strengthening the public transport system of Kabul.
COMMITTEES
• The Inter-State Council, has been reconstituted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its Chairman and six
Union ministers and all chief ministers as members. Inter-State Council investigates and advises on disputes
between states.
• Union Power Ministry has set up a committee headed by P.D. Siwal, Member of Central Electricity Authority
(CEA) to investigate the causes of this accident and suggest measures to prevent such incidents in future.
• Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has reconstituted a multi-agency group to monitor investigations
related to the Paradise Papers. This multi-agency group will be headed by Central Board of Direct Taxes
(CBDT) chairman Sushil Chandra and includes representatives of the Enforcement Directorate.
• Maharashtra State government has formed a panel to study the feasibility of merging financially weak District
Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) with the Maharashtra State Cooperative (MSC) Bank.The panel is
headed by former NABARD chairman Yashwant Thorat.
• Environment ministry forms 7-member panel under CK Mishra for air pollution in Delhi
• A panel led by India’s consumer affairs ministry under Avinash K Srivastava has decided to import the onions
through a government agency to increase the availability of the same, in the market on moderate prices.
•
• On 30th October 2017, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Giriraj Singh launched MSME Delayed
Payment Portal named MSME Samadhaan (http://msefc.msme.gov.in).The MSME Samadhaan Portal will
give information about the
• On 2nd November 2017, Integrated Quarter Master Package (IQMP) software application was released to the
Indian Army by the Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Sarath Chand, in an event at South Block, New
Delhi. IQMP is a web based software developed by Army Software Development Centre in association
with TCS (Tata Consultancy Services). The application automates various logistics related functions of an
Army Unit.
• The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Western Railway (WR) has launched a mobile application ‘Eyewatch
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Railways’ for the security of women commuters travelling between Churchgate and Virar suburban railway
stations, in Mumbai.
• Indian Naval Ships Tir and Sujatha and the Indian Coast Guard ship Sarathi arrived at the Colombo port on
02nd Nov 2017 on a goodwill and training visit.
• On 3rd November 2017, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force
(IAF) successfully tested an indigenously-built lightweight ‘glide bomb’ at the Integrated Test Range in
Chandipur, Odisha. The ‘glide bomb’ is named as Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW). It was released from
the IAF aircraft and guided through precision navigation system.
• Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the
regulatory body for Food Safety in India have launched a new tool called ‘Food Regulatory Portal’. ‘Food
Regulatory Portal’ will serve as a single interface for food businesses to cater to both domestic operations and
food imports.
• On 6th November 2017, China successfully launched two navigation satellites, named BeiDou-3 satellites,
aimed to build its own global positioning network with more than 30 satellites.The BeiDou-3 satellites were
launched with Long March-3B carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern
province of Sichuan, China.
• Having Microsoft as a joint developer, an AI character was made an official resident of a busy central Tokyo
district in Japan. He doesn’t exist physically. He is a virtual chatty seven-year-old boy. The virtual boy was
named “Shibuya Mirai”. Mirai, whose name means “future” in Japanese language.
• Like INS Sujatha and INS Tir, Sri Lankan Navy welcomed the Pakistan Navy Ship PNS Saif, which arrived at
the Port of Colombo on 05thNovember on a 4 days goodwill visit.
• On November 3, 2017, China unveiled ‘Tiankun’ a massive ship described as a “magic island maker” and
considered the most powerful vessel of its type in Asia.
• On November 7, 2017, India successfully conducted a flight test of its indigenously designed and
developed long range sub-sonic cruise missile ‘Nirbhay’.This latest test was conducted from a test range at
Chandipur along the Odisha coast.
• Tata Steel has set up India’s largest Coke Dry Quenching (CDQ) facility at its steel plant located
in Kalinganagar, Odisha.
• On November 6, 2017, independent workplace provider WorkoLab unveiled its first co-working space in
Gurgaon, Haryana and in Pusa Road, New Delhi.
• The Indian Navy is set to use advanced catapult-based aircraft launch mechanism (CATOBAR) from the U.S.
for its second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-II). The U.S. has offered India its latest EMALS
(Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System) technology. This was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical
Systems Inc.
• Coal Ministry launches Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran App for transparency in coal despatches through road’
on CIL’s Foundation Day at Kolkata.
• ISRO’s “AstroSat”accomplished the difficult task of measuring X-ray polarisation of Crab pulsar in the
Taurus constellation during 18-months of its study for the first time. ISRO launched its first dedicated space
observatory AstroSat on aPolar Satellite Launch Vehicle (rocket) on September 28, 2015, from its spaceport at
Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
• On 08th Nov 2017, the social media giant, Twitter announced that it is extending the 140 character limit to
280 characters in all languages where cramming was an issue.
• Astronomers have discovered the most ancient spiral galaxy in the universe which they believe existed 11
billion years ago, named A1689B11.
• Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi launched an online portal for registering
complaint related to sexual harassment in non-government and government organisations named ‘SHe-box’.
• India’s second Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) will be set up at the Centre for Intellectual
Property Rights (CIPR) in Anna University, Chennai.
• On 9th November 2017, Uber unveiled a partnership with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space
Administration) to develop flying taxis priced competitively with standard Uber journeys. Uber has also
announced that, Los Angeles will join two other previously revealed “UberAIR” pilot schemes in Dallas Fort-
Worth, Texas, and Dubai.
• On 10th November 2017, Google Arts and Culture unveiled its first lab experiment in India at an exhibition at
the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mumbai. As a part of first Google Arts &
Culture Lab experiment in India, Google has collaborated with Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu
Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) and the British Museum in London to unveil Future Relics.
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• China claims to be the first country to make contact with alien life using its radio dish named Five hundred
metre Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST), which is believed to detect alien signals coming from other
galaxies.
• Central Government launched phase 2 of BharatNet project to connect 1.5 lakh gram panchayats with high-
speed broadband by March 2019.
• A flexible new material has been developed by researchers from Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for
Materials Science and Technology, which generates electricity when stressed.
• On 13th November 2017, Australian scientists launched a dinner table app named ‘VegEze’ in an effort to
tackle aversion towards consuming vegetables. VegEze app has been developed by the Commonwealth
Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). It aims to encourage Australians to add extra
vegetables to their daily diets.
• Director of National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) Satheesh C Shenoi said that, scientists from
NIOT will build India’s first offshore desalination plant about 40km from the Chennai coast. This desalination
plant is estimated to cost Rs. 2,000 crore. It will be designed and built by NIOT scientists off the shores of
Ennore. The capacity of the plant will be 10 million litres of water per day.
• India’s first wave-powered navigational buoy, developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology
(NIOT), to guide ships in and out of ports was launched in Chennai.
• The Space Kingdom of Asgardia (virtual nation) launched its first satellite ‘Asgardia-1’ into space from
NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
• China has launched the world’s first all-electric ship, which can travel up to 80 km with 2000-tonnes cargo
after a two-hour charge.
• Power Minister R K Singh launched a National Power Portal (NPP), a centralised platform for collation and
dissemination of Indian power sector information.The NPP would be a single point interface for all power
sector apps launched previously by the power ministry. The portal may be accessed at http://npp.gov.in.
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved “Abilify MyCite” the first drug in the United States
with a digital ingestion tracking system, to ensure that patients with mental illness take the medicine
prescribed for them.
• For the first time, astronomers have spotted close encounter between two hyper-luminous
galaxies, collectively known as ADFS-27, bright and massive galaxies in the early universe. Astronomers
captured these two interacting galaxies, collectively known as ADFS-27, as they began the gradual process of
merging into a single, massive elliptical galaxy.
• R.K. Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, launched the Pradhan Mantri
Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – ‘Saubhagya’ Web Portal.The Saubhagya portal can be accessed
at http://saubhagya.gov.in. This is a platform for monitoring household electrification progress.
• Free Wi-Fi will soon be available on the entire 302-kilometre stretch of India’s longest expressway from Agra
to Lucknow.The Uttar Pradesh government has offered to lease out space for laying an Optical Fibre Cable
(OFC) along the six-lane Agra to Lucknow expressway.
• INS Sarvekshak, a hydrographic survey ship of Southern Naval Command has arrived in Dar-es-Salaam
Tanzania for undertaking joint- Hydrographic Survey along with the Tanzanian Navy.
• The joint survey will be conducted with the Naval personnel of Tanzania who have been trained in India
in National Institute of Hydrography, Goa.
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)successfully launched Joint Polar Satellite System-1
(JPSS-1) for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from California, US.It was
launched atop United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket.
• Rajasthan’s Higher and Technical Education Minister Kiran Maheshwari launched ‘Dishari’, an educational
mobile application that provides free study materials for youths preparing for competitive examinations.
• NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has completed the first test of its Mars 2020
mission’s parachute-testing series, the Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research Experiment
(ASPIRE). The test began with a 58-foot-tall Black Brant IX sounding rocket launch and upper-atmosphere
flight last month from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island,
Virginia.
• On 21st November 2017, Odisha government launched a new portal ‘Arpana’ for online processing of
applications for pension revision in respect of pre-2016 pensioners. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched
‘Arpana’ portal at the Secretariat in the presence of Finance Minister Shashibhusan Behera and Chief
Secretary AP Padhi.
• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) Satellite Centre Director Mylswamy Annadurai recently revealed
its plans to launch ‘Aditya-L1’, the first Indian mission to study the Sun, by the year 2019 – 2020.
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• On 23rd November 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally launched UMANG, a state and central
government services app, at the inaugural ceremony of the Global Conference for Cyberspace in New
Delhi. UMANG expands to Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance.
• The (CMFRI) Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute has joined hands with ISRO (Indian Space
Research Organisation) to identify Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ), an area in sea where fishes are seen in
abundance. The project named “Samudra” is aimed at helping fishermen easily locate fish without wasting
time and fuel.
• Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) make world’s smallest data recorder from bacteria using
CRISPR gene-editing method
• On November 25, 2017, China successfully launched remote sensing satellites for conducting electromagnetic
probes on Long March-2C rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan,developed
by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
• On Nov 27 2017, Scientists of New Zealand have developed the world’s first artificial intelligence politician
was named as”SAM”. It was created by Nick Gerritsen. This politician can answer a person’s queries
regarding local issues such as policies around housing, education and immigration.
• Tata Power Solar Systems has commissioned India's first rooftop solar carport at 70000 sq. mtr. Unity One
Mall, in Rohini, Delhi.
• Amazon India in collaboration with hardware accelerator "HAX" and crowd-funding community "Kickstarter"
announced "Startup C-Cube" - a multi-level challenge for the startups that will commence in Bengaluru on
December 5, 2017.
• On 29th November 2017, Planet Labs Inc, a US-based integrated said four of its Dove satellites will be
launched aboard India’s PSLV-C40 mission, scheduled to fly in January 2018. The primary payload for
PSLV-C40 mission is Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Cartosat-2 Series satellite, and Planet
Lab’s four satellites will ride as secondary payloads.
• On 29th November 2017 , North Korea has claimed that "Hwasong-15" test-fired is a new type
of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) that can strike anywhere on the US mainland.
• On 29th November 2017, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar launched the Jai Kisaan App from Adventz
Group, a one-stop solution for a farmer engagement app containing features and functions to fulfill the needs
of the farmer community in India.
DEFENCE
• On October 31, 2017, a 45 member contingent of the Indian Air Force left for Israel to participate in exercise
‘Blue Flag-17’. Blue Flag is a bi-annual multilateral exercise held by Israeli Air Force with air forces of other
countries.
• China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have held their largest- ever
joint maritime rescue exercise, signalling a calm in South China Sea tensions. The exercise, which took place
on 31stof oct 2017, in the waters off the southern coast of China’s Guangdong Province, was “the largest of its
kind for China and ASEAN members.
• The Indian Army today launched an independent and fully-integrated Joint Training Node (JTN) at Umroi
cantonment, Meghalaya.
• On October 31, 2017, Union Defense Ministry approved a major project to acquire 111 utility helicopters for
the Indian Navy at a cost of Rs.21738 crore.
• On November 6, 2017, ‘SAMPRITI 2017’, the seventh edition of Indo-Bangladesh joint military training
exercise begun in Meghalaya.
• On 2nd November 2017, Indian and Kazakhstan armies began a 14-day joint exercise “Prabal Dostyk-
2017” in Himachal Pradesh, to strengthen bilateral relations and exchange skills and experience.
• The two-day Coastal Security Exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ is to be held on 8th and 9th November, 2017. The
Sagar Kavach exercise is being conducted and coordinated by Indian Coast Guard, District Headquarter at
Goa.
• A five-ship Indian naval training flotilla (a small fleet of ships or boats), is on a visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka to
to expose the trainees to the conduct of warship in foreign waters and strengthen the bridges of friendship
between India and Sri Lanka.The five ships in this flotilla includes INS Tir, INS Sujata, INS Sudarshini, INS
Shardul and Coast Guard vessel ICGS Sarathi.
• As a part of the ongoing Indo-Bangladesh defense cooperation, an army training capsule on counter-
insurgency operations will be conducted in Patna’s Danapur Cantonment from November 13, 2017 to
December 10, 2017. This training capsule will be first of its kind being organised for the Bangladesh Army at
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Danapur Cantonment.
• Indian armed forces released ‘Joint Training Doctrine Indian Armed Forces – 2017’, aimed at ensuring
integration amongst the three defence services and optimum utilisation of resources.
• On November 22, 2017, Brahmos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test fired for the first time from
the Indian Air Force’s frontline Sukhoi-30 MKI combat jet.
• First India-Myanmar bilateral military exercise 2017(IMBAX – 2017) begun on November 20, 2017 in Umroi
in Meghalaya. IMBAX-2017 will continue till November 25, 2017. This exercise is being held to train
Myanmar’s army delegation for participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).
• MHA conducts Multi State Mega Mock Tsunami Exercise 2017along East Coast of India. It
was conducted through National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Indian National Centre for
Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)in 31 coastal districts of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and
Tamil Nadu &Puducherry
• India has conducted a major military exercise “Defence of A&N Islands Exercise” (DANX),in the
strategically-located Andaman and Nicobar Island archipelago.This is expected to help to counter China’s
strategic moves in the Indian Ocean Region
• The air forces of South Korea and the United States will hold ‘Vigilant Ace’ a joint drill from 4th –
8th December, 2017.The objective of this drill is to enhance interoperability between U.S. and South Korean
forces and increase the combat effectiveness of air forces of both nations
• On November 27, 2017 Bangladesh President Md Abdul Hamid inaugurated Indian Ocean Naval Symposium
Multilateral Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise-2017 (IMMSAREX-17) near Inani Beach at Cox’s Bazar
in Bay of Bengal and concluded on November 29, 2017. First edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium
(IONS) was held in 2008 in New Delhi.
ENVIRONMENT
• On October 31, 2017, Uttar Pradesh State cabinet took a decision to make India’s first conservation reserve for
black buck in Meja Forest Division of Allahabad.Among five major decisions taken by Uttar Pradesh State
Government during cabinet meeting on October 31, 2017, decision on black buck conservation reserve in
Meja, Allahabad is considered as the most important one.
• On 31st November 2017, Nana, a female bottlenose dolphin, died at the Shizuoka Prefecture aquarium, in
Japan. Dolphin Nana recently broke a national record of staying captive at the aquarium for 15,666 days, or 42
years and 11 months.
• On 2nd November 2017, a new species of orangutan ‘Pongo tapanuliensis’ was discovered in the Sumatra
island of Indonesia, which has become the world’s most endangered great ape.
• Typhoon Damrey hit Vietnam on 4th November 2017 and made landfall causing devastation. This was
the strongest cyclone in Vietnam in 16 years. It weakened and fully dissipated on 5th November 2017.
• Researchers have discovered a new species of ant named ‘Tyrannomyrmex alii’ in the Western Ghats. The
new species of ant was found in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The research has been published
in the journal Zootaxa.
• A new species of wild banana named ‘Musa paramjitiana’ has been discovered in Andaman and Nicobar
islands.
• A study led by researchers at the University of Maryland in the US suggests that India is becoming, if it isnot
already, the world’s top sulphur dioxide emitter.The study says that, India’s emissions of the air pollutant
sulphur dioxide increased by 50 % since 2007, while China’s fell by 75 %.
• Union Petroleum Ministry announced that Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) fuel will be introduced in Delhi from
April 1, 2018, much ahead of the earlier deadline of 2020.
• During a botanical expedition carried out in earlier part of 2017, scientist discovered a new species of parasitic
flowering plant (named Gleadovia konyakianorum) .This parasitic plant has been named Gleadovia
konyakianorum, in honour of the Konyak tribe of Nagas. It was found near Tobu town of Mon district in
eastern Nagaland in the semi-evergreen forest.
• Mount Agung, a volcano on the Indonesian island of Bali has erupted for the first time in more than 54 years.
• A new species of gecko named ‘Hemidactylussushilduttai’ was found in the Eastern Ghats in northern Andhra
Pradesh after 5-year study
• On 26th November 2017, A study has found that, a boost in levels of oxygen may have caused a three-fold
increase in biodiversity during between 445 and 485 million years ago. The explosion of diversity, recognised
as the Great Ordovician Bio-diversification Event, brought the rise of various marine life, starting at the
bottom of the ocean floors.
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SPORTS
• The 2018 Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Emerging Nations Cup would be held in Pakistan in more than one
city. This was announced by PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) chairman Najam Sethi.
• On 30th October 2017, Indian wrestler Geeta Phogat won a gold medal at the All India Police Championship
2017.Geeta Phogat has won a gold medal at the All India Police Championship 2017. She won India’s first-
ever gold medal in women’s wrestling at the Commonwealth Games in 2010. She became the first woman
wrestler from India to qualify for the Olympic Summer Games.
• On 29th October 2017, Rohan Bopanna and Pablo Cuevas won the Erste Open title in Vienna, and Saketh
Myneni and Vijay Sundar Prashanth pair won theVietnam Open trophy at the Ho Chi Minh City, in Vietnam.
• On 29th October 2017, Roger Federer won 8th Swiss Indoors title, in Basel, Switzerland.Roger Federer
defeated Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro by 6-7(5) 6-4 6-3 and won the eighth Swiss Indoors title, in Basel,
Switzerland.
• Hong Kong has become the first Asian city to host the Gay Games in 2022.Hong Kong beat Mexico’s
Guadalajara and Washington DC to host the 11th edition of Gay Games. The event is expected to attract
15,000 participants.
• On 31st October 2017, the Delhi District Cricket Association inaugurated the Virender Sehwag Gate at the
Feroz Shah Kotla. A gate at the Feroz Shah Kotla dedicated to cricket legend Virender Sehwag was
inaugurated by the Delhi and District Cricket Association.
• On 2nd November 2017, Kidambi Srikanth secured a career-best ranking of World No. 2,after jumping two
places in the latest BWF (Badminton World Federation) ranking.
• On November 4, 2017, Indian golfer Aditi Ashok won the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open in Abu Dhabi,
UAE and has thereby won her third Ladies European Tour (LET) title in less than twelve months.
• Chennai will host the inaugural edition of Table Tennis Super League-Tamil Nadufrom 24th – 26th November,
2017. This tournament will be organised by Indusports, under the auspices of Tamil Nadu Table Tennis
Association and 11Even Sports.
• Indian table tennis players Achanta Sharath Kamal and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran have won bronze medal in the
men’s doubles category of the 2017 Challenge Belgium Open. Sharath Kamal & Sathiyan lost in the semi-
finals to the German pair of Patrick Franziska and Ricardo Walther.
• Satbir Singh and T Manorama Devi emerged victorious in the Elite Men’s and Elite Women’s events at
‘Saksham Pedal Delhi’ Cyclothon held in New Delhi on November 5, 2017. This event was organised by
Petroleum Conservation & Research Association (PCRA) under technical guidance from Cycling Federation
of India.
• India beats China 5-4 via and won the women’s Asia Cup hockey and India also qualified for next year’s
World Cup as Continental champion. Korea is in third place after it defeated Japan.
• On 5th November 2017, the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) organised Delhi’s first
‘Saksham Pedal Delhi’ cyclothon event to promote cycling and conservation of transport fuel. The Saksham
Pedal Delhi event started from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. The event was supported
by the Cycling Federation of India.
• On 5th November 2017, India won the women’s Asia Cup hockey title 2017 at Kakamigahara in
Japan. The Indian women’s hockey team ‘Women in Blue’ defeated China in the final of the Asia Cup 2017
with a score of 1-1. India has won the gold medal after 13 years.
• On 5th November 2017, Shiv Kapur won his first Asian Tour title in India, bagging the Panasonic Open title
2017 at the Delhi Golf Club. Shiv Kapur won the Panasonic Open title 2017 by three strokes, after bringing
home a card of four-under 68 in the fourth and final round at the Delhi Golf Club.
• On 6th November 2017, the official logo, mascot and anthem for 2017 AIBA Youth Women’s World Boxing
Championship was unveiled in a ceremony at Guwahati, Assam.The official mascot, named Guppy, is a
female version of Assam’s one-horned rhino. The official anthem is ‘Make Some Noise’. The anthem
as composed by Shaan and sung by Sunidhi Chauhan.
Commonwealth Shooting Championships 2017 -Gold Coast, Australia
• India finish with 20 medals at Commonwealth Shooting Championships. The Indian squad won a total of 20
medals which included six gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals.
• 18 medals were won from the Rifle and Pistol discipline, whereas 2 medals (one gold and one silver) were
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won in shotgun events.

• Indian shooters Satyendra Singh and Sanjeev Rajput won a gold and a silver respectively in the men’s 50m
rifle 3 positions event on the final day of Commonwealth Shooting Championships.
• Indian shooter Heena Sidhu won Gold Medal in women’s 10m Air Pistol event at Commonwealth Shooting
Championships.
• On November 1, 2017, Indian shooters Shahzar Rizvi, Omkar Singh and Jitu Rai won gold, silver and bronze
medals respectively in men’s in the 10m air pistol event at the Commonwealth Shooting Championships.
• In the 10m women’s air rifle event, India shooters Pooja Ghatkar bagged a gold while Anjum Moudgil won
the silver medal.
• Indian shooters Prakash Nanjappa won Gold, Amanpreet Singh won silver and Jitu Rai won bronze in men’s
50m pistol event at Commonwealth Shooting Championships.
• Double trap shooter Mittal won Gold while Shreyasi Singh bagged silver in the women’s double trap event.
• On November 2, 2017, Olympic bronze-medallist Indian shooter Gagan Narang won a silver medal in the
men’s 50m rifle prone event at the Commonwealth Shooting Championships.
• On 4th November 2017, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister of Punajb, Tript Rajinder Singh
Bajwa said that, to rule out the problem of drugs from Punjab, the Punjab government would organise village-
level sports tournaments.
• On 7th November 2017, Strike bowler Mitchell Starc took two hat-tricks in the same first-class game in
Australia.Mitchell Starc became only the eighth player in first-class cricket history and the first in 39 years to
achieve the feat as he headed New South Wales (NSW) to victory over Western Australia in the Sheffield
Shield.
• On 8th November 2017, Mary Kom won the gold medal in the Asian Boxing Championships in the Light
Flyweight category, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Mary Kom defeated North Korea’s Kim Hyang Mi in the
final 5-0 by unanimous judges’ decision and won the gold medal in the Asian Boxing Championships in
the Light Flyweight category (48 kg category).
• Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy won titles in Senior National Badminton Championship 2017, in Nagpur. Also,
Ashwini Ponnappa won two titles – mixed doubles with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and women’s doubles with
N Sikki Reddy.
• Mahendra Singh Dhoni inaugurated his first global cricket academy in the United Arab Emirates. The facility
named the MS Dhoni Cricket Academy (MSDCA) will have coaches from India to train the wards.
• Teddy Riner won his tenth World title in the 2017 Judo World Championships Open in Marrakesh and
remains undefeated emperor in judo. French heavyweight judo champion Teddy Riner won his 10th world
title with victory at the open-weight world championships in Marrakech.
• Indian cueist Pankaj Advani has won his 17th world title at the IBSF World Billiards Championship 2017 in
Doha, Qatar. Pankaj Advani beat Mike Russell of England and won his 17th world title at the IBSF World
Billiards Championship 2017.
• Spain’s Marc Marquez won his sixth world championship and fourth in the premier MotoGP category with
third place at the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix.
• Tennis player Rafael Nadal was presented the ATP World Number 1 award on court, at the ATP World Tour
Finals at the O2 Arena, in London.
• Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel won the Brazilian Grand Prix, a Formula One championship race, in Sao Paulo,
Brazil.
• Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
• Italy failed to qualify for the Football World Cup 2018 for the first time since 1958 at San Siro, Italy.
• Aditi Ashok has qualified for the CME Group Tour Championship on the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf
Association), becoming the first from India to play in the prestigious meet.
• On 15th November 2017, France was announced as the surprise host of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.Ireland got
eight votes in the first round, compared to 18 for France and 13 for South Africa. In the second round, France
won by 24 votes to 15.
• Shagun Chowdhary bagged a national champion crown when she won the women’s trap event at the 61st
National Shooting Championship, in New Delhi. Shagun Chowdhary represented ONGC. She is the first
Indian woman trap shooter to win an Olympic berth. She overcame the challenge from Punjab’s Rajeshwari
Kumari to score 41-38 in the final.
• India to host Asia Cup of Road Racing with National Championship. On 18 and 19 November 2017, Round 3
of FIM Asia Cup of Road Racing (ACRR) will be held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida,
India.
• Sushil Kumar (74 kilogram freestyle competition) and Geeta Phogat (59 kg category)bagged gold medal at the
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62nd National Wrestling championship in Indore.

• Wrestler Sandeep Tulsi has been handed a four-year ban by the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel of the NADA.
• Yuki Bhambri clinched his first title of the 2017 season on the ATP Challenger Tour following a win over
Ramkumar Ramanathan in the final of the KPIT-MSLTA Challenger in Pune.
• India’s table tennis doubles pair A Sharath Kamal and G Sathiyan won a bronze medal at the Seamaster 2017
World Tour Swedish Open.
• Leander Paes and Purav Raja won the JSM Champaign Challenger trophy, their second title together, winning
over Ruan Roelofse and Joe Salisbury. Leander Paes-Purav Raja pair defeated the British-South African
combination Ruan Roelofse and Joe Salisbury by 6-3, 7-6(5), 10-5 in the final of the JSM Champaign
Challenger, the USD 75000 hard court event.
• On 19th November 2017, Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov beat Belgium’s David Goffin and won the singles title of
2017 Nitto ATP Finals, at The O2 Arena, in London.
• Hockey Karnataka won the second edition of the Hockey India 5-a-side Senior Men’s National Championship
2017 title at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Stadium, in Balewadi, Pune.
• Ethiopia’s current woman world athlete of the year Almaz Ayana and Ethiopia’s Berhanu Legese won gold in
the women’s and men’s event respectively at the Delhi Half Marathon 2017.
• Afghanistan defeated Pakistan and won the Under-19 Asia Cup for the first time at the Kinrara Academy Oval
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has decided to name the Gate No. 3 and 4 of the
Ferozshah Kotla stadium after Anjum Chopra, who represented India in six World Cups.
• Basel will become the first city to jointly host the Badminton and Para Badminton World
Championships in 2019.
• First Indian casino game training course centre in Goa by Delta Corp Limited
• Sixth edition of Swimmathon will be held in Goa at Colva beach.Olympian VirdhawalKhade is the brand
ambassador of Swimmathon
• Indian football team remains 105th in FIFA rankings. Germany are on top of world rankings
• Youth Women’s World Championships 2017 held in Guwahati.It is organised by AIBA (International Boxing
Association)
• India wrestler RituPhogat (48kg) clinched the silver medal in the Under-23 Senior World Wrestling
Championship at Poland.
• On 26th November 2017, Gopi Thonakal became the first Indian man to win Championship in the 16th edition
of the Asian Marathon Championship, in Dongguan, China. Earlier Asha Agarwal won the women's title when
it was part of the biennial Asian Track & Field Championships.
• On 26th November 2017, Virat Kohli has become the first captain to score 10 international hundreds in a
calendar year. Virat Kohli struck his 19th hundred in Test as India played against Sri Lanka at the VCA
Stadium in Nagpur. It was also his fifth double hundred in Test cricket.
• On November 26, 2017, Formula 1 motorist, Valtteri Bottas won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2017 after he
defeated Lewis Hamilton at Yas Marina Cicuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Third spot was
occupied by Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.
• On Nov.27 2017,India wins 10 medals in BWF Para-Badminton World Championships in Ulsan, South Korea
include two gold medals. India’s Parul Parmar defeated Thailand’s Wannaphatdee Kamtam in the finals of the
women’s singles Standing Lower.Other gold was also won by Parul Parmar, who paired with Japan’s Akiko
Sugino in women’s doubles final.
• On 26th November 2017, India won 5 gold medals at the AIBA World Women’s Youth Boxing
Championships, in Guwahat. Nitu , Jyoti Gulia, Sakshi choudhury, Shashi Chopra and Ankushita Boro won
gold medals. Jyoti Gulia also qualified for next year’s Youth Olympic Games in Argentina.
• As per the information on 26 Nov. 2017 , The 7th international military games will be held in Wuhan city in
the central China's Hubei Province. The International Military Sports Council (CISM)’s Military World
Games is a top sport event for military personnel.
• On 25th November 2017, India's top skeet shooter Mairaj Ahmad Khan was crowned national champion at the
61st National Shooting Championship Competitions (61st NSCC) for Shotgun events, at Dr. Karni Singh
Shooting Range, New Delhi.
• On 26th November 2017, the Indian men’s and women’s kabaddi teams were both crowned the champions of
Asia at the 2017 Asian Kabaddi Championship, in Gorgan, Iran.
• On 26th November 2017, Mercedes driver ValtteriBottas won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, at the Yas Marina
circuit, in Abu Dhabi.
• R Ashwin(Indian cricketer) became the fastest bowler to gain 300 Test wicket and broke the record of
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Australian legend Dennis Lilleeon 27th November 2017.

• On 26th November 2017, Indian paddler G Sathiyanwon the men's singles gold medal at the 2017 ITTF
Challenge Spanish Open in Almeria, Spain.
• UK's Southall Football Club will jointly set up an international level football academy with Cordia Institutes
at its campus at Sanghol in Punjab.
• At the U-23 World Wrestling Championship in Poland, India won 3 silver medals. In men’s 65 kg
categoryBajrangPunia and Vinod Kumar won silver medals. In the women's 48kg category, RituPhogat won a
silver medal.
• The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has been recognised as a national body by the Indian Olympic
Association (IOA). Also, IOA has removed Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) as its affiliate.
• On 26th November 2017, France won its first title 10th Davis Cup title by defeating beat Belgium's Steve
Darcis in the final against Belgium.
• On 29th November 2017, the Competition Commission (CCI) imposed a fine of Rs 52.24 crore on the Board
of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for anti-competitive practices with respect to the Indian Premier
League.
• On 29th November 2017, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik unveiled the logo and mascot for the Hockey Men’s
World Cup 2018 to be held from November 28 to December 16, 2018. at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar,
Odisha. Patnaik also gave away cash awards worth Rs 76.75 lakh to 59 sportspersons
OBITUARY
• Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s Daughter Dina Wadia passes away in New York.
• Veteran Malayalam actor Vettoor Purushan passed away following old age illness, in Kerala.
• Noted author and Padma Shri awardee Manu Sharma died in Varanasi.
• Karin Dor, who played the red-haired villainess Helga Brandt in the 1967 James died in a nursing home in
Munich.
• Veteran journalist Virendra Sanghi passes away in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• Former Test cricketer Milkha Singh passes away
• Veteran Cyclist Ashok Khale Passes Awa in Bombay Hospital during treatment, in Mumbai.
• Nepal’s three-time Prime Minister Kirti Nidhi Bista passed away at Gyaneswor, in Kathmandu, Nepal
• Former MP Abdul Mannan Hossain passed away in Kolkata.
• Veteran Hindustani vocalist Jagdish Mohan passes away
• On 15th November 2017, retired Supreme Court judge V. Khalid died in Kannur.
• Eminent Hindi poet and Jnanpith awardee Kunwar Narayan passed away at his home in New Delhi.
• Daniel Hegarty, a British motorcycle racer, was killed after hitting the barriers on the outside of the circuit and
losing his crash helmet, at the Macau Grand Prix, in Macau.
• Naim Suleymanoglu, the Turkish weightlifter who won three Olympic Gold Medals and was known as
“Pocket Hercules,” died at an Istanbul hospital.
• Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, in coma since 2008, died at
Apollo hospital in Delhi.
• Former chief justice of the Jharkhand High Court Bhagwati Prasad passed away at a private hospital, in
Ahmedabad.
• Former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna (Czech Republic) passed away peacefully after a battle
with cancer.
• Della Reese, the popular TV actress on “Touched by an Angel” and one of the pioneers of jazz music in
1950s-’60s, died at her home in California.
• Veteran lawyer Habibullah Basha, one of the finest jurists of the Madras Bar, passed away in Chennai after a
prolonged illness.
• Sudip Datta Bhowmik, a senior journalist was shot dead under mysterious circumstances at a battalion
headquarters of Tripura State Rifles (TSR) near Agartala.
• On 22nd November 2017, Assam’s prominent film actor Biju Phukan passed away at a private hospital in
Guwahati, after suffering cardiac ailments.
• On 24th November 2017, RajasthaniMaand folk singer MangiBaiArya passed away following a heart attack
in Udaipur.
• On 25th November 2017, Om Prakash Saraf,95, former MLA of Jammu Kashmir, passed away in Jammu
Kashmir and become the first person in Jammu Kashmir, who in his lifetime had decided to donate his body to
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the medical college. He founded Praja Socialist Party (PSP) in Jammu Kashmir.
• On 25th November 2017, famed Iranian photo-journalist Shahrokh Hatami , 89 died from pulmonary
insufficiency, in France. He was born in Tehran in 1928. He began as a reporter for a Tehran newspaper
before switching to photography in 1950.
• On 22nd November 2017, 96 years old Jon Hendricks, the pioneering jazz singer and lyricist died at a New
York City hospital.
• On 28th November 2017, popular Malayalam stage, movie and television actor ThodupuzhaVasanthi passed
away at a private hospital in Thodupuzha, Kerala.
• On 29th November 2017, Veteran Communist Party of India leader and former Minister E. Chandrasekharan
Nair died following a chest congestion in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• On 28th November 2017, Shadia, an Egyptian actress and singer who captivated Arab audiences for decades
died. Cairo International Film Festival dedicated its 39th edition to Shadia to celebrate her iconic contribution
to the Egyptian cinema.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
• On 17th November 2017, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu received the first copy of the book ‘Journey of
Women Law Reforms and The Law Commission of India – Some Insights’, from the Author former Joint
Secretary, Dr. Pavan Sharma
IMPORTANT DAYS
• On 1st November 2017, World Vegan Day was celebrated all over the world.World Vegan Day is an annual
event celebrated by vegans all over the world every 1 November. In 1994, Chairperson of the Vegan Society,
Louise Wallis decided to set November 1 as World Vegan Day.
• On 5th November 2017, World Tsunami Awareness Day was observed all over the world.The first Tsunami
Awareness Day was observed in 2016.
• On 6th November 2017, International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and
Armed Conflict was observed all over the world.
• On 8th November 2017, World Radiology Day was observed all over the world.Theme of World Radiology
Day 2017 is Emergency Radiology.
• On 10th November 2017, World science day for peace and development was celebrated all over the
world. The theme for World Science Day for peace and development 2017 is ‘Science for
GlobalUnderstanding’.
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) will celebrate the Child Rights Week ‘Hausla 2017’
from 16th to 20th November, 2017.
• On 9th November 2017, Uttarakhand celebrated its 17th formation day. Uttarakhand was formed on
9th November 2000 as the 27th state. It was separated from Uttar Pradesh.
• On 9th November 2017, Legal Service Day was observed all over India. This day was first coined by the
Supreme Court in the year 1995.
• On 11th November 2017, National Education Day was observed all over India. National Education Day is
celebrated on 11 November every year to mark the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first
education minister of independent India.
• On 12th November 2017, Public Service Broadcasting Day was observed all over India. In the memory of the
first and only address by Mahatma Gandhi on All India Radio (AIR) on November 12 in 1947.
• On 12th November 2017, World Pneumonia Day was observed all over the world. World Pneumonia Day
was first observed in 2009 when over 100 organisations joined to form the Global Coalition against Child
Pneumonia.
• On 13th November 2017, World Kindness Day was celebrated in various parts of the world.It was introduced
in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement a coalition of nations’ kindness NGOs.
• On 14th November 2017, World Diabetes Day was observed all over the world. The theme of World Diabetes
Day 2017 is ‘Women and diabetes – our right to a healthy future’.
• On 14th November 2017, Children’s Day was celebrated all over India. It is celebrated on 14 November every
year on the birth anniversary of the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru also called ‘Chacha Nehru’.
• On 16th November 2017, World Philosophy Day was celebrated all over the world. World Philosophy Day
was introduced in 2002 by UNESCO (the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
• On 16th November 2017, International Day for Endurance or Tolerance was observed all over the world.
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• On 16th November 2017, National Press Day was observed in India. This was the day on which the Press
Council of India started functioning in 1966.
• On 17th November 2017, International Students Day was celebrated all over the world.
• Every year, ‘World Toilet Day’ is celebrated on November 19 across the world to create awareness about
necessity of sanitation and making it a global development priority. Theme for ‘World Toilet Day’ 2017 is
‘Wastewater’, which focuses on safe management of wastewater.
• On 19th November 2017, National Integration Day was observed all over India. It is celebrated to mark
the birth anniversary of the first woman prime minister of the India, Indira Gandhi.
National integration day is also known as the Quami Ekta Divas.
• On 19th November 2017, International Men’s Day was observed all over the world. The theme for 2017
International Men’s Day is ‘Celebrate Men and Boys’. This day was inaugurated in 1992 on 7 February by
Thomas Oaster.
• On 19th November 2017, the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims was observed all over the
world. Theme for 2017 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is ‘2020 Target: reduce road
fatalities AND serious injuries by 50%’.
• On 20th November 2017, Universal Children’s Day was observed all over the world. The theme for Universal
Children’s Day 2017 is: It’s a #KidsTakeOver.
• On 20th November 2017, Africa Industrialization Day was observed in various parts of the world.
The theme for 2017 Africa Industrialization Day is: “African Industrial Development: A Pre-Condition for an
Effective and Sustainable Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA)”.
• “Qaumi Ekta Week” (National Integration Week) is observed all over India, from the 19th to 25th November,
2017.
• On 21st November 2017, World Fisheries Day was celebrated all over the world.The theme for World
Fisheries Day 2017 is “2022 Ka Hai Sapna … Kisan Ki Aay Ho Dugna – Sankalp Se Siddhi”.
• On 21st November 2017, World Television Day was observed all over the world.
• On 19 -25th November 2017, the National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH) observed
the Communal Harmony Campaign and Fund Raising Week.
• On 25th November 2017, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was observed
all over the world.Theme is ‘Leave no one behind: end violence against women and girls’.
• November 26 is observed as Constitution Day also known as Samvidhan Divas, in India every year. It is also
celebrated as the National Law Day. In 2017 the National Law Day was celebrated jointly by the Law
Commission of India and NITI Aayog on over two days.
• On 29th November 2017, International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was observed all over the
world, to focus on the fact that the question of Palestine remains unresolved
Current Affairs December 2017

INDIAN AFFAIRS
• On November 30, 2017, Union Cabinet approved setting up of National Nutrition Mission (NNM) with a three
year financial outlay of Rs.9046.17 crore commencing from 2017-18.
• On December 1 2017, Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the 7th edition of three
day ‘Kathakar: International Storytellers Festival’ at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts ( IGNCA),
New Delhi. 'Curious Tales from the Himalayas' co-authored by Shaguna Gahilote and Prarthana Gahilote was
launched during this event.
• A six-member panel set up by government (comprising industry representatives) will recommend several
changes in the existing Goods and Services Tax (GST) law for smoother implementation.
• On December 3, 2017, on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Vice President
M Venkaiah Naidu launched Deen Dayal Divyangajan Sahajya Scheme , a one-time grant of Rs 5000 for their
treatment for every differently abled person in Guwahati, Assam.
• On 1st December 2017, India's first Madame Tussauds wax museum was opened at Regal Building,
Connaught Place, New Delhi.It is the 23rd edition all over the world and consists of 50 lifelike figures of
personalities related to history, sports, music, films, and politics.
• On December 3, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a unique world-class hospital at the
Swaminarayan Gurukul Vidyapeeth Pratisthanam in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
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• As per Central Government’s draft notification on the Central Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2017,
motor vehicles conforming to Emission Standard Bharat Stage-IV, shall not be registered after 30th June,
2020. After 30th June, 2020, only BS-VI compliant vehicles will be registered.
• 6th International Tourism Mart (ITM) begun in Guwahati, Assam on December 5, 2017. 6th ITM will
conclude on December 7, 2017. This event has been organised by Union Ministry of Tourism in association
with the North Eastern States of India.
• On December 1 2017 Union Ministry of Environment and Forest issued notification to amend National Green
Tribunal (Practices and Procedures) rules, 2011 and therefore Centre allows NGT to form one-member
benches.
• On December 5, 2017, India and Japan held the first meeting under the newly established 'India-Japan Act
East Forum' in New Delhi.It has been set up to identify specific projects for economic development of the
North-Eastern region of India.
• On December 6, 2017, Kerala State Government issued an ordinance raising the minimum age for liquor
consumption from 21 to 23.This ordinance seeks to make suitable amendments to Kerala’s Abkari laws.
• Prime Minister NarendraModi inaugurated the BR Ambedkar International Centre in Janpath, New Delhi
• India’s largest floating solar power plant has been set up on the Banasura Sagar reservoir in Wayanad, Kerala.
This plant has been set up by Kerala state electricity board (KSEB) at a cost of Rs 9.25 crore and with
technical support from Thiruvananthapuram-based Adtech Systems Ltd.
• Central Government has set up a high-level panel which is headed by NITI Aayog chief executive Amitabh
Kant and comprises secretaries in the ministries of power, coal and department of financial services to address
the problem of Non-performing assets (NPAs) in India's power sector.
• Kacheguda Railway Station under the Hyderabad division of the South Central Railway (SCR) has become
the first energy-efficient 'A1 Category' railway station in India. Kacheguda Railway Station will save about
1.76 lakh units and Rs. 14.08 lakh annually.
• International Council for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) will be organising ICOMOS General Assembly
and Scientific Symposium 2017 with theme of the Scientific Symposium is "Heritage and Democracy" in New
Delhi from 11th – 15th December 2017.
• On December 9, 2017, Union Health Minister J P Nadda announced that India has been declared free from
infective Trachoma which is caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and it causes inflamed granulation
on the inner surface of the eyelids.
• On December 8, 2017, Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge), inaugurated
‘Bodhi Parva: BIMSTEC Festival of Buddhist Heritage’ in New Delhi on December 08, 2017. India is hosting
this three-day festival as part of celebrations of 20th anniversary of BIMSTEC.
• On 8th December 2017, the government extended the deadline for mandatory linking of PAN with Aadhaar by
three months to March 31, 2018. Section 139 AA (2) of the Income Tax Act says that every person having
PAN as on July 1, 2017, and eligible to obtain Aadhaar.
• On December 10, 2017, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Col Rajyavardhan Singh
Rathore announced ‘Khelo India’ programme will be relaunched at a cost of Rs 1756 crore for the period
2017-18 to 2019-20. And also stated that 2018 will be celebrated as Year of Sports.
• On December 9, 2017, UN Women and Facebook inaugurated ‘We The Women’ event in Mumbai under the
curatorship of journalist Barkha Dutt., to empower and recognise the contribution of women in our society.
• Union Health Ministry Jagat Prakash Nadda has launched a 15-day door-to-door campaign across the country
to eliminate the tuberculosis (TB). According to data by World Health Organisation, every year, around 1.1
million TB cases (out of total 2.8 million TB cases) remain unreported and are thereby missed from treatment.
• On December 11, 2017, Union Minister of Law & Justice and Electronics & Information Technology, Ravi
Shankar Prasad inaugurated the first “NIC-CERT”, a setup of National Informatics Centre (NIC) objective to
detect, prevent and respond to cyberattacks on government networks.
• 19th International Workshop on Physics of Semiconductor Devices (IWPSD 2017) was inaugurated by
Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr. AS Kiran Kumar at Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT), Delhi on December 12, 2017.
• Department of Heavy Industry (DHI) under Union Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises has
specified that all proposals for supplying electric buses by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)
registered under FAME India Scheme shall be first brought to its notice.
• On 11th December 2017, three-day media workshop on ‘Climate Change Reporting’ began in Kohima. Annu
Anand, head of advocacy at CMS announced the launch of a media fellowship programme.
• Union Home Ministry has released Rs 174 crore to six states - Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Manipur,
West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh - under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) for development
of infrastructure in forward areas of these states.
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• On December 12, 2017, Chandigarh Administrator, VP Singh Badnore in collaboration with the Bank of India
launched Chandigarh smart city cards which is a personalised card having a photograph and other details of
the cardholder.
• Central Government has decided to set up special courts to deal exclusively with criminal cases against
1581 Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs). The 12 special courts
will dispose all such cases within a year. Out of the 12 special courts, 2 special courts will handle cases
against 228 MPs.
• On 12th December 2017, Delhi government has proposed to bear the cost of treatment of victims of motor
accidents, fire incidents and acid attacks that take place on the city's roads at private hospitals under a new
scheme.
• On 12th December 2017, a football legend Diego Maradona, former Argentine World Cup hero was honored
with a massive 12ft, bronze replica in Kolkata.
• On December 14, 2017, Delhi Government set-up a nine-member expert panel headed by Delhi government’s
Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Kirti Bhushan to look into the functioning of private hospitals and
nursing homes
• On 13th December 2017, the 4th India-Australia-Japan Trilateral Dialogue hosted by Foreign Secretary
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar begun in New Delhi.
• Union Water Resources Ministry is planning to merge phase-I and II of Ken-Betwa inter-linking of
rivers (ILR) project such as to link the rivers Ken in Madhya Pradesh and Betwa in Uttar Pradesh. Estimated
cost for the first phase was Rs 18000 crore while second phase would cost Rs 8000 crore.
• On December 15, 2017, Government approved 'Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Marriage Bill', under
which, the practice of instant triple talaq will be made illegal and would attract a jail term of three years. The
draft 'Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Marriage Bill' has been prepared by an inter-ministerial group
headed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh
• On December 15, 2017 ,Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the second financial
restructuring proposal of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL).
• On December 20, 2017, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved "Scheme for Capacity
Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS)", a new skill development scheme, covering the entire value chain of
textile sector , will be implemented from 2017-18 to 2019-20 with financial outlay of Rs 1300 crore.
• On December 15, 2017,Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the current Non Lapsable Central
Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme for North Eastern India.
• On December 15, 2017,special package for employment generation in leather and footwear sector involves
implementation of ‘Indian Footwear, Leather & Accessories Development Programme’.
• On December 15, 2017 Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of
National Ayush Mission (NAM) for three year period from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020 with an outlay of
Rs. 2400 crore.
• On December 15, 2017, Union Cabinet approved creation of one circle office of Commissioner of Metro
Railway Safety (CMRS) to monitor rail safety, which includes inspecting new railway lines and safety of
passengers.
• On December 15, 2017, Union Cabinet approved the draft National Medical Commission Bill, which seeks to
replace Medical Council of India (MCI) with a new body, to ensure transparency.
• On 15th December 2017, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar
imposed a complete ban on plastic items like carry bags, plates and cutlery in towns located on the banks of
the River Ganga like Haridwar and Rishikesh.
• On 16th December 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind, laid the foundation stone of the NYAYA GRAM
project of the High Court of Allahabad, in Allahabad.It is a model township of the Allahabad High Court. Rs
395.10 crore has been sanctioned for the project.
• On December 16, 2017, PM Narendra Modi announced Central Government’s decision to invest Rs 90000
crore for building a network of highways and roads in the North Eastern region of India.
On 16th December 2017, Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore announced a sports tie-up between
Lakshmi Bai University of Physical Education and a Japanese university at the commemorative ceremony of
the Japan-India sports exchange programme.
• Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has formed a 30-member central advisory panel, which will advise
government on implementation of the Real Estate Regulation Act (RERA) and will play an important role to
protect the interest of consumers(homebuyers’ interests).
• In a bid to ensure overall development of tribal areas across India and for ensuring inclusive growth of
Scheduled Tribes (STs) including tribal women, Central Government has adopted Tribal Sub-Plan which will
now be referred to as ‘Scheduled Tribe Component’.
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• On December 16, 2017, Election Commission (EC) decided to set up a panel to suggest amendments to a
provision in Representation of People Act and the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) will evaluate the
effectiveness of Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act of barring campaigning 48 hours ahead of
polling in context of fast changing communication technologies.
• On December 19, 2017, Rajya Sabha passed the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2017 by a voice vote.This bill
seeks to introduce major amendments in the Companies Act, 2013.
• On December 18, 2017, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Ashwini Kumar Choubey
informed Lok Sabha that Drugs Controller General of India has granted permission to an Indian firm to
conduct Phase-I clinical trials for a Zika vaccine. Zika virus infection is primarily spread by the Aedes egypti
mosquito.
• On December 18, 2017, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, inaugurated the first national-
level training of trainers programme for Sendai Framework in New Delhi. It has been organised by the
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the United Nations Office for
Disaster Risk Reduction-Global Education and Training Institute (UNISDR-GETI).
• NITI Aayog Vice Chairman, Rajiv Kumar has stated that Central Government should consider setting up a
labour utilisation fund in order to handle the challenge of growing redundancy of low-skilled labour in India .
• Central Government has sanctioned 42 Mega Food Parks (MFPs) to be set up across India under Mega Food
Park Scheme, administered by Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries, is to provide a mechanism for
linking agricultural production to the market by bringing together farmers, food processors and retailers.
• On December 19, 2017, Lok Sabha passed the Central Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2017, to amend the
Central Road Fund Act, 2000 which contains provision for distributing cess levied and collected on high
speed petrol and diesel for development of national highways, rural roads, railways, state roads and border
area roads.
• On December 19, 2017, Rajya Sabha unanimously passed Indian Institutes of Management (IIM)Bill, 2017
which provides greater functional autonomy to Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and confers powers to
grant degrees instead of post-graduate diplomas.
• In a bid to cut power consumption, the Indian Railways has laid out plan to make all stations 100 per cent
LED lit by March 31, 2018.
• On 18th and 19th December 2017, the inaugural India-U.S. Counter-Terrorism Designations Dialogue was held
in New Delhi.
• On 16th December 2017, Arun Jaitley, Union Finance Minsiter, stated that the Central Government was
committed to improve the purchasing power of farming community when he was addressing an
international forum on "Role of Rural and Agricultural Finance to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals".
• On December 21, 2017, Union Minister of Communications, Manoj Sinha launched DARPAN – “Digital
Advancement of Rural Post Office for A New India”with financial outlay of Rs. 1400 Crore.
• On December 21, 2017 Cabinet approves by twelve weeks extension of term of the Commission to examine
the issue of sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes headed by Justice (Retd.) Smt. G. Rohini.
• On 20th December 2017, the Indian Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was passed in the Lok Sabha. was
introduced by Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan.As per the bill's Statement of Objects and Reasons,
section 2, the amended will exclude the word "bamboos" from the definition of tree and will eliminate the
need for permission to transport bamboos grown in non-forest area
• Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched Students and MEA Engagement Programme
(SAMEEP) to take Indian foreign policy and its global engagements to students in small towns and cities
across India.
• The 7th India International Coffee Festival (IICF) is organised by India Coffee Trust and Coffee Board of
India will be hosted by Bengaluru from 16 to 19 January, 2018, at Hotel Lalit Ashok.
• Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation Uma Bharati headed the ‘Ganga Gram Swachhta
Sammelan’ in New Delhi to formally launch the ‘Ganga Gram Project’ under the Namami Gange Program.
• Union Environment Ministry has launched a pilot project for beach clean-up and development. Subsequent to
the development, attempt will be made to procure 'Blue Flag' certification for such identified beaches.
• India’s first aircraft runway on a ‘sea bridge’ will be constructed at Agatti Ariport, Lakshadweep. Airports
Authority of India (AAI) has got an approval to extend by build a Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC)
platform on the beach and shallow sea.
• Union Rural Development Ministry, in partnership with State Governments, has completed the ranking of
50000 Gram Panchayats under ‘Mission Antyodaya’ on three broad parameters of physical infrastructure,
human development and economic activities.
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• Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari stated that India will link its major highway corridors
to international trade points with bordering countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar. Cost for
construction of 2000 kms highways under this project is estimated to be Rs. 25000 crore.
• On December 25, 2017, Indian Railways flagged off India’s first air-conditioned suburban local train for
Mumbai commuters. It inaugurated between Borivali and Churchgate on the Western Railway (WR).
• On December 25, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Botanical Garden-Kalkaji section (of
Magenta Line) of Delhi Metro.This 12.64-km route of Magenta Line will be Delhi Metro’s first line to get
driverless trains.
• Union Home Ministry has released Rs 167 crore to nine states – Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Tripura,
Assam, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar and Sikkim - under the Border Area Development Programme
(BADP).
• Central Government has drawn up an action plan for improving the socio-economic condition of 115 “most-
backward” districts across India. Under this action plan, Government will setup basic services like healthcare,
education, sanitation as well as basic physical infrastructure like roads and drinking water supply.
• In order to provide relief for disqualified directors of companies, Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs will roll
out ‘Condonation of Delay Scheme’, which will be operational from January 1 to March 31, 2018.
• On 25th December 2017, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) launched ‘Atal Jan Aahar Yojana’
for poor people to provide them meal at Rs 10, marking the Good Governance Day. The menu includes puri,
chapattis, rice, rajma, vegetables, chhole, and halwa and it is provided from 11 am to 2 pm every day.
• On 27th Decemberb 2017, the five-day Teesta Rangit Tourism Festival 2017 started in Darjeeling. It will be
held in separate phases in different places of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has selected additional 1500 Schools for establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs
(ATLs), thereby taking the total number of schools selected so far to 2441. Vision of AIM is to ‘Cultivate One
Million children in India as the Innovators of tomorrow’.
• On December 27, 2017, Lok Sabha passed the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment
Bill, 2017.This amendment bill seeks to increase maximum rate at which compensation cess on the entry
relating to certain category of motor vehicles is being collected by the states.
• On December 26, 2017, India provided medical assistance worth about $1 million to Yemen as part of its
commitment to provide humanitarian assistance
• On 27th December 2017, Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain made the announcement in Lok Sabha
the government has planned installation of bio-toilets in all passenger trains to be completed by March 2019.
• The 6th edition of Global Kokan Festival will be inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra
Fadnavis at CIDCO Exhibition and Convention Center, Vashi, Navi Mumbai from 6th to 10th January 2018.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Suresh Prabhu will be the Guest of Honor
• On December 28, 2017, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change approved a regional
project on ‘Climate Resilience Building among Farmers through Crop Residue Management’ under the
National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC).
• Central Government has released Rs. 24500 crore compensation to states to make up for revenue loss on
account of Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation. This compensation is for the period between July-
October 2017.
• On December 29, 2017, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan flagged off ‘Adi Shakara
Sandesh Vahini', mobile museum from a place near Piravom, Kerala. It showcases various aspects of the life
of Adi Shankaracharya, an early 8th century Indian philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine
of Advaita Vedanta.
• On 28th December 2017, the 78th session of the Indian History Congress started at the Jadavpur University
campus, in Kolkata. It consists of 6 sections - Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India, Countries Other
than India, Archaeology and Contemporary India.
• On 29th December 2017, 'Modi Kaka Ka Gaon', a Hindi feature film inspired by Prime Minsiter Narendra
Modi was released all over India. The film is directed by Tushar A. Goel. The character of Narendra Modi is
played by Mumbai businessman Vikas Mahante.
• Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar has issued a notification that imposes a ban on public display of
weapons such as swords, spears, bludgeons, etc. in Kolkata, effective from 2 January 2018 to 1 January 2019.
• On 29th December 2017, Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the Centre for Entrepreneurship Opportunities and
Learning (CEOL), in Mallikatte, Mangaluru to promote Startup India initiative in India.
• On December 29, 2017, Communication Minister of State (Independent Charge), Manoj Sinha informed the
Parliament that Central Government has approved Rs. 4066 crore for providing internet connectivity to people
in all gram panchayats (GPs) under BharatNet project.
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STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS
Andhra Pradesh:
• On December 2, 2017, Andhra Pradesh State Assembly unanimously passed P. Kapu (Reservation of Seats in
Educational Institutions and of Appointments or Posts in Services under the State) Bill, which provides 5%
reservation in education and employment to Kapu Community in Andhra Pradesh.
• On December 7, 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the Naval Maritime Aircraft Museum in
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This museum features the maritime patrol aircraft Tupolev-142M which was
served for almost three decades in Indian Navy and decommissioned in March 2017.
• On December 16, 2017, Andhra Pradesh State Cabinet approved a scheme to provide a pension of Rs 1500
to transgenders for above 18 years of age in the state. Among other Indian states, Kerala and Odisha have
already introduced pension scheme for transgenders.
• Andhra Pradesh Governmentalong with the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and
Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is planning to set up a gaming for e-learning hub.It will be the first of the
its kind in India and Asia-Pacific region.
• Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department has issued a circular banning festivities and special darshans at
temples to celebrate New Year. The circular was issued by the Hindu Dharma Parirakshana Trust of the
Endowments Department.
• On December 27, 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated AP Fibre Grid Project in Amaravati, Andhra
Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh was also present at the inauguration event. This
project is being implemented by Andhra Pradesh State Fibernet Limited (APSFL).
• India's first Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) will be coming to Andhra Pradesh.
An EMC is designed and developed for providing facilities and amenities for manufacturing mobiles and
allied products.
Arunachal Pradesh
• Scientists have discovered a new frog species "Odorrana arunachalensis" in Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
(WLS) at Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.Odorrana arunachalensis species is seen only during
the wet season, from April to September.
• On 15th to 18th December 2017, Orange Festival of Music and Adventure was held in Dambuk village of
Arunachal Pradesh.Dambuk produces some of the best oranges of India.Director of the Orange festival
was Abu Tayeng.
Assam
• On December 29, 2017, Union Shipping Minister, Nitin Gadkari flagged off cargo movement on the Pandu-
Dhubri route (on National Waterway 2) along the Brahmaputra River in Assam.It will reduce logistics cost
and save 300 km road travel.
• On December 28, 2017, Assam Chief Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal launched skill development training
centres at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati.
Bihar
• On December 11, 2017, Bihar State Government approved a "Safe City Surveillance" scheme for curbing eve-
teasing, harassment and other crimes against women at public places. Patna will be the first district to be
covered under this scheme.
• On December 30, 2017, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid foundation stones for more than 100 projects
worth Rs 700 crore in Nalanda district.These projects were launched during the second phase of Nitish
Kumar’s state-wide "Vikas Samiksha Yatra" which began on December 28, 2017.
Chhattisgarh
• On December 1 2017, Chhattisgarh government has passed a ban on the use of firecrackers during winter in
Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Bhilai, Raigarh and Korba.State Environment Ministry and the Chhattisgarh
Environment Conservation Board had passed the order and it will be came to effect from December 1 to
January 31.
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• On December 2, 2017, Tendu Leaf Bonus Festival was inaugurated in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh.At the
inauguration Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh distributed 247 crore bonus will be distributed during
the course of this 10-day Tendu Leaf Bonus Festival.
• On 10th and 11th December 2017, the Tribal Development Department organised a two-day Tribal
Festival, "Adivasi Mahotsav" in Raipur, Chhattisgarh to honor the freedom fighter Shahid Veernarayan Singh.
• Jokapatha village, a tribal village in Balrampur district of Chhattisgarh got electricity connection for the first
time since independence under Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana 'Saubhagya' scheme.
Goa
• On 15th – 22nd December 2017, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar inaugurated the second edition of the
Serendipity Arts festival is held in Goa. The festival is hosted across 11 venues which are a mix of indoor and
outdoor locations.
• On December 6, 2017, Goa State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar has approved Solar
Power Policy, under which the State Government has laid out plans to generate 150 MW of solar power by
2021.
Gujarat
• On December 21, Union Cabinet has approved Railway Ministry’s initiative to set up the first
ever National Rail and Transport University (NRTU) in Vadodara, Gujarat.
• On 23rd December 2017, the second edition of the Iranshah Udvada Utsav, a Parsi cultural three day festival
started in Gujarat.
• On 27th December 2017, the 25th National Children Science Congress was inaugurated by Gujarat Chief
Minister in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The theme of the 25th National Children Science Congress is: 'Science and
Innovation for Sustainable Development'.
• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won Gujarat legislative assembly elections for the sixth straight time in 182-
member Gujarat assembly.BJP also won state assembly election in Himachal Pradesh. In the 68–member
Himachal Pradesh State Assembly.
Haryana
• World University of Deisgn (WUD), India's first and only Design University opened its campus at Sonipat,
Haryana. The World University of Design is promoted by Om Parkash Bansal Educational and Social Welfare
Trust of Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab.
• On December 30, 2017, From Karnal district ,Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched
Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojana from which farmers will be compensated by state government, whenever the
market prices of the stipulated produce go below the mentioned prices.
Jammu and Kashmir

• On 11th December 2017, the Jammu and Kashmir government launched SAUBHAGYA (Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar
Yojna) with an aim to provide free electricity connections to poor people in the state.
• On 19th December 2017, Losar Festival has started the celebration for 3 to 9 days in different parts of Ladakh
of Jammu and Kashmir.
• On December 14, 2017, Jammu and Kashmir Bank launched "J&K Bank Sahafat Finance Scheme” for
journalists of the state for buying cameras, laptops, tablets and books. Loan under this schemes is being
offered at J&K Bank’s Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate(MCLR) plus 3.4 per cent interest rate.
Karnataka
• On 24th December 2017, Brand Bengaluru’s own logo was launched at the 'Namma Bengaluru Habba festival,
at Vidhana Soudha, in Bengaluru. The logo was unveiled by Karnataka Tourism Minister Priyank Kharge.
The logo is red and black and written partially in English and Kannada.
Madhya Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh State Government has approved Rs 7546-crore project for linking Narmada River with
Parvati River which will create irrigation facilities on two lakh hectares of agriculture land in Malwa region of
Madhya Pradesh.
• On 14th December 2017, Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Dr Harsh Vardhan
inaugurated the seven-day International Herbal Fair started in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Delegations from
Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and other countries attended the Fair.
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• On December 4, 2017, Madhya Pradesh State Assembly unanimously passed ‘Dand Vidhi (Madhya Pradesh
Sanshodhan) Vidheyak, 2017’, a bill that proposes ‘hanged till death’ sentence for convicts of rape and gang-
rape cases involving girls below 12 years of age.
Maharashtra
• On December 5, 2017, Maharashtra State Cabinet becomes first state to approve ‘Industrial Policy for Women
Entrepreneur’ with an aim to encourage women entrepreneurs in the state. Woman entrepreneurscan avail Rs
15 lakh to Rs 1 crore for capital investment in project at 5%.
• Maharashtra State government decided offer cash rewards to gram panchayats and urban local bodies for
making their respective areas plastic-free.Maharashtra has placed a state-wide ban on plastic bags below 50
microns. First prize will be Rs 5 lakh.
• Maharashtra Government has started efforts to adopt Clinical establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act
with an aim to ensure the minimum standards of facilities and services provided by them.
Manipur
• 2018 edition of Indian Science Congress will be held at Manipur University in Imphal, Manipur in March
2018.This will be the 105th edition of Indian Science Congress.’Reaching the Unreached Through Science
and Technology’ will be the focal theme of this event.
Meghalaya
• On December 15, 2017, Meghalaya Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma launched ‘The Meghalaya Community
Participation and Public Services Social Audit Act, 2017’ and become first state in India to operationalise a
law that integrates social audit of government programmes and schemes as part of government practice.
Nagaland
• On Dec.1 2017, Shri Ram Nath Kovind , the President of India inaugurated the Hornbill Festival and State
Formation Day celebrations of Nagaland in Kisama.It will be celebrated every year from 1 - 10 December, in
Nagaland. It is also called the 'Festival of Festivals'.
• On 15th December 2017, the Nagaland Assembly passed a resolution unanimously revoking the provisions
of 33 % reservation for women in urban local bodies.
Odisha
• On December 1 2017, five-day dance festival has started near the world famous Sun Temple of Konark in
Bhubaneswar,Odisha. Konark Dance Festival is a five day dance festival in the month of December 1 to 5
held every year in backdrop of the Sun temple in Konark,
• On December 9, 2017, Odisha CM, Naveen Patnaik inaugurated Purvasha Folk and Tribal Art Museum set up
at Barkul near Chilika and also launched the website of ODIART Centre.
• On December 16, 2107, Union Petroleum Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated Eastern India's first
compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in Bhubaneswar, Odisha to supply CNG to vehicles. The two CNG
stations are located at Chandrasekharpur and Patia area in Bhubaneswar.
• On 22nd December 2017, Mystic Kalinga, is an extension of Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) , a two day
international poetry festival was inaugurated by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasdev in Bhubaneswar, Odisha with the
theme -"Aseema" - Transcending Boundaries.
• On 26th December 2017, the Odisha government decided to split the tourism and culture department and
initiated setting up of Odia Language Commission. The cultural wing was also renamed as Odia Language,
Literature and Culture Department.
• On December 26, 2017, Odisha State Government decided to set up a unique ‘Heritage Cabinet’ headed by
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik with an objective to preserve the relics and monuments across the state.
• Odisha police will go digital from January 1, 2018, as routine work in police stations across the state will be
computerised under the Criminal Tracking and Networking System (CCTNS).CCTNS project is being
implemented under the national e-governance initiative at a cost of Rs. 61 crore.
Punjab
• On 18th December 2017, the Punjab government announced a complete ban on the manufacturing, sale,
production, supply and use of kite string made of nylon, plastic or any other synthetic material. Permission is
given only for a cotton thread free from any sharp, metallic, glass component, adhesive and thread
strengthening material.
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Rajasthan
• Rajasthan has become the first state in India to offer free e-mail address in Hindi to its residents.
• Japan has decided to offer a grant worth 8.4 million Yen for the construction of a vocational training centre for
poor women and youth in Rajasthan's Baran district.
• On 13th December 2017, On the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the BJP government in Rajasthan
,Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje announced the increase in age limit while applying for
government jobs from 35 to 40 years.
• On 21st December 2017, the Rajasthan government announced 1 % reservation within the 50 percent legal
limit, for Gujjars and four other communities such as Banjara, Gadia-Lohar, Rebari and Gadaria, still retaining
their Other Backward Classes (OBC) status.
• The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced its first impact bond across the
globe by launching ‘Rajasthan Development Impact Bond’ to reduce the number of mother and baby deaths
by improving the quality of maternal care in Rajasthan’s health infrastructure.
Sikkim
• On December 15, 2017,Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved Capital Investment Subsidy of
Rs.264.67 crore to four industrial units located in North Eastern Region (NER) including Sikkim.
Tamil Nadu
• On December 7, 2017, a centre for excellence in floriculture jointly set up by India and Israel was inaugurated
at Thally in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu.Itis the first agro-technology development centre set up with
assistance of Mashev, Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs.
Telangana
• On December 2, 2017, Telangana State Government announced that it would set up the world's
first Information Technology (IT) Campus for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Hyderabad. Telangana
State Government has entered into an agreement with Vindhya E-Infomedia Private Limited.
• Telangana State Government’s Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS) has got environment clearance
from Union Ministry of Environment and Forest. However, the clearance came along with certain conditions.
• The International Sweet Festival will be hosted by Hyderabad from January 13 to 15, 2018 at the parade
ground, Hyderabad. Telangana Tourism Secretary Burra Venkatesham has announced that the International
Sweet Festival will coincide with the International Kite festival at Hyderabad
• Telangana Prisons Department has launched a drive to turn Hyderabad into "Beggar Free" at Global
Entrepreneurship Summit that was held in Hyderabad from 28th – 30th November, 2017. They started two
Beggar homes, one is in Challapalli jail for female beggars and Chanchalguda jail for male beggars.
• From January 1, 2018, farmers in Telangana will get 24-hour free power supply.This is a first of its kind
initiative, undertaken by Telangana State Government which will benefit 23 lakh farmers in Telangana.
Tripura
• The Tripura Government has introduced Child Care Leave (CCL) for women employees with minor children
for 730 days in their entire service life. Employees enjoying the CCL for children’s sickness or
examinations would be paid leave salary.
Uttar Pradesh:
• On 4th December 2017, Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district was included in the National Capital Region (NCR),
taking the total number of districts in the NCR to 23. The decision was taken at the 37th meeting of the
National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) held in New Delhi.
• Uttar Pradesh became the first state to endorse Central Government’s draft bill that makes the practice of
instant "triple talaq" a cognisable and non-bailable criminal offence. As per SC, practice of "triple talaq"
violates Article 14 of Indian Constitution. Central Government’s draft provides for three-year imprisonment
• On 12th December 2017, Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik unveiled a new multi-coloured logo for the
Kumbh Mela to be held in Allahabad in January 2019. Ram Naik also launched the Kumbh's tagline "Chalo
Kumbh Chalo-Chalo, Kumbh Chalo", Uttar Pradesh Tourism's slogan "UP Nahin Dekha to India Nahin
Dekha"
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• Uttar Pradesh’s Minister for Religious Works and Culture, Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary has proposed U.P
Government will set up a research institute for the study of the 'Bhagavad Gita' in Mathura at 144th
anniversary celebration of the Government Museum, Mathura.
• Uttar Pradesh State Government, under Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath has scrapped ‘Shravan Yatra’, a
scheme under which elderly citizens could undertake pilgrimage free of cost , entire boarding and lodging
expenses was borne by the state government.
• On 22nd December 2017, Uttar Pradesh assembly passed the UP Excise (Amendment) Bill 2017 was
introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna, to award death penalty life sentence and fine
ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh in case of death due to consumption of spurious liquor.
• Government data states that, Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest death count in India due to Acute
Respiratory Infections (ARI) in 2016. It is followed by West Bengal in the 2nd position and 3rd position is
occupied by Delhi.
• On 25th December 2017, Uttar Pradesh government introduced 'Prakash hai to vikas hai', a free household
power connection scheme for the poor people, to mark former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth
anniversary.
• Construction work on Jewar Airport in Greater Noida will commence in December 2018, earlier than Uttar
Pradesh government's scheduled plan. On completion, Jewar airport will be India’s biggest airport in terms of
area.
West Bengal
• West Bengal State Education Minister Partha Chatterjee tabled the Bill named ‘West Bengal Green University
Bill 2017’ has been passed in West Bengal Assembly to set up an environmental studies university at Hooghly
district.
• West Bengal State Government has announced of provided life insurance cover amounting to Rs 5 lakh each
pilgrim arriving for upcoming Gangasagar fair .It is held annually on the occasion of Makar Sankranti at the
confluence of the Ganges at Sagra Islands in South 24 Parganas district.
• On December 1, 2017, India was re-elected to Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
under category B in London. Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Y K Sinha represented India
at the election.
• On December 1, 2017, Philippines Government suspended its world's first dengue vaccination programme,
after Dengvaxia vaccine’s producer, French pharmaceutical giant, Sanofi Pasteur revealed that the vaccine
could prove harmful in certain cases.
• Indian engineers have launched a major road project i.e to repair and rehabilitate the Malakal-Melut road in
South Sudan to improve connectivity between two major cities of South Sudan. The project is being
implemented by Indian engineers serving with the United Nations Mission (UNMISS).
• On December 3, 2017, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani inaugurated the first phase of strategic Chabahar
Port in South-Eastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman.The first phase has been named Shahid Beheshti port.
Minister of State for Shipping, Pon Radhakrishnan represented India at the inauguration function.
• The word “populism” has been announced as the Cambridge Dictionary 2017 Word of the Year.
The word “populism” has been selected based on the criteria that the word should not only be the most
searched-for words but is also reflected in spikes.
• On December 4, 2017, India has taken such stand for the first time submitted a formal document opposing any
negotiations on e-commerce at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
• On December 4, 2017, US Government under President Donald Trump has announced to withdraw from the
United Nations (UN) Migrant and Refugee Pact. This declaration was strongly supported by the then US
President Barack Obama.
• On December 5, 2017, United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that it has formed a new economic and
partnership group with Saudi Arabia, separate from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
• On 4thDecember 2017, the US Supreme Court ruled that a ban ordered by Donald Trump on travelers from six
Muslim-majority countries Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen, plus North Korea and Venezuela
and two other countries could be immediately imposed.
• According to the World Energy Access report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), electrification rate
in India has almost doubled since 2000. India is poised to achieve ‘electricity for all’ target in the early 2020s.
• On December 7, 2017, Australian Parliament voted in favour to legalise same-sex marriage. Australia has thus
become 24th country in the world to allow same-sex couples to marry.
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• On 6thDecember 2017, US President Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
• International Solar Alliance becomes Treaty-based International Intergovernmental organization.Guinea
became the 15th country to ratify, 46 countries have signed and 19 countries have ratified the Framework
Agreement of ISA
• On December 5, 2017, Somali Government and United Nations (UN) signed the UN Strategic Framework for
Somalia (UNSF), under which United Nations will support Somalia’s development in priority areas over the
next four year
• Australia joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA).This decision was jointly announced by Australian PM
Malcolm Turnbull, Minister for Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg and Minister for Foreign Affairs
Julie Bishop.
• On December 9, 2017, Iraq Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi declared victory in a three-year war by Iraqi
forces against Islamic State jihadist group.
• S. will issue travel advisories from January 2018 to its citizens based on a four- level classification system
such as Level I - exercise normal precautions , Level II - exercise increased caution , Level III - reconsider
travel and Level IV - do not travel.
• On December 10, 2017, China started trial operations of Shanghai Yangshan Deep Water Port, which is
covers 2.23 million square metres areas and has a 2350-metre shoreline referred to as world's biggest
automated container terminal.
• On December 11, 2017, United States (US), South Korea and Japan started a joint drill in waters near the
Korean peninsula and Japan to track missiles from North Korea.
• On 9thDecember 2017, Sri Lanka formally handed over the strategic southern port of Hambantota to China on
a 99-year lease. Sri Lanka received $292 million out of a $1.12 billion deal which will link ports and roads
between China and Europe.
• On 12thDecember 2017, Singapore launched its first large-scale electric car-sharing programme to provide
commuters with more transport options and steer them away from the need to buy their own cars.
• ‘Feminism’ has been named word of the year 2017 by the American dictionary Merriam-Webster.They added
70% increase in online searches for the word ‘feminism’ in 2017 compare to 2016.
• On 14thDecember 2017, Sri Lanka became the 163rd nation to accede to the anti-personnel mine ban
convention.
• Norway has become the first country in the world to shut down national broadcasts of its frequency
modulation (FM) network and switchover to Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) which has begun in January
2017.
• Oxford Dictionaries has declared "Youthquake" as 2017's Word of the Year, reflecting what it calls a political
awakening among millennial voters.
• ‘Dubai Camel Hospital’, world’s first hospital at a cost of $10.9 million for camels, opened in Dubai . It is to
be noted that Camels are an important part of United Arab Emirates (UAE’s) heritage.
• On December 15, 2017, Iran opened its first ‘Monir Museum’, which opened in Tehran dedicated to Monir
Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, a solo female artist who has garnered widespread international attention during
decades of exile.
• On December 17, 2017, Switzerland unveiled world’s steepest funicular railway link to the alpine resort of
Stoos. Funicular is a type of cable railway (a cable attached to a pair of tram-like vehicles on rails) on an
inclined pane of cliff.
• On 19thDecember 2017, the Indian and Sri Lankan navies completed the 2nd phase of the joint oceanographic
survey conducted off the South Western Coast of Sri Lanka. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sutlej went to Sri Lanka
for this survey.
• On December 19, 2017, France's parliament approved a law banning all exploration and production of oil and
natural gas by 2040. French Government has also decided that no new exploration licenses will be granted and
existing drilling permits will not be renewed.
• On 19thDecember 2017, China announced its plan for a national carbon market that would be the world’s
biggest trading system for climate-warming emissions. China’s National Development and Reform
Commission vice-chairman Zhang Yong said, this national carbon market will initially include only the power
sector.
• India’s External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumarannounced a grant of $25
million as development assistance for Rakhine State of Myanmar and the amount will be over a period of five
years.
• India’s Ambassador to Egypt, Sanjay Bhattacharyya has announced that it would set up a Centre of Excellence
in Information Technology (CEIT) at Al Azhar University, Egypt.
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• On December 21, 2017, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution rejecting the
American recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
• On December 22, 2017, National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval of India and Yang Jiechi, represented China
held talks in New Delhi to discuss important aspects related to border issues.
• On December 24, 2017 World's longest glass pedestrian bridge opened in Hebei Province of China with the
length 488 meters, and the width is about two meters. The bridge connects two mountain peaks in Hunyagu in
Pingshan County and is suspended at an altitude of 218 meters above the valley.
• On 22ndDecember 2017, Russian State Corporation for Atomic Energy (Rosatom) Overseas and Sudan’s
Ministry of Water Resources, Irrigation and Electricity announced that it has signed an agreement to build the
first nuclear power plant for electricity production in Khartoum, Sudan.
• Construction of Bangladesh's first eco-friendly thermal power plant with ultra-modern clean coal technology
has been started by a Chinese consortium in central. The thermal power plant is constructed near a sea port in
Payra town in Patuakhali district of Bangladesh.
• On 22ndDecember 2017, President Donald Trump signed the $1.5 trillion tax overhaul into law. This law is
expected to benefit big corporations and wealthy Americans
• Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales has announced plans to move country’s embassy in Israelto Jerusalem.
Guatemala is the first country to move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem following United
States of America (USA’s) recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital on December 6, 2017.
• Cultural authorities at United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have
recognized the skill of Ecuadorian artisans who make ‘Panama Hats’.
• On 27thDecember 2017, the second India-Afghanistan air cargo route connecting Kabul and Mumbai was
launched by Afghan and Indian officials at the Hamid Karzai international airport,
• China has launched the world’s largest human genome research project to document links between health and
sicknessand use that information to generate precision medicines for the future.
• As part of preparation of Mars Exploration Mission , China will build a Martian village (simulating the
environmental conditions on Mars) in the red rock area of the Qaidam basin in western Qinghai.
• China has successfully tested its first photovoltaic highway based on home-grown technology using solar
panels which have a thin sheet of clear concrete on top of them constructed in Shandong province.
• Pakistan’s Government has decided to set up a new hydropower project of over 700 megawatts in Pakistan-
occupied Kashmir (PoK).The project has been named Azad Pattan Hydropower Project (APHP). It is a run of
river scheme on Jhelum River located in the Sudhanoti district of PoK.
• On 31stDecember 2017, China shut down its legal government-sanctioned ivory trade.
• In 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping and then U.S. President Barack Obama took a joint pledge to put an end
to ivory trade. As per this decision, China has closed all its licensed ivory carving factories and retailers
BANKING & FINANCE
RBI 5th Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy statement for the financial year 2017-2018
Policy Repo Rate 6.00% Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
Reverse Repo Rate 5.75% Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
Marginal Standing Facility Rate 6.25% Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
Bank Rate 6.25% Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) 4.00% Unchanged – since 9thFebruary 2013
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) 19.50% With Effect from 14th October 2017
Economic growth forecast has been retained at 6.7 per cent.
RBI projected inflation to stay in the range of 4.3-4.7 per cent
RBI in News
• According to the weekly data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s foreign exchange reserves
crossed the $ 400-billion mark again, in the week to November 24, 2017. As per RBI data, forex reserves
increased by $ 1.208 billion to touch $ 400.741 billion.
• On December 12, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the limits by 6400 crore in Central Government
Securities (G-Secs) and Rs. 5800 crore in State development loans (SDLs) for investment by foreign portfolio
investors (FPIs) for the January-March 2018 quarter.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed Rs 3 crore penalty on IndusInd Bank for breached Income
Recognition and Asset Classification (IRAC) norms. It was observed that IndusInd Bank did not adhere to
regulatory restrictions pertaining to non-fund based (NFB) facilities.
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• On December 12, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a penalty of Rs 5 crore on Syndicate Bank for
non-compliance with its directions on Know Your Customer (KYC)" norms Cheque Purchase or Discounting
and Bill Discounting.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated prompt corrective action (PCA) against Bank of India owing to its
high non-performing loans, negative return on assets for two consequent years and insufficient capital.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated prompt corrective action (PCA) against United Bank of India owing
to its high net non-performing loans, low leverage ratio and requirement to raise capital.
• Minister of State for Finance, Shiv Pratap Shuklahas informed Lok Sabha that Indian Banks lost Rs 16789
crore on account of frauds during 2016-17.This figure is based on fraud monitoring reports submitted by the
scheduled commercial banks and select financial institutions to Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) of Indian public sector banks
stood at Rs 7.34 lakh crore by the end of September 2017. NPAs of private sector banks' at the end of
September 2017 was considerably low at Rs 1.03 lakh crore.
• International investment firm, KKR & Co has received an approval from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to start
an asset reconstruction company (ARC) in India and has thereby become the first foreign investor to fully own
ARC in India.
• Global mobile payments company, OBOPAY has procured a license for Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI)
from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate a semi-closed loop wallet in India. It will be able to solve
various digital payment related problems for its partner clients.
• Finance Ministry has notified the reduction in interest rates on Small Saving Schemes for January -March
2018 quarter by 20 basis points (0.2%) as compared to October- December 2017 quarter.
Small Savings Scheme Annual Interest Rate
Public Provident Fund (PPF) 7.6%
National Savings Certificate (NSC) 7.6%
Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) 7.3% (11 months maturity)
Sukanya Samriddhi Account 8.1%
5-year Senior Citizens Savings Scheme 8.3% (Unchanged from previous quarter)
Savings Deposit 4.0% (Unchanged from previous quarter)
Term Deposits (1-5 year maturity) 6.6% to 7.4%
5-year Recurring Deposit 6.9%
Technology in Banking
Name of Entity Technology implemented Points to be noted
Paytm Payments Bank Paytm FASTag FASTag would enable electronic
toll-fee collection on highways .
Samsung in partnership with 'Bill Payments' on Samsung Pay Users can pay their mobile, landline
Axis Bank phone, electricity, gas, water and
DTH bills using this feature.
Loans issued by banks/others
Loan issued by Received by Amount Points to be noted
Asian Reliance Power USD 583 To develop its 750 MW power plant and
Development Bank (ADB) million Liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal
project in Bangladesh
Asian Development Bank Karnataka Government USD 346 Million to improve 419 km of state
(ADB) million highways by upgrading it to two and four-
lane highways
International Monetary Fund Madagascar $44.5 To support Madagascar’s economic
(IMF) million recovery
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bangalore Metro Rail USD 335 This is AIIB's first loan for a metro
Bank (AIIB) Project Reach 6 (R6) million project.
International Bank for India - SANKALP USD 250 Loan for the Skills Acquisition and
Reconstruction and Project million Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood
Development (IBRD) Promotion (SANKALP) Project
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World Bank Pakistan USD 825 Loan for upgrading its energy and public
million finance sectors
International Bank for Uttar Pradesh (UP) USD 40 Million for a tourism project in Uttar
Reconstruction and million Pradesh (UP) with a maturity term of 19
Development, IBRD years
State Bank of India Lendingkart Rs. 25 Loan raised in the form of cash credit
crore facility which can be drawn in separate
tranches as and when it needs.This will be
the first time SBI funding for a digital
financial company.
YES Bank and the European India $400- A co-finance programme of renewable
Investment Bank (EIB) million power generation projects being built and
operated by leading Indian companies and
private sector developers in India.
German Development Bank North Eastern Electric 20 million Additional funding of 20 million
(KfW) Power Corporation Ltd. Euro Euro for Pare Hydro Electric Plant (Pare
(NEEPCO) HEP)
International Development Indian Government - USD 125 Loan for the “Skills Strengthening for
Association, IDA (STRIVE) Project million Industrial Value Enhancement Operation
(STRIVE) Project”.
World Bank Group Egypt $1.15 bn Approved development policy loan for
Egypt to support its economic reform
programme.
MoUs/Agreements in Banking & Finance
• Fino Payments Bank has signed up an agreement with Rajasthan government's RajCOMP ,as its corporate
business correspondent and will offer banking services to people across the state. It will act as banking points
of Fino Payments Bank.
• Danny Alexander, Vice-President and Corporate Secretary of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
has stated that India is the first country where AIIB has approved more than $1 billion of financing which
includes funding support primarily for energy, transport and broader infrastructure projects.
• AU Small Finance Bank has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sahaj e-Village for
providing its banking service in remote areas of India under the flagship of National e-Governance Plan
(NeGP) of Central Government.
• On December 19, 2017, Indian Government signed a Financing Agreement for International Development
Association, IDA (member of the World Bank Group)
• On December 30, 2017, Allahabad Bank made an agreement with National e-Governance Services Limited
(NeSL) for utilizing its Information Utility Services envisaged under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,
2016.State-owned NeSL is the first Information Utility entity registered by Insolvency and bankruptcy Board
of India under IBBI (IU) Regulations, 2017.
• Bank of Baroda has entered into MoU with POORTI (’Platform for Online Ordering and Rural
Transformation of India’) Agri Services to help farmers buy agricultural inputs like seed, fertilizers and
pesticides.
Schemes and Launches in Banking & Finance News

• ICICI Bank launched a digital service to allow customers to open a Public Provident Fund (PPF) account
online, eliminating the need for furnishing paper documents
• India’s largest bank, State Bank of India (SBI) has launched ‘State Bank Rewardz’, under this scheme, SBI
customers will get reward points for various transactions across many banking services offer by SBI.
• On December 21, 2017, SBI Cards and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) launched ‘BPCL SBI
Card’, a co-branded credit card.
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• On December 2, 2017, Corporation Bank launched its RuPay Select and RuPay Platinum credit cards.
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a framework for the tenure of independent
trustees as well as directors
• Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced the creation of a new virtual currency, ‘Petro’ which
would be backed by Venezuela's oil, gas, gold and diamond wealth.
• Rajasthan State Government is setting up Automatic Service ATMs, ‘E-Mitra Plus’ at 9900 Atal Seva
Kendras and 2500 urban location across the state.
• Pluto Exchange, a Dubai-based cryptocurrency dealer has announced the launch of India’s first mobile
application for transacting in virtual currencies. . Pluto Exchange’s app will be India’s first app-based wallet
that enables bitcoin transactions using a mobile number.
• On December 23, 2017, India Government Mint (IGM), Mumbai launched India’s first home-grown high
purity gold reference standard - the Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BND-4201) which is the reference material
for gold of ‘9999’ fineness (gold that is 99.99 per cent pure).
Other Important Banking & Finance News

• On November 30, 2017, India’s 1 Rupee currency note completed 100 years. First Rupee 1 note was printed in
England and was issued in India on November 30, 1917.Rupee 1 note was issued to replace the silver coin that
was used as Re1 coin.In 1917, Rupee 1 was equal to 10.7 gms of silver
• Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company has started digital branch services through its offering ‘Mosambee’.
Mosambee is a handheld device that offers the services just like a mobile branch.
• Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Co Ltdhas launched a video service that seeks to
improve customer engagement
• Axis Securities, a subsidiary of Axis Bank, has become the first-ever broking arm of a bank to take
membership of a commodity exchange by registering itself with NCDEX (National Commodity and
Derivatives Exchange)
• Paytm unveils ‘PaytmKa ATM’ partner outlet for banking operations where customers can open bank
accounts, deposit cash and withdraw
• RBI rationalised merchant discount rate (MDR) in a bid to increase the number of non-cash transactions
• Central Government has roped in ICICI Bank to enable online payments at 470 mandis integrated with
national portal of electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM). ICICI Bank will enable UPI & BHIM
cashless payments
• On 7thDecember 2017, the Financial Services Commission, Mauritius said it has opened its representative
office in Mumbai.
• International or overseas branches of Indian banks will now be able to refinance external commercial
borrowings (ECB) of AAA-rated private and public sector companies.CurrentlyIndian banks are allowed to
fund dollar loans but are not allowed to refinance these borrowings abroad.
• On December 8, 2017, Bombay Stock Exchange’s subsidiary, India International Exchange (India INX)
announced that it has received approval from Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on the
framework for listing of debt securities. Indian and foreign issuers will be able to issue Eurobonds, masala
bonds and foreign currency bonds from India INX.
• Pakistan allowed its currency (Pakistani rupee) to depreciate after important talks with the International
Monetary Fund (IMF). This decision was taken to ensure materialisation of $2.5 billion worth of receipts from
two international bonds launched in November 2017.
• On December 13, 2017, South Korea banned its financial institutions from dealing in virtual currencies such
as This decision has been taken in wake of recent surge in Bitcoin price, which is hitting new lifetime highs
almost on daily basis.
• The World Bank will end its financial support for oil and gas exploration within the next two yearsin response
to the growing threat posed by climate change, it will not finance upstream oil and gas after 2019.
• Private sector lender, Yes Bank has collaborated with advisory services firm, Pantomath Advisory to develop
a Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem focused on Maharashtra and Gujarat.
• On 15thDecember 2017, the Cabinet approved an amendment to a current law to allow for payment of an
interim compensation in cheque dishonour cases with a view not to allow unscrupulous elements holding
payments.
• Investment limit in state development loans (SDL) has also been raised to Rs 31500 crore and Rs 13600 crore
for FPIs and long-term FPIs.
• On December 15, 2017, Union Cabinet decided to waive the merchant discount rate (MDR) applicable on all
debit cards, Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) and Unified Payment Interface (UPI) transactions up to Rs
2000.
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• A panel formed by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has recommended
easing of norms that require 50 per cent of the funds mobilized from traditional life insurance policies to be
invested in government securities.
• Central Government has infused capital of 51858 crore in public sector banks (PSBs) under the Indradhanush
Plan to resolve issues faced by Public Sector banks and make them capable to compete with Private Sector
banks.
• Airtel has deposited an interim penalty of Rs 2.5 crorewith UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India)
after action was taken against it for allegedly opening payments bank accounts of its mobile subscribers
without their consent.
• On December 21, 2018, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB) released the Financial
System Stability Assessment (FSSA) and Financial Sector Assessment (FSA).
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has raised the investment limit for foreign portfolio investors
(FPI) in central government securities to Rs 191000 crore from current investment limit Rs 189700 crore.
• On December 22, 2017, private sector bank, Yes Bank established a Medium Term Note (MTN) programme
to raise USD 1 billion by issuing debt securities in international capital markets to eligible investors.
• As per information provided by Minister of State for Finance, Pratap Shukla in Lok Sabha, Maharashtra and
Uttar Pradesh are the top contributors among all states and Union Territories (UTs) in the first five months
(1st July – 30th November, 2017) of the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.
• Union Home Ministryhas directed all Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), business entities and
individuals who receive funds from abroad to open accounts in any of the 32 designated banks which are
integrated with the central government's Public Financial Management System under Foreign Contribution
(Regulation) Act 2010.
• According to data released by the Income Tax department, only 2 crore Indians (1.7 per cent of the total
population) paid income tax in the assessment year (AY) 2015-16.
• Union Finance Ministry is likely to issue first tranche of recapitalization bonds to public sector banks (PSB) in
January 2018. Recapitalization bonds will not be sold in open market, rather it will be issued to all banks.
• On 26thDecember 2017, Sohan Lal Commodity Management (SLCM) announced its tie up with HDFC Bank
and IndusInd Bank to provide collateral management services.
• On December 24, 2017, United Nations General Assembly approved the regular budget of $5.397 billion for
2018-2019.This marks 5% cut (286 million dollar) as compared to final budget approved for 2016- 2017.
• On 27thDecember 2017, Paytm has become India’s first payments app to cross the 100 million downloads on
Google Play Store in the 2nd week of December 2017.
• Finance Ministry has notified the reduction in interest rates on Small Saving Schemes for January -March
2018 quarter by 20 basis points (0.2%) as compared to October- December 2017 quarter.
• India’s largest public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI) has announced that its board has approved raising
Rs 8000 crore to meet Basel III capital norms.
• On December 26, 2017, IDBI Bank announced that it has disengaged Moody’s Investors Services (Moody’s)
to rate its bond programmes.IDBI Bank has terminated all contracts with Moody’s pertaining to various issues
made under its MTN (medium term note) Bond Programme.
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is considering putting a 10 per cent cross-shareholding cap in
mutual funds in order to avoid the potential conflict of interest.
• Cheque books of account holders of State Bank of India’s (SBI’s) Associate banks that include State Bank of
Patiala, State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of
Travancore and Bharatiya Mahila Bank will become invalid after December 31, 2017.
• International rating agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) has classified Indian Banking sector under ‘Group 5’ of
its Banking Industry Country Risk Assessment (BICRA). As per S&P, risk of rising economic imbalances for
banks in India is ‘low’ on account of good franchise, extensive branch networks and large domestic savings
base.
• Central Government has infused over Rs. 7500 crore equity capital in six stressed public sector banks (PSBs)
such as Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Dena Bank, IDBI Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and UCO Bank
• On December 29, 2017, Federal Bank announced a partnership with Abu Dhabi-based LuLu Exchange to
leverage blockchain technology for cross-border remittances.In collaboration with Digiledge, a Bengaluru
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based fintech start-up, Federal Bank and Lulu Exchange have launched and successfully tested the service
using blockchain technology.
• At its board meeting held on December 28, 2017, Indian capital markets regulator, Securities and Exchange
Board of India (SEBI) has initiated some reforms.
• On December 29, 2017, cryptocurrency, Ripple surged almost 50% to $2.20 and thereby became world's
second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.Owing to this surge, Ripple’s market capitalization
reached $86 billion on December 29, 2017, surpassing another digital currency Ethereum ($73 billion market
cap).
• On December 29, 2017, Minister of State for Finance, P Radhakrishnan, informed Lok Sabha that
Central Government has raised an amount of Rs 14500 crore through its BHARAT 22 Exchange Traded Fund
(ETF).
BUSINESS
• On December 7, 2017, Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use
Goods and Technologies admitted India as its 42nd member.India has been admitted to WA, despite of not
being a signatory to NPT.
• On December 8, 2017, an agreement was signed between Mukund Kumar Sinha, HUA Ministry’s officer on
special duty and Wolfgang Hanning Germany’s GIZ Country Director for technical cooperation in the
implementation of transport projects in Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) and Kochi
(Kerala) in the presence of Union Housing and Urban Affairs (HUA) Minister Hardeep Singh Puri
• As per current norms, prior permission (called YA number) of DGCA was mandatory for Indian-registered
charters or private jets to fly out of India. Now onwards, DGCA will straightaway issue an authorisation,
having five year validity, to private aircraft operators for carrying out overseas flights based on International
Civil Aviation Organsiations (ICAO’s) Standards and Recommended Practises (SARPs).
• On 8thDecember 2017, Indian Maruti Suzuki became India's sixth most valued firm with market capitalisation
stood at Rs.2.74 trillion, crossing India's largest lender SBI (State Bank of India) of Rs.2.71 trillion . Reliance
Industries is India's most valued company with a market value of ₹5.8 trillion.
• On December 12, 2017, Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) and National Highways Authority
of India (NHAI), signed a MoU to solve the problem of shortage of sand faced by concessionaires working
on highways projects.
• Tata Sons has announced that GE Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) have entered into a
partnership to manufacture, assemble, integrate and test aircraft components and will jointly manufacture
CFM International LEAP engine components in India.
• On December 16, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 60 MW Tuirial hydropower project in
Aizawl, Mizoram on Tuirial River which is the first large hydropower project in Mizoram.It was executed
by North Eastern Electric Power Corporation( NEEPCO) under Union Ministry of Power.
• On Dec.16, 2017 Samsung India has partnered with UNESCO MGIEP (Mahatma Gandhi Institute of
Education for Peace and Sustainable Development) to launch first 360-degree video and Virtual Reality (VR)
content of Sun Temple in Konark and Taj Mahal at the Transforming Education Conference for Humanity
(TECH) 2017 in Visakhapatnam.
• Online cab aggregator, Ola entered into an agreement with Bajaj Allianz to offer a comprehensive insurance
programme named ‘Chalo Befikar' for its driver partners. Under this programme, Ola’s driver partners can
avail an insurance cover of up to Rs 5 lakh.
• Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has temporarily barred Bharti Airtel from conducting
Aadhaar-based SIM verification of mobile customers using eKYC process due to Airtel has been using
Aadhaar-eKYC based SIM verification process to open payments bank accounts of without subscribers
consent.
• Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan Singh has announced that India is the second
largest producer (after China) of horticultural crops and fruits in the world at the World Orange Day 2017
event in Nagpur on December 17, 2017.
• On December 18, 2017, Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan stated
that Iraq has overtaken Saudi Arabia to become India's top crude oil supplier in 2017-18.
• Andhra Pradesh State Fibernet Limited (APSFL) has signed an agreement with Alphabet Inc's X to bring high
speed internet to about 12 million households and free space optical communication (FSOC) technology to
improve digital infrastructure in the state by March 2019.
• On December 18, 2017, Directorate General of Training (DGT) under Ministry of Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship and automobile manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki India Limited signed a Memorandum of
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Understanding under Skill India Mission to develop specific training modules relevant to the automobile
industry.
• On 19thDecember 2017, the Konkan Railway and IIT Bombay signed a MoU to transform George Fernandes
Institute of Tunnel Technology in Goa to a world-class centre of knowledge in tunnel and underground
structure technologies.
• On 20thDecember 2017, National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) and Dalian
Municipal People's Government signed a joint investment agreement to create a platform called the Sino-
Indian Digital Collaboration Plaza (SIDCOP) in Dalian.
• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been awarded a USD 2.25-billion outsourcing contract from UK-based
Nielsen Holdings PLC.
• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted scheduled commuter operator (SCO) permitto Air
Deccan under the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme to make flying, a reality for common people
residing in Tier-II and Tier-III towns.
• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has created a National Highways Investment Promotion Cell
(NHIPC) to attract domestic and foreign investment for highways projects across India.
• India has initiated an dumping probe on imports of ‘Sodium Nitrite’, used in industries such as pharma and
food processing from Russia. The Directorate General of Anti-dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD)has found
sufficient evidence for dumping of Sodium Nitrite.
• On December 22, 2017, Indigo's 1000th flight 6E 185 from Mumbai to Kochi became the first Indian carrier
to operate over 1000 flights in a day across India.
• Central Government has recognised Odisha as a 'Champion State' for exports recording the highest growth in
exports during 2016-17.
• Central public sector enterprise, NHPC Ltd has proposed to set up 100-200 Mw capacity solar project
in Odisha.With this proposal, NHPC has joined other public sector enterprises viz. NTPC, NLC (formerly
Neyveli Lignite Ltd) and North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd (NEEPCO) to express interest in
participating in Odisha Government’s upcoming 1000 Mw solar park programme.
• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has allowed Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) - manufactured
Dornier 228 for civilian flights. It will now become the first ‘Made in India’ plane to be used for commercial
flights.
• On December 27, 2017, Maruti Suzuki India announced that it has entered into a partnership with Delhi
government to set up 12 automated driving test centers across the city.
• State-owned natural gas processing and distribution company GAIL Ltd. has placed orders for another 400-km
of pipeline under Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga natural gas pipeline project.
ECONOMY
• Global ratings agency Fitch has lowered the India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projection for
2017-18 to 7 per cent from earlier 6.9 per cent.This revelation was done in Fitch's December 2017 Global
Economic Outlook (GEO) released on December 4, 2017.
• According to global financial services major, Morgan Stanley, India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth
is likely to grow from 4 per cent in 2017 to 7.5 per cent in 2018 and further to 7.7 per cent in 2019.
• Global investment bank Nomura from Tokyo,Japan has predicted India’s economy to register a 7.5 % growth
rate in 2018, saying it is on the cusp of a cyclical recovery.
• As per 'World Economic Situation Prospects' (WESP 2018), released by United Nations, India’s Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to accelerate from 7 per cent in 2017 to 7.2 per cent in 2018 and 7.4 per
cent in 2019.
• In a supplement to its Asian Development Outlook (ADO), Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered
India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) forecast for current economic 2017-18 by 0.3 per cent to 6.7 per cent.
The growth forecast for 2018-19 has also been lowered to3 per cent from 7.4 per cent.
• According to Japanese financial services major Nomura, Indian economy may witness a sharp recovery in the
January-March 2018 quarter and its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for 2018 is likely to be around 7.5
per cent.
• Insurers and reinsurers can now set up facilities at IFSC Special Economic Zones (SEZ), as per IRDAI’s
(Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) new guidelines on International Financial Service
Centre Insurance Offices (IIO).
• As per 2018 World Economic League Table released by Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr),
Indian economy will surpass Britain and France in 2018 and will thus become the fifth largest economy.
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• Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh has stated that Central Government
has increased the budget of Agricultural Education by 47.4% this year as compared to the financial year 2013-
14.
• India has become the biggest importer of U.S. oil refinery by-product ‘petcoke’, which in 2016 got almost a
fourth of all the fuel-grade "petcoke"the U.S. shipped out. Petroleum coke called as ‘petcoke’, a U.S. oil
refinery by-product, is cheaper and burns hotter than coal.
• On November 30, 2017, India Index Services and Products Ltd (IISL) launched the Nifty LargeMidcap 250
Index. IISL is a subsidiary of National Stock Exchange (NSE) will track the performance of 100 large-cap and
150 mid-cap companies listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE).
• Combined index of eight core industries rose 4.7 per cent in October 2017.The growth was primarily on the
back of higher refinery and coal production. Coal production increased by 3.9 per cent while crude oil refinery
production grew by 7.5 per cent in October 2017
MoUs
MoUs Between Countries
No. MoU between Field

1 India –Brazil approval for signing and ratification of the Investment Cooperation and
Facilitation Treaty (ICFT)
2 India – Colombia MoU in several aspects of agriculture including innovative agricultural
practices/approaches, new agricultural mechanizations and cooperation in research
in oil seeds , oil palm and fisheries.
3 India – Cuba ex-post-facto approval on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine.
4 India – Germany a loan agreement for the project ‘Climate Friendly Urban Mobility III’
5 India –Italy i. approval for cooperation in Agriculture and Phytosanitary issues
ii. approval for cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine.
6 India – Myanmar MoU for improving socio-economic condition of Rakhine State
7 India and Morocco signed several agreements for cooperation in areas of Water Resources, Road,
Marine and Health Sectors during the course of the visit of Moroccan
Government’s delegation led by Mr. Abdelkader Amara
8 India – Switzerland Signed an agreement to allow automatic sharing of tax- related information.
MoUs – Statewise
No State MoU with Field
1 Assam Isha Foundation MOU for rejuvenation and conservation of rivers. Isha
Foundation is led by spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi
Vasudev
2 Chhattisgarh Central Government MoU for the 2nd phase of Bharat Net project to lay
32,466 km of optical fiber cable in 5987 Gram
Panchayats of Chhattisgarh
4 Meghalaya Union Ministry of Government for successful sanction of Rs. 75 crore for
Petroleum & Natural Gas setting up a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) bottling
plant in Meghalaya with an annual capacity of 13000
metric tonnes.
3 Tamil Nadu & World Bank $318 million loan agreement - for modernisation of
Central irrigation projects in Tamil Nadu, adoption of climate
Government resilient techniques and for improving market
opportunities for small and marginal farmers.
4 Telangana Vindhya E-Infomedia To set up the world's first Information Technology (IT)
Private Limited Campus for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in
Hyderabad
5 Uttar Pradesh South Korea MoU for improving cooperation in tourism, skill
development, culture and farming.
Other Important MoUs
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• On November 30, 2017, Union Cabinet approved transfer of all land assets owned by Hindustan Vegetable
Oils Corporation Ltd (HVOC) to Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for appropriate
utilization/ disposal.
• On November 30, 2017, ADIF (Spanish state-owned company) and National Capital Region Transport
Corporation (NCRTC) made an agreement for construction of the three Regional Rapid Transit System
(RRTS) corridors are Delhi-Meerut, Delhi-Panipat and Delhi-Alwar.
• On December 15, 2017, Cabinet approves an agreement with UNESCO on establishment of International
Training Centre for Operational Oceanography in Hyderabad.
• On December 12, 2017, Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) and National Highways Authority
of India (NHAI), signed a MoU to solve the problem of shortage of sand faced by concessionaires working
on highways projects.
• On 22nd December 2017, Russian State Corporation for Atomic Energy (Rosatom) Overseas and Sudan’s
Ministry of Water Resources, Irrigation and Electricity signed an agreement to build the first nuclear power
plant for electricity production in Khartoum, Sudan.

Name of Awards Award Winner Field Points to be noted
Global Sustainability Film "Lipstick Under My Film Directed by Alankrita
Awards 2017 Burkha" Shrivastava and stars Konkona
sensharma and Ratna Pathak Shah
Miss Supranational 2017 Miss Korea Jenny Kim She succeeds Srinidhi Shetty of
India as Miss Supranational
Foreign Policy Kamala Harris

magazine’s 2017 list of ‘50
Leading Global Thinkers’
Ballon d'Or for world Cristiano Ronaldo Football Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo
player of the year received fifth time from former
France player David Ginola
27th Vyas Samman Mamta Kalia Writing Chosen for her novel "Dukkham
Sukkham"
Atibadi Jagannath Das Rabi Singh Poet Odia poet has been named the
Samman winner of the instituted by the
Odisha Sahitya Akademi, for the
year 2017
Highest earning musician Diddy American

of 2017 businessman,
rapper, songwriter,
actor, record
producer, and
entrepreneur
FE Best Banks Awards State Bank of India (SBI) Best Nationalised
2015-16 Bank award
'Yeraringan' Award Prof .M.S. Swaminathan Agricultural For his innovation and research in
scientist the field of agriculture
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Mother Teresa Memorial Actress Priyanka Chopra Social causes

award for social justice
2017
23rd Edition of the Annual i.Vidya Balan won the Excellence in
Star Screen Awards ‘Best Actress (Popular)’ Indian Film
Award for film ‘Tumhari industry
Sulu’.
ii.Best Actor (Critics)
Award, went to Rajkumar
Rao for film ‘Newton’.
Highest-Paid Athlete of All Michael Jordan Athlete
Time
'Police Jeevan Gaurav Julio Ribeiro Police He was a former Director-General
Award' of Police of Punjab and Mumbai
Police Commissioner
Peter England Mr India Jitesh Singh Deo
2017
Moortidevi Award for the Bengali poet Joy Poet and scholar Honoured for his poetry collection
year 2017 Goswami named 'Du Dondo Phowara Matro'
National Design Award G Satheesh Reddy He is Scientific Advisor to the

Defence Minister
BBC Team of the Year England’s women cricket Sports

Award 2017 team
BBC overseas sports Roger Federer Award winners will
personality of the year be honoured during BBC Sports
Personality of the Year ceremony in
Liverpool
Golden Peacock Innovation Tata Steel’s Joda East Iron Honoured for driving innovation in
Management Award 2017 Mine (JEIM) mines
‘Miss India USA 2017’ Shree Saini
Seventh Australian Dangal Best asian film
Academy of Cinema and
Television Arts (AACTA)
Awards
Zee Cine Awards 2018 i.Best Actor (Male)- Excellence in Varun Dhawan for ‘Bhadrinath ki
Varun Dhawan Indian Film Dhulhania’
ii.Best Actor (Female) - industry Sridevi for ‘Mom’
Sridevi
iii. Best Director - Barelly ki Barfi
Ashwini Iyer Tiwary
iv. Best Film - Golmaal
Again
v. Global Icon Award -
Priyanka Chopra
Pichichi award and the Lionel Messi Sports
Alfredo Di Stefano award
2016 -2017
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Sahitya Akademi award Mamang Dai and Ramesh Authors Mamang Dai for his novel, The
winners for 2017 Kuntal Megh Black Hill, in English and Ramesh
Kuntal Megh for his literary
criticism Vishw Mithak Sarit Sagar,
in Hindi
2017 NASSCOM-DSCI Cyber section of Kolkata All india security

excellence award Police
SKOCH Awards 2017 Telangana State Road
Transport Corporation
(TSRTC)
2017 'Harivarasanam' Singer K S Chitra Kerala honour her contribution to
award spread the spirit of secularism,
equanimity and universal
brotherhood
’ Ethical Treatment of Actress Anushka Sharma Animal welfare She was named PETA's Hottest
Animals' (PETA) 2017 Vegetarian Celebrity in 2015.
Person of the Year
Mrs India-Pride of Nation Mayanka Patel and Were crowned contest in two
2017 Poonam Gaur different categories, in Gurgaon
Globe Soccer's Best Player Cristiano Ronaldo

award
Best Asian Film at the , in Dangal directed by Nitesh
Sydney. Kumar
Recognitions
• Taj is 2nd best UNESCO world heritage site: survey by TripAdvisor Cambodia's Angkor Wat in
the first position.
• KumbhMela was inscribed in this list at 12th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the
Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Jeju, South Korea. KumbhMela is held in Allahabad,
Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik Yoga and Nouroz were two latest inscriptions from India.Naples pizza twirling
also wins coveted UNESCO 'intangible' status.
• Time magazine named "The Silence Breakers" who have shared their stories about sexual assault and
harassment that triggered a national reckoning in the United States as Person of the Year
• In Geneva, Switzerland, Secretary-General of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora has given Certificate of Commendation to India’s Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
(WCCB) for its effort to combat illegal wildlife trade especially its ‘Operation Save Kurma’ to combat illegal
trade in live turtles and its parts from India to abroad.
• Aditya Puri, the Managing Director of HDFC Bank, is the only Indian on Fortune’s list at the 18th position.
Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, a Taiwan-born American entrepreneur and businessman, has topped the list.
• India’s Ajaita Shah has emerged as the Grand Champion in the catalyst pitch competition held by Global
Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) on the closing day of the Global Entrepreneurship
Summit (GES2017) held in Hyderabad.
• On 8th December 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind awarded Presidential Colours to the submarine arm of the
Indian Navy that is celebrating its golden jubilee at the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) at
Vishakapatnam.
• On 11th December 2017,Six top diplomats, including India's Lakshmi Puri, have been felicitated with the
inaugural Diwali "Power of One" award at New York, for their contribution to help form a more perfect,
peaceful and secure world.
• Cricketer Virat Kohli has replaced actor Shah Rukh Khan as India's top-ranking celebrity brand according to
The 'Rise of the Millennials: India's Most Valuable Celebrity Brands' report for 2017 was published by Duff &
Phelps.
• The United Kingdom has scored the top spot in Forbes' rankings of best countries in the world for business in
2018 for the first time. India has been ranked 62nd on the list.
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• Actor Salman Khan has been ranked number one on the sixth Forbes India Celebrity 100 List and topped for
the second consecutive year. Actor Priyanka Chopra is the only female celebrity to make the top 10 list. He
has earned Rs. 232.83 crore in total for the period considered.
• On 24th December 2017, Sudarsan Pattnaik, international sand artist, created the world's biggest sand Santa-
face with the message "world peace" at Puri beach, Odisha. The sand Santa face is 25 feet tall and 50 feet
wide. It is to be placed in the Limca Book of World Records.
• Writer Ramendra Kumar, was felicitated by the Writers and Publishers of Sri Lanka for his contribution to
children's literature, at a function held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. His book ‘Dilemma and other stories’ had also
been released during that event. This is his fourth book in Sinhala
National
Name Appointed as Entity Points to be noted
Jairam Thakur Chief Minister Himachal Pradesh
Narinder Batra president Indian Olympic Association He is an International
(IOA) Hockey Federation (FIH)
chief
Rahul Gandhi president Indian National Congress
Rahul Singh President National Restaurant Association
of India (NRAI)
Sarvesh Kumar Tiwari President Para-Sports Foundation (PSF) Appointed at the National
Award for Divyangjan 2017
at Vigyan Bhawan, New
Delhi.
Vinay Sahasrabuddhe President Indian Council of Cultural He replaces Lokesh
Relations (ICCR) Chandra.
K. Jeeva Sagar Ambassador of India Kuwait
M. Subbarayudu Ambassador of India Republic of Peru
Pradeep Kumar Gupta Ambassador of India Republic of Mali
Ranveer Singh Ambassador EPL (English Premier League)
Ravindra Jaiswal Ambassador of India Sudan
Deepak Parekh First Intl Ambassador
of UK
AzarA.H.Khan Ambassador of India to
Turkmenistan
Akshay Kumar Ambassador to promote
Govt’s flagship agri-
schemes
D K Sarraf Chairperson Petroleum and Natural Gas Former Chairman and
Regulatory Board (PNGRB) Managing Director of the
Oil and Natural Gas
Corporation (ONGC)
Dhirendra Pal Singh Chairperson University Grants Commission
(UGC
Prabhat Kumar Sinha Chairman and Northern Coalfields Limited
Managing Director
Saba Karim General Manager Board of Control for Cricket in Former India wicketkeeper-
India (BCCI) batsman
Uma Shankar Executive Director Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Salil Parekh CEO Infosys He was a member of the
Group Executive Board at
Capgemini
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Surya Prakash Chairman public broadcaster Prasar He was a Former journalist

Bharati and author
Umesh Dattatraya Salvi Acting Chairperson National Green Tribunal (NGT)
Abhay Director General Narcotics Control Bureau
(NCB)
Amardeep Singh Bhatia Director Serious Fraud Investigation
Office (SFIO)
Dr Samiran Panda Director National AIDS Research
Institute (NARI)
Gurbachan Singh Director General National Human Rights
Commission (NHRC)
Lieutenant General B S Director National Cadet Corps (NCC).
Sahrawat
M Malakondaiah Director General of Andhra Pradesh He replaces Nanduri
Police (DGP) Sambasiva Rao.
Motofumi Shitara Group chairman Yamaha Motor India group
Om Prakash Singh Director General of Uttar Pradesh He replaces Sulkhan Singh
Police (DGP)
R Hemalatha Director National Institute of Nutrition
(NIN), Hyderabad
Sunil Kumar Chourasia Director General of
Ordnance Factories
(DGOF) and
Chairman of
the Ordnance Factory
Board (OFB)
Anshu Prakash chief secretary New Delhi He replaced MM Kutty who
has been transferred to
Union Finance Ministry as
an additional secretary.
Chander Prakash and State Information Haryana, in Chandigarh
Arun Sangwan Commissioners
Dhammapiya new secretary general International Buddhist He was a Buddhist monk
Confederation (IBC). from Tripura
Lieutenant General D R command Indian Army’s Southern
Soni Command
Manisha Nanda Chief Secretary-cum- to Himachal Pradesh Chief
Principal Secretary Minister
Ms. Smita Nagaraj Member, Union Public
Service Commission
(UPSC)
N C Goel Chief Secretary Rajasthan He replaces Ashok Jain
Paul Antony Chief Secretary Kerala
Raffaele Bergamasco Performance Director India’s senior women boxing
Sumita Misra joint secretary Economic Advisory Council to
the Prime Minister, EAC-PM
Vineet Chowdhary Chief secretary Himachal government He replaces Vidya Charan
Pharka
International Appointments
Name Appointed as Entity Points to be noted
Andrej Babis Prime minister Czech
Constantino Vice President as Zimbabwe
Chiwenga
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George Weah President Liberian

Mr.Sebastián Piñera President Chile
Prince Harry President African Parks
Uhuru Kenyatta President Kenya
Barney Harford Chief Operating Officer Uber Technologies
(COO)
Dominique Mineur Belgium Ambassador United Arab Emirates Become the first country appoints
a female ambassador Dominique
Mineur to Saudi Arabia
Ellie Goulding Global Goodwill UN Environment At Nairobi, Kenya.
Ambassador
Henrietta Fore Executive Director United Nations Childrens'
Fund (UNICEF).
Kumi Naidoo Secretary General Amnesty International
Michel Coulomb Head of sales Apple
Preet Didbal Mayor Yuba city in California First Sikh woman elected as
mayor in the United States (US)
Raj Shah key position in the Becoming the first Indian-
White House American to enjoy the privilege
Other Appointments and Resigns
• On December 1 2017, Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore had cleared that active sportspersons will
not be considered for the boxing's national observer position. Due to this, 35-year-old Olympic bronze-
medallist and five-time world champion MC Mary Kom has resigned as the national observer for Indian
boxing.
• On November 27, 2017, Pakistan’s Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Zahid Hamid tendered his
resignation to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, following protests by hardline religious groups in
Pakistan.
• On 4th December 2017, Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Justice Manjula Chellur, retired from
service. She was the first woman advocate in Bellary, and then, the first woman judge of the Karnataka High
Court..
• On 19th December 2017, Justice Swatanter Kumar, chief of National Green Tribunal (NGT) retired from the
post.He was appointed the NGT chairperson on December 20, 2012.
• On 20th December 2017, Justice assumed office as the of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).Justice Salvi has
replaced Justice Swatanter Kumar, who retired recently.
• Airtel Payments Bank Managing Director and CEO Shashi Arora has resigned from his position after Bharti
Airtel's eKYC licence suspension by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
• Union Finance Ministry has accepted Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI’s) request to have four
whole time members. Demand for fourth whole-time member was made to handle the increased workload post
merger of Forward Markets Commission (FMC) with SEBI in 2015.
RANKINGS/INDEXES
India in Rankings
Index/Report/Field Position Points to be noted
Speedtest Global Index of Nov. 2017 - 109 released by broadband speed measuring firm, Ookla
Mobile internet speed
Fixed broadband speed of Nov. 2017 76
Legatum Prosperity Index – 2017 100 India performed best on Governance and Economic
Quality & Norway topped
CARE Ratings reports of NPA levels 5 The report classified countries into four categories
Expedia Vacation Deprivation Report 5 Online survey conducted by Northstar Research Partners
2017 on behalf of Expedia, an international travel company
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Indian states or Cities in Rankings

State or City Index/Report/Field Position Points to be noted
Haryana Preliminary rankings of Ease of 1 Haryana scored 69 per cent.Followed by Telangana
Doing Business (EoDB) 2017 with 68.46 per cent.Final rankings will be in January-
February 2018
Delhi-NCR Cushman & Wakefield’s 'Office 84 Hong Kong topped with an annual cost of USD 27431
Space 2017 per workstation across the world
Delhi Expensive premium office 7 Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Bangkok are the top three.
location in the world Report released by JLL India
Other Index/Report in National & International News

• As per a report by United Nations, nearly 15.6 million people from India live overseas, thus making Indian
Diaspora, the largest in the world. In 2015, total number of international migrants was estimated at 243
million. With 15.6 million, Indians constituted 6% of this global figure.
• Madhya Pradesh passes bill giving death for rape of girls aged 12 or less.This bill is Madhya Pradesh State
Government’s response to National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB’s) latest report which revealed that
Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of rape cases in India.
• Brand Trust Report, India Study 2017 has ranked Patanjali as India's most trusted Fast Moving Consumer
Goods (FMCG) brand. The study was conducted on 11,000 brands in 16 cities of India.
• As per data compiled by Bank of Thailand, , India has the highest unemployment rate among Asian countries,
at 8%. Thailand with 1.3% employment has ranked much better as compared to its Asian peers.
• According to World Inequality Report 2018 released by World Inequality Lab, deregulation and related
economic reforms since 1980s inequality in India increased to such an extent that top 0.1% of earners have
captured more growth than all those in the bottom 50% combined.
• On December 16, 2017, World Health Organization (WHO) declared Gabon as a "polio-free country" was
based on the facts that no new cases of polio have been reported from Gabon in recent times. Currently polio
is endemic, only in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• On November 30, 2017, Union Home Minister released ‘Crime in India – 2016’ published by the National
Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Murder cases across India decreased by 5.2% 30450 cases in 2016 from
2015-16. Uttar Pradesh accounted for 9.5% of total IPC crimes reported in India.
• As per data presented in International Labour Organization’s (ILO’s) World Social Protection Report 2017-
19, only 45 per cent of the global population is effectively covered by at least one social benefit.
• Global Education Monitoring Report 2017-18 supported by United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO), released on December 4, 2017, expresses concern over school textbooks in
many countries glorifying war and military heroes rather than teaching peace and non-violence.
Conference/Summit in National & International News
No. Name of Summit/Conference Place Facts about the summit /conference

1 World Trade Organisation’s (WTO's) Buenos Aires, Union Commerce and Industry Minister,
11th Ministerial Conference (MC11) Argentina Suresh Prabhu attended for India
2 Centenary conference of the Indian Guntur, Andhra Theme was ‘India’s Development
Economic Association Pradesh Experience’ .President Ram Nath Govind
Inaugurated
3 Regional Conference on Governance and Guwahati, Assam
Replication of Best Practices
4 Global Entrepreneurship Summit – 2017 Hyderabad 3 initiatives for women entrepreneurs
,Telengana including setting up ‘We-Hub’ on the lines
of T-Hub and also to create Rs 15 crore
fund.
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5 World Conference on Vedas, “Vishwa Indira Gandhi Vice-President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu
Ved Sammelan” National Centre for inaugurated the World Conference on Vedas
Arts (IGNCA) in
New Delhi
6 International conference on climate Kathmandu, Nepal V K Saraswat is leading the Indian
change delegation
7 World Telugu Conference (WTC) Lal Bahadur Vice President M.Venkaiah Naidu
Stadium, Hyderabad inaugurated the five-day World Telugu
at Telengana Conference (WTC)
8 Second UNWTO/UNESCO World Muscat, Oman United Nations has declared 2017 as the
Conference on Tourism and Culture International Year of Sustainable Tourism
for Development.
9 Hindustan Times Leadership Summit New Delhi Inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi with the
(HTLS) 2017 theme “The Irreversible Rise of India”
10 Shared Value Summit 2017 New Delhi Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Industry and
Commerce, chief guest with theme -“Equity
and Empowerment”
11 49th Annual Conference of the Society of New Delhi Subhash Ramrao Bhamre, Minister of State
Nuclear Medicine for Defence inaugurated the conference
First SAICON 2017, an International New Delhi Theme -‘Scoring Goals in Sports with
Conference on Sports Medicine & Sports Science and Technology’
Sciences
12 11th Annual MedTech Summit New Delhi to develop innovative and affordable
medical devices as per unmet clinical needs
of India
13 Association of Southeast Asian Nations New Delhi Theme - Powering Digital and Physical
(ASEAN) – India Connectivity Summit Linkages for Asia in the 21st Century’.
(AICS)
14 14th Inclusive Finance India Summit New Delhi A book 'Talking financial inclusion in
liberalized India: Conversations with
Governors of the RBI', edited by Prof. MS
Sriram was released
15 Global Partnership Summit (GPS) 2017 New Delhi to bring about socio-economic development
in India
16 International conference on Ground water New Delhi Theme - “Ground water Vision 2030- Water
2017 Security, Challenges and Climate Change
Adaptation”.
17 First International exhibition and New Delhi Theme -‘Enhancing the global potential of
Conference on AYUSH -‘AROGYA Ayush’.
2017’
18 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Sochi,Russia Union External Affairs Minister, Sushma
(SCO) summit 2017 Swaraj attended
Other Summits & Conference

• On December 26, 2017, a team of Indian Air Force (IAF) mountaineers successfully scaled Mt Vinson in
Antarctica and thereby completed ‘Mission Seven Summits’, a series of mountaineering expedition to fly the
Indian tricolour and the IAF flag on the highest peaks in every continent.
• On 22nd December 2017, The UN General Assembly has planned to mark the 100th anniversary of Nelson
Mandela's birthday ,a high-level meeting with a resolution was adopted in regard with the "Nelson Mandela
Peace Summit"on world peace.
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Committee/Meeting in National & International News
Committee Head person place Purpose

28th meeting of the Central Union Ministry of Housing New Delhi Approved the construction of
Sanctioning and Monitoring and Urban Affairs (HUA) additional 1.12 lakh
Committee (CSMC), New Delhi affordable houses for urban
poor under the Pradhan
Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)
PMAY (U).
National Commission for Minorities NCM vice-chairman George New Delhi To look into a petition filed
(NCM) ,New Delhi Kurien by BJP activist Aswini
Upadhyay for granting
minority status to Hindus in
eight states .
National Green Tribunal committee NGT Chairperson Justice New Delhi To inspect over 1700 hotels,
lodges and home stay
accommodations in Kullu
and Manali towns of
Himachal Pradesh.
Cow Protection Committees Uttar Pradesh government Uttar Pradesh To make sure that cow sheds
(gaushalas) are operated
efficiently in all districts.
24-member Select Committee of the Vinay P Sahasrabuddhe New Delhi Has recommended body
Rajya Sabha wearable cameras for traffic
policemen and Regional
Transport Offices (rtos)
officials enforcing the Motor
Vehicles Act
five-member committee for technical S K Dhramadhikari To invite fresh bids
and safety standards of India’s pod incorporating strictest safety
taxi scheme standards on the lines of
those prescribed by an
American body.
Inter-ministerial committee - Rajyavardhan Rathore To look into complaints of
Electronic Media Monitoring Centre violation of programme and
(EMMC) advertising codes by TV
channels.
Other committees
• Central Government has decided to set up a multi- disciplinary committee of experts for consultation on
matters pertaining to the implementation of Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), including technical issues
related to pricing and launch of new drugs.
• Indian Railways has formed a six-member committee to review the flexi-fare system in premium trains.The
committee comprises Ravinder Goyal, Adviser in Niti Ayog, Meenakshi Malik, Executive Director for
Revenue Management in Air India; Iti Mani, Director for Revenue, at Le Meridien, Delhi, S Sriram, Professor
of transport economics and railway board officials.
• A Committee forms chaired by the Secretary (Coordination) in the Cabinet Secretariat to examine complaints
filed against Chairman and Managing Directors (CMDs), chief executives, directors of public sector
enterprises, public sector banks, insurance companies and financial institutions.
• On 11th and 12th December 2017, the 54th meeting of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
(SAARC) programming committee was held at the Kathmandu-based SAARC Secretariat, Nepal. It focused
on budget issues of the SAARC Secretariat.
• India has been selected as Chair for the Ad Hoc Committee on Review & Reforms (AHCRR) to reform the
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) besides , Angola will be the Vice Chair of this Committee.
Meetings in National & International News

• On 4thDecember 2017, Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district was included in the National Capital Region (NCR),
taking the total number of districts in the NCR to 23. The decision was taken at the 37th meeting of the
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National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) held in New Delhi.

• On December 11, 2017,15th trilateral meeting of the Russia-India-China (RIC) foreign ministers such as
Union External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov and China’s
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi was held in New Delh.
India will host the 3rd annual meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
(AIIB) in Mumbai from 25th – 26th June, 2018. . Theme of this meeting will be 'Mobilizing Finance for
Infrastructure: Innovation and Collaboration’.
• On 13thDecember 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (FICCI) 90th Annual General Meeting at the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi with the
theme ‘Indian Business in a New India’. Rashesh Shah, the Chairman & CEO of Edelweiss Group took charge
as FICCI President.
• On December 16, 2017 , 24th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council Meeting was held under the
chairmanship of Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley through video conferencing.
• On 19thDecember 2017, Suresh Prabhu, Commerce and Industry Minister, announced that India will host a
mini-ministerial meeting of 40 WTO (World Trade Organisation) members in February 2018. The 11th WTO
meet collapsed recently in Buenos Aires. It ended without any ministerial declaration or outcome.
• On 20thDecember 2017, the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) held its 3rd
meeting under the chairmanship of Dr Bibek Debroy, Chairman of EAC-PM & Member of NITI Aayog in
New Delhi.
• On December 23, 2017, Meeting of India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic,
Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) was held in New Delhi.
• Eighteenth Meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was held in New Delhi on
December 29, 2017 under the Chairmanship of the Union Minister of Finance, Arun Jaitley. The meeting
focused on pre-Budget 2018-19 consultations with the heads of financial sector regulators.
• Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari stated that Government has
sanctioned Rs 1250 crore for overall development of inland water transport of Assam at a meeting of the
Brahmaputra Board and Water Resources Department at Kaziranga.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister in past 20 years to attend the annual
meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, Switzerland. HD Deve Gowda was the last Indian Prime
Minister to attend this event in 1997.
• 22nd meeting of Board of Mangement (BOM) of Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC)was held
in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan
Singh.
• On 4thDecember 2017, the first meeting of Fifteenth Finance Commission was held at North Block in New
Delhi. . The Meeting was held under the Chairmanship of K. Singh. The Fifteenth Finance
Commission was constituted on 27th of November 2017.
• On 4thDecember 2017, Bharti Airtel said, it has acquired a strategic stake in Juggernaut Books.
The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
• Apple has confirmed that it is acquiring popular music recognition app Shazam for a sum of nearly $400
million beating Snapchat and Spotify.
• The Walt Disney Co. has set a $52.4 billion, all-stock deal to acquire 20th Century Fox and other
entertainment and sports assets from Rupert Murdoch’s empire. The deal values the 21st Century Fox assets in
the transaction at $66.1 billion, including $13.7 billion in 21st Century Fox debt, or $28 a share.
• On 15thDecember 2017, State Bank of India said the Carlyle Group has completed the acquisition of GE
Capitals entire 26 per cent stake in SBI Card. SBI Card is operated through two joint ventures - SBI Cards &
Payment Services and GE Capital Business Process Management Services.
• On December 15, 2017, Direct-to-home (DTH) operator Dish TV India Ltd (owned by Zee Group) announced
that the company has received the final approval from Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry for
completing its merger with Videocon d2h, the DTH arm of Videocon Industries Ltd. The new merged entity
will be called Dish TV Videocon Limited.
• Bharti Airtel made an agreement with international telecom company, Millicom International Cellular ’s
subsidiary Tigo Rwanda Limited for acquiring 100% stake.Stake in Tigo Rwanda Limited is to be acquired by
Airtel Rwanda Ltd.
• Ola, run by ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd has acquiredonline food delivery firm Foodpanda India from its
German parent Delivery Hero AG in an all-stock deal. Ola would invest $200 million into Foodpanda India.
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• Housing Development Financial Corporation (HDFC) has sold its realty brokerage business ‘HDFC Realty’
and its digital real estate business ‘HDFC Red’ (owned by HDFC Developers) to online advertisements
platform Quikr.
• On 20thDecember 2017, the Edelweiss Group announced its acquisition of Religare Enterprises Ltd’s
securities business, including securities and commodities broking, and depository participant services.
• Amazon has acquired a startup named Blink that builds wireless home security systems.Blink’s home security
cameras were first introduced in 2016.
• Bank of Baroda made an agreement with Italian bank UniCredit S.p.A. to acquire its 51 per cent stake in
Baroda Pioneer Asset Management Company. Owing to this agreement, Bank of Baroda’s stake in Baroda
Pioneer Asset Management Company has increased to 100 per cent and Pioneer Investments (owned by
UniCredit) has thus exited the venture.
DEFENCE
• On December 14, 2017 In Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned INS Kalvari submarine
(first of the six Scorpene-class submarines )into the Indian Navy.
• On 22ndDecember 2017, Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), a canister-based high-speed
weapon system was successfully test fired by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from
Chandipur, in Odisha.
• On 28thDecember 2017, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test fired an
Advanced Area Defence (AAD) interceptor missile from defence test facility on Kalam Island, Odisha.
• 'Operation Synergy,' a joint rescue mission by the Navy, the Air Force, Coast Guard and states fisheries
department has so far rescued 252 fishermen stranded in the seas after cyclone Ockhi, in Kerala.
• The Rajasthan Cabinet has decided to accord monthly pension of Rs 12,000 and a monthly allowance of Rs
1,200 under the scheme name Rajasthan Loktantra Senani Samman Nidhi for those detained under the
Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and Defence of India Rules (DIR) during Emergency period
1975-77 outside the state, the status of ‘fighters for democracy’.
• India and Australia held their inaugural 2+2 Foreign Secretaries and Defence Secretaries Dialogue on
December 12, 2107 in New Delhi to boost bilateral strategic and defence ties.
• Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri passed
Immovable Property (Amendment) Bill to amend regulations pertaining to compensation payable for
acquisition of immovable property by the Centre for defence and security purposes.
Exercises
• Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted regional level Marine Oil Pollution Response Exercise titled ‘Clean Sea
– 2017’ at sea off Port Blair, Andaman Nicobar Islands under observation of Coast Guard Regional
Commander, KR Suresh.
• On December 1, 2017, Third Indo-United Kingdom (UK) joint military exercise 'Ajeya Warrior 2017' begun
at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Bikaner, Rajasthan and it will conclude on December 14, 2017.
• On December 15, 2017, India and Maldives commenced their 8th joint military exercise "EKUVERIN" in
Belagavi, Karnataka.
• Indian Army’s Southern Command is conducting an exercise called 'Hamesha Vijayee' in Jaisalmer-Barmer
deserts of Rajasthanfrom 16th – 22nd December, 2017 with an objective to evaluate the capability and
preparedness of Indian armed forces to carry out strikes deep into enemy territory in an integrated air-land
battle.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted a State-level mock exercise in collaboration
with the Haryana State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) on earthquake in Haryana.
• On 5thDecember 2017, the two-week United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and France joint
army training exercise “Flag4”, started in Abu Dhabi.
• On 17thDecember 2017, the 11th edition of 'Naseem Al Bahr' or 'Sea Breeze' a biennial exercise was
conducted off the coast of Oman. Indian Naval ships - INS Trikand and INS Teg participated in the
exercise. P8I – a versatile, long-range maritime aircraft also participated from Indian Navy.
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Mobile Apps/Portal Launched by Purpose

‘Datally’ App Google To understand,control and save users mobile
data themselves. Datally app will enable users
to track their data usage in real time
‘Files Go’ Google To freeing up space, finding files faster and

easily sharing them with others, even when
offline
‘MSME Sambandh’ Giriraj Singh, Minister of State Enable the ease of doing business and ‘Make in
(http://msefc.msme.gov.in) (Independent Charge) for MSME India’ initiatives of the Government of India
(Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises)
http://ireps.gov.in - Indian Ministry of Railways Online bill tracking system for
Railways E-Procurement vendors/contractors of goods and services
System (IREPS)
'Urban Genie' -Android Telangana government Help citizens in urban areas to find trained and
mobile app certified technicians and workers, who will
provide household services.
“R-MITRA” (Railway Eastern Railway For security of passengers, especially women,

Mobile Instant Tracking in Kolkata and suburban areas of Eastern
Response & Assistance) Railway Zone
Other Science & Technology news

• US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has stated that a set of thrusters aboard the
Voyager 1 spacecraft have been successfully fired up after 37 years without use. NASA will now be able to
extend the life of the Voyager 1 spacecraft by two to three years.
• India successfully test fires surface-to-air Akash missile in Odisha. The target for this test was an unmanned
aerial vehicle (UAV) 'Banshee'. It has a strike range of about 25 km
• The world's biggest lithium-ion battery has been plugged into an Australian state grid, delivered by Tesla Inc.
It is installed near Adelaide.
• India's 'first' mobile food testing laboratory, which will enable on-the-spot food safety tests to be conducted in
Goa, would be launched by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikaron 10th December 2017.
• On 13thDecember 2017, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's ruler, launched the United Arab
Emirates' (UAE) first space programme aimed at sending four Emirati astronauts to the International Space
Station within 5 years.
• A unit of China Three Gorges Corporationis building a $151 million floating solar power plant, the world’s
biggest, in the nation’s eastern province of Anhui, China.India has recently commissioned its largest floating
solar power plant in Wayanad,
• Sivan, Director of ISRO’s rocket development node, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre said, preliminary work to
design and develop a small launch vehicle began about three months ago. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre has
designed the vehicle using the rocket technology that is awaiting ISRO’s approval.
• On 10thDecember 2017, China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) launched Algeria’s first
telecommunications satellite, Alcomsat-1, aboard a Long March 3B rocket. The 5,225-kilogram
satellite carries a 33-transponder payload comprised of 19 in Ku-band, 12 in Ka-band and two in L-band.
• Ministry of Railways has introduced online bill tracking system, Indian Railways E-Procurement System
(IREPS) for vendors and contractors. The bill tracking facility is available to the and details are available on
http://ireps.gov.in.
• On 13thDecember 2017, ‘Google AI China Center’ ,a google’s first lab in Asia was launched by Fei-Fei Li,
Google Cloud’s Chief Scientist, at the Google Developer Days event in Shanghai,
• On 13thDecember 2017, after Hyderabad, ACT Fibernet has now launched the 1Gbps wired broadband
internet service in ACT Fibernet is introducing curated broadband plans for retail and Small Medium
Enterpris(SME)) customers under this service.
• SpaceX has launched a used spacecraft with a used rocket for the first time ever. It launched 2 pre-flown
rocket parts together for the first time, a used Dragon spacecraft riding on top of a used Falcon 9 rocket.
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• On 16th December 2017, Google announced the shutting down of its high-end smartphone Augmented Reality
(AR) platform, Google wants to shift focus to its mass market product, ARCore. Tango support will stop
on March 1, 2018.
• US-based National High Magnetic Field Laboratoryhas successfully tested the world's strongest
superconducting magnet ‘32 T’, producing 32 teslas (a unit of magnetic field strength), 33% stronger than the
previous record.
• Phasing out ceremony of MI-8 “PRATAP” helicopter was held at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka in
Bengaluru on December 17, 2017. The ceremony was attended by several Indian Air Force (IAF) veterans.
• A new LIGO Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory gravitational wave detector will be built
in India by 2025 in collaboration with universities from across the world. This will be the world's third LIGO
detector, along with two already operational in the US.
• A new species of scorpion named "Liocheles schalleri" has been discovered in Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary,
Tripura. It is also called dwarf scorpions and named after famous wildlife biologist George Schaller.
• On 24th December 2017, China successfully conducted the first flight of its first indigenous amphibious
aircraft ‘AG600’(code named Kunlong), in southern Guangdong Province, China. It was
launched from the Jinwan Civil Aviation Airport in Zhuhai, Guangdong.
• On December 25, 2017, Union Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions launched
electronic-Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS) that provides a comprehensive and combined
view of the human resource deployed by the Government.
• On 26thDecember 2017, China successfully launched remote sensing satellites for conducting electromagnetic
environmental probes from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest Sichuan Province. The remote
sensing satellites were launched on a Long March-2C carrier rocket.
• On 26thDecember 2017, Russia launched Zenit-2SB rocket carrying Angosat-1, the first national telecoms
satellite for Angola, from Baikonur space pad, in Kazakhstan.
• On 27th December 2017, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan Singh released the
Livestock Disease Forewarning – Mobile Application (LDF-Mobile App) for Monthly Bulletin system to send
out early warning.This app was developed by ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and
Disease Informatics (ICAR-NIVEDI).
• A new species of blind fish "Schistura larketensis" has been discovered in East Jaintia Hills district of
Meghalaya.The research has been published in the journal Zootaxa.
• NASA has scheduled to launch the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) in the middle of 2020.
WFIRST has a 300-megapixel Wide Field Instrument. This will capture the sky area 100 times larger than the
previous Hubble telescope.
• On 29thDecember 2017, ISRO said that, it will launch 31 satellites in a single mission on-board its Polar
rocket on 10th January 2018. This mission will be the first ‘Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle’ (PSLV) mission
after the failure of IRNSS-1H launch in August 2017.
• NASA's flying observatory is developing its 2018 observing campaign to observe celestial magnetic fields,
star-forming regions, comets and Saturn's giant moon Titan. This is a joint project of NASA and DLR,
German Aerospace Center. Sofia is a modified Boeing 747SP jetliner which carries a 100-inch diameter
telescope.
• On December 29, 2017, H-BOTS, a Hyderabad-based artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning start-up
unveiled a prototype of a smart policing robot.It can take complaints, monitor temperature, identify suspects,
can record audio and video clips and can assist people at malls, streets, airports and railway stations.
• On December 28, 2017, Indian Air Force (IAF) bade farewell to Russian origin MiG-27 ML, codenamed
'Bahadur' in India, at Hasimara Air Force base
ENVIRONMENT
• A team of Brazilian and Chinese paleontologists have announced the discovery of about 300 fossilized eggs
and skeletons of pterosaurs. The fossils, some of them of embryos with the bones preserved in three
dimensions, were found in 2015-2016 in the northeastern Chinese region of Hami.
• On December 1, 2017, Cyclone Ockhi, originating near Sri Lanka over the Bay of Bengal, moved over the
Arabian sea through Kanyakumari triggering heavy rains and high speed wind in Lakshadweep islands.
• The world’s heaviest bony fish ever caught weighing 2,300 kilograms has been identified by Japanese
experts.The fish is a Molaalexandrini bump-head sunfish, according to researchers from Hiroshima University
• Australian scientists have discovered a new species of marsupial lion named Wakaleo schouteni which has
been stalked Australia’s abundant rainforests 18 to 26 million years ago .
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• Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the
C40 cities network to work together to tackle air pollution.
• Researchers from University of California and University of Illinoishave proven the existence of new form of
matter called Excitonium is made up of excitons and exhibits macroscopic quantum phenomena just like a
superconductor.
• Alappuzha, a coastal city of Kerala, has been listed in a United Nations (UN) report of 5 global cities that have
successfully tackled solid waste management along with cities like Osakain Japan, Ljubljana in
Slovenia, Penang in Malaysia and Cajica in Colombia.
• Cartographers surveying Antarctica have discovered that Mt Hopeis the tallest mountain in the British
Antarctic Territory (BAT) at 3,239 metres above sea level. However, Mt Vinson remains the highest mountain
in Antarctica standing at 4,892 metres.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engineers used an enzyme called luciferase which helps to
create bioluminescent trees that glow like fireflies.
• On 14thDecember 2017, NASA revealed the discovery of Kepler-90i planet which is the eighth planet
discovered in the Kepler-90 system using a Google neural network trained to identify planets from the NASA
Kepler space telescope's data.It is a sun-like star located around 2,545 light-years from us.
• For the first time, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has compiled a list of 157 alien invasive animal species
which pose a threat to biodiversity and human well-being. This conference was organised by the ZSI and the
Botanical Survey of India (BSI).
• On December 21, 2017, Director General of Indian Coast Guard, Rajendra Singh commissioned Indian Coast
Guard Ship (ICGS) ‘Sujay’ in Goa. ICGS ‘Sujay’ is an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) that has been designed
and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Ltd.
• On 21stDecember 2017, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh launched PUDA-UCIC app to check
unauthorised construction and a new web portal of the housing department for online issue of change of land
use.
• Typhoon Tembin has devastated southern Philippines and has killed more than 120 people with 160 missing.
Typhoon Tembin caused a series of flash flooding and landslides in southern Philippines.
• Researchers have discovered a new water-adapted species of spiders named ‘Desis bobmarleyi’ in
Queensland, Australia. This research has been published inthe journal Evolutionary Systematics.
• Two new ant species Tetramorium krishnaniand Tetramorium jarawa have been discovered by scientists in the
islands of Andaman. The Tetramorium krishnani and Tetramorium jarawa ant species were discovered by
scientists of the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS).
SPORTS
Sports/Tournament/title Winner Points to be noted

The Best Boxer title’ in AIBA World Youth Ankushita Boro Ankushita Boro won the fifth gold in the
Women’s Boxing Championship 64kg final.
IBSF World Snooker Championship Indian cueist Pankaj He grabbed the title at Al-Arabi Sports
Advani Club in Doha,Qatar
Asian Luge Championships Shiva Keshavan India's veteran Winter Olympian
World Weightlifting Championship Saikhom Mirabai from Manipur became the first Indian in
Chanu over two decades to win a gold medal
World Para Swimming Championship Kanchanmala Pande Nagpur's visually challenged swimmer
became the first Indian to win the gold
medal
International Tennis Federation (ITF) world Spaniards Rafael Nadal
champions and Garbine Muguruza
Hockey World League 2016-17 Australia India has won bronze medal
FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 Real Madrid
World Badminton Superseries Finals 2017 Japan’s Akane PV Sindhu won silver medal
Yamaguchi
Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in Sushil Kumar
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74kg
Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in Sakshi Malik
62kg
Junior National Badminton Championships Aakarshi Kashyap He won both Under-17 and Under-19
singles
Best boxer of Galym Zharylgapov Tournament Naman Tanwar
World Rapid Championship (WRC) in Chess Viswanathan Anand
World Blitz Chess Championship Magnus Carlsen Viswanathan Anand has won bronze
medal
ICC Intercontinental Cup champions Afghanistan
South Asian Regional Badminton Team India India bagged its first-ever South Asian
Championship Regional Badminton Team
Championship
Other sports news

• On Decmber 2017 ,The third edition of the men’s Hockey World League Final kicked off in style at Kalinga
Stadium in Bhubaneswar.Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the event.
• On December 1 2017, Indian archers bagged three gold, four silver and two bronze medals at the Asian
Championships. Abhishek Verma hold three medals. Indian women Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Trisha Deb and
Parveena won the gold medal. Surekha bagged the individual women’s bronze medal.
• On 3rd December 2017, Virat Kohli became the first player to score six double centuries as captain. Virat
Kohli scored 200 off 238 balls on the second day of the ongoing Test against Sri Lanka at the Ferozshah Kotla
stadium. This record of six double centuries is a first as a captain.
• On 3rd December 2017, Deepika Kumari won a bronze medal at the Indoor Archery World Cup at Bangkok,
Deepika won the bronze medal. This is the only medal India won at the Indoor Archery World Cup 2017.
• On 3rd December 2017, India finished seventh overall in the WSF (World Squash Federation) Men's World
Team Squash Championships 2017 in Marseille, France. The Egyptian team won the championship.
• Prithvi Shaw has been named captain of the 15-member Indian squad for the 2018 Under-19 World Cup to be
held in New Zealand from January 13, 2018.
• Yuvraj launched the "Power of Sports to Shape the Future of Adolescents" campaign in South Asia in
Colombo. The event was jointly organised by UNICEF South Asia and the ICC.
• Russia banned from 2018 Winter Olympics over state-sponsored doping programme.The IOC has also banned
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister VitalyMutko
• Double Olympic medalist Sushil Kumar has quit his role as a National Sports Observer for wrestling because
active sportspersons will not be considered for the position
• Afghanistan cricket team spinner MujeebZadran has become the first 21st century born male cricketer to play
international cricket
• Gurdeep Singh created three new senior national records in +105kg weight category in the IWF (International
Weightlifting Federation) World Weightlifting Championships 2017 at Anaheim in USA.
• FIFA banned Kuwait's national football federation in 2015.Now FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced
here that a two-year ban imposed on Kuwait's football federation has officially been lifted.
• The 46th Congress of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) will be held in New Delhi from October 30
to November 3, 2018. The biennial event will run for four days. It will comprise meetings, social events,
networking opportunities and presentations.
• Indian shooters bagged five medals on the opening day of the 10th Asian Airgun Shooting Championships
which is being held in Wako City, Japan.In men, ‘Ravi Kumar won an individual bronze’, ‘Ravi Kumar,
Gagan Narang and Deepak Kumar won Team Silver’, ‘Arjun Babuta won individual silver’ ,’ Arjun Babuta,
Krishna Prasad Tejas and Sunmoon Singh Brar won Team Silver’.In women Anjum Moudgil, Pooja Ghatkar
and Meghana Sajjanar, won Team Silver
• On 8th December 2017, Chandika Hathurusingha was appointed as Sri Lanka cricket team head coach with
effect from December 20, 2017.
• On 9th December 2017, Aryan Goveas and Arjun Kadhe won the doubles title in the $15,000 ITF
(International Tennis Federation) Futures tennis tournament, in Cairo, Egypt.
• India is to host its first-ever major boxing tournament for elite men and women, ‘India Open International
Boxing Tournament’, January 28 to February 1, 2018 in New Delhi.
• Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu bagged a individual bronze medal each at the 10th Asian Championship in Wako
City, Japan.
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• The Indian diving team won 6 medals (1 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medal) in “Road to Asian Games 2018”
Indonesia Open Aquatic Championship 2017 held at Jakarta from December 5 to 9, 2017.
• The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced to host Afghanistan for their first-ever Test
match will be held in the upcoming home season (2018-19).
• On 11th December 2017, Shubhankar Sharma of India won the Joburg Open golf tournament to qualify for
2018 edition of the British Open.
• On 9th December 2017, Mehuli Ghosh and Tushar Mane became the first Indian shooters to secure the
women's and men's quota places for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
• On 11th December 2017, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to lift the ban on the
Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) provided former IPL Chief Lalit Modi stays away from its functioning.
• On 13th December 2017, Rohit Sharma hit his third double hundred in ODI cricket by 208 runs in the second
ODI against Sri Lanka in Mohali. . Rohit Sharma is the first batsman who has scored three double centuries in
ODIs
• On 11th December 2017, the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed in its Special General
Meeting (SGM) that India will host the One Day International World Cup in 2023 and the Champions Trophy
in 2021. . This will be the first time India would be hosting an ODI World Cup completely.
• On 13th December 2017, world youth champion Sachin Siwach was named the Asian Boxing Confederation’s
best youth boxer of the year 2017. India also fetched the Best Asian International Technical Official (ITO)
award with Lenny D'Gama winning the online poll.
• On 15th December 2017, the emblems of the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,
respectively named "Winter Dream" and "Flight," were unveiled at the National Aquatic Center, Beijing,
China.
• On 15th December 2017, the first ever International Wheelchair Cricket Tournament was organised in
Kathmandu, Nepal. It has participation of teams from Nepal, India and Bangladesh.
• Indian Junior Girls have claimed four gold, three silver and a bronze medal at the Valeria Demyanova
Memorial International Boxing Tournament in Ukraine. Arundhati Choudhury won a gold medal in the 60
kg , Raj Sahiba won gold medal in the 70 kg ,
and Mitika Sanjay won gold medal in the 66 kg
• On 16th December 2017, India won 10 gold and 10 silver medals on the first day of the Commonwealth
Wrestling Championship in South Africa’s Johannesburg.
• On 16th December 2017, Spain’s Georgina Garcia-Perez won the singles title in the NECC-ITF women’s
tennis championship in Pune. Georgina has become the first Spaniard to win the ITF title in Pune.
• Francois Gabart, a French sailor, has broken the record for sailing around the world alone by circumnavigating
the world in 42 days and 16 hours which is more than 6 days faster than the previous record,
created by France’s Thomas Coville in 2016.
• On 17th December 2017, former Brazilian World Cup champion Ricardo Kaka made the announcement of his
retirement as a football player.
• On 17th December 2017, won gold medals at the in Johannesburg, South Africa.
• On 18th December 2017, International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced a life ban for Russia’s Alexey
Voevoda from the Olympics for anti-doping violations in the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. Two gold medals in
the two-man and four-man bobsled events were cancelled.
• Indian junior boxers won 6 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze medals and finished overall champions at the fifth
International Sven Lange Memorial Tournament, Schwerin, Germany. The Indian team won the ‘Best
Team’ of the tournament award. Also, Bhavesh Kattamani (52kg) who won a gold medal, was awarded
the ‘best boxer trophy’.
• Kerala Kings became the first-ever T10 Cricket League champion at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, in Sharjah,
United Arab Emirates.
• On 19th December 2017, India defeated Nepal in the ongoing SAFF U-15 Women's Championship at Dhaka,
Bangladesh.
• The 9th edition of International Youth Sailing Competition of India is held in Krishnapatnam Port in Nellore,
Andhra Pradesh, from December 27th to December 31st 2017. This is the largest sailing competition in India
• On 21st December 2017, Louise Martin, president of the Commonwealth Games Federation announced
Birmingham as host city of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
• Indian women cricketers Ekta Bisht, Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur have been selected to the ICC
Women's team of the year 2018.
• On 20th December 2017, India's Raghu Prasad and Javed Shaikh were selected in the panel of umpires for
2018 Hockey World Cup to be held in Bhubaneswar, from November 28 to December 16, 2018.
389 | P a g e
• On 20th December 2017, India's Raghu Prasad and Javed Shaikh were selected in the panel of umpires for
2018 Hockey World Cup to be held in Bhubaneswar, from November 28 to December 16, 2018.
• On 21st December 2017, it was announced that shooting has been excluded from the 2022 edition of
Commonwealth Games. Shooting is listed in Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)’s optional sports
• On 23rd December 2017, Vijender Singh defeated Ernest Amuzu at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur for
the show ‘Rajasthan Rumble’ and retained his WBO Oriental and Asia Pacific super middleweight titles. . He
is currently ranked 6th in the WBO rankings.
• On 24th December 2017, India lost against Bangladesh in the final and became runners-up of the SAFF U15
Women's Championship in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• On 23rd December 2017, Sushil Kumar became the most expensive wrestler of the PWL (Pro Wrestling
League) in New Delhi.Delhi Sultans bought Sushil Kumar for Rs 55 lakh at the PWL auctions.
• On 24th December 2017, Indian boxers won 3 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze medal at the Galym Zharylgapov
Boxing Tournament in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. Naman Tanwar was named of the tournament.
• On 26th December 2017, Saudi Arabia hosted a world chess tournament for the first time at the APEX
Convention Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The tournament is called the King Salman World Rapid and Blitz
Chess Championships.
• On 27th December 2017, Anisa Sayyed won the women’s 25m pistol gold with a new national record at
the 61st National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC), in Trivandrum, Kerala.
• South Africa won over Zimbabwe on the second day of the first four-day test cricket match by an innings and
20 runs at St George's Park, in South Africa.
• On 27th December 2017, the Association of Indian Football Coaches (AIFC) was launched at the Andheri
Sports Complex, in Mumbai to create a platform for the development of football coaches and their welfare..
• On 28th December 2017, Kavitha Bharanidaran broke Guinness World Record in yoga marathon by
performing yoga on 23rdDecember 2017 at 7 am and finished at 02:02 am on 28th December 2017. She has
broken the record that was created by Pradnya Patil of Nashik
• On 29th December 2017, Jitu Rai won gold medal in the men's 50m pistol event at the 61st National Shooting
Championship at National Games Shooting Range, Thiruvananthapuram, in Kerala.
OBITUARY
Name of the person who passed Field Points to be noted

away
Abi Malayalam actor and Passed away at a Kochi hospital
mimicry artist
Saraswati Tripathy Freedom fighter Saraswati Tripathy had met Mahatma Gandhi
at Beraboi Ashram in Puri district
Sreerupa Mukherjee Indian women’s cricket She was the first woman cricket selector from
Player Bengal
Adarsh Sein Anand 29th Chief Justice of India
Purabi Mukhopadhyay Sangeet singer Kolkata
Ali Abdullah Saleh Yemeni president
Shashi Kapoor Bollywood actor
Ja Ra Sundaresan Tamil journalist and He had assumed the pseudonym of Bhakkiyam
humourist Ramasami.
Laloo Chiba South African freedom
fighter
Johnny Hallyday Rock star
Sukharanjan Sengupta Journalist He had worked for Bengali dailies 'Jugantar'
and 'Ananda Bazar Patrika'
Lalji Singh Scientist ‘father of DNA fingerprinting in India’
390 | P a g e
Batuk Gathani Journalist and foreign

correspondent
Chaudhary Prem Singh Politician Senior Congressman and ex-speaker of Delhi
Assembly
Neeraj Vora Actor-director He has directed films such as 'Phir Hera Pheri'
and 'Khiladi 420'
Rabisankar Bal Journalist and Bengali author
Keely Smith Pop and jazz singer California, US
Jatileswar Mukhopadhyay Bengali singer
Bruce McCandless NASA astronaut
Banwari Lal Joshi Former UP Governor
Partha Mukhopadhyay Bengali actor
Robbie Malinga South African musician
Ashok Kumar Mattoo Sports administrator The first President of Hockey India.
Alfie Curtis Actor London
Hoshang Dadiba Amroliwala Cricket player
Dr Daljit Singh Ophthalmologist
Sue Grafton Author California, US
M V Pylee Educationist Third Vice Chancellor of the Cochin
University of Science and Technology.
Adithyan South Indian music director
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Book Name Author Other Information

‘Two’ Gulzar Two’ which examines the status of
refugees after the Partition.’Two’
published by HarperCollins India
Bollywood -The Films! The Songs! The Stars!, S.M.M. Ausaja, Karan Bali, launched by ActorAmitabh
Rajesh Devraj and Tanul Bachchan
Thakur
"Poeatry" Vikas Khanna It is a collection of over 100 poems
related to food and life. It
is conceptualised and
designed by Kumar
Chiplunkar at Chap & Chapette
'Trivendra Ek Zindaginama - Khairasain ka Nandan Singh Bisht, a Uttarakhand Chief Minister
Sooraj' doctor Trivendra Singh Rawat has
launched his biography
‘The Way I See It’ late journalist Gauri a book containing writings by late
Lankesh ,edited by Chandan journalist Gauri Lankesh was
Gowda launched at the Mumbai Press Club,
in Mumbai.
IMPORTANT DAYS
Observed date/week Day Other information

December 1st World AIDS Day Theme 2017 - “my health, my right ”.
December 1st Border Security Force (BSF)- 52nd
Raising Day
December 2nd International Day for the Abolition of
Slavery
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December 2nd World Computer Literacy Day

December 3rd International Day of Persons with Theme 2017 - “Transformation towards
Disabilities sustainable and resilient society for all”
December 4th Indian Navy Day
December 5th International Volunteer Day for Theme 2017 - volunteers act first. Here.
Economic and Social Development Everywhere
December 5th World Soil Day Theme 2017 - ‘Caring for the Planet starts from
the Ground’
December 6th 62nd Mahaparinirvan Diwas
December 7th Indian Armed Force Flag Day
December 7th International Civil Aviation Day
December 1st to 7th Armed Forces Week Objective of the campaign is to get people to
make financial contributions to the Armed
Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFD)
December 9th International Anti-Corruption Day Theme 2017- ‘United against corruption for
development, peace and security’.
December 10th World Human Rights Day
December 11th International Mountain Day Theme 2017-Mountain under Pressure: climate,
hunger, migration.
December 12th ‘Universal Health Coverage Day’
December 12th International Day of Neutrality Idea of dedicating a day to neutrality was coined
by Turkmenistan
December 14th National Energy Conservation Day
December 15th Atal Tinkering Lab’s Community Day Amitabh Kant,CEO of NITI Aayog’s Atal
Innovation Mission launched Atal Tinkering
Lab’s Community Day in New Delhi
December 16th Vijay Diwas in India and Bangladesh It marks India’s military victory over Pakistan in
1971 during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, in
alliance with Bangladesh.
December 18th National Minority Rights Day
December 18th International Migrants Day Theme 2017 - Safe Migration in a World on the
Move
December 19th 56th Goa Liberation Day Goa Liberation Day marks the day on which
Goa was released from Portuguese dominance
December 20th International Human Solidarity Day
December 22nd National Mathematics Day In memory of mathematician Srinivasa
Ramanujan’s birth anniversary.
December 23rd National Farmers’ Day (Kisan Diwas
December 24th National Consumer Day
December 25th Good Governance Day in India To mark the birth anniversary of former Prime
Minister Atal Bihari Vajp
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