YEAR 2017 YEAR 2017

AGENDAS

Awards & Honours Books & Authors Union Budget Banking India 2017 Yojanas Committees MoU International News Foreign Visits Summits Rankings & Distinctions Appointments Brand Ambassadors Science & Technology Defence News Sports AWARDS & HONOURS 2017

Nobel Prizes 2017

Rainer Weiss, the other half LIGO detector and the observation of gravitational Physics jointly to Barry C. Barish and waves. Kip S. Thorne Jacques Dubochet, Joachim cryo-electron microscopy for the high-resolution Chemistry Frank and Richard Henderson structure determination of biomolecules in solution. Physiology Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the or Rosbash and Michael W. circadian rhythm. Medicine Young novels of great emotional force, has uncovered the Literature Kazuo Ishiguro abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection with the world. to draw attention to the catastrophic humanitarian International Campaign to consequences of any use of nuclear weapons and for Peace Abolish Nuclear Weapons its ground-breaking efforts to achieve prohibition of (ICAN) such weapons. Economics Richard H. Thaler contributions to behavioural economics. Oscar Awards 2017

Best Picture Moon Light Best Actress Emma Stone (La La Land)

Best Actor Casey Affleck (Manchester by the sea) Best Director Damien Chazelle (La La Land) Best supporting actor Mahreshla Ali (Moon light) Best supporting actress Viola Davis (fences) Best foreign language film The sales man (Iran)

Grammy Awards 2017 India-American Tabala player “Sandeep das” won Grammy award in the Category of Best world music album with Yo-Yo ma:

Album of the year: 25 – Adele Record of the year: Hello – Adele Song of the year: Hello – Adele

The Man Booker Prize 2017

The Man Booker Prize for Fiction is a literary prize awarded each year for the best original novel, written in the English language and published in the UK, instituted in 1969 by Man group. George Saunders won the Booker Prize for the book ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’ in 2017. He is the second American to win the prestigious Booker after Paul Beatty (in 2016) was the first, in a trend that some have suggested points to the growing Americanization of an award that used to be distinctly British. Pulitzer Prizes 2017

Fiction Colson whitehead for The underground railroad Poetry Tyehimba jess for Olio Biography Hisham Matar for The Return Music Du Yun for Angel’s Bone Drama Lynn Notage for Sweat

64th Annual National Cinema 2017

Best Feature Film Kasaav(Marathi) Best Actor Akshay Kumar (Rustom) Best Actress Surabhi Lakshmi (Minnaminungu) Best Director Rajesh Mapuskar (Ventilator) Best Film on Social Issues 'Pink' Best Supporting Actor Manoj Joshi (Dashkriya)

Best Supporting Actress ZairaWasim (Dangal) STOKES ESPN Cricinfo Awards

Captain of the year Virat Kohli Test Batsman Ben Stokes Test Bowler Stuart Broad DE KOCK ODI Batsman Quinton De Kock ODI Bowler Sunil Narine T20I Batsman Carlos Brathwaite T20I Bowler Mustafizur Rahman Debutant of the year Mehedi Hasan Miraz Associate Batsman Muhammad Shahzad Associate Bowler Muhammad Nabi Women’s Batswoman Hayley Mathews MATHEWS Women’s Bowler Leigh Kasperek IIFA Awards Best Actor Shahid Kapoor for Udta Punjab Best Actress Alia Bhatt for Udta Punjab Best Film Neerja Best Director Aniruddha Roy for Pink Organisation Awards Raksha Mantri’s Award for Excellence BEML Most Valuable Company on BSE 1.Reliance 2.HDFC Best News website award at WAN-IFRA The Hindu World’s Most Valuable Brand Apple Best University by TIMES Higher Education Oxford RedInk Awards for Excellence Indian Express Unilever Global Development Award Water Health International (WHI) PM’s trophy for best integrated steel plant Tata Steel National Award for ‘Excellence’ in Energy Hyderabad International Airport Management

National sports award 2017 Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2017 1.Shri Devendra Jhajharia (Para Athlete) 2.Shri Sardar Singh (Hockey)

Arjuna Awards 2017 1. V.J. Surekha (Archery) 2. Khushbir Kaur (Athletics)

3. Arokia Rajiv (Athletics) 4. Prasanthi Singh (Basketball)

5. Laishram Debendro Singh (Boxing) 6. Cheteshwar Pujara (Cricket)

7. Harmanpreet Kaur (Cricket) 8. Oinam Bembem Devi (Football)

9. S.S.P. Chawrasia (Golf) 10. S.V. Sunil (Hockey)

11. Jasvir Singh (Kabaddi) 12. P. N. Prakash (Shooting)

13. A. Amalraj (Table Tennis) 14. Saketh Myneni (Tennis)

15. Satyawart Kadian (Wrestling) 16. Mariyappan (Para-Athlete)

17. Varun Singh Bhati (Para-Athlete) P.Gopichand PV Sindhu

Sports Awards , India (2017) SJFI Annual Best Sportsperson of the Year award : P V Sindhu SJFI Annual Best Team of the Year award Indian Junior Hockey BAI’s first Lifetime Achievement Award Prakash Padukone Bharat Gaurav Former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay Maruti Suzuki- Sportsperson of the Year P V Sindhu Coach of the Year award P Gopichand Living Legend of the Year award Milkha Singh Game changer of the Year KL Rahul Lifetime Achievement Award Abhinav Bindra

Laureas Sports Awards 2017 Sportsman of the Year Usain Bolt (Athletics) Sportswoman of the Year Simone Biles (Gymnastics) Comeback of the Year Michael Phelps (Swimming) Team of the Year Chicago Cubs (Baseball) Spirit of Sport Leicester City (Soccer) Action Sportsperson of the Year Rachel Atherton (BMX)

Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Beatrice Vio (Fencing)

Manushi Chhillar Reita Faria Aishwarya Rai Diana Yukta Priyanka Miss World Miss World Miss World Hayden Mookhey Chopra 2017 1966 1994 Miss World Miss World Miss World 1997 1999 2000 An Indian medical student was crowned Miss World at a glitzy event in a Chinese resort on 18 November 2017, making her country the joint-most successful in the beauty pageant’s history. Manushi Chhillar is the sixth Indian winner of the long-running contest,Her win brings India level with Venezuela as the countries with most victories in the history of the pageant, now in its 67th edition. Meanwhile Stephanie Jayne Hill, who represented England, came second runner up. BOOKS & AUTHORS 2017 Book Author Beren And Lúthien J.R.R. Tolkien The Ministry of Utmost Happiness Arundhati Roy Lalan Shah Fakir KeGeet Prof. Muchkund Dubey The Crisis Within Ganesh Devy Indira Gandhi - A life in Nature Jairam Ramesh Yug Purush, Bharat Ratna, Atal Ji’ Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank The Emergency — Indian Democracy’s Darkest Surya Prakash Hour Cryptocurrency for Beginners Amit Bhardwaj Making of A Legend Bindeshwar Pathak Dalhousie...Through My Eyes Kiran Chadha President’s Lady Sangeeta Ghosh Playing With Fire Katie Price Future of Indian Universities: Comparative and C. Raj Kumar International Perspectives Kadve Vachan Jain saint Acharya Tarun Sagar Maharaj Jayanta Kalita ( Manipur bodybuilder Pradipkumar I am HIV positive, so what? Singh’s inspirational fight to overcome HIV) I Do What I Do’ Raghuram Rajan Immortal India Amish Tripathi ‘How India Sees the World’ Shyam Saran 100 things every professional cricketer must know’ BCCI player’s handbook Hit Refresh Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Unstoppable: My Life So Far Maria Sharapova Bhartiya Kala Mein Salil Kridayen Evam Dr. Kshetrapal Gangwar and Shri Sanjib Kumar Biography of Kargil war hero Late Captain Vikram The Shershah of Kargil Batra written by Deepak Surana A to Z of Financial Management in Autonomous Dr. Rajat Bhargava and Shri Deenanath Pathak Institutions Economic Survey 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. Shri Arun Jaitley with Arvind Subramaniam  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 survey stated that the growth in export was increased by 0.7 percent during April-December of 2016-17 amounting to USD 198.8 billion.Similarly, during April-December of 2016-17, imports declined by 7.4 per cent to USD 275.4 billion.  The agriculture sector is estimated to grow at 4.1 percent in the current fiscal as compared to 1.2 percent in 2015-16 due to better monsoon.  The survey estimates a growth rate of the industrial sector to be moderate at 5.2 percent in 2016-17 from 7.4 percent in 2015-16.  The Service sector has been estimated to grow at 8.9 percent in 2016-17 which is almost similar to that in 2015-16.

Annual Budget 2017-2018

Agriculture

Total Agriculture Credit to Farmers in 2017-18 Rs. 10 lakh crore Allocation under Fasal Bima Yojana for 2017-18 Rs. 9000 crore Long Term Irrigation Fund in NABARD created in 2016-17 Rs. 20000 crore Dedicated Micro Irrigation Fund to be created in NABARD Rs. 5000 crore Digital transformation of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) in the next 3 Rs. 19000 Cr Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund in NABARD Rs. 8000 crore

Rural Total allocation for rural, agriculture and allied sectors Rs. 1,87,223 crore MNREGA Rs. 48,000 crore Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Rs. 27,000 crore Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin) Rs. 23000 crore Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana Rs. 4,814 crore Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana Rs. 4,500 crore

Infrastructure

Total Infrastructure Allocation Rs. 3,96,135 crore Allocation in Transportation Sector including rail, roads, shipping Rs. 2,41,387 crore Railway Sector Rs. 1,31,000 crore Allocation for Highway Rs. 64,900 crore Key Points:

 The total Budget expenditure allocated for 2017-18 is Rs. 21.47 lakh crores.  A political party can receive a maximum of Rs 2000 in cash per person.  For individuals with income between Rs. 2.5 Lakh and Rs.5 lakh rate of taxation has been reduced from 10% to 5%.  For individuals whose annual taxable income is between Rs. 50 lakhs and Rs. 1 crore a surcharge of 10% of tax payable will be levied.  Single Page Income Tax Return filing form for taxable income under Rs. 5 lakh.  Small firms with turnover up to Rs.50 crore will now only need to pay 25% tax instead of 30%.  No cash transaction above Rs 3 lakh will be permitted.  The holding period for considering the Capital Gain Tax of immovable property has been increased from 2 years to 3 years.  Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) has been proposed to be carry forwarded for 15 years instead of 10 years.  In MSME sector for companies with turnover upto Rs. 50 crore the income tax will be reduced to 25%.  Basic customs duty on LNG reduced from 5% to 2.5%. Latest Banking Apps:

Apps/Portals Launched by Truecaller Pay ICICI Bank

Mera iMobile ICICI Bank

“Eazypay” ICICI Bank

Appzillon Karnataka Bank

‘811’ zero-balance app Kotak Mahindra Bank

SIMsePAY Yes Bank

YES mPower Yes Bank

Aadhaar Pay IDFC Bank Chatbot Eva HDFC Bank

FASTag service Karur Vysya Bank

Batuaa Oriental Bank of Commerce

Selfie Federal Bank

BPay app Fino Payments Bank

BANKING NEWS 2017:

World Bank  India signs Loan Agreement with the World Bank for USD 36 Million for “Himachal Pradesh Public Financial Management Capacity Building Program”  India Signs Loan Agreement with the World Bank for USD 39.2 Million for the project “Assam Citizen Centric Service Delivery”  World Bank sanctions 44 million dollars for ASPIRe.  Bolivia declared total independence from World Bank & IMF  ICAR to undertake major research works on agriculture with World Bank fund  World Bank allocates $8 bn for China's Silk Road project  World Bank approves $500 million grant package for Afghanistan projects  World Bank clears $250-million loan for Skill India Mission  World Bank, AIIB to grant $380 million to Andhra Pradesh power project RBI  New 500 rupee banknotes have been launched by RBI with inset letter 'A'.  RBI issued new Rs 200 and Rs 50 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series (Rs.200 Note: Dimension: 66mm X 146mm, Colour: Bright yellow and Motif: Sanchi Stupa). (Rs.50 Note: Dimension: 66mm x 135mm. Colour: Fluorescent Blue and Motif: 'Hampi with Chariot)  RBI has imposed a penalty of Rs. 3 crore on state-owned Union Bank of India for KYC “non-compliance”  Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Ltd has been given scheduled bank status by RBI.  RBI to introduce new Rs.100 coins along with special Rs.5 coins to commemorate the occasion of MG Ramachandran’s Birth Centenary  RBI will also issue Rs.100 coins along with special Rs.10 coins to mark the birth centenary of MS Subbulakshmi.  India’s Forex Reserves Top $400 billion for the First Time.  RBI announced that Masala bonds will be treated as External Commercial Borrowings (ECB)  RBI included HDFC Bank in the list of 'too big to fail' lenders  RBI Opens Branch in Dehradun.  Banks to Provide Funds at 7% to Women SHGs under DAY-NRLM: RBI  DBS Bank Gets RBI Nod for Subsidiary in India  RBI has initiated a 'prompt corrective action' against Oriental Bank of Commerce  RBI initiates ‘prompt corrective action’ for Dena Bank  RBI initiates PCA against Bank of Maharashtra  RBI initiates prompt corrective actions on Central Bank of India.  RBI to Pay Rs 30,659 cr Dividend to Government  RBI is to launch a financial literacy drive in 80 blocks in nine states on the pilot basis to educate people on e-transactions, formal sector borrowings and insurance purchases. SBI  SBI signs MoU with Escorts for tractor financing  400 crore rupees for Rooftop solar projects announced by SBI.  SBI cuts rate on home loan above Rs. 75 lakh by 10 bps to 8.6%.  Tirumala Milk Products & State Bank of India has entered into a tie up for providing loans to dairy farmers  Nepal SBI launches first paperless Banking services sbi INTOUCH  SBI waives charge on IMPS fund transfer of up to Rs 1,000.  State Bank of India launches website for home buyers - SBI Realty  SBI, Samsung collaborate to advance Digital India initiative.  SBI launches Indian bond index series in London  SBI launches Chatbot to Help Customers in Banking Activities  SBI to Set Up Country's Largest Innovation Centre at Mumbai  SBI Launched SME Assist for MSME Clients.  Odisha Government Department Signs MOU with SBI for integration of SBI e-Pay with the cyber treasury.  SBI launches chatbot to help customers in banking activities.  SBI to fund Maharashtra govt affordable housing schemes.  SBI waives account closing fees

YES BANK  Indus OS partners with Yes Bank to launch OS-integrated UPI platform  Yes Bank Commits Rs 156 cr for Namami Gange Project  Yes Bank gets $150 mn from OPIC to fund SME lending  Yes Bank Partners with Abu Dhabi Global Markets for Collaboration on Fintech  Yes Bank partners with TerraPay for faster international remittance.

AXIS BANK  Axis Bank to issue biodegradable prepaid gift cards  Freyr Energy Ties up With Axis Bank  GMR gets Rs. 1,330 cr loan from Axis Bank for developing Mopa airport.  Axis Bank Set to Waive Off 12 EMIs for Home Loans up to Rs 30L @8.35% p.a.  Axis Bank Buys FreeCharge For Rs 385 Crores(Snapdeal sells Freecharge at 90% discount to Axis Bank.

ICICI BANK  ICICI Bank commissions 200 solar-powered ATMs  ICICI Bank committed financial assistance of Rs. 10 crore to the Indian Armed Forces.  ICICI Bank offers up to Rs 15 lakh instant personal loan via ATMs  ICICI Bank’s new home loan offers 1% cash-back for every EMI. (The EMI cash- back benefit is available for fresh home loans with minimum tenure of 15 years.)  NTPC signs Rs 3,000-cr term loan agreement with ICICI Bank. HDFC Bank

 HDFC Bank Becomes 2nd Most Valuable Company on BSE  HDFC Bank Launches All-in-one PoS Machine  HDFC Life Launched Neo, a Bot for Twitter  HDFC Bank launches SmartUp zones to nurture, collaborate with start-ups  HDFC Bank retains its No. 1 position in BrandZ India Top 50 for the fourth time

Other Banking News

 Aadhaar made mandatory for new bank accounts,transactions above Rs.50,000  ADB, IndusInd Bank partner to provide finance to women borrowers  AIIB grants USD 150 Mn loan for India Infrastructure Fund  Air India Ties up with PNB, IndusInd  Airtel Payment Bank ties up with HPCL for ATM services  Airtel Payments Bank launches UPI enabled digital payments  Banks to Pay 3% IGST on Gold Imports  BoB signs MoU with DGS&D for services to govt’s e-marketplace  Canara Bank and New India announces tie up  Canara Bank launches 'CANDI' - its first digital branch in Bengaluru  Canara Bank unveiled two new digital services for online payments-Bharat QR(Quick Response)and Bharat Bill Payment System(BBPS)  Canara HSBC Oriental Life launched ‘PoS - Easy Bima Plan’  China, ADB launch green financing platform to fight pollution  DCB bank launches Aadhaar based iris eye scan customer verification service  Dhanlaxmi Bank, DHFL Pramerica Tie up for Bancassurance  Fincare Small Finance Bank (previously known as Disha Microfin Limited) kick-started its banking operations with about 25 operational branches across Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.  First Regional Centre of NDB Opens in South Africa  HSBC Launches App to Track Trade Transactions - Trade Transaction Tracker  IDBI Bank initiates 'Project Nishchay' to improve financial performance  IDBI Bank only PSB to get ‘high’ rating for code compliance  Indian Overseas Bank launches retail mart in Thiruvananthapuram  IndusInd Bank and Bharat Financial Inclusion Sign Exclusivity Agreement for Merger  IndusInd Bank secures $200 million loan from ADB for microlending  Infosys partners with ToneTag for sound based payments  IOB launches retail mart in Thiruvananthapuram  Private insurer Tata AIA Life announced the launch of ‘Eazy Connect’, that will extend online customer service to social media platforms.  Punjab National Bank and state-run firm BSNL teamed up to roll out open mobile wallet Speedpay across 10 states in the country.  Reliance General Insurance Gets IRDAI Nod for IPO  SEBI inks pact with ESMA for information exchange on CCPs  South Indian Bank ties up with PFG Forex  TCS launches BaNCS app development kit to help banks  Union Bank launches bilingual Android App - Union Sahyog  Unions to observe July 19 as ‘Save Public Sector Banks' day  US Banking Regulators Shut Down Pakistan’s Habib Bank  US fines HSBC $175 mn for Lax Forex Oversight  Vijaya Bank Inks MoU with HPCL for Digital Payments  Vijaya Bank set to develop 100 digital villages. INDIA in 2017

 India’s first ‘private’ railway station Habibganj to come up near Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.  114-year old Taj Palace (also referred to as Taj Mahal Palace) in Mumbai has become first Indian building to get itself trademarked.  Election Commission joins hands with Facebook to Launch First Time Nationwide Voter Registration Reminder.  On June 30, 2017, PM inaugurated ‘Textiles India 2017’country’s first-ever mega trade event for the textiles sector in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.  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.  India’s first ‘freight village’ will be developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh  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.  India's first public bicycle sharing project launched in Mysuru, Karnataka.  A national human milk bank and lactation counseling centre known 'Vatsalya - Maatri Amrit Kosh' has opened at College in New Delhi  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.  Odisha is all set to become the first state in the country to have a blood bank for the cattle.  The Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi inaugurates first Gharib Nawaz Skill Development Centre in Hyderabad.  Delhi will be the first state police to get ‘super cop belt,’.  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.  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.

 India is set to get its first high-speed rail training centre at Gandhinagar Gujarat announced on 13th of July 2017.  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  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  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  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  India’s first private sector missile sub-systems manufacturing facility was inaugurated near Hyderabad, Telangana.  India’s first railways disaster management village is expected to come up near Bengaluru by December 2018.  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’.  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.  First water ATM has been inaugurated by Telangana State Home Minister N Narasimha Reddy at Nalgonda X Roads on 7th of Sept. 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.  Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has launched first Intelligence Wing of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Welfare & Rehabilitation Board (WARB) App in New Delhi.  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.  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.  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’.  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.  Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport became the first airport in the country to introduce a wheelchair lift or Verti-lift  Vice president Shri .M.Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the first and only greenfield smart city project, in Ranchi coming up on the HEC land  MP CM 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.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the setting up of India’s first “Marine Police Training Institute” at Dev Bhoomi Dwarka district of Gujarat.  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.  Rajasthan State assembly has become the first in India to call attention and adjournment motions and proposals online from legislators.  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. Central/ State Bills & Policies in News  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.  The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill 2017 has cleared by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice on June 8, 2017.  Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to introduce a Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017.  President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to a bill banning hookah in Gujarat on 3rd of July 2017.  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.  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  Arun Jaitleyhas 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  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 Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2017, was introduced in Lok Sabha by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.  The government has withdrawn from the Rajya Sabha a bill to amend the Architects Act, 1972 which provides for registration of architects.  Rajya Sabha passed Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) Bill, 2017 and The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims), 2017.  Government introduced in the Lok Sabha, Central Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2017, a bill providing for allocation of about Rs 2,000 crore from Central Road Fund (CRF)  Rajya Sabha passed Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Bill, 2017, which seeks to amend the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008.  Cabinet gives ex-post facto approval for amendment of the Constitution (Application to Jammu & Kashmir) Order, 1954.  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.  Constitution 123rd Amendment Bill, 2017 for setting up of a National Commission for Backward Classes was passed by Rajya Sabha  Lok Sabha passed two bills, 1.CGST (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill, 2017 and 2.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).  The Goa Legislative Assembly has passed a bill which regain coconut as a `tree, ensuring legal protection for it  The Delhi Assembly has passed the Minimum Wages (Delhi) Amendment Bill 2017and the Delhi Netaji Subhash University of Technology Bill 2017  Code on Wages 2017 Bill that seeks to fix a national minimum wage was introduced in the Lok Sabha  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, 1.The Minimum Wages Act, 1948; 2.The Payment of Wages Act, 1936; 3.The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; 4.The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.  Assam passed the Industrial Disputes (Assam Amendment) Bill, 2017, regarding lay off of employees, in Guwahati.  The Cabinet approves the introduction of the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in the Parliament.  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.  Odisha government passed a bill for starting the first Odia language university for post-graduate in literature,linguistics and epigraphy.  Union cabinet has given approval for beginning of the Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in Parliament subject to modifications of drafting or significant nature.  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. SCHEMES AND YOJANAS

Central Government Schemes :

 The Aadhaar card has been made mandatory for government subsidy on purchase of kerosene and benefits of Atal Pension Yojana.  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 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.  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.  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  Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr.Dharmendra Pradhan launched the ‘Pradhan Mantri LPG Panchayat’ in Mota Ishanpur village of Gujarat.  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.  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.  Government is finalising the Electoral Bonds Scheme, in New Delhi. Mr.Arun Jaitley announced this at a book release, named ‘India@70 [email protected]’. This is being done in a move to monitor political funding.  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  The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched a scheme named 'Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty' (VAJRA)  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  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)”.  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.  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).  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.

State Government Schemes

 Jharkhand Government launched the “Shaheed Gram Vikas Yojana” at Ulihatu Village ,Khunti district of Jharkhand.The scheme aims at developing the villages of freedom fighters in the state.  Odisha Government launched ‘Sampurna (Sishu Abond Matru Mrityuhara Purna Nirakaran Abhijan) Yojna’ scheme for pregnant women, in Odisha.Under the scheme gov will provide Rs.1,000 as transport cost for pregnant women to travel to the hospital from inaccessible areas arranging their own vehicles.  Telangana State Gov 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.  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.  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.  Uttar Pradesh Power Minister Srikant Sharma has launched free power connection scheme for the BPL card holders in the state.  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.

 The Punjab government has announced the launch of its flagship 'Apni Gaddi Apna Rozgar' scheme by flagging off over 100 uber MOTO bikes.

 Assam state government is introducing a new Scheme called, Scheme for Compassionate Family Pension (CFP) at Guwahati.The scheme plans to offer the compassionate family pension instead of job offers to family members due to some practical difficulties.  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 First and Payment Next”.  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.  Uttar Pradesh State Gov launched a mass marriage scheme called ‘Mukhyamantri Samoohik Vivaah Yojana’. Under the scheme, Uttar Pradesh social welfare department will conduct mass marriages.  Himachal Pradesh Cabinet under Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh approved ‘Heritage Tourism Policy 2017’ & ‘Mukhya Mantri Rural Road Repair Scheme’ along with other developmental and welfare initiatives.  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.  Karnataka CM Mr.Siddaramaiah launched ‘Mathru Poorna’ scheme, for nutritional wellness of pregnant and lactating women in rural areas, at Vidhan Soudha, 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.  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. Government Projects

 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’.  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.  External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has inaugurated Know India Programme (KIP) for young overseas Indians at a function in New Delhi.  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).  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.  Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines launched the Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 (ECBC 2017).

 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.  PM Narendra Modi inaugurated an integrated sports & entertainment 'Arena Project’ in Ahmedabad.  On July 6, 2017, ‘JIGYASA’, a student- scientist connect programme was officially launched in New Delhi.  President Pranab Mukherjee on 9th July launched digital initiatives Swayam, Swayam Prabha, National Academic Depository and National Digital Library in New Delhi.  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.

 Government launched “AGRI UDAAN”- Food and Agribusiness Accelerator 2.0 programme in New Delhi.  Narendra modi has launched a New India movement from 2017- 2022, a Sankalp Se Siddhi (Attainment through Resolve) Program was organized at Coimbatore.

 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.  Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched two new contraceptives, an injectibles, MPA (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) under the ‘Antara’ programme and contraceptive pill ‘Chhaya’ in New Delhi.

 The Union Finance Ministry, has announced that it is has planned to launch ‘Project Insight’ from October, 2017. A move initiated to restrict black money holdings and transactions.  '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.  Department of Biotechnology announced ‘lab on boat’ project for biological analysis of the Bramhaputra river.  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. COMMITTEES 2017

Name of Committee Chairperson Agenda MHA Panel Special secretary To examine the rules which allows free (Internal Security) in the movement of Indian and Myanmarese Ministry of Home citizens within 16 kms of the border Panel on National Education Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan To draft the National Education Policy Committee on UdayKotak To improving the standards of corporate Corporate governance of listed companies. RBI Overseeing Committee Pradeep Kumar To look at the stressed assets of the banking sector. Four-member committee of BCCI CK Khanna To support staff of the Indian team and then decide on the contracts that will be handed to the coaches Nine member committee Karnataka Gov To design a 'state' flag and submit a report on giving it legal sanctity. GST Council panel Pradeep Kumar Sinha To select National Anti-profiteering Authority AIFF’s Transfers Ushanath Banerjee Deal with the players’ transfer disputes’. Dispute Committee 10 member panel Justice B.N Srikrishna The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) appointed an expert panel committee that would study various issues relating to data protection High level committee Justice B N Srikrishna to review the Institutionalization of Arbitration Mechanism Parliamentary panel Renuka Chowdhury Genetically Modified (GM)crop should be introduced only after biosafety, socio- economic evaluation RBI panel Tarun Ramadorai Rights- based privacy framework in household finance Parliamentary Panel B C Khanduri 100% pension to widow of deceased soldiers Task Force on Dr. V. Kamakoti Artificial Intelligence (AI) for India’s Artificial Intelligence Economic Transformation. 29-member panel K RajeswaraRao To review the National Mineral Policy, 2008, and for submission of a report for a new National Mineral Policy. Cabinet Committee on Shekatkar Committee To enhance combat capability and Security (CCS) rebalancing Defence Expenditure of the Armed Forces. Group of Ministers on Hasmukh Adhia To look at the issues of export sector and to the implementation of recommend to the GST Council. Economic Advisory Bibek Debroy The EAC is an independent body that gives Council (EAC) advice on economic and related topics to the Government, especially to the Prime Minister . Empowered Steering Based on the The committee will review the core Committee (ESC) recommendations of the probable list of each High Priority and interim report of the8- Priority disciplines for Commonwealth member Task Force headed Games, Asian Games and Olympic by AbinavBindra Games. Hate speech on internet T.K.Viswanathan 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 . IRDAI panel Dilip C Chakraborty To help in implementing the new risk-based capital (RBC) regime and it will also enhance protection to policyholders. NITI Aayog Expert Task Force Dr.Rajiv Kumar To provide a major thrust to job creation by on Employment & Exports enhancing India’s exports. Group of Ministers on the Sushil Kumar Modi To monitor & resolve IT challenges faced in implementation of GST implementation of Goods and Services tax. Joint Parliamentary Committee Bhupender Yadav To examine and present a report on the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Appointments Committee of PM NarendraModi It is responsible for all appointments of the Cabinet higher ranks in the Central Secretariat. Cabinet Committee on PM NarendraModi It deals with the activities pertaining to the Economic Affairs (CCEA) economics of the country. Cabinet Committee on PM NarendraModi responsible for all issues related to domestic Political Affairs (CCPA) &foreign affairs.The most powerful cabinet committee, also termed 'Super Cabinet'. Cabinet Committee on PM NarendraModi It is one of the most important committees Security (CCS) in India, it looks into the matters of defence Cabinet Committee on Rajnath Singh responsible for the allotment of accommodat - Accommodation (CCA) ion for various top positions in Government. Cabinet Committee on Rajnath Singh To look after the progress of government Parliamentary Affairs business in the Parliament of India. Afive member Commission Delhi High Court’s former To examine sub categorization of Other Chief Justice G Rohini Backward Classes (OBCs) Government constitutes a High Chairmanship of Rajiv Kumar, For proper management of water resources Level Committee Vice-Chairman of Niti Aayog. in North Eastern Region .

Uday Kotak-led panel Uday Kotak On corporate governance wants. Central Government has set up a The study group will be to examine the problems being faced by study group headed by Rina Mitra the people residing near the International (Special Secretary in the Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) Home Ministry). in Jammu and Kashmir. a group of ministers (GoM) The GoM has been set up to make the ‘composition scheme’ more committee on GST under Assam Finance Ministe attractive and also revisit GST rates on r Himanta Biswa Sarma restaurants The Standing Committee on Standing Committee on Committee was formed to examine the External Affairs External Affairs headed by India-China relations. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Headed by Janak Raj on an external benchmark rate for banks panel A Parliamentary Standing Headed by BJP MP B C will examine the operational Committee on Defence, Khanduri preparedness of the armed Government committee Prime Minister Narendra to coordinate celebrations of Mahatma Modi. Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary. Rajya Sabha secretariat, a five- Prasar Bharati Chairman A to select the candidate for the post of member committee Surya Prakash. editor-in-chief of Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV). Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) 2017

MoUs Agenda Assam govt & Google To increase digital literacy Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) To implement a twinning programme Metal Industries Development Institute (MIDI), Ethiopia Gujarat government &Google For Digital Gujarat For collaborative research in the field of silkworm and silk India & Japan industries India & Afghanistan Technical Cooperation on Police Training and Development India & Armenia Cooperation on youth matters India & Armenia Cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space India & Armenia Cooperation in the field of Disaster Management Establishment of the BRICS Agriculture Research Platform India & BRICS (BRICS-ARP). India & Cyprus Co-operation on Merchant Shipping Cooperation in the field of Information, Communication and India & Ethiopia Media Mutual cooperation on matters pertaining to securities India & Iran markets. India & Israel National Campaign for Water Conservation in India Disaster risk reduction,skill training developmental projects in India & Japan the North Eastern Region of India . India, Japan sign $76 mn loan deal India & Japan Co-operation in Rail Safety: India & Korea For export credit of USD 9 billion India & Mali For standardization and conformity assessment India & Mauritius To institutionalise cooperation between their parliaments  Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance.  New Mechi Bridge over Mechi River at Indo-Nepal border India & Nepal  MoU was signed between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal.  Modalities for utilization of India’s housing grant component to support reconstruction of 50,000 houses

India & Norway To extend health co-operation India & Palestine Cooperation in the field of agriculture Protocol of Cooperation was signed between the National India & Portugal Archives of India and the Minister of Culture of the Portuguese Republic in the field of archives in Lisbon, Portugal India & Somalia Agreement on Transfer of sentenced persons To provide fresh assistance of USD 318 million line of credit India & Sri Lanka for the development of the railway sector. INTERNATIONAL NEWS 2017

 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.

 EU and France will give a grant of 3.5 million euros to three Indian cities- Nagpur, Kochi and Ahmedabad.  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.  India and Bangladesh have decided to construct a bridge over Mizoram’s Khawthlangtuipui River to facilitate trade and improve communication between the two neighbours.  The British government has launched a new project the ‘Grand Trunk Road’ to mark the 70th anniversary of India’s Partition in August 1947.

 European Union (EU) and India announced the establishment of an Investment Facilitation Mechanism (IFM) for EU Investments in India.  The World Government Summit announced India as the guest country for its annual gathering on 11thto 13th February, 2018, in Dubai.

 Indonesia has become the latest Southeast Asian nation to rename South China Sea as North Natuna Sea.  Australia became the 35th country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA).  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).  US- India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) is being set up to enhance business relations between India and US.  India and US have established TWO-BY-TWO Ministerial Dialogue with an aim to elevate their strategic consultations.  Seychelles ratifies the ISA Framework Agreement and became the ninth member of ISA framework agreement.  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.  The World Taekwondo Federation has changed its name to World Taekwondo on 25th June 2017. It is headqurtered in South Korea.

 2017 India and China jointly submitted a proposal to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) calling for the elimination of farm subsidies by developed countries.  Malta parliament voted to allow same-sex couples to marry on 12th of July 2017.  Zimbabwe's parliament has passed a bill by amending the constitution to give the president (Robert Mugabe )sweeping powers to appoint the country's top judges without consulting any other institution.  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.  New Development Bank (NDB) of the five nations has approved $1.4 billion loans for sustainable development projects in China, India and Robert Mugabe Russia (Zimbabwe)  Nepal’s Parliament has endorsed an electoral law for upcoming elections to the federal and provincial council  Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on internet calling applications like WhatsApp, Skype etc.  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.  China announced the commissioning of its first radar-evading J-20 stealth fighter jets into military service, in Beijing.  Austria’s law banning face veils such as burqa or niqab, came into force from October 1, 2017  From October 1, 2017, UAE has begun collecting new “sin” taxes on tobacco products, energy drinks and soft drinks  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.

 India and the UN Office for South- South Cooperation (UNOSSC) has launched a partnership fund for supporting sustainable development projects across the world.  UN General Assembly approved the establishment of a new office to help Member States implement the organization's global counter-terrorism strategy.

 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.  India ratifies United Nations Transports Internationaux Routiers(TIR) Convention,to ensure a secured supply chain and boost trade  Sharjah has been crowned with the prestigious 'the World Book Capital' for 2019 by UNESCO.  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.  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 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.  The UN has selected Dubai as the data hub for the Middle East North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region.  United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted a resolution to preventing terrorists from acquired weapons, particularly small arms and light weapons.  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.  UN soldiers left Haiti finishing their 13 year military peacekeeping mission in Haiti.  US and Israel announced that, they quit from the UN’s cultural agency UNESCO, after US accused UNESCO of “anti-Israeli bias”.  WHO has declared the end of the latest Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  Bolivia’s President Evo Morales has declared his government’s independence from World Bank and IMF.  WHO has declared that in the last three years Somalia had not recorded any case of polio disease and announcing the country polio free  WHO 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 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.  India and Afghanistan are set to operationalize their first air-freight corridor.  China has launched world's largest floating solar farm consisting 160000 panels.  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 unveiled world's first train that operates on a virtual track using sensor technology instead of metal rails.  The world’s first emergency call telephone line marks 80th anniversary on

1st of July 2017 by police forces across, Britain.  The world's first saola breeding centre is being constructed in Vietnam's central region.  The world's first full-scale floating wind farm has started to take shape off the north-east coast of Scotland  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  Nepal launches world’s First Climate smart landscape management plan for snow leopard conservation  The world’s largest and powerful X-ray laser- European X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) presented in Hamburg, Germany.  Hurricane Irma has become the first storm in the world to sustain winds of 185 miles per hour for more than 24 hours  China has issued a commemorative stamp in honour of the world’s largest radio telescope located in Guizhou province on 18th of Sept. 2017  China has launched world’s fastest bullet train on the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway line to 350 kilometres per hour  On October 11, 2017, world’s first ‘negative emissions’ power plant started operating in Iceland.  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  Utrecht has opened the world’s largest bicycle parking garage  The first regional centre of the New Development Bank was officially opened in South Africa. FOREIGN VISITS

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 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  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 visit to Portugal  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. The 2 Nations signed following three agreements: 1. MoU on water cooperation 2. MoU on Cultural Cooperation 3. Agreement on Amending Social Security Arrangement Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel  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 Israeli flower.  PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, first ever visit of an incumbent Indian PM

 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

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)

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 MoU on railway infrastructure. 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. SUMMITS 2017

Summits& Conferences Hosts Key Points BRICS Media Forum Beijing, China One Million Dollar fund established

Second Mission Beijing, China To share knowledge and collaborate on Innovation(MI) Ministerial priorities for clean energy innovation. BRICS Foreign Ministers Beijing, China Meeting Beijing, China BRICS Education Ministers Creation of institutional mechanism in the Beijing, China form of BRICS Network University and BRICS Think Tank Council . BRICS Youth Forum Beijing, China Theme -Enhance BRICS Partnership, Promote Youth Development. SCO summit Astana, Theme:“Future Energy”, India, Pakistan become Kazakhstan members of Shanghai Cooperation O rganisation. G7 environment ministers Bologna, Italy ‘5-year Bologna Roadmap’ was adopted meeting 2017 Biotechnology San Diego, US Indian Pavilion at BIO International C Innovation Organization onvention & Exhibition 2017. International Labour Geneva, India ratified two core conventions on childlabour – Conference in Geneva Switzerland pertaining to minimum age of admission to employment and worst forms of child labour. World Summit on Geneva, implementa tion of the WSIS Action Lines for Information Society Switzerland. advancing sustainable development. Namaskar Africa’ trade show Ghana M.J.A kbar gave a cheque of US$1 Mn as grant assistance rehabilitation of the Presidential residence 9th BRICS summit Xiamen, China Themeresidence - BRICS: residence Stronger of Flagstaff Partnership House for a Brighter Future”. International Hindu Conference Kathmandu,Nepal Theme - ‘Emerging spiritualism: Renaissance of Hinduism’. Indian Ocean Conference Colombo, Srilanka Theme of the conference is peace, progress and prosperity Eastern Economic Forum Vladivostok, The Eastern Economic Forum is considered as Russia the biggest international communication 12th meeting of G20 Hamburg, Theme – “Shaping an Inter-connected World” Germany G20 leaders adopted a World Bank funding Informal BRICS Leaders Hamburg, The leaders had discussed preparations& meeting Germany priorities for the forthcoming Xiamen BRICS Summit. World Petroleum Congress Istanbul in Turkey Theme “Bridges To Our energy Future” (WPC) International Model United Kathmandu, Nepal It is an educational simulation activity Nations (MUN) which students can learnabout diplomacy, ionalEU-I ndia Summit Brussels EU and India announc ed the establishment of an Investment facilitation mechanism. BRICS Labour & Employment Chonqging, China China is the chair for the BRICS Lab our & Ministers’ Employment Ministers’ Meet for the year Indian Road Congress (IRC) Udaipur, Rajasthan The Indian Road Congress is the apex body of highway engineers in the country. Global business meet Kolkata It will focus on sustainable business practices in various areas,including power & energy. Arunachal Pradesh action oriented contemplations on sub regional North East Connectivity Summit economic integration between NE & SE Asia. International meet on social Bengaluru A Quest for equity – reclaiming social justice. justice Sankalp Se Siddhi Program Coimbatore, Participants took New India Pledge for building a Tamilnadu New India by 2022, a Clean&Poverty-free India First National Canine Seminar Manesar The theme " Canine as Tactical weapon in fight (Gurugram), against T errorism". Coastal shipping and waterways Kochi The summit will be an initiative to explore summit the potential of coastal shipping and waterways. World Congress of Optometry Hyderabad The aim of the congress is to give unique opportunity for anyone in the eye health . Good Governance and Goa Good governance is an aid to ensure speedy Replication delivery of services to the people.

RANKING & DISTINCTIONS 2017

Forbes World's Highest-Paid Celebrities of 2017 Topped by American rapper and entrepreneur Sean Combs SRK ranked 65th Salman Khan is on the 71st spot Forbes’ Annual list of top earners.(Female) Emma Stone has been named as this year’s highest-paid actress Forbes World’s 20 highest paid actors Mark Wahlberg - world’s highest-paid actor ,Shahrukh Khan India’s Highest,

Jack Ma becomes Asia’s richest person Forbes Highest paid author JK Rowling Forbes World’s 100 most innovative 1.Salesforce companies 78.BhartiAirtel Forbes Most corrupt country in Asia 1.India &Transp 2.Vietnam arency Internatio nal. Fortune Global 500 list Ranks companies by their revenues in 2016 Walmart(1st place)

Fortune America’s top 500 companies Tesla &Walmart are placed in the list

UN Agencies UN World Population Prospects - The 2017 world’s population will surpass the 8 Revision billion mark in year 2023 United Nations World Investment Report 2017: Investment US, China and India are considered as top Conference on and the Digital Economy prospective destinations for foreign direct Trade and investment (FDI) Development (UNCTAD) UN Sending Money Home: Contributing to the India has been the top remittance- International SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), One receiving country in year 2016 with USD Fund for Family at a Time 62.7 billion Agricultural Developmen t (IFAD) UN Refugee Agency's Global Trends study Developing regions host 84% of the world's refugees 65.6 million people displaced worldwide

United Nations World Drug Report 2017 29.5 million people (0.6% of the global adult Office on Drugs population) were engaged in problematic use and Crime of drugs and suffered from drug use (UNODC) disorders, including dependence. Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings 2018 Top 3 in the world: (QS) 1.Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 2.Stanford University 3.Harvard University University IIT-Delhi - 172 IIT-Bombay - 179 IISc Bangalore - 190 Cornell University, Global Innovation Index (GII) 2017 1.Switzerland, 2.Sweden and 3.Netherlands th INSEAD and World India – 60 Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) World Economic Global Competitiveness Report 2017 1.Switzerland 2.US Forum (WEF) 40.India Organisation for International Migration Outlook 2017 Indians and Chinese were the top asylum Economic Co- report seekers in countries such as New Zealand operation and and Latvia between 2012 and 2016 Development (OECD) World Bank Global Economic Prospects–A fragile Fastest Growing Economies recovery Estonia (1st place) India (4th place ) BRICS BRICS Innovative Competitiveness Report China is the leading BRICS nation 2017 The Institute of Global Peace Index 2017 Top 3: Economics and Iceland, New Zealand and Portugal India th Peace – 137 Institute for World competitiveness list Top 3: Management Hong Kong, Switzerland and Singapore th Development's India – 45

A.T. Kearney 2017 Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) Top 3: India China and Malaysia Child Rights and You CRY report Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of (CRY) children (250672) engaged in labour

Environmental impact UK-based Money Super Market Topped by Mozambique th survey India - ranked 75

Mercer 23rd Annual Cost of Living Survey Mumbai is the most expensive city for expatriates in India. Most Expensive City: 1. Luanda 2.Hong Kong 3.Tokyo

World's least expensive city for expatriates, is Tunis in Tunisia

SKYTRAX World's Best Airline in 2017 Qatar Airways Social progress Social Progress Index 2017 Top 3: Imperative (SPI) Denmark, Finland and Iceland with support from India ranked 93rd Deloitte nd International World’s climate think tanks TERI (2 Place) Center for Climate Governance Swiss National Bank Money parked by its citizens with Swiss UK(1st place ) bank INDIA(88th place )

GQ India magazine Most Influential Young Indians list Actor Ranveer Singh & Bahubali Fame Prabhas

(OECD) and(FAO) Agricultural Outlook 2017-2026 India will be the world’s largest milk producer by 2026 International GlobalMigration Potential (2010- India second highest number of adults Organisation for 15) planning to migrate. Migration(UNMigra Most popular destination planning to migrate tionAgency) is the US.

st Travel+Leisure’(T+L) The World’s Top 15 Cities San Miguel de Allende, Mexico( 1 magazine place) Udaipur in Rajasthan in top 15

Fletcher Digital Evolution Index 2017 India has been categorised under the School at Tufts “break out” segment University A Report by Norton by in online harassment, in the Asia Pacific India ranks first Symantec region.

Forbes’s India Rich List 2017 With a net worth of $38 billion, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) chairman Mukesh Ambani

As per a survey by on the parameter of women safety India’s capital Delhi is one of the worst the Thomson megacities in the world. Japan’s capital Reuters Foundation Tokyo emerged as the safest city in terms of risk of sexual harassment. Quacquarelli University Rankings 2018 Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Symonds (QS) Bombay) has emerged as top- ranked Indian th Asia . institute IIT Bombay has ranked 34 and Singapore’s Nanyang Technology University has topped QS Asia University Rankings 2018. A new survey Indian consumers regard Globally, Amazon occupies the st nd named “Authentic 1 place and Apple the 2 , as the most Brands Study” \ authentic brands, according to the Cohn & Wolfe survey.in India Google as the most authentic brand

Global Hunger Index Chile, Cuba and Turkey have a GHI score of India has ranked at 100th position (GHI), 2017 less than 5 and have ranked as the best among 119 countries nations on the index.

th Brand India has ranked as 8 most valuable nation US retained its top spot as most Finance’s brand valuable nation brand; Nation Brands 2017 report The regulators list SEBI Chairman Ajay Tyagi has been named The regulators list is topped by among the world’s top 10 regulators in the European Unions Commissioner Market structure. Margrethe Vestager

Economist Indian cities Delhi and Mumbai have Japan’s capital Tokyo has topped Intelligence ranked 43rd and 45th respectively Unit’s Safe Cities Index 2017 LinkedIn released a “The Indian Pharma and Biotech India ranks as the second largest market for report Industry”. pharmaceuticals and biotechnology workforce. Travel+Leisure’(T+ World’s best airline Singapore Airlines(1st place ) L) magazine Emirates (2nd place )

National Most terror attacks Iraq(1st place ) Consortium Afghanistan (2nd place ) for the Study India (3rd place ) Oxfam Commitment to Reducing Inequality Sweden (1st place ) &Development Index India (2nd place) finance Global Infrastructure Global Infrastructure Outlook India will need investment of around 4.5 hub trillion USD till 2040 to develop infrastructure. Dell Women Entrepreneur (WE) Cities NewYork (1st place ) Index 2017 Bengaluru (40th place)

Natixis Global Global Retirement Index 1. Norway 2. Switzerland 3.Iceland 43. India Kerala and Haryana tops, Ministry of Drinking sanitation survey Bihar and Uttar Pradesh has least water&Sanitation access to toilets .

Oxford Economics Asian Cities & Regions Outlook Delhi India’s largest 2016 Bloomberg Bloomberg Billionaires Index Lika-shing is the richest man, Mukesh Ambani becomes Asia’s 2nd richest Economi world’s most liveable city Melbourne topped the Global st Liveability Rankings Intellige nce Unit (EIU)

Scimago Institutions Scimago Institutions ranking World 1)Chinese Academy of Sciences. Report 2017. 9)CSIR, India.

World Economic Global Human Capital Index India Ranks 103 Forum China 2017 Global Financial Centres Index 1.London Development 2.New York KantarIi Millward (CDI) BrandZ India Top 50 HDFC3H remains K top position Brown which The report stated that Airtel, State Bank specialized in of India, Asian Paints, ICICI Bank, Kotak brand equity Mahindra Bank, Maruti Suzuki, Bajaj research and Auto, Hero MotoCorp and Axis Bank brand valuation. comprise the rest of the top 10 Platts Top 250 Global Energy Company 1. Russian gas firm Gazrpom. Rankings 2. German utility E.ON. 3. Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL). HSBC Best country for expats 1.Singapore 40 India

Knight Frank Global technology hubs 1.Bengaluru 2.Gurugram

Hurun India Rich India’s Rich List 2017 1.Mukesh Ambani List 2017 8.Patanjali’s Acharya Balkrishna

International Global Cyber security Index Singapore (1st Place) Telecommunicatio India (23rd Place) n Union(ITU) Sustainable Sustainable Development Goals Sweden (1st Rank) Development India (116th Rank) Solutions Network APPOINTMENTS 2017

Name Designation Sher Bahadur Deuba Nepal's prime minister for fourth time UkhnaagiinKhurelsukh New PM of Mongolia Mohammed Bin Salman Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Aleksandar Vucic New President of Serbia Indian-origin Leo Varadkar Next Ireland PM Ana Brnabic First openly gay and first female Prime Minister of Serbia Jagmeet Singh First non-white politician to lead a major party in Canada Mihai Tudose Prime-minister designate in Romania Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Prime Minister of Pakistan Angela Merkel Chancellor of Germany Bjarni Benediktsson (Resigns) Iceland PM Mercedes Araoz Peru PM Halimah Yacob First female President of Singapore Peter O’Neill Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Hassan Rouhani President of Iran Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif (resigns) Over Panama Papers verdict Khaltmaa Battulga (Democratic Wins Mongolian presidential election Carrie Lam Hong Kong's first female leader Ram Nath Kovind (NDA) 14th President of India Uhuru Kenyatta President of Kenya Paul Kagame President of Rwanda Joao Lourenco Angola’s first new president in 38 years JacindaArdern New Zealand Prime Minister (youngest-ever female) Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav President of 72nd session of the UN General Assembly. Sunny Verghese – World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Chair from 2018 Lt General Mahesh Senanayake New Army Commander of Sri Lanka. Sandeep Chakravorty (India's New York Consul General Ambassador to Peru ) Justice Gopal Prasad Parajuli Chief Justice of Nepal Kaushik Basu International Economic Association president. Sushila Karki (retires) First woman Chief Justice of Nepal Supreme Court 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)

Neeru Chadha First Indian woman member of ITLOS

Indian origin Sikh Palbinder Kaur First turbaned judge in Canada

Preet Gill First female Sikh MP to be elected to the UK's Houses of Parliament

Darshan Lal First Hindu in Pakistan's Cabinet in 20 years

Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah First Ever black assistant for Queen Elizabeth

M&M's Rajeev Dubey Governing board of the International Labour Organisation Raquel Dodge first woman General Prosecutor of Brazil

Brenda Hale UK supreme court's first female president

Former minister Lord Davies Chair of the UK India Business Council

Brenda Hale UK Supreme Court’s first female president

Dr SoumyaSwaminathan WHO’s deputy director general

Zafar Mahmood Abbasi New Navy Chief of Pakistan

John K Paul (re-elected) Federations of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA)- President France’s Audrey Azoulay Next UNESCO chief

Indian Appointments

Sunil Arora Election Commissioner Rajiv Mehrishi Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Rajiv kumar NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar Department of Financial Services Secretary U. Kamachi Mudali chief executive of the Heavy Water Board Anita Karwal CBSE chairperson Nirmala Sitharaman First independent woman Defence Minister of India Rajyavardhan Singh New Sports Minister Ram Nath Kovind (resigns) Bihar Governor KeshriNathTripathi Bihar Governor Mukul Rohatgi Country's chief law officer (14th attorney general) Justice CS Karnan becomes (retires) First High Court Judge to retire while absconding Rajiv Gauba Home Secretary Yudhvir Singh Malik Secretary, Road Transport and Highways. Subhash C. Garg Secretary of Economic Affairs. Aruna Sundarajan 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. Sanjeevanee Kutty, 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 R K Pachnanda Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). John Joseph Director General of GST intelligence agency Raninder Singh (Re-elected) National Rifle Association of India President Debi Prasad Dash Director General of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). Ruchira Kamboj High Commissioner of India to the Republic of South Africa JDU President Nitish Kumar Chief Minister of Bihar for 6th time TR Zeliang 19th Cheif Minister of Nagaland. KK Venugopal 15th Attorney General of India Achal Kumar Jyoti 21st Chief Election Commissioner Smriti Irani Additional charge as I&B Minister NarendraTomar Additional charge -Minister for housing and urban affairs. Rajiv Kumar Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh Himachal Pradesh DGP Sanjay Kumar National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Chief M Venkaiah Naidu 13th Vice President of India Sameer Garde Cisco president for India, Saarc region Arvind Panagariya (resigns ) As NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog Lt.Gen. Abhay Krishna Chief of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command Prasoon Joshi CBFC chairperson Justice Dipak Misra 45th Cheif Justice of India Banwarilal Purohit Governor of Tamil Nadu Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi Lieutenant Governor for Andaman and Nicobar Islands Brigadier (Retd.) BD Mishra Governor ofArunachal Pradesh Jagdish Mukhi Governor of Assam Ganga Prasad Governor of Meghalaya Satya Pal Malik Governor of Bihar Arvind Subramanian one-year extension as Chief Economic Advisor Vanlalawmpuii Chawngthu Mizoram’s first woman minister in 30 yrs Rajnikant Mishra Chief of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Gautam Bambawale India’s high commissioner to china Viveck Goenka PTI Chairman N. Ravi PTI Vice Chairman Harshil Mehta MD & CEO of DHFL Baijendra Kumar NMDC chief O Panneerselvam Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Dipak Misra 45th Chief Justice of India Rajiv Bansal Air India chief Sekhar Basu 1 Year Extension as Atomic Energy Secretary Ajay Bisaria High Commissioner to Pakistan Y C Modi Director General of NIA Dharmendra Kumar Director General of RPF Rajiv Gauba Union Home Secretary Sanjay Kothari Secretary to new President Ram Nath Kovind I.V. SubbaRao Secretary to Vice President Ranjit Kumar (resigns) Solicitor General of India

Banking Appointments

KV Rama Moorthy MD & CEO of TMB Rajnish Kumar SBI Chairman Ajay Vipin Nanavati Chairman of Syndicate Bank Nachiket Mor Re-appointed as a member of the Eastern local board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Dr. Mamta Suri Executive Director of IBBI RK Sharma Administrator for Sahara India Life Insurance Jeevandas Narayan Managing director of Manappuram Home Finance K G Karmakar, Gauri Shankar Directors of India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) Shikha Sharma (Term Extended Axis Bank CEO three- year from June 2018 ) Ajay Kanwal Janalakshmi Financial Services- CEO Mukesh Kumar Jain MD & CEO of Oriental Bank S Ganesh Kumar Executive Director of Reserve Bank of India Sunil Kakar MD and CEO of IDFC Bank B K Manjunath Part-time chairman Lakshmi Vilas Bank Subhash Chandra Garg India’s Alternate Governor on the Board of Governors of ADB Ravi Mittal Part-time member on IRDAI board P R Seshadri MD and CEO of Karur Vysya Bank Mohammad Mustafa CMD Of SIDBI David Rasquinha Exim Bank MD MD and CEO of Vijaya Bank Sankara Narayanan Sankara Rao IFCI Chief Executive Officer S.Aparna Executive Director of World Bank Vikram Limaye MD & CEO of National Stock Exchange Ashish Chauhan CEO of BSE Dhirendra Swarup BSE chairman Dilip Asbe Chief executive of NPCI B Sambamurthy NPCI interim Board chairman

Private Appointments

Roopa Purushothaman Chief Economist & Head of Policy Advocacy of Tata Sons Dara Khosrowshahi CEO of Uber Puneet Chhatwal MD and CEO of Indian Hotels Vasant Narasimhan CEO of Novartis CMD of Coal India Gopal Singh A.B. Pandey Additional Charge as GSTN Chairman Abhay Firodia Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) president Pat Hickey (resigns ) Member of International Olympic Committee Raj Shah Principal Deputy Press Secretary in US Brian Acton (resigns ) WhatsApp Mahendra Pratap Mall CMD of IRCTC Nagaraja Sharma CMD of United India Insurance Peter Thomson First UN envoy for oceans Ban Ki-moon IOC’s Ethics Commission head Suresh Chitturi Vice-Chairman of International Egg Commission Vikram Sakhuja Advertising Club President Abanti Sankaranarayanan Chairperson of ASCI Rajat Sharma News Broadcasters Association (NBA) president Balraj Joshi NHPC chairman Chuck Robbins Cisco executive chairman Ram Jethmalani Retires as advocate at 94 Binay Tamang Gorkha Territorial Administration chairman Shashi Shanker ONGC Chairman David Harquail Chairman of World Gold Council Rajiv Sabharwal Tata Capital CEO Royana Singh Banaras Hindu University’s first woman chief proctor Tony Douglas CEO of Etihad Aviation Group Shashi Shekhar Vempati CEO of public broadcaster Prasar Bharati Nirupama Rao Public Policy Fellow to US Think-Tank Vinay Dube CEO of Jet Airways Girish Wagh CV unit head Tata Motors Travis Kalanick (resigns) Uber CEO and Co -Founder. Indian origin doctor Kailash Chand Honorary VP of UK medical body Russian Diplomat Vladimir Voronkov Chief of United Nations CounterTerrorism Centre Rajesh V. Shah National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)Chairperson. SN Subrahmanyan CEO & MD of Larsen & Toubro Hoshiar Singh Chief of Copyrights office 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. N Chandrasekaran Chairman of Tata Global Beverages Sanjiv Goenka IIT-Kharagpur chairman Sambit Patra Non-Official Director of ONGC

Industrialist Sanjiv Goenka Industrialist Adi Godrej Chairman, IIT Kharagpur Chairman,ISB Hyderabad BRAND AMBASSADORS

Person Brand / Campaign Dia Mirza Wildlife Trust of India's brand ambassador Sachin Tendulkar, Novak UNICEF initiative Super Dad highlights the critical role played by Djokovic and David Beckham fathers in children’s early development. Yuvraj Singh Brand Ambassador of EazyDiner Muzoon Almellehan Ambassador for UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Amitabh Bachchan Ambassador to promote Goods and Services Tax Priyanka Chopra Ambassador for Government's Skill India campaign Vidya Balan Ambassador of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). Vidya Balan Brand Ambassador of Signature Global Amitabh Bachchan Ambassador of UNICEF Saima Wazed Goodwill Ambassador of WHO Sandeep Patil Brand ambassador of Indoor Cricket Team Lilly Singh UNICEF's Global Goodwill Ambassador Katrina Kaif Brand ambassador of Lenskart Yuvraj Singh Laureus’ first Indian ambassador Nayanthara Brand Ambassador for Tata Sky Kamal Haasan Brand ambassador of Tamil Thalaivas Bilal Dar Brand ambassador of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Rahul Dravid Brand Ambassador of InCred Akshay Kumar Brand ambassador of Swachh Bharat Mission in UP Hritik Roshan Brand ambassador for health and wellness startup Cure.fit startup Cure.fit Milkha Singh WHO Goodwill ambassador for physical activity in South-East Asia Region (SEAR) PV Sindhu Ambassador of Swachh Andhra Mission. Neymar Goodwill ambassador for Handicap International P V Sindhu Brand ambassador for Bridgestone India Parineeti Chopra First Indian woman ambassador for Tourism Australia. Akshay Kumar Brand ambassador of the Swachh Bharat Mission in Uttarakhand. Bilal Ahmad Dar Brand ambassador for Swachhata Hi Seva Jacqueline Fernandez Brand ambassador of Delhi Dynamos Corey Anderson Event ambassador for U-19 World Cup 2018- ICC Robert Mugabe WHO withdraws as goodwill ambassador title BUSINESS/CORPORATE NEWS 2017

Amazon Opened its largest fulfillment center in India on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Google Tez Become the latest UPI-based payments app in the country. The app can be used to pay for movie tickets, utility bills, & make other transactions online. Suzuki Motor will invest more than Rs 1,150 crore along with Japanese partners Toshiba & Denso to set up India's first lithium-ion battery facility in Gujarat. London's transport regulator stripped Uber of its licence to operate, affecting over 40,000 drivers in a huge blow to the taxi app. Samsung’s Bixby Voice now works in India. Bixby is meant to do additional & on-phone tasks which Samsung hopes will make getting things done faster & easier. Twitter Announced a test project allowing tweets to be expanded to 280 characters, double the existing limit in the latest effort to boost flagging growth at the social network. Samsung Tied up with State Bank of India to store higher variants of SBI debit cards on the app. Facebook Acquired an artificial intelligence (AI) startup Ozlo that specialises in understanding text-based conversations. Two Iranian companies Signed the Iran’s biggest-ever car deal with French multinational automobile manufacturer Group Renault to produce 150,000 cars, beginning in 2018. Netflix Acquired Millarworld, a comic book company. Amazon Launched its virtual customer service (VCS) model, to create cost efficient employment prospects for skilled candidates seeking more flexible work opportunities. BitBay Launched a dedicated platform for trade & exchange of digital currencies such as (Cryptocurrency bitcoin, litecoin, ether, Lisk, monero, dash & gamecredits. trading platform) Uber Launched a business to business model called "Uber for Business " Google has launched its version 8.0 the operating system as Android Oreo. Microsoft Announced its 'Project Brainwave' deep learning acceleration platform for real-time artificial intelligence (AI). Facebook Rolled out 'Watch', a redesigned video platform for creators & publishers. Google Launched 'Hire', a recruiting app for small- & medium-sized businesses that also integrates seamlessly with G Suite. Microsoft Launched ‘Kaizala’, a productivity app that has been designed to enhance the collaboration & communication experience for Indian enterprises. Amazon’s share price propelled founder Jeff Bezos to top of list of world’s richest individuals—for less than a day. Alphabet Google CEO Sundar Pichai appointed to the board of directors of Alphabet. It is the second most valuable U.S. company behind Apple.

Siemens Opened its first digital factory in India after one each in Germany & China.

Google Acquired Bangalore-based artificial intelligence (AI) firm Halli Labs.

Nokia Entered into a wide-ranging patent licensing & purchase deal with Xiaomi Acquisitions & Mergers

 Ambani has announced on 4th of June that RCom-Aircel merged company will be called Aircom.  Microsoft has acquired Hexadite. It is an Israeli startup that uses AI to identify and protect against attacks. This deal cost $100 million.  Amazon is buying USA based Whole Foods in a deal valued at about $13.7 billion.  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).  National Multi Commodity Exchange (NMCE) will merge with Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX) creating the India's third biggest commodity exchange.  SBI and Carlyle Group will acquire GE Capital's entire stake in SBI Card, the second- largest credit card franchise in India.  Yatra Online Inc, India’s second-largest online travel operator has acquired Air Travel Bureau (ATB) for $22.5-27.5 million.  Axis Bank has announced to buy mobile payments wallet provider FreeCharge from Snapdeal for Rs 385 crore.  Facebook has acquired an artificial intelligence (AI) startupOzlo that specialises in understanding text-based conversations  Infosys would acquire London-based firm Brilliant Basics for Rs 62.76 crore (£7.5 million).  National Company Law Tribunal has approved the merger of Reliance Communications (RCom) and Aircel  Microsoft has announced the acquisition of Cycle Computing  ONGC has given ‘in-principle’ approval to acquire government’s 51.11% stake in Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd  Google has acquired a part of electronics company HTC Corporation’s engineering and design teams for $1.1 billion  Flipkart has acquired F1 Info Solutions, a mobile and IT repair services company with a pan-India presence of owned and franchised centres.  NABARD bought 7% stake in SIDBI for Rs900 crore from IDBI Bank  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

FLIPKART Top 3 Buys SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

 The world's first hybrid "aeroboat" has been built by an Indo-Russian joint venture was unveiled in Moscow in June 2017.  The World’s smallest and cheapest private jet Vision Jet has launched in USA.

 Chinese scientists have developed world’s most powerful submarine detector which could find hidden metallic objects, including minerals and submarines.  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.  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.  U.S. Navy recently tested the world’s first-ever active Laser Weapons System (LaWS). It is $40 million system.  Microsoft has introduced “Project Brainwave”. It is a deep learning acceleration platform that will enable faster system processes with ultra-low latency.  Scientists at The University of Manchester have created the world’s first ‘molecular robot’. This robot is capable of performing basic tasks including building other molecules.  Gurugram-based VVDN Technologies, in partnership with Ireland’s Embedded Downloads, launched the world’s first blockchain technology based smartphone ‘BitVault’.  Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced the setting up of a research centre for startups, academicians, environmentalists and entrepreneurs, in Guwahati, Assam.  National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD), world’s largest combustion research centre was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology,Madras. Space News

 India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also referred to as Mangalyaan, completed 1000 Earth days in Martian orbit and is still in good health.  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is set to launch the world’s first mission directly into the atmosphere of the sun in 2018.  NASA’s Orion spacecraft, designed to take astronauts to deep space destinations successfully completed a series of tests for its critical safety systems.  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.  NASA's Kepler space telescope has spotted 219 new potential planets.  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.  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 is developing the first-ever mission that will deflect a near-Earth asteroid  Astronomers from Cambridge University have discovered a smallest star in our galaxy.The star known as EBLM J0555- 57Ab  Astronomers had discovered seven Earth-sized planets orbiting a relatively nearby dwarf star. The system is called TRAPPIST-1.

Environment

 China is constructing for the 175 hectare the world’s first “Forest City “ in Liuzhou and it designed by Stefano BoeriArchitetti.  Assam government has raised a new Special Rhino Protection Force (SRPF) 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.  The Indian state of Telangana will have eco-friendly bridges for easy movement of tigers.  Vizag’s Rayichapalu is declared one of the rarest fish in the world by researchers from the Marine Living Resources Department of Andhra University.  Typhoon Haitang struck China's eastern Fujian Province with continual rain blows on different parts of the region.  Typhoon Hato smashed into Hong Kong on 23rd of Aug 2017 with hurricane force winds and heavy rains in the worst storm the city has seen for five years.

Rayichapalu Fish DEFENCE NEWS 2017

 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.

 China has formally launched its first overseas naval facility in Djibouti, an East African nation.  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.  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.  Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman 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.  ‘Pralay Sahayam’, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise was held in Secunderabad.  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  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  NATO military exercises Saber Guardian 17 exercises have begun in Bulgaria. It involves 25,000 military personnel from more than 20 allied and partner countries.

 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.  A 66-member Indian Navy band has joined the historic Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in the UK announced on 5th of August 2017.  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).

 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.

 Nepal India Joint Military Exercise Surya Kiran has launched and it is to be held from September 3 to 16 , 2017 at Saljhandi.  The air forces of China and Pakistan has begun a joint training exercise named “Shaheen VI”.  The Indian and U.S. armies started the 13th edition of their ‘Yudh Abhyas’ series of joint military exercises in Washington, United States.  China and Russia started the second stage of their “Joint Sea-2017” naval exercises in Vladivostok, Russia.  Exercise Panda-Kangaroo 2017” were the first joint drills between China and Australia held in 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.  Pakistan and Russia will hold a two-week long military exercise DRUZBA 2017 in Minralney Vody, Russia.  Bangladesh Armed Forces Division and U.S. Army began their participation in the Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (DREE).

 On 13th – 25th October 2017, Mitra Shakti 2017, a joint exercise between India and Sri Lanka for military co-operation and interoperability, was conducted at the Aundh Military Camp, in Pune. SPORTS 2017

Cricket Virat Kohli Fastest to 8000 & 9000 ODI runs Yuvraj Singh Fifth Indian to play 300 ODIs

Virat Kohli Became the highest run-scorer after 200 ODIs. During his innings against New Zealand, Virat overtook South African AB de Villiers's record.

Australian Cricketer John Wayne Confirmed his retirement from Tests and One-Day Internationals (ODIs). He plans Hastings to focus on T20 cricket. 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 World’s highest-earning cricket coach..He is paid around 1.17 million dollars per Shastri year Shakib Al Hasan Becomes first Bangladeshi to be inducted in MCC World Cricket Committee

ICC Next edition of Mens World T2O will only be held in 2020. Wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Announced his retirement from the international game. He also represented Australia Ronchi, (New Zealand) in ODIs. The eight top teams of the world will be competing for a winner's prize of USD 660,000 in the ICC Women's World Cup. India cricket coach Anil Kumble Stepped down from his position Pakistan Team Won ICC Champions Trophy 2017 beating India in the Finals. Ireland and Afghanistan International Cricket Council (ICC) conferred Test match status. Indian captain Virat Kohli No.1 Ranked Batsman in ODI and T20I in the latest ICC Rankings (as of Nov 2017) West Indies Cricket team Officially changed their name to WINDIES.

Kuldeep Yadav Became first male Chinaman bowler to represent India in One Day Internationals (ODI). Board of Control for Cricket in To analyse the few contentious Lodha panel reforms which are being opposed India (BCCI) formed a by the Board's state units. The committee will be headed by Indian Premier special seven-member committee League (IPL) chairman Rajeev Shukla. Muttiah Muralitharan becomes first Sri Lankan to be inducted into ICC Hall of Fame. Virat Kohli. only Indian in Forbes top 100 paid athletes England Won ICC women world cup 2017 beating Indian women's cricket team in the finals. Misbah-ul-Haq To get ho norary life membership by Marylebone Cricket Club Harmanpreet Kaur breaks into top 10 of ICC Women's ODI Player Rankings(6th position) Mithali Raj Becomes leading run-getter in Women’s ODIs MS Dhoni First Indian batsman to hit 200 sixes in ODIs and Sixth Indian player to play 300 ODI India has been ranked as the No.1 in Tests (Nov 2017). ODI Cricket MS Dhoni has become the first wicketkeeper to effect 100 stumpings in ODI, surpassed former Sri Lankan wicket-keeper Kumar Sangakkara. ICC launches anti- ICC has confirmed that it has opened an investigation in Sri Lanka into corruption corruption investigation allegations. ODI Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has become the first Indian spinner and Third Indian Bowler after Chetan Sharma (1987) & Kapil Dev (1991) to take hat- trick in ODI cricket against Australia at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Cricket Former Sri Lanka batsman Chamara Silva has been banned for two-year from cricket- related activities and for breaching the spirit of the game during a Tier-B first class match.

T20 series Pakistan beat World XI to clinch the final Twenty20 match and the series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium (2-1). T20I 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.

Test Cricket South African all-rounder JP Duminy announced his retirement from test cricket, in South Africa.

IPL 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. The rights from 2018 to 2022. IPL 2017 Winners - Mumbai Indians, Most Runs - David Warner, Most Wickets - Bhuvneshwar Kumar and The Player of the Tournament - Ben Stokes. PSL Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a five-year ban and a fine of one million rupees on batsman Khalid Latif for his involvement in spot-fixing during the PSL.

The Indian Women's Cricket team led by Mithali Raj reached the finals's of the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 in England. The Event was won by England Women's Team. Tennis

Spanish tennis player Rafael won the men’s singles title at China Open 2017in Beiging Nadal. This is Nadal’s 75th Career Title. French tennis player Caroline Won the women’s singles title at China Open 2017. Garcia Chan Yung-Jan of Taiwan and Won the women’s doubles title at China Open 2017. Martina Hingis of Switzerland Swiss Tennis maestro Roger Federer Won ninth Halle Open title by defeating Alexander Zverev in the final match played at Halle, Germany Tennis star Leander Paes Won the Aegon Ilkley Challenger trophy with Canadian partner Adil Shamasdin on 25th of June 2017. It was held in Ilkey ,UK. Indian wild card Nitin Kumar Sinha Won the boys singles title of HCL Asian Junior Tennis Championship held in Pune. India’s young paddler Selena Won gold medal in the Junior Girls Team event to annex the 2017 Egypt Selvakumar Junior and Cadet Table-Tennis Open. GaneshanNeelakantaIyer First Indian to be nominated as a member of the Umpires and Referees Committee (URC) by International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Maria Sharapova of Russia beat In the final match of Tianjin Open tennis tournament. Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 137th edition of the US Open Men’s singles: Rafael Nadal (US OPEN 2017) Tennis in 2017 (Winners) Women singles: Sloane Stephens of US Men’s doubles: Jean-JulienRojer and HoriaTecau Women Doubles: Chan Yung-Jan and Martina Hingis Mixed Doubles: Martina Hingis and Jamie Murray 131st edition -Wimbledon Championships 2017 Category Winner Runners-up Men’s Singles Roger Federer (Switzerland) Marin Cilic (Croatia) Women’s Singles Garbine Muguruza (Spain) Venus Williams (US) Men’s Doubles Lukasz Kubot (Poland) & Marcelo Melo Oliver MArach (Austria) & Mate Pavic (Brazil) (Croatia) Women’s Doubles Ekaterina Makarova (Russia) & Elena Vesnina Monica Niculescu (Romania) & Chan (Russia) Hao-ching (Taiwan) Mixed Doubles Jamie Murray (UK) & Martina Hingis Heather Watson (UK) & Henri (Switzerland) Kontinen (Finland) French Open 2017 Category Winner Runners-up 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)

Football Neymer signs world record deal with most expensive player in football history PSG UEFA super cup football tournament Real Madrid defeated Manchester United Arjen Robben Retires from International Footbal. Arjen was in fourth position in the Netherlands “all time goal scorers” list. Switzerland’s Esther Staubli 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

Spanish Super Cup Real Madrid Wayne Rooney Retires from international football UEFA player of season Cristiano Ronaldo UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Lieke Martens Real Madrid Retained the UEFA Champions League title by defeating Juventus in the final match at Cardiff, UK. England’s Team Won the U-20 World Cup final against Venezuela in Suwon (South Korea). Jeje Lalpekhlua striker Nominated as the '2016 All India Football Federation (AIFF) Player of the Year. First player to score 350 La Liga Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi Iceland became the smallest Nation Iceland has qualified to participate in FIFA World Cup 2018 Sudan Football Association (SFA) World football's governing body FIFA has lifted the ban. Germany won first Confederations Cup title beating Copa America winners Chile held India Football team 96th in FIFA World ranking, its best in 21 years. Brazil Topped Francesco Totti a footballer legend from Italy confirmed his retirement Mission Football Meghalaya CM launches at JN Sports Complex in Shillong Indonesia- To host AFC U-19 championship 2018. FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 Winner England Moto Racing 2017

FORMULA 1 SEASON 2017 Grand Prix Winning driver Constructor Canadian Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Azerbaijan Grand Prix Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Austrian Grand Prix ValtteriBottas Mercedes British Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Hungarian Grand Prix Sebastian Vettel Ferrari Belgian Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Italian Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Singapore Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Malaysian Grand Prix Max Verstappen Red Bull Japanese Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton Mercedes United States Grand Lewis Hamilton Mercedes

Sebastian Vettel Lewis Hamilton

PRO KABADDI SEASON 5 WINNERS INDIAN BADMINTON SUPERSTAR UPCOMING EVENTS

Summer Olympics Women Football World Cup 2020 – Tokyo, Japan 2019 – France

2024 - Paris, France ICC Cricket World Cup 2028- Los Angeles,USA 2019 – England 2023 – India

Winter Olympics Women Cricket World Cup 2017 – England (Winner England) 2018 – Pyeongchang, South Korea 2021 – New Zealand 2022 – Beijing, China ICC World T-20 World Cup 2020 – Australia Commonwealth Games 2018 – Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia Women ICC World T-20 World Cup 2018 – West Indies Asian Games 2018 – Jakarta, Indonesia 2022- Hangzhou, China

Hockey World Cup Mens 2018 – Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar, India

Women Hockey World Cup 2018 – London, England

FIFA World Cup 2018 – Russia 2022 – Qatar