Current Affairs June 2017 PDF Capsule
Current Affairs June 2017 PDF Capsule
Current Affairs PDF: June 2017
Current Affairs for Competitive Exam Contents INDIAN AFFAIRS ...... 3 PLACES IN NEWS ...... 26 FOREIGN VISITS ...... 30 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS...... 38 SUMMITS & CONFERENCES ...... 47 RANKINGS & REPORTS ...... 51 BANKING & FINANCE ...... 61 BUSINESS ...... 77 AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS ...... 88 APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS ...... 99 ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS ...... 110 SCHEMES ...... 111 MoUs ...... 112 COMMITTEE ...... 120 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ...... 121 DEFENCE ...... 133 ENVIRONMENT ...... 134 SPORTS ...... 136 OBITUARY ...... 149 BOOKS & AUTHORS ...... 155 IMPORTANT DAYS ...... 158
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Current Affairs PDF: June 2017
INDIAN AFFAIRS
Stamp on Noted Playwright Balwant Gargi released A stamp on noted playwright and theatre director late Balwant Gargi was released on 31st of May. i. BJP leader and Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher has released the stamp on the commemoration of Balwant Gargi centenary by the Panjab University. ii. BalwantGargi was the founder-director of the Indian Theatre Department, Panjab University Chandigarh.
Railways introduces buy now, pay later service The Indian Railways has introduced a facility on 1st of June of Buy Now, Pay Later service for passengers to book tickets online first and make payment for the reservations within a window of 14 days. i. The facility will allow passengers to travel after five days of booking the ticket. ii. The new Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is in partnership with the Mumbai-based ePaylater company.
Govt. doctors in UP to retire at 62 years The Uttar Pradesh Government has extended the retirement age of doctors from 60 to 62 years. i. The decision was taken by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a meeting held at Lucknow on 30 May 2017. ii. The state requires more doctors to open new units at different hospitals, to set up a new hospital, to open a new 100-bed hospital and to run trauma centres and women care centres.
Telangana government to launch its own 'T-Wallet' ‘T-Wallet’, the official digital wallet of Telangana State was launched on June 1, 2017 by Telangana IT Minister K.T. Rama Rao. i. T Wallet is available as an ‘Any Time, Any Where’ digital payment option for everyone. ii. It has been integrated with various Government departments and services such as Mee Seva, GHMC, HMWSSB, TSNPDCL, TSSPDCL, RTA. iii. It supports Telugu & Urdu besides English.There is no service charge for using T Wallet. iv. T Wallet uses two factor authentication through Aadhaar + Biometric or Aadhaar + OTP to Aadhaar linked mobile number, for feature phone and no phone users.
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Telangana CM announces 6-point comprehensive plan for farmers
During the occasion of State Formation Day , Telangana Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao has announced 6-point comprehensive plan for farmers on June 2nd 2017 in Secunderabad. i. The plans include the following points 1.8 thousand rupees cash assistance per acre per annum to each farmer in the state. 2.24/7 continuous electricity supply. 3.Formation of crop colonies and support price for their yield. ii. He also announced other welfares such as thousand rupees social security pension for single destitute women. iii. The state government is going to implement in coming days like the Chief Minister further announced 15 thousand rupees assistance to mother and child which includes ‘KCR Kits’ worth two thousand rupees to take care of their nutrition and health needs.
Uttarakhand Governor launches Vidya-Veerta mission Uttarakhand Governor K K Paul has launched the Vidya-VeertaAbhiyan on 3rd of June 2017 in the state by presenting Vice Chancellors of universities with the portraits of Param Vir Chakra recipients. i.The Governor has presented the portraits to VCs of state universities and representatives of colleges. ii.These portraits will be displayed at the institutions to pass the message to every citizen of this country is responsible for the country's safety.
Three-day Modi fest begins in Andhra Pradesh The three-day festival Making of Developed India (MODI) fest was launched in Andhra Pradesh on 2 June 2017. It begins to celebrate the successful completion of the three-year rule by the Modi government. i. The festival was inaugurated by former minister K. Lakshminarayana. ii. The festival would be held in three phases in three districts of Andhra Pradesh, at Government Ghantasala Music College in Vijayawada, Ambedkar Bhawan, Rajvihar Circle in Kurnool and at Gokul Park, Ramakrishna Beach in Visakhapatnam. iii. The purpose of the festival is to show various welfare schemes launched by the NDA government during the past 3 years. iv. The schemes were launched for the benefit of the common man, the farming community, the youth and especially the women for their empowerment in the society with the theme 'sabka saath sabka vikas'. About MODI Fest i. The three-day MODI Fest, (Making of Developed India Festival), organized by the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry. 4 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: June 2017
ii. MODI fest is being conducted throughout the country and will be held at 12 places in Tamil
Nadu and Puducherry. iii. The fest also provides the public an opportunity to get detailed information about the various schemes of the Central government like Skill development, Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Fasal Beema Yojana and Ujjwala Yojana.
Railways to reduce emission by 33 per cent by 2030 The Indian Railways is going to reduce emission by 33 per cent in the next 10-12 years. The Railways will going to involve with green initiatives undertaken by the public transporter. i. It will reduce emission through sustained energy efficiency measures and maximum use of clean fuel. ii. The Indian Railways is 12 times more energy efficient in freight traffic and three times more in passenger traffic compared to roadways.
Aadhaar mandatory for kerosene subsidy, Atal Pension Yojana The Aadhaar card has been made mandatory for government subsidy on purchase of kerosene and benefits of Atal Pension Yojana. It was announced by PM Modi on 4th of June, 2017 i. Those who are availing kerosene subsidy or contributing for the pension scheme will now require Aadhaar number. ii. It has been also decided to link the Aadhaar number with the ration card issued to households availing the benefits or with the bank account for cash transfer benefit. iii. In case of Kerosene subsidy the last date to get the Aadhaar or enrolment for getting it will be September 30. iv. For the Atal Pension Yojana, the deadline for getting the Aadhaar is 15th June.
Venkaiah Naidu flag off segregated waste collection vehicles The government launched the solid waste segregation at source in the National Capital Region (NCR) on 5th of June, 2017 i.Urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu will flag off the segregated waste collection vehicles covering a total of nine Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), which includes Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad, besides five ULBs of Delhi.
Women to be allowed in combat roles in Indian Army, says Gen Bipin Rawat Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said that Women to be allowed in combat roles in Indian Army. i. Currently women are allowed in medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wings of the Army.
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Cabinet approves Initial Public Offer of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited Cabinet has approved the initial public offer of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, enabling it to mobilise funds for the clean energy sector. • Under the listing proposal, IREDA will issue fresh 13.90 crore shares, increasing the paid up share capital of the company from Rs 784 crore to Rs 923 crore. • At present the company has 78.46 crore equity
Kerala govt implements 'green protocol' for weddings The Government of Kerala has implemented a green protocol for weddings more nature- friendly. i. With the implementation of the green protocol, the use of plastic and other non-degradable articles including disposable glasses, plates and thermocol decorations would be prohibited at marriage functions. ii. The main objective behind the initiative is to reduce the use of plastic in daily life.
Shri J P Nadda launches Skill for Life Save a Life Union Government has launched a Skill for Life, Save a Life Initiative on 6th of June. i. Its aim is to promote skill development in the health sector. ii. Its objective is to upscale the quantity and quality of trained professionals in the healthcare system.
Centre clears kambala Bill The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill 2017 has cleared by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice on June 8, 2017 .
Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital(SATH) program launched by NITI Aayog 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’. More Details about ‘SATH’ Program: 1. Objective: To identify and build three future ‘role model’ states for health systems. 2. Implementation: NITI Aayog along with McKinsey & Company and IPE Global 3. consortium will work in close collaboration with administrative machinery and
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institutions in the three selected states to accomplish the end objectives.
Selection of States for ‘SATH’ Program: Three model states will be selected on basis of three-stage process comprising expression of interest, presentations by the states and assessment of commitment to health sector reforms. • So far, sixteen states have expressed prima facie interest, and fourteen have presented their project proposal to a Committee headed by Member of NITI Aayog, Bibek Debroy. The committee comprises CEO, Amitabh Kant as well as a representative from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Aadhaar linkage with PAN mandatory, rules Supreme Court Supreme Court has ruled that it would be mandatory for all Aadhaar holders to link the unique identity number with the PAN for filing income tax returns. i. The Supreme Court on 9th of June confirms the government’s decision to link Aadhaar with the permanent account number (PAN) for the filing of income tax returns. ii. Supreme court also mentioned that non-compliance with the law will carry no retrospective criminal consequences.
Ministry of AYUSH launches awareness drive to increase popularity of Yoga through life- size Mascots The Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN)has initiated Yoga Awareness Drive through Mascots and Flash Mobs (YogMob). i. The Central Council for Research in Yoga &Naturopathy (CCRYN) comes under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. ii. It has been launched to increase popularity of Yoga especially among the youth.
22nd edition of European Union Film Festival begins The 22nd European Union Film Festival (EUFF) has opened at Siri Fort auditorium on 10th of June, 2017 with the screening of Estonian film Cherry Tobacco. i. The five-day event is being organised by the Delegation of the EU and Embassies of EU Members. ii. It is in collaboration with Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. iii. Movies from comedy to family drama, romance and adventure are part of EUFF. iv. Tomasz Kozlowski, ambassador of European Union to India said it is believed that cinema has a universal appeal and helps to bring people and cultures together.
Insurance up for crop loan in Rajasthan The Rajasthan government has raised the insurance cover by 1 lakh to 6 lakh for farmers who avail crop loan from cooperative banks in the State. 7 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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i. It aims to bring around 25 lakh peasants under the scheme. ii. The Rajasthan government has raised the insurance amount by 1 lakh in the present fiscal year in the ‘Raj Sahakar Personal Accident Insurance Scheme’ targeted to cover more than 25 lakh farmers.
Jitendra Singh Announces Hill Area Development Programme in Manipur 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) i. He announced the launch of the programme to address a meet of Investors and Entrepreneurs, organised by NEDF (North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd), with joint participation of the Union Ministry of DoNER and the Government of Manipur. ii. The programme aims to bridge the gap between the hill and valley districts in terms of infrastructure, quality of roads, health and education.
Government launches Tele-Law initiative In order to make legal aid easily accessible to the marginalized communities and citizens living in rural areas, Government of India has launched the ‘Tele-Law’ pilot project on June 11, 2017. More Details about Tele-Law Initiative: Union Ministry of Law and Justice has partnered with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, to provide legal aid services through its Common Service Centres (CSC) at the panchayat level across India. Ravi Shankar Prasad is the current Union Minister of Law & Justice and Electronics & IT. • Under the first phase, the ‘Tele-Law’ scheme will be launched as a pilot across 500 CSCs in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. • A portal called ‘Tele-Law’ will be launched, to connect the citizens to legal service providers with the help of technology-enabled platforms. • ‘Tele-Law’ will enable people to seek legal advice from a panel of lawyers sitting in state capitals through video conferencing available at the CSC.The panel of lawyers will be provided by National Legal Service Authority (NALSA).
Indian Railways to induct 40,000 refurbished coaches by 2023, earmarks Rs 8,000 crore The Indian Railways is planning to induct about 40,000 coaches by 2023. i. It will include improved interiors and upgraded facilities at an estimated cost of Rs 8,000 crore to provide world-class comfort to passengers. ii. The aim is to make available 40,000 new look coaches in the railway fleet by 2023.
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Meghalaya passes resolution opposing Centre's notification on cattle sale
On June 12, 2017, Meghalaya state assembly unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Centre's notification banning the sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter and demanded its withdrawal as it would impact the economy of the state and the food habit of its people. i. Members of the assembly from all political parties supported the resolution tabled by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma. ii. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had issued the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 on May 23, 2017.
Central nod for setting up of 100 AYUSH hospitals According to the Minister of state for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik said that the Centre has approved proposals for setting up of 100 Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) hospitals across the country. i. The Union government had approved posting of 4000 AYUSH doctors in primary health centres across the country. ii. A total of Rs 283.6 lakh has been released out of sanctioned amount of Rs 563 crore for conservation and development for medicinal plants across Tamil Nadu.
Cabinet approves Interest Subvention to banks on Short-Term crop loan to farmers Union Cabinet has approved the Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS) for farmers for the year 2017-18. Salient Features of Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS): • The Central Government will provide interest subvention of 5% per annum to all prompt payee farmers for short term crop loan up to one year for loan up to Rs. 3 lakhs borrowed by them during the year 2017-18. • The Central Government will provide approximately 20,339 crore as interest subvention for 2017-18.
Cabinet approves proposal to introduce the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill 2017 Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to introduce a Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017. Salient Features of Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017: • The Bill would provide for a comprehensive resolution framework for specified financial sector entities to deal with bankruptcy situation in banks, insurance companies and financial companies.
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• It will complement recently enacted the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 for
the insolvency resolution of non- financial entities.
Ministry of Railways launches Mission Retro-Fitment Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu has launched Mission Retro-Fitment to enhance the passenger experience by upgrading the existing fleet of coaches. i. Mission Retro-Fitment is a program of railways to upgrade the level of furnishing & facilities in the coaches of Indian Railways. ii. It aimed at providing a safe and comfortable travel to the railway passengers. iii. The refurbished coaches will have the following features will be World class ambiance, Enhanced Passenger Safety, Caring for the Environment, Enhanced Passenger convenience.
'Anuyatra’, an empowerment programme for the differently abled launched by Kerala government The Kerala government has presented ‘anuyatra’, an empowerment programme on June 12,2017 i. It aimed at bringing the differently abled to the mainstream and making the state differently abled-friendly. ii. The project would be implemented as an awareness campaign for managing disabilities. iii. The programme will include 23 differently abled children who were given special training in magic were declared as the ambassadors of ‘anuyatra’, which means walking together.
CSO to change GDP base year to 2017-18 from 2011-12: D V Sadananda Gowda The Central Statistics Ministry is set to change the base year of national accounts to 2017-18 from 2011-2012. i. It is set to change after completion of the household consumer expenditure survey and labour force data by the end of 2018. ii. CSO has changed the base of Index of Industrial Production (IIP)to 2011-12 from 2004- 05. iii. The base year of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) has also been changed to 2011-12 from 2004- 05.
Centre launches IDCF to reduce child deaths due to diarrhea Union Health Ministry has launched an Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) across the country on 15th of June 2017. i. It has been launched to reduce child deaths due to diarrhoea. ii. Nearly 12 crore children will be covered during the programme. 10 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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iii. Diarrhoea can be prevented with safe drinking water, sanitation, breastfeeding and appropriate nutrition.
NITI Aayog shortlists States for transformative change in health & education NITI Aayog has shortlisted five states under ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital’ (SATH) program for developing role model states in health and education. i. For Health Sector, the shortlisted states are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Karnataka and Gujarat. ii. For Education Sector, the shortlisted states are Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh.
Shipping Corporation of India, Shipping Ministry organise “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sammelan” in Mumbai On June 15, 2017, Shipping Corporation of India, in collaboration with Union Shipping Ministry organised ”Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sammelan” in Mumbai. i. The seminar was held to showcase the Government’s and Shipping Corporation of India’s achievements in last three years. ii. Ashish Shelar – MLA and Mumbai BJP President was the chief guest at the occasion. iii. Malini Shankar – Director General of Shipping and Vinod Tawade – Maharashtra Cabinet Minister of Higher & Technical Education were the special guests at the occasion.
Govt makes Aadhaar card mandatory for opening bank account The government has made Aadhaar card mandatory for opening of bank accounts as well as for any financial transaction of Rs 50,000 and above. i. The government in Budget 2017 has already mandated link of Aadhaar number with Permanent Account Number to avoid individuals using multiple PANs to evade taxes. ii. Existing bank account holders have been asked to furnish the Aadhaar number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) by December 31, 2017.
PM Modi inaugurates Kerala's first metro line On June 17, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kerala's first metro line in Kochi. • PM Modi inaugurated the first phase - 2 km of the total 25 km stretch - of the Kochi metro from Palarivattom station.
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Must Know Facts about Kochi Metro:
The Kochi Metro is the first in India to use Communication Based Train Control technology to maximise frequencies and minimise errors. • Each station will showcase a theme, such as maritime history, Western Ghats as well as the local history of the city, among others. Moreover, each station on the Kochi Metro will have solar panels, which will focus on producing 35% of the total power usage. • Nearly 1,000 women and 23 transgenders have been selected to work on different roles in Kochi Metro rail system. In Kochi, PM Modi also launched the PN Panicker National Reading Day - Reading Month Celebrations. Besides, Kochi1 mobile app was launched by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to stay connected to all transport systems.
President Mukherjee to inaugurate Green Line of 'Namma Metro' in Bengaluru On June 17, 2017, President Pranab Mukerjee inaugurated the Green Line of Phase I of ‘Namma Metro’ in Bengaluru, Karnataka. More Details about Green Line of Namma Metro: The 5-km stretch of the Green Line will connect Nagasandra in the north to Yelachanahalli in the south. • Green Line will not only bring south Bengalureans on board, it will allow commuters on the North-South and East-West corridors to switch lines at the Kempegowda-Majestic Interchange. • The commercial operations for the Green Line will start from June 18, 2017.
Varsity in TN to offer free education to transgenders The Tamil Nadu government has announced free education for the transgender community in all the colleges of state's Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. i. The decision will be implemented from this academic year. ii. The Manonmaniam Sundaranar University is the first in India to offer free education to the transgenders.
CRPF launches toll-free helpline 'Madadgaar' to assist Kashmiri people The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has launched a 24×7 helpline – Madadgaar – at Srinagar’s Tagore Hall. It has been launched with an aim to help citizens. i. The helpline is the first of its kind in Kashmir with a toll free number (14411). ii. The aim of the helpline is to assist Kashmiris, especially students studying all over the country who face security issues and other problems away from the home.
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Sushma Swaraj inaugurates KIP for young overseas Indians
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has inaugurated Know India Programme (KIP) for young overseas Indians at a function in New Delhi. i. The Know India Programme is a three-week orientation programme for the Indian diaspora. ii. This programme is aimed at promoting awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields such as economic and education.
Govt announces 149 new Post Office Passport Kendras in second phase Sushma Swaraj has announced the opening of 149 new Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs). It will be set up in the second phase. i. In the first phase 86 POPSKs were to be set up — 52 of which are now functional. ii. Earlier it had only 77 PSKs to cater to the whole nation.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY) can now be subscribed digitally through APY@eNPS 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 digital subscription to APY has been enabled to give additional push to cover the as yet unreached population at greater ease.
Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram Celebrates 100 Years The centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat has celebrated at the Nehru Centre on 17th of June. i. It was celebrated with the screening of a documentary depicting its founding and construction. ii. Mahatma Gandhi lived in the ashram, situated on the banks of Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad along with his wife Kasturba from 1917 and 1930. iii. Gopalkrishna Gandhi will inaugurate two galleries titled 'My Life is My Message' and 'Charkha.' iv. He will also release two books titled 'Letters to Gandhi' and 'Pioneers of Satyagraha.'
Railways to launch Operation Swarn to revamp Rajdhani, Shatabdi Trains The Railway Ministry will launch "Operation Swarn" (swarn means gold in Hindi) to improve services in Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express trains. The move has come as a response to repeated complaints of deteriorated services, low quality of food and poor sanitation in these trains. Details about ‘Operation Swarn’: ‘Operation Swarn’ will be conducted in a phased manner. Under the first phase, the Mumbai-
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Delhi Rajdhani Express and Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express have been selected for upgradation, for which the work will start from September 2017. • This operation will focus upon 10 key areas viz. punctuality, cleanliness, linen, coach interiors, toilets, catering, staff behaviour, security, entertainment, housekeeping and regular feedback. • An amount of Rs 50 lakh will be allotted to each Rajdhani and Shatabdi train on various routes for the revamp.
3rd International Yoga Day celebrated on June 21 2017 3rd edition of International Yoga Day was celebrated across India on June 21, 2017 with several government and private institutions organising yoga events for the masses. 2017 International Yoga Day theme is 'Yoga for Health' This year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Lucknow where he performed yoga along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and 51,000 participants at Ramabhai Ambedkar Sabha Sthal. • The NDA's choice for President, Ram Nath Kovind, performed yoga at Central Park in Delhi. • Indian missions in the Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States, among other countries, held programmes on yoga with participants from various sections of society. • The French Embassy in India also held a Yoga and music programme on June 21, 2017. • On June 21, 2017, apart from the national capital, every state organised the International Yoga Day events at all levels. Nearly 3 Lakh perform Yoga at one place, set World Record: Nearly three lakh people, led by Baba Ramdev, turned up at GMDC ground in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on the International Yoga Day on June 21, 2017 to perform asanas. • BJP president Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and former Chief Minister Anandiben Patel were also present at the venue. • After the one-and-a-half hour long session, Baba Ramdev claimed that the event has made it to the Guinness World Records book with nearly three lakh people performing yoga at one place. The previous record was made in Delhi on June 21, 2015, when 35,985 people did yoga at Rajpath with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune selected PM's Yoga award The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute of Pune has been selected as the first recipient of the Prime Minister's award for outstanding contribution for promotion and development of yoga 2017. Selection Procedure: The Ministry of AYUSH had developed the guidelines for the awards and two committees – 14 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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screening committee (for preliminary evaluation) and evaluation committee (Jury)-- were constituted so that a transparent process is followed in finalising the awards. • The jury, chaired by the cabinet secretary, with the additional secretary to the prime minister, the foreign secretary, secretary (AYUSH), and Veerendra Heggade as members, examined the screening committee's recommendations. 8000 students attempt to break longest yoga chain record in Mysuru palace On June 21, 2017, more than 8,000 school children formed the “longest yoga chain” in front of the iconic Mysuru Palace in Karnataka to create a new world record. World’s second biggest celebrations of International Yoga Day to be held in China after India In China, on International Yoga Day (June 21), thousands of Chinese participated in several yoga events organised across the country. • Officials said, it was the second biggest yoga day celebration in the world after India.
Uttarakhand & Haryana becomes 4th state & 5th to be open defecation free Uttarakhand & Haryana has become the fourth Open Defecation Free (ODF) state in the country which was announced Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar . i. Earlier, Himachal Pradesh,Sikkim and Kerala had declared themselves Open Defecation Free. ii. Uttarakhand's 13 districts, 95 blocks, 7,256 gram panchayats and 1,5751 villages, while Haryana has 21 districts, 124 blocks, and 6,083 gram panchayats have declared as open defecation fre
World's Highest Rail Track Survey to Commence at Leh Indian Railways will start the final location survey of the 498 km long Bilaspur-Manali-Leh line at Leh in Jammu and Kashmir this week. i. The proposed new rail line will connect all important locations between Bilaspur and Leh namely Sunder Nagar Mandi, Manali, Tandi, Keylong, Koksar, Darcha, Upshi and Karu. ii. Coming up at a height of 3,300 metres, the strategically important rail project is touted to become the highest rail track in the world, overtaking China’s Qinghai–Tibet Railway.
Aadhaar not valid for travel to Nepal, Bhutan: Home ministry According to the Union home ministry Aadhaar is not a valid identification document for Indians travelling to Nepal and Bhutan. i. Indians can travel to Nepal and Bhutan–both countries for which they don’t need visas– if they possess a valid national passport or election ID card issued by the Election Commission. ii. The advisory assumes significance as Aadhaar is mandatory for a host of things, including government subsidies on LPG and other social welfare schemes so Aadhaar (UID) is not acceptable
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as travel document for travel to Nepal/Bhutan. iii. For ease travelling the persons over 65 and below 15 years can show documents with photographs to confirm their age and identity. iv. These include PAN card, driving licence, Central Government Health Service (CGHS) card and ration card but not Aadhaar.
For the first time in the history of Manipur, 24/7 helpline 181 launched for women The Manipur CM Biren Singh has launched a toll free 24/7 helpline number 181 for women in the state . i. For the first time in the history of Manipur, a helpline especially for women was launched by State Minister for Social Welfare and Corporation NemchaKipgen. ii.It is launched by the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) and department of social welfare.
Government announces 30 smart cities, Thiruvanathapuram tops list On June 23, 2017, Central Government announced another list of 30 cites for development as smart cities under Smart Cities Mission. The names were announced by Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu. About the latest list of 30 cities selected for Smart Cities Mission: Kerala capital Thiruvanathapuram topped the list, Chhattisgarh's new capital Naya Raipur came second. • 45 cities contested for 40 available smart city slots but only 30 were selected to ensure feasible and workable plans that match the aspirations of the citizens. • With this, the total number of selected cities has gone up to 90 with a total investment of Rs 191155 crore. List of 30 Smart Cities selected in the 4th Round of Selection Serial Number City State/UT 1 Thiruvananthapuram Kerala 2 Naya Raipur Chattisgarh 3 Rajkot Gujarat 4 Amaravati Andhra Pradesh 5 Patna Bihar 6 Karimnagar Telangana 7 Muzaffarpur Bihar 8 Puducherry Puducherry 9 Gandhinagar Gujarat 10 Srinagar Jammu & Kashmir 11 Sagar Madhya Pradesh 12 Karnal Haryana 13 Satna MP 16 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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14 Bengaluru Karnataka 15 Shimla Himachal Pradesh 16 Dehradun Uttarakhand 17 Tiruppur Tamil Nadu 18 Pimpri chinchwad Maharashtra 19 Bilaspur Chattisgah 20 Pasighat Arunachal Pradesh 21 Jammu Jammu & Kashmir 22 Dahod Gujarat 23 Tirunelveli Tamil Nadu 24 Thootukkudi Tamil Nadu 25 Tiruchirapalli Tamil Nadu 26 Jhansi UP 27 Aizawl Mizoram 28 Allahabad UP 29 Aligarh UP 30 Gangtok Sikkim
India's biggest municipal bonds programme launched in Maharashtra On June 22, 2017, Pune Municipal Corporation launched India’s biggest municipal bonds programme. The project looks to raise Rs 2,264 crore in five years. • Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu launched the programme at Bombay Stock Exchange on June 22, 2017. About Pune Municipal Corporation’s Bonds Programme: In its first tranche, the Pune Municipal Corporation raised Rs.200 crore through the Bombay Stock Exchange’s bond trading platform at a coupon rate of 7.59% for ten years. • The issue received a good response with bonds being over-subscribed by six times. • The Pune civic body will use the funds for its 24x7 water supply project and has decided to adopt a telescopic water tariff structure for the next 30 years to generate revenue from it • Pune’s bond programme is the first since the publication of the Issue and Listing of Debt Securities by Municipalities Regulations, 2015, by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
A commemorative postage stamp released on completion of 50 years of Passport Act A commemorative postage stamp has released on completion of 50 years of Passport Act on 23rd of June 2017. i. On 24th June,1967 the President gave assent to the Passports Act 1967 and it marked an important milestone in the history of passport issuance in India. ii. The Passports Act provided a robust legal framework for the issue of passports and travel documents and regulation of the departure from India of Indian citizens. iii. It has been decided to set up 235 POPSK in two phases 86 in Phase-I and 149 in Phase- II. 52 POPSK of Phase-I have been operationalized.
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iv. The passports will now be in both Hindi and English and 10 per cent reduction in passport fee for applicants who are under eight and over 60 years of age. This was announced by External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj
Government launches VAJRA scheme to attract Indian scientists abroad The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched a scheme named 'Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty' (VAJRA) on 22nd of June 2017. i. It has been done to bring the Indian scientists abroad and India-based researchers together for conducting joint researches in India. ii. Under this scheme, scientists or senior researchers abroadof Indian origin or otherwise can collaborate with faculties. iii.Under the scheme the broad areas of research like energy, health, advance material and others would be promoted.
Punjab Finance minister Manpreet Badal presented State budget for the year 2017-18 On June 20, 2017, Punjab Finance minister Manpreet Badal presented a state budget of Rs 1.18 lakh crore for the financial year 2017-18. Highlights of Punjab Budget presented for 2017-18 ♦ The budget presented by Manpreet Badal, focused on reducing the crushing debt burden and restoring fiscal stability. ♦ The budget laid special emphasis on education and social sectors. ♦ Badal also mentioned that Punjab’s outstanding debt will be Rs 1.95 lakh crore by the end of the financial year. Free education for girls in Punjab from Nursery to PhD i. On June 19, 2017, Punjab Government announced free education for girls in government schools and colleges from Nursery to PhD. ii. As a step towards women empowerment, reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies has already been increased by the government from 33 per cent to 50 per cent. Punjab announces loan waiver for small and marginal farmers On June 19, 2017, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced total waiver of entire crop loans for small and marginal farmers in 1. The loan waiver has been announced for up to Rs 2 lakh for small and marginal farmers (up to 5 acres) and a flat Rs 2 lakh relief for all other marginal farmers, irrespective of their loan amount. 2. This move would benefit a total of 25 lakh farmers of the state's 18.5 lakh farming families, including 8.75 lakh farmers having land up to 5 acres.
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114-year-old Taj Palace becomes first Indian building to get trademark 114-year old Taj Palace (also referred to as Taj Mahal Palace) in Mumbai has become first Indian building to get itself trademarked, thereby joining the elite and small club of trademarked properties in the world which includes the Empire State Building in New York, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Sydney Opera House. i. Taj Palace getting a trademark is a unique instance as the registration of an architectural design has never been attempted since the Trademark Act came into force in 1999. ii. Now nobody can now use Taj Palace's images for commercial purposes without paying licensing fee to the company.
Shri Piyush Goyal launches Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 On June 19, 2017, Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines launched the Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 (ECBC 2017) which prescribes the energy performance standards for new commercial buildings to be constructed across India. Salient Features of Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 (ECBC 2017): Objective: ECBC 2017 aims to optimise energy savings with the comfort levels for occupants, and prefers life-cycle cost effectiveness to achieve energy neutrality in commercial buildings. Developed by: ECBC 2017 has been developed by Ministry of Power and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) with technical support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the U.S. - India bilateral Partnership to Advance Clean Energy - Deployment Technical Assistance (PACE-D TA) Program. • The updated version of ECBC provides current as well as futuristic advancements in building technology to further reduce building energy consumption and promote low- carbon growth. • The code sets parameters for builders, designers and architects to integrate renewable energy sources in building design with the inclusion of passive design strategies. • In order for a building to be considered ECBC-compliant, it would need to demonstrate minimum energy savings of 25%. Additional improvements in energy efficiency performance would enable the new buildings to achieve higher grades like ECBC Plus or Super ECBC status leading to further energy savings of 35% and 50%, respectively.
Ministry of Culture launches ‘National Mission on Cultural Mapping of India’ Minister of Culture & Tourism Mahesh Sharma (Independent Charge) has launched the implementation of the National Mission on Cultural Mapping of India at Goverdhan Block, Mathura District of Uttar Pradesh on 17 June 2017.
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i. The national mission on cultural mapping was launched at a Block level mega talent hunt programme (Sanskritik Pratibha Khoj Samaroh). ii. This Mission is part of the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ umbrella. iii. It has been launched on a commemoration of the birth centenary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay.
Ministry of Urban Development launches Liveability Index for 116 cities to measure quality of life On June 23, 2017, Urban Development Ministry launched "City Liveability Index". It is a first of its kind initiative to measure the quality of life in 116 major cities including capital cities and those with population over one million. More Information about ‘City Liveability Index’: The index was launched by Urban Development Minister M.Venkaiah Naidu at a National Workshop on Urban Transformation in New Delhi. • The cities will be assessed on a comprehensive set of 79 parameters to capture the extent and quality of infrastructure including availability of roads, education and health care, mobility, employment opportunities, emergency response, grievance redressal, pollution, availability of open, green spaces, and culture. Incentives for Urban Reforms: On June 23, 2017, Mr. Naidu also disbursed Rs 500 crore as incentive to 16 states that performed well in implementing urban reforms during 2016-17. Top 5 Highest Scoring States: State % Marks Andhra Pradesh 96.06% Odisha 95.38% Jharkhand 91.98% Chhattisgarh 91.37% Madhya Pradesh 90.20%
Indian Army rethinking on Sahayak system, may induct civilians in peace stations Indian Army is actively considering recruiting civilian staff in peace stations to do away with the colonial-era Sahayak system, in the wake of some army jawans openly voicing their anger against it. Sahayaks/Buddy System in Indian Army: i. Sahayaks are soldiers and their duties include protecting the officers, maintaining their weapons and equipment and helping them in carrying out their responsibilities. ii. In recent months, a number of videos had surfaced wheresome army jawans were seen voicing their anger over the Sahayak system with some even alleging that they are treated as servants by the officers whom they are attached to.
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Arunachal Pradesh govt raises retirement age of employees to 60 years Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to increase the retirement age of regular state government employees to 60 years. It will be implemented from 1st of January 2018. i. The government observed that there are various categories of employees who are already having the benefit of retirement age of 60 years. ii. The state government decided to implement the retirement age of such employees from existing 58 to 60 years.
Aadhaar details mandatory for subsidy on Delhi e-rickshaws: State govt The Delhi government has made Aadhaar card details compulsory for those seeking subsidy on e-rickshaw registered in the city. It has been announced by the government on 26th of June 2017. i. It has been done in order to "prevent duplicacy" in grant of the financial assistance. ii. As per latest figures, there are over 31,000 registered e-rickshaws in the city. iii. Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has streamlined the process of registration and grant of subsidy to e rickshaws and avoid duplicacy, by making Aadhaar card details mandatory. iv. All the registered e-rickshaw owners whose subsidy claims are pending are now required to submit the photo copies of their Aadhaar card and registration certificate at the office of concerned motor licensing officers (MLO) by June 30.
‘War room’ set up to deal with GST crises A“mini war room” has been set up in the finance ministry to deal with crises related to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on 28th of June 2017. i. Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) chief Vanaja N. Sarna said that the unit will act as a quick resource centre for Central and State government officials. ii. It will address their queries on the historic tax reform scheduled to be implemented from1st of July . iii. The action room, which will function from 8 am to 10 pm, will provide prompt response to queries raised by States and Central government officials.
Election Commission joins hands with Facebook to Launch First Time Nationwide “Voter Registration Reminder” The Election Commission of India has collaborated with Facebook to launch a 'voter registration reminder' on July 1, 2017. i. A notification of the 'voter registration reminder' will be sent on Facebook on July 1 to people who
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Current Affairs PDF: June 2017
are eligible to vote. ii. The reminder will be sent out in 13 languages - English, Hindi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi, Bengali, Urdu, Assamese, Marathi and Oriya. iii. This is the first time Facebook has been used for enrolling new voters across India.
Cabinet approves 7th Pay Commission recommendations with 34 changes, to benefit 48 lakh employees Union Cabinet has approved the 7th Pay Commission recommendations on allowances for government employees. This decision is expected to benefit nearly 48 lakh employees. • The recommendations will be effective from July 1, 2017. • The revised allowances will cost the government Rs 30,748 crore per annum, Rs 1,488 crore more than Rs 29,300 crore estimated by the Pay Commission due to modification in recommendations made by the government.
Cabinet approves development of six laning of Chakeri-Allahabad section of National Highway (NH) - 2 in Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for development of six laning of Chakeri-Allahabad section of National Highway (NH) - 2 in Uttar Pradesh. More Details about six laning of Chakeri-Allahabad section of National Highway (NH) – 2: • The cost is estimated to be Rs.3691.09 crore including cost of land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities. • The total length of the road to be developed is approximately 145 kms. • This project on NH-2 is a part of Golden Quadrilateral between Delhi and Kolkata.
Cabinet gives ‘in principle’ approval for disinvestment of Air India and five of its subsidiaries Union Cabinet has given ‘in principle’ approval for strategic disinvestment of Air India and five of its subsidiaries based on the recommendations of Core Group of Secretaries on Disinvestment (CGD) • Air India-specific Alternative Mechanism headed by Minister of Finance including Minister for Civil Aviation and such other Ministers will be formed to guide the process on strategic disinvestment from time to time.
Dr Jitendra Singh launches new training programme ‘COMMIT’ for State Government officials On June 29, 2017, Dr. Jitendra Singh - Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, launched a new training programme Comprehensive Online Modified Modules on Induction 22 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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Training (COMMIT) for State Government officials.
About ‘COMMIT’: i. The objective of this training programme is to improve the public service delivery mechanism and provide citizen centric administration through capacity building of officials who interact with the citizens on day-to-day basis. ii. COMMIT is cost effective and has the potential to cover about 3.3 lakh officials annually, compared to 10,000 officials under existing 12-Day Induction Training Programme (ITP). iii. COMMIT will be launched in 6 States of Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal initially on pilot basis during the current financial year 2017-18 and within next year it is expected to cover all India level. iv. COMMIT programme has been developed by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
PM attends centenary celebrations of Sabarmati Ashram and launches several projects Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a two-day visit to Gujarat on 29th and 30th June 2017. He attended following events, during the course of this visit: • Centenary celebrations of Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on 29th June, 2017.Event to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Shrimad Rajchandraji at Sabarmati Ashram on 29th June, 2017. • Samajik Adhikarita Shivir in Rajkot, wherein PM interacted with Divyang (people with disabilities). He also distributed aid and devices worth 35 crore to over 18,000 divyang people at a grand function at the Race Course ground, Rajkot on June 29, 2017. This was country's biggest camp in terms of the number of beneficiaries. • On June 29, 2017, at Aaji dam on the outskirts of Rajkot city, PM launched irrigation & water related initiatives. • On June 30, 2017, PM attended a programme to dedicate water supply schemes based on Vatrak, Mazum and Meswo Dams at Modasa in Aravalli district in north Gujarat. • He also inaugurated two water supply projects worth 552 crore for the region and addressed a large gathering at the venue. • On June 30, 2017, afternoon PM inaugurated ‘Textiles India 2017’. • Lastly, PM Modi inaugurated an integrated sports & entertainment 'Arena Project’ in Ahmedabad. PM Modi Inaugurates 'Textiles India' in Gandhinagar On June 30, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Textiles India’, country’s first-ever mega trade event for the textiles sector in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. About ‘Textiles India’: The event ‘Textiles India 2017’, organised by the Union Ministry of Textiles, is aimed at showcasing the country as a global sourcing hub and investment destination. 23 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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• The three-day event is expected to see participation from 2500 international buyers, over
a 1000 international and domestic exhibitors and several top fashion designers. PM Releases Commemorative Coins, Stamp On Shrimad Rajchandraji On June 29, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released coins and a stamp on Mahatma Gandhi's spiritual guide, Shrimad Rajchandraji, at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. • PM Modi released a commemorative first-day cover and a stamp of Rs 5 and coins of Rs 150 and Rs 10 denominations to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the Jain poet- thinker, which has coincided with the Sabarmati Ashram's centenary celebrations. PM inaugurates filling of Aji Dam under Sauni Yojana On June 29, 2017, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, inaugurated the filling of Aji Dam near Rajkot under SAUNI Yojana.
Gold costlier under GST, apparel, biscuits, footwear cheaper Post roll-out of Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 1, 2017, Gold will be costlier, whereas biscuits, footwear up to Rs. 500/- and apparel up to Rs. 1000/- will become cheaper. Important Decisions taken at the recent GST Council meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley: i. Packaged and branded food items will be taxed 5%, tendu leaves at 18% and bidi at the highest rate of 28%. However, unlike cigarettes, there will be no cess on bidi. ii. Biscuits will be taxed at a flat rate of 18%, footwear costing up to Rs 500 will be levied a 5% GST and for those above this would be taxed at 18%. iii. Man-made apparel up to Rs 1,000 will attract a 5% tax, lower than the existing 7%. Those costing above Rs 1000/- will continue to attract 12 per cent. States/UTs which have passed the GST Bill so far: Tripura, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Puducherry, Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Delhi.
GST Council constitutes 18 Sectoral Groups for smooth roll-out of GST The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has announced the setting up of 18 sectoral groups to ensure a smooth roll-out of the GST on 9th of June, 2017 i. The newly constituted groups will represent various sectors of the economy. ii. It will be headed by senior officers of the Centre and the states. iii. They will ensure smooth implementation of GST by timely responding to the issues and problems of their respective sectors. iv. The officials of these sectoral groups will deal with the issues and the problems of the respective sectors they represent.
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Govt sets up GST facilitaition cell in DIPP The industry department has said that it has established a GST facilitation cell on 17th of June 2017. i. It has been set up to address any tax issue that can come up in sectors related to the DIPP. ii. The GST facilitation cell is headed by Sudhansu Sekhar Das, an Economic Adviser of the department.
Latest Developments pertaining to Goods and Services Tax (GST) Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation in India is being considered is considered as biggest tax reform since independence in 1947. FM Chairs 17th meeting of GST Council in New Delhi (Govt sets tax rate on state-run lottery at 12% and govt-authorised pvt lottery at 28%) GST Council set tax rate on state-run lottery at 12% and government-authorised private lottery at 28%. • During this meeting, it was also decided that GST rate of 28% will be applicable forhotel rooms above Rs. 7500. The rate will be 18% for rooms priced between Rs. 2500 to Rs. 7500. GST council relaxes return filing timelines, says Arun Jaitley GST Council has laid out a relaxed timetable and exemption from penalties and late fees to industry while filing GST returns in the first two months. • According to the relaxed timetable for filing returns, the assessees could file their detailed invoice-based returns by September 5 for July. Before the relaxation was granted, the same was to be done by August 10. • Similarly, for August, these returns could be filed by September 20, a relaxation of 10 days. • However, the businesses will have to file GSTR 3B by August 20 in the case of July transactions, and by September 20 in the case of August transactions. These would be based on their own assessments of theirtax liability and input credit. Govt notifies 18 sections, 2 rules for GST On June 20, 2017, the government notified 18 sections relating to registration of current central excise, service tax and VAT payers with the GST-Network (GSTN). Besides, the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has also notified two rules -- registration and composition levy. Key Provisions: • Every business carrying out a taxable supply of goods or services with turnover exceeding the threshold limit of Rs 20 lakh will be required to register.
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• The Sections in the Central GST (CGST) Act notified provide for all suppliers, anyone making any inter-state taxable supply and every existing licence holder and business entity, to register for GST. • Input service distributor, e-commerce operator and person supplying online information and data base access or retrieval service are also required to register. • The provision exempts agriculturist from registration to the extent of supply of produce out of cultivation of land. All these notifications have been effective from June 22, 2017. All States/UTs except the State of Jammu & Kashmir, approves the State GST Act and are ready for the smooth roll-out of GST with effect from 1st July, 2017. As on June 21, 2017, all the States and Union Territories (having assemblies), except the State of Jammu & Kashmir have approved the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) Act. • The last one to join the list was Kerala, which passed the ordnance on June 21, 2017. • Thus, almost all States/UTs are now ready for the smooth roll-out of GST with effect from July 1, 2017. MeitY launches Web Portal for smooth GST implementation With an objective to facilitate smooth migration of taxpayers related to Information Technology Services and Electronics goods to the new GST regime from July 1, 2017, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has launched a dedicated webpage. • The webpage can be accessed through Ministry’s Web Portal meity.gov.in.
PLACES IN NEWS
135th Jagannath Puri chariot festival begins in Odisha The 135thJagannathYatra starts from June 25 and ends on July 3. The end of Yatra is termed as the return cart festival or BahudaJatra. i. The Jagannath Yatra festival will be held in Odisha. The RathYatra festival is related to Lord Jagannath. ii. According to Hindu calendar, this yatra is celebrated every year on AshadhShuklaDwitiya. iii. The 5000 year old chariot festival marks the return of Lord Krishna to Vrindavan with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra.
Inauguration of MITS Mega Food Park at Rayagada, Odisha. On June 1, 2017, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Harsimrat Kaur
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Badal inaugurated first Mega Food Park in the state of Odisha M/s MITS Mega Food Park
Pvt. Ltd. at Rayagada district. ♦ Mega Food Parks create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value chain from farm to market with strong forward and backward linkages through a cluster based approach. i. MITS Mega Food Park has been set up in 50.05 acre of land at the cost of Rs. 80.17crore. ii. Government of India has provided a financial assistance of Rs. 50.00 Crore to the project. iii. The food park is having facilities of fully operational industrial sheds for SMEs, developed industrial plots for lease to food processing units, Rice Processing Complex of 12 TPH, Dry Ware- House of 10,000 MT, Cold Store of 2500 MT, Multi Fruit Processing facility and other food processing facilities etc.
Varanasi to get India's first freight village India’s first ‘freight village’ will be developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. i. The freight village, a one-of-its-kind infrastructure platform, will attract companies that require logistics services and can cluster to improve their competitiveness. ii. The facility will come around the proposed multi-modal terminal adjacent to the city on the banks of the river Ganga.
Odisha to have first automatic coastal warning for disasters in India Odisha is the first State in India to have developed an automatic public address system that can be activated along its entire coast. Early Warning Dissemination System (EWDS) project for natural disasters will be completed by July 31 said by Odisha Government On May 1st i. The system will be helpful in communicating tsunami and cyclone warnings to coastal population directly from the State Headquarters. The siren activation system will be located at the SRC Office. ii. Government is installing Siren System under EWDS which is part of National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project at 122 locations within 1.5 km of the coast. It will cover tourist places, fish landing centers and coastal habitations.
India's first public bicycle sharing project launched in Mysuru CM Siddaramaiah has launched a public bicycle sharing system in Mysuru. A total of 450 bicycles can be borrowed for a nominal fee from 48 automated docking stations. i. The World Bank, Global Environmental Fund and state govt have jointly funded the initiative. ii. A public bicycle sharing system, TrinTrin, was launched on 4th of June by chief minister Siddaramaiah.
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iv.The project is being operated by Green Wheel Ride, a city-based manufacturer of eco- friendly bicycles.
First rural LED street lighting project to take off in Andhra Pradesh Central government will be retrofitting 10 lakh conventional street lights with energy efficient LED lights in Gram Panchayats of 7 districts in Andhra Pradesh. This will be India’s first rural LED Street Lighting Project. More Details about India’s first Rural LED Street Lighting Project in Andhra Pradesh: The project will be carried out through the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power. • Gram panchayats of the districts of Guntur, Prakasham, Nellore, Kurnool, Kadapa, Ananthapur and Chittoor will be covered under the first phase of the project. • Post this replacement drive in rural areas, gram panchayats will cumulatively save approximately 147 million units of electricity annually which will eventually lead to reduction of 12 crore tonnes of CO2. • French Development Agency Agence Française de Développement (AFD) will fund the entire upfront capital cost of this project.
National Human Milk Bank opens at Lady Hardinge Medical College in Delhi for newborn babies A national human milk bank and lactation counseling centre known 'Vatsalya - Maatri Amrit Kosh' has opened at Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi on June 6. i. 'Vatsalya - Maatri Amrit Kosh' will collect, pasteurize, test and store milk donated by lactating mothers and available for infants in need. ii. The bank has been established in partnership with the Norwegian government, Oslo University, and Norway-India Partnership Initiative (NIPI).
Kolkata to get India's first underwater Metro Kolkata will launch an underwater Metro which will pass through tunnels several feet under the Hooghly. i. The first underwater transportation tunnel of India is ready with the second one nearing completion. ii. The tunnel has been constructed 30 meters below riverbed. iii. It will be connecting two main terminals: Howrah and Sealdah - each of which has a footfall of about 10-12 lakh passengers per day.
Arunachal wants separate time zone to improve efficiency, work hours Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, has demanded a separate time zone 28 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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for Arunachal Pradesh to improve work efficiency and save electricity in the state. i. Prema Khandu has mentioned that people in Arunachal Pradesh wake up as early as 4am (according to Indian Standard Time). Owing to this, several daylight hours are wasted as government offices open only at 10am and closes at 4pm. ii. Moreover, a study by Bengaluru-based National Institute of Advanced Studies claimed in a report that such a move could save up to 2.7 billion units of electricity.
Haryana's open defecation-free village to be named after Donald Trump Sulabh International founder and chief Bindeshwar Pathak has announced that an open defecation-free (ODF) village in Mewat will be named after the US President Donald Trump. i. The move will help draw the attention of the world towards India's cleanliness campaign.
Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates ‘Homes For All’ property show in Ahmedabad Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Poverty Alleviation Venkaiah Naidu inagurated the ‘Homes For All’ property on 24th of June 2017. i .The show is organized by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and GIHED CREDAI in Ahmedabad. ii. On the occasion, Mr. Naidu has launched several smart initiatives such as Janmitra Card -‘One Card Many Services’, AMC Seva Mobile Application, Amdavad Airport Shuttle Service, and Intelligent Transit Management System among others.
Govt clears proposal for setting up new airport in Greater Noida The government has cleared a proposal for setting up a greenfield airport in Jewar in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh i. It is likely to be operational in the next five to six years. ii. The airport will help reduce congestion at the Delhi international airport.
Indore India's first city to use robot to control unruly traffic 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. i. The traffic police in association with a private engineering college of the city for the first time installed a metallic robot at a busy MR 9 intersection on an experimental basis to control the chaotic traffic in the locality. ii. This robot has been designed and manufactured by two professors of an engineering college of the city, Prof Rahul Tiwari and Aniruddh Sharma.
Mizoram launches scheme for better treatment of HIV-Hit people The Mizoram Health Minister Lal Thanzara has launched the 'Test and Treat Strategy' of 29 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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the Mizoram state AIDS Control Society (MSACS) to improve treatment for HIV affected people in the state. i. Under the 'Test and Treat Strategy', the HIV affected people would be given free Anti Retrovira Therapy (ART) irrespective of the CD4 count. ii. The Test and Treat Strategy is a new initiative of the Centre to combat the HIV/AIDS disease.
Goa CM Manohar Parrikar inaugurates 3 days MODI Fest in Panaji Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar has inaugurated the three-day MODI (Making of Developed India Festival) Fest at Kala Academy in Panaji on 26th of June 2017. i. It is a programme for taking the achievements of the government to the common people. ii. Parrikar mentioned that after taking initiatives, it is also important for the government to inform people about them. iii. The MODI Fest showcases the progress of various policies and programmes of the central government and its achievements in the last three years.
India's first blood bank for Cattle to come up in Odisha Odisha is all set to become the first state in the country to have a blood bank for the cattle. i. The first of its kind blood bank would be established on the premises of OUAT at an estimated cost of Rs 3.25 crore. ii. The Vice-chancellor of the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) is Surendra Nath Pasupalak. iii.A proposal in this regard was earlier submitted to the National Agriculture Development Programme (NADP). iv. After approval from the NADP, the OUAT is now awaiting approval from the state government. v. The project will have a 60:40 sharing between the Centre and the state government, the OUAT Vice-Chancellor said.
FOREIGN VISITS
PM Narendra Modi visit to Germany, Spain, Russia and France - Overview Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a four-nation tour of Germany, Spain, Russia and France from May 29, 2017 with an aim to strengthen relations with these countries and highlight India as a potential investment destination. PM Modi Visit to Germany PM Modi participates in Indo-German inter-governmental consultations • On May 30, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held the fourth India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) in Berlin,
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Germany to set a roadmap for the bilateral strategic ties. India and Germany Inks 12 Pacts After delegation level talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Vice Chancellor Angela Merkel on a range of bilateral and global issues, India and Germany inked 12 pacts - three memorandum of understanding (MoUs) and nine joint declaration of intent (JDI): Three MoUs between India and Germany: 1. Agreement between the Ministry of Health and BMG (Federal Ministry of Health) on cooperation in health sector. 2. 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. 3. Agreement between the AYUSH and BMG (Federal Ministry of Health) over cooperation in alternative medicine Nine Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) between India and Germany: 1. JDI between the Ministry of External Affairs and the German Foreign Office on cooperation on cyber policy. 2. JDI between the Ministry of External Affairs and the German Foreign Office on collaboration between Foreign Service institutes of both the country 3. JDI between the Ministry of Railways and German Ministry of Transport on cooperation in railway safety 4. JDI on cooperation in the field of digitalisation, empowerment and economic impact between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Germany's Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy 5. JDI between Ministry of Science and Technology and the BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research) for the establishment of an Indo-German Centre for Sustainability 6. JDI between the Ministry of Finance and BMZ (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development) on Indo-German Development Cooperation 7. JDI between the Department of Heavy Industries and BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research) on cooperation in vocational education and skill development for machine tools 8. JDI between the Ministry of Urban Development and German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development on cooperation for sustainable urban development
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9. JDI between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and BMWi (Federal Ministry for
Economic Affairs and Energy) over continuation of cooperation in the field of advanced training of corporate and junior executives from India. PM Modi Visit to Spain Modi becomes 1st Indian PM to visit Spain in 30 years 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. • PM Modi held discussions with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on ways to deepen bilateral engagement, including in the high-tech sector. 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 PM Modi attends 18th Indo-Russia Annual Summit on June 1, 2017. On June 1, 2017, 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. • PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin interacted with the business leaders and reviewed the decisions taken during the summit in Goa that was held in October 2016. • PM Modi also addressed the Petersburg International economic Forum. It is to be noted that India was the guest country for this forum. Modi meets Putin: India, Russia sign pact for 2 nuclear power units in Kudankulam On June 1, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following the talks, India and Russia signed pact for 2 nuclear power units in Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu. Background Information: Russia had been pushing India to sign the agreement on Kudankulam nuclear reactors for the past eight months. The agreement had missed two deadlines 32 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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earlier. Russian officials consider the conclusion of the agreement as the biggest accomplishment during the summit.
India, Russia to set up JVs to build aircrafts, automobiles - 5 MoUs signed In a bid to boost bilateral trade and economic ties, India and Russia have agreed to set up joint ventures for manufacturing aircraft and automobiles. Following five agreements were signed after 18th Indo-Russia Annual Summit: 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. India-Russia mark 70 years of diplomatic ties with St Petersburg Declaration On June 1, 2017, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the St Petersburg Declaration to mark 70 years of India-Russia diplomatic ties. The declaration envisages an action plan for deepening relations in all areas, including political and economic development of the two countries St Petersburg Declaration – • India and Russia will strive to advance the comprehensive development of the Indian- Russian relations, which is a priority of the foreign policy of both the States. • Both the countries will work towards a higher level of military- to- military cooperation by holding regular joint land and sea military exercises and this year both the countries will conduct the first ever Tri-services exercise INDRA-2017. • India and Russia would strive to build an 'Energy Bridge' and expand bilateral relations in all areas of energy cooperation, including nuclear, hydrocarbon, hydel and renewable energy sources and in improving energy efficiency. List of MoUs/Agreements signed on the sidelines of the 18th India-Russia Annual Summit (June 02, 2017) Seven MoUs/Agreements were signed on the sidelines of the 18th India-Russia Annual Summit on June 2, 2017 1. Protocol No.2 to the Agreement dated December 5, 2008 between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Russian Federation 2. Agreement between Heavy Engineering Corporation Limited and Joint Stock Company "Cascade - Technologies for setting up of a Special Purpose Vehicle for railways
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3. Memorandum of Understanding between SREI Infrastructure Finance Limited and State
Corporation 'Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs (Vnesheconombank)' on Russian export support and participation in the development of India-Russia capital goods financing/leasing business 4. Agreement on Cooperation between 'JITF Urban Infrastructure Services Limited' (Republic of India), 'Jindal Rail Infrastructure Limited' (Republic of India), Joint Stock Company 'Russian Export Centre' (Russian Federation), and Limited Liability Company Management Company 'RailTransHolding' (Russian Federation) 5. Memorandum of Understanding between National Investment Promotion Agency 'Invest India' and the Business Council for Cooperation with India concerning the promotion of investment in India and Russia 6. Cooperation Agreement between National Investment Promotion Agency 'Invest India' and the Roscongress Foundation 7. Memorandum of Understanding between 'Sun Group Private Limited' and Joint Stock Company 'Pribor' PM Modi Visit to France India & France decide to cooperate in fight against terrorism, climate change On June 3, 2017, 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.
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley’s 3-day visit to Russia from June 21-23, 2017 Defence Minister Arun Jaitley was on an official visit to Russia from 21st to 23rd June 2017. The visited was aimed at strengthening bilateral defence and security cooperation between India and Russia. • During this visit, Arun Jaitley co-chaired two meetings with Russian Government. • Jaitley also addressed the main Plenary Session of Technoprom, which is a major annual science, technology and innovation exhibition of Russia. India, Russia to step up cooperation in science, technology 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. More Details: India-Russia High-Level Committee on Science and Technology is a newly established committee to discuss cooperation in high technologies. • The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Technoprom exhibition in the city of Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia. 34 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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• During Joint Science & Tech Committee meeting, range of bilateral areas of cooperative
projects including space & marine technologies, IT, Deep Ocean engineering as well as modelling & simulation were finalised. • Cooperation in these areas would be undertaken through futuristic projects with participation of research centres & innovative industrial enterprises of both countries. Working procedures for the Committee have been devised to ensure that mechanism will be dynamic and take speedy decisions towards implementation of joint projects. • Besides, India is considering launching a nano satellite of Samara State University on an Indian launch vehicle. India, Russia agree to roadmap for development of defence co-operation On June 23, 2017, 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.
PM Narendra Modi’s foreign visits to Portugal, Netherlands, US - Overview Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on an official visit to Portugal, US and the Netherlands from 24th to 27th June 2017. PM Modi Visit to Portugal India and Portugal Sign 11 Pacts 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. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Costa launch unique Start-up portal 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. About India-Portugal International StartUp Hub (IPISH): • This platform has been initiated by Startup India and supported by Commerce & Industry Ministry and Startup Portugal to create a mutually supportive entrepreneurial partnership. • IPISH hosts a range of tools and will provide information on the start-up hotspots of Bangalore, Delhi and Lisbon; and on associated subjects, such as policy, taxation, and visa options. India, Portugal Agree On 4 Million Euro Fund To Boost Research On June 24, 2017, India and Portugal announced a four million Euros joint fund to bolster research in science and technology. • These pacts are expected to promote India’s ties with Portugal towards the establishment of a unique centre on the Azores Archipelago – the Atlantic International Research Centre. 35 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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PM Modi Visit to USA India, US agree to strengthen ties to ensure peace in Afghan On June 26, 2017, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump agreed to continue strengthening coordination for ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan as they expressed concern over rising instability in the war-torn country caused by terrorism. • Donlad Trump Trump thanked the Indian people for their contributions to the effort in Afghanistan. India, US joint statement: Prosperity through partnership 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. Following are the highlights of Joint Statement issued by India and US during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to US. The Joint Statement has been titled “Prosperity Through Partnership”. Highlights of India, US Joint Statement: • Both leaders agreed that a close partnership between the United States and India is necessary to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region. • In accord with India’s Think West policy, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi resolved to increase cooperation, enhance diplomatic consultations, and increase tangible collaboration with partners in the Middle East. • The leaders strongly condemned continued provocations by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), emphasizing that its destabilizing pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile programs poses a grave threat to regional security and global peace. • India and the United States will fight together against terrorism which is a grave challenge to humanity. Both leaders committed to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups including Al-Qa’ida, ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e- Tayyiba, D-Company, and their affiliates. • President Trump and Prime Minister Modi pledged to deepen defense and security cooperation, building on the United States’ recognition of India as a Major Defense Partner. PM Modi Visit to Netherlands On June 27, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on an official visit to the Netherlands and held talks with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. • The Netherlands has backed India's early entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and other multilateral export control regimes and supported the India's bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
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• Recalling that the EU-India Strategic Partnership was launched in 2004 during the
Dutch Presidency of the EU, both leaders expressed the hope for an early resumption of negotiations leading to the conclusion of the Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement between India and the EU. • With 20% of India's exports to Europe entering through the Netherlands, the Prime Ministers discussed the role of the Netherlands as India's 'Gateway to Europe' India and Netherlands sign 3 Agreements During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands on June 27, 2017, India and Netherlands signed following three agreements: 1. MoU on water cooperation 2. MoU on Cultural Cooperation 3. Agreement on Amending Social Security Arrangement
Arun Jaitely’s four days visit to South Korea Union Minister of Finance, Defence and Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley was on an official visit to South Korea from 14th -17th June 2017. During the course of this visit, Arun Jaitley participated in the India-Korea Financial Dialogue and the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of AIIB. India, S Korea agree to increase investment to push infra, bilateral trade 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 • With this, South Korea became one of the first non G-7 countries to offer ODA to India. • The signing of the credit and ODA agreement was to implement a decision taken during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi toSouth Korea in May 2015. India-Korea Financial Dialogue in Seoul On June 14, 2017, Arun Jaitley co-chaired the fifth India-Korea Financial Dialogue in Seoul with South Korea Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kim Dong- yeon. • India and South Korea agreed upon the need to stimulate investment flows in times of increasing risk of global protectionism. • 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. 2nd Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) The second annual meeting of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was held on
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June 16, 2017 in South Korea's Jeju Island.
• This meeting was jointly hosted by AIIB and South Korea. The meeting was chaired by South KoreaDeputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon. • The theme of this year’s annual meeting was "Sustainable Infrastructure". • During this second annual meeting of governors, AIIB approved the membership of Argentina, Madagascar and Tonga. AIIB To Hold 3rd Board Of Governors Meet In Mumbai Next Year Board of Governors of the AIIB at their second annual meeting announced that its third annual meeting will be held in Mumbai in June 2018. • The objective of conduct the meeting in India is to deeply engage with local businesses and draw on the infrastructure expertise that India can offer. • It is to be noted that AIIB approved $150 million equity investment loan to the India Infrastructure Fund on June 15, 2017, the bank's first such loan to fund private projects. Other key events attended by Arun Jaitley during his visit to South Korea: • 14th June, 2017: Meeting with Korean Defence Minister, Gen Han Min-koo. Rapidly growing bilateral defence partnership was discussed during this meeting. • 15th June, 2017: Breakfast Meeting with the representatives of the Korean Financial Industry • 15th June 2017: One to one Meetings with South Korean Industry leaders including the CEO of Samsung Electronics, and the Chairman of Hyosung Group among others. • 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. • 16th June 2017: AIIB Workshop on ”Energy Strategy of the AIIB”. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
US to withdraw from Paris Climate agreement: Donald Trump President Donald Trump has announced that he would withdraw the United States from the 2015 Paris agreement to fight climate change on 1st of 2017. i. Trump stated that the Paris accord would weaken the U.S. economy, cost U.S. jobs, and weaken American national sovereignty. ii. He also said that the Paris accord has put the country at a permanent disadvantage to the other countries of the world.
UN General Assembly elects five non-Permanent UNSC Members The UN General Assembly has elected Cote DIvoire, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait, Poland and
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Peru as the non-permanent members of the Security Council for a two -year term. It will begin from 1st of January 2018. i.These five countries got these numbers of votes. 1.Cote DIvoire - 189 votes, 2.Equatorial Guinea-185 votes, 3.Kuwait- 188 votes, 4.Poland garnered -190 and 5.Peru -186
Denmark revokes 334-year-old blasphemy law Denmark has finally repealed its 334-year-old blasphemy law despite warnings that such an act could lead to an increase in hate crimes and terror attacks. i. The law that has just been revoked criminalized blasphemous acts such as burning the Bible or Quran. ii. Paragraph number 140 in Denmark's criminal code stated that persons carrying out public insults or denigrating, in this country, lawful religious teachings or worships, may be punished with fines or imprisonment up to four months.
Montenegro becomes NATO’s 29th member On June 5, 2017, Montenegro officially joined North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and thereby became the 29th member country of NATO. i. Montenegro Foreign Minister Srdjan Darmanovic submitted the official accession papers in a ceremony at the US State Department.
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt & Bahrain cut ties with Qatar 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. i. The three Gulf countries and Egypt charge with Qatar for supporting terrorism and destabilizing the region. ii. According to Saudi state mediaQatar ejected from the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen over alleged support of ISIS and al-Qaeda.
World’s fastest elevator to be installed in skyscraper complex building in China 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. i. The speed was recorded during a test of the elevator in Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre in China. ii. The achievement was recorded by China's National Elevator Quality Supervision and Inspection Centre, a public accreditation body of elevators.
WHO revises antibiotics protocol In an effort to curb antibiotic resistance, World Health Organization (WHO) has divided the 39 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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drugs into three categories viz. ‘access’, ‘watch’ and ‘reserve’ and has specified utilisation norms for each category. This is considered as the biggest revision of the antibiotics section in the 40-year history of the essential medicines list (EML). WHO antibiotic protocol – Categories: • ‘Access’ category: This category comprises commonly used antibiotics, to be available at all times as treatment for a wide range of common infections. Includes amoxicillin - a widely-used antibiotic to treat infections such as pneumonia. • ‘Watch’ category: Second line of antibiotics that are slightly more potent. Includes drugs such as Ciprofloxacin that is used to treat a type of urinary tract infection and upper respiratory tract infections. • ‘Reserve’ category: Potent drugs that should be used only as a “last resort”. Includes antibiotics such as colistin and some cephalosporins.
India, UNOSSC launch partnership fund to promote sustainable development On June 8, 2017, India and the UN Office for South- South Cooperation (UNOSSC) has launched a partnership fund for supporting sustainable development projects across the world. More Details about India-UN Development Partnership Fund: The partnership fund was launched on the occasion of the ‘World Oceans Day’ at Permanent Mission of India to UN.M J Akbar – Minister of State for External Affairs, Syed Akbaruddin - India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Jorge Chediek - Envoy of the Secretary-General on South- South Cooperation and Director of United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), were present at the occasion. • The fund will be deployed to implement country-level projects that are geared towards achieving the 17 sustainable development goals of the 2030 Agenda. • The fund will be managed by UNOSSC and will support Southern-owned and led, demand-driven, and transformational sustainable development projects across the developing world. This is first time India has entered into a partnership with the UN that envisages triangular cooperation with other developing countries.
India awards road contract to complete Kaladan project in Myanmar Indian Government has awarded Rs. 1600 crore contract for building 109-km road connecting Paletwa river terminal to Zorinpui in Mizoram border as part of $484-million Kaladan multi-modal transport projects in Myanmar that will offer connectivity to Mizoram in India. i. The work allocated as per this contract will begin in October 2017. ii. This is the first major project taken up by India in Myanmar. The idea of Kaladan Mult-Modal Tranport Project was conceived in year 2003.
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Indian Ambassador to Kazakhstan inaugurates India Pavilion at Expo 2017 On June 10, 2017, Indian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Harsh Kumar Jain inaugurated India Pavilion at Expo 2017 at Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan. The world class exhibition displays renewable and green technologies. i. Theme of Expo 2017 is “Future Energy” ii. Expo 2017, Astana makes Kazakhstan the fourth Asian country to host a world expo after Japan, South Korea and China.
EU, France grant 3.5 mn euros to curb emissions in India EU and France will give a grant of 3.5 million euros to three Indian cities- Nagpur, Kochi and Ahmedabad. It is a part of the EU’s commitment under the Paris Climate agreement. i. It aims to curb emissions and promote sustainability in these cities. ii. India has become the first country to get benefits from the MYC initiative. iii. The grants have been provided to help India’s smart city programme under the ‘Moblise Your City’ (MYC) initiative.
World’s largest floating Solar Farm launched in China China has launched world's largest floating solar farm consisting 160000 panels. i. It is a waterborne plant and is expected to generate 40 megawatts at one time and could supply electricity for over 15,000 homes. ii. The plant has been built in Huainan city, Anhui Province, bySungrow Power Supply, a Chinese company specialised in renewable energy.
Panama forges diplomatic ties with China, breaks link with Taiwan Panama has established formal diplomatic ties with China and broke with Taiwan on 12th of June. i. Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela said to media that Panama was upgrading its commercial ties with China. ii. Panama is establishing full diplomatic links with the second most important customer of its key shipping canal.
India ratifies two child labour conventions at the International Labour Conference in Geneva On June 13, 2017, India ratified two important core conventions on child labour – pertaining
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to minimum age for admission to employment and worst forms of child labour – at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. i. The two core conventions signed by India are Convention 138, which sets minimum age for admission to employment and Convention 182, which penalises and prohibits the worst form of child labour. ii. The Instruments of Ratification were handed over to ILO in Geneva by Union Minister of State for and Labour and Employment (Independent Charge), Bandaru Dattatreya.
UN approves creation of new office on counter-terrorism On June 15, 2017, United Nations (UN) General Assembly approved the establishment of a new office to help Member States implement the organization's global counter-terrorism strategy. The new Office would he headed by an Under-Secretary-General. Following will be the five main functions of new office on counter-terrorism: 1. Provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates. 2. Enhance coordination and coherence across the 38 Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. 3. Strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States. 4. Improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter- terrorism efforts 5. Ensure that due priority is given to counter-terrorism across the United Nations system and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the strategy. Existing Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force Office (CTITF) and the UN Counter- Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), currently in the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA) will be transferred to the new office, together with their existing staff and all associated regular and extra- budgetary resources. India Wins Re-Election To UN Organ On Economic, Social Issues On June 15, 2017, India won re-election To UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). • India has been re-elected for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2018. • India obtained 183 votes, the second highest after Japan in the Asia Pacific category. • Including India, 17 other nations won election to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). • Belarus, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Japan, Malawi, Mexico, Morocco, Philippines, Spain, Sudan, Togo, Turkey and Uruguay are the other nations who have been elected for the three- year term beginning January 1, 2018.
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India-Afghan air freight corridor to open soon India and Afghanistan are set to operationalize their first air-freight corridor. i. The first flight will be operated by Ariana Afghan Airlines, which is the Afghanistan’s national carrier. ii. The flight which will initially operate once or twice in a month will carry commodities to and from Delhi.
World Taekwondo Federation changes its name as World Taekwondo The World Taekwondo Federation has changed its name to World Taekwondo on 25th June 2017. i.The body was called the World Taekwondo Federation since 1973.It was headqurtered in South Korea
Paris agreement's 1.5C target 'only way' to save coral reefs, Unesco says According to UNESCO greater emissions reductions and delivering on the Paris climate agreement are now the only opportunity to save coral reefs. i.T he first global scientific assessment of the impacts of climate change on the 29 world heritage-listed coral reefs, published on 24th of June 2017. ii. A draft decision prepared by UNESCO to be addressed by the world heritage committee at its meeting in Krakow in Poland from 2 to 12 July, 2017 iii. The prospects of coral reefs long-term survival was at a crossroads, with the worst-case scenario able to be avoided only if we quickly adopt the 1.5C target.
Estonia to open the world's first data embassy in Luxembourg Prime Minister of Estonia Juri Ratas and Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel have signed an agreement on housing data and information systems between the two countries. i. It will create the world’s first data embassy. The data embassy should start work at the beginning of 2018. ii. It will serve in the field of transnational digital cooperation both in Europe and throughout the world. iii. This will be the first data embassy in the world and its establishment is a part of the Estonian general strategy of data management and fundamentally a double guarantee to our data and services.
Beijing launches research project to compile data on disputed region China has launched a research project to compile historical data obtained during expeditions by its teams to the disputed South China Sea since the late 1950s. i. Researchers will collect and compile valuable data and materials obtained during China’s major ocean expeditions to the South China Sea. It is affiliated with islands and reefs. 43 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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ii. The project has the participation of 193 scholars from 10 domestic research institutions and universities.
Saudi Arabia imposes heavy family tax on dependents Saudi Arabia has decided to impose a family tax of 100 riyals per dependent per month on expatriates. i. The"dependent fee" will be implemented from 1st July and is expected to pose a financial burden on the over 41 lakh Indian families living in that country. ii. As per today's exchange rate, the 100 riyals fee amounts to Rs 1,723 for each dependent. iii. It would mean that for a family of 4 with one working member, an amount of Rs 5,169 would have to be paid to the Saudi government.
India ratifies United Nations Transports Internationaux Routiers(TIR) Convention In a bid to ensure a secured supply chain and boost trade, Indian Government has ratified the United Nations TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) Convention on June 19, 2017. This convention is also called Customs Convention on International Transport of Goods under cover of TIR Carnets. Expected Benefits to India on account of accession to the TIR Convention: TIR will enable India to implement the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, which it entered into this year. • Compliance with the Convention shall ensure enhanced security in the supply chain as only approved transporters and vehicles are allowed to operate in terms of the Convention. • On the eastern front, it will help India integrate with Myanmar and Thailand, as well as Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. • On the western front, it will enable India to move cargo along the International North- South Transport Corridor via Chabahar port in Iran, to access landlocked Afghanistan and the energy-rich Eurasian region. • The TIR system secures customs duties and taxes and provides a robust guarantee mechanism, thereby reducing trade transaction costs, and facilitating higher growth of intra-regional and inter-regional trade. As confirmed by United Nations, the TIR Convention will come into force in India in six months. In order to facilitate prompt implementation, IRU will collaborate with Indian partners on training, development and outreach efforts.
Australia announces online visa applications for Indians from July 1 The Australian government has announced that Indian nationals can apply for a visitor visa online starting from 1st of July, 2017
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i. In the first four months of 2017 alone, the department of immigration and border protection granted more than 65,000 visitor visas to Indian nationals. ii. It will offer benefits like the ability to check the status of applications lodged online, all through the department's Immi Account portal. iii. It will also offer benefits like 24/7 accessibility, electronic payment of the visa application.
China unveils World’s First Train that runs on Virtual Tracks China has unveiled world's first train that operates on a virtual track using sensor technology instead of metal rails. This Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) has been developed by China's CRRC Zhuzhou Institute i. The train can move at a maximum speed of 70 km/hour.Instead of railway tracks, the train runs on rubber tyres. ii. The 30-metre train has three carriages as of now and can carry 300 passengers. More carriages can be added - taking the total capacity up to 500 passengers.
China's fastest bullet train makes debut China's next generation bullet train, with a maximum speed of 400 kilometer per hour, made its debut on 26th of June 2017. It has been run on the country's busiest Beijing-Shanghai line. i. Fuxing is a CR400AF model which boasts a top speed of 400 kilometres per hour and a consistent speed of 350 kilometres an hour. ii. It took 5 hours 45 mins to reach Shanghai from Beijing, covering 1200 km. iii. Beijing-Shanghai is China’s busiest route used by 5 lakh passengers daily. iv. The new bullet trains, also known as electric multiple units (EMU) and on its way, it stopped by 10 stations, including Jinan, Shandong province and Tianjin.
US designates Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin as global terrorist US has designated Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin as a global terrorist on 26th of June 2017. i. Salahuddin was declared "specially designated global terrorist" by the State Department following Modi's meetings with US secretary of state Rex Tillerson and defence secretary James Mattis in Washington. ii. President Donald Trump has signaled the new administration’s commitment engraved Pak-sponsored terror.
US to declare China among Worst Human Trafficking Offenders According to the annual Trafficking in Persons Report the United States has declared China as one among the world’s worst offenders on human trafficking .The report will be presented by the Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to the US Congress. 45 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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i. The declaration would place China in the same category as North Korea, Zimbabwe and Syria. ii. The US is seeking China’s cooperation in combatting North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. iii. In this year’s report, China has been downgraded to the lowest classification as it had not increased its anti-trafficking efforts from the previous year. iv. China will be placed in “Tier 3,” which will be the ranking system’s lowest category. v. Countries listed in this tier are those who have failed to meet minimum standards to prevent human trafficking. vi. Countries like Sudan, Iran and Haiti have recently been on that list.
UNESCO names Sharjah as World Book Capital 2019 Sharjah has been crowned with the prestigious 'the World Book Capital' for 2019 by UNESCO. ii. Sharjah has been chosen for the quality of its literary and cultural activities, and for its unfailing efforts to make books accessible to the entire population of the nation. ii. Sharjah is the 19th city to become World Book Capital. iii. The Sharjah is the first in the GCC and third in the Arab world and Middle East, to have received this recognition
Germany legalises Same-Sex Marriage Germany’s parliament has voted to legalise same-sex marriage by 393 votes to 226. i. German lawmakers have agreed to put the legalisation of same-sex marriage to a vote in parliament's last session. ii. Germany has allowed same-sex couples to enter civil partnerships since 2001, but same-sex marriages remain illegal.
British PM Theresa May narrowly wins Parliament confidence vote British Prime Minister Theresa May narrowly won a confidence vote in parliament on 30th June 2017. i. Theresa May won by 323 votes in favour and 309 against in the 650-seat parliament. ii. May was finally confirmed as the British Prime Minister three weeks after the election, after winning the vote on her legislative program known as the Queen's Speech.
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SUMMITS & CONFERENCES
Rajnath inaugurates conference on disaster management Rajnath Singh has inaugurated a two-day national level conference on "Capacity Building of SDRF-2017" on 6th of June, 2017 i. The conference was organised by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). ii. The meeting would hold discussions to develop a synergy and to strengthen the response capabilities of State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF).
Indian Railway conducts first HR Round Table conference On June 8, 2017, Minister of Railways, Suresh Prabhu inaugurated Indian Railways' 1st HR Round Table Conference in New Delhi. A. K. Mital – Chairman of Railway Board and other senior Railway officials were also present at the conference. The Conference was organized around following three themes: (i)Stakeholders Expectations from HR (ii)The Future of Work – HR Role (iii)Creativity Within Constraints HR experts and leaders of industry held round table discussion on each of the above mentioned themes. Indian Railways – Workforce: i. Indian Railways is the biggest civilian employer in India. It has staff strength of 13 lakh employees. ii. The employees are spread over 10 departments in 17 Zones, 6 Production Units and 68 Divisions. iii. The services of the Indian Railways are 24X7 which includes train operations and other technical tasks.
Ministry of AYUSH inaugurates 2nd National Health Editors' Conference on Yoga in New Delhi The Ministry of AYUSH has inaugurated the second National Health Editors' Conference on Yoga on 9June 2017 at the National Media Centre in New Delhi. i. The theme of this year’s conference is “Yoga for Health and Harmony”. ii. The conference is organized by the Ministry of AYUSH in association with Press Information Bureau(PIB), Central Council for Research in Yoga and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. iii. The main aim of the conference is to give insight to the journalists about the scientific aspects of yoga and its health benefits. iv. It has included over 150 Health editors and media persons from National, Regional and International media organizations.
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v. The workshop will also include short yoga demonstration as well as experience sharing by people who have been benefited by Yoga.
BRICS Media Forum held in Beijing & One Million Dollar Fund Established for BRICS Media BRICS Media Forum was held in Beijing, China from 7th to 8th June 2017. The forum was attended by the leaders of over 25 media groups from Brazil, Russia, India, China and SA More Details about BRICS Media Forum: BRICS Media Forum was held with an objective to improve the high-end dialogue platform for the main stream media of BRICS countries, as well as advance innovation and promote fairness and justice of international public opinion. • The attendees discussed range of topics including multimedia innovation for media development, and duty and social responsibility of media outlets. • BRICS Media Joint Photo Exhibition highlighting the development and cooperation achievements of BRICS was also held during the forum. One Million Dollar Fund Established for BRICS Media Cai Mingzhao, President of Xinhua News Agency and executive president of the BRICS Media Forum announced that Xinhua will provide 1 million U.S. dollars to establish the BRICS Media Fund. • This fund will be utilised for the implementation of the action plan to strengthen cooperation among BRICS Media. • The plan will promote six objectives, including balanced reporting, development of BRICS digital media, financial information services and promoting people- to-people contacts.
India, Pakistan become members of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at Astana Summit On June 9, 2017, the Presidents of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member- states -- China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan -- signed a document granting membership to Pakistan and India. The document was signed at Astana, Kazakhstan during the SCO Summit. • 2017 SCO summit is based on the theme “Future Energy” PM Modi visit to Astana to participate in SCO summit On June 8, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. • On June 9, 2017, PM Modi attended the SCO Summit and also attended this year’s World Exposition which is hosted by Kazakhstan. • At the SCO Summit, he expressed gratitude to the SCO for accepting India's membership. • PM Modi mentioned that energy, education, transport, agriculture, security, development and trade would be the top drivers in India's ties with the SCO. 48 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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Second Mission Innovation(MI) Ministerial held in Beijing, China
The Second MI Ministerial (MI-2) is to beheld in Beijing, China from 7-8 June 2017. i. MI-2 will share knowledge and collaborate on priorities for clean energy innovation. ii. MI-2 will be co-located with the eighth Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM8). iii. Under this event it includes ministerial working sessions, opportunities for high- profile announcements, Innovation Challenge discussions, and a series of side events. iv. MI focuses on research and development for the new technologies of tomorrow.
Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurates 16th NERCPA Conference at Imphal Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan will inaugurate the 16th North East Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA) Conference at Imphal on 15th of June 2017. i. The conference will planned on themes like 'North East and Look East Policy', 'Special plan for development of railways and airways for speedy economic development of North East region', and 'Setting up of a chapter of Speaker's Research Initiative (SRI) in the region'. ii. It helps in recognizing the importance of north-east region in the holistic development of India.
G7 environment ministers meeting 2017 held in Bologna, Italy Group of Seven (G7) Environment Ministers Meeting was held in Bologna, Italy on 11th and 12th June, 2017 to discuss issues ranging from climate change to sustainable development and litter at sea. Highlights of G7 Environment Ministers Meeting 2017: • The meeting was attended by the Environment Ministers of the seven countries (US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan) and the Commissioners of the European Union for Environment and Climate. • The meeting was also attended by the Environment Ministers of four outreach countries (Chile, Maldives, Ethiopia and Rwanda) that are committed to environmental policies. • Discussions at the meeting focused on global environmental challenge, such as the state of implementation of the goals set by the Paris Agreement to fight climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN 2030 Agenda. • Traditional G7 important issues, such as Marine Litter and Resource Efficiency were also discussed. • ‘5-year Bologna Roadmap’ was adopted at the meeting, which focuses on important issues such as resource efficiency indicators, citizen involvement, awareness on food waste and economic analysis of the efficient use of resources.
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2017 BIO International Convention held in US
2017 Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) International Convention was held in the San Diego Convention Centre, San Diego, US from 19th June to 22nd June, 2017. • Indian delegation taking part in 2017 BIO International Convention, was led by Y S Chowdary, Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences. • During his address to students, Mr. Chowdary informed that the Indian Government had several prestigious schemes like Ramalingaswamy Fellowship; DST Inspire, DBT- Welcome Trust Fellowship and Innovative Young Biotechnologist. INDIA PAVILION at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) International Convention & Exhibition San Diego, USA The Indian Pavilion at BIO International Convention & Exhibition 2017, San Diego, US was inaugurated by the Minister of State for S&T and Earth Sciences, Y S Chowdary. • The MAKE IN INDIA theme has been emphasized in the Indian Pavilion.
• Y S Chowdary also released a 60-page India Biotech Handbook 2017, showcasing the strengths of India’s fast-growing $42 billion Bio-Economy.
6th Joint Trade Committee Meeting between India and Myanmar held in New Delhi On June 27, 2017, 6th India Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Meeting co-chaired by Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Commerce & Industry from India and Dr. Than Myint, Union Commerce Minister from Myanmar was held in New Delhi. Highlights of 6th India Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Meeting: i. Ms Nirmala Sithraman sought the cooperation of the Myanmar side in actively pursuing enhanced road, sea and air connectivity between the two countries. ii. Highlighting the progress made by India in various components of the Kaladan Multimodal Transport Project, she sought the cooperation of the Myanmar to expedite work on their side. iii. Both sides also agreed to deepen their engagements in some of the mutually identified core sectors.
World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2017 held in Switzerland The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2017 was held from 12-16 June 2017, in Geneva, Switzerland. More Information about World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2017: i. The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2017 represents the world's largest annual gathering of the ‘ICT for development’ community. ii. The annual WSIS Forum is a global multi-stakeholder platform facilitating the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines for advancing sustainable development.
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BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting held in Beijing, China Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh attended a Meeting of Foreign Ministers of BRICS countries in Beijing, China on 18th and 19th June, 2017. Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who was scheduled to attend this meeting but later cancelled it owing to health reasons. Highlights of BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting: The meeting was chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.Besides V K Singh, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, South African Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes also attended the meeting. • During his address at the meeting, V K Singh urged the member countries not to differentiate between “good and bad” terrorists – in an apparent reference to Pakistan.
• It is to be noted that BRICS Summit will be held in September 2017 in Xiamen, China, which will be attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
RANKINGS & REPORTS
India ranked 137th in the Global Peace Index 2017 India has ranked 137th out of 163 countries on Global Peace Index 2017 published by The Institute of Economics and Peace. This is the eleventh edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI). Top 5 Most Peaceful Countries as per 2017 Global Peace Index: Rank Country 1st Iceland 2nd New Zealand 3rd Portugal 4th Austria 5th Denmark
India has 31% of world’s poor kids: report According to a new report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) about 31% of the world’s “multidimensionally poor” children live in India. i.The study is based on a survey conducted among 103 countries. ii.In terms of countries, fully 31% of the 689 million poor children live in India. iii.This is followed by Nigeria (8%), Ethiopia (7%) and Pakistan (6%). About Multidimensionally Poor i.A multidimensionally poor child is one who lacks at least one-third of ten indicators, grouped into three dimensions of poverty: health, education and standard of living. 51 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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ii.The health dimension comprises indicators such as nutrition, child mortality, and education. iii.Under standard of living are indicators such as access to cooking fuel, improved sanitation, safe drinking water, electricity, flooring, and asset ownership. iv.India stood 37th among 103 countries. v.Out of India’s 217 million (21.7 crore) children, 49.9% were multidimensionally poor.
India slips to 45th Spot in IMD's World competitiveness list India has ranked 45th out of 63 countries in the World Competitiveness Rankings 2017, compiled by the International Institute for Management Development's (IMD) World Competitiveness Center. Highlights of World Competitiveness Rankings 2017: Hong Kong topped the rankings for the second year.Hong Kong is followed by Switzerland at second position and Singapore at third position. • USA ranked at fourth position. This is its lowest ranking since past five years. • India’s 45th rank in this year’s rankings marks a drop by 4 places from 41st rank in 2016 rankings. • China ranked at 18th position, jumping seven spots from 2016 ranking. Improvement in China’s rank this year has been ascribed to its dedication to international trade. • Venezuela ranked last at 63rd • Cyprus and Saudi Arabia have featured in the rankings for the first time. World Competitiveness Rankings 2017 – Top 10: Rank Country 1st Hong Kong 2nd Switzerland 3rd Singapore 4th USA 5th Netherlands
India overtakes China to top global retail index says GRDI report India has overtaken China and has ranked as the top country in the 2017 Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) released by A.T. Kearney. Highlights of 2017 Global Retail Development Index (GRDI): 2017 GRDI titled ‘The Age of Focus’ has outlined that India's rapidly growing economy, relaxation ofForeign Direct Investment (FDI) rules and a consumption boom triggered by growing middle class population are the key factors on basis of which India topped the index this year. • China, which held the No. 1 position in the index since long time, has dropped to second place. However, owing to its huge market size and evolution of retail, particularly e-commerce, China still remains one of the most attractive retail investment destinations.
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• 2017 GRDI has outlined that a state of uncertainty prevails among global retailers owing
to increase in protectionist trend and inward looking policies adopted by some developed countries. This trend was reflected from the ‘BREXIT vote’ and ‘America First’ policy. 2017 Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) – Top 10: Rank Country 1st India 2nd China 3rd Malaysia Retail Sector in India: • India'sretail sector has been growing at an annual rate of 20%. • Last year, total retail sales surpassed the $ 1 trillion-mark. • Indian retailers have benefited immensely from the growth in e-commerce. • Indian retail sector is expected to double in size by year 2020.
IIT Delhi replaces IISc Bangalore as highest-ranked Indian institute in QS world university rankings For the first time the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi has replaced Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, as the highest-ranked Indian university in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2018. Indian Universities in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2018: IIT-Delhi ranked 172, which marks an improvement of 13 spots compared to previous year’s rankings. IIT-Bombay jumped by 40 spots and ranked at 179. IISc’s ranking dropped from 152 last year to 190 this year. • Total 20 Indian institutions were ranked this year as compared to 14 last year. • This is the first time that three Indian institutes have featured in Top 200 list. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) topped QS World University Rankings for the sixth consecutive year. Top 5 Global Universities as per QS World University Rankings 2018: Rank Institute Country 1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) US 2 Stanford University US 3 Harvard University US 4 California Institute of Technology (Caltech) US 5 University of Cambridge UK Top 10 Indian Universities as per QS World University Rankings 2018 Rank Institution 172 IIT-Delhi 179 IIT-Bombay 190 IISc Bangalore 264 IIT-Madras 293 IIT-Kanpur 308 IIT-Kharagpur 431-440 IIT-Roorkee 481-490 Delhi University 53 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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501-550 IIT-Guwahati 601-650 Jadavpur University It is to be noted that after 400 individual ranks, institutes are placed under groups within the ranking range
US, China, India to be top prospective destinations for FDI - UNCTAD According to the ‘World Investment Report 2017: Investment and the Digital Economy’, published by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), US, China and India are considered as top prospective destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI). Highlights of ‘World Investment Report 2017: Investment and the Digital Economy’: • In 2016, global FDI flows reduced marginally by 2% to $1.75 trillion. This reduction is on account of weak economic growth and significant policy risks perceived by multinational enterprises. • There was a major decline (about 14%) in FDI flows to developing countries. However flows to developed countries rose by 5%. • US attracted highest, $391 billion FDI inflows in 2016. US is followed by Britain with $254 billion, andChina with inflows of $134 billion. • Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa (BRICS Nations) accounted for 22% of global GDP but received only 11% FDI inflows in 2016. • In 2016, India received $44.5 FDI, which marks a marginal 1% hike over 2015.
Fortune 500: Tesla and 19 Companies Joined the List in 2017 Elon Musk’s electric car startup Tesla along with other 19 companies has featured in Fortune magazine's annual list of America’s top 500 companies for the first time. More Details about Fortune 500 Companies: i. Tesla ranked 383 on the list on account of stellar sales growth of 73% last year. ii. Walmart topped the Fortune 500 list for fifth year in a row. iii. The combined total revenue of all 500 companies in the list touched $12.1 trillion, which is 65% of the U.S. GDP. iv. This year's entry threshold was at least $5.1 billion in annual revenue.
India among top five consumer markets in Asia: BMI Research India places among the top five consumer markets in Asia. It becomes an average of 6.1 per cent over the next five years in retailer consumer spending growth. i. According to BMI Research, a Fitch Group company, China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, India and Indonesia represent five favorite consumer markets in Asia, to be the strongest consumer spending growth over its forecast period to 2021. ii. A real consumer spending growth is expected to see an average of 6.1 per cent over this 54 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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five-year period, with 2017 coming in at 6.2 per cent. iii. Increasing access to consumer credit, lower inflation, and a more favorable regulatory environment for foreign-owned retailers bodes well for India's consumer sectors over the coming years.
With 2.5 lakh Child labourers, Uttar Pradesh ranks first – CRY report As per a report released by Child Rights and You (CRY), Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of children (250672) engaged in labour. Highlights of Report by CRY: Over 8 lakh children in India between the age group 5 and 6 years are engaged in child labour. • Over 60% of these children do not attend school. Majority of these kids are engaged in family based employments. • Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of children engaged in labour, followed by Bihar (128087 children) and Maharashtra (82847 children). • The report has outlined that reach of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), which was introduced with the intent of providing a strong base to these children, is quite limited as it covers only 50% per cent of this population. Data on Child Labour: There was a 30% (about 3.2 million) reduction in working children in age-group of 10-14 years from 2001-2011. However, number of working children within 5-9 years increased by 0.68 million (37%), from 2001.
SRK, Salman, Akshay part of Forbes' highest-earning The Forbes list of the 'World's Highest-Paid Celebrities of 2017' has been topped by American rapper and entrepreneur Sean Combs, known by his more famous stage name 'Diddy', with earnings of 130 million dollars. It was published on 13th of June 2017 Indian superstars Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar are among Forbes' annual list of the highest-earning entertainers in the world. • SRK ranked 65th on the list with earnings of USD 38 million and got tied with singer and actress Jennifer Lopez. • According to the Forbes list Shahrukh Khan cashes in on endorsement deals for dozens of brands most Americans have likely never heard of. • The list includes American singer and icon Beyonce on the second spot with earnings of USD 105 million. • Salman is on the 71st spot with USD 37 million in earnings and got tied with English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. • Akshay got 80th on the list with earnings of USD 35.5 million and got tied with musician Bon Jovi. 55 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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• Author J K Rowling, is at number three with USD 95 million. • R&B musician Drake is at the number four spot with USD 94 million. • Football star Cristiano Ronaldo with USD 93 million rounded out the top five.
India 60th most innovative globally, China at 22nd - Global Innovation Index (GII) 2017 India has ranked 60th on the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2017. The index has been co- authored by Cornell University, INSEAD and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Highlights of Global Innovation Index 2017: India’s rank at 60th spot marks an improvement of six places as compared 66th rank in 2016. • In recent years, India has consistently outperformed on innovation relative to its GDP per capita. • Among India's neighbours, China ranked at Rank Country 1 Switzerland nd th 22 spot, Sri Lanka at 90 at spot whereas Nepal was 2 Sweden at 109th. Pakistan came in at 113 followed by 3 Netherlands 4 United States of America Bangladesh at 114. 5 United Kingdom • Switzerland has topped the index for seventh 6 Denmark 7 Singapore consecutive year. 8 Finland • Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, the US and UK 9 Germany 10 Ireland comprise the top five most-innovative countries. • 24 out of top 25 countries are high-income economies.
India top remittance-receiving country in 2016 - UN Report As per a report titled "Sending Money Home: Contributing to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), One Family at a Time" by UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), India has been the top remittance-receiving country in year 2016. Highlights of the Report: Indians working across the globe sent home USD 62.7 billion in 2016.During 10 year period from 2007 to 2016, India surpassed China to become top remittance-receiving country. In 2007 India received USD37.2 billion as compared to USD38.4 billion received by China. In 2016 China received USD 61 billion. • The report outlined that remittance flows across the world have grown over the last decade at a rate averaging 2% annually, from USD 296 billion in 2007 to USD 445 billion in 2016.
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• 80% of remittances are received by 23 countries, led by India, China, the
Philippines and Pakistan. • Over 50% of the annual flows come from top 10 originating countries led by US, Saudi Arabia and Russia. • With 77 million migrants, Asia has emerged as the highest originating country. Out of these 77 million migrants almost 48 million remain within the region, thereby making Asia, the largest remittance-receiving region as well. Asian region received 55% of the global remittance flows. Top 5 Remittance-Receiving Countries – 2016: Country Remittance India USD 62.7 billion China USD 61.0 billion Philippines USD 29.9 billion Pakistan USD 19.8 billion Bangladesh USD 13.7 billion
India ranks 75th in environmental impact survey says Report India has ranked 75th in environmental impact survey conducted by UK-based Money Super Market. The survey highlights the individual contribution to the world's climate and also outlines areas for improvement for each country. More information about Environmental Impact Survey: The survey has been topped by Southern African country Mozambique as almost all its energy use comes from green sources. • India ranked dismal 75th, with renewable energy making up only 15.2% of all energy used; only 2.2% of waste water being recycled, and municipal waste of 0.34 kg per person being generated daily. • Although Mozambique has topped the survey, its neighbouring country South Africa has fared poorly ranking at 95th However South Africa has performed better than developed economies such as US, Canada and Australia. • With average CO2 emissions at 37.1 tonnes per person, Trinidad and Tobago is the worst country in terms of environmental impact. African Countries and Environmental impact: • 4 out of the top 7 countries with lowest environmental impact are African countries – Ethiopia, Zambia, Ghana and Kenya. • Africa as a continent topped the charts and featured strongly in its use of green energy, low CO2 emissions and low levels of air pollution and waste production.
Record 65.6 Million People Displaced Worldwide Says UNHCR
UNHCR has recorded 65.6 million people displaced worldwide. Out of this some of them are 57 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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either refugees, asylum seekers or internally displaced across the globe.
The announcement was made on 19 June 2017 in the UN Refugee Agency's annual Global Trends study. • Developing regions host 84% of the world's refugees.There were 2 million new asylum claims in 2016. Germany received the highest number, followed by the United States, Italy and Turkey. • More than half of refugees globally come from three countries: Syria, Afghanistan and South Sudan. • Altogether, 55% of all refugees worldwide came from just three countries: Syrian Arab Republic (5.5 million), Afghanistan (2.5 million) and South Sudan (1.4 million). • Nearly two-thirds of Syrians have been forced to flee their homes. • Turkey hosts the largest number of refugees (2.9 million) followed by Pakistan (1.4 million) and Lebanon (1 million).
Mumbai most expensive for expatriates in India says Mercer’s report According to Mercer's 23rd Annual Cost of Living Survey, Mumbai is the most expensive city for expatriates in India. Highlights of Mercer's 23rd annual Cost of Living Survey: Luanda, the capital of Angola, is the costliest city, driven by cost of goods and security, followed by Hong Kong and Tokyo at the second and third places, respectively. • Mumbai has moved 25 notches up from being at 82 in 2016 while New Delhi is at 99 in 2017 from 130 in 2016, Chennai (135 this year from 158 in 2016), Bengaluru (to 166 from 180) and Kolkata (to 184 from 194). • The world's least expensive cities for expatriates, according to Mercer's survey, are Tunis in Tunisia – Rank 209, Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan - Rank 208, and Skopje in Macedonia – Rank 206.
Top 5 Most Expensive Indian Cities for Expatriates: City Rank Mumbai 57 New Delhi 99 Chennai 135 Bengaluru 166 Kolkata 184 Top 10 Most Expensive Cities in the World for Expatriates Rank City 1 Luanda 2 Hong Kong 3 Tokyo 4 Zurich 5 Singapore
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Qatar Airways is voted the World's Best Airline in 2017
Qatar Airways is voted the World’s Best Airline at the SKYTRAX 2017 World Airline Awards. i. The Doha based carrier has won the prestigious Airline of the Year title for a fourth time. ii. Qatar Airways has also won major awards for the World’s Best Business Class, the World’s Best First Class Lounge and as the Best Airline in the Middle East. iii. Singapore Airlines was ranked No. 2 in the world and also received awards as the Best Airline in Asia, the World’s Best Business Class seat and for having the Best Premium Economy Onboard Catering. Some More Points: The World’s Top 3 Airlines 2017 as follows: 1 - Qatar Airways 2 - Singapore Airlines 3 - ANA All Nippon Airways
UN report World Population Prospects - The 2017 Revision According to ‘World Population Prospects - The 2017 Revision’ released by United Nations on Jun 21, 2017, world’s population will surpass the 8 billion mark in year 2023. India's population to surpass that of China's around 2024: UN According to ‘World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision’ released by United Nations on Jun 21, 2017, the population of India is expected to surpass that of China by year 2024. Highlights of World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision The report said, the current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100. • Currently China with 1.41 billion inhabitants and India with 1.34 billion remain the two most populous countries, comprising 19% and 18% of the total global population. • In 2024, India and China are expected to have roughly a population of 1.44 billion each. After that, India's population is projected to continue growing for several decades to around 1.5 billion in 2030 and approaching 1.66 billion in 2050, while the population of China is projected to remain stable until the 2030s, after which it may begin a slow decline. • The report outlined that more than half of the global population growth by 2050 will come from sub-Saharan Africa, where fertility rates will persist at higher levels as compared to rest of the world • India, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, The US, Uganda and Indonesia will contribute about nearly 50% to the population growth. • By 2050, 7 of the world’s 20 most populous nations will be African. • For the first time, the number of people over 60 years of age will cross 1 billion in year 2018 and 2 billion by year 2050. 59 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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• 25% of world population comprise children below 15 years of age.
• The median age of the world’s population is 30.
29.5 million people globally suffer from drug use disorders, opioids the most harmful says World Drug Report 2017 As per World Drug Report 2017, released by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), around 29.5 million people (0.6% of the global adult population) were engaged in problematic use of drugs and suffered from drug use disorders, including dependence. Highlights of World Drug Report 2017: The report highlighted that Opioids (drugs derived from opium, including morphine) were the most harmful drug type and accounted for 70% of the negative health impact associated with drug use disorders worldwide. • Disorders related to the use of amphetamines (central nervous system stimulant that is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) also accounts for a considerable share of the global burden of disease. • In context of new psychoactive substances (NPS), the report has mentioned that its market is still relatively small and users are unaware of the content and dosage of psychoactive substances in some NPS which exposes them to additional serious health risks. • The report finds that hepatitis C is causing the greatest harm among the estimated 12 million people who inject drugs worldwide. Out of these 12 million, 1.6 million are living with HIV, 6.1 million are living with hepatitis C, while around 1.3 million are suffering from both hepatitis C and HIV.
India ranks 93rd out of 128 in Social Progress Index 2017 India has ranked 93rd among 128 countries on 2017 Social Progress Index report launched on June 21, 2017 by Social progress Imperative (SPI) with support from Deloitte and its strategic partners. Highlights of Social Progress Index – 2017: 113 countries, out of the 128 countries ranked, have improved their level of social progress since 2014, with some countries demonstrating that it’s possible to significantly improve social progress, in spite of economic and geopolitical challenges. • Denmark is the world’s top performer this year scoring 90.57 out of 100, whereas Central African Republic has ranked last at 128th India in Social Progress Index – 2017: India at 93rd position outperforms when compared with countries having similar GDP per capita in providing water and electricity facilities.
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Top 5 Countries on Social Progress Index – 2017: Rank Country 1 Denmark 2 Finland 3 Iceland 4 Norway 5 Switzerland
BANKING & FINANCE
India's GDP in Q4 grows 6.1%, loses fastest growing economy tag As per Government data released on May 31, 2017, India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at 6.1% year-on-year in fourth quarter of financial year 2016-17 i.e. during January 2017 to March 2017. i. Owing to this lower number; India lost the fastest growing economy tag to Chinese economy, which grew at 6.9% during January 2017 to March 2017. ii. The Q4 GDP growth was lower than the general expectation. Analysts believe that demonetisation drive of Government, weighed down on the Q4 GDP numbers, as it was the first full quarter post demonetisation.
India signs Loan Agreement with the World Bank for USD 36 Million for “Himachal Pradesh Public Financial Management Capacity Building Program” On June 1, 2017, Indian Government signed USD 36 million loan agreement with World Bank for Himachal Pradesh Public Financial Management Capacity Building Program in New Delhi. i. The objective of the project is to improve the efficiency of Public Expenditure Management and Tax Administration in Himachal Pradesh. ii. The programme has been planned for 5 years duration with a total outlay of $45 million. USD 36 million will be procured through this agreement, whereas remaining amount will be drawn from state budget.
SEBI bars Cypress Money from acting as Investment Advisor Markets regulator SEBI has barred Cypress Money from acting as Investment Advisor. SEBI found guilty of providing unauthorized trading tips to investors. i. SEBI found that the entities were acting as investment advisors and research analyst without securing registration from the regulator. ii. Accordingly, these entities have been ordered "to cease and desist" from acting as investment
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advisor or research analyst as well as undertaking such activities in the securities market, directly or indirectly.
Economy expected to grow by 7.5 per cent in current fiscal: NITI Aayog Arvind Panagariya, an economic adviser has said India's economic growth is expected to grow by 7.5 percent in this fiscal year. i.Asia's third-largest economy grew by 7.1 percent year-on-year in 2016-17, slower than 8 percent growth a year ago. ii.Panagariya,a vice-chairman of the government's main economic advisory body said on a conference that economic growth would accelerate further to above 8 percent by 2019.
SBI funds 100 MW Rooftop solar projects under WB programme State Bank of India (SBI) has announced financing of 100 MW rooftop solar projects for private developers under a World Bank programme. i.The total cost is worth Rs 400 crore. ii.SBI has availed loan of USD 625 million from the World Bank for on-lending to viable Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar PV (GRPV) projects.
SEBI constitutes committee on Corporate Governance headed by Uday Kotak Under the chairmanship of Uday Kotak, Market Regulator SEBI has formed a Committee on Corporate Governance. i.Uday Kotak is an executive vice chairman and managing director of Kotak Mahindra Bank. ii.This move is aimed at improving the standards of corporate governance of listed companies. iii.The panel has been mandated to submit the report within a period of four months.
India GDP Growth To Remain Flat At 7.1 Pc In 2017-18: HSBC According to HSBC report India’s economic growth is expected to remain flat at 7.1 per cent in current fiscal. i. According to official data, India’s growth rate slipped to 6.1 per cent in the January-March quarter and 7.1 per cent during 2016-17. ii. According to HSBC Chief India Economist Pranjul Bhandari the growth will remain flat at 7.1 per cent in 2017-18.
World Bank keeps 2017 global growth forecast at 2.7% As per World Bank's Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report released on June 4, 2017, the global economy is expected to grow at 2.7% in 2017 and 2.9% in 2018. World Bank has thus maintained its January 2017 forecast.
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Highlights of World Bank's Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report:
• Advanced economies are expected to grow at 1.9% in 2017, accelerating from the 1.7% growth in 2016. However growth of advanced economies will slow down to 1.8% in 2018 and 1.7% in 2019. • In 2017, emerging markets and developing economies are expected to grow at 1%, as compared to 3.5% in 2016. These economies will soon catch momentum and are expected to register growth rate of 4.5% in 2018 and 4.7% in 2019. It is to be noted that, as per recently released “India Development Report” by World Bank, Indian economy is expected to grow at 7.2% in FY 2017-18 as compared to 6.8% in 2016-17.
ICICI Bank commissions 200 solar-powered ATMs On the occasion of the World Environment Day, ICICI Bank has mentioned that it has commissioned over 200 solar powered ATM sites in the last one year as part of its efforts to reduce carbon footprint and use more clean energy. i. Besides commissioning solar powered ATMs, ICICI Bank has reduced its overall energy consumption in large offices and branches from 198 million units in 2013-14 to 164 million units in 2016-17, saving 34 million units in last three years. ii. On account of these initiatives, there has been reduction in the bank’s overall carbon emission by nearly 40,000 tonnes.
India Signs Loan Agreement with the World Bank for USD 39.2 Million for the project “Assam Citizen Centric Service Delivery” An agreement for IBRD Credit of USD 39.2 Million from World Bank for the project “Assam Citizen Centric Service Delivery” has been signed on 6th of June. i. The programme cost is 49-million dollar out of which 39.2-million dollar will be financed by the Bank, and the remaining amount will be funded-out of State Budget. ii. The programme duration is five years. iii. The main objective of the project is to improve access in the delivery of selected public services in Assam.
Vijaya Bank set to develop 100 digital villages Vijaya Bank is set up to develop 100 digital villages in various States of the country.Its aim is to promote digital banking among the rural population. i. Vijaya Bank has inaugurated its 2031st ATM at Pandit Nehru Bus Station in the city of Vijayawada on 6th of June, 2017 ii. Director of Vijaya bank B.S.Rama Rao has said that Vijaya Bank is the only public sector financial institution to develop digital villages with focus on rural areas.
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RBI announces second Bi-monthly Monetary Policy
On 7th June, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced Second Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement for financial year 2017-18. This is the fourth straight meeting wherein the Policy Repo Rate has been kept unchanged. Post the Second Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement announcement, the policy rates and reserve ratios are as follows: Policy Repo Rate 6.25% Unchanged – since 4th October 2016 Reverse Repo Rate 6.00% Unchanged – since 6th April 217 Marginal Standing Facility 6.50% Unchanged – since 6th April 217 Rate Bank Rate 6.50% Unchanged – since 6th April 217 Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) 4.00% Unchanged – since 9th February 2013 Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) 20.00% Cut by 0.50%. Earlier it was 20.50% RBI lowers growth forecast to 7.3% for FY18 The RBI has lowered the economic growth projection to 7.3% for the current financial year from 7.4% earlier. • It is to be noted that as per Government data released on May 31, 2017, India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at 6.1% year-on-year in fourth quarter of financial year 2016-17 i.e. during January 2017 to March 2017. Owing to this lower number; India lost the fastest growing economy tag to Chinese economy, which grew at 6.9% during January 2017 to March 2017.
SBI organized farmers' meet on June 8 to understand their credit need India’s one of the most lender State BIank of India took a step to meet nearly 10,000 farmers to understand their credit needs and also to provide finance help. i. The meeting organized at the bank's 15,500 rural and semi-urban branches across the country on June 8, 2017 ii. During the meeting, branches will make some arrangements to get applications for fresh loans and also renewal or enhancement of existing loan.
HDFC Bank to charge for UPI transactions from 10 July HDFC Bank on Monday informed to all of its customers that it will impose the new transaction charges on all outward UPI transactions as well as the benefits of using UPI for transferring funds from July 10. i. Transactions from Rs 1 to Rs 25,000 will be charged Rs 3 plus taxes while transactions above Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh will be charged Rs 5, as against this the NEFT charges are Rs 2.5 for transactions up to Rs 10,000 and Rs 5 for transactions above Rs 10,000. ii. Dilip Asbe, chief operating officer, NPCI denoted that according to National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), banks may impose charges on UPI transactions but only those pertaining to P2P (person-to-person) transfers. 64 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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iii. Person to Merchant (P2M) transactions in UPI will remain free to customers as per NPCI guidelines.
Canara Bank and New India announces tie up Canara Bank and the New India Assurance Company have entered into a corporate agency arrangement for distribution of insurance products. More Details about Canara Bank, New India tie up: i. The pact allows Canara Bank to offer non-life insurance products to its customers across metros and tier II and III cities through the bank’s extensive network of over 6,000 branches. ii. New India Assurance will offer a bouquet of products — such as motor, home, health,travel, fire, marine, and engineering insurance policies — through branches of Canara Bank.
TCS launches BaNCS app development kit to help banks Global software major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has launched "BaNCS App Development Kit" (ADK) on 8th of June 2017. i. It will enable banks to fast design and build their own apps and install it across devices and desktops. ii. "BaNCS ADK" will help banks to design and deploy enterprise and consumer apps. iii. The vision for 'BaNCS ADK' is to transfer flexibility and increase speed of development to the Bank.
Axis Bank to issue biodegradable prepaid gift cards Axis Bank has become the first bank to introduce biodegradable gift cards in the country. i. The card has the look and feel of regular plastic cards and can be used in PoS terminals and ATMs. ii.Biodegradable cards can also be recycled. iii. These cards have a greater positive impact on the environment because of their ability to break down, safely and relatively quickly into the raw materials of nature and disappear into the environment. iv. The card is made up of Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG).
Yes Bank partners with TerraPay for faster international remittance Private sector lender Yes Bank has partnered with mobile payments switch TerraPay. i.Its main aim is to enable real time money transfer to bank accounts in India. ii.Terra Pay has partnered with Yes Bank in a Rupee Drawing Arrangement. iii.It enables TerraPay’s network partners to make instant cross-border money transfer to bank accounts in India.
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RBI places restrictions on banking activities of Central Bank of India The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has placed Central Bank of India under prompt corrective action. It puts restricts on banking activities such as from lending, hiring and expanding branches. i. RBI has triggered PCAs for four banks – IDBI Bank, UCO Bank, Dena Bank and Indian Overseas Bank. ii. The RBI has mentioned that the PCA has been triggered in view of negative return on assets and high ratio of bad loans. iii. The PCA is triggered so that it allows the regulator to engage closely with the bank's management in order to improve their financial health. iv. The PCA was initiated on the Central Bank of India has reported losses for two consecutive years.
AIIB grants USD 150 Mn loan for India Infrastructure Fund The Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved USD 150 million equity investment to the India Infrastructure Fund. i. The meeting was held in Jeju in South Korea. ii. The Infrastructure Fund aims to invest in mid-cap infrastructure companies in India. iii. This initiative will benefit local infrastructure development by enhancing private capital inflows from global long-term investors, such as public pension funds, endowments and insurance companies iv. AIIB also approved loans to support transport and power projects in Georgia and Tajikistan.
IOB launches retail mart in Thiruvananthapuram Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), the Lead Bank for Thiruvananthapuram district, has launched the Retail Mart, a retail lending concept, in Kerala's capital city. i. The exclusive facility that handles retail products has started functioning at the main branch. ii. The Retail Mart has been designed with an aim to complete all the pre-release formalities at the customer’s doorstep.
RBI to introduce new series of its Rs 500 note The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced on 13th of June that it has issued Rs 500 denomination notes with inset letter A. i. The old notes, which were introduced after Prime Narendra Modi’s demonetisation drive in November 2016, will continue to remain the legal tender.
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ii. A new batch of banknotes will include the inset letter "A" in both the number panels and will bear the signature of Urjit R Patel the Governor of Reserve Bank of India; with the year of printing '2017' on the reverse, are being issued. iii. The central bank said that the notes will bear Swachh Bharat logo on the backside of the banknote.
RBI selects 12 accounts, accounting for 25% NPAs, for Insolvency and Bankruptcy code On June 13, 2017, Reserve Bank of India identified 12 non-performing accounts representing 25% of gross NPAs in Indian banking system, which will be immediately taken up under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). Background Information: The Indian banking sector has accumulated gross non-performing assets (NPAs) worth over Rs 8 lakh crore, of which Rs. 6 lakh crore is with public sector banks. • On June 12, 2017, an Internal Advisory Committee (IAC) of RBI comprising majorly of central bank's independent board members held its first meeting to consider cases under the new IBC. • The IAC followed an objective and non-discretionary criterion that all accounts with total outstanding loans greater than Rs 5,000 crore, with at least three-fifths (60%) classified as non-performing by banks as on March 31, 2016, should be referred under IBC.
SEBI permits options trading in commodity futures Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has permitted commodity exchanges to launch options trading in commodity futures. Introduction of options trading is expected to enhance the depth of the commodity markets for hedgers and traders. More Details about options trading in commodity futures: • Options contract of only those commodities that are among the top five in terms of total trading turnover value of previous 12 months will be permitted. • The underlying for the options contract will be the futures contract of the commodity rather than the spot price. • Moreover, the average daily turnover of underlying futures contracts of such a commodity in past one year should be at least Rs 200 crore for agricultural and agri-processed commodities, and Rs 1000 crore for other commodities. • SEBI has also stipulated necessary guidelines with regard to the product design and risk management framework to be adopted for trading in options oncommodity futures. SEBI Guidelines for Investor Protection Fund (IPF): Investor Protection Fund (IPF) of an exchange should have a maximum of five trustees.
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• Composition of Investor Protection Fund Trust: Out of the five trustees, three should be
public interest directors and a representative from SEBI-recognised investor association. Exchange's compliance officer will be part of the • All the penalties levied and collected by the exchange, except for the settlement related penalties, shall be credited to the IPF. • The bourses can fix suitable compensation limits against investor claims in consultation with theIPF However, the amount of compensation available against a single claim of an investor arising out of defaulter by a member broker should be at least Rs 1 lakh.
IDBI Bank only PSB to get ‘high’ rating for code compliance According to the Code Compliance Rating of banks done by the Banking Codes and Standards Board of India (BCSBI) 2017, out of 26 public sector banks and 8 out of 17 private sector banks got ‘high’ rating for their adherence to code compliance. i. IDBI Bank was the only public sector bank that got ‘high (H)’(85 and above score out of 100) rating in two successive surveys. ii. The eight private sector banks that got ‘high’ rating are — Axis Bank, DCB Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank and YES Bank. iii. The three foreign banks — Citibank, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank — that were surveyed got ‘high’ ranking. iv. The survey is based on a sample size of 2.5 per cent of the branch network of 51 major banks. v.12 banks got ‘high’ rating in the survey, 29 got ‘above average (AA)’ rating (70 to less than 85 score) and 10 got ‘average (A)’ rating (60 to less than 70 score). vi.The public sector banks, the ratings of which improved in the latest round, are: Central Bank of India, Corporation Bank, UCO Bank and Union Bank of India, with their rating going up to AA from A. vii. The public sector banks, the ratings of which came down a notch, are: Andhra Bank and Bank of Maharashtra (to A from AA).
Emkay and DBS Ink Pact For Equity Research Distribution Emkay Global Financial Services has entered into an exclusive pact with DBS Bank arm DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) on 13th of June. i. The pact has signed for co-branding and distribution of equity research to the latter's global clients. ii. The agreement involvessharing of knowledge, co-branding of research and its distribution to the global clients of DBS Vickers
GST Bill: ClearTax launches free GST billbook software ClearTax, India’s largest income tax returns e-filing and enterprise compliance service provider 68 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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has launched billbook software. i. It is used to assist small and medium businesses (SMEs) in the country get GST-ready. ii. The GST Billbook is a free of cost software platform. v. It will be available on the company’s Web site, mobile site and a soon to be launched app. vi. The GST billbook supports key features needed for SMEs such as, creating a sales invoice, recording of discount, freight, insurance and package handling charges. vii. It will support other documents mandated by GST such as delivery challan, e-way bill, advance payment receipts etc. xi. Founder and CEO of ClearTax.com is Archit Gupta.
China, ADB launch green financing platform to fight pollution China and the Asia Development Bank (ADB) have launched a green financing platform to cut pollution in the smog-hit Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region on 16th of June 2017. i. The financing platform was launched by the ADB and the China National Investment and Guaranty Corporation (I&G), the State Development and Investment Corporation (SDIC), as well as China's finance ministry and National Development and Reform Commission. ii. China selected five regions this week to take part in pilot government green financing schemes.
DCB bank launches Aadhaar based iris eye scan customer verification service DCB Bank, a private sector bank has launched new services - India’s first Aadhaar based iris eye scan customer verification and fingerprint operated ATM in Telangana on 16th of June. i. These services will include a customer’s Aadhaar number, eye scan and fingerprint impression. ii. It has been inaugurated in 3 new branches in Mancherial, Mothe and Narsapur in the state.
World Bank approves $500 million grant package for Afghanistan projects On June 13, 2017, World Bank approved financing worth more than $500 million for Afghanistan to support a various projects to boost the economy, help improve service delivery in five cities and support Afghan refugees sent back from Pakistan.
Switzerland ratifies Automatic Exchange of Information with India On June 16, 2017, Switzerland ratified an automatic exchange of financial account information with India in order to facilitate immediate sharing of details about suspected black money. Details of Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) agreement with Switzerland: • Swiss Federal Council said that the implementation of the information exchange is planned for 2018 and that the first set of data exchange would happen in 2019. 69 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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• The council has mentioned that it will prepare a situation report before the first
exchange of data takes place somewhere around autumn 2019 and will notify the Indian government regarding the exact date from which the “automatic exchange” would begin. • The exchange of information will reportedly be carried out in accordance with the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA) on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information. This year, Switzerland has introduced the AEOI with 38 states and territories, including all EU member states and data will start to be exchanged with them in 2018.
India's current account deficit narrowed in fiscal year 2016-2017, says RBI On June 15, 2017, Reserve Bank of India said India's current account deficit (CAD) narrowed during the last fiscal due to a contraction in the country's trade deficit. i. CAD for fiscal year 2016-17 narrowed to 0.7% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 1.1 per cent in 2015-16 on the back of the contraction in trade deficit. ii. India's trade deficit for the same period narrowed to $112.4 billion in 2016-17 from $130.1 billion in 2015-16.
IBBI notifies fast track Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons Regulations The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has notified the Fast Track Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons Regulations on 16th of June 2017. i. These regulations will provide the process from initiation of insolvency resolution of eligible corporate debtors. ii. The process in these cases shall be completed within a period of 90 days, as against 180 days in other cases. iii. The Adjudicating Authority if satisfied, extend the period of 90 days by a further period up to 45 days for completion of the process. iv. A creditor or a corporate debtor may file an application, along with the proof of existence of default, to the Adjudicating Authority for initiating fast track resolution process. v. After the application is admitted and the interim resolution professional (IRP) is appointed.
SBI, Tirumala Milk Products tie up for providing loans to dairy farmers State Bank of India has entered into a tie-up with Tirumala Milk Products on 17th of June 2017. i. It is a South- based company which was acquired by GroupeLactalis in 2014. ii. Its main aim is to provide loans to dairy farmers who supply milk to the latter.
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RBI initiates Prompt Corrective Action against Bank of Maharashtra as NPA mounts The Reserve Bank has initiated Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) against Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) in view of high level of bad loans and negative return on assets i. BoM has become the sixth bank to be put under the PCA. ii. For the year ended March 2017, the net non-performing assets (NPAs) of the bank rose to 11.76% while return on assets declined to (-) 1.09%. iii. Bank has reported a loss of Rs 455.4 crore for the fourth quarter, while for entire fiscal 2016-17 booked loss of Rs 1,372 crore. iv. It is to be noted that IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, UCO Bank, Dena Bank and Central Bank of India have already come under the PCA initiated by the RBI.
RBI announces names of members of Overseeing Committee On June 22, 2017, Reserve Bank of India announced names of the members of Overseeing Committee which was given an expanded mandate after the promulgation of the new NPA ordinance. Composition of Overseeing Committee (OC): i. OC earlier was a two-member committee consisting of former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar and former State Bank of India chairman Janki Ballabh. ii. Another three members have been added - former L&T Finance Holdings Chairman YM Deosthalee, former Canara Bank chairman MBN Rao and SEBI whole time member S Raman whose appointment will be effective from 7th September, 2017. iii. Pradeep Kumar has been named as the chairman of this 5-member committee.
World Bank sanctions 44 million dollars for ASPIRe World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has sanctioned a loan assistance of 44 million dollars for the Assam State Public Finance Institutional Reforms (ASPIRe) Project. i. ASPIRe project is based on three important components: 1.Strengthening public finance institutional capacity 2.Strengthening expenditure and revenue information systems 3.On project management, monitoring and evaluation, and coordination. ii. The project aims at improving predictability and transparency in budget execution and efficiency in tax administration in Assam.
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State's fiscal deficit soars to Rs 4.93 trillion in FY16
According to the second edition of Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI's) statistical publication titled 'Handbook of Statistics on States 2016-17’, total gross fiscal deficits of Indian states shot up to Rs 4,93,360 crore in fiscal 2016 from Rs 18,790 crore in FY1991. Highlights of 'Handbook of Statistics on States 2016-17’: Rajasthan with Rs 67,350 crore deficit in FY16 and Uttar Pradesh with Rs 64,320 crore deficit in FY16 accounted for the largest chunks in the total gross fiscal deficits of Indian States. • Maharashtra, one of the most urbanised and industrialised states had a deficit of Rs 1,020 crore in FY91 but the same jumped to Rs 37,950 crore in FY16 which is projected to improve to Rs 35,030 crore in FY17. • As per the data, total gross fiscal deficits of Indian states is projected to improve to Rs 4,49,520 crore as per the budget estimates of the states for fiscal 2017. • Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala are the states which will account for higher deficit in FY17 as compared to FY16. • Conversely for Bihar (on account of rising investments following better law and order situation) and West Bengal (despite having high debt levels), the deficit for FY17 is projected to improve as compared to FY16.
World Bank, AIIB to granted $380 loan to Andhra Pradesh power project The World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have granted loan to Andhra Pradesh for Power Project. i. It aims towards helping the southern state and will build a reliable, quality and affordable power supply to citizens. ii. Total Cost of the project is USD 570 million, out of which USD 240 million is from World Bank (IBRD) and USD 160 million from AIIB. The rest will be counterpart funding from GoAP. iii. The World Bank and AIIB will provide loans in a 60:40 ratio for all the components of the project.
IDBI initiated insolvency proceeding against Lanco, first among 12 accounts identified by RBI Lanco Infratech said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed its lead lender IDBI Bank to initiate insolvency proceedings for the company under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). i. The company is among 12 firms identified by the central bank with a combined debt of over Rs 1,50,000 crore, a quarter of the total NPAs, for proceedings under the newly enacted Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
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IDBI Federal Life partners with SunTec for GST roll out
IDBI Federal Life Insurance has announced that it has partnered with SunTec. i. It will help facilitate in computing and invoicing of debit tax and credit tax that will be GST compliant. ii. Under the agreement, for the debit tax mandate SunTec will help in analysing data from various sources for computation and invoicing purposes.
India and ADB Sign $275 Million Loan for Upgrading Urban Services in 64 Small Towns in Madhya Pradesh The GOI and Asian Development Bank has signed USD 275 million loan for a piped water supply project for rapidly urbanising small towns. It will cover 3 lakh households in 64 small towns in Madhya Pradesh. i. The state government will provide a USD 124 million counterpart support for the project. ii. As per ADB it will be completed by June 2022. iii. It will develop sustainable, inclusive and climate resilient water supply in 64 small and mid-sized towns.
Hike Messenger partners with YES Bank to launch in-app Wallet Messaging app Hike has added payments feature that will allow its over 100 million users to transfer money, recharge and pay mobile bills through the messaging platform. It has been launched on 20th June 2017. i. The Hike wallet is powered by Yes Bank. ii. Hike is the first in India to launch payments facility on a messaging platform. iii. It will allow free and instant bank-to-bank transfer via unified payments interface (UPI), free and instant money transfer via wallet and recharge right from the app. iv. Hike has improved the user interface as well as added new features to the camera on the app. v. Hike Messenger founder and CEO is Kavin Bharti Mittal.
RBI amends Banking Ombudsman Scheme RBI amends banking ombudsman scheme under which banks could be penalised for mis- selling third-party products like insurance and mutual funds via mobile or electronic banking. i. Under the amended scheme, a customer would also be able to lodge a complaint against the bank for its non-adherence to RBI instructions with regard to mobile banking and electronic banking services in India. ii. As per the amendment, the pecuniary jurisdiction of the Banking Ombudsman to pass an award has been doubled to 20 lakh rupees.
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Bank credit grows at 6.02%, deposits at 11.19%
According to data released by Reserve Bank of India, Banks' credit growth grew at 6.02% to Rs 76,58,212 crore in the fortnight ended June 9. 2017 from Rs 72,22,939 crore in the same period of fiscal 2016, whereas bank deposits grew at 11.19% to Rs 105,77,947 crore from Rs 95,13,148 crore in the fortnight ended June 10, 2016. i. Credit growth was slightly higher than the previous fortnight ended on May 26, 2017. ii. In the fortnight ended May 26, 2017, credit growth grew by 5.08% with an outstanding loans at Rs 75,93,546 crore.
Axis Bank, Kochi Metro launches India's first single-wallet contactless, Open Loop Metro Card Axis Bank in association with Kochi Metro Rail Corporation (KMRL) has launched KMRL Axis Bank 'Kochi1' Card, India's first open loop EMV contactless metro card that would make travel a convenient and hassle free experience for commuters in Kochi. Salient Features of KMRL Axis Bank 'Kochi1' Card: i. Axis Bank has partnered with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in developing this transit EMV contactless specification on interoperable open standards. ii. The prepaid card has integrated benefits and offers a plethora of services to commuters such as shopping at merchant outlets. iii. The commuter will receive a completely personalized (with name) KMRL Axis Bank 'Kochi1' Card across the counter in a matter of minutes.
NCAER pegs FY'18 GDP growth at 7.6% on normal monsoon NCAER has revised up the country's economic growth to 7.6 % for the current fiscal as compared with 7.3% on forecast of normal monsoon. i. In its quarterly review of the economy, NCAER prospects for the agricultural sector in 2017-18 remain optimistic on forecast of good rains. ii. The World Bank has forecast growth to be 7.2 per cent during 2017-18. iii. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation is projected at 6.7 % for 2017-18. iv.Recentdata shows that foodgrain production in 2016- 17 has set a new record of 273.4 million tonnes or 8.7% higher as compared to last year. v. The forecast for growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at market prices in 2017-18 is 7.6% at constant (2011 -12) prices. vi. The forecast of GVA (Gross Value Added at Basic Prices) growth at 7.3%for 2017-18compare with February month estimated of 7%. vii. The economy grew 7.1% in 2016-17, lower than 7.6 % against 8% a year ago.
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GDP growth to rise To 7.5% In FY19 - Fitch
According to Fitch Ratings India’s GDP growth will steadily rise from 7.4% to 7.5% in 2018- 19 and to 7.6% in 2019-20. i. Fitch has also reported that growth would be boosted by the goods and services tax, increased public spending on infrastructure, and a supportive monetary policy over the last two years. ii. GDP growth expected to pick up to 3.1% in 2018 from 2.5% in 2016.
World Bank Clears $250-Million Loan to Train India's Job Seekers The World Bank has cleared a USD 250-million loan, referred to as Skill India Mission Operation (SIMO) for making Indian youth more employable through reskilling. i. World Bank's SIMO is a six- year programme in support of the Indian government's National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (2017-23). ii. SIMO will be implemented through the National Skill Development Mission and will specifically target labour market entrants. v. It will also include the 1.2 crore youngsters in the age group of 15-29 years who are entering the labour market every year. vi. As per the Bank's estimate, skill development capacity of the system would increase by the end of the programme so that at least 8.8 million youth with relevant training have an improved employment opportunity to raise their earnings. vii. The programme will benefit approximately 15,000 trainers and 3,000 assessors.
Group insurance cover for Amarnath pilgrims raised to Rs 3 lakh The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) has announced to enhance the group insurance cover for the pilgrims and service providers from existing Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. i. SASB manages the annual yatra to the 3,880-metre high holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir, Himalayas. ii. Yatra has been scheduled to begin from 29th of June.
India Signs Loan Agreement with the World Bank for USD 35 Million for “Assam State Public Financial Institutional Reforms Project” India has signed aLoan Agreement with the World Bank for USD 35 Million for Assam State Public Financial Institutional Reforms Project. i. An agreement for IBRD Credit of USD 35 Million from World Bank for Assam State Public Financial Institutional Reforms Project was signed on 28th of June at New Delhi. ii. The programme size is USD 44 million, of which USD 35 million will be financed by the Bank, and the remaining amount will be funded out of State Budget. iii. The programme duration is 5 years.
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World's first ATM machine turns to gold on 50th birthday The first ATM was presented by Barclays at their Enfield branch in north London on Jun 27, 1967.The first ATM machine turns to gold on 50th birthday on 28th of June. i. The first person to use the inaugural ATM was actor Reg Varney, the star of a popular British TV comedy called "On The Buses", brought in to show how easy it was to use. ii. The original cash machine was the brainchild of John Shepherd-Barron, who was commissioned by the bank to create six cash dispensers. They were based on vending machines. iii. There now are an estimated 3 million plus cash machines in the world.
Government issues notification, countdown begins for GST Rollout Union Government has notified roll out of Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 1, 2017. GST will replace 16 current levies (7 central taxes and 9 state taxes), consequentially creating India as one market with one tax rate. Special Programme for Launch of GST: i. A special programme will be held in Central Hall of Parliament tomorrow midnight for the launch of GST. ii. President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and a host of Senior Ministers and bureaucrats will attend the programme. iii. Finance ministry has set up a war room where government officials can find solutions to urgent queries related to problems on GST. iv. The GST feedback and war room is equipped with multiple phone lines and computer systems. It will be operative from 8 am to 10 pm.
India becomes 1st country to give to UN Tax Fund with $100000 contribution India has contributed $100,000 to UN Trust Fund for International Cooperation in Tax Matters (UN Tax Fund) and has thereby become the first country to make the contribution. i. The UN Tax Trust Fund aims to support the work of the Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters (the UN Tax Committee). ii. Voluntary contributions for the fund have been called for by theUN and the committee since its establishment in 2006. iii. The call for contributions was also emphasised in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda adopted at the third International Conference on Financing for Development in 2015.
Indian funds in Swiss banks hit record low of 676 mn francs As per latest data published by Swiss National Bank (SNB), money parked by Indians in
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Switzerland’s banks nearly halved to 676 Million Swiss francs (CHF) in 2016. As per current exchange rate, the approximate amount stands at Rs. 4500 crore. i. Indian funds in Swiss Banks dropped by nearly 45% in 2016 as compared to 2015, marking the biggest ever yearly decline in such funds. ii. This is the lowest amount of funds held by Indians in the Swiss banks ever since the Switzerland began making the data public in 1987.
ADB pledges USD 10 bn for development projects in India On June 29, 2017, Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed USD 10 billion support for infrastructure building and immediate development needs of less-developed states in India. i. Takehiko Nakao, the President of ADB, was on a 3-day visit to India during which he met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. ii. Takehiko Nakaosaid the ADB stands ready to meet immediate development needs of up to USD 5 billion over the five-year period for less developed states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, addressing critical infrastructure and capacity deficits.
BUSINESS
India is world's third largest Aviation Market Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha has delivered an statement India becomes the world’s third largest aviation market with passenger traffic of over 10 crore travelers reported for 2016-17 during an event on the achievements of the Ministry of Civil Aviation on the completion of three years of the NDA government. ♦ Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju has mentioned that under National Civil Aviation Policy 2016, his ministry has worked towards restructuring the aviation ecosystem for "affordable and convenient flying for everyone". Civil Aviation Minister Raju indicated the following i. Average or median air fares fell by 18 percent during 2016-17. ii. Scheduled domestic flight movements rose from 7 lakh in 2014 to 8.2 lakh in 2016, an 8.2 percent compounded annual growth rate.
Samsung inks MoU with Ministry to open 2 more technical schools On June 3, 2017, , the technology Samsung India has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to open two more technical training schools in Bengaluru and Jamshedpur. i. The company also announced the several programme 77 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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1.MSME-Samsung Technical School Scholarship programme for girls and differently-abled trainees. 1,000 girls and differently-abled trainees will get Rs 20,000. 2.A Meritorious Reward Programme for toppers - Rs.20,000 to toppers ii. The government joined hands with Samsung to creating an industry-ready workforce and provide industry-oriented skills to our youth under the Skill India programme.
Mumbai Metro collaborates with Google Maps for geographic details Mumbai Metro has collaborated with Google Maps for geographic details.It has partnered with Google to display its services in Google Maps application. i. It has been collaborated to bring convenience for the commuters. ii. To publish authentic timetable information and associated geographic information of the Metro One stations in the app.
RCom-Aircel merged company to be called Aircom, says Anil Ambani Ambani has announced on 4th of june that RCom-Aircel merged company will be called Aircom. i. After the completion of the proposed deal Reliance Communications has finally announced that the new RCom- Aircel merged entity will be called Aircom. ii. The company also said that its lenders have agreed to a strategic restructuring plan under which it will get a 7-month to service loans amounting to Rs 45,000 crore.
NSE launches international exchange at GIFT city National Stock Exchange (NSE) launched its international exchange in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) on 5th of June, 2017 i. NSE IFSC Ltd is the global exchange which is promoted by NSE. ii. It will remain operational for a longer period than NSE during a trading day. iii. All the trades will be cleared and settled through NSE IFSC Clearing Corporations Ltd.
NTPC sets up electric vehicle charging stations in Delhi, Noida The National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) has set up electric vehicles at Delhi and Noida, and will soon expand this to other location across the NCR region. i. It has been launched to promote clean energy transportation in the country. ii. The company is looking to venture into other cities, adding that installation is underway in multiple locations across the country.
Ministries to decide on FDI proposals within 60 days - Finance Ministry Union Finance Ministry has said that the ministries tasked with clearing foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals in the 12 sectors that need government approval would have to take a decision within 60 days. 78 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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i. A memorandum by Finance Ministry has stated that Department of Industrial Policy and
Promotion (DIPP), in consultation with the administrative ministries, would frame standard operating procedures to process FDI ii. All pending applications with the FIPB will be transferred to administrative ministries within four weeks time.
State companies to revise petrol, diesel prices daily from June 16 State-run oil companies such as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) will revise the prices of petrol and diesel daily from 16th June 2017. i. At present, State-run oil marketing companies revise rates of petrol and diesel on the 1st and 16th of every month. ii. Dail yrevision of prices will cover the retailers from volatility of global crude prices.
Ministry of Civil Aviation to roll out 'DigiYatra' for air travellers In a bid to add digital experience for Air travellers, Ministry of Civil Aviation will roll out ‘DigiYatra’ Platform. i. This initiative aims at bringing together entire industry to develop a digital ecosystem that will deliver customers a seamless and paperless service experience at every stage of journey. ii. The platform will help passengers to plan their trips efficiently by identifying price trends and estimate future airfares at the time of ticket booking.
India drags US to World Trade Organisation for not complying verdict on steel duty India has approached World Trade Organisation (WTO) against US for its non-compliance of a verdict on high import duty on certain Indian steel imports. i. As of now, India has requested WTO dispute consultations with the US to address US compliance with WTO ruling. If this issue remains unresolved post consultations, India will approach WTO’s compliance panel. ii. In order to resolve this issue, US needs to amend its domestic regulations pertaining to carbon steel products.
India emerges as 7th largest exporter of agri-products globally - Commerce Secretary At 22nd Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Annual Award Function in New Delhi on June 12, 2017, Commerce Secretary Mrs Rita Teaotia, mentioned that India has emerged as 7th largest exporter of agri-products globally. Overview of Agri-products exports from India: Total merchandise exports during 2016-17 stood at $276.28 billion out of which agri 79 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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exports comprised of $33.38 billion, representing 08% of the total exports .
• Exports of food products from India surged significantly during this period. • As highlighted by APEDA, exports of food products stood at $16.28 billion representing 48.77% of Agri exports from the country. • Vietnam, UAE, Saudi Arabia, USA, Iran, Iraq and Nepal are the major destinations for export of food products from India. 22nd APEDA Awards: APEDA presented 82 awards to Indian Agro and Processed Food exporters for distinguished export services during years 2014-15 and 2015-16. • The awards were presented in three categories viz. Diamond (2 awards), Gold (33 awards) Silver (29 awards) and Bronze (18 awards).
Government imposes anti-dumping duty on Chinese ceramic items India has imposed an anti-dumping duty on import of ceramic table and kitchen ware items from China. i. The government has done to protect domestic industry against goods being sold at below normal value. ii. The anti-dumping duty imposed shall be levied for a period not exceeding six months (unless revoked, amended or superseded earlier).
India to be Co-Partner Country in ANUGA 2017 India is to be a co-partner in a global food and beverages trade ANUGA to be held in Cologne, Germany from October 7-11, 2017. i. The 34th edition of ANUGA is being organised by Koelnmesse GmBH and 7,200 exhibitors from more than 100 countries are likely to participate in the event. ii. Indian exhibitors at ANUGA have been on rise since 2005 and around 135 companies and individual traders had participated in the event last year.
Google ranked as the world's most valuable brand in 2017 Tech giant Google has topped the 2017 BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands list with a brand value of over $245 billion. i. US tech giants Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook were also among the five most valuable brands. ii. Netflix, Snapchat, and YouTube all made the top 100 for the first time this year.
India imposes anti-dumping duty of up to 118 dollar/tonne on import of hydrogen peroxide & on Chemical Import from Pak, 4 Others India has imposed anti-dumping duty up to 118 dollar/tonne on import of hydrogen peroxide -other than of food and electronic grade with concentration of 90 per cent and above 80 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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from Bangladesh, Taiwan, Korea, Pakistan and Thailand. i. The duty has been levied to protect domestic manufacturers from material injury due to the cheap imports. ii. The anti-dumping duty is in the range of USD 27.81-117.94 per tonne. iii. It will remain in place for five years.
20 Indian firms in top 100 companies in Asia300 ranking As many as 20 Indian firms have been named in the top 100 of Nikkei Asian Review's Asia300 companies list i. Nikkei Asian Review annual Asia 300 Power Performers Ranking is a compilation of the most powerful and valuable listed companies in Asia. ii. As many as three Indian companies have made it to the top 10 list. Indian IT service provider HCL Technologies came in at the second place, followed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises and Tata Consultancy Services at the third and fourth place respectively. iii. The list was topped by Taiwan's Largan Precision, the world's leading maker of lenses for smart phone cameras. iv. Other Indian companies named among top 100 include Sun Pharmaceutical Industries at the 11th place, Infosys (15), ITC (16), Maruti Suzuki India (17), Lupin (18), Dabur India (24), Asian Paints (28), Power Grid Corporation of India (40), Godrej Consumer Products (41), Bajaj Auto (43), Wipro (48), Hero MotoCorp (57), Hindustan Unilever (62), Housing Development Finance Corp (71), Motherson Sumi Systems (72) and Vedanta at 93rd place.
Government increases MSP of pulses, oil-seeds and cotton to support farmers amid price fall Amid unrest among farmers for multiple reasons in different states, the Central Government has increased the minimum support price (MSP) of pulses, oil-seeds and cotton for the 2017- 18 crop year. ♦ Objective behind this move is to provide remunerative prices to farmers when the prices are under pressure due to abundant supply. ♦ The decision to increase MSPs is based on the recommendations of theCommission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). New Minimum Support Prices (MSP): i. The MSP of tur (arhar) has been increased from Rs 5,050 per quintal (including bonus) in 2016- 17 to Rs 5,450 per quintal (including Rs 200 bonus) in 2017-18. ii. MSP of Urad increased from Rs 5,000 (including bonus) per quintal in 2016-17 to Rs 5,400 (including bonus) per quintal in 2017-18.
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iii. For Moon Dal, MSP has been increased from Rs 5,225 (including bonus) per quintal in 2016-17 to Rs 5,575 (including bonus) in 2017-18. iv. Revised MSP for oilseeds: groundnut-in-shell (Rs 4,450 per quintal), soyabean (Rs 3,050 per quintal), sunflower seed (Rs 4,100 per quintal), sesamum (Rs 5,300 per quintal) and nigerseed (Rs 4,050 per quintal). v. Prices of various varieties of cotton have been fixed keeping in view the normal market price differentials between their staple lengths and other technical parameters.
Connaught Place is ninth most expensive office market in world; Mumbai lags According to the bi-annual Global Prime Office Occupancy Costs survey of US- based CBRE, Connaught Place in Delhi has been ranked ninth most expensive prime office market in the world. i. Occupancy cost of Connaught Place in Delhi is $153.89 per square feet per annum. ii. Connaught Place was seventh in the last year's survey. iii. Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) moved one place up from nineteen to 20 while the Central Business District(CBD) of Nariman Point ranked thirty-third on the list of the top 50 most expensive office markets around the world. iv. Hong Kong (Central) topped as world’s highest-priced office market with an occupancy cost of $302.51 per sq ft per annum.
Adani Group set up 50-MW solar PV plant in Mahoba district of Uttar Pradesh Infrastructure conglomerate Adani Group in the second week of June 2017 has announced commissioning of a 50 megawatts (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh. i. Under the National Solar Mission Scheme the plant has been set up with an investment of Rs. 315 crore. ii. In a first, the plant will use String Inverter Technology with crystalline silicon modules allowing miniature level control of solar power generation. iii. As per the agreement signed with NTPC, power generated by the plant will be transmitted through 21.5 kilometre long 132 kilovolts transmission line connecting with UP Power Transmission Corporation's (UPTCL) Mahoba Substation.
Bengaluru firm 1st in India to deliver diesel at home Bengaluru has become the country's first city where one can have fuel delivered at one's doorstep. It is similar like the delivery of milk and newspapers. It has been announced on 22nd June 2017. i.For up to 100 litres, the one-time delivery charge is Rs.99. ii. Above 100 litres, one needs to pay the diesel price plus one additional rupee per litre.
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iii. The startup has got 20 odd customers, including 16 schools (which have 250-300 buses) and a few apartments.
Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launches the Startup India Virtual Hub The Commerce & Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched the Startup India Virtual Hub. It is an online platform for all stakeholders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India to discover, connect and engage with each other. i. Nirmala Sitharaman has mentioned that Startup India Virtual Hub aims to create a marketplace where all the stakeholders can interact, exchange knowledge, and enable each other to grow. ii. It is to bring the entire ecosystem together on one platform and it will provide potential startups, helping them access the right resources at the right time. iii. The portal will host startups, investors, funds, mentors, academia, incubators, accelerators, corporate, Government bodies and more.
US approves sale of 22 Guardian drones to India The US has cleared the sale of 22 unmanned Guardian drones to India on 23rd of June 2017. i. The deal, estimated to be worth $2 to $3 billion and has been approved by the State Department. ii .The sale of 22 predator drones are being manufactured by General Atomics and it reform the US-India relations as it operationalises the status of “major defence partner.”
Amazon ties-up with ClearTax to make e-sellers GST ready E-commerce giant Amazon has tied up with ClearTax to help sellers on their platform. It can make a seamless transition to the GST regime and also help them file their tax returns with ease. i. ClearTax Biz and Cleartax Biz+ are the two software launched by the ClearTax. ii. It will be available to the sellers free of cost for the first two months after sign-up.
CBDT notifies operationalising provisions of secondary adjustment under IT Act The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified Rule 10CB of Section 92CE under the Income Tax Act, 1961, operationalising provisions of secondary adjustment. i. Background Information: The Finance Act, 2017 inserted section 92CE in the Income Tax Act, 1961 with effect from April 1, 2018 to provide for secondary adjustment by attributing income to the excess money lying in the hands of the associated enterprise, in order to make the actual allocation of funds consistent with that of the primary transfer pricing adjustment. 83 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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SpiceJet signs letter of intent for 50 Bombardier Q400 aircraft for $1.7 billion
SpiceJet has announced on 20th of June 2017 to purchase 50 Q400 turboprop aircraft worth $1.7 billion (over Rs 10,900 crore) from Bombardier. i. SpiceJet has signed a letter of intent with Bombardier Commercial Aircraft to buy up to 50 Q400 turboprop aircraft. ii. The letter of intent is for 25 Q400 turboprops and purchase rights for an additional 25 aircraft. These are 86- seater planes.
Vedanta to set up steel plant in Jharkhand in JV with JSMDC According to Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das, a steel plant has come up at Manoharpur in West Singhbhum district on 19th June 2017. i.The Vedanta group and Jharkhand Mineral Development Corporation (JSMDC) would jointly set up the plant. ii. The total MoU of Rs 700crore has been signed and project proposals worth Rs 15 to 16,000 crore will be effective in July.
BankBazaar.com opens office in Malaysia Online financial services marketplace BankBazaar has begun its operations in Malaysia to strengthen its presence in South East Asia. i. BankBazaar has appointed former Visa employee VipinKalra to lead the business growth internationally. ii. BankBazaar’s vision is to enable, simplify and improve the financial services value chain for consumers.
Lockheed signs pact with Tata to make F-16 planes in India Lockheed Martin has signed an agreement with India's Tata Advanced Systems on 19th of June 2017. i. The agreement has been signed at the Paris Airshow, Lockheed to produce F-16 fighter planes in India iii. F-16 production in India supports thousands of Lockheed Martin and F-16 supplier jobs in the U.S.
Incubation centre for biotech start-ups to be set up at CCMB, Hyderabad An incubation centre for biotechnology start-ups is to be set up at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad, Telangana i. It will be supported by the NITI Aayog and will create facilities and bring in stakeholders to ensure the success of innovative ideas. ii. The Centre has set up the Atal Incubation Centre in the NITI Aayog to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. 84 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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iii. The CCMB is one of the 10 organisations identified to host the ‘Atal Incubation Centre’.Under this, the government will release funds of Rs 10 crore in the coming five years.
First unit of 100 MW Sainj Hydropower Project commissioned The first 50 MW unit of 100 MW Sainj Hydro Power project of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) has commissioned with northern grid through Parvati-Kol Dam transmission line. i. The impounding of water in the reservoir was started on February 2 this year and the mechanical testing was done successfully on April 25. ii. Sainj Hydro Power Project has been constructed on Sainj River, a tributary of Beas River. iii. The second unit of 50 MW would also be commissioned soon and the project would produce 322 million units of electricity every year. iv. It will generate an income of Rs 100 crore to the state government. v. It is a 6.36 km long tunnel with 3.85 metre diameter and two turbines of 50 MW each have been installed.
Reliance Defence inks pact with Serbia's Yugoimport to make ammunition in India Anil Ambani Group company Reliance Defence Ammunition has signed a pact with Serbia’s defence major Yugoimport on 2oth of June 2017. i. It has been signed to manufacture ammunition in India and target business opportunities of Rs 20,000 crore over the next 10 years. ii. Defence Minister of Serbia, Zoran Dordevic, Assistant Minister of Defence, Nenad Moloradovic, and the CEO of Yugoimport were also present at the meeting. iii. The two companies will work in the field of ammunition.
Google fined 2.42 billion euros by European Commission The European Union has imposed a fine of 2.42 billion-euro ($2.72 billion) on internet giant Google on 27th of June 2017. i. The fine has been imposed for taking advantage of its dominance in online searches to direct customers to its own online shopping business. ii. European regulators gave the company 90 days to stop or face more fines of up to 5% of the average daily worldwide revenue of parent company Alphabet.
FSSAI issues draft regulations for organic food products In a bid to ensure authenticity of organic food, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has come out with a draft regulation for organic food products.
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Provisions of FSSAI’s Draft Regulation on Organic Food: Organic foods will have to comply with the provisions under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) administered by the government or the Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India) run by the Agriculture Ministry or any other standards notified by the food authority. • The draft regulation mandates that labelling of organic foods should convey full and accurate information on the organic status of the product. • Organic food products should also carry a certification mark or a quality assurance mark given by any of the notified certification bodies. • The FSSAI’s draft has exempted organic food marketed through direct sale by the original producer or producer organisation to the end consumer from verification compliance. However, this exemption does not apply to processed organic products. • The FSSAI has defined ‘organic agriculture’ as a system of farm design and management to create an eco system of agriculture production without the use of synthetic external inputs such as chemicals, fertilisers, pesticides and synthetic hormones or genetically modified organisms.
NPPA announces provisional ceiling prices of 761 medicines including anti-cancer, HIV On June 26, 2017, India’s drug price regulator, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) announced provisional ceiling prices for 761 medicines, including HIV, diabetes, anti-cancer and antibiotic. i. Prices for a majority of drug are being reduced as the GST regime is nearing its implementation deadline of July 1, 2017. ii. According to NPPA Chairman Bhupendra Singh, the actual increase or decrease in drug prices post-GST is expected to be in the range of 2-3% depending on states. iii. NPPA has asked pharma companies to intimate corrections by June 29, 2017. iv. Prices of drugs for treatment of HIV, diabetes, cancerand Hepatitis B have come down owing to the new ceiling prices.
AP CM Chandrababu launches MSME Corporation with Rs 100 cr On June 27, 2017 Andhara Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu launches the establishment of Micro, Small, Medium Entrepreneurs (MSME) Development Corporation at Vijayawada with fund of Rs.100 crore on the occasion of International MSME Day. i. Around 15 acres would be allotted for MSME bhavan in Amaravati for research, development and training programmes.
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ii. MSME bhavans would be constructed in all the 175 Assembly constituencies and Industrial
Promotion Councils are being set up, headed by a Minister, in all the districts.
Govt. unveils new hydrocarbon policy On June 27, 2017, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan introduced Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) - a new oil and gas block licensing policy and the National Data Repository About Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) and the National Data Repository: i. The new policy is expected to open up 8 million square kilometres of sedimentary basins to exploration and production activities. ii. OALP, a part of the government’s Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP), gives exploration companies the option to select the exploration blocks on their own, without having to wait for the formal bid round from the Government.
BHEL signs pact with Japanese firm for manufacturing coaches for metro trains On June 29,2017 Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has made an agreement with Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd (KHI) of Japan for manufacturing of stainless steel coaches and bogies for metros. i. This technology collaboration agreement will be helpful to establishing design, engineering and manufacturing facilities at BHEL. ii. BHEL used to supply diesel locomotives, EMUS, electric and propulsion system for Indian Railways.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to implement Energy Efficiency Programmes signs MoU Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Implement Energy Efficiency Programmes has Signed MoU with EESL. i. Under the administration of Ministry of Power Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Energy Services Company . ii. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is going to implement energy efficiency programmes and scale-up demand side measures in the Gulf country. iii. As per the MoU, EESL will provide consultancy and expand the capacity of the National Energy Services Company. iv. The MoU was signed by Mr. Waled Alghreri, Chief Executive Officer, National Energy Services Company and Mr. Saurabh Kumar, Managing Director, EESL. v. According to the estimates by the World Bank, the electricity generated in Saudi Arabia completely depends on non-renewable sources like oil, gas and coal sources. vi. EESL is working towards promoting energy efficiency in all sectors and is implementing the 87 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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world’s largest energy-efficiency portfolio. vii. It is worth of 5.6bn over a period of 3 years and will mark a 20-fold growth. viii. EESL has retrofitted over 23 crore LED bulbs and 20 crore smart LED streetlights across India through self-sustaining commercial models. ix. It has also retrofitted energy efficient appliances in nearly 30 buildings and has a strong pipeline of covering 1500 more buildings. x. EESL has begun its operations in UK, South Asia and South-East Asia. xi. It aims to leverage this implementation experience and exploit the new opportunities
US to sell $366.2 million C-17 Globemaster aircraft to India US Government has decided to sell one C-17 transport aircraft to India, which will improve India’s capability to meet current and future strategic airlift requirements. i. The proposed sale of C-17 transport aircraft by Boeing at an estimated cost of is USD 366.2 million includes one missile Warning System, one Countermeasures Dispensing System, one Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponder and precision navigation equipment. ii. The C-17 is capable of strategic delivery of up to 170,900 pounds of personnel and/or equipment to main operating bases or forward operating locations.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Prestigious APQN Quality Award to NAAC for International Co-operation in Quality Assurance National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) of India received prestigious International Award of Asia Pacific Quality Network (APQN) titled “APQN Quality Award 2017 for International Co-operation in Quality Assurance” on May 26, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. ♦ NAAC has been awarded for playing a pro-active role in international quality assurance scenario.
Indian-American girl Ananya Vinay wins 90th Scripps National Spelling Bee competition of US Indian-American girl from California ,Ananya Vinay(12) has won the 13th Scripps National Spelling Bee after she spelled the word “marocain” correctly on June 2, 2017 i. Ananya defeates her competitor Rohan Rajeev, another Indian-American student. ii. She wins USD 40,000 in cash, a trophy and other prizes
BEML bags Raksha Mantri’s award Bengaluru headquartered Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) has won the ‘Raksha Mantri’s Award for Excellence’ under the group award category for design and development of 180 tonne class electric hydraulic excavator - BE1800E. i. Union Minister for Finance and Defence, Arun Jaitley presented the cash award to Deepak 88 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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Kumar Hota, the Chairman and Managing Director, BEML ii. Subhash Bhamre, Minister of State for Defence, presented the Certificate of Excellence to B R Viswanatha, Director-Mining & Construction, BEML
AP's Vizianagaram bags MGNREGA National Award The Ministry of Rural Development has selected Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh as one among the 17 districts across the nation for the MGNREGA annual award for effective implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act during 2015-16. i. Works for 361668 households were generated in 2015-16 and Rs. 483.42 crore as wages were disbursed. ii. Over 5000 farm ponds, 240 rain water harvesting structures, and 440 water shed works were executed.
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar to receive Bharat Gaurav Award by NRI community of US Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar will be conferred Bharat Gaurav Award by the Non Residential Indian (NRI) community of USA on June 9, 2017, at the United Nations Hall, New York. i. Spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Late Kalpana Chawla (astronaut), Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak (founder of Sulabh International), Acharya Lokesh Muni are other prominent personalities, who will be conferred Bharat Gaurav Award this year along with Madhur Bhandrkar. ii. Bharat Gaurav Awards are a set of awards given out by the Non Residential Indian (NRI) community of USA.
Authors Neelakantan, Satpathy to be honoured with Kalinga Awards Popular writer Anand Neelakantan, Odia poet Haraprasad Das and author Paramita Satpathy have been announced as winners of this year’s Kalinga Literary Awards. i. Anand Neelakantan will be conferred Kalinga International Literary Award. ii. Haraprasad Das will be conferred Kalinga Literary Youth Award.
Polish poet, author Zagajewski wins Spain's prestigious award Adam Zagajewski, one of the most pre-eminent contemporary Polish poets, novelists and essayists has won Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Literature. i. Jury of Princess of Asturias Award has mentioned that Zagajewski resolute stance in defence of freedom and the search for beauty is faithfully reflected in his work which contains great human depth and fine aesthetic sensibility. ii. The awards are presented to individuals and organisation in recognition for outstanding contribution to the field of science, humanities, and public affairs.
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RedInk Awards recognise India's best journalists
The Indian Express has got awards in two categories at the RedInk Awards for Excellence in Journalism. i. RedInk Awards are hosted by the Mumbai Press Club. ii.The awards were presented by Union Minister Piyush Goyal and Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao. iii. Aniruddha Ghosal and Pritha Chatterjee of The Indian Express has received the award in the ‘environment’ category for their ‘Death by Breath’ series. iv. Jonathan Selvaraj of The Indian Express won the award in the ‘sports’ category for his report, ‘Who wants to fight this girl?’, on a teen aged Dalit girl who overturned the strict hierarchy of north India’s male-dominated akharas. v. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to T N Ninan, Chairman & Editorial Director, Business Standard vi. The Journalist of the Year Award went to NDTV India’s Ravish Kumar.
Soumitra Chatterjee to get France's Legion of Honour Veteran Bengali film actor Soumitra Chatterjee has been conferred with the highest French civilian honour, the Legion d'Honneur. i. Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler will be in Kolkata to present the honour. ii. It is to be noted that, exactly 30 years ago, Bengali filmmaker Satyajit Ray was awarded the Legion of Honor by then French President Francois Mitterrand in 1987.
Indian girl Padmalaya Nanda bags Little Miss Universe Internet 2017 crown at Little Miss Universe in Georgia A 12 year old Padmalaya Nanda from Odisha has created history by becoming the youngest girl to bag the "Little Miss Universe Internet 2017" and "Little Miss Actress" crowns at the Little Miss Universe 2017. i. The Little Miss Universe Internet 2017 held at port city of Batumi in Georgia on 4th of June. ii. Padmalaya Nanda studies in the 8th standard at a school in Cuttack, Odisha. iii. This is the first time that a 12 young Indian girl has won this beauty pageant title.
Bihar's Nalanda model of water conservation chosen for national award Water conservation model, ‘Project Jal Sanchay’ in Nalanda district of Bihar has been selected for the national award for excellence in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme (MGNREGP), by the Ministry of Rural Development. i. Check dams were created and traditional Aahar-Pyne irrigation system and traditional water bodies were desilted and renovated. ii. A parallel campaign to create awareness about rainwater harvesting was also carried out. 90 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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NASA Honors Comet Science Pioneer Michael A'Hearn NASA has conferred the Exceptional Public Service Medal to Michael A’Hearn. He is one of the world’s leading comet scientists, posthumously on 12 June 2017. i. He was awarded posthumously at the Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) meeting at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. ii. The exceptional service medal is for his fundamental work on comets and small bodies of the solar system, leadership in space missions and ensuring public access to data from NASA missions and related projects.
Israel's David Grossman wins Man Booker Prize for 'A Horse Walks Into a Bar Israeli author David Grossman has won the Man Booker International Prize for his novel "A Horse Walks Into a Bar." i. The award was announced on 14th of June in London.The prize was previously a career honour but changed last year to recognise a single book in a bid to increase the profile of international fiction in English-speaking countries. ii. The award has a prize of 50,000 pounds ($64,000).The award will split between Grossman and translator Jessica Cohen.
Sreedharan selected for Nanniyode Rajan award Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) Principal Adviser E. Sreedharan has been selected for the Nanniyode Rajan Memorial Award. i. It is instituted by the Milma Thiruvananthapuram Regional Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union (TRCMPU) in memory of its former chairman. ii. Metroman’ had been selected for the award for his contributions to the development of the country. iii. The award consists of a purse of Rs.25,000 and a trophy.
Mira Nair wins directors award at women in film awards Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair won the Dorothy Arzner Directors Award at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, USA. i. Mira Nair won for the film Queen of Katwe at this year’s Women in Film Crystal and Lucy Awards. ii. Queen of Katwe’s lead actress LupitaNyong’o presented the award. iii. Elizabeth Banks won the Crystal Award for Excellence in Film. iv. Tracee Ellis Ross won the Lucy Award for Excellence in Television.
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Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi conferred with Bhupen Hazarika Award
The Fifth Bhupen Hazarika National Award 2017 is awarded to an eminent writer from Arunachal Pradesh Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi. i. This award is presented to those person whose literary work is outstanding at National and International level. ii. The award has been instituted by Sarhad, a Maharashtra-based organisation.
Kannada playwright Shivaprakash honoured with Kusumagraja Kannada poet and playwright H S Shivaprakash has honoured with the prestigious Kusumagraja Rashtriya Puraskar and Latur-based Menka Dhumale was presented YCMOUs Baburao Bagul story writing award for year 2016 for her book "Korda Paus". i. Shivaparakash has given prestigious Kusumagraja Rashtriya Puraskar for his outstanding contribution to social and educational fields. ii. The award is constituted by the Nashik-based Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open Universitys (YCMOUs) Kusumagra jaadhyasan (Chair), carries a cash prize of Rs one lakh, a memento and a citation.
Vivid Sydney breaks Guinness World Record for maximum number of light installations Vivid Sydney breaks the Guinness World Record for maximum number of light installations. It is the world's largest festival of light, music and ideas. i. Guinness World Records, the global authority on record breaking, has awarded Vivid Sydney installation Dreamscape with the title for the 'Largest interactive lighting display'. ii. It is made of 124,128 lights, Dreamscape, created by Vivid Sydney veteran 32, Hundred Lighting. iii. It allows participants to decide the color, texture and pattern of the lighting across the cityscape via 3D interactive modelling in a control room in Circular Quay.
IIT Kanpur to confer doctorate on PT Usha The Indian Institute of Technology(IIT), Kanpur awarded the degree to P.T. Usha at its 50th convocation in Kanpur on 16th of June 2017. i. The ‘Golden Girl’ of Indian athletics now became a Doctor of Science. ii. The Kannur University had conferred the Doctor of Letters (D. Litt) on Usha in 2000. iii. Director of IIT, Kanpur is Indranil Manna. iv. The degree, Doctor of Science (honoriscausa), is given for pioneering achievements as an athlete and for significant contribution in the national and international arena for the promotion of sports, especially among women.
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Salman Khan's ‘Sultan’ to be screened at Shanghai Film Fest Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's "Sultan" is to be screened at the 20th Shanghai International Film Festival. i. The gala is to be held June 17-26, 2017 in Shanghai, China ii. The movie features Salman in the role of a wrestler and is he paired with Anushka Sharma. Th movie is directed by Ali Abbas Zafar
Queen of Dhwayah, Kerala's first beauty pageant for transgender women The Pageant for the title of the Queen of dhwayah 2017 was held in Kerala. i. Syama Sanju was declared the Queen of Dhwayah, the winner at Kerala’s first ever beauty pageant for transgender women. ii. Jaz D’souza was crowned the first runner-up while Harini Chandana came third from among fifteen participants.
Anti-hunger hero Ankit Kawatra to be honoured by Queen Elizabeth II Anti-hunger activist Ankit Kawatra has been selected for prestigious Queen's Young Leaders Award with 60 others from all 53 Commonwealth countries. i. He will be honoured by Queen Elizabeth II at a ceremony to be held in the Buckingham Palace, UK on June 29, 2017. ii. The Queen’s Young Leader Award recognises and celebrates exceptional people aged 18- 29 from across the Commonwealth, who are taking the lead in their communities and using their skills to transform lives.
Sonam Kapoor's fashion label Rheson wins PETA award Actress SonamKapoor and her producer-sister Rhea Kapoor's fashion label Rheson has won the Compassionate Business Award from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)on 22nd June 2017. i. India for a line of bags made exclusively of vegan materials. ii. Sonam was crowned as PETA's Hottest Vegetarian Celebrity of 2016.
International Dublin Literary Award goes to José Eduardo Agualusa The International Dublin Literary Award has been awarded to the Angolan writer Jose Eduardo Agualusa on 21nd of June for his 14th novel, A General Theory of Oblivion. i. It is translated into English by Daniel Hahn. ii. The Dublin Literary Award is the world's largest prize for a single novel published in English. iii. The prize ceremony held at the Mansion House on June 21, 2017 iv. The €100,000 prize is divided between author and translator, with Agualusa receiving €75,000 and Hahn €25,000. 93 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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Sindhu, junior hockey team win SJFI annual awards
The Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI), at its annual general meeting on June 25, 2017, decided to confer the best Sportsperson of the Year award on Badminton player P V Sindhu and Best Team of the Year award to Indian Junior Hockey Squad. • Both the awards would be presented at the 40th convention of the SJFI to be held in Indore in September 2017.
Lalit Mohan Das gets Biju Patnaik Award for Scientific Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has conferred the prestigious Biju Patnaik Award for Scientific Excellence to Lalit Mohan Das for his outstanding contribution to science and research on 23rd of June. i. The chief minister also felicitated Pradeep Kumar Chand, Swati Mohanty and Ajay Parida with Samanta Chandra Sekhar award. ii. In the young scientist category, Biswaranjan Paital, Samanta Mohapatra, Milan Kumar Biswal and Swarup Kumar Parida were awarded with cash prize of Rs 25,000 for their contribution in the field of science.
Rural Development Ministry gives away 144 awards On June 19, 2017, Ministry of Rural Development conducted an award function in New Delhi, during which it gave away 144 awards to states and different organisations under different categories. • The function showcased achievements under different programmes implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development. • During the award function, short films on Water Conservation under Geo- MGNREGA, Construction of houses under Pradhan Mantri Aawaas Yojana of Jadia Bai, 100 year old tribal women of Madhya Pradesh and an audio visual song on PMGSY which was sung by Shan were also shown. • “Jan-MGNREGA”, a citizen centric mobile applicationon MGNREGA which provides information on different aspects of programme was also launched. Awards for Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): 1. Bihar was awarded for constructing the highest number of rural roads while Madhya Pradesh got the award for use of non- conventional construction material in constructing roads. 2. Haryana, Gujarat and Karnataka received a special prize for completing more than 95 per cent of their targets Awards for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), PMAY - G • Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee was awarded for providing technical vetting of housing typologies and the NIC team for its technical support. 94 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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• As many as nine district collectors, who completed largest number of PMAY-G houses,
were also awarded, out of which five are from Other Awards and Awardees: Awards were also given for Sustainable Livelihood, Transparency and Accountability and Aadhaar Seeding. • Design and Construction Specialist Prabir Kumar Das was awarded for significant contribution in use of innovative technologies. • Awards were given to National Resource Organizations, State Rural Livelihood Missions and Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, Allahabad Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, UCO Bank, Central Bank of India and ICICI Bank. • Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Karnataka and West Bengal received awards under different categories.
Annabel Mehta awarded with the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) Sachin Tendulkar's mother-in-law and social activist Annabel Mehta, a British national, has been awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) on 18th of June, 2017 i. She has given the award for her work and service to the underprivileged communities in Mumbai, and the NGO, Apnalaya. ii. The award will be presented to Annabel at Buckingham Palace in London. iii. Annabel has been recognised and honoured for over 40 years of service to under-privileged communities in India. iv. She has been President of the NGO, Apnalaya since 2013.
Bew's 'Citizen Clem' wins Orwell Prize for Books 2017 The 2017 Orwell Prize is the Britain's most prestigious prize. It is for political writing and was announced on 15th June in London. i. The 2017 Orwell Prize for books was presented to John Bew. ii. John Bew has won the £3,000Orwell Prize for books for Citizen Clem. iii. It is a biography of former UK Prime Minister Clement Attlee.
Salman Khan's Sultan wins Best Action Movie at 20th Shanghai International Film Festival Superstar Salman Khan's "Sultan" has won the best action movie award at the Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) on 24th of June 2017. i. "Sultan" became the first ever Bollywood film to win the award in the Jackie Chan Action Movie week section. ii. The movie is directed by Ali Aabbas Zafar, the movie also featured Anushka Sharma. 95 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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UN honours Mamata Banerjee with highest public service award The West Bengal government has won the prestigious United Nations (UN) Public Service Award for the 'Kanyashree Prakalpa' initiative aimed to combat child marriage and ensure education to the girl child in the state. i. On June 23, 2017, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee received the 2017 UN Public Service Award at a ceremony held in The Hague, Netherlands on behalf of her government. ii. West Bengal Government has been awarded in the category of “ability to reach the poorest and most vulnerable communities through inclusive services and participation”.
Sahitya Akademi awards for Vincy Quadros and Amey Naik The country's highest literary body the Sahitya Akademi award has been presented to two Konkani literary personalities Vincy Quadros and AmeyNaik from Goa i. Quadros is being awarded Sahitya Akademi's Bal SahityaPuraskar for his book 'Jaduche Petul' for children in Konkani. ii .Amey Naik has been selected for Yuva Puraskar 2017 for his Konkani poetry collection 'Mog Dot Com'. iii. Sahitya Akademi has announced the awards after its executive board meeting held in Guwahati on 22nd of June.
Nisha Dutt bags Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award Nisha Dutt has been honoured with the “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” award at the 7th Asian Awards in London. She is a Chief Executive Officer of Hyderabad-based Intellecap. i. Nisha is the first Indian woman leader to have been conferred with this recognition. ii. This award has been presented to her for leading Intellecap to become a globally known enterprise that focuses on social capital and impacts the underserved communities.
Vijaya Bank bags nine Skoch Awards Vijaya Bank has received Skoch Awards in following 9 categories -- Best Bank in Public Sector; Best Bank for NPA Management – Organization Category; Retail Lending; Inclusive Wallet – VPAYQWIK; Digital Inclusion; IT Security; e-Surveillance of ATMs and branches; and 100 Digital Villages – Financial Inclusion. i. Vijaya Bank’s Executive Director B. S. Rama Rao received the NPA Management Award (individual category) from Sameer Kochhar, Chairman, Skoch Group at Mumbai.
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Azim Premji Honoured with Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy
Wipro Chairman Azim Premji honoured with Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy. It considered the most prestigious prize in philanthropy. He has given the award for his efforts to reform India's public school system. i. Premji who founded the Azim Premji Foundation,is among the 9 philanthropists named recipients of the 2017 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in "recognition of their outstanding and innovative leadership in philanthropy." ii. The 2017 honorees of the Carnegie Medal include: 1.Mei HingChak the founder of the Heung Kong Charitable Foundation in China. 2.Julian Robertson of the Robertson Foundation focuses on high-impact grants in education, the environment, and medical research. 3.American entrepreneur Jeff Skoll who founded the Skoll Foundation. v. The recipients of the 2017 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy were selected for their distinguished and longstanding contributions to the public good. vi. Ther ecepients will be honoured in a ceremony to be held in October.
Indian agri microbiologist Shrihari Chandraghatgi given environment award in Japan Indian agricultural microbiologist Shrihari Chandraghatgi has been conferred the Ministry of Environment Award for 2017 in Japan. i. The award has been conferred for developing cutting edge technologies to address burning environmental problems. ii. Chandraghatgi is the President and CEO of EcoCycle Corporation. iii. Chandraghatgi hails from Siddapura in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. He has been residing in Tokyo for almost two decades. iv. It is the highest award in environmental sector in Japan.
Manushi Chhillar from Haryana wins the title of Miss India 2017 On June 25, 2017, Manushi Chhillar from Haryana won Femina Miss India 2017 title. Sana Dua from Jammu and Kashmir is the first runner-up and the second runner-up is Priyanka Kumari from Bihar. i. The event was held at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai on June 25, 2017. ii. Karan Johar and Riteish Deshmukh hosted the event; whereas Sonu Nigam, Alia Bhatt, Sushant Singh Rajput and Ranbir Kapoor performed live on-stage to entertain the guests.
Former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay to get Bharat Gaurav Former India hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay will be conferred East Bengal football club's highest honour that is Bharat Gaurav.
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st i. It has been given to Dhanraj Pillay at its foundation day ceremony on 1 of August, 2017 ii. The East Bengal club has chosen former India footballers -- Syed Nayeemuddin and Subhas Bhowmick -- for the Lifetime Achievement Awards at the function.
U'khand gets award of excellence at international meet Uttarakhand has been conferred the award of excellence at the 2nd Global Skill Development Summit held in Paris on June 23, 2017. Initiatives taken by Uttarakhand Government: i. Uttarakhand has been awarded for innovations and extensive use of IT for skilling the state's youth. ii. Project Director of Uttarakhand Skill Development Committee Pankaj Kumar Pandey received the honour on behalf of the state. iii. In Uttarakhand, a new initiative is being taken to impart high quality job oriented training to the state's youth so that they could avail of employment opportunities in the tourism, beauty and wellness, agriculture, health and security sectors.
Adi Godrej, Andrew Liveris bag USIBC Global Leadership Awards On June 28 2017 Liveris and Godrej were presented with the prestigious annual award at the USIBC's annual gala. i. Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej and Dow Chemical CEO Andrew Liveries bag Global Leadership Awards of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) for their role in integrating India in the global supply chain. ii. USIBC president Mukesh Adhi certified the two leaders with making tremendous stride in their businesses.
SIERRA ODC building in Coimbatore gets world's second highest green rating SIERRA ODC building of Coimbatore-based IT Solutions Company has been recognised as the world’s second highest ranking Green Building, with a score of 103 out of 110 under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. i. SIERRA ODC Building has been designed and constructed with an emphasis on increasing the efficiency of energy, water or materials that were used, while reducing its impact on human health and the environment through its entire lifecycle. ii. SIERRA ODC is carbon-neutral building and has registered a cost saving of 64% on energy. iii. This is the first building in South India, where Amorphous Silicon Thin Building Vortec technology has been implemented. Due to this technology, photovoltaic modules produce power at low cost per watt.
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Indian-origin boy in UK scores 162 on Mensa IQ, two points higher Einstein & Hawking
An 11-year-old boy Arnav, who is of Indian origin, has scored higher in an IQ test than Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking. i. The so-called genius benchmark is set at 140 and Arnav Sharma gained a score of 162 - the maximum possible result you can achieve on the paper. ii .It is a whole two points higher than German-born theoretical physicist Einstein and celebrated cosmologist Hawking. iii. His mark in the exam, which primarily measures verbal reasoning ability, puts him in the top 1% of the nation in terms of IQ level.
TS Vineeth Bhatt conferred with the ‘best astrologer of world’ award Astrologer and numerologist TS Vineeth Bhatt has been conferred with the 'Best astrologer of the world' award at the 'Russian-Indian economic dialogue' round-table meet held in Moscow, Russia. The event was organized by Peacemakers International, a charity that works for advancement of conflict resolution through mediation services and training.
Health Ministry's mobile app EVIN wins GSMA Asia Mobile Award Indigenously developed mobile application for digitising vaccine logistics, eVIN, has won the prestigious GSMA Asia Mobile Award 2017 (AMO) on 29th June 2017. i. It has won for outstanding contribution to the UNs sustainable development goals in Asia. ii. The Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) is an online real-time vaccine logistics management system developed and implemented by the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). iii. The ceremony, held during the Mobile World Congress 2017 in Shanghai.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS
UN General Assembly elects Slovakia’s Miroslav Lajcak as next president On May 31, 2017, Slovak foreign minister Miroslav Lajcak was elected as the President of 72nd session of the UN General Assembly. i. Lajcak, will succeed Fijian diplomat Peter Thomson. The 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly will commence from September 12, 2017. ii. In May 2016, the Slovak government had formally nominated Lajcak as a candidate for the position of UN Secretary-General.
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Ramachandra Guha steps down as BCCI Administrator
Ramachandra Guha has stepped down as BCCI Administrator. He told the Supreme Court that he has presented his resignation to Vinod Rai on 28th May, 2017 i. According to the reports, Guha has reportedly mentioned some personal reasons for his resignation.The SC has asked Guha to file plea in registry which will be taken up in July. ii. Ramachandra Guha has appointed by the Supreme Court as one of the four administrators of BCCI.
Jet Airways appoints Vinay Dube as CEO Vinay Dube as a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jet Airways on May 31st 2017. He succeeds Cramer Ball who is a former CEO of Jet Airways. Director Gaurang Shetty has been the acting CEO of the airline. i. Vinay Dube is currently Senior Vice President-Asia Pacific with Delta Air Lines, will also head the airline's executive management team.
Nirupama Rao appointed Public Policy Fellow to US Think-Tank Nirupama Rao has been appointed as the public policy fellow to a top American think-tank based in Washington. i. Nirupama was the former Indian Ambassador to the United States. ii. She will be associated with the Wilson Centre's Asia programme.
Shaktikanta Das retires as Economic Affairs Secretary, Tapan Ray to take over Economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das has retired on 31st of May, 2017 i. He has served in the government department for 37 years in various capacities. ii. Shaktikanta Das is a 1980 batch Tamilnadu cadre IAS officer who is originally from Bhubaneswar. iii. After Das’ retirement, corporate affairs secretary Tapan Ray has taken additional charge as the economic affairs secretary.
Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic sworn in as new President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic(47) has been sworn in as president of Serbia, formally stepped down from his prime minister's post on March 31, 2017 i. Vucice took over president role after his win in April's election. ii. He announced that Serbia would not join NATO or become "member of any other military alliance".
RBI appoints S Ganesh Kumar as new Executive Director The Reserve Bank has appointed Ganesh Kumar as Executive Director (ED). It will be effective 100 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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from June 1, 2017. Ganesh replaced Chandan Sinha. i. Kumar will look after the departments of Information Technology, Payment and Settlement Systems and External Investments and Operations. ii. Prior to this, he was working as Chief General Manager-in-Charge, Department of Information Technology, RBI.
Param Jit Mann appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Republic Slovenia Param Jit Mann has been appointed as the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Slovenia. i. Currently he was working as the Ambassador of India to the Slovak Republic
Shashi Shekhar Vempati named CEO of public broadcaster Prasar Bharati The part-time member of Prasar Bharati, Shashi Shekhar Vempati was appointed asthe CEO of New Delhi based public broadcaster Prasar Bharati on June 2, 2017 i. Vempati is the successor of Jawhar Sircar. His tenure will be for five years .
Indian-origin Leo Varadkar to be next Ireland PM Indian-origin doctor Leo Varadkar(38) was elected as Taoiseach of Ireland by country's governing Fine Gael party after he secured 60% of the vote against Housing Minister Simon Coveney. i. Varadkar is the succeesor of Enda Kenny who stepped down as Prime Minister earlier this year ii. He will become the country’s youngest-ever and first homosexual Prime Minister-in-waiting.
Bollywood actress Dia Mirza appointed Wildlife Trust of India's brand ambassador Actress Dia Mirza on World Environment Day has appointed brand ambassador for the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) on 5th of June, 2017
Super dad' Tendulkar joins UN campaign on fathers The UNICEF initiative Super Dad highlights the critical role played by fathers in children’s early development. i. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar will be joining the likes of Noval Djokovic and David Beckham for a United Nations campaign initiative titled Super Dads. ii. The initiative was launched on 6 June 2017 and will celebrate fatherhood by highlighting the importance of love, play, protection and good nutrition for the healthy development of young children’s brains.
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K G Karmakar, Gauri Shankar appointed as Directors of IPPB
K G Karmakar and Gauri Shankar are appointed as Independent Directors of India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) on 7th of June, 2017
Hoshiar Singh appointed as Chief of Copyrights office Hoshiar Singh, a 1994 batch officer of the Indian Telecom Service has been appointed as Registrar of Copyrights. i. Hoshiar is appointed for a period of five years. ii. The order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Sher Bahadur Deuba elected Nepal's prime minister for fourth time Sher Bahadur Deuba has elected PM of the Nepal. This will be Deuba's fourth stint as PM of the Himalayan country. i. He secured 388 votes in his favour and 170 votes against him. ii. The Nepali Congress leader has become the 40th Prime Minister of Nepal.
Indian-American Raja Chari selected by NASA among 12 new astronauts Lt Col Raja Chari is the 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. i. The 12 new candidates include six military officers, three scientists, two medical doctors, a lead engineer at SpaceX and a NASA research pilot. ii. The candidates will be trained for missions into Earth orbit and to deep space. Chari has been selected by the NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class. He will report for duty in August to begin his two years of training as an Astronaut Candidate
LVB appoints BK Manjunath as part-time chairman Lakshmi Vilas Bank has appointed B K Manjunath as a part-time chairman for three years on June 8, 2017 i. LVB informed the stock exchange that subsequent to approval granted by the Reserve Bank of India ( RBI), the Board of Directors of the bank at their meeting have co-opted B K Manjunath as additional director in the category of Non- Executive and Independent Director. ii. Manjunath is a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and a practicing charted accountant for the last 25 years.
Nepal's first woman Chief Justice retires Sushila Karki, first woman Chief Justice of Nepal Supreme Court retired after attaining the age 65 years. i. She was appointed as acting Chief Justice of Nepal Supreme Court on July 11, 2016 since her 102 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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predecessor Kalyan Shrestha ii. Karki was 25th Chief Justice of Nepal Supreme Court.
Ruchira Kamboj appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of South Africa Ruchira Kamboj, presently Ambassador/PR to Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO, Paris has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of South Africa.
SEBI clears Vikram Limaye as NSE chief Markets regulator SEBI has cleared the appointment of Vikram Limaye. He is currently the MD of IDFC. He will be the next MD & CEO of National Stock Exchange. i. The post of MD at NSE had fallen vacant after Chitra Ramakrishna quit the exchange on December 2.
Indian diaspora elated as UK elects its first ever female Sikh MP Preet Gill has become the first female Sikh MP to be elected to the UK's Houses of Parliament on 9th of June, 2017 i. Gill has secured 24,124 votes to hold the seat in Birmingham Edgbaston for the Labour Party with a majority of 6,917. ii. Gill was followed by Conservative Caroline Squire with 17,207 votes.
Justice CS Karnan becomes first High Court Judge to retire while absconding Calcutta High Court Judge C S Karnan, who was sentenced six months of imprisonment by Supreme Court, has retired on 12 June 2017 at the age of 62, the retirement age for a High Court judge. i. Karnan was not present at the Calcutta High Court on the day of his retirement as he is banned from performing his judicial duties since February 2017. ii. The Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra, J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur, P C Ghose and Kurian Joseph prohibited media from publishing any orders passed by Justice Karnan.
IRDAI appoints RK Sharma as administrator for Sahara India Life Insurance The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has appointed the RK Sharma as administrator of the Sahara India Life Insurance Company. i. IRDAI has appointed RK Sharma to manage the affairs of the insurer with "immediate effect".
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Ace, has taken charge of the commercial vehicle business at Tata Motors . i. Wagh replaced Ravindra Pisharody who resigned earlier this month.
India appoints Envoys to Italy, Denmark, Belgium and EU The government has appointed ambassadors to three European countries, Italy, Denmark and Belgium. i. Gaitri Issar Kumar is a 1986-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as India's next ambassador to Belgium. ii. According to the external affairs ministry she will also be accredited as India's ambassador to the European Union (EU). iii. Reenat Sandhu, a 1989-batch IFS officer, will head India's diplomatic mission in Italy. iv. Ajit Vinayak Gupte from the 1991 batch, who is presently joint secretary in the ministry, has been appointed as ambassador to Denmark.
Neeru Chadha elected as first Indian woman member of ITLOS On June 14, 2017, eminent international law expert, Neeru Chadha became the first Indian woman to be elected as a judge at International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). She has been elected for a nine-year term from 2017 to 2026.
TCS executive Ramanathan Ramanan to head Atal Mission under NITI Aayog Under the Niti Aayog Ramanathan Ramanan has appointed as the Mission Director of the Atal Innovation Mission. i. Ramanan is presently working with the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). ii. He has been appointed to the post "without pay and allowances" but with the provision of entitlement for government accommodation at New Delhi and all other official expenses including travel.
Kajal Singh appointed as Executive Vice President, GSTN Senior bureaucrat Kajal Singh has appointed as Executive Vice President (Services) in Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN). i. The GSTN is a special purpose vehicle set up to provide Information Technology infrastructure for implementation of the GST.
EazyDiner appoints Yuvraj Singh as Brand Ambassador EazyDiner has appointed cricketer Yuvraj Singh as global brand ambassador. EazyDiner is an online restaurant reservation platform.
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Serbia President names Ana Brnabic its first openly gay and first female Prime Minister
Serbia's President has nominated the minister Ana Brnabic as Prime Minister on 17th of June 2017. i. Ana Brnabic is the first woman and first openly-gay politician to become the PM of Serbia. ii. President AleksandarVucic has announced Ana Brnabic is his official nomination as Prime Minister-designate.
IDFC Bank elevates Sunil Kakar as MD and CEO for 3 Years IDFC Ltd has announced the elevation of its CFO Sunil Kakar as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. He is appointed for 3 years. i. Kakar has also been appointed as additional director. ii. The Board has approved the resignation of veteran banker Vikram Limaye from the post of MD and CEO.
Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind resigns Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind has resigned from the governor post of Bihar. i. The resignation follows his nomination as the ruling NDA's presidential candidate. ii. West Bengal Governor Keshari NathTripathi will discharge the functions of the Governor of Bihar.
In historic first, UNICEF appoints Syrian refugee MuzoonAlmellehan as Goodwill Ambassador United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has announced the appointment of Muzoon Almellehan as its newest and youngest Goodwill Ambassador on 19 June 2017. Muzoon Almellehan is a 19-year-old education activist and Syrian refugee. i. Muzoon is the first person with official refugee status to become an Ambassador for UNICEF.
Govt ropes in Amitabh Bachchan to promote GST The government has roped in Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan to promote Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is scheduled to rolled out from July 1, 2017
Imran Khawaja Appointed as ICC Deputy Chairman The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Imran Khawaja as its deputy chairman on 24th of July 2017. i. Imran Khawaja is a Chairman of Associates counties and a veteran administrator from Singapore. ii. He is a senior lawyer and has been serving in the ICC Board for several years. 105 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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Indian-origin Sikh Palbinder Kaur becomes first turbaned judge in Canada An Indian-origin Sikh woman human rights activist, Palbinder Kaur Shergill has been appointed as a judge of the Canadian Supreme Court of British Columbia in New Westminster. i. Following her appointment to this post, Palbiner Kaur has become the first turbaned Sikh to be appointed to the judiciary of Canada. ii. Palbinder Kaur Shergill, a sole practitioner with Shergill & Company, has extensive trial and appellate experience and has appeared before courts and tribunals across Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
Manappuram Finance appoints Jeevandas Narayan as managing director of Manappuram Home Finance Manappuram Finance has announced the appointment of Jeevandas Narayan as the Managing Director on 21st of June 2017. i. Narayan, who has more than 37 years of experience in the financial services industry, was Managing Director of State Bank of Travancore. ii. Samant, with more than 20 years of experience, has worked with Larsen and Toubro Housing Finance, DHFL, ICICI Bank and GIC Housing Finance.
Uber CEO and Co-Founder Travis Kalanick resigns Uber Technologies Inc co-founder Travis Kalanick has stepped down as CEO on 21st of June 2017. i. Kalanick's resignation comes after a month-long investigation led former US Attorney General Eric Holder. ii. In a statement, the 40-year-old co-founder said his resignation would help Uber go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight.
Saudi Arabia names Mohammed Bin Salman as Crown Prince Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was named as crown prince on 21st of June 2017. i. Mohammed bin Salman has replaced his cousin as heir to the throne that confirms King Salman's 31-year-old son as next ruler of the world's leading oil exporter. ii. The new crown prince already controls the defense, oil and economy portfolios. iii. He also heads the Council for Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA).
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Major reshuffle in central bureaucracy, Gauba named new Home Secretary
In a high level reshuffle, the government has transferred 17 IAS officers on 22nd June 2017.The Urban Development Secretary Rajiv Gauba will be the next Home Secretary after incumbent Rajiv Mehrishi retires on August 30. Gauba will serve as an Officer on Special Duty in the Home Ministry.The changes were approved by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet. • Gauba, a 1982-batch IAS officer, was originally of the Bihar cadre but transferred to Jharkhand after the state's division. • He will be replaced by DurgaShanker Mishra, who was serving as Additional Secretary in the Urban Development Ministry. • Yudhvir Singh Malik, a 1983-batch Haryana cadre officer, has been appointed as Secretary, Road Transport and Highways. Malik, who is serving as Chairman of National Highways Authority of India will be replaced by Deepak Kumar, the Director General of Employee's State Insurance Corporation. • Subhash C. Garg, a 1983-batch Rajsthan cadre officer serving as Executive Director at World Bank. He has been made Secretary of Economic Affairs. • Electronics and Information Technology Secretary Aruna Sundarajan has been appointed as Telecommunications Secretary. • She would be replaced by Ajay Prakash Sawhney an additional Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. • Secretary, Food Processing Industries, Avinash K. Srivastava will be the Consumer Affairs Secretary, swapping places with Jagdish Prasad Meena. • Rajiv Kapoor has been appointed as Secretary, Chemicals and Petrochemicals. • Sanjeevanee Kutty, currently Secretary, Border Management in the Home Ministry, will be the new Secretary, Ex-Servicemen Welfare in the Defence Ministry. • Arun Kumar Panda an additional Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, has been appointed as Secretary, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,. • Ravi Kant, Additional Secretary, Defence, has been chosen as Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping. • Anand Kumar, Managing Director National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, has been transferred as Secretary, New and Renewable Energy. • Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Director General Foreign Trade, will be appointed new Power Secretary.
Kenneth I Juster set to become America's new ambassador to India Kenneth I Juster is set to be America's new ambassador to India on 22nd of June 2017. i. Kenneth I Juster is a 62-year-old who is the Deputy Assistant to the US president for
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International Economic Affairs and Deputy Director of his National Economic Council. ii. Kenneth I Juster would replace Richard Vermaif.
Indian-origin doctor appointed honorary VP of UK medical body Indian-origin doctor Kailash Chand in the UK has been appointed as honorary vice-president of the country's prominent medical body. He is becoming the first professional from the community to be appointed to the post. i. Chand is a senior fellow of the BMA, which is a professional body and trade union representing over 160,000 doctors in the UK. ii. He has been regularly named as being among one of Britain’s top 50 most influential GPs in the annual ‘National Pulse Power’ list.
Russian Diplomat Vladimir Voronkov as Chief of United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre On June 21, 2017, United Nations (UN)’s Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed a veteran Russian diplomat, Vladimir Voronkov, as the first head of the UN’s newly established Counter terrorism Office. i. Voronkov had served as Russia’s representative to UN organizations in Vienna, Austria, since 2011, including the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, which deals with counterterrorism. ii. He has also served as Russia’s deputy ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), from 2005 to 2008, and on the board of governors of the UN’s global nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
J-K Governor N N Vohra appointed as president of IIC Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra has been appointed the President of the India International Centre (IIC) - one of the premier cultural institutions in the country. i. N N Vohra was appointed as the president at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held on June 23, 2017. ii. The appointment was made after eminent jurist Soli Sorabjee quit the presidential post.
Priyanka Chopra appointed as ambassador for Government's Skill India campaign Actress Priyanka Chopra has appointed as ambassador for government's flagship Skill India campaign, with the National Skill Development Corporation . i. Priyanka will use her celebrity status to motivate youngsters to hone their abilities through a media campaign. ii. Earlier, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, Bollywood actors Sidharth Malhotra and Shabana Azmi and singer Mohit Chauhan had also become goodwill ambassador for Skill India.
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Mihai Tudose named as prime-minister designate in Romania
Romania has announced Mihai Tudose as prime minister on 26th of June 2017. i. Tudose has replaced Sorin Grindeanu whom they ousted last week in an internal party rift over anti-corruption policy. ii. PSD filed a no-confidence motion against ex-Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu for causing delays in implementing reforms.
Kaushik Basu is new International Economic Association president The International Economic Association (IEA) has chosen eminent economist Kaushik Basu as its president. i. The organisation consists of key economists which significantly help in determining global economic policy and research. ii. Nobel Laureates like Robert Solow, Amartya Sen and Joseph Stiglitz have been among the past presidents of International Economic Association (IEA).
Union Government appoints Rajesh V. Shah as NIFT Chairperson Rajesh V. Shah has been named the chairperson of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) up to March 31, 2019.He will replace Chetan Chauhan i. The names for the post of chairman are sent by the ministry of textile. ii. The chairman is also part of the reviewing authority for a number of senior academic and administrative positions at the institute.
Vidya named ambassador of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Actress Vidya Balan has named an ambassador of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). It will be held in August 10-22, 2017, which showcase over 60 films. i. In 2017, IFFM has diversity as its central theme. ii. It will showcase over 60 films indie and short included in 20 different languages.
Trump picks Indian American Krishna R. Urs to be ambassador to Peru On June 28 2017 ,US President Donald Trump has nominated Indian American Krishna R. Urs to be the ambassador to Peru after James Costos, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama`
Shamma Jain appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Greece A senior diplomat Shamma Jain has appointed as India's ambassador to Greece on 29th of June 2017. i. Shamma is a 1983-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Jain is currently serving as Indian envoy
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to Panama. ii. She succeeds M Manimekalai as Indian envoy in Greece.
SN Subrahmanyan new CEO & MD of Larsen & Toubro SN Subrahmanyan will take charge as the CEO and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro from 1st of July 2017. i. Subrahmanyan is currently the deputy managing director and president of the company. ii. The appointment was approved by the company board on 7th April and marks a major change in leadership positions at L&T where Naik has served for over 52 years, including as its head for over 17 years.
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS
Microsoft acquires Israeli security firm Hexadite, sources say for $100M Microsoft has acquired Hexadite. It is an Israeli startup that uses AI to identify and protect against attacks. i. This deal cost $100 million. ii. To bringnew technology and new innovations in areas like AI and machine learning.
Airtel-Telenor merger gets Regulatory approval from SEBI, BSE, NSE New Deli based telecommunications services company Bharti Airtel has received the merger approval between Airtel and Telenor Communications.from Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) . i. Now, the merger is subject to other statutory approvals including from the competition commission of India (CCI). ii. After merging, Airtel will gets 52.5 million users from Telenor kitty. .
NHB approves merger between Aadhar Housing Finance and DHFL Vysya Housing Finance NHB approves merger between Dewan Housing group companies Aadhar Housing Finance and DHFL Vysya Housing Finance. i. Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd and DHFL Vysya Housing Finance Ltd will going to be merged into one to create a pan-India entity with Rs 3,300 crore of loan assets for financing affordable housing. ii. The merger plan received backing from International Finance Company (IFC), which holds 20% in Aadhar Finance.
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Amazon to buy Whole Foods Market in deal valued at $13.7 billion Amazon is buying Whole Foods in a deal valued at about $13.7 billion. Amazon already offers grocery-delivery services in five markets, but the Whole Foods purchase would let it expand to many more.
Apple acquires SMI eye-tracking company A report from MacRumors provides that Apple has acquired SMI, also known as Senso Motoric Instruments. SMI is a company specialized in eye-tracking technology. i .SMI is a German-based company specialized in eye-tracking founded in 1991. plications as well as measurement-only head-worn devices for data collection and analysis. ii. Apple plans to integrate eye-tracking technology into its computers or smartphone.
SCHEMES
Telangana launches single-woman pension scheme, first in India On June 4, 2017, Telangana State Government launched single-woman pension scheme across the state, thereby becoming the first state in India to launch such scheme. i. Under this scheme, Telangana State Govt. will provide 1,000 financial assistance per month to single women. The beneficiaries would get the pension in their bank accounts every month. ii. Officials have identified 108302 beneficiaries in 31 districts. iii. This scheme will benefit unmarried women, joginis and divorced women.
Punjab govt launches 'Chief Minister Scholarship Scheme' On June 6, 2017, Punjab State government launched the “Chief Minister Scholarship Scheme” with an aim to provide cheaper and quality technical education to the meritorious and poor students of the state. i. The scheme was formally launched jointly by the Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal and Punjab Technical Education Minister Charanjit Singh Channi after approval from Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. ii. Under the scheme, students scoring 60-70% marks in Class 10 will get 70% fee waiver, 80% fee waiver for those getting between 70% and 80% marks and 90% for those scoring 80-90% marks. Students with 90-100% marks will get free education.
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Madhya Pradesh government launches farmers’debt relief scheme, allo cates Rs 1,000 crore Madhya Pradesh government has launched a new debt relief scheme “Krishi Rin Samadhan Yojana” for farmers. i. The cabinet has allocated Rs 1,000 crore for the scheme. ii. Under this scheme, the interest rate on loans would be less which would in turn also help defaulting farmers get loan. iii. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the kith and the kin of the dead farmers.
DDA launches new housing scheme with 12,000 flats The Delhi Development Authority will launch its new housing scheme on 30th June. i. The scheme is being floated under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to help a large number of people avail subsidy on interest. ii. The cost of the flats varies from Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 1.44 crore, depending on the type and location. iii. A majority of these flats fall under the LIG one-bedroom category. iv. There are 10,000-plus flats in the LIG-one-bedroom category and the price range is between Rs 14 and Rs 30 lakh. v. The benefit will range between Rs 2.4 lakh and Rs 2.7 lakh. But only those allottees can benefit from CLSS who meet the income status and other criteria of the scheme. vi. To apply for the flats, people will have to pay Rs 1 lakh for LIG and Rs 2 lakh for MIG HIG flats as earnest money.
MoUs
Tamil Nadu govt signs MoU with Aviation Ministry for implementation of UDAN scheme Low-cost flight services are set to be in towns like Hosur and Neyveli in Tamil Nadu in the first phase of implementation of the Centre's UDAN(“Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik” ) scheme to promote regional air connectivity. i. In the presence of Chief Minister K Palaniswami the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with the Civil Aviation Ministry for the implementation the scheme at the secretariate on June 8, 2017 ii. During the signing of the MoU ,Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan, Transport Minister M R Vijayabaskar, Civil Aviation Secretary, R N Choubey, and Airports Authority of India Chairman, Guruprasad Mohapatra were also present .
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Cabinet approves Amendment of the Social Security Agreement between India and the
Netherlands Union Cabinet has approved Amendment of the bilateral Social Security Agreement (SSA) between India and the Netherlands by incorporating the “Country of Residence” Principle into the agreement. More Information about (SSA) between India and the Netherlands: • A bilateral Social Security Agreement (SSA) was signed between India and the Netherlands on 22nd October 2009 and came into force on 15thJune 2010. • The SSA allows exemption from double contribution to the social security system in both jurisdictions, exportability of accumulated social security benefits across jurisdictions (applicable even to the self-employed), and totalization of serving periods. Currently, India has signed and operationalised SSAs with 18 countries - Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and South Korea.
Cabinet approves Constitution of Indian Naval Material Management Service (INMMS) as an Organized Group ‘A’ Engineering Service Union Cabinet as approved constitution of an organized Group ‘A’ Engineering Service, namely Indian Naval Material Management Service (INMMS) and consequent changes in cadre structure of existing Group ‘A’ cadre of Naval Store Officers of the Indian Navy.
India and Portugal sign a historical agreement to promote Cooperation in the Field of Archives On May 17, 2017, a Protocol of Cooperation was signed between the National Archives of India and the Minister of Culture of the Portuguese Republic in the field of archives in Lisbon, Portugal. i. As a first step under this agreement, the National Archives of Portugal handed over to the National Archives of India digital copies of 62 volumes of the collection known as‘Moncoes do Reino’ (Monsoon correspondence). ii. These volumes were originally part of over 456 volumes that cover the period from 1568 to 1914 and form the largest of all record collections in the Goa State Archives.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Korea for export credit of USD 9 billion Union Cabinet has approved the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Export- Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) and Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) for export credit of USD 9 billion.
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Cabinet approves agreement between India and Cyprus on Merchant Shipping
Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the Agreement between India and Cyprus on Merchant Shipping. This agreement was signed in April 2017.
Cabinet approves Bilateral MoU between India and Iran Union Cabinet has approved the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Securities and Exchange Organization (SEO), Iran in relation to mutual cooperation on matters pertaining to securities markets.
Cabinet approves Agreement between India and Somalia on transfer of sentenced persons Union cabinet has given its approval for signing and subsequent ratification of the Agreement on Transfer of sentenced persons between India and Somalia. • This agreement will facilitate the Indian prisoners imprisoned in Somalia or vice-versa to be near to their families, for serving remaining part of their sentence and shall facilitate their social rehabilitation.
Cabinet approves Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Securities and Exchange Board of India and European Securities and Markets Authority Union Cabinet has given its approval to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) in relation to Mutual Co-operation. • This MoU is likely to establish cooperation arrangements as a precondition for ESMA to recognize Central Counter Parties (CCPs) supervised by SEBI to provide clearing services in European Union.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Mali for standardization and conformity assessment Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India and Direction Nationale De Industries (MLINDI), Republic of Mali on Standardization and Conformity Assessment. • The MoU seeks to provide a mechanism by which India and Mali can work together towards the common aim of strengthening standardization and conformity assessment activities in order to facilitate sharing of expertise and mutual trade.
India, Mauritius sign pact to institutionalise cooperation between their parliaments India and Mauritius has signed a pact to institutionalize cooperation between Parliaments of 114 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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the two countries on 10th of June, 2017 i. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Speaker of National Assembly of Mauritius Santi Bai Hanoomanjee . ii. The MoU that has signed on joint framework for parliamentary support and capacity building is a "visionary step forward".
India signs Multilateral Agreements at Paris, now common tax agreement for all investors On June 7, 2017, more than 100 countries including India, signed the OECD multilateral convention in Paris that aims to curb cross border tax evasion by multinational companies. This multilateral instrument (MI) is an outcome of the OECD/G20 BEPS project.
India, Lanka sign pact for $318 million line of credit India has signed an agreement with Srilanka to provide fresh assistance of USD 318 million line of credit for the development of the railway sector in the country on 7th of June, 2017 i.The agreement was signed in Colombo, the capital city of the island nation. ii. India, Sri Lanka exchanged four agreements to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Nepal signs agreement for Mega Hydroprojects with Chinese Firm Nepal has signed an agreement with a Chinese company to develop a 1,200 MW hydroelectric project on 5th of June. i. It is the biggest hydro project in the landlocked country that could resolve its everlasting power crisis. ii. Nepal’s Ministry of Energy had signed an MoU with China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) for the development of teh much-touted 1,200 MW Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project. iii. As per the agreement, the storage project would be built under engineering, procurement, construction and finance (EPCF) model.
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) signs Agreement with the Metal Industries Development Institute (MIDI), Ethiopia The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has signed an agreement with Europe- based Metal Industries Development Institute (MIDI) to implement a twinning programme. i. The twinning is one of the largest programs between a CSIR institute and a foreign entity. ii. The deal aims to bring opportunities for CSIR’s future collaborations with African organisations.
Punjab & UK join hands to promote skill development The Punjab government and the United Kingdom join hands for imparting skill training and technical education to the students to provide better employment opportunities in abroad. Under 115 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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the agreement, the UK would send skill development experts to Punjab to impart technical education and skill development training. i. It was announced by Technical Education Minister Charanjit Singh Channi with Britain Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Ayre on June 1st at Chandigarh. ii. Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Punjab and UK on June 20 would be the first step in this direction.
NSDC, Bird Academy tie up to train 35,000 in aviation The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has signed a pact with Bird Academy to train 35,000 unemployed youth across various states in the aviation space. i. The MoU was signed on June 1, 2017 for skilling unemployed youth in the aviation and aerospace sector. ii. Those trained will include youth from North Eastern states and minimum 5,000 women and tribal youths from the underprivileged sections of the society and assist states in capacity building over the next six years.
MoU signed between Central Industrial Security Force & National Skill Development Corporation The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)has signed an MoU on 5th of June. i. The MoU will remain in effect for a period of 5 years starting from 5th June, 2017 till 5th June, 2022, subject to a mid-term review after 3 years. ii. The MoU provides that CISF, NSDC and NSDF will work together at CISF units all across the country.
Sikkim govt signs Mou with British Council The Human Resource Development department of Sikkim government has signed aMoU with the British Council on 13th of June, 2017 i. Objective: To enhance the quality of education in the state. ii. The MoU was signed by G P Upadhaya, additional chief secretary cum principal Human Resource Development department and Alan Gemmell, Head of British Council.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Palestine on agriculture cooperation Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and the Ministry of Agriculture in the
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State of Palestine on agriculture cooperation.
Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Armenia on cooperation on youth matters On June 14, 2017, Union Cabinet was apprised about an Memorandum of Understanding which has already been signed in April 2017, between India and Armenia for cooperation on youth matters.
Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bangladesh for promoting cooperation in the field of Information Technology and Electronics On June 14, 2017, Union Cabinet was apprised about an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which has already been signed in April 2017, between India and Bangladesh for promoting cooperation in the field of Information Technology and Electronics (IT&E).
Nalanda varsity to collaborate with South Korean Institute The Nalanda University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea's Academy of Korean Studies for academic cooperation. i. According to the university officials, Nalanda University Vice Chancellor Professor Sunaina Singh and Professor Shin Jong Won, Vice President Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for academic linkages and collaborations in Patna. ii. The MoU will be in effect for five years.
Punjab govt inks MoU with Centre, AAI Under the country’s flagship programme UDAN in the presence of Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh the Punjab government has signed a tripartite agreement with the Centre and Airports Authority of India(AAI) i. The tripartite agreement was signed by Usha Padhee (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation on behalf of GoI), Tejveer Singh (Secretary Civil Aviation for Punjab Government) and G K Chaukiyal (Executive Director for AAI). ii. The four airports of Bathinda, Ludhiana, Pathankot and Adampur have been connected under the scheme through five proposals.
IOC, BPCL, HPCL sign agreement to set up $40 billion refinery in Maharashtra On June 14, 2017, public sector oil firms IOC, BPCL and HPCL signed an agreement to jointly set up the world's largest refinery and petrochemical complex at Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. The total cost for setting up this refinery is estimated to be $40 billion.
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More Details about $40 billion refinery in Maharashtra:
Indian Oil Corp (IOC) will be the lead partner with 50% stake while Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) will take 25% stake • Union Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said this refinery is being set up keeping in mind the future fuel demand and the export potential of the country. • The entire refinery will include three crude units of 20 million tonnes each. • After land acquisition and all clearances, it will take five-six years for completing this project.
Kalraj Mishra launches Digital MSME Scheme, exchanges MoUs with SAP India, Intel and HMT Kalraj Mishra has launched the Digital MSME Scheme, exchanges MoUs with SAP India, Intel and HMT on 27th of June 2017. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) is celebrating the first UN MSME Day in the Delhi. • It has been celebrated for recognizing the importance of crucial role that the sector plays both in terms of job creation and contribution towards economic growth. • MoMSME has organized a programme, underway currently, to felicitate the successful MSME entrepreneurs through National MSME Awards. • During the event, Mishra launched Digital MSME Scheme and exchanged Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with SAP India, Intel and HMT. • It’s main objective is to sensitize and encourage MSMEs towards new approach. • The MSME has a total budget of Rs. 85.705 Crore including Government of India’s contribution of Rs. 58.105 crore during 2017- 18 to 2019-20. • MSME Secretary KK Jalan and DC MSME SN Tripathi were also present at the event.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Israel on National Campaign for Water Conservation in India The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Israel on National Campaign for Water Conservation in India will benefit India in conserving water for future generations. The Ministries of India and Israel have agreed to jointly work on the water conservation campaign.
Cabinet approves signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between India and the United States of America on Homeland Security This Memorandum of Cooperation between India and the United States of America on Homeland Security will strengthen bilateral security relations between India and the USA and will
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also help in coordination and interactions among the six Sub-Groups that are proposed to be formed under Homeland Security Dialogue between the two countries.
EPFO signs MoU with HUDCO under new Housing Scheme of EPF & MP Act-1952 EPFO, a retirement fund body will sign a pact with the Housing and Urban Development Corp (HUDCO) on 23rd of July, 2017 i. Under the Pradhan Mantri AwasYojana it enables members of its housing scheme to avail subsidy and interest subvention. ii. According to statement the MoU will be signed in the presence of Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister M Venkaiah Naidu.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and the Netherlands for bilateral Cooperation in the field of water resources management Union Cabinet has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for bilateral cooperation in the field of water resources management.
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between India and Portugal on Cooperation in the field of Public Administration and Governance Reforms Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India and Ministry of the Presidency and of Administrative Modernization, Government of Portuguese Republic for ‘Cooperation in the field of Public Administration and Governance Reforms’.
Cabinet approves MoU on cooperation in the textiles, clothing and fashion sectors between India and Australia Union Cabinet has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the textiles, clothing and fashion sectors between the Ministry of Textiles and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia.
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space between India and Armenia On June 22, 2017, Union Cabinet was apprised about a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space between India and Armenia. The MoU has already been signed in April, 2017.
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Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy between India and Sri Lanka Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy between Ministry of AYUSH of the Government of Republic of India and the Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine of the Government of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Meghalaya govt signs two MoUs with SBI for Digital transaction Meghalaya government has signed two MoUs with the State Bank of India. It is a part of an initiative towards migrating government transactions to digital mode. i. The two MoUs are with the State Bank of India for their SBIePay and SBI CMP facilities. ii. These MoUs give the desired platform to dealers and other citizens for conducting financial transactions with the state government on a digital platform.
COMMITTEE
MHA panel to examine rules on people's movement near Indo-Myanmar border On June 12, 2017, Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh decided to set up an expert committee to examine the rules which allows free movement of Indian and Myanmarese citizens within 16 kms of the border. The decision to setup the committee was taken by Rajnath Singh while chairing the meeting of Indo-Myanmar Border States in Aizawl, Mizoram on June 12, 2017. More details about Committee set up by Ministry of Home Affairs: The committee will be headed by the special secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs. • It will prepare standard operating procedures common for all the four states so that militants, criminals and contraband are filtered at the border without causing inconvenience to genuine people. • The committee will submit its report for uniform and effective implementation of free movement regime within three months.
K Kasturirangan heads panel on National Education Policy Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) head Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan has been appointed by Union Ministry of Human Resource Development to head the committee to draft the National Education Policy. Other Members of the Committee: i. HRD ministry has also chosen eight other experts and educationists from various backgrounds.
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ii. Other members include Vice-Chancellor of SNDP University, Mumbai, and educationist Vasudha Kamat; retired bureaucrat J. Alphonse; Princeton University Mathematics professor Manjul Bhargava; Baba Saheb Ambedkar University of Social Sciences, Mhau, Vice-Chancellor Ram Shankar Kureel; Vice-Chancelllor of Tribal University, Amarkantak, TV Kattamani; KM Tripathy from Uttar Pradesh; Gauhati University Persian language professor Mahzar Asif, and Central Advisory Board on Education member M.K. Shridhar.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
‘SPARROW-ITS’ launched to fill ‘Annual Performance Appraisal Report’ in online The government launched ‘SPARROW-ITS’ (Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Online Window) on May 31st 2017. The purpose of above service is to enable the Indian Trade Service (ITS) officers to fill their Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) online for the year 2016-17 onwards. i. The SPARROW-ITS launched by Rita Teotia, Commerce Secretary in accordance with the Government of India’s policy to introduce online APAR for Group ‘A’ services. ii. The APARs would be produced and transmitted online to the concerned officers for filling up of the self-examination.
Japan launches new satellite to improve GPS Japan has launched a new satellite on 1st June 2017 to help build a high-precision geo-location system. i. It will be complement the US operated Global Positioning System (GPS). ii. Japan aims to build its version with four satellites focusing on the country and wider region. iii. The rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 2 satellite, H-IIA, was launched from the Tanegashima space center in Kagoshima Prefecture, Southern Japan. iv. It plans to launch two more satellites by March 2018, after which at least one satellite will be flying over Japan for eight hours per day.
Maharashtra govt launches Mahaswayam portal for job seekers Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a web portal 'Mahaswayam' on May 31st 2017. This service will provide to job seekers, employers, entrepreneurs, and training institutes who can fetch details regarding skill development and employment.
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i. In previous , the state government ran three different portals-
1.Maharashtra State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) portal for Skill Development, 2.'Maharojgar' for employment and 'Mahaswayamrojgar' for entrepreneurship. ii. These three have now been merged into 'Mahaswayam', for all beneficiaries as well as the state to keep a track of the demand and supply of workforce.
Solar Probe Mission renamed to Honor Pioneering Physicist Eugene Parker National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will launch Solar Probe mission in year 2018, which will be humanity’s first mission to Sun. This mission has been renamed as Parker Solar Probe in honor of astrophysicist Eugene Parker. i. This is the first time NASA has named a spacecraft for a living individual.
NASA to launch world's first mission to Sun in 2018 The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is set to launch the world’s first mission directly into the atmosphere of the sun in 2018. i. Parker Solar Probe will travel through the Suns atmosphere, closer to the surface and it will reach an orbit within four million miles (6.5 million km) of the sun and will measure activity at its outer surface, known as the 'corona'. ii. The spacecraft and instruments will be protected from the Suns heat by a 4.5-inch-thick carbon- composite shield. The spacecraft is set to be launched during a 20-day window that opens on July 31, 2018 from NASAs Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The mission is scheduled to end in June 2025.
Second Scorpene-class submarine ready for sea trials, first one to be inducted this year, says Arun Jaitley Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has said on 1st June that the second Scorpene-class submarine is ready for surface sea trials. i. He congratulated engineers of Mazagon Dock Limited, where it has been built. ii. The Scorpene-class submarines will significantly enhance India's naval capability.
Road ministry launches online platform INAM PRO+ The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has launched INAM-Pro + web platform in New Delhi on 1 June, 2017. i. INAM-Pro+ is an upgraded version of INAM-Pro. ii. The web portal has launched by the Ministry in 2015 as a common platform. iii. It aims to bring cement buyers and sellers together.
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IIT Kharagpur develops technology for doctors to monitor hospital-bound patients
Indian Institute of Technology of Kharagpur on 2nd June has developed a wireless technology for remote monitoring of patients. i.The technology has been developed in the SWAN lab of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) of the institute. ii.AmbuSens is capable of wireless monitoring of various physiological parameters like ECG, heart- rate, temperature and blood-pressure. iii.It can be fitted in an ambulance to ensure remote monitoring of patient condition by the doctors even before they reach the hospital.
SpaceX launches 1st recycled supply ship On June 3, 2017, SpaceX successfully launched its first recycled supply ship to the International Space Station (ISS). i. SpaceX’s Falcon rocket lifted off carrying Dragon capsule, which was loaded with nearly 6000 pounds of scientific research and station supplies. ii. It will reach ISS on June 5, 2017. It is the second time the Dragon has been sent to ISS.
India's heaviest rocket with GSAT-19 satellite lifts-off into space On June 5, 2017, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III (GSLV-Mk III) – D1, along with a communications satellite GSAT-19 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. About GSLV Mk-III: • The GSLV-Mk III-D1 is a three-stage vehicle with indigenous cryogenic upper stage engine designed to carry heavier communication satellites into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). • In 2014, ISRO had flown a similar rocket without the cryogenic engine but with 3.7-tonne payload to test in-flight structural stability and the aerodynamics. • GSLV MkIII-D1 is capable of lifting payloads of up to 4,000 kg into the GTO and 10,000 kg into the Low Earth Orbit. • GSLV-Mk III (43.43 metres) is slightly shorter than Mk-II version that is around 49 metres tall, but has a greater punch power.
Mongolia's first university satellite flies into space from US First university satellite of Mongolia named after the Mongolian Gobi bear Mazaalai. It was sent off into space in the United States on 4th of June, 2017 i. The launch took place at 5:50 am Ulan Bator time on Sunday ((2150 GMT Saturday) from the
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Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United States. ii. The Mongolian CubeSat is a component of the Birds 1 satellites.
Trai launches three apps for tracking call and data quality TRAI has launched a three apps My Call app, MySpeed app and Do-not-disturb 2.0 app.It enables subscribers to rate the quality of a phone call. i. The application will help mobile phone users rate their experience about voice call quality. MySpeed App i.It will help users to measure 3G and 4G speeds and will come with automated testing of data speeds free of charge. ii.MySpeed app, which has more than 1.5 million, downloads. Do-not-disturb 2.0 App i.Trai has also upgraded its 'Do Not Disturb' app with new features like an intelligent spam detection engine and updates about action taken on complaints within the app. ii.The app will identify senders and warns them from sending further messages.
Wildlife Board okays Andamans’ Rutland Island for DRDO’s missile testing project Standing Committee of the National Board of Wildlife has given clearance for Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO’s) long-range missile test facility at South Andamans’ Rutland Island. This clearance was pending since year 2012. i. The proposal involves diversion of 49.978 acres forest of which 0.84 ha falls in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and 49.138 ha reserve forest within 10km of the Eco Sensitive Zone. ii. The island is very rich in marine life and was once home to the indigenous Andamanese group ‘Jangil’ or Rutland Jarawa.
IMD to give malaria, chikungunya alerts The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced on 6th of June that it is working on a forecasting system that will give 15-day alerts on the likelihood of a malaria or chikungunya outbreak across different regions of the country. i. IMD will release five-day and 15-day forecasts of heat-waves, cold waves and disease outbreaks. ii. IMD will offer this service by collaborating with the Medical Council of India and the Red Cross Society.
China successfully tests solid-fuel variable ramjet engine China has successfully tested a solid-fuel variable flow ramjet engine that could enhance the real combat ability of the country's stealth aircraft and boost firing range of missiles on 6th of June, 124 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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2017 i. China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has successfully conducted two flight tests with the ramjet engine, state-run Global Times. ii. The solid-fuel ramjet engine is a member of the ramjet engine family, which has the advantage of low cost, high power, and high controllability with compact size.
World's first hybrid 'aeroboat' made by Indo-Russian JV unveiled The world's first hybrid "aeroboat" has been built by an Indo-Russian joint venture was unveiled in Moscow on 6th of June. i. It is capable of travelling on land, water, snow and sand.It is a start-ups event organised by Russia's state-run Skolkovo Foundation. ii. It has been designed by IIAAT Holding. It is a joint venture between the International Institute for Advanced Aerospace Technologies and Indian firm Millennium Aerodynamics.
President Pranab Mukherjee launches 'Selfie with Daughter' mobile app President Pranab Mukherjee has launched the 'Selfie with Daughter' mobile application on 9th of June, 2017 i. It aimed at raising awareness about female foeticide and sex selection. ii. The campaign was started by Sunil Jaglan in June 2015 in village Bibipur in Haryana's Jind district.
Multiple ground-to-ship missiles launched by - North Korea On June 8, 2017, North Korea fired multiple ground-to-ship missiles into the waters between Korea and Japan.: i. The missile launches on June 8, 2017 came less than a week after the UN expanded sanctions against North Korea in response to ballistic missile tests. ii. These launches are the North Korea’s fifth round of tests — three ballistic missile launches, a surface-to-air missile and now the cruise missiles — since the South Korea’s new President Moon Jae-in took power on May 10, 2017.
China launches record-breaking drone swarm China has launched a record breaking swarm of 119 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles on 11th of June, 2017 i. The China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC)has said that the feat broke the previous record of a swarm of 67 drones. ii. China is currently the largest maker of drones.
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World's smallest & cheapest private jet 'Vision Jet' launched in USA The World’s smallest and cheapest private jet Vision Jet has launched in USA on 12th of June. i. The Vision Jet can haul five adults up to 1,150 miles at 28,000 feet. ii. It’s the only private jet to be built entirely out of carbon fiber.
Scientists come up with quick-to-assemble toilet A scientist comes up with cost-effective toilet that weighs less than 500kg and that has a life of 25- 30 years. It can be made in-situ and even assembled in less than five hours. i. It is one of the prototypes the CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC),Chennai, has developed in the past three months for areas where toilet coverage is still incomplete. ii. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CSIR-SERC and M/s. Smart Built Prefab Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, for technology transfer for manufacturing textile reinforced concrete (TRC) panels for the construction of such toilets.
India's first canal top solar PV system at NTPC Mouda The State-run power NTPC has energised 150 kWp canal top solar PV System on cooling water (CW) channel inside power station premises at its 2,320 MW, Mouda Thermal Power Project, near Nagpur in Maharashtra. i. According to the NTPC the novel Solar PV system makes use of side walls of CW channels as load bearing structure thereby significantly decreasing cost of civil and mounting structure. ii. It also has several other unique advantages such as land and water conservation due to reduced evaporation, increased PV generation due to cooling and reduction in dirt, leaves thereby reducing chemicals for water treatment.
China launches its first X-Ray space telescope to study Black holes According to the official Xinhua news agency a Long March-4B rocket has carried the 2.5- tonne telescope into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert at 11:00 am (3:00 GMT). i. The Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT), named Insight, will allow Chinese scientists to observe magnetic fields and the interiors of pulsars and better understand the evolution of black holes. ii. Through this telescope, scientists will also study how to use pulsars for spacecraft navigation.
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Telangana launches Pashu Bazar website for online Cattle sale
The farmers of Telangana will soon be able to sell and purchase cattle online. i .The state government has launched a website to facilitate this service. ii. The special Chief Secretary of Animal Husbandry, Suresh Chanda has launched the website and it is developed with NIC’s support. iii. The online sale or purchase of cattle through pashubazar.telangana.gov.in iv. The website will help farmers as the cattle need not be brought to shandies every time.
Electric propulsion to usher in new era of satellite launches Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been working on a new propulsion system known as the Electric Propulsion (EP) system that is set to usher in a new era of cost effective satellite launches. i. The Electric Propulsion (EP) system converts solar energy into electrical energy which, in turn, is used to change the velocity of a satellite in space. ii. This technology was first used as a technology demonstrator in GSAT-9 or the South Asia Satellite launched on May 5, 2017.
NASA's Orion spacecraft passes key safety tests On June 15, 2017, NASA’s Orion spacecraft, designed to take astronauts to deep space destinations successfully completed a series of tests for its critical safety systems. i. This week, NASA engineers tested the abort motor for Orion's launch abort system (LAS). ii. Researchers also evaluated how the parachute system that ensures the crew module can safely descend to Earth performs during an abort scenario.
NASA reveals first target for James Webb Megatelescope Scientists have revealed some of the targets to be observed by James Webb this includes celestial objects both inside and beyond our solar system. i. It will observe Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, as well as Trappist-1e and the massive space telescope will also observe distant galaxies and asteroids. ii. Scientists have selected some of the targets to be observed by the James Webb Space Telescope, the colossal instrument that will allow researchers to peer 13.5 billion years back in time.
ISRO launches earth-observation Cartosat-2E and 30 nano satellites On June 23, 2017, Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) launched Cartosat- 2E satellite and 30 nano satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre located at Srihrikota in Andhra Pradesh.
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More Details about the launch of Cartosat-2E and 30 nano satellites on June 23, 2017:
712 kg Cartosat-2E satellite and 30 nano satellites together, weighing about 243 kg were launched using ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle(PSL-C38). • Cartosat-2E is a remote sensing satellite and is similar in configuration to earlier satellites in the series. Its objective is to provide high-resolution scene specific spot imagery. • The images sent by the Cartosat-2E will be useful for cartographic applications, urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation, utility management like road network monitoring, water distribution, creation of land use maps, change detection to bring out geographical and man-made features and various other land information system (LIS) as well as geographical information system (GIS) applications. • Cartosat - 2E is expected to last for five year. • 30 nano satellites comprise 29 Nano satellites from 14 countries—Austria, Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and a Nano satellite from India.
Maharashtra Govt launches 'My Plant' Mobile app on Tree plantation Maharashtra forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has launched a mobile app named ‘My Plant’ on 23rd of July 2017. i. It would help in recording data about tree plantations in the state and would be launched on 1st of July. ii. The forest department has set a target of planting 4 crore saplings through public participation between July 1 and 7July.
Shri Piyush Goyal launches POSOCO-IMD Weather Portal for Power Sector & Web Portal ‘MERIT’ Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines has launched a Weather Portal for Power Sector in association with POSOCO and IMD on 23rd of June 2017. i. The information available in the Portal regarding weather forecast shall help State Discoms to take pro-active steps regarding short term and medium term management processes. ii. Shri Goyal has launched another portal ‘MERIT’ (Merit Order Despatch of Electricity for Rejuvenation of Income and Transparency).
NASA launches world's lightest satellite designed by 18-year-old Tamil Nadu student India has launched the world's lightest satellite weighing 64 grams called Kalamsat. Kalamsat was the only Indian payload in the NASA mission.
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i. The satellite was designed by 18-year-old Tamil Nadu student Rifath Sharook and his team. ii. The tiny satellite is named after Abdul Kalam and was flown by a NASA sounding ro cket. iii. Its structure is fully 3-D printed with reinforced carbon fiber polymer.
ISRO-made system to alert users at unmanned level crossings ISRO has made Satellite-based chip systems to alert road users at unmanned level crossings about approaching trains and also help in tracking train movement on a real-time basis. i. On a pilot basis, the Mumbai and Guwahati Rajdhani trains will be equipped with this system. ii. More trains will be equipped with such technology in a phase-wise manner. iii. Road users will be warned by hooters once a train approaches an unmanned level crossing as railways are installing ISRO-developed integrated circuit (IC) chips on locomotives of trains.
L&T launches Yard 55000 (Floating Dock – FDN 2) for Indian Navy On June 20, 2017, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) announced the launch of a Floating Dock (FDN- 2) designed and built for the Indian Navy at the company’s shipyard at Kattupalli, near Chennai. • It is the first Naval shipbuilding project for L&T. • The Floating Dock is 185m long and 40m wide. • It is capable of docking warships of up to 8000 Tons displacement.
NASA's Kepler space telescope spots 219 new potential planets NASA's Kepler space telescope has spotted 219 new potential planets. Out of which at least 10 are near-Earth-size with conditions suitable to host life. i. The new data is the most comprehensive and detailed catalogue release of candidate exoplanets, which are planets outside our solar system, from Kepler's first four years of data. ii. It brings the total number of planet candidates identified by Kepler to 4,034, of which 2,335 have been verified as exoplanets.
Indians working on world's biggest telescope: Harsh Vardhan Union minister Harsh Vardhan has praised Indian scientists' contribution to the world's biggest telescope on 24th of June 2017. It would enable astronomers to observe the intricacies of the universe from the comfort of the earth. i. The site for the telescope is a multi- million dollar project and developed by an international consortium including India. ii. Hanle in Ladakh was one of the sites being explored. iii. India would spend Rs 1,300-crore on it.
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China develops world's most powerful submarine detector
Chinese scientists have developed world’s most powerful submarine detector which could find hidden metallic objects, including minerals and submarines. i. The Chinese Academy of Sciences is the China's largest research institute and a "superconductive magnetic anomaly detection array" has been developed in Shanghai. ii. The device, which works from the air, could be used to pinpoint the location of minerals buried deep beneath the earth.
Mangalyaan completes 1000 Earth days in its orbit On June 19, 2017, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also referred to as Mangalyaan, completed 1000 Earth days in Martian orbit and is still in good health. i. The designed mission life of Mangalyaan was six months. Thus it has outlived its original lifespan by 5 times. ii. During these 1000 days MOM has orbited Mars 388 times and has relayed back enormous data including over 715 images.
Dr. Harshvardhan Launches Mobile App “Celebrating Yoga” to connect people through Yoga for scientific healthy living Minister for Science & Technology Dr. Harshvardhan has launched a Mobile App “Celebrating Yoga”. It is developed by the Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science& Technology in New Delhi on 19th of June. i. The purpose of the APP is to popularize Yoga and encourage people to participate in it for a scientifically healthy living.
China planning to send mini-ecosystems to Moon China is planning to send mini-ecosystems which contain potato seeds and silkworm eggs – to the Moon in 2018. i. It has been done to study how the organisms develop on the lunar surface. ii. It is a 3-kilogramme mini-ecosystem that is developed by research teams led by Chongqing University in China. iii. It is an 18-centimetre-tall cylinder which will carry potato seeds and silkworm eggs to
NASA tests flexible solar array on space station Over the weekend of June 17-18, 2017, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) engineers, for the first time tested the effectiveness of a flexible solar array on space station that could be used to power satellites and spacecrafts in future. i. The Roll-Out Solar Array, or ROSA is an advanced, flexible solar array that rolls out like a tape measure and can be easily adapted to different sizes, including very large arrays, to provide power for a variety of future spacecraft. 130 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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ii. As mentioned by NASA engineers, when launching into space, mass and volume are everything, and ROSA is 20% lighter and four times smaller in volume than rigid panel arrays.
SpaceX successfully completes two Falcon 9 landings in one weekend SpaceX has successfully launched and landed the second Falcon 9 rocket in roughly 48 hours. It gives SpaceX two wins in its “weekend doubleheader.” i. It’s the company’s ninth launch of 2017, and, six months in, are the most completed by SpaceX in a single year. ii. The rocket took off on 26th June from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base at 4:25PM ET. iii. It delivered 10 satellites into orbit for the communications company Iridium.
Russian Navy test-fires submarine-launched missile The Russian military has successfully test-fired a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile. i. The Yuri Dolgoruky nuclear-powered submarine has launched the Bulava missile on 26th 2017. ii. It has launched from a submerged position in the Barents Sea. iii. The Yuri Dolgoruky is the first in a series of Borei-class submarines carrying the Bulava.
Scientists create brightest light ever produced on Earth Scientists have created the brightest light ever produced on the Earth, shining a billion times stronger than the surface of the sun. i. The researchers discovered that it could be used as a new type of X-ray, capable of taking higher resolution images than the traditional kind. ii. These could be used in hospitals but also by engineers, scientists and for security purposes.
ISRO’s GSAT-17 successfully launched from French Guiana Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s latest communication satellite GSAT-17 was successfully launched on board Arianespace rocket from Kourou in French Guiana on June 29, 2017. More Details about GSAT-17 Launch: GSAT-17 with a lift-off mass of about 3477 kg carried payloads in normal C-band, extended C- band and S-band to provide various communication services.
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• It also carried equipment for meteorological data relay and satellite based search and
rescue services being provided by earlier INSAT satellites. • GSAT -17 was approved in May 2015 with an outlay of Rs. 1013 crore, including its launch fee and insurance. • Designed in-orbit operational lifeof GSAT-17 is 15 years. • This spacecraft will strengthen ISRO’s current fleet of 17 telecommunications satellites. • GSAT-17 was sent up as the second passenger on the European booster, Ariane-5 ECA VA-238. GSAT-17’s co-passengerHellas Sat 3 - Inmarsat S EAN has two operators. Hellas Sat 3 provides direct to home television and telecom services across Europe, West Asia and South Africa. Global satellite operator Inmarsat will provide in- flight Internet facilities for European airlines, as signified in the satellite's tag EAN or European Aviation Network. • Operations of GSAT-17 operations were immediately taken over by the spacecraft command team at Master Control Facility (MCF) atHassan in Karnataka. • GSAT-17 is the 21st satellite from ISRO launched by Arianespace. It is to be noted that ISRO is currently dependent on Ariane-5 rockets for carrying its heavier satellites, and is thereby testing GSLV Mk III for this purpose.
China commissions biggest new generation destroyer ship for its navy On June 28, 2017, China's Navy launched its biggest new generation destroyer weighing 10,000 tonnes as part of its ambitious plans to become a global naval power. i. Chinese Navy's new destroyer, a domestically designed and produced vessel, was launched at the Jiangnan Shipyard (Group), Shanghai. ii. The vessel is the first of China's new generation of destroyers.
Petya ransomware attack hits India’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port A new cyber attack similar to WannaCry has hit a terminal operated by AP Moller-Maersk at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT). It is to be noted that JNPT is India’s biggest container port. i. Owing to the attack, Gateway Terminal India, can’t identify which shipment belongs to whom. ii. The attack is being carried out by the Petya virus, with users being told to pay $300 in cryptocurrency per infected computer to unlock their systems.
NASA completes milestone toward quieter Supersonic X-Plane NASA has achieved a significant milestone in its effort to make supersonic passenger jet travel over land a real possibility by completing the preliminary design review (PDR) of its Quiet Supersonic Transport or QueSST aircraft design. 132 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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i. QueSST is the initial design stage of NASA’s planned Low Boom Flight Demonstration
(LBFD) experimental airplane, otherwise known as an X-plane. ii. NASA partnered with lead contractor, Lockheed Martin, in February 2016 for the QueSST preliminary design.
NASA launches rocket in 11th attempt to form colourful cloud NASA has launched rocket in 11th attempt to form colorful cloud on 29th of June 2017 of the NASA Terrier-Improved Malemute suborbital sounding rocket for the vapor release mission. i. The launch time has been refined to 4:25 – 4:48 a.m. The backup launch day is June 30. ii. The launch window is determined by sun angles and also moon down conditions.
NALSA launches Web application for free legal services to prisoners National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has launched a Web Application for freelegal services to prisoners and the Legal Services Management System. i. National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is entrusted with responsibility to provide legal aid inter-alia to all persons in custody. ii. The software will be able to generate reports showing total number of inmates, number of inmates unrepresented, number of inmates represented by legal services lawyers and number of inmates represented by private lawyers.
DEFENCE
Prithvi-II missile successfully test-fired from Odisha The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on June 2nd successfully test- fired the indigenously-developed nuclear-capable ballistic Prithvi-II missile in Odisha. i. The trial of the surface-to-surface missile, which has a strike range of 350 km, was carried out from a mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near Balasore in Odisha. ii. In salvo mode, two Prithvi-II missiles were successfully test fired on November 21, 2016. The nine-metre-tall, single-stage liquid-fuelled Prithvi-II is the first missile to have been developed by the DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.
India successfully test-fires 1st all weather tracked-chassis QR-SAM India has successfully test-fired its first all-weather tracked-chassis Quick Reaction Surface-to- Air Missile (QR-SAM) on 4th of June. i. The test was carried out for validating various parameters of the sophisticated weapon system to strengthen its air defence system. ii. The missile was launched from a mobile launcher in the Integrated Test Range 133 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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(ITR) off Odisha coast at Chandipur at around 12:39 p.m. local time. iii. The missile system has the potential to engage multiple targets within a range of approximately 30 km, with the configuration of two vehicles for area air defence.
Indian Warships reach Australia to take part in Bilateral Maritime Exercise AUSINDEX-17 Three Indian warships reached to Australia to participate in a week-long naval exercise off the Western Australian coast. i. Exercise Australia India (AUSINDEX) is a regular bilateral maritime exercise which aimed at developing a deeper understanding and cooperation between the two navies. ii. AUSINDEX 17 was a concrete example of India and Australia working more closely together to increase maritime security.
DRDO successfully test fires anti-tank guided missile 'Nag' in desert ranges of Rajasthan The Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) has successfully test fired anti- tank missile 'Nag' in a desert in the western sector of Rajasthan. i. According to the defence sources the missile successfully has destroyed the target in today's mission. ii. The tests, which were witnessed by scientists from the DRDO, Defence Lab, Jodhpur, senior officials from armed forces among others has concluded on 14th of June. iii. The "fire and forget" third generation anti-tank guided missile 'Nag' is equipped with the highly advanced Imaging Infrared Radar (IRR) seeker with integrated avionics, technology which is possessed by very few nations.
ENVIRONMENT
India's biodiversity riches grow by 499 species As per ‘Animal Discoveries 2016, New Species and Records’, brought out by the Zoological Survey of India and ‘Plant Discoveries 2016’, by the Botanical Survey of India, 499 new species of animals and plants (313 species of animal and 186 of plants) have been discovered from various areas of India last year. i. Of the new animal species, 258 are invertebrates and 55 vertebrates.As many as 97 species of insects, 27 of fish, 12 species of amphibians, 10 of Platyhelminthes, nine of Crustacea and six of reptiles have been discovered. ii. Along with 186 new species, scientists have discovered seven new genera, four subspecies and nine new varieties from India, taking the number to 206.
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Astronomers find hottest giant planet Kelt-9b
According to a study published in the journal Nature the planet called KELT-9b is hotter than most stars. i. KELT-9b is 2.8 times more massive than Jupiter, but only half as dense. ii. The KELT-9b planet was found using the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope.
New species of flying squirrel, a ‘surprising’ discovery Scientists have discovered a new species of flying squirrel in North America that had been hiding in plain sight for hundreds of years. i. It is known as Humboldt's flying squirrel, or Glaucomysoregonensis. ii. The new flying squirrel species inhabits the Pacific Coast region of North America. iii. According to Kenagy a co-author of the study published in the Journal of Mammalogy said it was a surprising discovery.
World’s oldest fossil mushroom discovered The world’s oldest fossil mushroom has been discovered in Brazil- dating back to about 115 million years. i. The mushroom has been named Gondwanag Aricites Magnificus. ii. About five centimetres tall, the mushroom had gills under its cap, rather than pores or teeth, structures that release spores and that can help in identifying species.
Bengaluru girl, Sahithi Pingali to get planet named after her for research, app on lake pollution A twelfth grader from Bengaluru will get a minor planet in Milky Way named after her as reward for developing a crowd-sourced method to monitor pollution in water bodies. i. Sahithi Pingali has presented her paper “An Innovative Crowdsourcing Approach to Monitoring Freshwater Bodies” at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). ii. She was awarded the second position prize and 3 special awards in the Earth and Environment Sciences category.
NASA records May 2017 as second-hottest month in 137 years According to monthly analysis of global temperatures by NASA scientists , May 2017 was the second warmest May in 137 years of modern record-keeping. i. The two top May temperature anomalies have occurred during the past two years as May 2016 was the hottest on record. ii. May 2017's temperature was 0.05 degrees Celsius cooler than May 2016.
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NASA’s opportunity Mars rover finds evidence of Ancient Lake NASA’s Opportunity Mars rover is examining the edge of a crater on the red planet that may once have been a lake of liquid water. i. The Opportunity rover found rocks at the edge of Endeavour Crater that were either transported by a flood or eroded in place by wind. ii. The crater is about 22 kilometres across. iii. The features were seen just outside the crater rim’s crest above “Perseverance Valley,” which is carved into the inner slope of the rim. iv. The Opportunity mission has been investigating sites on and near the western rim of Endeavour Crater since 2011.
China has officially started building the world's first 'Forest City' China is constructing for the 175 hectare the world’s first “Forest City “ in Liuzhou and it designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti, a team that develops green projects all over the world. i. Liuzhou Forest City will be situated along the Liujiang River in the northern part of Liuzhou. This will be planned to complete in 2020. ii. This forest city will provide home to nearly 30,000 people and it covered with almost 1 million plants of more than 100 species.
Scientists develop new variety of groundnut A new summer variety of groundnut has been developed by agro-scientists of the UGC-affiliated Chandra Shekhar Azad Agriculture Technology University (CSA) at khanpur in Uttarpradesh. i. The summer variety of the groundnut crop is disease-free as pests cannot attack the crop because of high temperature in the atmosphere. ii. After this , during summer people will not have to consume stored groundnuts grown during the winter season. They can taste the fresh groundnuts which will be grown in summer.
SPORTS
West Indies cricket team's official name changed to WINDIES As per an announcement by the new chief executive Johnny Grave the West Indies Cricket Board from May 31st, 2017, have officially changed their name to WINDIES. i. The team from now on officially, will also be called as just Windies and not West Indies as 136 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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previously. ii. West Indies Cricket Captain: Carlos Brathwaite
Indian wild card Nitin wins Asian Junior Tennis Championship boys singles title Indian wild card Nitin Kumar Sinha defeated Malaysian player Christian Didier Chin to win the boys singles title of HCL Asian Junior Tennis Championship held at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge - Balewadi, in Pune. i. Sinha defeated Chin in a final match held at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge - Balewadi, in Pune. ii. In girls' singles final, Mihika Yadav defeated Mahak Jain.
Ganeshan Neelakanta Iyer first Indian to be inducted in ITTF URC Ganeshan Neelakanta Iyer has become the first Indian to be nominated as a member of the Umpires and Referees Committee (URC) by International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). i.He will serve for a term of 2 years. ii.Ganeshan Neelakanta appointed as the Technical Commissioner from Asia to the ITTF. Iyer has also been
Praneeth wins Thailand Grand Prix Gold Title B Sai Praneeth beat Indonesian Jonatan Christie 17-21, 21-18, 21-19 to win the Thailand Grand Prix Gold on 4th of June. i. Match had lasted one hour and 11 minutes. ii. The 24th-ranked Praneeth had reached the final by beating local lad Pannawit Thongnuam of Thailand. iii. This is his second title in 2017.
Real Madrid make history, thrash Juve 4-1 to retain Champions League title On June 4, 2017, Real Madrid retained the UEFA Champions League title (Football Competition) by defeating Juventus in the final match at Cardiff, UK. i. Real Madrid has won the UEFA Champions League title for a record 12th ii. For Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 2 goals, whereas Casemiro and Marco Asensio score done goal each.
Virat Kohli only Indian in Forbes top 100 paid athletes, Serena Williams lone female athlete Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli is the only Indian sportsperson to feature among the world’s 100 highest paid athletes in the latest Forbes list. 137 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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2017 Forbes list of ‘The World’s highest paid athletes’ i. With a total pay of $ 22 million that includes $ 3 million from salary and winnings and another 19 million from endorsements, Virat Kohli, ranked 89th on the 2017 Forbes list of ‘The World’s highest paid athletes’. ii. The list has been topped by soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo with a total pay of $93 million. iii. Earning $ 27 million, tennis star Serena Williams ranked at 51st She is the only female sports person in the top 100 list. iv. 100 highest-paid sports stars on the list earned a cumulative $ 3.11 billion over the past 12 months.
Badminton World Rankings: Three Indian men in top-15 The three Indian men featured in the top-15 of the world rankings released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on 8th of June 2017. i. Ajay Jayaram (No.13), Kidambi Srikanth (No.14) and Sai Praneeth (No.15) are the three men who achieved this high. ii. Jayaram has achieved his career-best ranking of No.13 a few weeks back, Srikanth, who was once No.3 in the world, improved a spot to No.14. iii. Sai Praneeth improved nine places to break into the top-15. iv. This is the career-best ranking of Sai Praneeth, whose earlier best was No.22. v. Women's singles star shuttlers PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal remained static at No.3 and No.11 respectively. vi. In doubles, Pranaav Jerry Chopra and Sikki Reddy are the highest Indians. vii. Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold has gained a place to be ranked No.15 in the world. viii. In mixed doubles Sikki and her senior women's doubles partner Ashwini Ponnappa are ranked No. 28. ix. There are three pairs in top-50 : (a)Sumeeth Reddy and Manu Attri (World No.29) are the top ranked Indians. (b)Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (No.42) (c)MR Arjun and Shlok Ramchandran (No.46) are the other two pairs in top-50. x. Meghana/Poorvisha (No.32) and Sanjana Santosh/Arathi Sara Sunil (No.36) in the top-50.
Muttiah Muralidaran becomes first Sri Lankan to be inducted into ICC Hall of Fame Muttiah Muralitharan is the most successful bowler in Tests and one-day internationals was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame on 8th of June, 2017 i. Muralitharan was awarded the honour along with Arthur Morris, George Lohmann and Karen Rolton by fellow ICC Cricket Hall of Famers and members of the media. ii. He became the first player from Sri Lanka and the 83rd overall to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. 138 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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Jeje Lalpekhlua wins AIFF player of year award
Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC striker Jeje Lalpekhlua has been nominated as the '2016 All India Football Federation (AIFF) Player of the Year. i. The Jeje Lalpekhlua from Mizoram will be presented a prize of Rs 2.5 lakh along with a trophy.
Ramkumar wins ITF Futures title in Singapore Indian tennis player Ramkumar Ramanathan has won Raymond Sarmiento of the USA in Singapore. i. He wins the USD 15,000 ITF men's Futures tennis title. ii. It was the first title of the season for Ramkumar and 5th of his career.
IOC approves new events for 2020 Tokyo Game The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved new events for the 2020 Tokyo Games, including a number of mixed-gender competitions. i. The IOC's Executive Board made the decision at a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland on 9th of June. ii. The five new sports that were added to the Tokyo 2020 programme last year represent a step-change in the Olympic programme. iii. The additions include a mixed team event for judo. iv. Each team will consist of 3 men and 3 women, all representing different weight classes. v. Table Tennis will also get a mixed doubles competition. vi. In Tokyo, the number of mixed events will double from 9 in Rio 2016 to 18. vii. Los Angeles and Paris are bidding to host the 2024 Summer Games.
Virat Kohli reclaims World No.1 ODI ranking According to the latest MRF Tyres ICC ODI Player Rankings Indian captain Virat Kohli has reclaimed the world number one position in the ODI batting rankings. i. The ICC ODI Player Rankings has released on 13th of June 2017. ii. Josh Hazlewood of Australia achieved the top spot in the bowlers’ rankings. iii. The rankings were updated after the last round of group matches in the ongoing tournament in England. iv. Kohli overtook Australia’s David Warner, who was at the second position at the start of the tournament. v. Shikhar Dhawan has returned to the top 10 after scoring a century and two 50s in the three matches so far. vi. Yuvraj Singh also rose in the rankings to stand on the 88th position. vii. Fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar jumped 13 places to now sit on the 23rd rank with Afghanistan’s Hamza Hotak. 139 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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viii. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja’s rankings fell to 20th and 29th respectively. ix. There is no change in the top five of the all-rounders’ list.
Rafael Nadal moves up to No. 2 in ATP ranking, Novak Djokovic slides to fourth Rafael Nadalmoved up to No. 2 spot in the ATP rankings and Novak Djokovic slides from No. 2 to No. 4 ranking. i. Jelena Ostapenko has jumped from 47th to a career-high 12th in the WTA rankings after winning the French Open 2017 title this weekend. ii. The top position is retained by Andy Murray. iii. Stan Wawrinka maintains his position at No. 3, despite losing to Nadal 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 in the final. iv. The fifth position is retained by Roger Federer. v. Angelique Kerber retained the No. 1 position among women despite losing in the first round itself. vi. The second ranking has been taken by runner-up Simona Halep, who was earlier at No. 4 position. vii. Serena Williams, who did not participate in the tournament for being pregnant, dropped down to No. 4 ranking. viii. The fifth position was taken by Elina Svitolina, who reached the quarterfinal stage of the tournament.
Jitu Rai-Heena Sidhu pair wins gold in ISSF World Cup, Gabala India's Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu have won the gold medal in mixed team 10m air pistol event of the ISSF World Cup at Gabala, Azerbaijan on 13th of June 2017. i. Jitu Rai has finished at 12th position and Heena Sidhu finished at 9th position in their respective qualification rounds. ii. China leads the medal tally at Gabala.
2017 French Open – Overview 116th edition of the French Open tennis tournament took place at Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France from 28th May 2017 to 11th June 2017. 2017 French Open – Winners: 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 Donald Young (US) & Santiago Venus (New Zealand) Gonzalez (Mexico) Women’s Doubles Bethanie Mattek-Sands (US) & Ashleigh Barty (Australia)& Casey Lucie Safarova (Czech Republic) Dellacqua (Australia) Mixed Doubles Gabriela Dabrowski (Canada) & Anna-Lena Grönefeld (Germany) Rohan Bopanna (India) & Robert Farah (Colombia)
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Kutwal wins gold at world chess championship for differently-abled Shashikant Kutwal has won the gold medal at the 17th World Individual Chess Championship for differently-abled on 11th of June. i. Shashikant Kutwal is a railway employee with Pune Division. ii. The World Chess Championship held in Slovakia.
Dhanya-Sanmay win U-14 Asian junior tennis title Dhanya Shah and Sanmay Gandhi have won the Under-14 doubles title of the Asian Junior Tennis Championships on 11th of June. i. Asian Junior Tennis Championships heldat the Balewadi Stadium in Pune. ii. Second seeded Dhanya and Sanmay defeated Vishesh Patel and Shashidhar Kota 6-4, 7-6(4) in the final.
Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Championships held in Punjab 21st Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Championships was held from 1st – 4th June 2017 in Patiala, Punjab. ♦ The event was organised by Athletics Federation of India (AFI) with support from Punjab Athletics Association and Sports Authority of India. ♦ The championship provided an opportunity to Indian track and field athletes to qualify for the Asian Athletics Championships which is scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar from 6th- 9th July 2017. ♦ More than 700 Indian athletes including top athletes such as Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Throw),Ankit Sharma (Long Jump), Tintu Luka (800m), Sudha Singh (3000m SC) and Irfan K T (20km Race Walk) participated in this event. Neeraj Chopra Wins Gold With Meet Record Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won the gold in men's javelin throw contest on the second day of the Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Championships in Patiala on June 2, 2017. Sarita Singh sets new national record in Federation Cup Sarita Singh of Uttar Pradesh set a new national record in the women's hammer throw with an effort of 65.25m to claim the gold medal at the 21st Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Championship in Patiala. Anu Rani smashes own national record, books World Championship berth On June 4, 2017, Javelin thrower Anu Rani smashed her own national record and won the gold medal on the fourth and final day of the 21st Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Championships in Patiala..
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Young Lions win England's first world title in 51 years
England’s players wonthe U-20 World Cup final against Venezuela in Suwon (South Korea) on 11th of June, 2017 i. England beat Venezuela 1-0 to win their first Under-20 World Cup title. ii. England won after 51-year for a global trophy.
Vietnam GM Nguyen bags Mumbai Mayor Chess title Vietnam Grand Master Nguyen DucHoa has bagged a decisive win against Indian GM Neelotpal Das on 10th Mumbai Mayor's Cup International Open Chess Tournament on 11th of June, 2017 i. He finished with 8.5 points and emerge champion of the Mumbai Mayor Chess title. ii. The champion got the top prize of Rs 3 lakhs, while top-ranked Tajikistan GM Farrukh Amonatov (ELO 2635) got acheque of Rs 2 lakhs by finishing runner-up.
Lewis Hamilton wins in Canada for sixth time Lewis Hamiltonwon the Canadian Grand Prix for the sixth time on 12th of June. i. Lewis Hamilton won against Sebastian Vettel's overall championship and lead to 12 points. ii. It was Hamilton's third victory of the season and also his third in a row.
Virat Kohli becomes fastest to 8000 ODI runs &Yuvraj Singh fifth Indian to play 300 ODIs India captain Virat Kohli has become the quickest batsman to 8000 runs in one-day international cricket.Yuvraj Singh will become the fifth Indian player to play 300 ODIs at Edgbaston. i. Kohli has beated AB de Villiers' mark in seven fewer innings. ii. He has crossed the 8000-run mark in his 175th innings, during the course of his unbeaten 96 off 78 deliveries against Bangladesh in ICC Champions Trophysemi-final in Birmingham.
No ICC World T20 in 2018, next edition in 2020 According to sources in ICC, the next edition of World T2O will only be held in 2020. i. The main reason is the top member nations will be busy with bilateral commitments in 2018. ii. International Cricket Council, the next edition of ICC World T2O will only be held in 2020. However, the venue is yet to be decided. iii. The ICC World T-20 could be held in South Africa or Australia in 2020.
Luke Ronchi announces international retirement Wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi, who played for New Zealand and having earlier also represented Australia, has announced his retirement from the international game on 22nd of June 2017. 142 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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i. It became his hallmark when he hit a one-day half century from 22 balls, the equal third-fastest
50 by an Australian in ODIs. ii. Ronchi was born in New Zealand but raised in Australia. iii. He was the first player since Kepler Wessels 20 years earlier to represent two ICC member nations. iv. Ronchi played 4 tests, 85 one-dayers and 32 Twenty20 internationals for New Zealand.
ICC Women's World Cup winner to get USD 660,000 prize money 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. i. It will be held in the United Kingdom from June 24 to July 23. ii. The ICC had earlier in May announced that the total prize money for the tournament would be USD 2 million which is 10 times of the amount at stake in the 2013 edition.
Anil Kumble steps down as India coach India cricket coach Anil Kumble has stepped down from his position on 20th of June. i. Anil Kumble has stepped down after a bitter quarrel with Captain Virat Kohli. ii. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirms that Anil Kumble has withdrawn his services as the post of the Head Coach for the Senior India Men's team. iii. The team did well under Kumble in the past 12 months, winning Test series in the West Indies (2-0) before winning at home against New Zealand (3-0), England (4-0), Bangladesh (1- 0) and Australia (2-1). iv. The team won eight ODIs and lost five during the 46- year-old's tenure.
Pakistan beat India by 180 runs to win ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final Pakistan beat India by 180 runs, wins ICC Champions Trophy 2017 on 18th of July 2017. It was held in Birminghan, London. i. Man of the Tournament and the Golden Ball Award winner (13 wickets) has gone to Hasan Ali. ii. The Man of the Match is awarded to Fakhar Zaman. iii. Golden Bat Award for scoring 338 runs in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 goes to Shikhar Dhawan.
Iranian freestylers claim Junior Asian Championships title The Iranian wrestlers won 7 medals (three gold, two silver and two bronze) and 69 points to win the Junior Asian Championships title. ♦ Wrestlers from Uzbekistan notched 67 points to rank second, and were followed by Kazakhstan who racked up 53 points. ♦ Junior Asian Wrestling Championship was held in Taichung, Taiwan, from 15th – 18th June
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2017. Achievements of Indian wrestlers i. On June 16, 2017, India bagged five medals, including a gold in the 2017 Asian Junior Wrestling Championships in Taiwan. ii. India's female wrestlers pocketed three medals while two came in the male greco-roman division. iii. India's gold came in the women's 51kg freestyle category through Puja. Besides Puja, Sonu clinched a silver medal in the 44kg category while Manu claimed a bronze in the 59kg division. iv. Satish won a silver in the 120kg greco-roman style while Manish claimed a bronze in the 50kg category. v. On the final day of the Junior Asian Championships, Indian wrestlers clinched three medals, including a gold by Sharvan in men's 60kg freestyle category. vi. Deepak Punia claimed the silver medal in the 84kg freestyle, while Karan settled for a bronze in 66kg freestyle.
Srikanth wins Indonesia Open Super Series Final Indonesia Open 2017 Super Series Badminton tournament was held from 12th to 18th June 2017, in Jakarta, Indonesia. Winners of Indonesia Open 2017: Category Winners Men’ Singles Kidambi Srikanth (India) Men’s Doubles Li Junhui (China) / Liu Yuchen (China) Women’s Singles Sayako Sato (Japan) Women’s Doubles Chen Quingchen (China) / Jia Yifan (China) Mixed Doubles Tontowi Ahmad (Indonesia) / Liliyana Natsir (Indonesia)
ICC announces two new Test nations Ireland and Afghanistan On June 22, 2017, International Cricket Council (ICC) conferred Test match status on Ireland and Afghanistan, thereby taking the number of test-playing nations to 12. i. Both countries were confirmed as full members after a unanimous vote at an International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting during its annual conference in London. ii. The Ireland and Afghanistan's men's teams will now be eligible to play five-day Test cricket, widely regarded as the sport's supreme format.
Kuldeep 1st male Chinaman bowler to represent India in ODIs Kuldeep Yadav has become first male Chinaman bowler to represent India in One Day Internationals (ODI). He made a debut in ODI against West Indies on June 23, 2017. ♦ Kuldeep Yadav made his Test debut against Australia in March 2017. ♦ He was a part of the Indian team at the 2014 ICC U-19 World Cup.
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Jinder Mahal beats Randy Orton to retain WWE Championship
Professional wrestler Jinder Mahal retained World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Championship at St Louis, Missouri, US on June 18, 2017. i. Jinder won WWE championship by beating Randy Orton at St Louis, Missouri, US on June 18, 2017. ii. Big names of the industry like Ric Flair, Cowboy Bob Orton Jr, Larry 'The Axe' Henning, Sgt Slaughter were present during the fight
Indian Wushu team claims 6 medals at BRICS Games Indian Wushu team won 6 medals -- two golds, two silvers and two bronzes -- in the Wushu competition of the BRICS Games, which concluded on June 19, 2017, in Guangzhou, China. i. On June 18, 2017, the first day of competition, Gyandas won gold medal in Taijiquan/Taijijian, M. Bidheswari Devi won silver and L. Sanatgombhi Chanu won bronze in Taijiquan/Taijijian event. ii. On June 18, 2017, the second and final day, Anjul Namdev clinched the gold medal in Changquan overall event, Ng. Toshibala won silver in Women's Changquan event, and Sajan Lama settled for bronze medal in Nanquan allround Event
Kavita Devi becomes first Indian woman wrestler to compete in WWE Former Indian powerlifter and South Asian Games gold medal winner, Kavita Devi will become the first Indian woman to appear in WWE. i. Kavita has been selected to compete in the Mae Young Classic. ii. It is the first-ever WWE tournament for women. iii. Kavita was selected after taking part in the WWE Dubai tryout.
Kidambim Srikanth beats Chen Long to win Australia Open Super Series India shuttler Kidambi Srikanth has defeated Olympic champion Chen Long to win the Australia Open Super Series men's singles title on 25th of June 2017. i. Srikanth has won in straight games 22-20, 21-16 to win his career's 4th Super Series title. ii. This is world no 11 Srikanth's second straight title victory in a week after he won the Indonesian Open Super Series Premier last Sunday.
Junior World C'ship: Anish Bhanwala wins standard pistol gold with world record Indian shooter Anish Bhanwala has won a gold medal at the ISSF Junior World Championship in the 25m Standard Pistol category in Germany on June 25, 2017
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Rank Name of the player Under 25m standard pistol Junior Men 1 Anish Bhanwala 579 2 Florian Peter 572 3 Pavlo Korostylov 570 10 Anhad Jawanda 561 23 Sambhaji Patil 547 Team Result 1 rank China 2 rank India 3 rank France Under 50m rifle prone Junior Men 1 Cristian Friman 2 DragomirIordache 3 Liu Yukun 23 Fateh Singh Dhillon 29 Subhankar Pramanick 66 Syed Araib Parvez Team Result 1 Austria 2 Norway 3 Russia 14 India Under 50m rifle prone Junior women 1 Katerina Kolarikova (Cze) 2 Anastasiia Galashina (Rus) 3 Jeanette Hegg Duestad (Nor) Team Result 1 Norway 2 US 3 China 16 India Srinivas Gokulnath becomes first Indian to solo finish Race Across America Col Dr Srinivas Gokulnath of Nashik became the first Indian to complete solo Race Across America (RAAM) cycle race of 5,000 kms on 25th of June 2017. i. Srinivas has completed the toughest cycle race in the world in 11 days and 11 hours in the 18-49 age categories. ii. The time given was 12 days to complete the race that is 13 hours earlier than the scheduled time.
India's Yashaswini Deswal bags gold in 10m air pistol Yashaswini Singh Deswal of Chandigarh has won Gold Medal in the Women's 10m Air Pistol at the end of day two of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Championship Rifle/Pistol, in Suhl, Germany.
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i. On course to winning the Gold, Yashaswini Deswal equalled the junior world record score of 235.9. ii. Earlier, she topped the qualification round with a score of 385 that included 11 perfect ten shots.
Doon girl Bhumika Sharma wins Miss World title in bodybuilding championship Bhumika Sharma, an another Indian has become Miss World in bodybuilding championship on 26th of June 2017. i. Bhumika is from Dehradun and gained maximum points in three categories – individual posing, body posing. ii. She bagged the Miss World title and the gold medal at the world championship. iii. The Bodybuilding championship held in Venice, Italy.
Boxer Ankush Dahiya wins gold in Ulaanbaatar Cup The fast-rising Ankush Dahiya (60kg) clinched a gold medal and L Devendro Singh (52kg) got a silver medal in Ulaanbaatar Cup boxing tournament on 26th of June 2017. i. The Ulaanbaatar Cup held in Mongolia. ii. Devendro lost to Indonesia's AldomsSuguro. iii. India got 1 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medal from the tournament.
Leander Paes and Adil Shamasdin clinch Aegon Ilkey Challenger title Tennis star Leander Paes has won the Aegon Ilkley Challenger trophy with Canadian partner Adil Shamasdin on 25th of June 2017. i. Leander Paes and Adil Shamasdin has defeated Brydan Klien and Joe Salisbury. ii. Paes and Shamasdin rallied to beat the local wild card pair 2-6 6-2 10-8 in the summit clash of the Euro 127,000 grass court event. iii. It was held in Ilkey UK.
ISSF Junior World C'ship: India win team bronze in 25m rapid fire pistol India shooters have won a bronze medal in men's 25m rapid fire pistol team event at the ISSF Junior World Championship Pistol on 26th of June 2017. i. The ISSF Junior World Championship Pistol held in in Suhl, Germany. ii. Anish, Anhad Jawanda and Shivam Shukla got up a combined score of 1711 to claim third place. iii. India's overall tally received two gold one silver and one bronze medal.
Indian men's & women's throwball teams create history in the World Games The Indian men's and women's throwball teams have created history by bagging a gold medal in the World Games. 147 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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i. It was held at Kathmandu, Nepal and it took place from June 15 to 18, 2017 ii. The women's team defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 15-13, 15-12 to clinch the title. iii. The men posted a 15-13, 15-12 win over Bangladesh in their final match to finish at the top of the podium. iv. This was the first time that the Indian teams had participated in these Games.
Roger Federer demolishes Alexander Zverev to win ninth Halle Open title On June 25, 2017, Roger Federer won ninth Halle Open title by defeating Alexander Zverev in the final match played at Halle, Germany. i. Roger Federer clearly outplayed Alexander Zverev, who beat him in last year's semi-final. ii. On account of this victory against Alexander Zvere, Roger Federer became the first player to beat both Zverev brothers at the same event, having defeated older sibling Mischa in the round of 16.
FIFA set to shift India's U-17 World Cup games to Delhi FIFA is set to shift India's Under-17 World Cup matches from Mumbai to the Delhi on 28th of June 2017.
BCCI forms Committee to oversee Lodha Panel Reforms On June 27, 2017, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the formation of a special seven-member committee to analyse the few contentious Lodha panel reforms which are being opposed by the Board's state units. More Details about BCCI’s Committee to oversee Lodha Panel Reforms: i. The committee will be headed by Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Rajeev Shukla, with BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary as its convener. ii. Other members include former India captain and member of BCCI Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), Sourav Ganguly, Naba Bhattacharjee, TC Mathew, Jay Shah and Anirudh Chaudhary. iii. BCCI has asked the recently-formed committee to treat their task with utmost urgency and circulate a written report by July 10, 2017.
Kidambi Srikanth climbs up three spots to re-enter top-10 of badminton rankings Riding on his back-to-back Super Series triumphs, India’s top badminton player Kidambi Srikanth broke back into the top-10 at eighth in the latest World Badminton Rankings released on June 29, 2017. i. He is the only Indian shuttler to figure in the top-10 of men’s singles ranking after climbing up three places. ii. Among other Indian male shuttlers, B Sai Praneeth has moved up a position to be 15th, 148 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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while Ajay Jayaram lost a spot to be 16th. iii. HS Prannoy also dropped two places to be 23rd iv. In women’s singles, PV Sindhu dropped to be world no. 5, while Sania Nehwal has gained a spot to be at 15th.
Van Niekerk breaks 300m World Record at Golden Spike Meet Wayde Van Niekerk breaks the World Record in 300m at Golden Spike Meet i. Wayden Van Niekerk ran 30.81 at the Ostrava Golden Spike Meet in the Czech Republic to break Michael Johnson’s previous world record in the 300m of 30.85. ii. Michael Johnson and Usain Bolt (30.97 in Ostrava in 2010), had been under 31 seconds for 200m.
OBITUARY
Veteran journalist T.S.V. Hari dead Veteran journalist T.S.V. Hari has died on June 1, 2017. He was 62. i. Hari was a former IANS Bureau Chief .He started as a crime reporter and later switched to political reporting. ii. He wrote for the Free Press Journal and later worked for Amrita Bazaar Patrika and Indian Express before joining IANS. iii. He wrote for the satirical magazine "Thuglak" under the pseudonym Venkat and Tamil script for B.R. Chopra's Mahabarata tele-serial
‘Kavikko’ Abdul Rahman passes away Tamil poet S. Abdul Rahman was passed away in Chennai on June 2, 2017 i. He was popularly known as 'Kavikko'.Abdul Rahman received several awards and honours includes 'Kalaimamani' title in 1989, and 'Agni Akshara' Award in 1992. ii. He also received the Sahitya Akademi award in 1999 for his collection of poems, Aalapanai, it was a “poetic irony.” iii. Poetry : Aalapanai, Paal veedhi,Neyar viruppam, Pithan, Suttu viral, Velangugal illa kavithaigal
Character actor Shivraj passes away Character actor Shivraj has passed away. He was one of the most recognizable faces in the Hindi cinema of the 1950s and the 60s. i. Shivraj had an immense value in his films. ii. He had done many famous movies like Bimal Roy’s Devdas (1955), L.V. Prasad’s Miss Mary (1957).
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Saudi billionaire arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi Dies
Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, a tycoon known for his lavish billionaire lifestyle and far- reaching international connections, has died in London at the age of 82. i. He was at one time estimated to be worth £2.4 billion ($3 billion). ii. He ran into financial difficulties and had to sell his private DC9 airliner and his yacht, Nabila.
Eminent rights activist Mehrunnisa Dalwai no more Mehrunnisa Dalwai, wife of prominent Muslim activist and thinker late Hamid Dalwai and the protagonist of a reformist movement 'Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal', passed away in Pune on June 9, 2017. She was 87. i. Mehrunnisa married Hamid Dalwai in year 1956 and since then, worked with him for justice and equal rights for Muslim women. ii. She had spearheaded a march to 'Mantralaya' inMumbai seeking abolition of triple 'talaq'.
Spanish writer Juan Goytisolo dies aged 86 Juan Goytisolo the winner of Spain's Cervantes prize had died at the age of 86. i. Juan Goytisolo, a Spanish novelist known for his experimental novels and political essays. ii. He died at his home in Marrakech Morocco on 4th of June. iii. Goytisolo won Spain's most prestigious literary award, the Cervantes Prize, in 2014.
Veteran Tamil politician Era Sezhiyan no more Veteran politician and former Parliamentarian Era Sezhiyan has passed away on 6th of June. He was 95. i. Era Sezhiyan was also a versatile writer. ii. He was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1962 on DMK ticket. iii. He quit active party politics in 2001 but continued to write on political and national affairs.
Miguel D’Escoto Brockmann, former President of the UN General Assembly, passed away Miguel D'Escoto Brockmann a former foreign Minister of Nicaragua and a former President of the UN General Assembly has passed away on 8 June 2017. He was 84. i. He was born in the United States to a Nicaraguan diplomat who served in the administration of dictator Anastasio Somoza Garcia. ii. He served as the UN General Assembly President in 2008 and 2009.
Adam West, TV's Batman dies at 88 Adam West was an actor defined and also constrained by his role in the 1960s series “Batman” had died on 9th of June in Los Angeles. He was 88. 150 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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i.He had made a record 156 individual screen appearances as Batman, including 120 in the live- action television series, along with several ii.Batman was nominated for the Emmy Award for outstanding comedy series in its first year, losing out to CBS' The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Veteran Telugu Poet, Writer C Narayana Reddy Passes Away Legendary Telugu poet and writer C Narayana Reddy passed away in Hyderabad on June 12, 2017. He was 85.. i. He had several publications to his credit which include poems, songs, lyrical dramas, ballets, essays, travelogues, ghazals - original and in translation - and literary criticism. ii. He was passionate about preserving and popularising Telugu language and culture, especially among the young generation.His works have been regarded as trend-setters. iii. He was honoured with Padma Shri in 1977 and Padma Bhushan in 1992 by Government of India. iv. He had received the Jnanpith Award for the year 1988. v. He was also the president of the Telangana Saraswatha Parishath.He was also a former Rajya Sabha MP.
Punjabi playwright Ajmer Singh Aulakh passes away Eminent playwright Ajmer Singh Aulakh passed away passed away on June 15, 2017, at his residence at Mansa town of Punjab. He was 75. i. All through his life, Ajmer Aulakh had been working to uplift the rural theatre with his wife Manjit Kaur and two daughters by his side. ii. Ajmer Aulakh was given Sahiyta Akademi award in 2006 for his play 'Ishq bajho namaz da haz nahi'.
Former CJI, PIL pioneer Bhagwati passes away at 95 Former Chief Justice of IndiaP N Bhagwati has passed away in New Delhi on 15th of June 2017. i. He has introduced the concept of Public Interest litigation (PIL) and absolute liability to the Indian judicial system. ii. He was a former Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court and was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court in July 1973.
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Harry Potter's actor Sam Beazley dies at 101
Sam Beazley, who played Professor Everard in 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix', has passed away. He was 101. i. He began his professional acting career as a teenager in 1930s, which saw him acting in films like "Hamlet" and "Romeo and Juliet". ii. Beazley also appeared in movies such as "Don Bosco" and "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason".
John Avildsen, Oscar-winning director of Rocky, dies aged 81 John Avildsen, the Oscar-winning director of Rocky had died on 16th of June in USA. He was 81 i. Avildsen had made Hollywood's essential underdog story in 1976 boxing saga "Rocky" with a then-unknown Sylvester Stallone. ii. He had been suffering pancreatic cancer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.iii. He won the Academy Award for best director for "Rocky". iv. He directed seven actors to Oscar nominations.
Helmut Kohl, father of German reunification, dies at 87 Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, the architect of German reunification, passed away on June 16, 2017. He was 87. i. Helmut Kohl has been Germany's longest serving post-war Chancellor from 1982 to 1998. ii. He was a driving force behind the introduction of the Euro currency, convincing Germans to give up their cherished Deutschemark. iii. Kohl formed a close relationship with French President Francois Mitterrand in pushing for closer European integration. iv. He is regarded as the father of German reunification, which he achieved after the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall.
Italian fashion legend Carla Fendi dies at 79 Carla Fendi, one of the five sisters who transformed the family leather goods business into a global luxury fashion house passed away on June 20, 2017 following a long illness. She was 79. i. Fendi was started in 1925 in Rome by Adele and Edoardo Fendi as a small leather goods store. ii. Their five daughters, Carla, Paola, Anna, Franca and Alda, who grew up on the shop floor playing and sleeping amid its samples and handbags. iii. While Paola, Anna, Franca and Alda Fendi later became important creative forces in the evolution of the brand, it was Carla, born in Rome on July 12, 1937, who was the mastermind of its commercial and marketing strategies.
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President of Vanuatu Baldwin Lonsdale dies aged 67
The president of Vanuatu, Womtelo Reverend Baldwin Lonsdale, has died at the age of 67 on 18th of June 2017. i. President Baldwin Lonsdale served the people of Vanuatu with dignity and humility, and was much loved.He was elected in September 2014. ii. The president, who took up the mostly ceremonial post on September 22, 2014, received international notice at a conference on disaster risk reduction in Japan in March, 2015.
Veteran Bollywood actor Amrit Pal passes away in Mumbai Veteran Bollywood actor Amrit Pal has passed away in Mumbai. He was 76. i. Amrit was often seen as a villain in the 80s and 90s. ii. Amrit Pal had acted in more than 100 films and he started his career in Bollywood with a Hindi film called Jaal as a villain. iii. He also received a lot of praise for his role in Rajiv Mehra’s directorial PyarKe Do Pal where Poonam Dhillon and Mithun Chakraborty were the lead actors.
Swami Atmasthanandaji, president of Ramakrishna Mission passes away Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission President Swami Atmasthanandaji Maharaj passed away on 18th of June 2017. He was 98. i. He received "emantradiksha" from Swami Vijnananandaji Maharaj (a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna) in 1938 and joined the Ramakrishna Order at Belur Math in 1941 at the age of 22. ii. In 1945, Swami Virajanandaji Maharaj, the sixth President of the Order, gave him Brahmacharya vows and in 1949, Sannyasa vows and the name Swami Atmasthananda. iii. He became the General Secretary of the Math and Mission in 1992 and became vice-president
Scientist P K Kaw who led thermonuclear experiments India dies at 69 Scientist P K Kaw, a globally-acclaimed plasma physicist who spearheaded India’s efforts to produce energy through thermonuclear fusion has died in Ahmedabad on 18th of June 2017. He was 69. i. PK Kaw had founded Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar. ii. Kaw, who was honoured with a Padma Shri in 1985 and was the founder director of the IPR. iii. The nodal agency that has been coordinating with other countries in building the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France by 2019.
Lupin founder and Chairman Desh Bandhu Gupta passes away Desh Bandhu Gupta, a founder and chairman of Lupin Limited died on 26th of June 2017.He was 79 years old.
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i. He was born in a family of teachers in Rajasthan. ii. In 1968, he started Lupin named after the flower that is known to nourish the land on which grows with an aim to nourish, protect and nurture life of people.
Noted Malayalam filmmaker KR Mohanan passes away Noted filmmaker K.R. Mohanan passed away on 25th of June 2017. He was 69. i. His prominent films include “Ashwathama” (1978), “Purushartham” (1987) and “Swaroopam” (1992). ii. Mohanan played a key role in setting up the CPI-M-backed Kairali TV in the nineties and also headed the programme division of the channel during its formative period. iii. He was also an accomplished documentary filmmaker. iv. Vice-chairperson of Chalachithra Academy is Bina Paul.
Former Bureaucrat O N Dhar passes away O N Dhar, a former bureaucrat who served as an adviser to Sheikh Abdullah and other former prime ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on 28th of June at the age of 91. i. O N Dhar had worked with Sheikh Abdullah, Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed and Mir Sadiq when they were prime ministers of Jammu and Kashmir till 1965. ii. Dhar had also held key secretarial-level posts in the state subsequently. iii. Till 1967, the elected head of government in Jammu and Kashmir was called prime minister before the nomenclature was changed to chief minister.
Swedish actor Michael Nyqvist dies at 56 Swedish actor Michael Nyqvist has died at the age of 56. He was suffering from lung cancer. i. Nyqvist is a Stockholm-born actor and was best known for his role as Mikael Blomkvist. ii. He worked for Swedish Dragon Tattoo trilogy, which included The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. iii. He later appeared in Hollywood action thrillers such as John Wick and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.
Legendary Singer Sabita Chowdhury dies at the age of 72 Legendary singer Sabita Chowdhury, died at her residence on June 29, 2017. She had done many playback for Bengali and Hindi films. i She was suffered with cancer of lungs and thyroid. Her famous songs are “Oi jhilmil jhauer boney”, “Jaare jaa jaa mono paakhi”, “Jhilmil jhilmil opaarero monjil” and “Du chokhey aashaar nodi chhalachhal”.
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Former CPI legislator N Gurusamy dead
Former Puducherry CPI legislator and freedom fighter N Gurusamy died on 30th of June 2017. i. Gurusamy was 95 years old and a champion of farm labourers'and industrial workers' rights. ii. He was member of the territorial assembly between 1969 and 1973. iii. He was also an awardee of the Centre's Tamara Patra. iv. He was member of the Tamil Nadu CPI committee's executive committee.
Congress MP Palvai Govardhan Reddy dies Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member from Telangana PalvaiGovardhan Reddy has died on 10th of June. He was 80. i .He was suffering from a cardiac arrest near Kullu in Himachal Pradesh. ii. A five-time MLA in Andhra Pradesh before the bifurcation of the state, Reddy, elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2012, was a member of several committees.
Noted historian, former ICHR chairman Basudev Chatterji passes away Eminent historian Basudev Chatterji, also the former chairman of Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR) has passed away in Guwahati in Assam on 10th of June, 2017 i. Chatterji had been an academician and taught at St Stephen's College in Delhi, University of Hyderabad. ii. The books 'Trade, Tariffs and Empire : Lancashire and British Policy in India', and 'Dictionary of Martyrs India's Freedom Struggle' were among his works.
NSCN(K) leader SS Khaplang dies in Myanmar S S Khaplang, the chairman of banned rebel Naga outfit, National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang, NSCN(K), died in Myanmar on June 9, 2017. He was 77. i. S S Khaplang was born at Waktham village of Myanmar in April 1940. He belonged to Myanmar’s Hemi Naga tribe. ii. He had become top Naga insurgent leaders over the years and had managed to bring several groups under one umbrella with a demand of freedom ofNagaland.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
JRR Tolkien book Beren and Lúthien published after 100 years 'Beren And Lúthien' new book by 'Lord of the Rings' author J.R.R. Tolkien has been published, 100 years after it was first conceived. i. ‘Beren and Luthien’ has been described as a "very personal story" that J.R.R. Tolkien thought up
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after returning from the Battle of the Somme in 1916. ii. The book has been edited by R.R. Tolkien’s son Christopher Tolkien.
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness authored by Arundhati Roy launched The book “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness” has been authored by Arundhati Roy, which was release on June 5, 2017. i.It is fiction-based novel and will be published by Hamish Hamilton UK and Penguin India. ii.Booker prize-winning novel 'The God of Small Things' after 20 years,Arundhati Roy has announced the release of her next novel titled "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness" in June 2017.
President of India receives first copies of book Lalan Shah Fakir KeGeet and DVD of selected songs of Lalan Shah Fakir The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has received the first copies of book ‘Lalan Shah Fakir KeGeet’ written by Prof. Muchkund Dubey and DVD of selected songs of Lalan Shah Fakir on 3rd of June 2017 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Crisis within Knowledge and Education in India” authored by Ganesh Devy released A book titled ‘The Crisis Within’ authored by Ganesh Devy was released in June 2017. i. Through the book, Devy says, offering reservation quotas alone will not solve the problem of social exclusion in the country's education system, which is headed for "failure". ii. "The Crisis Within" attempts to offer a clear picture of the mistakes that have been committed in the past and offers a vision for the future.
Ramesh's book on the naturalist in Indira Gandhi launched The book "Indira Gandhi - A life in Nature", was launched by Congress president Sonia Gandhi at the Indira Gandhi Memorial. i. The former Union minister Jairam Ramesh, who has authored the book published by Simon & Schuster, presented the first copy of the book to the Congress President. ii. The book showcases how Indira Gandhi led India to the path of conservation and made it a priority of economic development. iv. It also highlighted the unexplored aspect of Indira Gandhi's life and her love for nature. v. The book would be made available in a number of languages including Hindi, Malayali, Kannada and some others.
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Ex-Uttarakhand CM Pokhriyal authors book on Vajpayee ‘Yug Purush, Bharat Ratna, Atal
Ji’ Former Uttarakhand chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank, said the 450-page book titled -‘Yug Purush, Bharat Ratna, Atal Ji’ – will be officially present soon. i. He gives credit to Vajpayee for his debut in politics. ii. The first copy of the book on the social and political life of Vajpayee was presented to our President Pranab Mukherjee on 13th of June 2017.
President of India receives first copy of book ‘Garuda Purana’ published by All India Kashiraj Trust The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has received the first copy of book ‘Garuda Purana’ on 20th of June 2017 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. i. It was published by All India Kashiraj Trust. ii. He appreciated the efforts made by Dr. Anant Narain Singh and All India Kashiraj Trust (which was inaugurated by the first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad) to preserve and propagate our ancient texts.
Naidu launches book titled ‘The Emergency-Indian Democracy’s Darkest Hour Venkaiah Naidu has launched the book which titled The Emergency — Indian Democracy’s Darkest Hour on 24th of June 2017. i. A book is written by Surya Prakash who is a chairman of PrasharBharati. ii. It was released by Union Minister for Urban Development and Information & Broadcasting Venkaiah Naidu and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani at Ahmedabad on 24th of June. iii. The book was launched at a conference to mark the anniversary of the Emergency and to honour all those who fought for restoration of democracy in the country in the mid- 1970s.
President of India inaugurates an exhibition of art works at Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata and receives first copies of two Coffee Table books Pranab Mukherjee will grace the 125th Anniversary celebration of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis, doyen of Statistics in India at Amarkunja, Indian Statistical Institute. i. Pranab Mukherjee inaugurate an exhibition of art works at Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata. ii. He also received the first copies of two Coffee Table books ‘Images and Impressions – Profile and Persona of Pranab Mukherjee’ and ‘Pranab Mukherjee 100 Frames’ from the Governor of West Bengal, Shri Keshari NathTripathi who formally released these books. iii. The President inaugurate the Unified Campus of Bose Institute at Salt Lake Sector – V on 30th of June. 157 | Page Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
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iv. The next day the President will receive the first copy of a coffee table book written by
Shri Bahar Uddin at the Academy of Fine Arts and he will also formally inaugurate an exhibition of Painting and Sculptures there.
IMPORTANT DAYS
June 1 2017 Remember Day: Global Day of Parents Purpose : To appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship. Organization: UN
Remember Day: World Milk Day Purpose : To celebrate the contribution of the dairy industry around the globe on 1st June every year. Organization: UN, UNFAO Theme: Raise a glass for milk
June 4 2017 Remember Day: International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression Purpose : To provides an opportunity to the world to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. Organization: UN
June 5 2017 Remember Day: World Environment Day Purpose : To raise global awareness for the protection of our environment and the planet Earth. Organization: UN Theme: “Connecting People to Nature”.
June 6 2017 Remember Day: First World Pest Day Purpose : To increase awareness of pest-borne diseases and safeguard public health through scientific and professional pest control methods. Organization: Chinese Pest Control Association (CPCA).
Remember Day: Russian Language Day
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Purpose : To celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity and to promote equal use of all six of the UN's official working languages throughout the organization Organization: UN
June 8 2017 Remember Day: World Oceans Day Purpose : To honor, help protect, and conserve the world’s oceans. Organization: UN Theme: "Our Oceans, Our Future".
June 12 2017 Remember Day: World Day against Child Labour Purpose : To focuses on the impact of conflicts and disasters on child labour. Organization: UN Theme: In conflicts and disasters, protect children from child labour.
June 13 2017 Remember Day: International Albinism Awareness Day Purpose : For the prevention of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism. Organization: UN
June 14 2017 Remember Day: World Blood Donar Day Purpose : To thank the blood donors and to spread awareness about the requirement for blood and blood products. Organization: WHO Theme: What can you do? Give blood. Give now. Give often.
June 15 2017 Remember Day: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Purpose : To focus global attention on the problem of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of elders Organization: UN
Remember Day: ASEAN Dengue Day Purpose : To raise awareness on dengue and to mobilise resources for prevention and control involving private and public sector stakeholders Theme: United Fight Against Dengue.
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June 16 2017 Remember Day: International Day of Family Remittances Purpose : To provide an opportunity to recognize the efforts of migrant workers globally. Organization: UN
June 17 2017 Remember Day: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought Purpose : To promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification. Organization: UN Theme: 'Our land Our home Our Future’
June 18 2017 Remember Day: Father's Day Purpose : To honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society
June 19 2017 Remember Day: International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict Purpose : To commemorate the adoption on 19 June 2008 of Security Council resolution 1820 (2008) Organization: UN Theme: Preventing Sexual Violence Crimes through Justice and Deterrence
June 20 2017 Remember Day: World Refugee Day Purpose : To raise the public awareness about refugee’s situations throughout the world Organization: UN Theme: “Waterloo Region Celebrates Refugees”.
June 21 2017 Remember Day: 3rd edition of International Yoga day Purpose : To create a great level of consciousness and positively changing the lifestyle of worldwide human population Organization: GOI Theme: 'Yoga for Health'
Remember Day: World Music Day 2017 Theme: Musicians gather to perform at public place
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June 23 2017 Remember Day: International Widows day Purpose : To address the "poverty and injustice faced by millions of widows and their dependents in many countries Organization: The Loomba Foundation , UN Theme: Empowering Women for Greater Achievements
Remember Day: World Public Service Purpose : To “celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community”. Organization: UN Theme: ‘The Future is Now’.
Remember Day: International Olympic day Purpose : To commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on 23 June 1894 at the Sorbonne in Paris.
June 25-26 2017 Remember Day: Anti-Emergency day Purpose : To remind people how Emergency was clamped by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. Organization: GOI
June 25 2017 Remember Day: Day of Seafarer Purpose : To recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole Organization: UN Theme: "Seafarers Matter".
June 26 2017 Remember Day: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Purpose : To increase support for prevention of drug use that is based on science and is thus an effective investment in the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities. Organization: UN Theme: Listen First - Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe.
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June 27 2017 Remember Day: First International MSME Day Purpose : To recognize the important role MSMEs and can play in achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and ensuring a more inclusive global society Organization: UN, WTO Theme: “Small business – big impact”
June 29 2017 Remember Day: National Statistics Day in India Purpose : To mark the birth anniversary of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, a renowned and eminent statistician. Organization: GOI
Remember Day: International Day of the Tropics. Purpose : To mark the anniversary of the launch of the inaugural State of the Tropics 2014 report, the first major output of the State of the Tropics Organization: UN
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