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Vetrii IAS Study Circle
(CURRENT AFFAIRS)
August - 2017
Main Office atVetrii IAS Study Circle
New No.1, 9th Street, F Block, 1st Avenue, Chinthamani, Anna Nagar (E),Chennai - 600 102
- 044-26265326 - 9600124042 / 9840097666
Vetrii IAS Study CircleNo.189/1, Meyanoor Road,
Near ARRS Multiplex,Opp. Venkateshwara Complex, Salem - 4 0427-2330307 / 9442740307
Vetrii IAS Study Circle243 Cauvery Nagar,
Opp. New Housing Unit,Thanjavur - 05. 7871169099
Vetrii IAS Study Circle15/1, Kahiresan Kovil Road,
AEO Office Upstairs,Kovilpatti - 628502 9003790335
www.vetriias.com
Our Branches
TNPSC
Published by
VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE
F Block New No. 1, 9th Street,
1st Avenue main Road, Chinthamani,
Anna Nagar (E), Chennai – 102.
Phone: 044 – 26265326 / 9600124042 / 9840097666
www.vetriias.com
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
© All rights reserved with the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
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publisher, will be responsible for the loss and may be punished for compensation under
copyright act.
My Dear Aspirants,
Greetings to all of you! “What we think we become” said Gautama Buddha. We all have dreams. To turn
dreams into reality it takes a lot of determination, dedication, self discipline and hard work.
We at VETRII IAS Study Circle are committed to provide the right guidance, quality coaching and help
every aspirant to achieve his or her life’s cherished goal of becoming a civil servant.
The class room coaching at VETRII IAS Study Circle is meticulously planned to equip the aspirants with
all the relevant facts and fundamentals of the subjects. Further the VETRII IAS Study Circle Study
material aim to support the candidate by providing the most relevant study material in a
comprehensive manner.
Wishing You All The Very Best !!
M. SHUNMUGAM
DIRECTOR
Vetrii IAS Study Circle.
TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS IRCL AUGUST 2017
9600124042/ 9840097666
CONTENT
SL. NO TITLE PAGE NO
1. Important Days 1
2. National Affairs 3 – 15
3. State Affairs 16 - 22
4. International 23 -27
5. Schemes 28 - 33
6. Economy 34 - 41
7. Awards & Honours 42 - 46
8. Science & Technology 47 - 52
9. Sports 53 - 56
10. Personalities 57 - 60
11. Defence 61 - 67
12. General Knowledge 68 - 73
13. Summits & Committees 74 -77
14. Important Index 78
15. Appointment 79 - 81
TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS I August 2017
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IMPORTANT DAY AUGUST 7 - NATIONAL HANDLOOM DAY
The Union Government had declared the National Handloom Day
First observed in July 2015
Objective to generate awareness about importance of India‘s handloom industry.
The main event will be held in Guwahati to celebrate the third National Handloom
Day.
AUGUST 10 - WORLD BIO FUEL DAY
To create awareness about non-fossil-fuels (Green Fuels).
AUGUST 10 - NATIONAL DEWORMING DAY
National Deworming Day (NDD) is observed on 10 August The NDD program was
launched in 2015.
AUGUST 12 - INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY
Designated by: United Nations General Assembly
First observed: 2000
Theme: Youth Building Peace
AUGUST 12 - WORLD ELEPHANT DAY
Designated by: Patricia Sims and Elephant Reintroduction Programme of Thailand
First observed: 2012
Theme: Bringing the world together to help elephants
AUGUST 19 - WORLD HUMANATARIAN DAY
Designated by: United Nations General Assembly
First observed: 2009
Theme: # Not A Target
NOTE:
On this day in 1893, Sir Rudolph Diesel (inventor of the diesel engine) for the first
time successfully ran the mechanical engine with Peanut Oil.
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WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK IS OBSERVED FROM AUGUST 1ST TO
AUGUST 7TH
World breastfeeding week is being celebrated from 1st to 7th August every year.
The theme for the year 2017 is “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together”.
It was first celebrated in 1992 by World Alliance for Breastfeeding World
Breastfeeding Week Action (WABA)
Now observed in over 120 countries by United Nations Children‘s Fund (UNICEF),
World Health Organization (WHO) and their partners including individuals,
organizations, and governments.
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NATIONAL AFFAIRS INDIA CELEBRATES 75TH QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT
The Indian nation is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement.
The 2017 theme is “Sankalp se Siddhi- the attainment through resolve.
Prime Minister Modi termed the month of August as a month of revolution as the
non-cooperation movement was launched on August 1, 1920, Both Houses of
Parliament will hold a special session on the occasion.
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind hosted an „At Home‟ reception for
freedom fighters on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement
on August 9, 2017 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
On the occasion, the President also released a set of 8 Commemorative Postage
Stamps on 75 years of 1942 Freedom Struggle.
UNION GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT „WORLD‟S LARGEST SAMPLE
SURVEY‟ FOR STUDENTS
The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry announced November 13 as the
date for conducting its National Assessment Survey (NAS) for the students of class
3, 5, and 8.
During several rounds of the survey, a total of 4.45 lakh students has been tested for
various learning outcomes.
NOTE:
The Quit India Movement or the India August Movement, was a movement
launched at the Bombay session of the All-India Congress Committee by
Mahatma Gandhi on 8 August 1942, during World War I demanding an end to
British Rule of India.
The Cripps Mission had failed, and on 8 August 1942, Gandhi made a call to Do
or Die in his Quit India speech delivered in Bombay at the Gowalia Tank
Maidan.
The All-India Congress Committee launched a mass protest demanding what
Gandhi called ―An Orderly British Withdrawal‖ from India.
NOTE:
Approximately 30 lakh students will be assessed in the year 2017-18 making it
the world‘s largest sample survey of student learning achievement.
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INDIAN GOVT. LAUNCHED NATIONAL ANTHEM VIDEO IN SIGN
LANGUAGE
Union Minister of State for HRD (Human
Resource Development) Mahendra Nath
Pandey launched three-minute video of
Indian National Anthem in sign language,
featuring Bollywood actor Amitabh
Bachchan along with physically challenged
children with the Red Fort in the background.
It is directed by Govind Nihalani and the
music is scored by late Aadesh Shrivastava.
Conceptualised by - Satish Kapoor
UNION GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES SWACHH SURVEKSHAN GRAMIN
The Union Ministry of Drinking
Water and Sanitation
released Swachh Survekshan
Gramin 2017, third party survey
report to assess the progress.
The survey covered 4626 villages
across all States and Union
territories.
UNION CABINET APPROVES MOU BETWEEN INDIA AND BRICS COUNTRIES
TO SET UP BRICS AGRICULTURE RESEARCH PLATFORM
The Union Cabinet approves Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) between India and
Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
(BRICS) countries for the establishment of
the
NOTE:
It was undertaken by the Quality Council of India (QCI) between May and June
2017 to take into account status of rural sanitation in all State.
NOTE: This video was also launched in Goa, Bhopal, Chandigarh and Kolhapur.
TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS I August 2017
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BRICS Agriculture Research Platform (BRICS-ARP).
INDIA AND MYANMAR TO SIGN MOU FOR CONSERVATION OF
QUAKE-DAMAGED PAGODAS AT BAGAN
The Union Cabinet approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between
India and Myanmar for the conservation of earthquake-damaged pagodas at
Bagan.
The MoU will be signed during the official state visit of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi to Myanmar during 6-7 September 2017.
NEPALESE PRIME MINISTER DEUBA TO BEGIN FOUR-DAY VISIT TO
INDIA
Sher Bahadur Deuba, the Prime
Minister of Nepal accompanied by
his spouse Arzu Deuba will be on a
state visit to India from 23-27
August 2017 at the invitation of
Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This is his first visit abroad after
assuming the office of Prime
Minister of Nepal in June 2017.
NOTE:
During the 7th BRICS Summit held in July 2015 at Ufa in Russia Prime Minister
Narendra Modi established a BRICS Agriculture Research Centre a gift to the
entire world.
The Central Government will promote sustainable agricultural development and
poverty alleviation through strategic cooperation.
NOTE:
Pagodas are the Buddhist temple typically in the form of a many-tiered tower
built in traditions originating as stupa in historic South Asia.
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INDIA AND NEPAL SIGN EIGHT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
(MOU) IN VARIOUS FIELDS
India and Nepal signed eight Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) in various
fields including Housing grant and prevention of drugs, reconstruction packages in
health and education sectors.
The agreements were inked after delegation level talks between Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and his visiting Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba at
Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
UNION CABINET APPROVES INDIA AND NEPAL MOU ON PREVENTION
OF ILLICIT TRAFFICKING IN NARCOTIC DRUGS
The Union Cabinet approved the signing of MoU between India and Nepal on Drug
Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances.
The MoU lists out the areas of cooperation on narcotic drugs and psychotropic
substances.
UNITED STATES AND JAPAN VOW TO BOOST DEFENCE COOPERATION
WITH INDIA
The United States of America and
Japan agreed to advance their multilateral
security and defense cooperation with
countries like India, South Korea, and
Australia, amidst China's growing
assertiveness in the Asia Pacific region.
NOTE:
The two leaders also jointly inaugurated the Kataiya-Kusaha and Raxaul-
Parwanipur cross border Transmission lines.
NOTE:
It develops mutual cooperation with a view to effectively resolving the issue of
illicit traffic in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors,
cooperate in drug demand reduction through prevention, awareness, education
and community-based programmes, treatment and rehabilitation.
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FIRST MEETING OF JAPAN-INDIA COORDINATION FORUM HELD IN
NEW DELHI
The first meeting of the Japan-
India Coordination Forum
(JICF) for Development of
North-Eastern Region was
held in New Delhi.
Areas Of Cooperation:
Connectivity and Road
Network Development,
especially inter-State roads & major district roads; Disaster Management; Food
Processing; Organic Farming and Tourism were discussed in the meeting.
UNION CABINET APPROVES MOU BETWEEN INDIA AND SPAIN ON
COOPERATION IN RENEWABLE ENERGY
The Union Cabinet
approved Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between India
and Spain on India-Spain Cooperation
in renewable energy.
It aims at strengthening bilateral
cooperation between both the
countries.
CA INSTITUTE SIGNS MOU WITH ICA NEPAL
The CA Institute of India signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN).
Nilesh Vikamsey, President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and
Prakash Jung Thapa, President--ICAN exchanged the MoU.
Aim: To establish mutual co-operation for the advancement of accounting
knowledge, professional and intellectual development, advancing the interests of
their respective members and positively contributing to the development of the
accounting profession in Nepal and India.
NOTE: The Secretary, Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER),
Shri Naveen Verma
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INDIA AND GERMANY SIGNED AGREEMENT TO IMPROVE GRID
INTEGRATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
India and Germany signed an agreement on technical cooperation under the Indo-
German Energy Programme – Green Energy Corridors (IGEN-GEC).
The main aim of this programme is to improve the sector framework and
conditions for grid integration of renewable energy.
10TH INDIA-EUROPEAN UNION COUNTER TERRORISM DIALOGUE
The India and the European Union agreed to strengthen
cooperation between their security and intelligence
agencies to protect from the threat of terrorism and check
terror financing.
UNION CABINET APPROVES MOU ON INDIA-ISRAEL INDUSTRIAL R&D AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION FUND
The Union Cabinet approved Memorandum of
Understanding to set up US $40 million India-
Israel Industrial R&D and Technological
Innovation Fund.
The MoU aims at a promotion of bilateral
Industrial Research and Development (R&D)
and Innovation cooperation between both
countries in fields of science and technology.
INDIA - IRAN CALL FOR EARLY OPERATIONALISATION OF CHABAHAR PORT
India and Iran have expressed commitment for early
completion and operationalisation of Chabahar Port
besides strengthening bilateral ties.
Both the countries in a series of meetings held during the
Union Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister
Nitin Gadkari two-day visit to Iran.
NOTE:
Around 60 years, the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit
(GIZ) GmbH has been working jointly with partners in India for sustainable
economic, ecological, and social development.
NOTE:
The European Union is a unique economic and political union between 28
European countries
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SUPREME COURT DECLARES RIGHT TO PRIVACY AS FUNDAMENTAL
RIGHT
The Supreme Court of India pronounced that individual privacy is a fundamental
right protected by the Constitution.
A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of
India J.S. Khehar ruled that the right to privacy is intrinsic to life and liberty, thus
coming under Article 21, and comes to the various fundamental freedoms in PART
III of the Indian Constitution. With this now India has total seven fundamental
rights.
INDIA RATIFIES 2ND COMMITMENT PERIOD OF KYOTO PROTOCOL
India has ratified the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol.
It has been announced on 9th of August 2017.
FOURTH SESSION OF THE INDIA-TANZANIA JOINT TRADE
COMMITTEE
The Fourth Session of the India-Tanzania
Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting was
held in New Delhi.
The Indian delegation was led by Minister
of State for Commerce and Industry Ms.
Nirmala Sitharaman and Tanzanian
delegation was led by the Minister of
NOTE:
India already requested Iran for an early submission of loan application
for Chabahar Port Development to Exim Bank of India so that the contract
agreement can be activated.
NOTE:
The Fundamental rights are Right to equality, Right to freedom, Right against
exploitation, Right to freedom of religion, Cultural and Educational rights, and
Right to constitutional remedies are the 6 fundamental rights of India.
NOTE:
The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty which extends the 1992 United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that commits State Parties
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on December 11, 1997 and entered
into force on February 16, 2005.
The Protocol‘s first commitment period started in 2008 and ended in 2012.
A second commitment period was agreed on in 2012, known as the Doha
Amendment to the protocol.
TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS I August 2017
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Industry, Trade, and Investment Mr. Charles John Mwijage.
With an investment of US $ 2.2 billion, Tanzania is among the top 5 investment
destinations for India.
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER SUSHMA SWARAJ INAUGURATES
INDIA‟S FIRST „VIDESH BHAVAN‟ IN MUMBAI
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj inaugurated the country‘s first „Videsh
Bhavan‟ at Mumbai.
It integrates all offices of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in Maharashtra, is
located in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), a business district in suburban Mumbai.
UNION GOVERNMENT IMPOSES ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ON SODIUM
NITRATE IMPORTS FROM CHINA
The Union Finance Ministry‟s Revenue Department imposed a five-year anti-
dumping duty on Sodium Nitrite imports from China.
It was imposed based on recommendations of Directorate General of Anti-
dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD).
Countries impose anti-dumping duties to safeguard domestic industry from a
surge in below-cost imports.
UNION CABINET CLEARS STALLED NORTH KOEL RESERVOIR PROJECT
IN BIHAR
The Union Cabinet approved a proposal to complete the balance works of North
Koel Reservoir Project in Bihar, stalled since 1993.
Under the revived project, storage of water in Mandal dam to be constructed under
it will be will be restricted at a lower level than envisaged earlier.
NOTE:
Four offices of the ministry in Mumbai Passport Office, Office of the Protector of
Emigrants, Office of the Regional Director of ICCR (the Indian Council for Cultural
Relations) and Branch Secretariat of MEA will be functioning under one roof in the
newly constructed building.
It is the first integrated office complex of the MEA established in any state of
the country.
NOTE:
Sodium Nitrite is a white crystalline powder. It is an oxidizing and also a reducing
agent. It is mostly used in the pharmaceutical and dye industries.
NOTE:
The project is situated on the North Koel river, a tributary of Sone River. It aims
to provide irrigation to 111,521 hectares of land annually
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UNION GOVERNMENT TOLD TO EXAMINE GM CROPS IMPACT BEFORE
ROLLOUT DECISION
The Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended that no Genetically
Modified (GM) crop should be introduced unless the biosafety and socio
economic desirability is evaluated in a transparent process.
COMMERCE MINISTRY SETS UP TASK FORCE ON ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE
Union Commerce and industry minister Nirmala Sitharaman constituted a task
force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure ―India‘s economic transformation‖.
The committee will focus on a wide spectrum of areas including agriculture and
transportation.
DAWN OF CRUISE TOURISM IN INDIA‟ INAUGURATED IN MUMBAI
The dawn of cruise tourism in India‟ was inaugurated in Mumbai.
There is the launch of three reports, “Mumbai Port SoP‟s for cruise operations”,
“Road map for Sea cruise tourism” and “Cruise terminals in India”.
AFTER SC ORDER, FOCUS ON CHEMICALS IN FIRECRACKERS
The Supreme Court ban on the use of antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic and lead
in the manufacture of firecrackers to prevent air pollution has turned the focus on
what chemicals are used to produce spectacular visual effects and noise.
Experts say none of the specific products banned by the court are used.
NOTE:
The recommendation was made by the department-related parliamentary
standing committee on science and technology and environment and forest.
The Committee also recommended that the Environment Ministry (MoEFCC)
should examine the impact of GM crops regularly.
NOTE:
The task force will be headed by V. Kamakoti, a professor in the department of
computer science and engineering at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
The panel will comprise 18 experts, academics, researchers and industry leaders and
will explore possibilities to leverage AI for development across various fields.
NOTE:
Nitin Gadkari is the current Minister for Road Transport and Highways and
Shipping.
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INDIA OPENS FIRST PARTITION MUSEUM IN AMRITSAR
India 's first museum will open this
week in Amritsar Punjab, as India and
Pakistan celebrate 70 years as
independent nations.
The museum will include photographs,
newspaper clippings, donated personal
items, and screens showing video
interviews with survivors.
It will have 'The Gallery of
Hope', where visitors can scribble messages of love and peace.
INDIAN RAILWAYS SIGNS FIRST EPC CONTRACT WITH L&T
The Indian Railways signed its first EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction)
contract with Larsen and Turbo (L&T) for electrification of railways.
The EPC contracts were awarded as part of a strategy to speed up the electrification
of railway lines under ‗Mission Electrification‟ plan
UNION GOVERNMENT TO LAUNCH DEEP OCEAN MISSION
The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is going to launch Deep Ocean
Mission by January 2018 to spur research activities in ocean science.
The proposed inter-ministerial and interdisciplinary project aims to explore and
harness mineral resources beneath the ocean floor.
NOTE:
The Supreme Court, in it‘s order, had directed that no firecrackers manufactured
by the respondents shall contain the chemicals.
The banned chemicals include antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic and lead in
any form whatsoever.
The court entrusted the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) with
the responsibility of ensuring compliance particularly in Sivakasi.
Over 90% of cracker production is done in Sivakasi.
However, cracker manufacturers in Sivakasi, who denied using the banned
chemicals, said the sound and light show is produced by chemicals such as
sulphur, aluminium powder and charcoal (used as fuel), besides potassium nitrate
and barium nitrate (as oxidising agents).
NOTE:
India has 7,500 km of coastline and 2.4 million square km of exclusive
economic zone (EEZ). The oceans along Indian peninsula contain enormous
opportunities.
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UNION GOVERNMENT TO EXPAND LOGISTICS DATA BANK PROJECT
The Union Ministry of Shipping is planning to expand Logistics Data Bank (LDB)
project to the country‟s southern region.
UNION GOVERNMENT NOTIFIES BANKING REGULATION
AMENDMENT ACT
The Union Government notified the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2017.
It empowers the Central government to authorize the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to
direct banking companies to resolve specific stressed assets.
CCEA APPROVES CLOSURE OF BHARAT WAGON AND ENGINEERING
COMPANY
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi approved the proposal of Ministry of Railways to close the Bharat Wagon and
Engineering Company Limited (BWEL) - a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE)
under Ministry of Railways.
The CCEA decision will stop the flow of financial support from public funds for carrying on
the operations of BWEL Resulting in savings.
ENVIRONMENT MINISTER LAUNCHES „GAJ YATRA‟ TO MARK WORLD
ELEPHANT DAY 2017
Union Environment Forest and Climate Change Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan,
launched „Gaj Yatra‘ in Karnataka, a nationwide campaign to protect elephants on
the occasion of World Elephant Day (12 August).
NOTE:
The LDB project was launched at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), Mumbai
in July 2016, making it first port in India to provide this service.
The project operations were expanded to the container terminals at Adani Port
Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), Mundra and Adani Hazira Port both in
Gujarat.
NOTE:
The Parliament approved the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2017.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2017, which
was already passed by Lok Sabha (On July 24, 2017) and
It replaces the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, that was passed in
May 2017.
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INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF MELBOURNE 2017 HIGHLIGHTS
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is an annual Indian film festival
based in Melbourne, Australia, which runs from August 10th to 22ndacross five
Melbourne HOYTS locations.
This film festival has a line-up of over 60 Bollywood films, indie films and short
films in 20 different languages, which are from India and the subcontinent, including
over 30 Australian premieres.
SMRITI IRANI TO INAUGURATE ORIENT CRAFT TEXTILE FACILITY IN
JHARKHAND
Union Minister for Textile and Information & Broadcasting, Smriti Irani to
inaugurate Orient Craft Textile facility at Irba near Ranchi in Jharkhand.
The event will pave way for new investment as two projects will be inaugurated
while foundation stone will be laid for 70 projects during the function.
NOTE:
The Environment Minister released the All India Census 2017 Report on
elephants.
The ‗Gaju‘ mascot, which was released by the Ministry in 2012, will be helm the
campaign.
The campaign will be led by the Wildlife Trust of India. Actor and wildlife
enthusiast, Ms. Dia Mirza, participated in the walk and run event organized on
the occasion.
NOTE:
Indian Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan hoists the Indian national flag at the
Federation Square in Melbourne.
On August 10th - opening night at Hoyts Melbourne Central, film ―Lipstick
Under My Burkha‖ (banned in India) was featured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviews progress of Soil Health Cards Scheme
& Fsasal Bima Yojana
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the progress of two agriculture sector
related schemes, Soil Health Cards and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in
New Delhi.
He also emphasized that soil health cards should be printed in the local dialect
of the area so that the farmers are able to read and understand them easily.
The latest technology including smartphones, remote sensing, satellite data,
and drones are being used for speedy data collection with regard to crop
insurance claims.
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ENVIRONMENT MINISTER LAUNCHES “HARIT DIWALI, SWASTH
DIWALI” CAMPAIGN
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan,
launched the “Harit Diwali, Swasth Diwali” campaign.
The Minister impressed upon the children the importance of their contribution
towards reducing pollution by not bursting harmful fire crackers during Diwali
Short News:
Union Government launched green airports, two airports in Andhra Pradesh,
Tirupati and Vijayawada are going to go completely green.
Supertech received a green nod for developing a sports-centric housing project in
Greater Noida.
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STATE AFFAIRS MINISTRY OF CULTURE ORGANIZES 'SANKALP SE SIDDHI PROGRAM'
IN COIMBATORE
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
launched New India
movement from 2017-2022, a
Sankalp Se Siddhi (Attainment
through Resolve) Program was
organized at Coimbatore.
The New India Movement 2017-
2022 organized an India free of
Poverty, Corruption, Terrorism, Communalism, Casteism, and Un-cleanliness.
KARUR VYSYA BANK INAUGURATES AADHAAR ENROLMENT CENTRE
IN CHENNAI
Private sector Karur Vysya Bank has unveiled the Aadhaar Enrolment Centre in
Chennai.
It is the first private sector bank to provide Aadhaar Enrolment Centre service in the
country.
The Customers need to bring in the approved documents as proof of residence and
identity.
„FETE DE PUDUCHERRY‟ FESTIVAL CELEBRATED IN PONDICHERRY
A three-day annual cultural festival
named „Fete de Puducherry‟ organized by
the Government of India begins in
Puducherry.
The festival is held in association with the
South Zone Cultural Centre (Tamil Nadu)
every year to bring to focus the multi-faceted
cultural features of various states.
NOTE:
The festival holding started since 1985 as part of celebrating Independence
Day and also Liberation Day of Puducherry (August 16).
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CCEA APPROVES NEW RAIL TRACKS IN TAMIL NADU AND KERALA
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved doubling of tracks
of three railway lines and their electrification in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
The Committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the
construction of an electrified second line between Vanchi-Maniyachchi-Nagercoil
via Tirunelveli, Madurai-Vanchi and Maniyachchi-Tuticorin, and
Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala and Kanyakumari.
The estimated cost of the Vanchi-Maniyachchi-Nagercoil via Tirunelveli project will
be Rs 1,003.94 crores.
All the three projects are expected to be completed by the year 2020-2021.
KERALA AND HARYANA TOP SANITATION SURVEY
According to the survey, almost all rural households in Kerala and Haryana access
to a toilet report.
The Bihar and Uttar Pradesh least access to toilets compared to other statesNOTE:
The survey is released by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and was
carried out by the Quality Council of India (QCI).
It covering 4626 villages across all States and Union territories claimed that 62.45% of
the households had access to a toilet.
KARNATAKA GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES PROJECT VARSHADHARI
Karnataka Government launched clouding seeding Project Varshadhari in
Bengaluru under which an aircraft will spray chemicals to induce rainfall.
It aims to condense small water particles by clouds (size less than 10 microns) to
droplets of 50 microns, which can constitute rains.
KARNATAKA TOURISM DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES DASARA PACKAGE
ON GOLDEN CHARIOT
Karnataka‟s Department of Tourism announced Dasara Special Tour Packages on the
occasion of Dasara.
Golden Chariot is South India‟s first and only luxury tourist train run by Karnataka
State Tourist Department Corporation (KSTDC).
It includes a two night and one day package at a subsided rate of Rs 25,000 per
person (for Indians) and Rs 40, 000 for foreigners.
NOTE:
Cloud seeding (also known as weather modification technique) is an artificial
way to induce moisture in the clouds so as to cause a rainfall.
The cloud seeding project is an experimental project that will cover Bengaluru,
Gadag and Yadgir districts of the state.
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INDIA‟S FIRST FARM PRICE FORECASTING MODEL
Karnataka Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) with
software giant Microsoft India to develop a unique price forecasting model.
The proposed initiative is claimed to be the first-of-its-kind in the country.
The farm price forecasting model will use latest IT tools in a bid to help farmers,
administrators, and other stakeholders to understand market behavior.
GABRIEL CHUNDAN WON 65TH NEHRU TROPHY
Gabriel Chundan won the 65th
edition of the Prestigious Nehru
Trophy held at the Punnamda Lake
in Kerala.
The Mahadevikkad Kattilthekkethil'
came second 'Payippad' and
'Karichal', last year's winner secured
the third and fourth spots
respectively.
MUGHALSARAI RAILWAY STATION TO BE RENAMED
The Centre recently approved the Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh Government‘s
proposal to rename the Mughalsarai railway station after the Jan Sangh leader as
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) station.
It comes as the part of the state government‘s attempt to revive the legacy of
Upadhyaya who died in 1968.
The proposal pointed to the mysterious death of Upadhyaya at the Mughalsarai
station as one of the primary reasons to rename the station
JAMMU AND KASHMIR GOVERNMENT TO SET UP FIRST ECO-PARK
The Jammu and Kashmir Government decided to build an Eco-Park on over 34
acres of land reclaimed from encroachers in the state's Rajouri district.
The park is a first-of-its-kind project in the region.
It will have a botanical garden, a cactus garden, a cafeteria and other amenities.
NOTE:
The Nehru trophy was instituted to commemorate the visit of the first Indian
Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to the area and his boat ride in the lake.
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COCONUT REGAINS 'TREE' STATUS IN GOA AS ASSEMBLY PASSES
BILL
The Goa Legislative Assembly passed a bill which regains coconut as a `tree,
ensuring legal protection.
The Assembly, on the last day of Monsoon session, passed the Goa, Daman, and Diu
(Preservation of) Trees Act, 1984 to regulate felling of coconut trees and reclassify it
as a tree.
AMAZON INDIA AND TELANGANA HANDLOOM DEPT SIGNED
AGREEMENT
Amazon India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Telangana
Department of Handloom and Textiles to educate, train and enable weavers and
artisans to directly sell their products to Amazon customers across the country.
DELHI METRO DECLARED AS WORLD‟S FIRST GREEN METRO
The Delhi Metro Railway Corporation
(DMRC) was recently declared as the
world‘s first green metro after it added
a green certification for all its major
buildings and installations.
They got the platinum rating for its 10
residential colonies for adherence to
green building norms by the Indian
Green Building Council (IGBC).
DMRC became the first railway project in the world to be registered by the United
Nations under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
NOTE:
The previous Laxmikant Parsekar-led government changed the classification of
a coconut tree to a `palm.
NOTE:
Around 17,000 handlooms in the state, this association will further help elevate
popular handloom products from clusters such as are Pochampally, Warangal,
Gadwal, Narayanpet and Siddipet which have a tremendous potential and
demand in urban areas.
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SEVENTEEN STATES/UTS HAVE IMPOSED COMPLETE BAN ON USE
OF POLYTHENE BAGS
In the country, 17 States / Union Territories have imposed complete ban on
manufacture, stock, sale and use of plastic carrybags, through
directions/notifications and executive orders.
Further, use of plastic carry bags has been partially banned in some pilgrimage
centres, tourist and historical places located in the States of Andhra Pradesh,
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West
Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
As per the provisions of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, the generators of
waste have been mandated to take steps to minimize generation of plastic waste, not
to litter the plastic waste, ensure segregated storage of waste at source and handover
segregated waste to local bodies or agencies authorised by the local bodies.
NEXT GEN PROJECTION MAPPING SYSTEM
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated as the next generation
projection mapping system at the iconic Gateway of India in south Mumbai.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, business tycoon Anand Mahindra, ministers
Subhash Desai, Ram Shinde, Jaykumar Rawal were also present on the occasion.
UIDAI LAUNCHES DOOR STEP AADHAR ENROLMENT IN DELHI
A mobile van in partnership with CSC India will go and enroll people who are
unable to travel to Aadhaar centers for enrollment like elderlies, patients, small
children.
The van was flagged off by Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
GUJARAT FIRST STATE TO IMPLEMENT COAL UTILISATION BETWEEN
POWER UNITS
The Gujarat government issued a tender for power developers to receive cheap coal
marked for the state in return for selling coal-based power at less than Rs 2.82 a unit.
The aim is to reduce the cost of fuel for financially ailing distribution companies and
ensure effective distribution of domestic coal.
NOTE:
CSC India provides permit and monitors operations of common service centers
across India which are meant to provide government services in rural area.
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ODISHA GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES ROOFTOP SOLAR PROJECT
Odisha Government launched a grid-connected rooftop solar programme through
the net-metering system at the State Secretariat in the capital city of Bhubaneshwar.
The program mainly aims at harnessing renewable solar capacity through people’s
participation to further strengthen the grid and reduce power losses.
ODISHA GOVT AND FACEBOOK LAUNCHES SHE MEANS BUSINESS
PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik launched Facebook's programme named 'She Means
Business' for women entrepreneurs in Odisha.
This programme was launched in partnership with Odisha‘s MSME (micro, small
and medium enterprises) department and Project Mission Shakti.
ENTIRE ASSAM DECLARED AS DISTURBED AREA UNDER AFSPA FOR
ANOTHER MONTH.
The Union Home Ministry
declared entire Assam state as a
disturbed area under the Armed
Forces (Special Powers) Act for
one more month.
The Home Ministry also
declared 20 km belt along
Meghalaya‟s border areas
adjoining Assam and three
districts in Arunachal Pradesh.
NOTE:
The program is being implemented by Odisha Renewable Energy Development
Agency (OREDA).
The investment on a rooftop solar system is about Rs 70,000 per KW.
NOTE:
Under this programme, around 25,000 women entrepreneurs and Self-Help
Group (SHG) members will get trained on digital marketing (online bussiness)
skills within next one year.
NOTE:
The AFSPA continuing in Assam since November 1990. In 2016, there were 75
incidents of violence reported in Assam.
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SCHEME FOR COMPASSIONATE FAMILY PENSION
In Assam, State government launching a new Scheme called, Scheme for
Compassionate Family Pension (CFP) in lieu of Compassionate Appointment.
Where the employee dies before superannuation, the family pension equal to 100
percent of the last pay drawn by the deceased employee be paid for a period up to
the date of 'deemed superannuation' of the deceased employee.
This normal family pension shall be fixed at 50% of CFP from the date of deemed
superannuation till 67 years of age of the deceased employee.
NEW FROG SPECIES WITH PIG FACE DISCOVERED IN WESTERN GHATS
Indian scientists discovered Nasikabatrachus Bhupathi, a new species of frog that
has a snout-shaped nose, just like a pig in West Ghats.
Nasikabatrachus Bhupathi species show comparisons with the Purple Frog
(Nasikabatrachus Sahyadrensis) which was discovered in 2003 in Seychelles.
It is soiled-dwelling species of purple frog. It inhabits the eastern slopes of the
Western Ghats.
Short News
The Government of India/ Government of Gujarat signed US$ 329 million Loan and
Project Agreements with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for or Gujarat
Rural Roads Project.
E-waste removal from Kerala schools begun with about 12,500 kg being disposed
statewide on a single day under a program aiming to clear accumulated junk,
reportedly estimated at over one crore kg.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation 11 completed highway
projects in Rajasthan, covering a total length of about 873 kilometers
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INTERNATIONAL
WORLD‟S LONGEST PEDESTRIAN SUSPENSION BRIDGE OPENS IN
SWITZERLAND
The world‘s longest pedestrian
suspension bridge the
Europabrücke or Europaweg
(Europe Bridge) a ribbon-thin span
nearly a third of a mile long at in
Randa, Switzerland.
It measures 1,620 feet long and rises
as high as 278 feet above the
Grabengufer ravine.
It replaces an older bridge which
was closed in 2010 after it was
damaged by falling rocks.
CHINA TO RELAUNCH ONE OF THE WORLD'S FASTEST BULLET TRAINS
China is relaunching one of the world‟s fastest bullet trains, capable of running
at 350 kilometers (217 miles) per hour.
The trains will service the route from Beijing to Shanghai starting next month,
making the 1,250-kilometer (777-mile) journey in just 4 hours, 30 minutes. Other
routes are being added.
INDIA-BHUTAN NEW TRADE AND TRANSIT AGREEMENT COME INTO
FORCE
The new bilateral Agreement on Trade Commerce and Transit between India and
Bhutan came into force recently.
It aims to further strengthen the bilateral trade relations between both countries.
The bilateral trade relations between India and Bhutan are governed by the
Agreement on Trade, Commerce, and Transit. The agreement provides for a free
trade regime between the territories of India and Bhutan.
The agreement provides for a free trade regime between the territories of India and
Bhutan.
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CHINA LAUNCHES FIRST CYBER COURT IN E-COMMERCE HUB
China launched its first cyber court specializing in handling Internet-related cases in
the e-commerce hub of Hangzhou.
The Hangzhou Internet Court in Hangzhou will handle cases such as online trade
disputes and copyright lawsuits.
Hangzhou is home to many Internet companies, including e-commerce giant
Alibaba.
IAEA OPENS WORLD‟S FIRST LOW ENRICHED URANIUM BANK IN
KAZAKHSTAN
The United Nations (UN) global nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) has opened world‘s first low Enriched Uranium (LEU) Bank in
Oskemen in Kazakhstan.
PAKISTAN HOISTS „LARGEST‟ NATIONAL FLAG TO MARK 70TH
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Pakistan hoisted a 400-feet high national flag the largest in its history at the Attari-
Wagah border with India to mark the country‘s 70th Independence Day.
It is made in Pakistan with 400-feet high and 120 feet by 80 feet in size.
Parsi New Year and Navroz celebrated across the world
PARSI NEW YEAR, NAVROZ IS BEING CELEBRATED ACROSS THE WORLD
IN AUGUST-17
The festival is celebrated by follows of Zoroastrianism in Middle-East, USA and
South Asian countries such as India and Pakistan.
IN INDIA: Parsi New Year, also known as Jamshedi Navroz, is a regional holiday in
Maharashtra, India. It is celebrated every year in August.
NOTE:
The bank is owned and managed by IAEA.
It will be the first of its kind LEU bank not to be under control of any individual
country.
It manages 123 tons of uranium in Angarsk, Russia but it is under the control of
Russian Government.
NOTE:
The flag is the highest in South Asia and the 8th highest in the world.
Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa hoisted the flag.
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INDIA, CHINA HOME TO 39% OF YOUNG INTERNET USERS
ACCORDING TO UNITED NATIONS REPORT
The report was released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the
United Nations specialized agency for Information and Communication
Technologies.
Acording to report India and China are home to 39% of the 830 million young people
worldwide who use the Internet.
NEPAL AND CHINA SIGN THREE AGREEMENTS TO BOOST ENERGY,
ECONOMIC TIES
China and Nepal signed three
agreements to further boost their ties in
power, energy and economic sectors.
The agreements signed cover oil and gas
resources exploration, economic and
technological cooperation and promotion
of investment.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION DECLARED SOMALIA AS FREE
POLIO
The United Nations World Health Organisation (WHO) declared no record of any
case of polio disease in Somalia in the last three years declaring the country polio
free.
NOTE:
ITU is the UN specialized agency for information and communication
technologies (ICTs). It has 193 countries as its members and also 800 private-
sectors.
NOTE:
These agreements were signed after visiting Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Yang
held discussions with Nepal‘s Deputy Prime Ministers Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar
and Krishna Bahadur Mahara
NOTE:
Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan are the remaining countries where polio is still
being recorded.
Somalia is still responding to an outbreak of acute watery diarrhea/cholera which
began in January 2017.
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KENYA IMPOSES WORLD'S TOUGHEST LAW AGAINST PLASTIC BAGS
The country Kenya imposed a law that selling or even using plastic bags will risk
imprisonment of up to four years or fines of $40,000.
It is the world‟s toughest law which is aimed at reducing plastic pollution came into
effect.
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP AWARDED FIRST MEDAL OF HONOR TO
VIETNAM ARMY MEDIC
President Donald Trump awarded
his first Medal of Honor to James
McCloughan, an Army medic who
served in Vietnam.
He rescues Vietnam War is the first
person to receive the Medal of Honor
from President Donald Trump in
Washington.
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP SIGNS MEMO BANNING TRANSGENDER
RECRUITS FROM US MILITARY
President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to declare an indefinite ban on
transgender individuals joining the military, but he appeared to leave open the
possibility of allowing some already in uniform to remain in the military.
QATAR OFFERS VISA-FREE ENTRY TO 80 COUNTRIES, INCLUDING
INDIA
Qatar announced on Wednesday a programme to allow visa-free entry for citizens of
80 countries to encourage air transport and tourism amid a two-month boycott
imposed on the Gulf state by its neighbours.
Nationals from dozens of countries in Europe and elsewhere including India,
Lebanon, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States will now receive
tourist visas on arrival to the gas-rich country which hosts the soccer World Cup in
2022.
NOTE:
The East African nation joins more than 40 other countries that have banned,
partly banned or taxed single use plastic bags, including China, France, Rwanda,
and Italy.
NOTE:
The Obama administration in June 2016 changed longstanding policy declaring
that troops could serve openly as transgender individuals.
Around 2,500 transgender personnel may be serving on active duty, and 1,500 in
the reserves.
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QATAR TO BECOME FIRST ARAB STATE TO OFFER PERMANENT
RESIDENCY TO SOME NON-CITIZENS
Qatar‟s Cabinet approved a draft
law making permanent
residency available to some non-
citizens of the country.
Under the new law, Residency
permits will be granted to
children of Qatari women
married to foreigners.
JAPAN MARKS 72 YEARS SINCE HIROSHIMA ATOMIC BOMB
Japan, on August 6th, marked 72 years since the world‟s first nuclear attack on
Hiroshima, with the nation‘s traditional contradictions over atomic weapons again
coming into focus.
Short news
Peter O‘Neill has been reappointed as Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
Hassan Rouhani officially was sworn in as the President of Iran for a second term.
Iran signed the country‘s biggest-ever car deal with French
multinational automobile manufacturer Group Renault to produce 150,000 cars,
beginning in 2018.
NOTE:
Gulf Arab countries have a high number of expatriate workers but do not
allow naturalization of foreigners except in rare cases.
Background:
Japan suffered two nuclear attacks at the end of the World War II by the United
States— in Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and in Nagasaki three days later.
The bombings claimed the lives of 140,000 people in Hiroshima and 74,000
people in Nagasaki.
Some died immediately while others succumbed to injuries or radiation-related
illnesses weeks, months and years later.
Japan announced its surrender in World War II on August 15, 1945.
Many in Japan feel the attacks amount to war crimes and atrocities because they
targeted civilians and due to the unprecedented destructive nature of the
weapons.
But many Americans believe they hastened the end of a bloody conflict, and
ultimately saved lives, thus justifying the bombings.
Barack Obama became the first sitting U.S. president to visit Hiroshima in May
last year, paying moving tribute to victims of the devastating bomb.
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SCHEMES SANKALP TO SIDDHI: NEW INDIA MANTHAN (2017-2022)
Sankalp to Siddhi: New India Manthan to be organized in all Districts of the
Country.
In this program, all the Agriculture and Allied Sectors officers and employees of the
Government of India and the State Government, students and a large number of
farmers will be participated during this programs.
SWASTH BACHCHE SWASTH BHARAT PROGRAMME
The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) Prakash Javadekar
launched ‗Swasth Bachche, Swasth Bharat‟ Programme.
The programme is an initiative of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) to prepare
a physical Health and Fitness Profile Card for more than 12 lakhs.
It aims to provide a comprehensive and inclusive report card for children covering
all age groups and children of different abilities.
SECOND AGRI UDAAN PROGRAM LAUNCHED IN NEW DELHI
The Union Government launched
the 2nd AGRI-UDAAN Program in
New Delhi.
The program focuses on catalyzing
scale-up stage food and agribusiness
start-ups through rigorous
mentoring, industry networking and
investor pitching.
The 6-month program is a unique
platform for scale up stage
innovators, entrepreneurs and startups in the Food and Agribusiness sectors.
NOTE:
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Singh said that this
program will last for two and a half hours in which the first video message of
the Hon‘ble Prime Minister to be shown.
After that, a film will be shown on the efforts being made by the Government
of India for agricultural development and the resolution will be taken to free
the country from various categories like poverty, corruption, terrorism,
communalism, casteism etc.
And also this will include the resolution of doubling the income of the farmers
of the country by 2022.
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NAMAMI GANGE JAGRITI YATRA SCHEME
The Uttar Pradesh Government launched Namami Gange Jagriti Yatra, an
awareness drives along banks of Ganga River to maintain cleanliness.
The campaign was flagged off by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from the state
capital in Lucknow.
The drive has been organized by Uttar Pradesh Homeguard volunteers to spread
awareness in 25 districts situated on the banks of river Ganga.
GOVT. DECIDED TO LAUNCH AAJEEVIKA GRAMEEN EXPRESS YOJANA
FOR POORS
Indian Government's new sub-
scheme named ―Aajeevika
Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY)‖
will be launched as a part of the
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana -
National Rural Livelihoods Mission
(DAY-NRLM).
MISSION INDRADHANUSH IMMUNISATION REPORT
Under Mission Indradhanush Immunization drive, children under 2 years of age
and pregnant women are targeted for immunization.
However, vaccination on demand is provided to children up to 5 years of age.
As on 20th July 2017, a total of 247 lakh children and around 67 lakh pregnant women
have been covered under Mission Indradhanush.
AIM:
Rural transport services like e-rickshaws, 3 and 4 wheeler motorized transport vehicles will be provided to connect remote villages.
Total provision - Rs.16.06 Crore. SHG member will be provided an interest free loan upto Rs.6.50 lakh for
vehicle purchase. This Scheme is approved for 52 Blocks in 8 States namely Andhra Pradesh,
Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
Note:
Under this Mission Indradhanush, in Tamil Nadu have the following reports: Children Immunized : 5.990 Pregnant women immunized : 1449 Mission Indra dhanush vaccination drive is carried out by government staff
involved in immunization programme. However, immunization partners like WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, ITSU etc. are
also providing support for microplan preparation, monitoring and supervision etc. during this drive.
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UNION CABINET RENAMES SAMPADA SCHEME AS PMKSY
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the renaming of the new
Central Sector Scheme- SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and
Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) as "Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada
Yojana (PMKSY)" for the period of 2016-20 coterminous with the 14th Finance
Commission cycle.
SWACHH BHARAT LAUNCHES SWACHH SURVEKSHAN GRAMIN 2017
The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has launched a third party verification
survey report to take stock of the progress already made by the Mission in rural India.
It also launched Swachh Survekshan Gramin 2017.
PRADHAN MANTRI VAYA VANDANA YOJANA (PMVVY)
Government has launched the „Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)‟
to provide social security during old age and to protect elderly persons aged 60
and above against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market
conditions.
NITI AAYOG SELECTS 3 STATES FOR TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE
NITI Aayog has announced partnership with three States each to radically transform
their Health and Education sectors.
NITI Aayog has selected Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Karnataka to improve
healthcare delivery and key outcomes in these States.
In Education, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand have been selected for
support to better learning outcomes.
NOTE:
The objective of PMKSY is to supplement agriculture, modernize processing
and decrease Agri-Waste
NOTE:
In order to foster a healthy competition between cities for improving cleanliness
standards, the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) started the “Swachh
Survekshan” survey.
It is on about ranking of cities on cleanliness and other aspects of urban
sanitation, in 2016 which ranked 73 cities across the country.
NOTE:
The scheme enables old age income security for senior citizens through
provision of assured pension/return linked to the subscription amount based on
government guarantee to Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
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DELHI POLICE LAUNCHES YUVA A SKILL DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMME
The Delhi Police launched YUVA a skill development programme under Pradhan
Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
It was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
MAHARASHTRA GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES 'NAMO YUVA ROJGAR
KENDRA'
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today launched Namo Yuva Rojgar
Kendra an initiative providing job opportunities to unemployed youth in Mumbai.
There are various schemes like farmers weekly market, farmers mobile market and
mother‟s tiffin, under this Yuva Rojgar Kendra and Mumbaikars can get fresh and
healthy food, as well as farm, produce procured directly from farmers.
„INDIRA CANTEEN SCHEME‟ LAUNCHED IN BENGALURU
Rahul Gandhi launched the „Indira Canteen‟ scheme, dedicated to former Prime
minister Indira Gandhi- a State government initiative to provide food at low cost to
cater to the urban poor.
The canteen, located in Kanakana Palya (Jayanagar) in Bengaluru, is one of 101 such
that opened across various locations in Bengaluru
APPS & PORTAL
PRIME MINISTER LAUNCHED
WEBSITE http://gallantryawards.gov.in
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a website to honor all the gallantry award
winners since Independence.
The portal will preserve and tell the stories of bravest men and women, civilians as
well as armed forces personnel.
NOTE:
It mainly aims to connect with youth by upgrading their skill as per their
competencies. It will help youths to get gainful employment.
NOTE:
The website gives details of the Chakra Series awardees i.e., Param Vir Chakra,
Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra.
The portal contains information such as name, unit, year, citations and
photographs of awardees till date.
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UNION GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES E-RAKAM PORTAL
The Union Government launched e-Rashtriya Kisan Agri Mandi (e-RaKAM) portal
to provide a platform for farmers to sell agricultural produce.
It is a digital initiative that aims to bring together the farmers, PSUs, civil supplies
and buyers on a single platform to ease the selling and buying process of agricultural
products.
INDIAN ARMY DEVELOPS HUMRAAZ APP FOR SOLDIERS
The Indian Army has developed Humraaz mobile application through which
serving soldiers can track details like postings and promotions.
The app will also enable soldiers to view their monthly salary slips.
Two online portals MahaDBT, MahaVASTU
Maharashtra Government launched two online portals MahaDBT and MahaVASTU
to streamline the process of direct benefit transfer (DBT).
It is the first state in the country to launch such a system that will provide direct
benefits with Aadhaar authentication.
MahaDBT portal: It is an Aadhaar-authenticated electronic mechanism that will
enable direct transfer of benefits for over 40 schemes currently implemented.
MahaVASTU portal: It is an online building permission management system,
through which construction approvals will be sanctioned with full transparency.
NHAI LAUNCHES MOBILE APP MYFASTAG AND FASTAG PARTNER
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The National Highways Authority of India launched two mobile Apps
namely MyFASTag and FASTag Partner in New Delhi, to facilitate the availability
of FASTags for Electronic Toll Collection.
MyFASTag is a consumer App can be downloaded from the App Store for both
Android and iOS systems.
FASTag Partner is a merchant App agencies like Common Services Centre, banking
partners, and vehicle dealers can sell and enroll FASTag through this App.
VICE PRESIDENT TO LAUNCH SPORTS TALENT PORTAL ON AUGUST 28
Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu will officially launch the Sports Ministry's
much- awaited National Sports Talent Search Portal at the Indira Gandhi Indoor
Stadium here on August 28.
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ECONOMY FINANCE MINISTER ARUN JAITLEY ANNOUNCED GST EARNINGS
CROSS TARGET IN MAIDEN MONTH RS 92,283 CRORE COLLECTED
The Goods and Services tax (GST) launched on 1 July got off to a good start with
collections exceeding the revenue target for the first month.
Overall the tax collected is Rs 14,894 crore as Central GST, Rs 22,722 crore as State
GST and Rs 47,469 crore as Integrated GST.
According to the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, taxes worth Rs 92,283 crore were
collected in July from just 64.42 per cent of the total taxpayer base.
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA TO ISSUE RS 200 NOTES
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue Rs 200
notes that will ease pressure on lower-
denomination currency bills.
INDIA TO HOST STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING OF TAPI GAS
PIPELINE
India to host the next steering
committee meeting of the proposed
1,814 kilometre-long Turkmenistan-
Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI)
Gas Pipeline.
The IGC discussions between both
countries comprehensively reviewed
the entire gamut of bilateral relations
and took stock of the progress.
NOTE:
The exercise of printing Rs 200 denomination notes is being undertaken to
further improve the current situation in the country.
NOTE:
The pipeline first proposed in 1995 will transport natural gas from energy rich
Caspian Sea (Galkynysh gas-fields) fourth largest in the world.
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UNION GOVERNMENT BANS EXPORT OF GOLD ITEMS ABOVE 22-
CARAT PURITY
The Union Government banned exports of Gold jewellery, medallions and other
articles above 22- carat purity in a bid to check round-tripping of the precious metal.
GST RELIEF FOR INDUSTRIAL UNITS IN HIMALAYAN AND NE REGION
TILL 2027
Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi gave its approval to the Scheme of providing Budgetary Support
under Goods and Service Tax (GST) Regime.
The eligible industrial units located in State of Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand,
Himachal Pradesh and the North Eastern States including Sikkim.
UNION CABINET APPROVES CREATION OF A SINGLE NON-LAPSABLE
CORPUS FUND FOR SECONDARY
The Union Cabinet of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi accorded its approval
today for the creation of a non-lapsable pool in the Public Account for secondary and
higher, education is known as "Madhyamik and Uchchtar Shiksha Kosh"
(MUSK) which all proceeds of "Secondary and Higher Education Cess" are
credited.
NOTE:
According to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), certain
provisions of the foreign trade policy (2015-20) are amended to allow export of
gold jewellery and articles containing gold of 8 carats and above up to a
maximum limit of 22 carats only from domestic tariff area and export-oriented
units, electronics hardware technology parks, software technology parks and bio
technology parks
NOTE:
It is estimated that a total number of 4284 eligible units located in the State(s) of
Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and the North Eastern
States including Sikkim will benefit from the above scheme.
NOTE:
The funds arising from MUSK will be utilized for schemes in the education
sector which will be available for benefit of students of secondary and higher
education.
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CCEA APPROVES PROCEDURE AND MECHANISM FOR STRATEGIC
DISINVESTMENT
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
(CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra
Modi approved the revision in the procedure and
mechanism for strategic disinvestment.
In this regard, the proposal was forwarded by
the Department of Investment and public Asset
Management (DIPAM).
TRAI SIGN LOL WITH MALAYSIAN COMMUNICATIONS AND
MULTIMEDIA COMMISSION
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) signed a Letter of intent (LoI)
with Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
The LoI signed on the sidelines of ongoing ITU-TRAI Asia-Pacific Regulators‘
Round table jointly organized by the International Telecom Union (ITU).
RBI TO PAY RS 30,659 CRORE DIVIDEND TO GOVT FOR 2017
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will transfer surplus to the Government of India, which
amounting to Rs.30,659 crore for the year 2016-17 ended 30 June.
Previous year RBI paid Rs 65,876 crore dividend to the government.
NOTE:
DIPAM is the nodal agency of Union Finance Ministry mandated to advise the
Union Government in the matters of the financial system.
5% GST applicable on selling of space for advertisement in Print media
Union Government clarified that five percent Goods and Service Tax (GST) is
applicable on selling of space for advertisement in print media if an agency buys
space from the newspaper and sells the same to clients on its own account.
However, the GST rate will be 18 percent of the sale commission, if the agency
works as an agent of the newspaper on a commission basis.
NOTE:
The TRAI is an independent regulator of the telecommunications business in
India. It came into existence by the Act of the Parliament in 1997.
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BSNL LAUNCHES DIGITAL WALLET POWERED BY MOBIKWIK
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) went digital by launching a bespoke mobile
wallet (mobile payment App) that would enable its existing 100 million customers
to make Bill payments.
This digital wallet was launched at an event by Manoj Sinha, Minister for
Telecommunications in the capital.
The wallet has been developed and issued by MobiKwik on behalf of BSNL
UNION CABINET APPROVED RAISING OF OVER 9000 CRORES
THROUGH NABARD FOR COMPLETING IRRIGATION PROJECT
Union Cabinet approved raising extra
budgetary resources up to 9,020 crore
rupeesfor Long Term Irrigation Fund in
2017-18 under Pradhan Mantri Krishi
Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
According to Finance Minister Arun
Jaitley, the amount will be raised by
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development (NABARD) through
Bonds.
VIJAYA BANK OPENS SELF-EMPLOYMENT TRAINING INSTITUTE IN
INDORE
Vijaya Bank dispatched loan sanction
letters to beneficiaries who were trained
at the Vijaya Bank Self Employment
Training Institute (VIBSETI) in
Bhenslay Village, Indore, Madhya
Pradesh.
NOTE:
The loans are for implementation of Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme
works of 99 ongoing prioritized irrigation projects.
NOTE:
The bank has sponsored three VIBSETIs at Mandya and Haveri in Karnataka
and Indore in Madhya Pradesh where free residential training is provided to
low-income groups/rural youth.
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CANARA BANK INTRODUCED TWO NEW DIGITAL SERVICES FOR
ONLINE PAYMENTS
Bharat QR (Quick Response) is for payment settlement at merchant locations.
Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) is an initiative of the RBI and integrated bill
payment system for net banking customers.
DHANLAXMI BANK AND DHFL PRAMERICA TIE UP FOR
BANCASSURANCE
DHFL Pramerica Life Insurance Company signed on Kerala-based Dhanlaxmi
Bank as its bancassurance partner.
Under the agreement, the latter will distribute retail and group life insurance
products to its customers across 260 branches in India.
The company is in a strong position to consolidate its presence in Kerala, Tamil
Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
INDIAN RAILWAYS EARNED RS.540 CRORE THROUGH FLEXI FARE
SCHEME
The Indian Railways earned an additional revenue of Rs 540 crore in less than a
year through the flexible fare scheme.
NOTE:
This scheme launched on 09th September 2016 is applicable in Rajdhani,
Shatabdi and Duronto trains.
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INDIAN OIL BUYS FIRST SHALE OIL FROM UNITED STATES
State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) brought the country‟s first shale oil
from the United States of America and is looking to step up imports from America
as part of its crude diversification strategy.
IOC bought 1.9 million barrels of US crude in its second import tender seeking oil
from the America.
ONGC PLANS TO INVEST $150 MILLION IN COLOMBIA,KAZAKHSTAN
& BANGLADESH
Oil Natural Gas and Corporation
(ONGC) Videsh the overseas arm of
the state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp
planned to invest $150 million in
exploration to drill more wells in
Colombia, Kazakhstan, and
Bangladesh.
The company has also entered
Namibia‟s oil and gas sector with a
purchase of 30% interest from Tullow
Oil in the African country‟s three oil
blocks.
SEBI ALLOWS MCX TO LAUNCH GOLD OPTIONS
The Multi Commodity Exchange Limited (MCX), the country‘s largest commodity
exchange has received capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of
India‟s (SEBI) approval to launch options trading in gold.
It will allow investors and hedgers to minimize their price risk at a fraction of the
cost compared to currently available futures trading
NOTE:
India, the world‟s third-largest oil importer, joins Asian countries like South
Korea, Japan, and China to buy US crude after production cuts by Organization
of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) drove up prices of Middle East
heavy-sour crude, or grades with a high sulphur content.
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BAJAJ AUTO TIES UP WITH TRIUMPH TO MAKE MID-CAPACITY
MOTORCYCLES
Bajaj Auto announced a partnership with Triumph Motorcycles in the United
Kingdom.
RELIANCE COMMUNICATIONS MERGER WITH AIRCEL GOT
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL
The National Company Law Tribunal approved the merger of Reliance
Communications (RCom) and Aircel.
RCom will merge into Aircel and a new entity will be created called Aircom, with
both partners having 50% equity stakes.
LAUNCH OF EXCHANGE TRADED FUN - BHARAT 22
A new Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) by the name BHARAT 22 was announced by
the Union Govt recently. Bharat 22 consists of 22 stocks of CPSE's, PSB's & strategic
holding of SUUTI. Compared to energy heavy CPSE ETF, Bharat 22 is a well
Diversified portfolio with 6 sectors (Basic Materials, Energy, Finance, FMCG,
Industrials & Utilities). The Bharat 22 Index will be rebalanced annually. ICICI
Prudential AMC will be the ETF Manager and Asia Index Private Limited (JV BSE
and S & P Global) will be the Index Provider.
In the Budget Speech of 2017-18, the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley had
promised to use ETF as a vehicle for further disinvestment of shares. The target for
CPSE‘s disinvestment in 2017-18 was set at Rs 72,500 crore. During the current
Financial Year 2017-18, the Government has realised approx Rs 9,300 crore through
nine disinvestment transactions so far.
The 22 constituents of BHARAT 22 are:
1. National Aluminium Co Ltd,
2. Oil & Natural Gas Corp Ltd,
3. Indian Oil Corp Ltd,
4. Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd,
NOTE:
The aim of this partnership is to deliver a range of outstanding mid-capacity
motorcycles.
It will enable to offer a wide range of motorcycles within its domestic market and
other International markets
NOTE:
The new company will have earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and
amortisation (Ebitda) of Rs 15,000 crore based on current trends
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5. Coal India Ltd,
6. State Bank of India,
7. Axis Bank Ltd,
8. Bank of Baroda,
9. Rural Electrification Corp Ltd,
10. Power Finance Corp Ltd,
11. Indian Bank, 12
12. ITC Ltd,
13. Larsen & Toubro Ltd,
14. Bharat Electronics Ltd,
15. Engineers India Ltd,
16. NBCC (India) Ltd,
17. Power Grid Corp of India Ltd,
18. NTPC Ltd,
19. Gail India Ltd,
20. NHPC Ltd,
21. NLC India Ltd,
22. SJVN Ltd
Short News:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made Aadhaar linkage mandatory for availing short-
term crop loans up to Rs 3 lakh in 2017-18.
The city union bank introduced the option of an “instant credit card” for free for its
Net banking customers.
Tata Power its joint venture company Adjaristsqali Georgia LLC (AGL)
synchronized 186 MW Shuakhevi Hydro Project in Georgia.
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AWARDS & HONOURS NATIONAL SPORTS AWARDS 2017
The Union Government announced National Sports Awardsevery year to recognize
and reward excellence in sports in India.
These awards include Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Dronacharya Award, Arjuna
Award, Dhyan Chand Award, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy.
The awardees will receive their awards from the President of India at a specially
organized function at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on August 29.
The awards and the winners are
1. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2017
The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award 2017 are won by Shri Devendra - Para
Athlete
Shri Sardar Singh – Hockey
2. Dronacharya Awards 2017 : The Dronacharya Awards 2017 are won by
Late Dr. R. Gandhi – Athletics
Mr. Heera Nand Kataria – Kabaddi
Mr. G.S.S.V. Prasad - Badminton (Lifetime)
Mr. Brij Bhushan Mohanty - Boxing (Lifetime)
Mr. P.A. Raphel - Hockey (Lifetime)
Mr. Sanjoy Chakraverthy - Shooting (Lifetime)
Mr. Roshan Lal - Wrestling (Lifetime)
3. Arjuna Awards 2017: The Arjuna Awards 2017 are won by
Ms. V.J. Surekha - Archery
Ms. Khushbir Kaur – Athletics
Mr. Arokia Rajiv – Athletics
Ms. Prasanthi Singh – Basketball
Sub. LaishramDebendro Singh – Boxing
Mr. CheteshwarPujara – Cricket
Ms. Harmanpreet Kaur – Cricket
Ms. OinamBembem Devi – Football
Mr. S.S.P. Chawrasia – Golf
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Mr. S.V. Sunil – Hockey
Mr. Jasvir Singh – Kabaddi
Mr. P. N. Prakash – Shooting
Mr. A. Amalraj - Table Tennis
Mr. SakethMyneni – Tennis
Mr. SatyawartKadian – Wrestling
Mr. Mariyappan - Para-Athlete
Mr. Varun Singh Bhati - Para-Athlete.
4. Dhyan Chand Award: The Dhyan Chand Award 2017 are won by
Mr. Bhupender Singh - Athletics
Mr. Syed Shahid Hakim – Football
Ms. Sumarai Tete - Hockey.
AGRICULTURE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has been selected for the
prestigious Agriculture Leadership Award.
The award will be presented on September 5 at Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi.
BHARAT GAURAV AWARD BY EAST BENGAL FOOTBALL CLUB
Former India hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay honored by East Bengal football
club on its foundation day here with its highest award, Bharat Gaurav.
BEST PERFORMANCE AWARD FROM NABARD AWARDS COMMITEE
Corporation Bank bagged the best performance awards for SHG-bank linkage
program for Karnataka for 2015-16 and 2016-17
The corporation bank formed more than 1.32 lakh self-help groups (SHGs).
The ‗best performance award‘ for its work in the field of credit-linking joint
liability groups (JLGs).for 2015-16 and 2016-17 to Karnataka Vikas Grameen Bank
(KVGB)
NOTE:
He has been selected for the award for his innovative services rendered to the
welfare of farmers and the farm sector.
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FIVE INDIAN-ORIGIN PERSONS IN FORTUNE‟S ANNUAL „40 UNDER 40‟
LIST
Five Indian-origin persons featured in Fortune‘s annual list of 40 young and
influential people in the field of business.
The Indian-origin persons who are included in the list are 26-year-old Divya Nag,
Rishi Shah, Shradha Agarwal, Leila Janah, and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.
INDIAN PHILANTHROPIST FIROZ MERCHANT HONOURED BY UAE
GOVERNMENT
UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister
of Interior of the UAE, Lt General HH
Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, honored
Indian businessman and philanthropist
Firoz Merchant with the Community
Service Medal
DEV PATEL TO BE HONOURED WITH ASIA SOCIETY GAME CHANGERS
AWARD
Dev Anand Indian-origin actor Dev Patel is
to be honored by a leading educational
organization for making a “transformative
and positive”difference for the future of
Asia and the world won the Asia
Society Game Changers Award.
NOTE:
The award is given in the form of a medal in recognition of his efforts to serve
the community in the country.
NOTE:
His ―#lionheart‖ campaign raised over USD 2,50,000 in support of India‘s
millions of homeless children.
He became popular with his debut film Slumdog Millionaire, will be
felicitated with the Asia Society 2017 Asia Game Changers Award at a
ceremony to be held at the United Nations, New York, in November 2017.
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12-YEAR-OLD INDIAN-ORIGIN CROWNED CHILD GENIUS IN UK
A 12-year-old Indian-origin boy named Rahul
Doshi crowned as the United Kingdom„Child
Genius‟ in a popular television quiz
competition days after he became an overnight
sensation after answering all questions
correctly.
Rahul Doshi won the Channel 4 show „Child
Genius‟ by beating his nine-year-old
opponent, Ronan.
NITI AAYOG ANNOUNCED WINNERS OF THE WOMEN
TRANSFORMING INDIA AWARDS 2017
The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog in partnership with
MyGov and the United Nations announced the winners of the Women Transforming
India Awards, 2017.
Honourable Minister for Textiles and Information and Broadcasting, Smriti Irani
awarded top 12 winners honoring their courage and role in transforming societies.
The top 6 contestants are
Laxmi Agarwal- a champion of violence against women.
Safeena Husain- working for girls‘ education in India‘s most backward districts.
Kamal Kumbhar- enabling women like herself to realize their dreams of a brighter
tomorrow.
Subasini Mistry- working for two decades to build a hospital for the needy.
Arunima Sinha- Is the first female amputee to scale the highest mountain in the
world.
Jamuna Tudu- has conserved 50 hectares of forest land around her village in
Jharkhand.
RONALDO FIRST TO BE NAMED MEN'S PLAYER OF THE YEAR FOR
THREE TIMES
Real Madrid forward Cristiano
Ronaldo won The Union of
European Football Associations
(UEFA) Men's Player of the Year
award for the 2016/17 season.
The other award winners are
UEFA Women's Player of the
Year: Lieke Martens.
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Best Goalkeeper of the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League season: Gianluigi
Buffon.
Best Defender of the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League season: Sergio Ramos.
Best Midfielder of the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League season: Luka Modrić.
Best Forward of the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League season: Cristiano
Ronaldo.
UEFA President's Award: Francesco Totti.
NITASHA BISWAS CROWNED FIRST MISS TRANSQUEEN INDIA
Nitasha Biswas, a trans woman from
Kolkata was crowned the first Miss
TransQueen India.
Manipur‘s Loiloi was crowned the
first runner-up.
The competition was held in
Gurugram, Haryana. Biswas is
currently pursuing Masters in
Business Management in Kolkata,
West Bengal.
NOTE:
Biswas will now go to Thailand for Miss International Queen, while Loiloi will
compete at Miss Transsexual Australia.
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SCIENCE & TECH INDIA‟S FIRST CALF BORN TO SURROGATE COW IN PUNE
India‘s first calf delivered by a surrogate or recipient cow through In Vitro
Fertilisation (IVF) technology carried out in a mobile laboratory in Pune.
This is for first time IVF procedure was successfully implemented at the farm
level with the help of mobile laboratory.
The purpose of producing surrogate calf was to protect indigenous cow breeds in its
original form which have been destroyed due to cross-breeding.
INDIA'S FIRST ONLINE COURSE ON INFUSION THERAPY LAUNCHED
Infusion Nurses Society (INS), a global authority in infusion therapy launched
India's first online course on Infusion Therapy for nurses.
ISRO ALL SET TO LAUNCH IRNSS-1H
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch PSLV-
C39 carrying Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS-1H).
The satellite will lift off from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space
Centre at Sriharikota, on board the rocket PSLV C39.
NOTE:
It mainly aims to train over 3,000 nurses in the vital medical procedure.
It deals with all aspects of fluid and medication infusion, intravenous or
subcutaneous application
NOTE:
NavIC system is equivalent to the GPS service having a footprint over the
whole of India and about 1500 kilometers from its borders on all sides.
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ISRO TO DEVELOP FULL-FLEDGED HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING EARTH
OBSERVATION SATELLITE
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to launch a full-
fledged niche Earth Observation (EO) satellite — called the Hyperspectral Imaging
Satellite (HySIS).
The HySIS satellite critical chip called an “optical imaging detector
array‟” indigenously developed by ISRO.
CSIR-IGIB AND NCDC RESEARCHERS DEVELOP DNA SENSOR FOR
QUICK PATHOGEN DETECTION
Researchers from CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB)
and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) developed an ultrasensitive DNA
chip based sensor for quick pathogen detection.
The sensor can detect S. pyogenes, a bacterium which causes a wide range of
diseases in about 30 minutes.
The working electrode surface of the sensor is attached to several small-sized, single-
stranded DNA probe specific to the pathogen.
IIT DELHI RESEARCHERS DEVELOPS NEW NANOTECHNOLOGY-BASED
DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM
An all-women team of researchers from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
developed a new drug delivery platform using nanoparticles.
NOTE:
Hyperspectral imaging or hype imaging (imaging spectroscopy) combines the
power of digital imaging and spectroscopy.
The architecture of the optical imaging detector array chip on a board of satellite
has been designed by the payloads development center, Space Applications.
NOTE:
It has the ability to boost the efficacy of antibiotics at the cellular level and
improve chances of recovery from cancer-related bacterial infections.
The nanotechnology-based drug delivery system has the ability to boost the
efficacy of antibiotics at the cellular level and improve chances of recovery.
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SCIENTISTS DEVELOP INJECTABLE TISSUE BANDAGE TO REPAIR
HEARTS
Scientists from the University of Toronto,
Canada have developed an injectable tissue
bandage dubbed as AngioChip, smaller than
a postage stamp can repair damaged hearts.
US BASED INDIAN DOCTOR DISCOVERS NEW WAY TO PREVENT
SEPSIS IN NEW BORN BABIES
A team of scientists from United States
of America (USA) has discovered an
inexpensive prevention technique
(therapy) against sepsis in newborn
babies.
The team was led by US-based Indian
doctor Pinaki Panigrahi.
Each year globally, more than 600,000
infants die of sepsis most of them in
developing countries.
In the new oral prevention technique, infants are fed with good bacteria (probiotic
bacteria) that populates in his/her gut and block (kill) harmful species.
NOTE:
The AngioChip is a tiny patch of heart tissue with its own blood vessels and
heart cells beating with a regular rhythm. It is made out of the biocompatibility,
biodegradable polymer.
The newly developed technique lets researchers inject a repair patch (AngioChip)
using a small needle, without the need to open up the chest cavity
Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening illness primarily caused by bacterial infections that spreads fast through the blood leading to organ failure.
It is caused by an immune response triggered by an infection i.e. body‘s response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs.
Sepsis infections are also more common in elderly people and those with a weak immune system.
Common signs and symptoms include fever, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, and confusion.
There also may be symptoms related to a specific infection, such as pneumonia, kidney infection blood infection and abdominal infection. Currently, no efficient means of prevention is available.
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NASA‟S HUBBLE DETECTS EXOPLANET WITH GLOWING WATER
ATMOSPHERE
NASA‟s Hubble Space Telescope
discovered the strongest evidence to
date for the stratosphere on a planet
outside our solar system, WASP-121b.
ICMR AND HEALTH MINISTRY INK MOU WITH IVI FOR VACCINE FOR
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Ministry of Health inked
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Vaccine Institute.
The signing of the MoU is a continuation of India‘s partnership with IVI to provide
safe, effective and affordable vaccines for people around the world.
IISC RESEARCHERS DEVELOP LOW-COST, SENSITIVE CO SENSOR
Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers from Bengaluru have developed a
highly sensitive, low-cost nanometre-scale carbon monoxide (CO) sensor.
NOTE:
The stratosphere is a layer of atmosphere in which temperature increases with
higher altitudes.
NOTE:
India is a vaccine industry powerhouse that supplies 60% of the world‘s vaccines.
IVI is Seoul (South Korea) based international nonprofit organization devoted to
developing and introducing new and improved vaccines.
NOTE:
The sensor was developed using novel fabrication technique that does not involve
costly and time-consuming lithography technology.
The nanometer-sized sensor was made using zinc-oxide (ZnO) nanostructure on a
silicon wafer substrate.
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ISRO AND CSIR-NPL SIGN MOU FOR TIME AND FREQUENCY
TRACEABILITY SERVICES
The Indian Space Research Organization
(ISRO) Telemetry Tracking and
Command Network (ISTRAC) and CSIR-
National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
signed Memorandum of understanding
(MOU) to make indigenous regional
position.
HELI TAXI SERVICES
Heli Taxi a Private helicopter service provider
and Bangalore International Airport Limited
(BIAL) have partnered to launch HeliTaxi
services from Bengaluru Airport.
The helicopter service will initially be
launched from Bengaluru Airport to
Electronic City and gradually expanded to
other parts of the city.
UK SCIENTISTS CREATE WORLD'S SMALLEST SURGICAL ROBOT
British scientists have developed the worlds smallest surgical robot which could
transform daily operations for tens of thousands of patients.
The robot, called Versius, mimics the human arm can be used to carry out a wide
range of laparoscopic procedures.
NOTE:
The MoU will help the NAVIC to get formally synchronized with the Indian
Standard Time (IST) which is being maintained by the Delhi-based NPL company.
Until now, the satellites on NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation)
managed by the ISRO relied on the US GPS to ensure that the clocks aboard.
The NPL is part of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CISR). It is the
measurement standards laboratory of India.
NOTE:
A team of 100 scientists and engineers have used low-cost technology originally
developed for mobile phones and space industry.
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ANDROID OREO RELEASED BY GOOGLE
Google launched its version 8.0 of the operating
system as Android Oreo.
The Oreo boasts of a two times faster boot speed,
autofill option, and a longer battery life.
The new update comes with a Picture-in-Picture
feature that allows the user to see two apps
simultaneously.
MICROSOFT LAUNCHES 'PROJECT BRAINWAVE' FOR REAL-TIME AI
Software giant Microsoft announced its 'Project Brainwave' deep learning
acceleration platform for real-time artificial intelligence (AI).
The 'Project Brainwave' uses the massive field-programmable gate array (FPGA)
infrastructure that Microsoft has been deploying over the past few years.
SECOND PHASE OF MEASLES-RUBELLA VACCINATION DRIVE
Aiming to eliminate measles and curb instances of rubella by 2020, the Centre has
rolled out the second phase of its measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in the
country.
Nearly 3.4 crore children across eight states and union territories — Andhra Pradesh,
Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Dadra and Nagar
Haveli and Daman and Diu — will be covered in this stage.
Short News:
Oxford University Press(OUP) launched online dictionaries in Tamil and Gujarati as
part of its special focus on Indian languages
NOTE:
Real-time AI is becoming increasingly important as cloud infrastructures process
live data streams, whether they be search queries, videos, sensor streams, or
interactions with users.
NOTE:
While measles is a viral infection that can be fatal, congenital rubella syndrome
is responsible for irreversible birth defects.
The Union health ministry‘s campaign against the two diseases intends to cover
approximately 41 crore children in a phased manner, making it the largest-ever
worldwide.
The first phase of the campaign was launched across five states — Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, Goa, Lakshadweep and Puducherry— in February this year.
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SPORTS FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP LOGO FOR KOCHI VENUE
Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi
Vijayan launched the host city logo
for Kochi, one of the venues of FIFA
U-17 World Cup India 2017.
The logo represents and reflects
Kochi's identity and will be a
valuable tool in linking the local
community in a global World Cup.
The tournament will be hosted in the
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium of the city.
LOS ANGELS TO HOST 2028 GAMES AND PARIS GETS 2024 FOR
SUMMER OLYMPICS
Los Angeles reached an agreement with the leaders of the International Olympic
Committee on plans to host the 2028 Summer Games.
It announced its bid for the 2028 Summer Olympics after agreeing on a deal that
paves the way for Paris to host in 2024.
P V SINDHU WON SILVER AT WORLD BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIP
2017
PV Sindhu won the Silver medal in World Badminton Championship 2017.
She got defeated by Japan‘s Nozomi Okuhara.
NOTE:
It is the first Indian city to be officially declared as one of the venues for hosting
the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
NOTE:
The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece in 1896.
NOTE:
Saina Nehwal won a bronze in the same tournament
For India, it still is a historic edition since for the first time country‟s shuttler
are returning with two medals.
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RAHUL, MANU-SUMEETH WON TITLE AT LAGOS OPEN TITLE
Indian shuttler C Rahul Yadav and Men‘s
doubles pair of Manu Attri and B Sumeeth
Reddy won the Men‘s singles and Men‘s
doubles title at Lagos International challenge.
It was held in Nigeria.
LAKSHYA WON THE BULGARIA OPEN INTERNATIONAL SERIES TITLE
Lakshya won the Bulgaria Open International
Series title recently.
He defeated Croatia's Zvonimir Durkinjak in
the men's singles final in Sofia, Bulgaria.
ANKUR MITTAL WON GOLD IN ASIAN SHOTGUN CHAMPIONSHIP
Indian shooter Ankur Mittal won the individual as well as the team gold medal
in men‟s double trap at the 7th Asian Shotgun Championship in Astana,
Kazakhstan.
The Indian team of Sangram Dahiya, Mohammad Asab and Mittal jointly won the
team event gold medal.
JOSHNA AND DIPIKA WON BRONZE AT WORLD DOUBLES SQUASH
CHAMPIONSHIP
Indian doubles pair of Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal Karthik won Bronze
medal at the WSF World Doubles Squash Championship.
They have lost against English pair of Jenny Duncalf and Alison Waters in the
semifinals
NOTE:
Rahul recently won the bronze medal in the Russain Open Grand Prix
NOTE:
He had beaten Sri Lanka's Dinuka Karunaratna 21-19 21-14 in the semi-finals.
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SHAPATH BHARADWAJ WINS BRONZE AT JUNIOR SHOTGUN WORLD
CUP
Shapath Bharadwaj won a bronze
medal in the mixed team trap
competition at the ISSF Junior Shotgun
World Cup in Porpetto, Italy.
This was India's first medal in the
competition apart from the bronze medal.
VIJENDER WON THE WBO ORIENTAL SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE
Indian Professional boxer Vijender Singh won
the World Boxing Organization (WBO)
Oriental Super Middleweight title.
He defeated Zulpikar Maimaitiali of China.
IAAF World Championships 2017
Venue: London
Held: 04.08.17 to 13.08.17
Medals Tally
# Country G S B T
1. USA 10 11 9 30
2. Kenya 5 2 4 11
3. South Africa 3 1 2 6
4. France 3 0 2 5
5. China 2 3 2 7
NOTE:
In the women's junior skeet, Areeba Khan and Ganemat Sekhon were 12th and
15th respectively
NOTE: It was his ninth successive win in his Professional career.
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Justin Gatlin (USA) won the gold, Christian Coleman (USA) won the silver and
Usain Bolt (Jamaica) won the bronze in 100 m.
Torie Bowie (USA) won the gold in 100 m (Women)
Mo Farah (Gret Britain) won the gold in 10000 and 5000 m.
Venue for 2019 Championships: Doha (Qatar)
LIONEL MESSI BECOMES FIRST EVER PLAYER TO SCORE 350 LA LIGA
GOALS
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi scored a second-half brace against Alaves becoming
the first ever player to score 350 goals in La Liga.
HAMILTON WON BELGIAN GRAND PRIX
Mercedes' British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton won 58th career race and
got Belgian Grand Prix title.
Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel won the second place.
Daniel Ricciardo won the third place.
Short News
India's Manju Kumari won thebronze medal in women's 59kg category of
the Junior World Wrestling Championship in Tampere, Finland.
Alexander Zverev of Germany won Citi Open fourth title of the year recently
Indian shooter Kynan Chenai won a bronze in men‘s trap event, his first
international medal at the senior level, at the 7th Asian Championship Shotgun at
Astana, Kazakhstan.
NOTE:
The 2017 IAAF World Championships are the 16th edition currently being held
from 4 to 13 August 2017 in London, United Kingdom.
London was officially awarded the Championships by the International
Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), in Monaco, on 11 November 2011.
It is originally held every four years, first in 1983, the current two-year cycle
began in 1991
NOTE:
Messi's best goal tally for a season came in 2011/12 when he netted 50 goals in 37
appearances.
He has played 384 league matches is now 66 goals ahead of rival Cristiano
Ronaldo.
NOTE: He recently won the British Grand Prix for the fifth time.
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PERSONALITIES
INDIA TO TRIBUTE SRI AUROBINDO ON 145TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
paid tribute to philosopher and
sage Sri Aurobindo on his 145th
Birth Anniversary.
Sri Aurobindo's rich thoughts
and grand vision for India
continues to be a great source of
inspiration.
A spiritual reformer and
philosopher, Sri Aurobindo had a
major contribution in the Indian
freedom struggle
BIRTHDAY OF SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB IS CELEBRATED- AUGUST 22
The 413th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is being celebrated all over
Punjab, Chandigarh, and Haryana.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib
The Guru Granth Sahib (also known as the Adi Granth) is considered the
Supreme Spiritual Authority and Head of the Sikh religion.
It is a collection of devotional hymns and poetry which proclaims God, lays
stress on meditation on the True Guru (God) and lays down moral and
ethical rules for development of the soul, spiritual salvation and unity with
God.
The writings of the Gurus appear chronologically.
Each of the Gurus signed their hymns as Nanak.
Guru Granth Sahib has 3,384 hymns, of which Guru Nanak Dev contributed
974 hymns including sloks and pauris. It also contains Bhagatas of Kabir,
Namdev, Ravidas, Sheikh Farid, Trilochan, Dhanna, Beni, Sheikh Bhikan,
Jaidev, Surdas, Parmanand, Pipa and Ramanand.
The fifth Guru Arjan Dev began the great task of collection of the holy
compositions as Sri (Amritsar) and compiled the Holy Granth Sahib.
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JALSEEN KAUR JOSAN BECOMES 2ND INDIAN WOMAN TO FLY FOR NASA‟S MARS MISSION
Jalseen Kaur Josan becomes the first Indian Sikh woman
to be selected by NASA for the Mars
Expedition happening in 2030.
After Kalpana Chawla, Jasleen Kaur Josan becomes the
2nd Indian Women and first Sikh women to be selected by
NASA for the Mars Expedition happening in 2030.
OLYMPIAN FOOTBALLER AHMED KHAN PASSES AWAY
India's two-time Olympic footballer and East
Bengal legend Ahmed Khan passed away at the
age of 90.
He played in the 1948 and 1952 Olympics, was
one of the most famous of the legendary quintet
of forwards called the "Five Pandavas" who
played for East Bengal in an India that had just
become an independent nation.
MUKESH AMBANI BECOMES ASIA‟S SECOND-RICHEST PERSON
Mukesh Ambani is Asia‘s second-
richest man second-richest man and the
chairman of Reliance Industries
Limited (RIL) added $12.1 billion to his
wealth in 2017.
NOTE:
The mission called the Orion Mission will be the first man mission to the red
planet and candidates were selected from around the world.
NOTE: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) was established in 1966 in Maharashtra.
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HRITHIK ROSHAN SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH STARTUP CURE FIT
Hrithik Roshan signed as a brand ambassador by
a health and wellness startup Cure fit in a deal worth
Rs 100 crore.
PAKISTANS MOTHER TERESA RUTH PFAU DIED IN KARACHI
Dr. Ruth Pfau (aged 87), a German doctor
popularly known as Pakistan‘s ‗Mother
Teresa‘ for dedicating her life to
eradicate leprosy in Pakistan, died in
Karachi.
She was born in 1929 in Germany.
OLDEST MAN IN THE WORLD YISRAEL KRISTAL AGED 113 DIED IN
ISRAEL
World's oldest man, Holocaust survivor Yisrael
Kristal (aged 113) who was recognised
by Guinness World Records last year (on March
11, 2016) as the world's oldest living man, died in
Israel.
Mr Kristal was born in Poland on September 15,
1903 and later moved to Israel in 1950.
FORMER MANIPUR CHIEF MINISTER RISHANG PASSES AWAY
Former Manipur Chief Minister and a member of the first Lok Sabha Rishang
Keishing passed away following a brief illness.
NOTE:
It is a mobile app is expected to rake in Rs 250-crore annual business in the coming
years.
NOTE:
She was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz - Pakistan‘s second highest civilian award in
1979, the Hilal-e-Pakistan in 1989 and the Staufer Medal at the German consulate
Karachi in 2015.
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He served as the Chief Minister of
Manipur from 1980 to 1988 and from 1994 to
1997.
The veteran Congress leader was 96.
He had also represented Manipur in Rajya
Sabha.
World's Highest-Paid Actors 2017 Forbes List
1. Mark Wahlberg ($68 million)
2. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson ($65 million)
3. Vin Diesel ($54.5 million
4. Adam Sandler ($50.5 million)
5. Jackie Chan ($49 million)
6. Robert Downey, Jr. ($48 million)
7. Tom Cruise ($43 million)
8. Shah Rukh Khan ($38 million)
9. Salman Khan ($37 million)
10. Akshay Kumar ($35.5 million).
BOOKS & AUTHORS
WORLD‟S SHORTEST WOMAN UNVEILS 2-FEET HIGH BOOK
The world‘s shortest woman Jyoti Amge presented a 2-
feet high book at a program on 6 of August.
The book Kadve Vachan is written by Jain saint Acharya
Tarun Sagar Maharaj.
It was unveiled by her in the presence of BJP state
president Ashok Parnami.
NOTE:
Amge is considered to be the world‘s shortest woman by the Guinness World
Records at 62.8 cm
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DEFENCE NAVIKA SAGAR PARIKRAMA IS CIRCUMNAVIGATING THE GLOBE
Navika Sagar Parikrama is a project
wherein a team of women officers of
the Indian Navy would
circumnavigate the globe on an Indian-
built sail boat INSV Tarini.
This is the first ever Indian
circumnavigation of the globe by an
all-women crew.
The voyage of Navika Sagar Parikrama
will begin from Goa in the first week of
September 2017 and culminate on their
return in March 2018.
INDIA AND CHINA AGREE TO DISENGAGE AT DOKLAM
India and China agreed to withdraw their troops from Doklam after being in a
standoff for over two months.
According to the Ministry of External
Affairs, the expeditious disengagement
has been agreed.
The standoff started after India
objected to China constructing a road
in the disputed area.
INDIA‟S FIRST PRIVATE MISSILE
PRODUCTION FACILITY UNVEILED IN HYDERABAD
India‘s first private sector missile sub-systems manufacturing facility Kalyani Rafael
Advanced Systems (KRAS) plant inaugurated
near Hyderabad.
It has been established a line with the „Make in
India‟ initiative and Government‘s policy to
encourage private sector participation in
defense product.
It has invested in designing, developing and
manufacturing of weapon systems including
Spike Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)
systems and remote weapon
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INDIAN COAST GUARD SHIP SHAURYA COMMISSIONED IN GOA
Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS)
Shaurya was commission in Vasco,
Goa.
ICGS Shaurya is an offshore patrol
vessel designed and built
indigenously by Goa.
It will be based in Chennai under the
administrative and operational
control of Commander Coast Guard
Region (East).
UNION MINISTER ARUN JAITLEY HANDS OVER LRSAM TO INDIAN
NAVY
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley handed over the Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile
(LRSAM) jointly developed by India and Israel, to the Indian Navy, at Bharat
Dynamics Limited (BDL).
NOTE:
LRSAM is an advanced combat suit for missile defence against air targets and
missiles and has full capabilities of air and surface surveillance, threat alert and
fire control.
He dedicated the first-of-its kind 50-tonne Rocket Motor Static Test Facility.
He inaugurated the ASTRA Manufacturing Unit at the BDL‘s Bhanur unit.
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DRDO, IAI TO PRODUCE MRSAM MISSILE SYSTEM BY 2020 FOR INDIAN
ARMY
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed Rs.17,000
crore deal with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for producing advanced medium
range surface to air missile (MRSAM) system.
DEFENCE MINISTRY APPROVES DELEGATION OF POWERS TO BRO
The Union Defence Ministry approved delegation of administrative and financial
powers to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
DIGITAL POLICE PORTAL UNDER CCTNS
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Rajnath Singh launched digital police
portal under Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems Project
(CCTNS).
The portal is a smart policing initiative of the Government to provide services to
citizens and aid efficient police investigation.
It is a portal of a platform for citizens to file online crime related complaints and also
request for antecedent verification
DEFENCE MINISTRY CLEARS PROPOSAL TO PROCURE 6 APACHE
ATTACK HELICOPTERS FOR ARMY
Defence Ministry cleared a proposal to
procure 6 Apache attack helicopters for
Army.
NOTE:
The MR-SAM, a land-based version of long range surface to air missile (LRSAM)
of Indian Navy strike range of up 70 kilometers.
NOTE:
The main purpose of a delegation of powers is to improve the functioning of the
BRO and speed up works to avoid delays in projects and to achieve the desired
level.
Defence Ministry approved that for both departmental and contractual mode of
execution of projects
NOTE: The Defence Council also approved a proposal to procure two gas turbine
engines for Naval ships.
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IONS MAIDEN MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE WILL BE
HELD IN NOVEMBER
Indian Ocean Naval
Symposium‟s (IONS)
maiden International
Maritime Search and
Rescue Exercise
(IMMSAREX) will be held
in November 2017 in the
Bay of Bengal.
The ships and aircraft of the
members and observers of
the IONS including China,
India and Pakistan will participate in the exercise.
INDIAN NAVY‟S SECOND LCU MARK IV L52 SHIP COMMISSIONED
Indian Navy‘s second CU (landing craft utility) Mark IV L52 ship was
commissioned at Port Blair, capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
LCU L52 is the second LCU Mk-IV class ship to be inducted into the Indian Navy.
It is designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE),
Kolkata.
INDIA AND US JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE „YUDH ABHYAS 2017‟
India and the United States of America will conduct “Yudh Abhyas” joint
exercise between their armies in 14-27 September.
The exercise Yudh Abhyas – 2017, will be held from September 14-27 at Joint Base
Lewis-McChord in the US.
The exercise will be the 13th in the Yudh Abhyas series, which started in the year
2004 under US Army Pacific partnership programme.
NOTE:
The IONS is a regional forum of Indian Ocean littoral states launched by India
in February 2008
NOTE:
It is an amphibious ship with the primary role to transport and deploy Main
Battle Tanks (MTBs), Armoured Vehicles, troops and equipment from the ship.
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MAJOR TRI-SERVICE 'INDRA' COMBAT EXERCISE IN OCTOBER
India and Russia for the first time are going to conduct Indra tri-services
exerciseinvolving their armies, navies and the air forces in October 2017 to establish
military ties.
A total of 350 Indian Army personnel will participate in the mega exercise. The
contingents by the Indian Navy and AirForce (IAF) will also be sizeable.
UNION GOVERNMENT OPERATES NATIONAL CYBER COORDINATION
CENTRE MADE OPERATIONAL
The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) announced
that the first phase of National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC).
It has been set up to scan the country‘s web traffic to detect cyber security threats. It scans
the cyberspace in the country for cyber security threats.
UNION GOVERNMENT MERGES NCRB WITH BPRD
Union Home Ministry passed an order to merge the three-decade old National Crime
Records Bureau (NCRB) with Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD).
NOTE:
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s visit to Russia in June 2017, both
countries had decided to ―upgrade and intensify‖ defense cooperation among
them.
NOTE:
NCCC is a multi-stakeholder cyber-security and e-surveillance agency
implemented by Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).
NOTE:
The BPRD Director General (DG) will be the head of the merged new entity.
The Government took this decision with an aim to improve administrative
efficiency and optimal utilization of resources.
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UNION GOVERNMENT FINALIZES NEW CADRE POLICY OF IAS,IPS,IFOS
Union Government finalized a new policy for cadre allocation by the Central
government for IAS, IPS and other officers, aimed at ensuring "national
integration" in the country's top bureaucracy.
Officers of all-India services include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS),
Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) have to choose cadres
from a set of zones instead of states.
The Zone I has seven cadres namely AGMUT (also known as Arunachal Pradesh-
Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories), Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh,
Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
The Zone-II consists of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
The Zone-III comprises Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
The Zone - IV consists of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam-Meghalaya, Manipur,
Tripura, and Nagaland
USA AND SOUTH KOREA 10-DAY ANNUAL MILITARY EXERCISE
BEGINS
The United States of America (USA) and South Korea began a 10-day-long annual
military exercise.
The Ulchi Freedom Guardian drill is a computer-simulated defensive exercise
designed to enhance readiness and maintain stability on the Korean peninsula.
NOTE:
He is the first joint military exercise between the allies since North Korea
successfully flight-tested two intercontinental ballistic missiles in July and threatened
to bracket Guam with intermediate range ballistic missile fire in August.
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CHINA OPENS ITS FIRST OVERSEAS MILITARY BASE IN DJIBOUTI
China formally launched its first
overseas naval facility in Djibouti, an
East African nation.
Five Chinese formations and Djibouti‘s
Three Services HonorGuard took part in
the launch ceremony on 1 of August 2017.
The event marked the 90th anniversary of
the Chinese military Services.
NOTE:
Djibouti is a tiny East African nation of around 887,000 people, is between Ethiopia,
Eritrea, and Somalia.
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GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
TAXATION
Direct Tax
When a person bears the burden as well as makes payment to the government
Examples
Corporation tax
Income tax
Interest tax
Expenditure tax
Wealth tax
Gift tax
Estate Duty
Land revenue
Agriculture tax
Hotel receipts tax
Indirect Tax
When a seller collects the tax from the buyer first and then pays the same to the
government.
In other words, it is the buyer who indirectly pays sales tax to the government.
Examples
Customs duties: These are taxes on imports and exports.
Union excise duties: These are taxes on manufacturing goods imposed by the
Union government
Service tax: It is a tax on rendering of services
Sales tax: It is a tax on sales.
State excise duty
Stamp & Registration fees
Entertainment tax
Taxes on Vehicles, Goods & Passengers, Electricity, Purchase of sugarcane
Methods of taxation
Regressive tax system
If tax rate is gradually reduced due to increase in income
Proportional tax system
When tax rate remain constant
Progressive tax system
If tax rate is gradually increased due to increase in income (India)
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Taxes imposed by State Govt
VAT, Taxes on Land and Buildings, Agriculture income, Mineral rights, Liquors,
sale of Electricity, Tolls, Stamp duty, Entertainment tax, Professional tax, Vehicle
tax etc
GST
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Goods and Services Tax is a single tax on goods and services.
It has subsumed central indirect taxes like excise duty, countervailing duty and
service tax and state indirect taxes like value added tax, octroi and entry tax,
luxuray tax and entertainment tax. Introduction of GST ill not affect Direct tax
system.
Road map
The idea of moving towards the GST was first mooted in the Budget for 2006-07.
101st Constitution Amendment Act coming into force on 8th September, 2016 and
notification of the GST Council on 15th September – the road to GST rollout is
clear.
Government is keen on introducing GST-the biggest indirect tax reform, with
effect from 01 April 2017
New deadline for GST
After missing April deadline, now GST to be implemented from July 1
Existing taxes are proposed to be subsumed under GST
The GST would replace the following taxes:
1. Taxes currently levied and collected by the Centre: Excise & Custom duty
Service Tax Central Surcharges and Cesses related to supply of goods and services
2. State taxes that would be subsumed under the GST are:
State VAT
Central Sales Tax
Luxury Tax
Entry Tax (all forms)
Entertainment and Amusement Tax (except when levied by the local
bodies)
Taxes on advertisements
Purchase Tax
Taxes on lotteries, betting and gambling
State Surcharges and Cesses related to supply of goods and services
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Exclusion
Taxes on entertainments and amusements to the extent levied and collected by a
Panchayat or a Municipality or a Regional Council or a District Council shall not
be subsumed under GST. The local bodies of States could continue to levy such
taxes.
Power to make law
Parliament will have power to make laws with respect to GST imposed by
the Union (CGST) and the State Legislatures will have power to make
laws with respect to GST imposed by the States (SGST)
Type of GST
It would be a dual GST with the Centre and States simultaneously levying it on a
common tax base.
The GST to be levied by the Centre on intra-State supply of goods and / or
services would be called the Central GST (CGST) and that to be levied by the
States would be called the State GST (SGST).
Similarly Integrated GST (IGST) will be levied and administered by Centre on
every inter-state supply of goods and services.
Transaction New Regime Old Regime
Sale within the State
CGST + SGST VAT + Central Excise/Service tax
Revenue will be shared equally between the Centre and the State
Sale to another State
IGST Central Sales Tax + Excise/Service Tax
There will only be one type of tax (central) in case of inter-state sales. The Center will then share the IGST revenue based on the destination of goods.
Commodities outside GST
The government of India will continue to charge central excise duty on all
petroleum and natural gas products, tobacco and opium products.
GST on above products will be applicable a later state which will be decided by
GST council.
Only alcohol has been kept put of purview of GST.
Thus, existing central and state taxes will continue to apply on alcohol.
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Composition of GST Council
GST council has the following composition
a) Union Minister of Finance as the Chairman
b) Union Minister of State in charge of Finance as member
c) Finance/ revenue minister of each state government as members.
Compensation to states
Parliament has agreed to compensate for any loss of revenues, on account of
change in taxation system to GST for a period of five years.
A shift to new taxation system initially reduces the tax compliance among people
and thus, in initial years the revenue of state governments may reduce.
However in the long run, GST will lead to increase in revenue of state
government.
Administration of GST
As decided by the GST council. The tax base will be shared between the
assessment machinery of the centre and the states. 90: 10 formula was agreed upon
for dual control of assesses.
As per the formula for dual control of assesses, 90per cent of those with GST
turnover of Rs.1.5 crore or less will be assessed by the administrative machinery of
the states, and 10 per cent by the administrative machinery of the centre.
Those above a turnover of Rs.1.5 crore would be assessed in the ration of 50:50
between the centre and states.
The territorial jurisdiction between the centre and the states war also decided. As
per united nations convention of law of seas (UNCLOS), territorial waters extend
upto 200 nautical mile.
The states have been given right to tax transactions up to 12 nautical miles, (1
nautical miles = 1.853 km)
Decisions be taken by GST Council
Every decision of the GST Council shall be taken at a meeting by a majority of not
less than 3/4th of the weighted votes of the Members present and voting.
The vote of the Central Government shall have a weightage of 1/3rd of the votes
cast and the votes of all the State Governments taken together shall have a
weightage of 2/3rd of the total votes cast in that meeting.
One half of the total number of members of the GST Council shall constitute the
quorum at its meetings
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GSTN GSTN stands for Goods and Service Tax Network (GSTN).
A Special Purpose Vehicle called the GSTN has been set up to cater tothe needs of
GST.
The GSTN shall provide a shared IT infrastructure and services to Central and
State Governments, tax payers and other stakeholders for implementation of GST.
Rate of GST The goods and services tax (GST) has goods and services categorized under
the following slab rates:
No tax Goods No tax will be imposed on items like fresh meat, fish chicken, egg, milk, butter
milk, curd natural honey, fresh fruits and vegetables, flour, besan, bread, salt, bindi, sindoor, stamps, judicial papers, printed books, newspapers, bangles, handloom etc.
Services Hotels and lodges with tariff below Rs.1,000, grand fathering service has been
exempted under GST
5% Goods Item such as fish fillet cream, skimmed milk powder, branded, frozen
vegetables, coffee, tea, spices, pizza, bread, rush, sabudana, kerosene, coal, medicines, stent, life boats will attract tax of 5%
Services Transport services (Railways, air transport), small restaurants will be under the
5% category because their main input is petroleum product, which is outside GST ambit.
12% Goods Frozen meat product, butter, cheese, ghee, dry fruits in packaged form, animal
fat, sausage, fruit juice, namkeen, Ayurveda medicines, tooth power, agarbatti, colouring books, picture books, umbrella, sewing machine, cell phones will be under 12% tax slab.
Services Non AC hotels, business class air ticket, fertilisers, work contracts will fail under
12 per cent GST tax slab.
18% Goods Most items are under this tax slab which include flavoured refined sugar, pasta,
cornflakes, pastries and cakes, preserved vegetables, jams, sauces, soups, ice cream, instant food mixes, mineral water, tissues, envelopes, note books, steel products, printed circuits, camera, speakers and monitors.
Services AC hotels that serve liquor, telecom services, IT services, branded garments and
financial services.
28% Goods Chewing gum, molasses, chocolate not containing cocoa, pan masala, aerated
water, paint, deodorants, shaving creams, after shave, hair shampoo, dye, sunscreen, wallpaper, ceramic tiles, water heater, dishwasher, weighing machine, washing machine, ATM, Vending machines, vacuum cleaner, shavers, hair clippers, automobiles, motorcycles, aircraft for personal use will attract 28% tax the highest under GST System.
Services 5 star hotels , race club betting, cinema will attract tax 28 percent tax slab under
GST
3% Goods Gold, Silver and Diamonds are placed in the category of 3% while rough
diamonds would attract a nominal rate of 0.25%
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Upper cap on GST rate
The GST Council has decided to keep the upper cap higher at 40% (20% CGST and
20% SGST) so that in future in case of need to hike tax rate, there is no need to
approach Parliament for a nod and the GST Council can raise it
Where GST Will Strike TELE COM :
Tele com services will likely be costlier, as the tax rate goes up from 15 to 18 per cent.
PHARMACEUTICALS : Negligible change in taxation rates pre and post GST
POWER : The reduction in the tax rate on domestic coal should reduce the cost of power generation The wind energy sector will see increase in capital costs.
AIRLINES Economy travel largely unaffected GST rate at 5 per cent is down from the current 6 per
cent. Business travel will l likely be more expensive.
HOSPITALITY Pre GST room revenues attracted luxury rates and services taxes, being a state subject,
luxury tax rates vary from state to state. Post GST hotels across the country will fall into one of four tax brackets from 12 -28 per
cent. No GST on hotel rooms that cost less than Rs.1000 ; 12 per cent GST for hotels with tariffs of
Rs 1,000 – 2500 , 18 per cent on tariffs of RS2500 – 5000 and 28 per cent on tariffs greater than Rs5,000
STEEL With GST rate at 19 per cent, similar to the pre GST regime of excise duty and VAT rate, the
impact of GST on end users of steel products will not be significant. Construction and infrastructure Tax rate goes up from 11-18 per cent to 18 per cent, but full input tax credit will nullify the
impact of tax increase.
OIL AND GAS Crude Oil, natural gas, petrol, high speed diesel and aviation turbine fuel kept out of GST. For LPG, naphtha, Kerosene and fuel oil, tax rates decrease 12 -30 per cent to 18 per cent. Exclusion of crude oil and natural gas from GST would have an inflationary impact on the
prices of down stream products such as naphtha, kerosene, petrochemicals etc. Natural gas has been kept out of GST which could lead to complications for gas marketers.
GAS UTILITIES Gas marketers would face complexity as they will pay GST transmission tariffs while sale of
natural gas is outside the purview of GST. Gas distribution companies will not be able to get input tax credit for GST paid for capital
expenditure.
SHIPPING Impact expected to be neutral as most earlier exemptions continue. Pre GST rate was 4.5 per
cent; post – GST, the rate will be 5 per cent.
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SUMMITS & COMMITTEES PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI TO ATTEND 9TH BRICS SUMMIT
IN CHINA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend
the 9th Brazil, Russia, India, China and
South Africa (BRICS) Summit, Xiamen
in China‟s Fujian province during 3rd to
5th of September.
He will pay a State visit to Myanmar from
September 5th to 7th.
It is his first bilateral State visit to
Myanmar.
7TH MEETING OF BRICS TRADE MINISTERS HELD IN SHANGHAI
The 7th Meeting of Brazil Russia India China and South Africa (BRICS) Countries
with the corresponding Trade Ministers was held in Shanghai, China.
A six-member delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala
Sitharaman along with Ambassador J.S. Deepak, PR to WTO participated in the
meetings.Mr. Zhong Shan, Minister of Commerce from China, presided over the
meetings.
THE 8TH BRICS SUMMIT HELD ON 16TH OCTOBER 2016 AT GOA
India and US to Co-host the Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Hyderabad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that India and the United States will co-
host the Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Hyderabad from November 28, 2017.
The Summit is a unique opportunity for bringing together entrepreneurs and start-
ups with global leaders.
It is being organized by the NITI Aayog in coordination with the Ministry of
External Affairs.
8TH WORLD RENEWABLE ENERGY
TECHNOLOGY CONGRESS IN NEW DELHI
Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal,
Renewable Energy and Mines Shri Piyush Goyal
addressed the 3-day 8th World Renewable Energy
Technology Congress in New Delhi.
The annual conference is visualized and planned in the backdrop of India's vision of
achieving "Energy Independence and Power for all by 2022".
The theme of the conference was "Renewable Energy: What Works".
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ITALY TO HOST G7 INTERIOR MINISTERS' SUMMIT ON SECURITY
Italy will host a summit of G-7
interior ministers centered on security
issues.
According to Italian Interior Minister
Marco Minniti, the meeting is being
organized at the request of Italy's G-7
partners namely Canada, France,
Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan
and the United States.
The summit is expected to be held in
October.
TWO-DAY INDIAN OCEAN CONFERENCE IN COLOMBO
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will participate in the two-day Indian
Ocean Conference to be held in Colombo, Srilanka.
The theme of the conference is peace, progress, and prosperity.
19TH RCEP TRADE NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE
The 19th round of the Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership
(RCEP) Trade Negotiating Committee
(TNC) meetings and other related meetings
were held from 17 to 28 July 2017 in
Hyderabad, India.
NOTE:
The conference will be held in Temple Trees, the official residence of the Lankan
Prime Minister.
It is the second ICO conference, the first was held in Singapore in 2016.
NOTE:
RCEP is a proposed comprehensive regional economic integration agreement
(mega Free Trade Agreement) amongst the 10-ASEAN countries (Brunei,
Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand,
Singapore and Vietnam) and its six Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) partners
namely Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Japan, and Korea.
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UNION GOVERNMENT CONSTITUTES COMMITTEE TO STUDY ISSUES
RELATED TO DATA PROTECTION
The Union Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology formed constituted an
expert Committee to study and identify key data protection issues and recommend
methods for addressing them.
The ten-member committee will be headed by Supreme Court Judge (retired) Justice
B N Srikrishna and comprise of members from government, academia, and Industry.
CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONER INAUGURATES TWO-DAY CHIEF
ELECTORAL OFFICERS‟ CONFERENCE
Chief Election Commissioner AK Joti and Election Commissioner OP Rawat
inaugurated a two-day Chief Electoral Officers‟ Conference in New Delhi.
He stressed on the need of providing E-services to stakeholders and emphasized
the requirement to develop E-Payment gateways for various election services of
Election commission.
He underlined the need for extensive training programs on Voter Verifiable Paper
Audit Trail (VVPAT) as the Commission has decided to conduct all future elections
using it along with Electronic Voting Machines
17TH MEETING OF FSDC HELD IN NEW DELHI
The seventeenth Meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council
(FSDC) held in New Delhi under the Chairmanship of the Union Minister Arun
Jaitley.
NOTE:
It is seen that protection of data and keeping personal data of citizens secure and
protected is expected to provide a good support to Digital economy of the
country
NOTE:
FSDC is a super regulatory body for regulating financial sector which is a vital for
bringing healthy and efficient financial system in the economy.
Union Minister to attend SCO meet in Kyrgyz Republic
Union Minister Raj Nath Singh attends a two-day Meeting of Heads of Governments
of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) the Member States.
The meeting will focus on prevention and elimination of emergency situations.
The participation of India as SCO Member will open additional opportunities for
giving new impetus to the development of international cooperation in the field of
protecting the population and territories from emergency situations within the
framework of the Organisation.
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INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING MINISTRY CONSTITUTED 40-
MEMBER PREVIEW PANEL FOR IFFI
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry (I and B) constituted a 40-member
'Preview committee‘ for the International Film Festival of India 2017.
Vivek Agnihotri has been chosen as the convenor of the committee.
International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is scheduled to be held in Goa from 20 to
28 November 2017.
Short News
A High-Level Committee set up to review the Institutionalization of Arbitration
Mechanism in India submitted its report to the Union Law Ministry.
It was headed by Justice (retired) BN Srikrishna.
NOTE:
The I and B Ministry constituted a new 13-member steering committee and a
12-member technical committee headed by Jahnu Barua and Nagesh Kukunoor
respectively.
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IMPORTANT INDEX
INDIA RANKS 43RD IN 2017 GLOBAL RETIREMENT INDEX
India ranked last at 43rd position in 2017 Global Retirement Index (GRI) published by
French asset management company Natixis Global.
The Top three countries in 2017 GRI are Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland.
MELBOURNE NAMED AS WORLD'S MOST LIVEABLE CITY
According to the Economist
Intelligence Unit‟s Global
Liveability Report
2017, Melbourne (in
Australia) world‘s most
liveable city for a record
seventh year in a row.
Melbourne scored an overall
rating of 97.5 out of 100 on the
liveability index.
NOTE:
The index ranks 43 countries on the basis of four factors namely
the material means to live comfortably in retirement (Material Well-being);
access to quality health services (Health);
access to quality financial services to help preserve savings value and maximize
income (Finances) and
a clean and safe environment (Quality of Life ).
NOTE:
It is the first time in the survey‘s 15-year history that a city has held the No 1 rank
in its own right for seven consecutive years.
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APPOINTMENT VENKAIAH NAIDU IS NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF INDIA
Former Union Minister M Venkaiah
Naidu has been elected as the 13th
Vice President of India.
ARVIND PANAGARIYA RESIGNS AS NITI AAYOG VICE-CHAIRMAN
Arvind Panagariya, the firstvice-
chairman of NITI Aayog was considered
to be Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s
personal pick for economic reforms
announced his resignation.
The 62-year-old Panagariya is an Indian-
American economist and Professor of
Economics at Columbia University.
SRI LANKA APPOINTS FIRST TAMIL NAVY CHIEF AFTER FOUR
DECADES
Rear Admiral Travis Sinniah appointed as the chief of Sri Lanka's naval forces to
head the Navy since the brutal civil war erupted in the country 45 years ago.
NOTE:
Hesucceeds HamidAnsari.
He secured 516 and Gopalkrishna Gandhi 241 votes
Over 98% poll percentage was recorded in the Vice-Presidential election 2017.
771 out of 785 MPs voted in the election, however 11 votes were found to be
invalid.
NOTE:
He succeeds Vice Admiral Ravi Wijegunaratne got retired.
He got appointed as the Navy Chief by President Maithripala Sirisena.
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JUSTICE DIPAK MISRA APPOINTED AS 45TH CHIEF JUSTICE OF INDIA
Justice Misra will be sworn in as the 45th Chief Justice of India
by President Ram Nath Kovind on August 27.
BRAND AMBASSADOR FOR SWACHH BHARAT MISSION IN UP
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the appointment of
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar as the brand ambassador of the Swachh Bharat
Mission in the state.
APARNA APPOINTED AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF WORLD BANK
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed senior IAS officer
from Gujarat S. Aparna as Executive Director of the World Bank.
She replaces Subhash Garg who was recently appointed as Economic Affairs
Secretary, Union Ministry of Finance.
At the World Bank, she will represent the constituency of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan
and Sri Lanka for three years
WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION APPOINTED MILKHA SINGH AS
GOODWILL AMBASSADOR FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Legendary athlete Milkha Singh was appointed as the World Health Organisation's
(WHO) Goodwill Ambassador for physical activity in the South-East Asia Region
(SEAR).
Milkha Singh was also known as ‗the Flying Sikh‘ and is a Padma Shri awardee. He
had won medals in athletics in Commonwealth and Asian games.
NOTE:
He is the third person from Odisha to be appointed the CJI, after Justices
Ranganath Misra and G B Pattanaik.
Justice Dipak Misra will be the 45th Chief Justice of India (CJI), succeeding the
44th CJI, Justice J. S. Khehar.
He will have a tenure of about 14 months until October 2, 2018
He is a judge of the Supreme Court of India and a former Chief Justice of
the Patna and Delhi High Courts.
He‘s the nephew of Justice Ranganath Misra, who was the 21st CJI during 1990-
91.
NOTE: The chief minister released the film‘s toilet anthem, „Karle Toilet Ka Jugar‟.
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Short News
General Abhay Krishna appointed as the Chief of the Indian Army‟s Eastern
Command
Sanjaya Baru appointed as the Secretary General of the Federation of Indian
Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
Mohammad Mustafa appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of Small
Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
Shri Prabhat Kumar presently Ambassador of India to Colombia appointed as the
next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Ashwani Lohani, the CMD of Air India appointed as the New Chairman of
Railway Board,