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TNPSC

AUGUST-2017 (English)

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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

9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 1

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


Theme: Bringing the world together to help elephants

AUGUST 19 - WORLD HUMANATARIAN DAY

Designated by: United Nations General Assembly


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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 2

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 3

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 5

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 6

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 7

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


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 8

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


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 9

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 10

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


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 11

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 12

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 13

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 14

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 15

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 16

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).


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 17

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 26

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 27

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 29

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 30

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


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 41

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


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 43

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 45

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 46

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.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 80

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‟.


9600124042/ 9840097666 Page 81

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,

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