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Current Affairs: February 2017
www.talentsprint.com 1
February 1, 2017
IT Ministry urges tax incentives for PC manufacturers too
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
(MeitY) in its key recommendations for Union Budget
2017-18, has suggested differential excise duty regime
and tax exemptions to be expanded to personal
computers and servers. Ministry’s suggestions were as
per the Phased Manufacturing Roadmap, it had worked
out in consultation with the NITI Aayog. Retain differential excise duty regime and tax
exemptions granted for the manufacture of mobile handsets and tablets, under the impending
GST regime, to boost domestic manufacturing of electronic products.
Vampire star caught in the act by ASTROSAT
India’s first dedicated space observatory, ASTROSAT
has captured the rare phenomenon of a small six-billion-
year-old vampire star preying on a bigger celestial body.
The vampire star phenomenon is observed when smaller
star sucks material (mass and energy) out of the bigger
companion star, causing its eventual death. It is also
called a blue straggler as small star becomes bigger, hotter and bluer, giving it the appearance of
being young, while the ageing companion burns out and collapses to a stellar remnant.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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Government Constitutes Task Force to prepare Action Plan for Next three
Olympic Games
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved
the constitution of eight members Task Force
committee for preparing action plan for next
three Olympic Games 2020, 2024 and 2028. It
has been given three months’ time to submit its
report regarding a comprehensive action plan
including short, medium and long-term measures for effective participation of Indian sports-
persons in the Olympic games. The members of Task force: Pulella Gopichand, Abhinav
Bindra, Rajesh Kalra, Om Pathak, Viren Rasquinha, S. Baldev Singh, Prof. G.L. Khanna and
Sandeep Pradhan.
Highlights of Economic Survey 2016-17
Union finance Minister Arun Jaitley tabled the Economic Survey
2016-17 in Parliament budget session. The survey prepared by chief
economic adviser in the finance ministry Arvind Subramanian. The
survey projects the economy to grow in the range of 6.75% to 7.25%
in fiscal year 2017-18 in the post-demonetisation year. It says that
the adverse impact of demonetisation on GDP growth will be
transitional.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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Bombay Natural History Society launches climate change programme in Central
Himalayas
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has launched climate change programme to
conduct study to assess the status, distribution and
conservation of Pheasants and Finches in Central
Himalayas. It is long-term monitoring project funded by
Oracle and facilitated by CAF-India. It will focus on their
conservation in the context of climate change with the
help of community participation. The Himalayas hold a
rich natural heritage with diverse flora and fauna enhancing the beauty of the region. Indian
subcontinent is home to nearly 62 species of finches and 50 species of pheasants, with several
species listed in ‘Globally Threatened’ category by IUCN. Both these groups are spread across
the Himalayas.
Finance Ministry to aid Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh for rail safety
The Union Finance Ministry has agreed to contribute
partially to a new dedicated railway safety fund named as
‘Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh’ in the upcoming Union
Budget 2017-18. The proposed safety fund will be utilised
for track improvement, bridge rehabilitation, rolling stock
replacement, human resource development, improved inspection system and safety work at
level crossing, among other things. The Finance Ministry is likely to grant a fresh infusion of
only Rs. 5,000 crore in the upcoming financial year out of the initial proposed corpus of Rs.
20,000 crore.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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February 2, 2017
Economic Survey backs Universal Basic Income
The Economic Survey 2016-17 tabled in Parliament has
advocated for the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as
an alternative to the various social welfare schemes in an
effort to reduce poverty. It suggests that a more efficient way
to help the poor will be to provide them resources directly,
through a UBI. It will be an efficient substitute for a plethora of existing welfare schemes and
subsidies. A basic income is a form of social security in which all citizens of a country regularly
receive an unconditional sum of money, either from a government in addition to any income
received from elsewhere. It is based on the principles of universality and un conditionality.
However, it forfeits other government aided benefits.
Union Cabinet gives nod to modify Scheduled Castes list in Odisha
The Union Cabinet had approved the amendments in
the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 to
modify the list of SC in Odisha. It also approved
amending the Constitution (Pondicherry) Scheduled
Castes Order, 1964 to change the name of the Union
territory to Puducherry from Pondicherry. In this regard, The Constitution (Scheduled Castes)
Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2017, incorporating the above changes, will be introduced in the
Current Affairs: February 2017
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parliament. The amendment of SC list in Odisha makes inclusion of Sualgiri/Swalgiri caste in
the list as it is Sabakhia caste which is already in the list of SC in Odisha.
Labour migration rose to 90 lakh over last 5 years: Economic Survey
According to Economic Survey 2016-17, the inter-state
migration of workers in India has increased substantially
to 90 lakh annually between 2011-16 period compared to
the previous years. The estimate of labour migration in
India was based analysis of census data of 2011 and
railway passenger traffic in the unreserved category and
new methodologies including the Cohort-based Migration Metric (CMM). It is first-ever
estimate of internal work-related migration using railways. The inter-state labour mobility
average was between 50–65 lakh people in the 2001-2011 period.
Researchers Discover Oldest Human Ancestor
Researchers have discovered microscopic sea animal
Saccorhytus, the earliest known ancestor of humans along
with a vast range of other species. The exquisitely well
preserved fossilised traces of this 540-million-year-old
creature were discovered. This balloon-like sea is the earliest
known step on the evolutionary path that led to fish and
eventually to humans. Saccorhytus is the most primitive
example of deuterostomes, a category of animals which are common ancestors of a broad range
of species, including vertebrates (backboned animals). It was about a millimetre in size and its
Current Affairs: February 2017
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body was symmetrical. This is a characteristic inherited by many of its evolutionary
descendants, including humans.
India, Russia holds high-level consultations on counter-terrorism
India and Russia have held high-level consultations on
counter-terrorism issues in New Delhi. Both sides
shared views and assessment on the threats posed by
increasing terrorist activities including India’s concern
on state-sponsored, cross-border terrorism. The Indian
delegation was led by Preeti Saran, Secretary (East) in
the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) while the Russian delegation was headed by
Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Oleg V. Syromolotov. Both sides shared views and assessment on
the threats posed by the scourge of terrorism, including state-sponsored, cross-border terrorism
faced by India.
Government clarifies Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has no provision for cash transfer
component
The Union Ministry of Women & Child Development has clarified that Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
(B3P) Scheme has no provision for
individual cash transfer component. It has
warned the unauthorised
websites/organisations, NGOs,
individuals that are distributing forms in
the name of cash incentives under B3P Scheme. It also has mentioned that it is illegal and
serious matter as there is no cash incentive associated in any form. Government’s clarification
Current Affairs: February 2017
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came following reports that certain unauthorised sites, organisations, NGOs and individuals
were found distributing forms in the name of cash incentive under the scheme.
Income Tax Department launches Operation Clean Money
The Income Tax Department (ITD) launched
Operation Clean Money (Swachh Dhan Abhiyan), an
e-platform to analyse large cash deposits made during
the demonetisation window (9 November to 30
December 2016). Under it, e-verification of large cash
has been done using data analytics for comparing the demonetisation data with information in
ITD databases. In the first batch of the operation,around 18 lakh persons have been identified in
whose case, cash transactions do not appear to be in line with the tax payer’s profile. It
comprises account-holders whose deposits did not match their incomes, as per data with the IT
department, will be alerted on their e-filing portals.
February 3, 2017
SAARC programming committee meeting held in Kathmandu
The two-day meeting of SAARC Programming
Committee was held in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal. All
eight members participated in the meeting. This was the
first senior level meeting of Association since
postponement of 19th SAARC Summit in November
2016 after four nations Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh
Current Affairs: February 2017
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and India had requested for it following escalation of tension between India and Pakistan over
the issue of terrorism. The Programming Committee is the lowest level mechanism in SAARC
after the SAARC Standing Committee, which is held at the foreign secretary level, and SAARC
Council of Ministers held at foreign minister level.
Scientists confirm existence of lost continent lies under Indian Ocean
Scientists have confirmed the existence of a ‚lost
continent‛ under the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. It
is left over by the break-up of the super-continent
Gondwana, which started about 200 million years ago. The
discovery was based on study of Zircon, a mineral found
in rocks spewed up by lava during volcanic eruptions which is too old to belong to Mauritius.
The lost continent is just a small piece of island that probably broke of when Africa, India,
Australia and Antarctica split up and formed the Indian Ocean. The scientists found zircons on
the island of Mauritius that are three billion years old. These remnants are too old to belong to
Mauritius as it has no rock older than nine million years old.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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Government of create five special tourism zones to boost tourism: Budget 2017-
18
The Union Budget 2017-18 has announced that Government will set up five Special Tourism
Zones in partnership with States. These five special
zones will be anchored as Special Purpose Vehicles
(SPVs) that will be set up in partnership with the
States. In this budget, government has allocated Rs.
1,840.77 crore to the Tourism Ministry, Rs. 250 crore
more in the 2017-18 fiscal. To boost the image of India
in the international travel market Incredible India 2.0
Campaign will be unveiled across the world the financial year 2017-18. 959.91 crore has been
allocated for the Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits around specific themes under
Swadesh Darshan scheme.
Cabinet approves Introduction of The Indian Institutes of Information Technology
(Amendment) Bill, 2017
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for
introduction of The Indian Institutes of Information
Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in Parliament. The
amendment Bill has provision for the inclusion of
Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and
Manufacturing (IIITDM), Kurnool along with the other
IITs in the Principal Act. With this, IIITDM Kurnool will become fifth Member as a Centrally
Funded IIIT. IITDM Kurnool inclusions will make it an institute of National Importance with
Current Affairs: February 2017
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the power to award degrees to students. Its academic session had commenced in two branches
of study in 2015-16.
Toxins in litchi fruit may kill children
Scientists from US and India have found that
consumption of litchi fruit on an empty stomach
can result in very low blood glucose level and
acute encephalopathy leading to seizures and
coma, and causes death in Children in many
cases. Litchi fruit contains the toxins hypoglycin
A and methylene cyclopropyl-glycine (MCPG). Its consumption and skipping evening meals
causes very low blood glucose level (less than normal 70 mg/dL) and acute encephalopathy in
children.
February 4, 2017
NITI Aayog launches India Innovation Index
The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog
and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) jointly launched
India Innovation Index. Besides country’s first innovation
index portal was also launched. The index has been jointly
developed by NITI Aayog, DIPP and CII in consultation with
World Economic Forum (WEF), World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO), Cornell University, UNIDO, ILO,
Current Affairs: February 2017
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OECD, UNESCO, ITU etc.
Government introduces alternative funding mechanism of electoral bonds:
Budget
The Union Government has announced two measures in the Budget 2017-18 to bring in greater
transparency in funding of political parties. These
include capping cash funding by a single anonymous
donor to Rs. 2000 (one tenth of the current limit of Rs
20,000) and introduction of the electoral bonds. It will
take effect from 1 April, 2018. The finance bill lays out
the way ahead for capping cash funding and sale of
electoral bonds by proposing amendments in the section 13A of the Income-Tax Act, 1961 and
to Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
Mahila Shakti Kendra will be set-up at village level: Budget
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his
Budget Speech 2017-18 announced corpus of
Rs 500 crore for setting up Mahila Shakti
Kendras in the 14 lakh ICDS Anganwadi
Centres at village level. These kendras will
provide one stop convergent support services for empowering rural women with opportunities
for skill development, employment, health, nutrition and digital literacy. The budget allocation
for the welfare of Women and Children under various schemes across all the Ministries the has
been increased from Rs. 1,56,528 crores in 2016-17 to Rs. 1,84,632 crores in 2017-18.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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Government notifies new rules for medical devices
The Union Health Ministry has notified new rules for
medical devices to remove regulatory bottlenecks
and ensure availability of medical devices for
patients. Under the new rules, manufactures will not
be required to renew licenses periodically and
submission of applications and grant of licenses will
be done online. The new rules have been framed in conformity with Global Harmonisation Task
Force (GHTF) framework and conform to best international practices. Under it, medical devices
are classified as per GHTF practice, based on associated risks, into Class A (low risk), Class B
(low moderate risk), Class C (moderate high risk) and Class D (high risk).
India signs $201.50 million Financing Agreement with World Bank for TEQIP III
The Union Government has singed Financing Agreement for
IDA credit of $201.50 million with World Bank for the ‘Third
Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme’ (TEQIP
III). The agreement was signed by Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary,
Department of Economic Affairs and Junaid Kamal Ahmad,
Country Director, World Bank India. The aim of the TEQIP III programme is to enhance quality
and improve efficiency of the Engineering Education System. The objective of agreement is to
improve Engineering Education sector in 8 states viz. Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar,
Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and UT of Andaman and Nicobar
Islands.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2
The World Wetland Day (WWD) is observed every year on 2 February to raise awareness about
the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet. Significance
of Day: This day marks the date of the adoption of the
Convention on Wetlands also called as Ramsar Convention on 2
February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. 2017 Theme:
‚Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction‛. It seeks to raise
awareness and to highlight the vital role of healthy wetlands in
reducing the impacts of extreme events such as floods, cyclones
and drought on communities, and in helping to build resilience.
India, Sri Lanka signs MoU to construct new multi-ethnic tri-lingual secondary
school
India and Sri Lanka have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to construct a new
multi-ethnic tri-lingual secondary school in Polonnaruwa
District of Sri Lanka. The MoU was signed by of India’s
High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu
and Secretary to the Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education
Sunil Hettiarachchi. The School will be constructed using
Government of India’s grant of 30 crore rupees. It will
provide opportunities to Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim students to learn in a multi-ethnic, multi-
cultural environment.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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February 5, 2017
Railway Ministry, Italy’s FS group sign MOU for technical cooperation
The Union Ministry of Railways and Italy’s public sector
rail company Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane Group (FS
Group) has signed MoU for technical cooperation in rail
sector especially in the area of safety and modernisation.
The MoU comes in the backdrop of emphasis given
Railway Ministry on safety in railway operation. The Railway Board has been directed to
collaborate with the international experts to identify the best practices for rail safety. Under the
MoU, cooperation areas identified includes safety audit of Indian Railways and measures
required for enhancing safety in train operation.
World Cancer Day is observed on February 04
The World Cancer Day (WCD) is observed every year on 4
February across the world to raise awareness of cancer and to
encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. The theme
(tagline) between 2016 and 2018 WCD is ‚We can. I can‛. It reflects
on what everyone can do to raise awareness of cancer and asks to
take pledge and action in fight against cancer. Special three-year
campaign for the World Cancer Day 2016-2018 seeks to explore
how everyone- as individuals or as a collective – can do their part to reduce the burden of
cancer globally.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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Indian Navy launches underwater harbour defence and surveillance system
Indian Navy has launched an Integrated Underwater
Harbour Defence and Surveillance System (IUHDSS) in
Mumbai, Maharashtra to enhance the security of
valuable naval assets against asymmetric threats. It was
inaugurated by Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer
Commanding- in-Chief, Western Naval Command. It is
second IUHDSS to be installed in India, after first was installed at Kochi, Kerala in
August 2015. IUHDSS is designed and developed by Israeli Aerospace Industries ELTA for
surface and sub-surface surveillance of the harbour.
NASA’s Juno spacecraft completes fourth flyby of Jupiter
NASA’s solar-powered Juno spacecraft completed
closest flyby of Jupiter mysterious cloud tops for the
fourth time. All eight of Juno’s science instruments
were switched on during the flyby. During its closest
approach it was roughly 4,300 km above Jupiter’s
cloud tops and travelled at a speed of about 208,000
kmph. Currently, Juno is locked in a 53-day orbit around Jupiter. It is expected to perform three
dozen flybys over the next one and a half years. During its flybys, Juno probes beneath the
cloud cover of Jupiter and studies Jupiter’s auroras to learn more about its origins, structure,
atmosphere and magnetosphere.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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Single-dose Zika vaccine works in animals
According to recent study, an innovative vaccine made
from genetic material protected lab animals from the Zika
virus in experiments. A single, low dose of the vaccine
shielded mice exposed to Zika five months after the shot.
Even monkeys exposed five weeks after they were
innoculated were also not affected by the virus. The new
vaccine is based on a modified version of genetic material called messenger RNA (mRNA). It is
designed to pass under the radar of the immune system and enter directly into human cells.
World’s smallest pacemaker unveiled in US
Scientists for the first time have successfully implanted
world’s smallest pacemaker dubbed as Micra Transcatheter
Pacing System (TPS) in a patient in United States. The
pacemaker about size of large vitamin capsule is for
patients with bradycardia, a condition characterised by a
slow heart rate, usually fewer than 60 beats per minute.
TPS provides the most advanced pacing technology. It was recently approved by the US Food
and Drug Administration. It is one-tenth the size of a traditional pacemaker and is the only
leadless (wireless) pacemaker approved for use in the US. It can be delivered through a catheter
and implanted directly into the heart.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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February 6, 2017
President opens Rashtrapati Bhavan's annual 'Udyanotsav'
President Pranab Mukherjee opened the annual
'Udyanotsav' of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The highlights
of this year's 'Udyanotsav' include two new varieties of
roses named after the President Pranab Mukherjee and
his late wife Suvra Mukherjee; Vertical Gardens and Air
Purifying Plants which absorb toxins from polluted air. The two varieties of roses named
'President Pranab' and 'Suvra Mukherjee' were developed by Pranabir Kumar Maity and Ashok
Kumar Maity of Pushpanjali Rose Nursery at Jakpur, West Bengal. The Indian Rose Federation
issued a certificate after trials in January 2017 and the roses were subsequently planted in the
Mughal Gardens.
Govt forms panel to improve India’s Haj policy
The Centre has formed a six-member committee to
give a report on ways to improve India’s Haj policy
and also look into issue of subsidy to the pilgrimage
in light of 2012 Supreme Court order on gradually
reducing and abolishing it by 2022. Former Consul
General of India (CGI), Jeddah, Afzal Amanullah has been appointed as convener of the high-
level panel, Union minister of state for minority affairs (Independent charge) Mukhtar Abbas
Current Affairs: February 2017
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Naqvi told reporters in the Capital. The panel will examine implications of various directions of
the apex court with regard to the existing Haj policy, and suitable amendments in it.
Sanjeev Sanyal appointed principal economic adviser in Finance Ministry
Government appointed noted economist Sanjeev Sanyal as
Principal Economic Adviser in the Ministry of Finance. The
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved
the appointment of Sanjeev Sanyal, former Global Strategist
and Managing Director, Deutsche Bank, to the post of
Principal Economic Adviser in the Department of Economic
Affairs," an official statement said. He has been appointed in a pay scale of Rs 67,000-79,000 for
a period of three years. In 2007, Sanyal was awarded the Eisenhower Fellowship for his work on
urban issues and was also honoured by the Singapore government at the World Cities Summit
2014.
Bihar introduces third gender category in school exams
For the first time since the Supreme Court recognised
transgender people as a third gender in 2014, as many as
18 students in Bihar have been allowed to appear for the
Board exams conducted by the Bihar School
Examination Board (BSEB) under the third-gender
category. The exams for Class 12 begin on February 14
and for Class 10 from March 1. According to board officials, 10 third-gender students will be
taking the Class 12 exams and eight would be writing the Class 10 exams. So far, the BSEB did
Current Affairs: February 2017
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not allow students to take Board exams under the ‘third gender’ category because the
examination form specified only two categories, male and female.
Anand Kumar Gupta takes over as director commercial at NTPC
Anand Kumar Gupta has taken over the charge as director
commercial at NTPC. As director commercial, he will be
responsible for the activities relating to commercial,
international and domestic business development and
consultancy business of NTPC. He also headed business
development department of NTPC and plant operations &
maintenance at power stations.
Iran bars US wrestlers from Freestyle World Cup event
Iran banned US wrestlers from participating in the
Freestyle World Cup competition this month in
response to President Donald Trump’s executive
order forbidding visas for Iranians. The decision
marks the first action taken by Iran in response to
Trump’s executive order banning visas for seven
Muslim countries. Earlier this week, Iran said it would take retaliatory action.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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February 7, 2017
International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed on
February 6
The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital
Mutilation (FGM) is observed every year on February 6 to
raise awareness of the practice of FGM and work towards
its elimination. It is sponsored by UN, and the theme is
‚Building a solid and interactive bridge between Africa
and the world to accelerate ending FGM by 2030‛.
Neurocalyx calycinus plant possesses medicinal values
Scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and
Research Institute (JNTBGRI) have confirmed the multiple
therapeutic properties of Neurocalyx calycinus, a medicinal plant
endemic to the southern parts of Western Ghats and Sri Lanka
The therapeutic properties of the plant were discovered based on
traditional knowledge of Cholanaickan tribe, (one of the
particularly vulnerable groups in Kerala) used it to treat
inflammations and wounds.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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HRD ministry to set up NTA to conduct exams for higher, secondary education
The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRB) will
soon set up a department – National Testing Agency (NTA) to
conduct examinations for higher and secondary education. NTA
will be the single authority that will conduct entrance tests for all
higher institutions like JEE, NEET, NET and other prestigious
exams. Establishment of NTA will free CBSE, AICTE and other
agencies from conducting various exams and enable them to focus on their core areas and work
on improving the quality of education.
Union Government launches Measles Rubella vaccination campaign
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has
launched Measles Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in the
country at Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is largest ever in any
campaign against these two diseases will start from five
States/UTs viz. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Goa
and Lakshadweep covering nearly 3.6 crore target children.
The MR campaign is largest ever vaccination campaign aimed to target around 41 crore
children across the country against two diseases.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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Assam Government launches Chief Minister Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana
Assam Government has launched Chief Minister Samagra
Gramya Unnayan Yojana (CMSGUY) to bring about
paradigm shift towards holistic development of villages in the
state. The scheme is a mega mission aimed at bringing in
revolutionary changes by doubling the farm income in the
State. As per Situation Assessment Survey (period from 2002-03 to 2012-13), the farm income in
Assam was recorded only 0.88% as against national average of 5.2%. The scheme has financial
outlay of Rs. 30,000 crore and will be implemented in all the villages in Assam in the next five
years culminating in 2021-22.
February 8, 2017
Lok Sabha passes Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, 2017
The Lok Sabha has passed the Payment of Wages
(Amendment) Bill, 2017 to enable employers to pay wages to
workers through cheque or directly crediting to their
accounts. The bill will replace the Ordinance promulgated by
the President in December 2016 to amend the Payment of Wages Act, 1936.
Method of payment of wages: Earlier, under the parent Act employer can pay his employee’s
wages either by cheque or by crediting it into his bank account after obtaining his written
authorisation.
Permit the employer to pay an employee’s wages: (i) by cheque; or (ii) by crediting them into
Current Affairs: February 2017
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his bank account or (iii) in coin or currency notes. It removes the requirement of obtaining prior
written authorization for payment of wages by cheque or through a bank account.
CBDT signs four unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) under the Department
of Revenue, Union Ministry of Finance has entered into four more
unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs). These four APAs
are related to Manufacturing, Financial and Information
Technology sectors. They cover international transactions such as
Contract Manufacturing, Software Development Services and IT Enabled Services. With this,
the total number of APAs entered into by the CBDT has reached 130. It includes 122 Unilateral
APAs and 8 bilateral APAs. In the current financial year (2016-17), total 66 APAs (5 bilateral
APAs and 61 unilateral APAs) were signed.
Scientists develop terahertz transmitter capable of sending data 10 times faster
than 5G
Scientists from Japan have developed terahertz (THz) transmitter technology, a next generation
system which can transmit digital data over 10 times
faster than 5G mobile networks. It will pave transmitting
digital data at a rate exceeding 100 gigabits per second
(gbps) over a single channel using the 300-gigahertz
band. The THz band is a new and vast frequency
resource expected to be used for future ultrahigh-speed wireless communications. The THz
transmitter achieves a communication speed of 105 gigabits per second using the frequency
range from 290 GHz to 315 GHz. These range of frequencies are currently unallocated but fall
Current Affairs: February 2017
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within the frequency range from 275 GHz to 450 GHz. It paves way for faster downloads and
improve in-flight network connection speeds.
Nepal to host 4th BIMSTEC Summit 2017
The fourth edition of BIMSTEC Summit-2017 will be
held in Nepal. It was announced in the 17th session of
BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) held in
Kathmandu, capital Nepal. In this meeting, delegates
of seven member countries reviewed the progress
made by BIMSTEC and recommended future course of
action to strengthen regional cooperation among the group. The importance of BIMSTEC was
highlighted during the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit held at Goa in October 2016. In this
summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed his desire to promote BIMSTEC
and assured full cooperation it needs to move on.
FAO calls for International collaboration on wheat rust
The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), a
United Nations agricultural agency has called for
International collaboration on wheat rust to curb
threat to global supplies. According to studies
produced by scientists in collaboration with FAO,
wheat in Africa, Asia and Europe is increasingly threatened by fresh groups of wheat rust. The
studies have showed emergence of two new groups or races of both yellow rust and stem rust
in various regions of the world. They highlight urgent need for early detection and rapid action
to keep the wheat rust under control which spread rapidly over long distances by wind.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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February 9, 2017
Union Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan for
rural digital literacy
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved ‘Pradhan
Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan’
(PMGDISHA) to make 6 crore rural households
digitally literate by March 2019. PMGDISHA is
expected to be one of the largest digital literacy
programmes in the world. This approval comes in
line with the announcement made by Union Finance Minister in the Union Budget 2016-17.
Under the scheme, 25 lakh candidates will be trained in the FY 2016-17; 275 lakh in 2017-18; and
300 lakh in 2018-19. The outlay for this project is Rs. 2,351.38 crore to usher in digital literacy in
rural India.
RBI keeps key rates unchanged in 6th bi-monthly monetary policy review
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) headed by RBI Governor Urjit Patel has kept the
key policy rates unchanged. It was central bank’s sixth bi-
monthly and last policy for the financial year 2016-17 and
overall the third by the MPC. All six members of the MPC
voted in favour of holding rates. Besides, RBI also changed its stance from accommodative to
neutral. It also lowered GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal to 6.9%. However the apex
bank expects a rebound in GDP growth to 7.4% in 2017-18.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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Repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF): Unchanged at 6.25 percent.
Reverse repo rate under the LAF: Unchanged at 5.75 per cent.
Marginal standing facility (MSF): Unchanged at 6.75 per cent.
Bank Rate: Unchanged at 6.75 per cent.
Reserve Ratios Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks: Unchanged at 4.0 per cent of
net demand and time liability (NDTL).
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): Unchanged 20.75 per cent.
Researchers develop battery powered by stomach acid
Researchers from MIT have developed a small battery
that runs on stomach acids and is capable of powering e-
pills to monitor patient health. The small system can
generate enough power to run small sensors or drug
delivery devices that can reside in the gastrointestinal
tract for extended periods of time. For this battery, researchers used idea of very simple type of
voltaic cell, lemon battery which produces electric current between the two electrodes stuck in a
lemon due to its citric acid. To replicate it, the researchers attached zinc and copper electrodes
to the surface of their ingestible sensor. The zinc emits ions into the acid in the stomach to
power the voltaic circuit.
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Arunachal Pradesh becomes first NE State to implement e-Cabinet Solution
Arunachal Pradesh became the first state in the northeast to
implement e-Cabinet solution for the state cabinet members.
It is a powerful governance tool that will be used to
streamline its decision-making process. Using this system,
state cabinet members can access the cabinet notes before the
meeting. The e-Cabinet system is being implemented by the state department of Information
Technology and Communication. Entire business of the Cabinet can be conducted using the e-
Cabinet solution. It will help ministers prepare for cabinet meetings, conduct them and review
minutes, entirely without paper.
81st National Badminton Championship Winners
Sourabh Verma has won the men’s singles title in the
81st Senior National Badminton Championships
tournament. In the final match, held at Patna (Bihar,
he defeated Lakshya Sen by 21-13, 21-12 score.
Other Category winners
Women’s Singles title: Rituparna Das won the
Women’s Singles title by defeating Reshma Karthik by 21-12, 21-14 score.
Women’s doubles event: Duo of Aparna Balan and Prajakta Sawant won the title by defeating
the pair of Shikha Gautam and Sanyogita Ghorpade by 21-9, 21-11 score.
Men’s doubles event: Duo of Satwik Sai Raj and Chirag Shetty won the title by defeating Nand
Gopal K and Sanyam Shukla by 21-17, 16-21 and 21-16 score.
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Mixed doubles event: Duo of Satwik Sai Raj and Maneesha K won the title by defeating the
pair of Venkat Gaurav Prasad and Juhi Dewangan by 21-14, 21-18 score.
Scientists successfully test male contraceptive on monkeys
Scientists from California National Primate
Research Centre, US have successfully tested a new
male contraceptive ‘Vasalgel’ that blocks sperm
flow on monkeys. Now it is waiting for human
trials. During the animal trials, the Vasalgel
contraceptive provided effective birth control in
rhesus monkey groups for more than one year. It
brings the prospect of an alternative form of birth control for humans. The trial use of Vasalgel
in groups of rhesus macaques has confirmed the previous preclinical trail findings in rabbits on
the efficacy of the new contraceptive.
February 10, 2017
RBI to set up committee on strengthening cyber security
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to set up an inter-
disciplinary Standing Committee on cyber security to examine
various threats and suggest measures to deal with it. The
committee will suggest appropriate policy interventions to
strengthen cyber security and resilience in a bid to strengthen
cyber security system. Review the threats inherent in the existing or emerging technology on an
Current Affairs: February 2017
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ongoing basis. Study adoption of various security standards and protocols and also act as
interface with stakeholders. Suggest appropriate policy interventions to strengthen cyber
security and resilience.
Union Government not in favour of new law for CBI
The Union Government has turned down the recommendation of
Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee to come up
with a new law for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The
parliamentary committee has recommended replacing Delhi Special
Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946 which governs CBI.
Government stated that it might impinge on the federal structure of
the Constitution. Powers given to the CBI under the DSPE Act are not adequate considering the
pace of changing times as it has grown into a more dynamic agency specialising in prevention,
investigation and prosecution of crimes.
India to pitch Trade Facilitation in Services at WTO
India will make a presentation on the proposed Trade
Facilitation in Services (TFS) Agreement to World Trade
Organisation (WTO) Director General Roberto Azevedo and
India Inc. The global pact proposed by India to boost services
trade at the WTO-level aims to ease norms including those
relating to movement of foreign skilled workers and
professionals across borders for short-term work. The proposed services pact is similar to the
Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in Goods adopted by the WTO Members in 2014 at Bali
Summit to ease customs norms for boosting global goods trade.
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RBI to set up separate Enforcement Department
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to set up
separate Enforcement Department to effectively monitor
banks in case they violate regulations and speed up
regulatory compliance. The department will be operational
from April 1, 2017 i.e. the next financial year (2017-18). It
will mainly deal with the penalties imposed on banks for violation of norms. Currently, the
penalties are determined by the banking and non-banking supervision departments against
banks violating rules. The Enforcement Department will serve as centralised department to deal
with penalties imposed on banks. This will help RBI follow-up and maintain a record on banks
performance.
Union Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and France in S&T and Innovation
The Union Cabinet has been apprised of the signing of the
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of Cooperation in
the field of Science and Technology and innovation. The
MoU was signed between India’s Technology
Development Board (TDB), Department of Science &
Technology and France’s public Investment Bank
Bpifrance. The agreement will ensure exchange of best practices and setting up of coordinated
measures to foster technological exchanges. The exchanges under it will be through
collaboration between companies, organizations and institutions of France and India.
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Union Cabinet apprised of India-Vietnam space agreement
The Union Cabinet has been apprised of the Framework
Agreement between India and Vietnam on cooperation in
the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful
purposes. The Framework Agreement was signed in
September 2016. It will enable pursuing the potential
interest areas of cooperation such as space science,
technology and applications between both countries. The agreement covers cooperation in
remote sensing of the earth, satellite communication and satellite-based navigation; space
science and planetary exploration.
Surgeon Raghu Ram awarded 2016 B C Roy Award
Dr P Raghu Ram, President of Association of Breast Surgeons of
India was awarded prestigious Dr B C Roy national award for
outstanding service in the field of socio-medical relief for 2016.
The award will be conferred on him by President Pranab
Mukherjee on the occasion of the Doctors day observed every
year on 1st July. He is claimed to be the youngest surgeon ever
from the Telugu states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) to
receive this award. The award recognises Dr Rams significant
contribution towards improving the delivery of breast health care in India.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and Senegal in Health and Medicine
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
approved signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between
India and Senegal in the field of Health and Medicine. Both countries
will set up a Working Group to further elaborate the details of
cooperation and to oversee the implementation of this MoU.
The main areas of cooperation under MoU
Integrated Disease Surveillance.
Medical Research.
Hospital Management.
Emergency Relief.
Drugs and Pharmaceutical products and hospital equipments.
AIDS Control.
Traditional Medicine.
Any other areas of mutual interest.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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February 11, 2017
India and UK sign MoU to ease restrictions on number of scheduled flights
India and United Kingdom (UK) have signed a
MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to ease
restrictions on the number of scheduled flights
between the two countries. The MoU was formally
signed by Union Minister of Civil Aviation
Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju on behalf of India
and Lord Tariq Ahmad of UK during his visit to India. Limits on flights from key Indian cities
including Chennai and Kolkata have been scrapped, allowing for a greater range of flights for
passengers while providing a boost to trade and tourism for the UK and India.
Kerala’s Nilambur teak to get GI tag
Kerala’s Nilambur teak known internationally for
its superior timber quality and elegant appearance
will be added to the list of Kerala produces with
the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. In this
regard, IPR Cell of the Kerala Agricultural
University (KAU) with the support of the Nilambur Teak Heritage Society, the Kerala Forest
Research Institute (KFRI) and the Department of Forests have applied for GI tag. Britishers were
first to identify the superior and unique quality of teak from Kerala’s Nilambur plantations and
forests. Later, the region became the major supplier of quality teak in the world.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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ISRO develops Telemetry and Telecommand Processor
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has
indigenously developed Telemetry & Telecommand
Processor (TTCP) and its productionisation will be initiated
with the help of Indian industry. The processor
development was undertaken up by ISRO as part of ‘Make
in India’ campaign to replace the expensive imported
equipment necessary for uplinking and downlinking to satellites. TTCP has been developed by
Bengaluru based of ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC). Besides, Spacecraft Checkout Group of ISAC
is responsible for testing it. It will be used by ISRO in Integrated Spacecraft Testing of Low
Earth Orbit, Geostationary Orbit and Interplanetary Spacecraft.
HRD ministry constitute sub-committee of CABE on issues of girl’s education
The Union Human Resource Development (HRD)
Ministry has constituted a sub-committee of Central
Advisory Board of Education (CABE) to look into issues
of girl’s education. It will be headed by Telangana’s
Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister
Kadiyam Srihari. It will submit its report to the Union government within one year. Examine
reasons for low participation of girls in education, including the socio-economic factors with
resultant gender bias and suggest ways to reduce gender disparity to achieve better gender
parity index.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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Union Commerce Ministry approves Revenue Insurance Scheme for Plantation
Crops
The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched pilot Revenue Insurance Scheme
for Plantation Crops (RISPC) for protecting the growers
from the risks such as pest attacks, yield loss and income
decline caused by fall in prices. It was announced by
Union Minister of State (MoS) Commerce and Industry
Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
RISPC announced in September 2016 is improved form of
the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) Scheme, 2003 which was closed 2013. It was launched for
protecting growers of plantation crops from twin risks of yield loss due to pest attacks, adverse
weather parameters etc. and income loss caused by fall in domestic and international prices.
World’s first Braille Atlas for visually impaired persons released in New Delhi
The Union Minister for Science & Technology
and Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan released
the Special Edition of ‚Atlas for Visually
Impaired (India)‛ in English Braille in New
Delhi. This Braille Atlas has been prepared by
National Atlas and Thematic Mapping
Organisation (NATMO) under Department of S&T. It is world’s first braille atlas for the visually
impaired. In the Braille Atlas, maps are raised and embossed with simple point and lines
symbols to facilitate users to realize the location and area coverage easily in terms of
distinguishable shapes and textures. It is made using indigenously developed silk-screen
Current Affairs: February 2017
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painting technology. The legend and reference is also placed on map in Braille script to navigate
map.
Government unveils first phase of Station Redevelopment Programme
Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu unveiled the
first phase of the ambitious Station Redevelopment
Programme. It is the world’s largest transit-oriented
development programme ever executed. As part this
programme, tenders are being floated for 23 of a total
of the total 400 A1 and A category stations selected
re-developing in the first phase. Stations being modernised in 1st phase: Lokmanya Tilak, Pune,
Visakhapatnam, Thane,Howrah, Faridabad, Jammu Tawi, Kamakhya, Secunderabad, Udaipur
City, Vijaywada, Chennai Central, Ranchi, Kozhikode, Bangalore Cantt, Yesvantpur, Bhopal,
Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, Borivali and Indore.
February 12, 2017
India ranks 43rd out of 45 nations in 2017 International Intellectual Property Index
India ranked low 43rd among the surveyed 45 nations in 2017
International Intellectual Property Index (IIPI). In this edition, India is
just above Pakistan (44th) and Venezuela (45th). The fifth annual index
was released by US Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual
Property Centre (GIPC) in its report titled ‘The Roots of Innovation’.
This year the index includes 90% of global gross domestic product (GDP) and seven new
Current Affairs: February 2017
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economies Egypt, Hungary, Kenya, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Spain were
included. India scored a meagre 8.75 out of a total of 35 points, falling significantly behind the
median score of 15.39. Besides, the average score of India’s regional neighbours was 17.64.
Government to set up Defence Procurement Organisation
The Union Government is planning to set up a Defence
Procurement Organisation (DPO), new procurement body to
integrate and streamline the long and arduous process of
defence acquisitions. The DPO will be a vertical under the
Union Defence Ministry. It will simplify the defence purchase
procedure by integrating procurement processes. Government
has modified several times the Defence Procurement Process, which applies to all defence
capital procurements to bring in transparency and speed up acquisitions.
National Deworming Day is observed on February 10
The National Deworming Day is observed every year on
February 10 with main objective to combat parasitic
worm infections among preschool and school-age
children across India. This year it is third edition of the
observance of this day after it was launched in 2015 by
the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The goal of the day is to deworm
all preschool and school-age children between the ages of 1-19 years in order to improve their
overall health, cognitive development, nutritional status and quality of life. On this day,
Albendazole tablets are given to all targeted children. This year for the first time, deworming
tablets were given to the private schools children also.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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Pakistan’s naval exercise Aman 2017 begins in Karachi
The Pakistan Navy has kicked of its biannually-held
multinational AMAN 2017 naval exercise in Karachi,
Pakistan. 37 countries are participating in the international
event. Aman-17 is the fifth edition such exercise which
Pakistan has been holding biannually since 2007. Previous
exercises were held in 2007, 2009, 20011, and 2013, and
2016 respectively. The theme of AMAN 2017 is ‚together for peace‛. It is intended to devise
procedures and techniques against conventional and non-conventional threats. The naval
exercise aims at enhancing efforts to combating piracy and protecting international trade routes.
It is divided into two phases viz. Harbor phase and Sea phase.
Government constitutes inter-departmental task force to crack down on benami
firms
The Union Government has constituted inter-departmental task force comprising members of
various regulatory Ministries and enforcement agencies
to crack down on benami firms. It is first major post-
demonetisation move undertaken by Government for
unearthing black money from shell companies used for
large-scale money laundering and tax evasion. The task
force will be headed by Revenue Secretary and
Corporate Affairs Secretary to monitor the actions taken by various agencies. The involved
agencies will invoke the stringent Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016
Current Affairs: February 2017
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against the shell companies and freeze their accounts and strike off the names of dormant
companies.
February 13, 2017
Senior IAS officer Ajay Tyagi appointed as SEBI Chairman
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has
appointed senior bureaucrat Ajay Tyagi (58) as the new
chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(SEBI). Mr. Tyagi will have tenure of 5 years or till the age
of 65 years or until further orders. He will succeed UK
Sinha whose term ends on March 1, 2017. His name was
recommended by the search-cum-selection panel headed by the cabinet secretary along with
some other candidates. Ajay Tyagi is 1984 batch IAS (Indian Administrative Services) officer of
Himachal Pradesh cadre. Prior to this appointment, he was Additional secretary (investment) in
the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, handling the capital market division.
Union Government plans to invest Rs.2,200 crore in electronic technology start-
ups
The Union Government is targeting an investment
of about Rs. 2,200 crore in start-ups working on new
technologies in the electronic sector under the
Electronics Development Fund (EDF) by 2019. This
Current Affairs: February 2017
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investment aims at creating an eco-system to make India a global hub for electronics
manufacturing. Earlier, Government had approved Rs.681 crore as seed capital for building a
total corpus of over Rs 6,800 crore under the EDF meant to support entrepreneurship and
innovation in electronics and IT.
National Productivity Day is observed on February 12
The National Productivity Day is observed every year on
February 12. Besides, February 12-18 is observed as National
Productivity week throughout the country. The main
observance of day is organised by National Productivity
Council (NPC) for encouraging all stakeholders in
implementation of productivity tools and techniques with
contemporary relevant themes. 2017 Theme of National Productivity Week: ‚From Waste to
Profits-through Reduce, Recycle and Reuse‛. To mark this day, various workshops,
essay/slogan/painting competitions, training programs, debates are organized during the week
to spread the message of productivity.
AAD interceptor missile successfully test-fired
Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile
dubbed as Ashwin was successfully test-fired from
launching complex-IV of Dhamara Abdul Kalam
defence base off Odisha coast. The test assed missile’s
killing capability by intercepting a target, mimicking
an incoming enemy missile in mid-air. The success of test has boosted India’s position in the
exclusive club of AAD countries United States, Russia and Israel. The interceptor missile is a
Current Affairs: February 2017
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7.5-metre-long single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile. It is equipped with a
navigation system, a hi-tech computer, inertial navigation system and an electro-mechanical
activator.
February 14, 2017
Government to come out with 2nd PSB recapitalization plan Indradhanush 2.0
The Union Government is planning to come out with ‘Indradhanush
2.0’, a comprehensive plan for recapitalization of public sector
lenders. Indradhanush 2.0 will be finalized by Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) after completion of Asset Quality Review (AQR) which is
likely to be completed by end of March 2017. It aims to clean up the
balance sheets of PSBs to ensure banks remain solvent and fully
comply with global capital adequacy norms, Basel-III. Besides, revised programme of
capitalisation will be also issued as part of it.
World Radio Day is observed on February 13
The World Radio Day is observed every year on 13th February to
celebrate radio as the medium for entertainment, information and
the mode for communication. 2017 Theme: ‚Radio is You‛. It is a call
for greater participation of audiences and communities in the policy
and planning of radio broadcasting. Significance of Day: It marks
global celebration of radio as a forum for information and
entertainment that helps to bridge communication gap for remote communities and
Current Affairs: February 2017
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empowering people. It also provides an opportunity to honour radio’s importance to bring
communities together and promote positive dialogue for change. To mark this day, United
Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organizes different
activities with broadcasters, organizations and communities around the world.
INS Sarvekshak becomes India’s first ship to go green
Indian Navy’s survey vessel INS Sarvekshak, based at the
Southern Naval Command in Kochi became the first naval
ship to go green by installing a solar power system on board.
It has innovatively deployed the zero-maintenance solar
power system, capable of generating 5.4KW electricity and
replacing the ship’s traditional 4.4KW emergency diesel
alternator. The solar power generating system has been installed by customising and installing
‘razor-thin, flexible’ solar panels on the canopy of its telescopic (retractable) helicopter deck. It
has light weight, extra-thin and flexible unbreakable solar panels imported from US along with
no-fume solid electrolyte batterie.
India to host counter-radicalisation conference with ASEAN
India is planning to host a conference on counter-
radicalisation with the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) in October 2017. It will
provide common platform to countries for sharing
experiences and ideas on prevention of
radicalisation amid rise of Islamic State and other extremist ideologies. This conference will also
help participating countries to learn from each other’s best practices on promoting
Current Affairs: February 2017
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deradicalisation. It will mainly deal with the growing IS threat and make effort to counter
radicalisation and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred and terrorism
February 15, 2017
70th BAFTA Awards 2017
The 70th British Academy of Film and Television Arts
(BAFTA) Awards ceremony was held at the Royal
Albert Hall in London. This year the BAFTA awards
were conferred for the outstanding performances in
films and documentaries screened at British Cinemas
in 2016. La La Land won the most awards at the event, winning five and was also most
nominated in 11 categories.
Winners are
Best Film: La La Land
Best Director: Damien Chazelle (La La Land)
Best Actor: Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea)
Best Actress: Emma Stone (La La Land)
Best Supporting Actor: Dev Patel (Lion)
Best Supporting Actress: Viola Davis (Fences)
Best Original Music: La La Land
Best Original Screenplay: Manchester by the Sea
Best Adapted Screenplay: Lion
Best Cinematography: La La Land
Best Editing: Hacksaw Ridge
Best British Short Film: Home
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Best British Film: I, Daniel Blake
Best Film Not in the English Language: Son of Saul
Best Documentary: 13th
Best Animated Film: Kubo and the Two Strings
Best Costume Design: Jackie
59th Grammy awards 2017
The 59th Annual Grammy Awards were
announced by the Recording Academy
announced at the Staples Center in Los Angeles,
California. The ceremony recognized the best
recordings, compositions, and artists of the
eligibility year from October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016. In this edition of awards, British
singer Adele won the most awards in 5 different categories. She also created history by
becoming first artist to win the top three categories twice (for first time in 2012).
Winners are
Album of the year: 25 – Adele
Record of the year: Hello – Adele
Song of the year: Hello – Adele
Best rap album: Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book
Best urban contemporary album: Beyonce – Lemonade
Best country solo performance: My Church – Maren Morris
Best rock song: Blackstar – David Bowie
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Karnataka passes Bill to allow Kambala and bullock-cart racing
Karnataka Assembly has passed Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2017 to allow
kambala, the traditional buffalo race and bullock-cart
racing. The bill seeks to exempt kambala and bullock-cart
racing from the ambit of Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. Governor Vajubhai R. Vala
may refer the Bill to President for his assent as it amends central law. In November 2016, the
Karnataka high court had banned the kambala along with bull-cart race in the state while
hearing a case filed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) citing animal
cruelty.
Reliance Defence signs warship repair pact with US Navy
Anil Ambani group led Reliance Defence and
Engineering Limited (RDEL) has signed a Master Ship
Repair Agreement (MSRA) with the US Navy to
provide repair and alteration services for ships of the
Seventh Fleet. With this, RDEL became first Indian
company (either public or private) to provide logistical
support to the US military within Indian territory. Under this agreement, RDEL will maintain
the vessels of US Seventh Fleet involving 100 vessels operating in the Indian Ocean. The signing
of a MSRA agreement is a follow-up to the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement
(LEMOA) signed between India and US in August 2016.
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India’s first floating elementary school inaugurated on Manipur’s Loktak Lake
India’s first floating elementary school named
Loktak Elementary Floating School was
inaugurated at Langolsabi Leikai of Champu
Khangpok floating village on Loktak Lake in
Manipur. The first of its kind school aims to
provide education to drop outs students as well as illiterate adults. Currently it will provide
education to around 40 children from Class I-III by engaging two local teachers. It was opened
under the initiative undertaken by All Loktak Lake Fisherman’s Union with the support of an
NGO People Resources Development Association (PRDA). The school was established to arrest
the sudden high dropout rate of children living in the Champu Khangpok floating villages who
were rendered homeless due to the recent evacuation of phumdis.
DAE plans to develop uranium deposits in Meghalaya: Government
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has planned to develop
large deposits of uranium found in Meghalaya to tap its potential to
generate substantial nuclear fuel for atomic power plants in the
country. It was announced by Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State
(MoS) in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), which looks after DAE, in
a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha. Uranium mineralization has been found over
a large area around Domiasiat, Lostoin, Wahkyn etc in the northeastern state of DAE’s Uranium
Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL) already has made a plan to develop the uranium resources at
Domiasiat under the name of Kylleng Phendengsohiong Mawthabah (KPM) Uranium Mining
Project.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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February 16, 2017
ISRO successfully launches record 104 satellites in single mission
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) created
history by successfully launching a record 104 satellites
in single mission. These satellites were launched on
board of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C37, on its
39th mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre,
Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.’ Of the total 104 satellites,
three were Indian and remaining 101 belonged to international customers. India’s three
satellites included earth-mapping Cartosat-2 satellite (main payload) and nanosatellites INS-1A
and INS-1B.
FSSAI constitutes Panel on Food Fortification and Nutrition
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
has constituted a Panel on Food Fortification and Nutrition to
identify critical nutritional gaps in the Indian diet in general
and also in specific target groups. The 11 member panel will
frame final regulations on fortification of foods and prepare
strategies to address malnutrition problem. The Panel will
identify critical nutritional gaps in the Indian diet in general and also in specific target groups
based on credible scientific evidence and diet surveys. It will review the standards required for
all suitable food fortifying vehicles in addition to healthy dietary intake of sugar, fat and salt.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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IAF inducts indigenous early warning system NETRA
The Indian Airforce (IAG) has formally inducted the first
indigenously built Airborne Early Warning and Control
System (AEW&C) dubbed as NETRA. The AEW&C
NETRA has been indigenously developed by the
Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO). It was unveiled at the 2017 Aero India
exhibition held in Bengaluru, Karnataka. AEW&C are airborne radar systems mounted on a
carrier jet for airborne surveillance system i.e. to detect and track aircraft, missiles, ships and
vehicles and provide command and control to direct friendly forces.
India joins UN network to halve maternal, newborn deaths
India has joined Network for Improving Quality of Care
for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, a global health
network focused on improving the quality of care for new
mothers and babies. The network is supported by World
Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations International
Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners. India is among nine countries that will be part of
the network. Other countries are Bangladesh, A Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi,
Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda. Under this network, countries will work to improve the quality
of health care facilities to mothers and babies. They will strengthen national efforts to end
preventable deaths of pregnant women and newborns by 2030.
Current Affairs: February 2017
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Scientists develop Thubber, stretchable rubber material with high thermal
conductivity
Scientists have developed novel rubber like material nicknamed ‘thubber’ which has high
thermal conductivity and elasticity. It is an electrically insulating
composite material that exhibits an unprecedented combination of
metal-like thermal conductivity, elasticity similar to soft, biological
tissue. Thubber consists of a soft elastomer with non-toxic, liquid
metal microdroplets suspended within it. This semi-liquid state
allows the metal to deform with the surrounding rubber at room
temperature. When it is pre-stretched at room temperature, it stretches up to six times its initial
length. During this phase, liquid metal microdroplets form into elongated pathways through
which heat can easily travel through. At the same time, the material is electrically insulating.
IMF opens technical assistance and training centre SARTTAC in New Delhi
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has opened a
first-of-its-kind South Asia Training and Technical
Assistance Centre (SARTTAC) in New Delhi for
economic capacity building in South Asia. It will work to
support local member countries of South Asia viz. India,
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka to
build human and institutional capacity and implement policies for growth and poverty
reduction.
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Scientists discover 1970s banned chemicals in deep ocean fauna
Scientists for the first time have found high levels of
human-made pollutants, including chemicals that were
banned in the 1970s, in the tissues of marine creatures
dwelling in the deepest oceans of the Earth. These
chemicals were discovered after sampling amphipods
from the Pacific Ocean’s Mariana and Kermadec
trenches, which are over 10 km deep and 7,000 km apart. Researchers found presence of
extremely high levels of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the organism’s fatty tissue.
These POPs include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers
(PBDEs) which are commonly used as electrical insulators and flame retardants.
No need to stand if National Anthem is part of film: SC
The Supreme Court has clarified that there is no need
to stand inside a cinema hall when the national
anthem is featured as a part of a film, documentary or
a newsreel. This is second clarification issued by SC
on its November 2016 order, directing all persons to
stand up when the national anthem is sung or played in a cinema theatre. The apex court’s
clarification came after several applications were filed on the question, including from the
Kodungallur Film Society and the Conference for Human Rights. Earlier in December 2016, SC
had issued first modification to its order to exempt physically challenged or handicapped
persons from standing up when national anthem is played before film screenings.
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February 17, 2017
Union Cabinet approves merger of SBI, 5 associate banks
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi has approved the merger of State Bank
of India (SBI) with five of its associate/subsidiary banks.
These five subsidiary banks are State Bank of Bikaner
and Jaipur, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of
Mysore, State Bank of Patiala and State Bank of
Travancore. The Union Cabinet also approved the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to repeal
the State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks) Act, 1959 and the State Bank of Hyderabad Act, 1956.
Union Cabinet approves bill to amend Collection of Statistics Act, 2008
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi has approved introduction of Bill in
Parliament to extend the jurisdiction of the Collection of
Statistics Act, 2008 to Jammu & Kashmir. The
Amendment will be pertained to statistics under Union
(List-I) and Concurrent lists (List- III) in the Seventh
Schedule to the Constitution and Constitution (Application to Jammu & Kashmir) Order, 1954.
It will strengthen data collection mechanism in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. It will extend the
jurisdiction of the parent Act to J&K in respect of matters not reserved for the State as per the
1954 Order.
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Government launches TAMRA Portal and Mobile App
The Ministry of Mines has launched Transparency,
Auction Monitoring and Resource Augmentation
(TAMRA) Portal and Mobile Application to ensure
transparent award of statutory Clearances for
mining operations The TAMRA platform was
simultaneously launched across 12 mineral rich states as a part of the Ease of Doing Business in
the Mining sector and to double mining contribution to GDP. The TAMRA covers block-wise,
state-wise and mineral-wise information of mines to be auctioned. It monitors various statutory
clearances and also highlights the additional resources generated through e-auction.
Union Cabinet approves establishment of Food Legumes Research Platform at
Amlaha
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved establishment of
Food Legumes Research Platform (FLRP) at Amlaha in Sehore,
Madhya Pradesh with Satellite Hubs in West Bengal and Rajasthan.
Cabinet approval confers FLRP an international status as
contemplated in Clause 3 of the United Nations (Privileges and
Immunities) Act, 1947. It authorizes the Department of Agricultural
Research (DARE) on behalf of Union Government in all matters regarding establishment of the
Platform. The FLRP will be established by International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry
Areas (ICARDA) for meeting the emerging food security challenges.
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CCEA approves contract awards for 44 small oil and gas fields
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
has approved to award contract in 31 contract areas of
small oil and gas fields belonging to ONGC and Oil
India Limited (OIL) The contract areas include 44 fields,
28 inland and 16 offshore. The will be awarded under
Discovered Small Field Policy bid round – 2016. The
award of contract is expected to provide faster development of oil and gas fields and facilitate
production of oil and gas thereby increasing energy security of the country. These areas were
discovered long back but could not be monetized due to various reasons such as isolated
locations, high development costs, small size of reserves, technological constraints, fiscal regime
etc.
February 18, 2017
India ranks 143rd in 2017 Economic Freedom Index
India was ranked 143rd out of 186 economies in the
annual Index of Economic Freedom 2017 that
measures the degree of economic freedom in the
countries of the world. The index was released by
top US based Think Tank, The Heritage Foundation.
In this edition, India’s overall score was 52.6 points, 3.6 points less than scored in 2016 when it
was ranked 123rd. The Index of Economic Freedom ranks countries based on score ranging 0 to
100, with 0 being the least free and 100 the most free. The score is based on ten factors of
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economic freedom, separated into four categories, using statistics from international
organizations like World Bank, IMF, Economist Intelligence Unit and Transparency
International.
RBI allows multilateral FIs to invest in masala bonds
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted
multilateral and regional financial institutions (FIs) to
invest in ‘masala bonds’, rupee denominated bonds
issued by Indian entities. This decision will allow
multilateral agencies like Asian Development Bank
(ADB) and BRICS led New Development Bank (NDB)
to invest in these bonds. It also provides more choices
of investors to Indian entities issuing rupee-denominated bonds abroad. The Masala bonds refer
to rupee-denominated bonds through which Indian entities can raise money from foreign
markets in rupee, and not in foreign currency.
Hindi Scholar and writer Surendra Verma selected for 2016 Vyas Samman award
Renowned Hindi Scholar, litterateur and playwright Surendra Verma
(75) was selected for the prestigious Vyas Samman 2016. He was
chosen for this award for his novel Kaatna Shami Ka Vriksha : Padma
Pankhuri Ki Dhar Se, published in 2010. Born on September 7, 1941 in
Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh He had started his career as a teacher and later
writing stories. His first play was Surya ki antim kiran sesurya kipahli kiran tak (From the Sun’s
Last Ray to the Sun’s First Ray`). It has been translated in six different languages So far he has
published fifteen titles of short stories, novels, satires and play. Some of them Mujhe Chand
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Chahiyae, Surya Ki Antim Kiran Se Surya Ki Pahli Kiran Tak, Athwan Sarg and Qaid-e-Hayat
etc.
SC introduces Middle Income Group Scheme
The Supreme Court has introduced Middle Income
Group Scheme, (MIGS) a self-supporting scheme for
providing legal services to the middle and relatively
lower income groups. Under this scheme, middle class
people who cannot afford the expensive litigation in the
apex can avail the services of the society for a nominal
amount. MIGS is a self-supporting scheme that will provide legal services to the middle income
group citizens whose gross income does not exceed Rs.60, 000 per month or Rs. 7, 50, 000 per
annum. A case will be registered under the MIG Legal Aid Scheme and forwarded to Advocate-
on-Record/ Senior Counsel/Arguing Counsel on the panel for their opinion.
Edappadi K Palaniswamy sworn-in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Edappadi K Palaniswamy was sworn in as the 13th
chief minister of Tamil Nadu. He was administered oath
of office and secrecy in a simple ceremony held at the
Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan in Chennai, state capital.
Along with Palaniswamy, 30 other ministers also took
oath, with the total strength of the cabinet at 31. Now
Palaniswamy will seek vote of confidence on the floor of the state Assembly. He is a senior
leader of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). At present, he
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incumbent Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Edapadi constituency in the Salem
district in Tamil Nadu.
February 19, 2017
ISRO successfully tests largest cryogenic engine for GSLV Mark III rocket
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has
successfully ground tested India’s largest
indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage
engine for GSLV Mark III. It was tested for full
10 minutes at ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion
Complex (ILPC) at Mahendragiri in Tirunelveli
district of Tamil Nadu. The C25 stage is the most powerful upper stage so far developed by
ISRO. It uses Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Hydrogen propellant combination stored at minus 253
degrees centigrade. The development of C25 cryogenic stage will provide ISRO capability to
launch 4 ton class satellites in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), an altitude where
satellites revolve in sync with Earth’s rotation.
Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS AYUSH commissioned
Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS AYUSH was
commissioned at Kochi, Kerala by Vice Admiral AR
Karwe, Flag Officer Commanding-in- Chief, Southern
Naval Command. ICGS AYUSH is the 20th and the
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last in the series of 20 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. ICGS AYUSH is
fitted with state-of- the-art navigational and communication equipment including Integrated
Bridge System (IBS) and Machinery Control System (MCS). The ship is capable of undertaking
multifarious tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue, anti-smuggling and
medical evacuation.
Indian Navy’s INSV Tarini inducted
Indian Navy’s second ocean-going sailboat INSV Tarini was
inducted at the INS Mandovi Boat Pool on Saturday in Goa.
INSV Tarini is a sloop built by Divar-based Aquarius Shipyard.
It is slated to be the platform for the Indian Navy’s first Indian
all-women circumnavigation of the globe expedition. INSV
(Indian Naval Sailing Vessel) Tarini has been built to a stock
design called called Tonga 56 by Van de Stadt, the Netherlands. It carries a suite of six sails,
including a main sail, head sails (Genoa and stay sails), downwind sails and storm sail.
Scientists develop high-quality graphene from soybean
Scientists from Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and
Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) have made
world’s strongest material graphene commercially more
viable by using soybean. They have developed a novel
‚GraphAir technology‛ which transforms soybean oil, a
renewable, natural material into graphene films in a single
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step. Earlier, graphene was produced in a highly-controlled environment with explosive
compressed gases that required long hours of operation at high temperatures and extensive
vacuum processing.
Maharashtra Government approves cloud seeding project for 2017 monsoon
Maharashtra Government has approved Rs. 250 crore Cloud
Seeding Programme during 2017 monsoon season to produce
sufficient rain. Under this programme, weather scientists using
aircrafts will spray chemicals (silver iodide) over clouds clouds
hovering above Solapur district, a rain shadow region of
Western Ghats in the state. This will be the first controlled
experiment to quantify the extent to which clouds form water drops large enough to make rain.
This programme, coordinated by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, will be the first
controlled experiment to quantify the extent to which clouds form water drops large enough to
make rain.
NRAI gets highest WHO ratings for vaccine regulations
India’s vaccine regulatory body NRAI (National Regulatory
Authority of India) was given the maximum ratings by the
World Health Organisation (WHO) for vaccine regulations.
The ratings were given by WHO after completing the
assessment of the status of the NRAI system against WHO
NRA Global Benchmarking Tool and measured the maturity
of the system in India. India is one of the main players in the pharmaceutical industry
worldwide and often is referred as pharmacy of the world. India, as a large vaccine producing
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country, is currently supplying several vaccines to the United Nations agencies (UNICEF, WHO
and PAHO)
February 20, 2017
Govt Cuts Tenure Of SEBI Chairman-Designate Ajay Tyagi By 2 Years
The government said that the tenure of the next
chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(Sebi), Ajay Tyagi, will ‚initially‛ be for three years. The
earlier order issued had said Tyagi’s term will be for a
period not exceeding five years or till the age of 65. A
government official said the latest order was issued to
clear up ambiguity on the length of the tenure. The new order said the term will be for an initial
three-year perio.
South Asian Speakers’ Summit starts in Indore
Speakers of six countries will deliberate on ways to achieve
sustainable development goals during a two-day South
Asian Speakers' Summit. The summit, was inaugurated by
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Saturday, will be
attended by presiding officers and delegates from
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and
Nepal. It will conclude with the adoption of an 'Indore
Declaration' - laying down the outcome of the discussions and action points agreed upon by the
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participants - at a closing ceremony. The summit will have a plenary session on 'Identifying
Resources for SDGs Implementation in South Asia: Opportunities for Parliamentary
Cooperation' on the inaugural day.
India bag silver medal at women’s Asian Rugby Sevens Trophy
India won the silver medal at the women’s
Asian Rugby Sevens Trophy having won five
matches and lost one. In the seven-nation round-
robin competition, India defeated Laos 22-7,
Philippines 12-5, Nepal 43-0 and Malaysia by 26-
12. On the second day, India defeated Pakistan
by 5-0 and in the last match were beaten by South Korea by 0-29. As per Asia Rugby’s
tournament statistics, Indian Hupi Majhi was one amongst the top three Try Scorers of the
tournament and Meerarani Hembram was the third highest in the conversions. The sterling
performance that this power-packed team of women has showcased at an international level
has made India proud. Tremendous potential for women’s rugby to grow heaps and bounds in
our country and make our mark globally.
SIB wins award for tech security practices
South Indian Bank (SIB) was awarded with ISO 27001:
2013 certification for its Information Security
Management System (ISMS). The certification process
involved an extensive audit, conducted by British
Standards Institution (BSI) against the criteria set out by
the ISO 27001:2013 standards on various domains of IT functions. The award demonstrates
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SIB’s total commitment to benchmarking technology framework and processes with
international standards and commitment to long term vision for security best practices. SIB
already has received ISO 9001 Quality Management certification for its Credit Department,
Personnel Department and Data Centre. ISMS is set of policies and procedures for
systematically managing an organization’s sensitive data. Its goal is to minimize risk and ensure
business continuity by pro-actively by limiting the impact of a security breach.
Canara Bank inks MoU with HRD Ministry to start HEFA
Canara Bank has signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) with Union Ministry of Human
Resource Development (MHRD) to operationalise the
Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA). It will allow
MHRD and Canara Bank to jointly promote HEFA with
an authorised capital of Rs. 2,000 crore. HEFA is a special purpose vehicle that aims to give a
major push for the creation of high quality infrastructure and capital assets in premier
educational institutions. It will leverage equity to raise up to Rs. 20,000 crore for funding
infrastructure and development projects for setting up world class Labs in IITs/IIMs/NITs and
such other institutions. It will also mobilise CSR funds from corporates/PSUs which will in turn
be released for promoting research and innovation in these institutions on a grant basis.
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February 21, 2017
Scientists claim discovery of Zealandia a submerged continent in Pacific Ocean
Geologists have claimed discovery of new geological
continent named Zealandia submerged beneath the south-
west Pacific Ocean. Zealandia is around 4.5-million square
km land mass and is 94% under water. Only its highest
points — New Zealand and New Caledonia are visible.
Zealandia is two-thirds the size of Australia and spreads out over 4.9-million-square kilometres
of continental crust. It was once a part of Australia. It is believed that it had broken off from
Antarctica about 100 million years ago, and then from Australia about 80 million years ago as
part of the breakup of super-continent Gondwanaland and sank beneath sea.
Barren Island: India’s only live volcano active again
According to scientists from Goa based National
Institute of Oceanography (NIO), India’s only live
volcano at Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar
has become active again. After lying dormant for 150
years, Barren Island volcano had erupted in 1991 and
since then it is showing sporadic activity. Now it is erupting in small episodes of five to 10
minutes. According to scientists, the active Barren island volcano is spewing smoke, ash and
lava once again. It is claimed that volcanoes is erupting the rising magma formed deep in the
mantle due to the melting of the subducted Indian Ocean crust.
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Researchers develop first stretchable integrated circuit using an inkjet printer
Researchers from US based Michigan State University
have developed the first stretchable integrated circuit
(IC) made entirely using an inkjet printer. This elastic
material is made up of several materials fabricated from
nanomaterials and organic compounds. These
compounds are dissolved in solution to produce
different electronic inks, which can easily run through printer to make devices. Using the ink,
the researchers have successfully created the elastic material, the circuit and the organic light-
emitting diode (OLED). The next step is combining the circuit and OLED into a single pixel.
World Day of Social Justice is observed on February 20
The World Day of Social Justice is observed every year on
February 20 to recognize the need to promote efforts to tackle
issues such as poverty, exclusion and unemployment. To
mark this occasion, UN and International Labour Office had
organised several organisations to spread importance of
social justice for people. 2017 Theme: ‚Preventing conflict
and sustaining peace through decent work‛. According to UN, social justice means removal of
barriers that people face in the name of ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability and culture.
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GST council approves law to compensate states for revenue loss
The GST Council has approved a law to
compensate states for any loss of revenue from the
implementation of the new nationwide indirect
taxation regime. The meeting was held in Udaipur,
Rajasthan first time outside national capital. It was
headed by Union Finance Minister and attended
by representatives from all states. GST is a consumption based indirect tax levied on sale,
manufacture and consumption on goods and services at a national level. It will replace a
plethora of central and state indirect taxes. The Compensation Law provides compensation to
states that will incur losses because of implementation of the Goods and Service Tax (GST) in
the first five years.
February 22, 2017
India, Rwanda sign MoUs in innovation, aviation and visa requirements
India and Rwanda have inked three agreements in the
fields of innovation, aviation and visa requirements to
boost bilateral relations. These agreements were signed
in Kigali in the presence of Vice President Mohammed
Hamid Ansari and Rwandan Prime Minister Anastase
Murekezi during a business forum meet. Vice President
is the first Indian leader to officially visit Rwanda. He launched India-Rwanda innovation
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growth programme. Bilateral air service agreement between two countries. Agreement for
exemption of visa requirements for diplomatic and service passports.
Government launches SAATHIYA Resource Kit and SAATHIYA SALAH mobile
app for adolescents
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched SAATHIYA Resource Kit and
SAATHIYA SALAH mobile app for adolescents
as part of the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya
Karyakram (RKSK) programme. The kit and app
will help Peer Educators (Saathiyas) who are
introduced under the RKSK programme. The
Saathiyas act as catalyst for generating demand
for adolescent health services and also impart age appropriate knowledge on key adolescent
health issues to their peer groups. India is home to 253 million adolescents which is largest in
the world in terms of absolute numbers. Their health and wellness is utmost priority as they
are the critical mass of asset which in future will be the biggest demographic dividends to the
country’s economy.
Government announces expansion of rotavirus vaccine in 5 states
The Union Government has announced the expansion of rotavirus
vaccine in five additional states under Universal Immunisation
Programme (UIP). They are Assam, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh,
Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. The announcement comes after 38 lakh
children were vaccinated when the vaccine was first introduced in
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four states – Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The rotavirus is one of
the most common causes of severe diarrhoea in children less than 2 years of age. It is one of the
biggest killers in children in India. It is responsible for nearly 78,000 deaths, 32 lakh out-patient
visits and nearly 9 lakh hospitalizations every year.
Government releases new format for recording, reporting road accident data
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released the
new format for recording and reporting road accident data. The
uniform accident-recording format has been drawn on the lines of
developed countries. It has been forwarded to all state police and
transport departments for adaptation and to furnish annual road
accident data. Police, transport department and other agencies rather merely putting blame on
driver, should consider factor in circumstances such as road conditions, visibility, signage and
weather that led to an accident first. The concerned authorities will have to furnish five-point
information regarding every accident, which will be monitored centrally.
Gujarat Assembly passes Aadhaar Bill, 2017
The Gujarat Assembly has passed Gujarat Aadhaar
(Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies,
Benefits and Services) Bill, 2017. The bill seeks to
empower the state government to use Aadhaar number
as the sole identifier for the delivery of various
subsidies and benefits in an effective and targeted
manner. By linking the Aadhhaar number with various schemes will help the state government
create a credible system to authenticate the identity of actual beneficiaries. As of now, Gujarat
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government provides various subsidies and financial assistance to the citizens under 119
schemes using RTGS or through cheques.
MoU signed for welfare of Handicraft Artisans belonging to Scheduled Castes
The Union Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment have signed MoU to step up interventions for the
welfare and economic development of scheduled caste artisans. The
MoU was signed between Development Commissioner (Handicrafts),
Ministry of Textiles and National Scheduled Castes Finance and
Development Corporation (NSFDC), a CPSU under Ministry of Social Justice. Continuous and
extensive collaboration between NSFDC and Office of DC (Handicrafts). Assessment and gap
identification through popularising various schemes by holding awareness camps.
February 23, 2017
Government launches Bharat QR code
The Union Government has launched Bharat QR
code, a quick response (QR) code to enable digital
payments without card swiping machines. It is
world’s first interoperable payment acceptance
solution launched by Indian Government to move
towards less-cash economy. Bharat QR code has been
developed by jointly by National Payments
Corporation of India (NPCI), Visa, MasterCard and American Express under instructions from
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Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It works as common interface for the MasterCard/Visa/RuPay
platforms and also facilitate acceptance of Aadhaar-enabled payments and Unified Payments
Interface (UPI).
Government launches Cyber Swachhta Kendra in New Delhi
The Union Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology (MeitY) has launched
Cyber Swachhta Kendra in New Delhi for Botnet
cleaning and Malware analysis. It was launched
by Union Minister of Electronics and IT Ravi
Shankar Prasad as part of Union Government’s
ambitious digital India initiative to create a secure cyber space by detecting botnet infections.
Besides, minister also launched some cyber security tools. They are
USB Pratirodh: It is a desktop security solution to protect from USB mass storage device
threats.
AppSamvid: It is a desktop solution to protect systems by allowing installation of genuine
applications through white listing. It helps in preventing threats from malicious applications.
M-Kavach: It is an indigenously developed mobile application to address the security threats in
mobiles.
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Shurhozelie Liezitsu sworn-in as Chief Minister of Nagaland
Shurhozelie Liezitsu (81) was sworn-in as the 17th Chief
Minister of Nagaland. He was administered the oath of
office and secrecy by Governor PB Acharya at a
ceremony in the state capital Kohima. He succeeded TR
Zeliang, who had resigned as the Chief Minister
following widespread protests over reservation to women in local body elections. Besides CM,
10 other members of the Council also took oath. His political career spans over four decades
since he was first elected to the state assembly in 1969 from northern Angami-I constituency
under Kohima district. He also has served the office eight times, holding different ministerial
portfolios, including education and planning. He was the Minister for Higher education till
2013.
National Biodiversity Congress 2017 held in Kerala
The National Biodiversity Congress (NBC) 2017
was held in Thiruvananthapuram, capital of
Kerala. The event is hosted by the Kerala State
Biodiversity Board. NBC is one of the significant
biodiversity mega events of the country. It aims to
identify practical, evidence-based case studies at
the regional level to support the plan of action. The
focal theme of 2017 NBC was ‚Mainstreaming Biodiversity for Sustainable Development‛. This
edition of the event had organised array of programmes including exhibition, conference,
capacity building workshops and Children’s Biodiversity Congress. National Biodiversity
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Conference, governed by a national advisory committee comprising biodiversity conservation
experts was also held.
International Mother Language Day is observed on February 21
The International Mother Language Day (IMLD)
was observed across the world on 21 February to
promote awareness of linguistic,
multilingualism and cultural diversity. This year
it is the 17th anniversary of IMLD. The
observance of this day signifies importance of
mother language as the greatest weapon to express one’s feeling. Mother Language of one
country is the sign of independence of that country. 2017 Theme: ‚Towards Sustainable Futures
through Multilingual Education‛. The International Mother Language Day was instituted by
the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by passing resolution 61/266 in 2007. The
resolution had called upon member states ‚to promote the preservation and protection of all
languages used by peoples of the world. Since 2007, it is observed annually by member states to
promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
Government approves Phase II of coastal surveillance project
The Union Defence Ministry has given its nod to the
Phase II of coastal surveillance project to expand the
coastal radar surveillance network. It will strengthen
surveillance of over 7,500-km coastline of the country. The
decision was taken by the Defence Acquisition Council
(DAC), chaired by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. It also approved proposal of
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setting up of a shore-based intermediate engine repair facility for the Indian Navy’s MiG-29K
fighters at the Naval yard in Goa.
February 24, 2017
India-China first Strategic Dialogue held in Beijing
The first Strategic Dialogue between India and
China was held in Beijing, capital of China to
shore up bilateral ties. The meeting was co-
chaired by India’s Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar
and China’s Executive Vice Foreign minister
Zhang Yesui. The Strategic Dialogue mechanism
between both countries was agreed to during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India
in August 2016. In the first meeting, both countries discussed all issues of mutual interest in
bilateral, regional and international domain. They also discussed issues of mutual concern and
interest including friction points.
Astronomers discover 7 new Earth-sized exoplanets that may sustain life
Astronomers from NASA (National Aeronautics
and Space Administration) for the first time have
discovered seven new Earth-sized exoplanets that
may be able to sustain life. The planets were
detected using NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope
and several ground-based observatories
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including Trappist robotic telescope at La Silla, Chile. These exoplanets are orbiting dwarf star
named Trappist-1, which at 39 light years away. They could have some liquid water and maybe
supporting life. Of the seven planets, three are classified as TRAPPIST-1 e, f and g. These three
planets orbit in the habitable (so-called Goldilocks zone) where temperatures are suited to
surface oceans of liquid water.
CCEA approves doubling of solar power capacity to 40000 MW
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
has approved the enhancement of capacity from 20,000
MW to 40,000 MW of the Scheme for Development of
Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects. The
capacity of the solar park scheme was enhanced after
considering the demand for additional solar parks from the States. The enhanced capacity will
ensure setting up of at least 50 solar parks each with a capacity of 500 MW and above in various
parts of the country. All the States/UTs are eligible for benefits under the scheme. Under this
scheme, smaller parks will also be considered in Himalayan and other hilly States where
contiguous land may be difficult to acquire in view of the difficult terrain.
CCEA approves $854.4 million investment for 900-MW Arun 3 hydropower project
in Nepal
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved
investment for the generation component of 900-MW Arun 3
hydropower project for an estimated Rs. 5723.72 crore ($854.4 million).
The project is located on Arun River in Sankhuwasabha district of
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eastern Nepal. It is expected to be completed within five years from the date of financial closure,
which is planned for September 2017. The project is based on Run-of-River scheme that
envisages about 70 metre high concrete gravity dam and 74 Km Head Race Tunnel (HRT). It
also has underground Power House containing four generating units of 225 MW each on Left
Bank.
Union Cabinet apporves agreement between India and Poland for cooperation in
agriculture
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of an Agreement between India and
Poland on cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied
sectors. Decision in this regard was taken by the Union
Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi
in New Delhi. The agreement covers various activities in the
field of agriculture and allied sector including exchange of
information on the current situation in agriculture. It also includes exchange of information on
the phytosanitary conditions of crops, threats posed by harmful organisms and animal
infectious diseases.
Union Cabinet approves Air Services Agreement between India and Greece
Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
approved the signing of Air Services Agreement (ASA) between India
and Greece. At present there is no ASA between India and Greece. The
delegations both countries in September 2016 had finalized the text of
ASA. The agreement is as per latest International Civil Aviation.
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Under this agreement, both countries will be entitled to designate one or more airline. The
designated airlines of either country will have right to establish offices for the promotion end
sale of air services in the territory of the other country.
February 25, 2017
Sikkim becomes 22nd State to join UDAY
Sikkim became 22nd state in the country to join Union
Government’s Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana
(UDAY). In this regard, Central Government and the
state government have signed MoU for operational
improvement of Sikkim’s Power Distribution
Department. The MoU paves way to improve
operational efficiency of the Power Distribution department of the State. It will derive an
Overall Net Benefit of approximately Rs. 356 crores to the state. AT&C losses and transmission
losses in the state will be brought down through compulsory distribution transformer metering,
consumer indexing & GIS mapping of losses, upgrading transformers, meters etc.
CBEC launches mobile application for GST updates
The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has
launched a mobile application for Goods and Services
Tax (GST) to inform the taxpayers of the latest updates
on GST. The app has been launched inline Union
Government’s flagship Digital India initiative. It enables
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taxpayers to be well informed of the latest updates on GST. Draft Law-Model GST Law, IGST
Law and GST Compensation Law Migration to GST-Approach and guidelines for migration
Draft Rules-Rules related to Registration, Payment, Returns, Refund and Invoice. FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions) on GST Various resources on GST such a articles, videos etc.
Helpdesk/Email Contact.
Indian Railways unveils Antyodaya Express
Indian Railways has unveiled Antyodaya Express, a new
train for the unreserved passengers. It was unveiled by
Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in New Delhi’s
Safdarjang station. The first Antyodaya Express is slated to
start between Mumbai (Maharashtra) and Tatanagar
(Jharkhand) and second between Ernakulam and Howrah. The facilities provided in Antyodaya
coaches are similar in first class coaches in line with purpose of antyodaya which means
upliftment of Aam Aadmi (common man). The coaches of train are fully unreserved LHB (Linke
Hofmann Busch) second class coaches with additional safety features manufactured at the
Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
Bet Dwarka Darshan Circuit in Gujarat to be developed under HRIDAY
The Union Ministry of Urban Development approved
development of 6 km long Bet Dwarka Darshan Circuit in
Gujarat under Heritage City Development and Augmentation
Yojana (HRIDAY). Decision in this regard, was taken HRIDAY
National Empowered Committee meeting chaired by Urban
Development Secretary in New Delhi. The circuit will connect famous Dwarkadish Haveli and
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Hanuman Dandi (only temple housing Hanumanji and his son Makardhwaj) in Dwarka district
of Gujarat at a cost of Rs. 16.27 crore. There are two important water bodies along the circuit
viz., Shankhudhar Lake and Ranchod Talav. Under this project development works will be
undertaken along the circuit.
WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement comes into effect
The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in Goods of World Trade
Organisation (WTO) came into effect with its ratification by two-thirds
members of WTO including India. The TFA in Goods was adopted by
the WTO Members in 2014. It aims to streamline, simplify, standardise
and ease customs procedures and norms. It will help to cut trade costs
around the world. The TFA in Goods is the WTO’s first-ever multilateral accord that aims to
simplify customs regulations for the cross-border movement of goods.
India, Israel to develop MR-SAM missile system for Army
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a deal to
jointly develop a medium range surface-to-air missile (MR-
SAM) system for Army with help of Israel. The deal will be
executed by the Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI).
The approved deal is for five regiments of the MR-SAM system, which consists of 40 units and
200 missiles. It has a range of 50-70 km. The system will be based on the older Barak system of
Israel, which is in use in India. It will be manufactured in India and will have an 80%
indigenous content.
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February 26, 2017
PM Narendra Modi unveils 112 foot Shiva Statue in Coimbatore
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 112-feet-tall Lord
Shiva statue on the occasion of Mahashivratri at Isha
Foundation in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The statue is
dedicated to Adiyogi, an incarnation of Lord Shiva who is
considered to be the first of yogis. It is made of steel and
weighs 500 tonnes. On this occasion, PM Modi also released the
book ‘Adiyoga: The source of Yoga’, which deals with yogic sciences. The Union Government
has allowed Tamil Nadu Government to increase the number of workdays under the Mahatma
Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREGA) scheme in Tamil Nadu from existing 100
days to 150 days.
Union Government allows Tamil Nadu to increase number of workdays under
MGNREGA
The Union Government has allowed Tamil Nadu
Government to increase the number of workdays under
the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee
(MGNREGA) scheme in Tamil Nadu from existing 100
days to 150 days. The rise in workdays aims at helping
rural labourers, who are staring at job loss due to severe
drought in the state. Due to enhancement of the work days, 3 crore more man-days are to be
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generated. Works like maintenance of other rural assets and desilting of waterbodies in rural
areas will be undertaken under the scheme. In Tamil Nadu, MGNREGA scheme is being
implemented in 12,524 villages.
India’s first hill station bicycle path inaugurated in Darjeeling
India’s first hill station bicycle path was inaugurated in
Darjeeling, West Bengal at an altitude of over 2,000
metres. The 20 km long cycle route runs through thick
pine forest and Senchal wildlife sanctuary, one of
India’s oldest nature reserves. The route starts from
near Jorebunglow, south of Darjeeling and ends at a small local First Hill Station Bicycle
Patheco-village resort in Chatakpur. Darjeeling is a popular tourist destination in India. It is
famous for its tea industry, spectacular views of Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest
mountain and UNESCO World Heritage Site and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Former Nagaland CM Zeliang appointed as Finance Advisor to state government
Former Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang was appointed as
Finance Advisor to the state government He was appointed by
the Governor P B Acharya. This post will be in the rank of a
cabinet minister and will receive the pay and allowances
admissible to a cabinet minister. Zeliang had resigned from the
chief ministership on February 19, 2017 following protest of
the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) and Nagaland Tribal Action Committee (NTAC) due
his decision to hold elections to urban bodies with 33% reservation for women and violating
customary laws of Nagas.
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Pakistan, Turkey sign 10 agreements to enhance bilateral ties
Pakistan and Turkey have signed 10 agreements and
MoUs to enhance their bilateral cooperation in various
fields. These agreements were signed during Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Turkey. The agreements
were signed in the fields of hydrocarbons, information,
environment, forestry, exchange of financial intelligence
relating to money laundering and exchange of armed forces personnel. Both countries also
hosted the 5th Session of Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC),
a framework for consultations at the highest political level between the two sides.
February 27, 2017
UBI ties up with IRCTC to launch railway booking facility
Kolkata-based United Bank of India (UBI) has
launched a railway ticket booking facility by having a
direct tie-up IRCTC. The facility was launched on
February 21. Post the introduction of this facility, UBI
customers can now book railway tickets seamlessly
through IRCTC website using the bank’s debit card.
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Vivek Chaand Sehgal named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2016
Vivek Chaand Sehgal, the 60-year-old chairman of auto parts
maker Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd, has been named Indian
entrepreneur of the year 2016 by EY, the consulting firm
formerly known as Ernst & Young. Infosys Ltd co-founder
Nandan Nilekani was honoured with a lifetime achievement
award for spearheading India’s Aadhaar project as head of the Unique Identification Authority
of India (UIDAI). Sehgal won the entrepreneur of the year award, based on a self-nomination,
largely on the track record he built over the last 17 years during which Motherson Sumi’s
revenue soared from Rs100 crore in 2000 to around Rs 35,000 crore currently.
Dena Bank rolls out RFID-enabled cards to serve valued clients better
Dena Bank has introduced RFID-enabled banking
cards whereby a branch/relationship manager can
identify a valued client entering a branch with the
card. Once the client enters the branch, complete
information about him/her will pop up on the
manager’s desktop. This will help the branch staff to take care of the customer’s needs and offer
services quickly without any delay. When the customer holding the Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) card completes the transaction and leaves the bank branch, the system will
capture his/her exit, indicating that transactions have been completed.
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Online payment of court fees introduced in Goa
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has introduced
online payment of court fees through e-payment
gateway in coordination with the Goa Government
and National Informatics Centre (NIC). The Goa
Assembly had last year amended the Court Fees
(Goa Amendment) Act, 2016 enabling e-payment of the court fees. The High Court in a notice
issued on its official website has said that e-payment of court fees would be available for it (the
High Court of Bombay at Goa), District and Sessions Courts as well as all subordinate Courts in
the coastal state. Presently, all the court fees are paid by way of impressed and adhesive stamps.
The notice mentions that to avail this service and for making electronic payment of court fees,
user must have internet banking account, debit/credit card of respective bank specified by
payment gateway website.
February 28, 2017
89th Academy Awards (Oscar Awards)
The 89th Academy Awards commonly referred
to as Oscars was held at the Dolby Theatre in
Hollywood, Los Angeles. The award presented
in 24 categories by the Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), honouring
best films of 2016. Musical drama La La Land won the most number of awards totaling to six at
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the ceremony after it was nominated into 14 categories. It was followed by Moonlight and
Arrival with each being nominated in eight categories.
Winners are
Best Picture: Moonlight.
Best Actress: Emma Stone (La La Land).
Best Actor: Casey Affleck (Manchester By The Sea).
Best Director: Damien Chazelle (La La Land).
Best Supporting Actress: Viola Davis (Fences).
Best Supporting Actor: Mahershala Ali (Moonlight).
Best Original Screenplay: Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester By The Sea).
Best Adapted Screenplay: Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight).
Pests eat away India’s 35% of total crop yield: ICAR scientist
According to Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) scientist,
pests eat away about 30-35% of the annual crop yield in India. Such
large-scale crop-loss is having an adverse effect on the agricultural
biosafety which is paramount to food security of the country. Among
such pests, nematodes (microscopic worms many of which are
parasites) have emerged as a major threat to crops in the country. They have caused loss of 60
million tonnes of crops annually. They are causing loss of crops to the tune of almost 60 million
tonnes or 10-12 % of crop production every year. Indian farmers are still not fully aware about
these potential crop-destroyers.
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India, ADB ink $375 million loan pact for East Coast Economic Corridor
India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed $375 million
pact for loans and grants to develop 800 km Visakhapatnam-Chennai
Industrial Corridor. It is the first phase of a planned 2,500-km East
Coast Economic Corridor. Earlier in September 2016, ADB had
approved $631 million in loans and grants for the industrial corridor.
The loans comprises $500 million multitranche facility to build key infrastructure in the four
main centres along the corridor — Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Amaravati, and Srikalahasti
(Yerpedu) in Andhra Pradesh. The first tranche of $245 million will finance subprojects to
develop high-quality internal infrastructure in 2 of the 4 nodes of the corridor —
Visakhapatnam and Yerpedu—Srikalahasti.
India, Germany ratify 2011 Pact on Social Security Investment
India and Germany have ratified a comprehensive Social
Security Agreement (SSA) to improve investment flows
between the two countries. The agreement was signed in
October 2011 and its instruments of ratification were
exchanged in February 2017. It will come into force from
May 1, 2017. The SSA establishes the rights and obligations
of nationals of both countries and provides for equal treatment and unrestricted payment of
pensions even in case of residence in the other contracting state. It also integrate the provisions
of the 2008 social insurance pact and is expected to reduce the operational costs of companies on
both countries active in either of the countries.
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Haryana Government set up sex ratio monitoring dashboard in Panipat
The Haryana government has set up an online system called sex ratio
monitoring dashboard as part of the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’
Scheme to monitor the sex ratio in the Panipat district. The system will
have the data of child sex ratio collected from all villages every month
in the district by the state Health and Women and Child Welfare
Departments. The sex ratio monitoring dashboard as a pilot project has been developed in
association with National Informatics Centre. It will have the data on critical villages where
more attention was required towards skewed child sex ratio. It will help to take steps needed to
tackle the social problem of low child sex ratio.
FDI inflow increases by 18% to $46 billion in 2016: DIPP
According to data released by the Department of
Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), India attracted
$46 billion foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2016. It
shows that, India’s FDI grew by 18% in 2016 as
compared to $39.32 billion FDI inflows in 2015. The
main sectors which attracted the highest FDI inflows
included services, telecom, trading, computer hardware
and software and automobile. Bulk of the FDI came in from Singapore followed by Mauritius,
Netherlands and Japan.
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India, Bangladesh ink MoU to provide financial assistance for development of
Sylhet city
India and Bangladesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the sustainable
development of Sylhet, a metropolitan city in northeastern
Bangladesh with financial aid from India. The signing of
MoU comes after Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar’s
visit to Bangladesh to discuss preparatory aspects of PM
Sheikh Hasina’s proposed visit to India in April 2017 and
other aspects of bilateral relations.
RAHAT medical project launched in Rajasthan
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje inaugurated a medical
project Rajasthan Heart Attack Treatment programme (RAHAT) to
provide people timely treatment during heart attacks in remote and
rural areas. She also flagged off RAHAT ambulance fitted with
equipment and trained paramedical staff required for treatment of
heart disease. With this, Rajasthan became the second state in the
country after Tamil Nadu to launch health programme against Heart Diseases. RAHAT project
was launched by Eternal Heart Care Centre Hospital, a private hospital based in capital city
Jaipur.