General Knowledge Today April 2017

General Knowledge Today
Current Affairs: April, 2017 [Date-wise

Compendium]
Published Date: May 3, 2017

Published by: GKTODAY.IN
GKToday 2017 | All Rights Reserved
Suitable for Bank Probationary, Bank Clerical, IBPS Recruitment, NDA, CDS,
LIC/GIC, Railways, SSC, UGC and state / UPSC preliminary Examination.
Current Aairs: April, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium]
Contents
April 1, 2017 ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
CCEA approves amendment to New Urea Policy-2015 ..................................................................... 3
CCEA allows unrestricted export of all certied organic agricultural products ............................ 3
CCEA approves amendments in Mega Power Policy 2009 .............................................................. 4
NPPA increases stent prices by around 2% ........................................................................................... 5
About National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) ............................................................... 6
Barmer-Munawab, Pipad Road-Bilara rail routes declared as Green Corridors ........................... 7
Cabinet approves ratication of 2 ILO conventions on prohibiting child labour .......................... 7
About International Labour Organisation (ILO) .................................................................................. 8
Tamil Nadu wins Deodhar Trophy ......................................................................................................... 8
SpaceX successfully re-launches its rst used rocket .......................................................................... 8
Israel approves new settlement for rst time in 2 decades ................................................................ 9
RBI to set up separate Enforcement department ................................................................................. 9
NTPC crosses milestone of 50 Gigawatts power generation capacity ........................................... 9
N Chandrababu Naidu selected for US India Business Council Award .......................................... 9
Scientists develop new way to ght drug resistant superbugs .......................................................... 9
India becomes associate member of IEA .............................................................................................. 10
About International Energy Association (IEA) .................................................................................... 11
Defence Ministry permits Arunachal Pradesh to use ALGs for civilian purpose .......................... 11
Japan commits 371 billion yen assistance for infra projects in India ............................................... 11
Indias rst International research centre for Foot, Mouth disease of cattle inaugurated in
Odisha ................................................................................................................................................... 12
2nd unit of Kudankulam Nuclear Power plant starts commercial power generation ................ 12
Core sector growth falls to 13 month low in February 2017 .......................................................... 12
April 2, 3, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................. 13
Mizoram becomes 27th state to join UDAY scheme ........................................................................ 13
Dawit Isaak selected for 2017 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize ........... 13
About Dawit Isaak ..................................................................................................................................... 13
About UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize ...................................................... 13
Scientists for rst time saw eclipses of binary star shed light on orbiting exoplanet .................. 14
Cabinet approves signing of Agreement for establishment CIRDAP Centre in Hyderabad
................................................................................................................................................................ 14
About CIRDAP .......................................................................................................................................... 15
Five State Banks, Bharatiya Mahila Bank merge with SBI ................................................................ 15
Government launches PowerTex India scheme for powerlooms ................................................... 16
Myanmar becomes 7th member of SASEC ........................................................................................ 17
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Indias longest road tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir ................... 17
American singer & song writer Bob Dylan accepts Nobel literature award ................................. 19
Pop Art pioneer James Rosenquist passes away ................................................................................. 19
PV Sindhu wins India Super Series tournament ................................................................................. 19
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2
Justice Pradeep Nandrajog sworn in as Chief Justice of Rajasthan HC ........................................ 20

Government launches BS-IV grade fuels ............................................................................................. 20
About Bharat stage emission standards ............................................................................................... 20
Sunaina Singh appointed as Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University .............................................. 21
Vanaja Sarna appointed as Chairman of CBEC ................................................................................... 21
Hyderabad becomes rst Giga-enabled city in India ....................................................................... 21
LGBT rainbow ag creator Gilbert Baker passes away .................................................................... 21
April 2: World Autism Awareness .......................................................................................................... 21
April 4, 2017 ...................................................................................................................................................... 22
SASEC countries pledges to improve intra-regional connectivity to boost trade & tourism
................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Government withdraws subsidy to mild hybrid vehicles under FAME scheme .......................... 22
About FAME India Scheme ................................................................................................................... 23
Government launches Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana in Nellore ........................................................... 23
India, Malaysia inks 7 agreements ........................................................................................................ 24
Scientists identify fungus that eats plastic ............................................................................................ 25
IISc ranked Indias top university in 2017 NIRF Survey .................................................................. 26
List of top 5 India Rankings 2017 ......................................................................................................... 26
Global initiative launched to ght fake news ...................................................................................... 27
Tripura ink agreements for robust power distribution system ....................................................... 28
India, UK to set up Green Growth Equity Fund under NIIF for green energy .......................... 28
Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Kishori Amonkar passes away ....................................... 28
DAC approves proposals to buy Barak missiles for naval warships .............................................. 28
About Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) ........................................................................................ 29
19th commonwealth forestry conference held in Uttarakhand ...................................................... 29
No of beneciaries under Ujjwala Yojana crosses 2 crore mark: Government .......................... 30
About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana ............................................................................................... 30
Senior IPS Ofcer Geeta Johari appointed as Gujarat DGP ............................................................ 30
BP Kanungo takes over as RBI Deputy Governor ............................................................................. 30
Tax Evasion over Rs 5 crore is a non-bailable offence under GST Regime ................................. 31
Prof. David R. Syiemlieh takes Oath as Chairman of UPSC ............................................................. 31
April 5, 2017 ....................................................................................................................................................... 31
April 4: International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action ......................... 31
RBI Board clears proposal to introduce Rs 200 notes ...................................................................... 31
Leftist Lenin Moreno wins Ecuador presidential election ................................................................. 32
Germany becomes rst NATO member to launch cyber command unit .................................... 32
India ranks 3rd in WADA doping charts ............................................................................................. 32
About World Anti-Doping Agency ....................................................................................................... 33
Madhya Pradesh Government launches MP e-nagarpalika mobile app ........................................ 33
K Prithika Yashini becomes Indias rst-ever transgender police ofcial ..................................... 34
Japan ofcially recognises Bitcoin as currency ................................................................................... 34
3
What is Bitcoin? ......................................................................................................................................... 34

Rajiv Chander appointed as Indias Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UN .......... 37
Tree-dwelling crab species Kani maranjadu found in Kerala ......................................................... 37
Haryana Government to provide one-time grant of Rs. 21,000 to families for third girl child
................................................................................................................................................................ 37
UP Government forms committee to implement farm loan waiver decision .............................. 37
North Korea res missile into sea off east coast ................................................................................ 38
J&K bans polythene manufactured below 50 microns ..................................................................... 38
Daily Current Affairs Short Updates: April 5, 2017 .......................................................................... 38
International Current Affairs .................................................................................................................. 38
States Current Affairs ............................................................................................................................... 39
Persons in News ........................................................................................................................................ 39
Events and Observances .......................................................................................................................... 40
April 6, 2017 ..................................................................................................................................................... 40
2017 National conference on Communicating India held in New Delhi ..................................... 40
Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and Australia in eld of Health and Medicine
............................................................................................................................................................... 40
Union Cabinet approves agreement between India and Bangladesh on Audio Visual Co-
Production ........................................................................................................................................... 41
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Bangladesh in eld of Mass Media .......................... 41
Union Cabinet approves Collaboration Agreement to support Belmont Forum Secretariat
................................................................................................................................................................ 42
About Belmont Forum ............................................................................................................................. 42
CCEA approves extension of implementation of CCTNS Project by one year ........................... 43
Union Cabinet approves setting up Rail Development Authority .................................................. 44
Cabinet approves closure of Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana .................................... 46
Cabinet approves MoU on passenger cruise services between India and Bangladesh .............. 46
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Bangladesh in eld of judicial sector cooperation
............................................................................................................................................................... 46
Cabinet approves MoU between India and France on Technical Cooperation in Civil Aviation
............................................................................................................................................................... 46
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Bangladesh for fairway development on two rivers
............................................................................................................................................................... 47
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Bangladesh for fairway development on two rivers
............................................................................................................................................................... 47
Cabinet approves Air Services Agreement between India and Georgia ....................................... 47
Cabinet approves closure of Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana .................................... 47
India-UAE cultural celebrations festival launched at Abu Dhabi .................................................... 48
Girish Shankar appointed as Chairman of National Board of Electric Mobility ......................... 48
Noted author and lmmaker Ajey Jhankar passes away ................................................................. 48
S P Bala Subramanyam awarded NTR National Film Award ........................................................ 48
4
Virat Kohli honoured as Wisdens Leading Cricketer in the World ............................................... 49

April 7, 2017 ..................................................................................................................................................... 49
April 5: National Maritime Day ............................................................................................................. 49
Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat conferred with honorary rank of general of Nepal Army
............................................................................................................................................................... 49
US launches multiple missile strikes in Syria after chemical weapons attack .............................. 49
Government launches Cyber Physical Systems programme ........................................................... 50
Roland founder and digital music pioneer Ikutaro Kakehashi passes away .................................. 51
Malvika Sinha appointed as new Executive Director of RBI ............................................................ 51
RBI cuts clearance time for NEFT transfers to make them faster ................................................. 52
PV Sindhu reaches career-best World No.2 ranking ......................................................................... 52
Sports Ministry approves appointment of Foreign Coaches in Athletics ...................................... 52
April 7: World Health Day ................................................................................................................... 52
National Childrens Film Festival held in Vishakhapatnam ............................................................... 53
Iceland set to become worlds rst country to neutralise gender pay gap ................................... 53
Assam Government conducts Gunotsav programme ....................................................................... 53
Raman Roy appointed as new chairman NASSCOM ....................................................................... 54
TRAI orders Reliance Jio to withdraw Summer Surprise offer ...................................................... 54
India, Russia ink deal on Unit 1 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant ......................................... 54
About Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) ............................................................................ 55
Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar posthumously conferred Kirti Chakra ............................................. 55
Union Government declares Kerala drought-hit ................................................................................ 55
North India to get rst wildlife DNA bank in Bareilly ...................................................................... 56
Twitter unveils Lite version ................................................................................................................... 56
Google unveils YouTube Go ................................................................................................................ 56
India ink defence deals with Israel for advanced MRSAM .............................................................. 56
About MRSAM .......................................................................................................................................... 56
64th National Film Awards .................................................................................................................... 57
About National Film Awards .................................................................................................................. 58
RBI keeps repo rate unchanged in rst monetary policy review of 2017-18 .............................. 58
Policy Rates ................................................................................................................................................. 59
April 8, 2017 ...................................................................................................................................................... 59
Ban on cash transactions of over Rs 2 lakh not applicable for bank, post ofce withdrawals
................................................................................................................................................................ 59
US, China agree to pursue 100-day plan for reducing trade decit ............................................. 60
Madhya Pradesh Government launches 1 year diploma course on Hindu priesthood .............. 60
Sex ratio in Haryana touches 950 mark for rst time ..................................................................... 60
Scientists discovers protein that increases effectiveness of vaccines against cancer .................. 60
IOA grants afliation to Boxing Federation of India .......................................................................... 61
Donald Trump nominates Indian-American Vishal Amin as his IP czar ....................................... 61
Donald Trump nominates Indian-American Neomi Rao as his regulatory czar ......................... 61
5
Boxer Shyam Kumar wins gold medal at Thailand International ................................................... 61

Malala Yousafzai to become youngest United Nations Messenger of Peace ............................... 62
NBA Launches Indias rst Basketball School in Mumbai ............................................................... 62
April 6: International Day of Sports for Development and Peace ................................................. 62
Madhya Pradesh Government launches Deendayal Antyodaya Rasoi Yojana ............................. 62
PM Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of multimodal terminal in Jharkhand ...................... 63
India ranks 9th in corruption in business: EMEIA Fraud Survey ................................................ 63
Agriculture Ministry, ISRO to team up to Geo-Tag Agricultural Assets ..................................... 64
About Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana .................................................................................................... 64
India ranks 40 in WEFs 2017 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index ............................... 65
About Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index .......................................................................... 66
India, Bangladesh sign 22 agreements ................................................................................................. 66
April 9, 10, 2017 ............................................................................................................................................... 67
April 10: World Homoeopathy Day ...................................................................................................... 67
About Homeopathy .................................................................................................................................. 67
Astronomers discover Venus-like planet orbiting a dim star Kepler-1649 ................................. 67
About Venus .............................................................................................................................................. 68
About Kepler Space Telescope (KST) ................................................................................................. 68
Government launches Bharat ke Veer web portal and application ............................................... 68
Scientists discovers protein PorB that increases effectiveness of vaccines against cancer ........ 69
President Pranab Mukherjee picks winner of Lucky Grahak and Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojanas
............................................................................................................................................................... 70
About Schemes ......................................................................................................................................... 70
12th Indo-Mongolian Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant held in Vairengte ................. 71
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates exhibition marking 100 years of Champaran Satyagraha
................................................................................................................................................................ 71
About Champaran Satyagraha ................................................................................................................ 71
Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016: Key Provisions ................................................................ 72
Key Provisions ............................................................................................................................................ 72
Pakistan sentences alleged RAW agent Kulbhushan Jadhav to death ........................................... 74
About Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) ........................................................................................ 74
First UK rail freight service to China to depart .................................................................................. 74
About Chinas One Belt and One Road (OBOR) Initiative .............................................................. 75
Parliament passes Constitution (SCs) order (Amendment) Bill, 2017 .......................................... 75
Constitution 123rd Amendment Bill, 2017 passed in Lok Sabha ................................................... 76
Objectives of the Bill ................................................................................................................................ 76
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 76
April 11, 2017 ..................................................................................................................................................... 77
Colson Whitehead wins 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Underground Railroad .................................... 77
List of 2017 Pulitzer Prize Winners ...................................................................................................... 77
About Pulitzer Prize ................................................................................................................................. 78
6
Malala Yousafzai made youngest UN Messenger of Peace ............................................................. 78

About Malala Yousafzai ........................................................................................................................... 78
About UN Messenger of Peace ............................................................................................................. 79
Align pay in PSBs to that in CPSEs: BBB ............................................................................................ 79
India, Australia sign six agreements ...................................................................................................... 80
Survey of India launches web portal Nakshe .................................................................................... 81
About Survey of India (SOI) ................................................................................................................... 81
April 12, 2017 ..................................................................................................................................................... 81
Government reduces number of centrally sponsored schemes to 28 ........................................... 81
India, Georgia sign Joint Statement to launch Joint Feasibility Study on FTA ............................ 82
Government sets up inter-ministerial panel to monitor UDAN ..................................................... 83
Parliament passes HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2017 ........................................ 84
Government launches URJA MITRA app ............................................................................................ 85
G20 Digital Ministerial Meeting on Digital Economy held in Germany ...................................... 85
About G20 ................................................................................................................................................. 86
Government to launch SAMPADA scheme for food processing .................................................. 87
Belle-II detector system integrated with powerful SuperKEKB accelerator ................................ 87
About Belle-II experiment ..................................................................................................................... 87
April 13, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................... 88
CCEA approves 9.4% hike in raw jute MSP for 2017-18 season ................................................. 88
Cabinet approves setting up of Government e-Marketplace for procurement .......................... 88
Cabinet approves setting up of Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy at Visakhapatnam
............................................................................................................................................................... 89
Justice Gita Mittal appointed as acting Chief justice of Delhi High Court ................................... 90
About Justice Gita Mittal ......................................................................................................................... 90
Cabinet approves MoU for establishment of BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection .......................... 90
5 Facts: Operation Meghdoot ................................................................................................................. 91
Recent Updates of BIMSTEC grid interconnection ........................................................................... 92
Timeline ...................................................................................................................................................... 92
Salient features ........................................................................................................................................... 92
Daily Current Affairs Updates: April 12, 2017 .................................................................................... 93
SC gives a new ruling that gender is not a pretext for leniency ..................................................... 93
SC directs Centre, Punjab and Haryana to settle SYL ...................................................................... 93
Dynamic fuel prices to be introduced in UT and 4 cities from May 1. ........................................ 93
E-marketplace gets Cabinet nod ............................................................................................................ 93
FATCA Act: Self-Certify Bank Accounts or face closure ................................................................ 94
Rex Tillerson gets a cold welcome in Russia ...................................................................................... 94
China and US discuss rising tensions in Korean peninsula .............................................................. 94
Irans former President Ahmedinejad will run for Presidential race ............................................ 94
Trumps new Executive Order will hurt Indian Shrimp exports ................................................... 94
Panel formed to review virtual currencies ........................................................................................... 95
7
FRBM Panel for 3% scal decit target .............................................................................................. 95

Budget Session ends with passage of landmark Bills ....................................................................... 95
Industrial output declines 1.2% in February ....................................................................................... 95
President of Badminton Association of India passes away ............................................................. 95
Government sets up Inter-Disciplinary Committee to examine framework for Virtual Currencies
............................................................................................................................................................... 96
Need ............................................................................................................................................................ 96
Composition ............................................................................................................................................... 96
Mandate ...................................................................................................................................................... 96
Oil companies to revise petrol and diesel prices everyday ............................................................... 96
Present practice of price determination ............................................................................................... 97
Signicance ................................................................................................................................................ 97
India, Australia Sports Partnership (IASP) launched ........................................................................ 97
Signicance ................................................................................................................................................ 98
Recent initiatives of government ........................................................................................................... 98
President Gives Assent to Four GST Legislations ............................................................................. 98
Jammu & Kashmir .................................................................................................................................... 98
GST ............................................................................................................................................................. 99
Government launches Aadhaar Seeding Application ..................................................................... 99
About Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) ................................................................. 99
Cab safety measures for women included in the New Taxi Policy guidelines .......................... 100
Taxi Policy guidelines ............................................................................................................................. 100
Jharkhand police initiates Tare Zameen Par programme for underprivileged kids ................. 100
Central Processing Centre (CPC) gets new Pin Code ..................................................................... 101
CPC ............................................................................................................................................................. 101
Haryana launched Operation Durga to ensure women Safety ...................................................... 101
April 14, 2017 ................................................................................................................................................... 101
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana crosses loan targets ........................................................................ 101
Signicance ................................................................................................................................................ 101
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) ........................................................................................... 102
Income Tax Department launches Operation Clean Money-II ..................................................... 102
Signicance ............................................................................................................................................... 102
Daily Current Affairs Digest: April 13, 2017 ..................................................................................... 103
Fact Box: Teesta River Issue ................................................................................................................. 105
Facts ........................................................................................................................................................... 105
ASCI issues guidelines for celebrities endorsing products ............................................................. 106
Salient guidelines ..................................................................................................................................... 106
Advertising Standards Council of India .............................................................................................. 106
126th Birth Anniversary of Dr.Bhimrao Ambedkar Celebrated ................................................... 106
Dr.Bhimrao Ambedkar .......................................................................................................................... 106
MOAB Explained ..................................................................................................................................... 107
8
Facts about MOAB ................................................................................................................................. 107

Prime Minister launches BHIM-Aadhaar platform .......................................................................... 107
Signicance ............................................................................................................................................... 108
Offer schemes .......................................................................................................................................... 108
Former J&K Governor Girish Chandra Saxena passes away ......................................................... 108
Nepal and China to conduct Sagarmatha Friendship-2017 .......................................................... 109
April 15, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................. 109
RBI issues Revised Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework for NPAs ............................. 109
Need for revised framework ................................................................................................................. 110
Salient guidelines of revised PCA ......................................................................................................... 110
PM launches cashless/less cash township models across 12 states ............................................... 110
Cashless townships ................................................................................................................................... 111
Signicance ................................................................................................................................................. 111
India Licensing Expo (ILE) to be held in Mumbai in August .......................................................... 111
Need ............................................................................................................................................................. 111
Signicance ................................................................................................................................................ 112
Punjab Government prohibits VIP names on Plaques and Foundation Stones ........................... 112
Seabed Resident Event Proler (SREP) robot developed by NIO .................................................. 112
Signicance ................................................................................................................................................ 113
CSIR-NIO ................................................................................................................................................... 113
Uttar Pradesh signs Power for All agreement with Union government ................................... 113
Power for All scheme .............................................................................................................................. 113
70th Himachal Day celebrated across Himachal Pradesh .............................................................. 114
An overview of development ................................................................................................................. 114
Daily Current Affairs Digest: April 14, 2017 ..................................................................................... 114
Cashless Payments get a big boost ....................................................................................................... 114
PPP Approval Panel to be phased out ................................................................................................. 114
India to discuss Afghanistan strike during US NSA visit ................................................................. 115
BRICS envoys meet in Vishakhapatnam .............................................................................................. 115
12 Major ports post Record Prot ........................................................................................................ 115
Centre alerts on upcoming water shortage ........................................................................................ 115
NBFCs to be hit by farm loan waivers ................................................................................................ 115
Banks bypass PMs a million more PoS Target ................................................................................. 116
VISA and MasterCard worried about growing Homegrown Apps .............................................. 116
China indulges in War-mongering over North Korea crisis ........................................................... 116
Record harvest of cereals globally: UN-FAO ..................................................................................... 116
Ganga patrol team planned to check pollution ................................................................................. 117
ISRO to share technology for manufacturing of Lithium-ion batteries for production of electric
vehicles ............................................................................................................................................... 117
Need ............................................................................................................................................................ 117
Scientists nd second Great Spot on Jupiter ...................................................................................... 118
9
Saturns moon Enceladus may be habitable: NASA ......................................................................... 118

Salient ndings .......................................................................................................................................... 118
April 16, 17, 2017 ............................................................................................................................................ 119
Depression in Bay of Bengal named Tropical Cyclone Maarutha ............................................ 119
About Tropical Cyclones ........................................................................................................................ 119
Tropical Cyclones in Indian Ocean ...................................................................................................... 119
Internet Pioneer Robert Taylor Passes Away ..................................................................................... 119
Emma Morano, the worlds oldest person passes away ................................................................. 120
Gayathri Gopichand wins singles and doubles crown at Pembangunan Jaya Raya Junior Grand
Prix ...................................................................................................................................................... 120
B Sai Praneeth wins Singapore Open Super Series Title ................................................................ 120
Facts about Kempe Gowda .................................................................................................................... 121
Facts about Kempe Gowda .................................................................................................................... 121
Daily Current Affairs Digest: April 15, 16, 2017 ............................................................................... 121
SEBI or Securities and Exchange Board of India set to block P-note route for NRIs ............... 121
One Group, One Tax likely under GST ............................................................................................. 122
India holds back talks with Pakistans Water Secretary .................................................................. 122
Pakistan bids to legalise CPEC- Constitutional Status to Gilgit-Baltistan trips on UN Resolution
.............................................................................................................................................................. 122
President gives his approval for all speeches to be in Hindi ........................................................... 122
New proposed RBI norms leave M-Wallets companies worried .................................................. 122
New Security Framework for Mobile Payments .............................................................................. 123
PM will step in to solve musings on Power Reforms ...................................................................... 123
Centre will check Status of of MoUs signed by states .................................................................... 123
Companies report better CSR Compliance in FY-16 ....................................................................... 123
North Korean missile launch fails ........................................................................................................ 123
Government to allow 100% FDI in Cash and ATM Management companies. ..................... 124
Telangana passes bill to hike reservations for Muslims and STs .................................................. 124
Vastu Shashtra to be introduced in IIT Kharagpur ......................................................................... 124
Need ........................................................................................................................................................... 125
Vastu Shastra ............................................................................................................................................ 125
Turkey Referendum: President Erdogan wins sweeping powers .................................................. 125
New Constitution ..................................................................................................................................... 125
Why Referendum? ................................................................................................................................... 125
Criticism .................................................................................................................................................... 126
Government covers 14 SC, ST, OBC and DNT scholarship schemes under Digital Payments
.............................................................................................................................................................. 126
Schemes for SCs ...................................................................................................................................... 126
Scholarships .............................................................................................................................................. 126
Indias GDP to grow 7.2% in 2017-18: World Bank Report ........................................................ 126
South Asia ................................................................................................................................................. 127
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World Bank ............................................................................................................................................... 127

Andhra Pradesh Government formulates market intervention for red chilli farmers .............. 127
Need ........................................................................................................................................................... 127
Red chillies ................................................................................................................................................ 128
Prime Minister felicitates family members of Paika rebellion ........................................................ 128
Paika Rebellion ......................................................................................................................................... 128
Government launches programme for capacity building of Elected Women Representatives
(EWRs) of Panchayats .................................................................................................................... 128
Need ........................................................................................................................................................... 129
April 18, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................. 129
INS Chennai dedicated to Chennai ..................................................................................................... 129
INS Chennai ............................................................................................................................................. 129
PM inaugurates phase-I of the Link-2 pipeline canal of SAUNI project ..................................... 130
SAUNI project .......................................................................................................................................... 130
Gururaja Bhat Award conferred on historian A.V. Narasimha Murthi ........................................ 131
Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat (1924-1978) ............................................................................................. 131
Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat Award 2017 .............................................................................................. 131
Australia abolishes 457 Visa Programme largely used by Indians ................................................ 132
457 Visa ..................................................................................................................................................... 132
President inaugurates Global Exhibition on Services (GES-2017) ................................................ 132
Objectives .................................................................................................................................................. 133
Service sector ............................................................................................................................................ 133
Sagar Baheti: Indias rst visually impaired athlete to complete Boston Marathon .................. 133
Boston Marathon ..................................................................................................................................... 133
BRABO: First Made in India Industrial Robot ................................................................................. 133
Features of BRABO ................................................................................................................................. 134
Articulated robots .................................................................................................................................... 134
Signicance- Industrial robots .............................................................................................................. 134
Disabled persons granted exemption from standing during National Anthem in movie halls
.............................................................................................................................................................. 134
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 134
Vistadome glass-ceiling coach launched by Indian Railways .......................................................... 135
Features ...................................................................................................................................................... 135
April 19, 2017 ................................................................................................................................................... 135
Donald Trump signs executive order tightening H1-B visa programme .................................... 135
Need ........................................................................................................................................................... 135
Impact ........................................................................................................................................................ 136
H1-B Visas ................................................................................................................................................. 136
Global economy to grow 3.5% in 2017: IMF ................................................................................... 136
Way forward ............................................................................................................................................. 136
IMF ............................................................................................................................................................. 136
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South-West Monsoon to be normal: IMD ......................................................................................... 137

Reason ........................................................................................................................................................ 137
Signicance ............................................................................................................................................... 137
Other benets of normal monsoon ..................................................................................................... 137
IMD forecasts ........................................................................................................................................... 138
Current Data on Indias steel import and export ............................................................................. 138
Steel Sector ............................................................................................................................................... 138
Joint Plant Committee ............................................................................................................................ 138
Chinese President announces military restructure of PLA ............................................................. 138
Salient highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 139
Impact ........................................................................................................................................................ 139
Union Cabinet clears Election Commissions proposal to buy VVPAT machines ..................... 139
Need ........................................................................................................................................................... 140
VVPAT machines- Signicance ............................................................................................................ 140
Union Cabinet decides to ban use of red beacon by VIPs from May 1 ....................................... 140
Need ............................................................................................................................................................ 141
Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Tripura chosen for Krishi Karman Awards, 2015-16
............................................................................................................................................................... 141
Krishi Karman Awards ........................................................................................................................... 142
Union Cabinet approves policy guidelines to allow state entities to directly borrow bilateral
loans ................................................................................................................................................... 142
Present guidelines .................................................................................................................................... 142
Salient highlights of new guidelines .................................................................................................... 142
Need ........................................................................................................................................................... 143
April 20, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................. 143
LHS 1140b: Another planet in habitable zone discovered .............................................................. 143
RGIA gets carbon neutrality status ..................................................................................................... 144
ACI ............................................................................................................................................................. 144
Video gaming to be featured as a full sport at the 2022 Asian Games ...................................... 144
Asian Games ............................................................................................................................................ 144
ISRO to test launch GSLV-Mk III-D1 in May 2017 ........................................................................ 145
Signicance ............................................................................................................................................... 145
GSAT-19 ................................................................................................................................................... 145
About GSLV-Mk III ................................................................................................................................ 145
UNESCOs Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize 2017 winners .................................................. 145
Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize .................................................................................................. 146
India contributes USD 2,50,000 to Election Assistance Division of UN .................................... 146
UN Election Assistance Division .......................................................................................................... 146
Assam plans to develop birth place of Srimanta Sankardev Batadrava ...................................... 147
Centre extends Ceasere with Naga rebel groups till April 27, 2018 ........................................ 148
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 148
12
Australia announces sweeping changes to Citizenship laws .......................................................... 148

Salient highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 148
India develops National Action Plan to combat Antimicrobial Resistance ................................. 149
Governmental interventions .................................................................................................................. 149
AMR ........................................................................................................................................................... 150
April 21, 2017 ................................................................................................................................................... 150
SC sets 25% of husbands net salary as alimony .............................................................................. 150
Madhesi Parties in Nepal unite to form a new united Political Party ........................................... 150
Background ............................................................................................................................................... 151
Rio Olympics silver medallist P.V.Sindhu moves to No. 3 in World Ranking ............................. 151
PV Sindhu ................................................................................................................................................... 151
NALCO Disinvestment: Government raises Rs 1200 crore ........................................................... 152
DIPAM ....................................................................................................................................................... 152
NALCO ...................................................................................................................................................... 153
Lawyers plan nationwide agitations against Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2017 .................... 153
BCIs objections ........................................................................................................................................ 153
Law Commissions Response ................................................................................................................ 153
National Safety Councils NSCI Safety Awards 2016 presented to 70 Organisations ............. 153
National Safety Council .......................................................................................................................... 154
NDMA conducts unique state level mock exercise on forest re in Uttarakhand .................... 154
Forest res in Uttarakhand .................................................................................................................... 155
NDMA ....................................................................................................................................................... 155
Pakistan Leases Gwadar port to a State-run Chinese rm for 40 years ..................................... 155
Advantages for China ............................................................................................................................. 156
Implications for India .............................................................................................................................. 156
China announces names for six places in Arunachal Pradesh ....................................................... 156
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 156
April 21: Civil Services Day ................................................................................................................... 157
Civil Services Day .................................................................................................................................... 157
April 22, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................. 157
April 22: Earth Day ................................................................................................................................. 157
Earth Day .................................................................................................................................................. 158
Uttar Pradesh to establish 40 Yoga wellness centres ...................................................................... 158
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 158
One crore assets geotagged under GeoMGNREGA initiative ....................................................... 159
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 159
Cuba and Morocco re-establish diplomatic ties after 37 years .................................................... 160
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 160
India-South Korea sign MoU on shipbuilding .................................................................................. 160
Signicance ................................................................................................................................................ 161
Background ............................................................................................................................................... 161
13
Government approves Guidelines on service charge ....................................................................... 161

World Bank approves $375 million loan for National Waterway-1 ............................................. 162
Need ........................................................................................................................................................... 162
NW-1 .......................................................................................................................................................... 163
Inland Waterways Authority of India .................................................................................................. 163
River Information system (RIS) ............................................................................................................ 163
Chinas rst cargo spacecraft successfully docks with the Tiangong-2 space lab .................... 163
Criticism .................................................................................................................................................... 164
April 23, 24, 2017 .......................................................................................................................................... 164
India becomes World No.2 LPG importer ........................................................................................ 164
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) ........................................................................................... 164
A new freight train connects Russia with China .............................................................................. 164
April 24: National Panchayati Raj Diwas ........................................................................................... 165
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 165
National Youth Athletics Meet: Haryana is Champion ................................................................... 166
Goldman Environmental Prize for Prafulla Samantra ..................................................................... 166
Goldman Environmental Prize ............................................................................................................. 167
Rafael Nadal wins the Monte Carlo tennis tournament for a record 10th time ....................... 167
India becomes worlds fth largest military spender ....................................................................... 167
Global trends ............................................................................................................................................ 167
Newton wins Jury Prize for Best Film at the Hong Kong International Film Festival ........... 168
In a rst, Uttarakhand deploys drones to monitor forest res ...................................................... 168
Need ........................................................................................................................................................... 169
K Viswanath wins Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2016 .................................................................. 169
K Viswanath ............................................................................................................................................. 169
Dadasaheb Phalke Award ..................................................................................................................... 169
April 25, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................. 170
Indias rst sea ropeway to connect Mumbai & Elephanta Island ................................................ 170
Elephanta Island ....................................................................................................................................... 170
Wax worm caterpillars found to eat Plastics ..................................................................................... 170
Signicance ............................................................................................................................................... 170
Wax Worm ................................................................................................................................................ 171
Astronaut Peggy Whitson sets new space record ............................................................................. 171
Achievements ............................................................................................................................................ 171
Northeast Indias largest IT hub opens in Tripura ........................................................................... 171
Signicance ............................................................................................................................................... 172
Cows to have Aadhaar like ID ............................................................................................................. 172
Need ........................................................................................................................................................... 173
First malaria vaccine to be tested in Kenya, Ghana and Malawi in 2018 ................................... 173
Need ........................................................................................................................................................... 173
Agriculture Ministry unveils model APMC Act ................................................................................ 174
14
Salient Highlights .................................................................................................................................... 174

Need ........................................................................................................................................................... 174
GNFC wins Golden Globe Tigers award .......................................................................................... 174
GNFC ......................................................................................................................................................... 175
Golden Globe Tigers Award for Excellence and Leadership ......................................................... 175
IIITM-K develops app for coffee growers ......................................................................................... 175
International Conference on Dara Shikoh to be held ..................................................................... 175
Dara Sikoh ................................................................................................................................................ 176
April 26, 2017 ................................................................................................................................................. 176
Joint operational doctrine for Tri-Services unveiled ........................................................................ 176
Somnath Temple, Charminar among new places chosen for Swachh iconic places initiative
.............................................................................................................................................................. 177
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 177
Manpreet Kaur wins shot put gold at Asian Grand Prix, sets new national record ................. 178
India to host 18th World Road Meeting ............................................................................................ 178
World Road Meeting .............................................................................................................................. 179
International Road federation (IRF) .................................................................................................... 179
Belgium opens honorary consulate in GIFT City ............................................................................ 179
GIFT City .................................................................................................................................................. 179
Nita Ambani made member of IOCs important Commissions ................................................... 180
Nita Ambani ............................................................................................................................................. 180
China launches rst indigenously built aircraft carrier ................................................................... 180
Analysis ....................................................................................................................................................... 181
Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar appointed CRPF chief ......................................................................................... 181
Uttar Pradesh cancels 15 government holidays ................................................................................. 181
April 27, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................. 182
IOC to build new oil terminal at Motihari to supply fuel to Nepal .............................................. 182
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 182
Srishti Kaur wins Miss Teen Universe pageant ................................................................................ 183
ISRO launches solar calculator app ..................................................................................................... 183
Salient features ......................................................................................................................................... 183
SAC ............................................................................................................................................................ 183
PM launches UDAN Scheme ............................................................................................................... 184
Signicance ............................................................................................................................................... 184
UDAN ........................................................................................................................................................ 184
Veteran actor Vinod Khanna passes away ......................................................................................... 185
US tax reform: Trump introduces biggest tax reform plan in US history .................................. 185
Impact ........................................................................................................................................................ 185
NASAs Cassini spacecraft successfully travels between Saturn and its rings ........................... 186
15
Cassini ........................................................................................................................................................ 186

Findings of Cassini .................................................................................................................................. 186
Scientists create Articial Womb ....................................................................................................... 186
Signicance ............................................................................................................................................... 187
UNESCO to screen Indian short lm as part of World Press Freedom Day celebrations ...... 187
World Press Freedom Day .................................................................................................................... 187
April 28, 2017 ................................................................................................................................................. 188
Bhubaneswar: First Indian city to win Pierre Lenfant Awards-2017 .......................................... 188
All-woman India Reserve Battalion (IRB) to be raised in Jammu and Kashmir ....................... 188
E-taxi trial run to begin in Nagpur ...................................................................................................... 189
Government initiatives ........................................................................................................................... 189
Poland supports Indias Permanent membership at UNSC ........................................................... 189
India-Poland ties ...................................................................................................................................... 190
India Cyprus inks four agreements ..................................................................................................... 190
Agreements ............................................................................................................................................... 191
India-Cyprus ties ...................................................................................................................................... 191
Kazakhstan opens consulate in Chennai ............................................................................................. 191
Background ............................................................................................................................................... 191
US places India once again on IPR priority watch list ................................................................... 192
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 192
USTR .......................................................................................................................................................... 192
Analysis ...................................................................................................................................................... 192
Tripartite MoU signed for broadband services to Post Ofces ..................................................... 192
BharatNet .................................................................................................................................................. 193
Kerala hosts countrys rst ever transgender athletic meet ........................................................... 193
Plan for common Engineering entrance exam put on hold ........................................................... 193
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 194
AICTE ........................................................................................................................................................ 194
April 29, 30, 2017 .......................................................................................................................................... 194
Indias Forex reserves increase by $1.25 billion ................................................................................ 194
Components ............................................................................................................................................. 194
North Korea once again test-res ballistic missile ........................................................................... 195
Global Response ...................................................................................................................................... 195
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 195
Implications ............................................................................................................................................... 195
Government launches Test and Treat policy for HIV .................................................................... 196
Government initiatives ........................................................................................................................... 196
AIDS .......................................................................................................................................................... 196
India successfully carries out fresh user trial of Agni-III ballistic missile .................................... 196
Signicance ............................................................................................................................................... 197
Agni-III Ballistic Missile ......................................................................................................................... 197
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Strategic Forces Command (SFC) ...................................................................................................... 197

Abdul Kalam Island ................................................................................................................................ 197
Oorja-CAPFs Under-19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament-2017 .............................................. 197
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 198
Mission XI Million ................................................................................................................................... 198
First book village in the country to come up in Maharashtra ....................................................... 198
Bhilar .......................................................................................................................................................... 198
Hay-on-Wye ............................................................................................................................................. 198
Prime Minister inaugurates International Basava Convention ....................................................... 199
Basavanna ................................................................................................................................................. 199
Digi Yatra initiative to make ying simpler .................................................................................... 200
Ganga Swachhta Sankalp Divas to be celebrated on May 02, 2017 .......................................... 200
Background ............................................................................................................................................. 200
Compendium of Multiple Choice Questions ............................................................................................. 201
17
April 1, 2017
CCEA approves amendment to New Urea Policy-2015
01-Apr-17
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for amendment in Para
5 of New Urea Policy (NUP), 2015.
The amendment is related to the production beyond Re-Assessed Capacity (RAC) and inclusion of
Para 8 in NUP 2015 to protect the production beyond RAC by urea units and boost indigenous urea
production in the country.
Key Facts
It also raises ceiling imposed on production beyond RAC during the year 2016-17 to enable
all urea unit to produce additional production which otherwise were not able due to low
Import Parity Price (IPP).
Further, Department of Fertilizers has been authorized to take appropriate decision in
consultation with Department of Expenditure to address any future fluctuation in IPP that
would have adverse impact on the production beyond RAC by urea units.
New Urea Policy 2015
It was notified in May 2015 with the objective of maximising indigenous urea production,
promoting energy efficiency in the urea units and rationalizing the subsidy burden on the
Government.
Under it, it is mandatory for all the indigenous urea producers to neem coat 100% of their
urea production with the objective of increase Nitrogen Use Efficiency, promote balanced use
of fertilizers and prevent diversion of urea for purpose other than agriculture.
CCEA allows unrestricted export of all certified organic agricultural products
01-Apr-17
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved removal of all quantitative
ceilings on individual organic products and allowed unrestricted exports of all organic and organic
processed products.
The removal of quantitative ceilings will be irrespective of any existing or future
restriction/prohibition on the export of their basic product (non-organic).
However, in respect of organic pulses and lentils, the quantitative ceiling on exports will continue
but enhanced from the existing 10,000 MT per annum (MTPA) to 50,000 MTPA. in view of their
acute shortage in the country.
Benefits
Removal of quantitative celling on wheat, non-basmati rice, organic sugar and increasing
limit on export of organic pulses is expected to contribute to Governments objective of
3
doubling the farmers income by 2022.

It will lead to reduction in input costs in farming and aid farmer in gaining premium price for
organic agriculture products.
It will also result in increased adoption of organic agriculture by farmers and complement
various Government programs like National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NSAM),
Organic Value Chain Development in North Eastern Region (OVCDNER) and Paramparagat
Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) taken up to encourage organic agriculture.
Note: All organic products exports in the country are certified by Agricultural & Processed Food
Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the
National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
CCEA approves amendments in Mega Power Policy 2009
01-Apr-17
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved amendments in the Mega
Power Policy, 2009 to push 31 GW stranded projects entailing an investment of Rs 1.5 lakh crore.
The initiative mainly aims at bringing down power tariff for making electricity more affordable and
achieving the ambitious goal of 24X7 power for all.
Key Facts
The amendment extends the time period for the provisional Mega projects (25 projects), for
furnishing the final Mega certificates to the Tax authorities to 120 months instead of 60
months from the date of import.
However, developers will be required to keep their Bank Guarantee (in lieu of duty
exemption claimed) or Fixed Deposit Receipt (FDR) alive.
CCEA also approved 25 projects for Mega Policy benefits in proportion to long term PPA
(Power Purchase Agreement), as permitted under the policy, once specified threshold
capacity of project is commissioned.
However, the money realized by the developer, as a result of release of proportionate Bank
Guarantee will first be utilized for repayment of the Bank dues by the developer.
Further a suitable mechanism will be worked in consultation with Department of Revenue
(Finance Ministry) for operationalisation of release of proportionate Bank Guarantee.
Comment
This decision is expected to enable developers to competitively bid for PPAs in future. Once the
developer commissions the specified threshold capacity, proportional mega benefits will facilitate
easing out liquidity crunch with the banks/developers and improve the viability of their projects.
Increased power availability will further boost countrys overall growth and also ensure that cost of
power to the consumers does not increase.
4
NPPA increases stent prices by around 2%

01-Apr-17
Drug price regulator National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has increased price of stents
by around 2% after taking into account wholesale price index.
It will increase price of bare metal stents to Rs. 7,400 rupees from Rs. 7,260 and of drug-eluting stent
to Rs. 30,180 rupees from Rs. 29,600.
What is coronary stent?
A coronary stent is a tube-shaped mediacal device placed in the arteries that supply blood to
the heart.
It keeps the arteries open in the treatment of coronary heart diseases.
Bare-metal stent: It is a mesh-like tube of thin wire used in cardiac arteries was bare metal
often made of 316L stainless steel. More recent stents (2nd generation) use cobalt chromium
alloy.
Drug-eluting stents: It is a peripheral or coronary stent placed into narrowed, diseased
peripheral or coronary arteries that slowly releases a drug to block cell proliferation.
It is often preferred over bare-metal stents because the latter carry a higher risk of restenosis,
the growth of tissue into the stent resulting in vessel narrowing.
5
Background
In July 2016, stents were included in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and were
added to the Schedule I of the Drug Prices Control Order, 2013, in December 2016, bringing the
devices under price control. In February 2017, the NPPA had brought stents under price control and
capped ceiling price of coronary stents. It was the first medical device to be brought under price
control.
About National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)
NPPA is nodal government regulatory agency that controls the prices of pharmaceutical
drugs in India. It functions under the aegis of Union Ministry of Chemical and Fertiliser.
It advices Union Government in matters relate to drug policies and pricing and
revisions/changes in the drug policy. It also monitors availability of drugs, identify shortages,
if any, and to take remedial steps.
6
NPPA decides the ceiling prices of essential medicines under The Drug (Prices Control)
Order 2013.
Barmer-Munawab, Pipad Road-Bilara rail routes declared as Green Corridors
01-Apr-17
The North Western Railway has declared the Barmer-Munawab and Pipad Road-Bilara rail
routes in Rajasthan as Green Corridors.
With this total number of green corridors has increased to five. The 114-km-long Manamadurai
Rameswaram stretch of Southern Railway was Indias first Green corridor. Okha-Kanalus and
Porbandar-Wasjaliya railway sections of Gujarat also have been declared green corridors.
What is green corridor?
The Green Corridor ensures zero toilet discharge on rail tracks as part of its commitment to clean
environment under the Swachh Rail-Swachh Bharat initiative. Trains in the section have been
equipped with bio-toilets to ensure zero discharge of human waste on the rail tracks and
preventing corrosion of the tracks.
About Bio toilets
Indian Railway had developed the environment friendly Bio-toilets, in association with
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Bio-toilets evacuate discharge into a biodigester tank, containing anaerobic bacteria, fitted
underneath the train coach in a small space.
The bacteria convert human faecal matter into water and small amount of gases (including
methane) by process of hydrolysis, acetogenesis, acidogenesis and methanogenesis.
Indian railways aims to install human waste discharge free bio-toilets in all its coaches as part
of the Swachh Bharat Mission by September 2019.
Cabinet approves ratification of 2 ILO conventions on prohibiting child labour
01-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for ratification of two fundamental conventions of
International Labour Organization (ILO) concerning with Child Labour.
They are Minimum Age Convention (No 138) and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention
(No 182). Now these conventions will be legally binding.
Key Facts
Minimum Age Convention (No 138) or Convention 138: It is concerned with minimum
age for admission to employment. So far, it has been ratified by 169 countries.
Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No 182) or Convention 182: It is concerned
with the prohibition and immediate action for elimination of the worst forms of Child
Labour. It has been ratified by 180 countries.
7
Background
The Government has adopted multipronged strategy including both project based approach and
stringent legislative measures to address the concerns related to child labour in the country.
However, there is a need to further ensure a safe and fulfilled future for the children by ensuring
proper implementation of provisions of Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation)
Act, 1986 which completely prohibits children employment below 14 years in any occupation or
process. Recent initiatives taken by Government to eradicate child labour also needs to be
maintained for elimination of child labour for attainment of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Comment
The ratification of these conventions will be step ahead in direction of achieving goal of
eradication of child labour from country as it would be legally binding to comply with the
provisions of the Conventions.
By ratifying these conventions, India will also join majority of the countries who have
adopted the legislation to prohibit and place severe restrictions on the employment and work
of children.
About International Labour Organisation (ILO)
The ILO is a United Nations agency dealing with labour issues, particularly international
labour standards, social protection, and work opportunities for all.
It was established in 1919 as an agency of the League of Nations and is headquartered in
Geneva, Switzerland. India is a founder member of the ILO. At present, it has 187 members.
The principal means of action in the ILO is the setting up of International standards in the
form of Conventions, Recommendations and Protocol.
So far India has ratified 45 Conventions, out of which 42 are in force. Out of these 4 are Core
or Fundamental or Conventions.
Tamil Nadu wins Deodhar Trophy
01-Apr-17
Tamil Nadu won the Deodhar Trophy by defeating Parthiv Patel-led India B by 42 runs in the
match held at Vizag. With this win, Tamil Nadu became the first state side to win the three-team
one-day tournament. It makes Tamil Nadu first to win all major domestic crowns such as Ranji
Trophy, Vijay Hazare, Irani and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Deodhar Trophy is a List A cricket
competition in Indian domestic cricket. It is named after Prof. D. B. Deodhar (known as the Grand
Old Man of Indian cricket). It is a 50-over knockout competition played on an annual basis among
the 5 zonal teams North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, West Zone and Central Zone.
SpaceX successfully re-launches its first used rocket
01-Apr-17
8
Elon Musk-led space exploration startup SpaceX has successfully launched its pre-used first stage of
Falcon 9 rocket in its bid to drive down costs and speed up flights. It marks the first time relaunch of
an orbital class rocket. The Falcon 9 took off from Floridas Kennedy Space Center hoisting a
broadcasting satellite. The reused first stage was earlier used in March 2016 and had successfully
landed on drone platform.
Israel approves new settlement for first time in 2 decades
01-Apr-17
Israels Government has approved the first West Bank settlement in two decades. Decision in this
regard was taken in Security Cabinet meeting presided by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The
new settlement will be built near the existing settlement of Shilo, which is nearby to the Amona site,
an illegal settler outpost that was demolished in February 2017 under the orders of Israels Supreme
Court. West Bank and east Jerusalem are disputed territories claimed by the Palestinians which were
captured by Israel in 1967, as parts of a future state.
RBI to set up separate Enforcement department
01-Apr-17
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to set up a separate enforcement department to oversee
possible breaches of rules and take punitive actions against those who violate them. The department
will develop a broad policy for enforcement and initiate action against the regulated entities for
violation consistent with such policy. It will serve as a centralised wing to deal with banks only for
enforcement action.
NTPC crosses milestone of 50 Gigawatts power generation capacity
01-Apr-17
State-run NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation Limited) has crossed the milestone of 50
Gigawatts power generation capacity. It achieved this feat after commissioning of 500 Megawatts
unit at Unchahar in Uttar Pradesh, increasing the total installed capacity of NTPC to 50,498. NTPC
limited is CPSU operational under Ministry of Power. It is Indias largest power generator. It was
established in 1975. Government holds 70% of its equity shares as of May 2015.
N Chandrababu Naidu selected for US India Business Council Award
01-Apr-17
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was selected for the US India Business
Council Award of Transformative Chief Minister. He will receive the award at the second annual
West Coast Summit to be held in Menlo Park, California in May 2017. Electronics and IT Secretary
Aruna Sundararajan was also selected Transformative Leadership Award.
Scientists develop new way to fight drug resistant superbugs
01-Apr-17
9
Scientists from the University of Birmingham and Newcastle University in the UK have new way of
removing antibodies from the blood stream.
This method has potential to reduce chronic infections that may help humans in the fight against
drug resistant superbugs.
Key Facts
Scientists had used a process known as plasmapheresis that is somewhat like kidney dialysis.
It involved the removal, treatment, and return of blood plasma from circulation.
It was done five times in a week in order to remove antibody from two patients with
bronchiectasis who had suffered with chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections resistant to
many antibiotics.
Using this process, scientists replaced antibodies in these patients with those from blood
donations. This treatment restored ability for the patients blood to kill their infecting
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
What is Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) or superbugs?
Antimicrobial resistance happens when microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites
change when they are exposed to antimicrobial drugs. These microorganisms are also termed as
superbugs. As a result, the medicines or drugs become ineffective and infections persist in the body
futher increasing the risk of spread to others.
Threats
AMR has become one of the biggest threats to global health and endangers other major priorities,
such as human development. All around the world, many common infections have become resistant
to antimicrobial medicines used to treat them which resulted in longer illnesses and more deaths. At
the same time, not enough new antimicrobial drugs especially antibiotics are being developed to
replace older and increasingly ineffective ones.
India becomes associate member of IEA
01-Apr-17
India, worlds 3rd largest energy consumer has joined International Energy Association (IAE) as
associate member. India will also now have a greater say in global energy issues.
With India as a associate member, IEA now formally covers 70% of the worlds energy consumption,
thus increasing its relevance.
Key Facts
Indias participation will enrich the energy efficiency and renewable sectors of IEA members
and other countries.
India will gain from IEAs data gathering processes, survey methodologies and range of
energy data, which will enable India in the near future to set up its own robust integrated
10
database agency.
It also gives an opportunity to India to be the voice of the developing world and represent the
interests of the emerging markets. It will enable India to be involved in the key committees
and dialogues of the IEA.
About International Energy Association (IEA)
IEA is an inter-governmental organization established in 1974 as per framework of the
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
It was established in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis after the OPEC cartel had shocked the
world with a steep increase in oil prices.
Members: Presently it has 29 member countries. India is lone associate member of IAE.
Headquarters (Secretariat): Paris, France.
Mandate: Its prime focus is on the 3Es of effectual energy policy: energy security, economic
development and environmental protection.
It also seeks to promote alternate energy sources (including renewable energy), rational
energy policies and multinational energy technology co-operation.
It acts as energy policy advisor to 29 member countries and also non-member countries like
China, India and Russia.
Publications: World Energy Outlook report.
Relevance: Today, IEA is an important part of global dialogue on energy, providing
research, statistics/data, analysis and recommendations on the global energy sector.
Over 70% of worlds energy consumption is now under the IEA umbrella which increases its
relevance in global energy governance manifold.
Defence Ministry permits Arunachal Pradesh to use ALGs for civilian purpose
01-Apr-17
The Union Defence Ministry has allowed Arunachal Pradesh government to use the functional
Advance Landing Grounds (ALGs) in the state for civilian purpose. The Ziro, Mechuka, Walong,
Aalo, Pasighat and Tuting ALGs across the state have been developed by the Defence Ministry and
are under the direct control of the Indian Air Force (IAF). State government can approach the Union
Ministry of Civil Aviation for construction of civil terminal at these ALGs and for scheduled civil
operations.
Japan commits 371 billion yen assistance for infra projects in India
01-Apr-17
Japan has committed an fficial development assistance (ODA) of 371 billion yen (about Rs 21,590
crore) for various infrastructure projects, including the dedicated freight corridor, in India for the FY
11
2016-2017. The total commitment of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) ODA during
two financial years 2015-16 and 2016-17 is 761.40 billion yen, which is 43.50% of the total target for
five years. In the last few years, the economic partnership between India and Japan has steadily
progressed. It has further consolidated and strengthened the Strategic and Global Partnership
between India and Japan.
Indias first International research centre for Foot, Mouth disease of cattle
inaugurated in Odisha
01-Apr-17
Indias first International research centre for Foot and Mouth disease of cattle and buffalos was
inaugurated at Argul (Bhubaneswar), Odisha. The research centre has been constructed in joint
collaboration of UNs Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAT). It will conduct research on viral disease of cattle and buffaloes. It has the facility
for safe handling and storage of live Foot and Mouth disease virus that essentially is required for
control of the disease. It will collect samples from all over the country to find a cure of the disease.
Notably, India is suffering a loss of Rs. 23,000 annually due to Foot and Mouth disease of cattle and
buffalos.
2nd unit of Kudankulam Nuclear Power plant starts commercial power
generation
01-Apr-17
The second unit of Kudankulam Nuclear Power plant (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu has started commercial
generation of power. It had attained its full power generation capacity of 1000 Megawatt in January
2017. It had attained criticality in July 2016 and was synchronized with southern grid in August
2016. From the first unit of KNPP, Tamil Nadu is getting 562 MW, Telangana 50 MW, Karnataka
221 MW and Kerala 133 MW Puduchery 33 MW. Tamil Nadu is expected to get 562MW from
second unit also. The nuclear power generation has gone up to 6,780MW in the country with power
generation in the second unit. The 1000MW KNPP is built with Russian expertise.
Core sector growth falls to 13 month low in February 2017
01-Apr-17
Growth of the countrys eight core sectors slipped to an over one-year low of 1% in February 2017.
This was mainly due to a fall in output of crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser and
cement. The eight core sectors had expanded 9.4% in February 2016, and 3.4% in January 2016. In
February 2016, crude oil output contracted 3.4%, natural gas output by 1.7%, refinery products
output fell 2.3%, fertiliser output declined 5.3%, and cement output dropped 15.8%. But coal and steel
production recorded positive growth during the month. The eight core industries comprise close to
12
37.9% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). The electricity has
the maximum weight (of 10.32%) among the eight sectors followed by Steel (6.68%), Petroleum
Refinery (5.94%), Crude Oil production (5.22 %), Coal production (4.38 %), Cement (2.41%), Natural
Gas production (1.71 %) and Fertilizer production (1.25%).
April 2, 3, 2017
Mizoram becomes 27th state to join UDAY scheme
03-Apr-17
Mizoram became 27th state to join Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) scheme meant for
revival of debt-stressed discoms. In this regard, Union Government and Mizoram Government
signed a MOU for improving operational efficiency of the Power Distribution department of the
State. The scheme would also allow speedy availability of cheaper power to more than 22 thousand
households in the state that are still without electricity. The availability of 24X7 power to households
will boost the economy, provide more employment opportunities and improve the standard of living
of the people of Mizoram.
Dawit Isaak selected for 2017 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom
Prize
03-Apr-17
Dawit Isaak, an imprisoned Eritrean-Swedish journalist was awarded the 2017 UNESCO/Guillermo
Cano World Press Freedom Prize.
He will be bestowed with this prestigious award in recognition of his courage, resistance and
commitment to freedom of expression. He will be awarded on World Press Freedom Day (3 May
2017).
About Dawit Isaak
Dawit Isaak is a Swedish-Eritrean playwright, journalist and writer. He was born on 28
October 1964.
He had moved to Sweden in 1987, where he later became a citizen and went into self-
imposed exile.
He had returned to Eritrea after its independence and became one of the founders and
reporters of Setit, the first independent newspaper in the country.
Eritrean government has held him in prison in Eritrea since 2001 without trial and
considered him a traitor. He journalist was arrested in a crackdown on the media. His present
location is unknown.
About UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize
The award was established in 1997 by UNESCOs Executive Board in honour of Colombian
journalist Guillermo Cano Isaza.
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It honours a person, organization or institution for their outstanding contribution to the

defence and promotion of freedom of press anywhere in the world, especially achieved in the
face of danger.
The award carries cash prize of $25000. It is funded by Colombia based Cano Foundation and
Finland based Helsingin Sanomat Foundation.
Guillermo Cano Isaza: He was a Colombian journalist who was assassinated on 17 December 1986
in front of the offices of his newspaper, El Espectador in Bogota.
Scientists for first time saw eclipses of binary star shed light on orbiting
exoplanet
03-Apr-17
A team of scientists from Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru and University of Delhi for the first
time have seen indications of a massive planet orbiting a low mass X-ray binary star system.
The system MXB 1658-298 is an X-ray binary and a part of the constellation Ophiuchus (serpent
bearer). It is nearly 30,000 light years away and the planet is expected to be nearly 8,000 times as
massive as the earth.
Key Facts
X-ray binaries consist of a pair of stars orbiting each other of which one is compact one such
as a black hole or a neutron star.
In this case it is a neutron star which draws matter from its less-massive companion and
generates X-rays which are detected by detectors placed in satellites in space.
This discovery is made with a new technique, X-Ray observation by measuring periodic
delays in X-ray eclipses. It is a new technique of detecting exoplanets and observations are
done from space observatories.
In X-ray binaries, the time in-between eclipses of the source can increase, decrease and also
shows abrupt changes. But in MXB 1658-298, time between the eclipses increases and
decreases periodically.
Cabinet approves signing of Agreement for establishment CIRDAP Centre in
Hyderabad
03-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet approved signing of an agreement between the Union Ministry of Rural
Development and Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) for
establishment of CIRDAP Centre at National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj
(NIRD&PR), Hyderabad.
CIRDAP Centre will give NIRD&PR advantage to have first-hand knowledge of networking with
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organizations specialized in rural development programmes and to build a repository of institutional

knowledge for NIRD&PR.
This Centre will also help NIRD&PR to enhance its status in the region through linkages with other
ministries and institutes in the CIRDAP Member Countries (CMCs).
It will also work on the implementation of integrated rural development, particularly poverty
alleviation programmes within CMC member countries.
About CIRDAP
The CIRDAP is regional intergovernmental organization involved in rural development and
poverty alleviation.
It was established in July 1979 at the initiative of the countries of the Asia-Pacific region and
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN with support from several other UN
bodies and donors.
Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Mandate: Promote regional cooperation and act as a serving institution for its member
countries for promotion of integrated rural development through research action, training,
information dissemination etc.
Members: So far there are 16 members. They are Afghanistan, Bangladesh (Host State),
India, Indonesia, Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka,
Thailand, Vietnam and Fiji. India is one of key founder members of it.
Five State Banks, Bharatiya Mahila Bank merge with SBI
03-Apr-17
Five associates and the Bharatiya Mahila Bank have officially merged with countrys largest lender
State Bank of India (SBI). With this merger, SBI joins the league of top 50 banks globally in terms of
assets.
The five associate 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.
Key facts
With this merger, SBIs market share has increased to 22.5-23% from 17% with total business
of over 37 lakh crore rupees.
The merged entity now has a deposit base of more than Rs. 26 lakh-crore and advances level
of Rs 18.50 lakh crore accounting for one-fourth of the deposit and loan market in the
country .
SBI now has 2.77 lakh employees, 50 crore customers and more than 25,000 branches and
58,000 ATMs. Its total customer base of the SBI now has reached to 37 crore across the
country.
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Post-merger, all the customers of associate banks will now enjoy the benefits of a wide array
of digital products and services offered by SBI.
Comment
The merger will help SBI to rationalise its branch network by relocating some of the branches to
maximise reach. This will also help to optimise its operations and improve profitability. It will also
bring in substantial cost saving and synergy in treasury operations. Moreover, the combined entity
will enhance the productivity, mitigate geographical risks, increase operational efficiency and drive
synergies across multiple dimensions of the SBI.
Government launches PowerTex India scheme for powerlooms
03-Apr-17
The Union Ministry of Textiles has launched PowerTex India, a three-year comprehensive scheme
for Powerloom Sector Development.
The PowerTex India scheme aims to boost common infrastructure and modernisation of the
powerloom sector in the country.
Key Facts
PowerTex India scheme comprises new research and development in power loom textiles,
new markets, branding, subsidies and welfare schemes for the workers.
It has overall nine major components, including two new schemes. It has outlay of Rs. 487
crores for three years from 2017-18.
The two new schemes are Pradhan Mantri Credit Scheme (PMCS) for powerloom
weavers and solar energy scheme (SEC) for powerlooms.
PMCS for powerlooms: Under it, financial assistance, including margin money subsidy and
interest reimbursement, will be given as against the credit facility under Pradhan Mantri
Mudra Yojana to the decentralised power loom units.
SEC for powerlooms: Under it, financial subsidy for the installation of the Solar Photo
Voltaic Plants will be provided to alleviate the problems of power cuts.
Government will provide subsidy of 50% to power loom units having maximum eight looms
for adopting solar energy for captive use either in grid or off grid system.
Other components of the scheme: In-situ Upgradation of Plain Powerlooms; Group
Workshed Scheme (GWS); Yarn Bank Scheme; Common Facility Centre (CFC); Facilitation,
IT, Awareness, Market Development and Publicity for Powerloom Schemes, Tex Venture
Capital Fund and Grant-in-Aid and Modernisation & Upgradation of Powerloom Service
Centres (PSCs).
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Myanmar becomes 7th member of SASEC

03-Apr-17
Myanmar became the 7th member of South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC)
program of Asian Development Bank (ADB).
It was officially made member at the SASEC Finance Ministers meeting held in New Delhi and
chaired by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
Key Facts
Myanmars membership in SASEC will offer host of opportunities for realizing synergies
from economic cooperation in the subregion.
Road corridors in Myanmar can provide key gateway between South Asia and Southeast Asia,
while its ports can provide alternate routes and gateways to the landlocked northeastern
region of India.
It has the potential to unleash significant economic potential and bring better livelihoods to
millions in the region after developing multimodal connectivity between Indias northeastern
region, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Transport linkages between South and Southeast Asia will also become more attractive to
businesses once ongoing and planned motor vehicle agreements are finalized and
implemented.
Background
Prior to becoming member, Myanmar was having observer status of SASEC since 2013. Since 2014,
it was participating in annual SASEC Nodal Officials meetings as an observer. It was invited by the
participating countries of SASEC countries to become a full member in 2015.
About South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC)
SASEC program is a project-based partnership to promote regional prosperity by improving
cross-border connectivity, boosting trade among member countries and strengthening
regional economic cooperation.
It was established in 2001 in response to the request of the four countries of South Asia
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal from ADB to assist in facilitating economic
cooperation among them.
ADB is the secretariat and lead financier of the SASEC program. So far, it has supported 46
projects worth $9.17 billion in transport, trade facilitation, energy and information and
communications technology (ICT).
Its seven members are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Indias longest road tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir
03-Apr-17
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, countrys longest road
tunnel that links Kashmir Valley with Jammu by an all-weather route.
The 9-km-long tunnel passes through the lower Himalayan mountain range on Jammu-Srinagar
National Highway 44. It cuts the distance between Jammu and Srinagar to around 250 km from the
current 350 km.
Key Facts
The 9-km long Chenani-Nashri Tunnel has been built at an altitude of 1,200 meters. It is also
Asias longest bi-directional highway tunnel. It has been built at the cost of Rs. 2,500
crore.
It is Indias first tunnel equipped with world class Integrated Traffic Control System (ITCS)
through which ventilation, signals, fire control, communication and electrical systems are
automatically actuated.
It reduces travel time by three to four hours. The also reduces road distance between Chenani
and Nashri to 10.9 km from earlier long route of 41 km.
The tunnel will provide all-weather road connectivity to the Valley and avoid landslide-prone
stretch. It will help to boost the trade and commerce and tourism in the valley.
It also boasts features like Video Surveillance System, FM Rebroadcast System, Entrance
Detection Control System and Active Firefighting System.
It also features a state-of-the-art ABB ventilation system to ensure that users have access to
fresh air as they drive through it.
The tunnel will provide all-weather road connectivity to the Valley and serve as an
alternative to the highway which is closed at the time of snow and rains.
It will help to boost the trade and commerce and tourism in the valley. It will reduce traffic
jams on National Highway-1 A.
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American singer & song writer Bob Dylan accepts Nobel literature award
03-Apr-17
American singer and song writer Bob Dylan has finally accepted 2016 Nobel Prize for literature since
December 2016 awards ceremony. He is the first song writer to win this prestigious award. He was
awarded for creating new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition. He is first
American to win the prize since novelist Toni Morrison in 1993.
Pop Art pioneer James Rosenquist passes away
03-Apr-17
James Rosenquist, a leading pioneer of Pop Art passed away in New York. He was 83. He was known
for appropriating industrial painting methods to cultivate his bold, graphic style. He had transitioned
from a commercial sign-painter to a fine artist. Pop art is an art movement that emerged in 1950s in
the United States and Britain. In it, material is visually removed from its known context, isolated,
and combined with unrelated material. It had presented a challenge to traditions of fine art by
including imagery from popular culture such as advertising and news.
PV Sindhu wins India Super Series tournament
03-Apr-17
Rio Olympics silver medallist P V Sindhu won the India Open Super Series title in womens single
category. In the final match, she defeated Rio Olympic champion Carolina Marin of Spain by 21-19,
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21-16 score. Denmarks Viktor Axelsen had won mens singles title of the tournament after defeating
Chinese Taipeis Tien Chen Chou by 21-13, 21-10 score.
Justice Pradeep Nandrajog sworn in as Chief Justice of Rajasthan HC
03-Apr-17
Justice Pradeep Nandrajog was sworn in as Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court. He was
administered oath of Office today by Governor Kalyan Singh at Raj Bhawan in Jaipur. Prior to this
appointment, Justice Nandrajog was the Delhi High Court judge.
Government launches BS-IV grade fuels
03-Apr-17
Government has formally launched Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) grade transportation fuel across the
country to keep carbon emission in check.
The launch came days after the Supreme Court banned sale and registration of BS-III vehicles from 1
April, 2017. It sets target of ushering in BS-VI fuel by April 2020 by skipping BS-V fuel.
All state-run oil marketing companies will provide BS-IV-compliant fuel at their 53,500 retail fuel
stations across the country.
BS-IV fuels
BS-IV fuels contain far less sulphur than BS-III fuel. Sulphur in fuel makes it dirtier and
lowers the efficiency of catalytic converters, which control emissions.
The BS-IV complaint vehicles release less pollutants Carbon Mono-oxide (CO), Hydrocarbon
(HC), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), Sulphur (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) compared to BS
III complaint vehicles.
About Bharat stage emission standards
BS emission standards are emission standards instituted by the Union Government to
regulate output of air pollutants from internal combustion engines and spark ignition engines
equipment, including motor vehicles.
The standards and the timeline for implementation are set by the Central Pollution Control
Board under the Union Ministry of Environment & Forests and climate change (MoEFCC).
The standards, based on European regulations were first introduced in 2000. Since then,
various stages Bharat Stage compatible fuel and ungraded and modified vehicles were
introduced throughout the country.
Each stage specifies a certain limit on the pollutants released, Higher the Bharat Stage goes
lesser it emits pollutants. BS-I, BS-II and BS-III stages were launched in 2000, 2005 and 2010
respectively
The harmful emissions that are identified for regulations in different Bharat Stages (BS) are
carbon monoxide (CO), unburnt hydrocarbons (HC), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Particulate
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matter (PM).
Sunaina Singh appointed as Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University
03-Apr-17
Sunaina Singh was appointed the new vice chancellor of Nalanda University (NU). Currently, she is
vice chancellor of the English and Foreign Language University (EFLU), Hyderabad. Nalanda
University revived version of ancient Nalanda University located at Rajgir in Nalanda District in
Bihar. It is a non-state, non-profit, secular and self-governing international institution functioning
under Ministry of External Affairs. Its idea was mooted by former President APJ Abdul Kalam in
2006. It was established through Nalanda University Act, 2010. Dr.Vijay Bhatka, father of Indias first
supercomputer and acclaimed scientist, is the Chancellor of the university.
Vanaja Sarna appointed as Chairman of CBEC
03-Apr-17
Vanaja N. Sarna was appointed the new chairman of the Central Board of Excise and Customs
(CBEC). She succeeded Najib Shah. She is 1980 batch officer of Indian Revenue Service (IRS). CBEC
is the nodal government agency on Indirect Taxes responsible for administering Customs, Central
Excise, Service Tax and Narcotics in India. Currently it operates and functions under the aegis of the
Department of Revenue of Union Ministry of Finance.
Hyderabad becomes first Giga-enabled city in India
03-Apr-17
Hyderabad became first Giga-enabled city in India after The Atria Convergence Technologies
(ACT) Fibrenet launched 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) wired broadband internet service in the city.
The ACT Fibrenet uses fiber optic technology and its 1 Gbps offers 400 times faster internet speed
than the average speed of 2.5 megabits per second (mbps) in India. Hyderabad, city of pearls has
highest internet penetration in India.
LGBT rainbow flag creator Gilbert Baker passes away
03-Apr-17
Gilbert Baker, creator of the rainbow flag as a symbol for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender) community passed away in Kansas, US. He was 65. He had created the eight-colour flag
in 1978 for New Yorks gay freedom day, which is now the modern pride parade. Since then his flag
has been associated with LGBT rights causes across the world. The eights colours in the flag are Pink
(represented sexuality), red (symbolised life, orange symbolised healing), yellow (signified sunlight),
green (represented nature), turquoise (symbolised art), indigo (represented harmony) and violent
(represented human spirit).
April 2: World Autism Awareness
03-Apr-17
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The World autism Awareness Day is observed every year on 2 April across the world to raise
awareness about autism and problems faced by people suffering from it. The theme for year 2017 is
Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination. In India, the National Trust, a statutory body
under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, had organised a National Conference on Autism
in New Delhi. The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by passing
resolution 62/139 in 2007. It is also one of only four official health-specific UN Days.
April 4, 2017
SASEC countries pledges to improve intra-regional connectivity to boost trade &
tourism
04-Apr-17
India and six other South Asian countries of South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation
(SASEC) have pledged to improve intra-regional connectivity to boost trade and tourism.
Decision in this regard was taken at the Finance ministers of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri
Lanka, Maldives and Myanmar meeting held in New Delhi to reshape SASEC. They also came out
with the SASEC Vision for 2025 and adopted operational plan 2016-25.
Key Facts
SASEC Vision: It is a new strategic road map to guide the sub-regions development through
2025.
It reflects member nations commitment to tap into latent industrial demand and promote
sub-regional industry-to-industry links
Operational plan 2016-25: It defines the strategic objectives and operational priorities in
transport, trade facilitation and energy as well as for the development of economic corridor.
The members are eying for $70 billion incremental GDP and 20 million jobs by 2025 so that
SASEC become better, stronger and faster to make South Asia one of the fastest growing sub-
regions in the world.
Other decisions taken in the meeting: Member countries sought to improve trade of oil
and gas among themselves and also enhance road connectivity.
They also looked to leverage natural resources-based industries, promote industry-to-
industry links and bolster connectivity to boost trade and tourism
They also sought to improve people-to-people contact by developing gateways and hubs to
expand the sub-regions trade and commerce to regional and global markets.
Government withdraws subsidy to mild hybrid vehicles under FAME scheme
04-Apr-17
The Union Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises has withdrawn subsidy given to
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mild hybrid vehicles under FAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and
Electric vehicles in India) scheme.
Earlier, mild hybrid, strong hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicles were given incentives
under the FAME India scheme.
What is mild hybrid vehicle?
A mild hybrid vehicle has an electric motor, which on its own cannot run a vehicle but assists
normal engine by using recovered energy stored in a battery and helps save fuel
It uses the energy generated while applying the brakes and turns it into electric energy which
is then stored in a battery. This energy can then be used to turn the starter motor when the
cars start stop system needs it.
Mild-hybrids are 7-15% more fuel efficient as compared to conventional hybrid systems that
can run on pure electric power for short distances too.
About FAME India Scheme
The FAME India scheme was launched in 2015 under National Electric Mobility Mission
Plan (NEMMP) with an aim to promote eco-friendly vehicles in the country.
It objectives is to provide fiscal and monetary incentives for adoption and market creation of
both hybrid and electric technologies vehicles in the country.
It will also support the hybrid or electric vehicles market development and its manufacturing
eco-system in the country in order to achieve self-sustenance in stipulated period.
It is being administered by the Heavy Industries Ministry. It will provide demand incentives
to electric and hybrid vehicles from two-wheeler to buses.
National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020: It aims to achieve national fuel
security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles in the country. It has set ambitious target of 6-7
million sales of hybrid and electric vehicles year on year from 2020 onwards.
Government launches Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana in Nellore
04-Apr-17
The Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has launched Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana in
Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh.
The Scheme aims at providing physical aids and assisted-living devices for senior citizens belonging
to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
Key Provisions of the Scheme
The scheme will be distribute free of cost physical aids and assisted-living devices for senior
citizens belonging to BPL category in Camp mode.
It is the first-of-its-kind Central Sector Scheme (CCS) in India, to be fully funded by the
Union Government.
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It is expected to benefit 5,20,000 Senior Citizens and its expenditure implementation will be
met from the Senior Citizens Welfare Fund.
Implementing Agency: Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO), a PSU
under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It will also undertake one year free
maintenance of the devices.
Aids and Assisted-Living Devices to be provided under it: The eligible elderly
beneficiary will get walking sticks, elbow crutches, walkers/crutches, tripods/qadpods,
hearing aids, wheelchair, aificial Dentures and Spectacles depending upon their physical
impairment.
Purpose: The assisted-living devices will help the Senior Citizens to overcome their age
related physical impairment and to lead a dignified and productive life with minimal
dependence on care givers or other members of the family.
Identification of beneficiaries: It will be done by the State Governments/UTs through a
Committee chaired by the Deputy Commissioner/District Collector. 30% of the beneficiaries
in each district shall be women.
The Committee can utilize the data of BPL beneficiaries receiving Old Age Pension under the
NSAP or any other Scheme of the State/UTs for identification of senior citizens belonging to
BPL category.
Background
In the Union Budget 2015-16, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had proposed formulation of a
scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-Living Devices to senior citizens belonging to BPL
Category. Pursuant to this, Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana has been formulated. As per the Census
figures of 2011, population of senior citizens in India is 10.38 crore. More than 70% of the
population of senior citizens live in rural areas of the country. A sizeable percentage (5.2%) of the
senior citizens suffers from some sort of disabilities related to old age.
India, Malaysia inks 7 agreements
04-Apr-17
India and Malaysia have inked seven agreements to foster deeper relationship between the two
countries.
The agreements were exchanged in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his
Malaysian counterpart Najib Abdul Razak in New Delhi who was on six day state visit to India.
Signed agreements are
Air Services Agreement: It is revised ASA with Malaysia signed by both countries in 1974.
MoU on Cooperation Fertilizers sector: It deals with development of proposed Urea and
Ammonia Manufacturing Plant in Malaysia and offtake of exisiting surplus urea from
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Malaysia to India.
MoU on cooperation in Sports: It envisages cooperation through exchange of
sportspersons, instructors, information on sports regimen and training curricula, etc.
MoU for cooperation in training: It was signed between Malaysian Human Resource Fund
(HRDF and EDII, Ahmedabad.
It envisages EDII, Ahmedabad to carry out training and other capacity building programmes,
as necessary on behalf of the Human Resource Development, Malaysia.
MoU on Mutual Recognition of the Educational Qualifications: It was singed between
Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
It establishes recognition of equivalence of various degrees awarded by educational
institutions in both countries and envisages eventual signing of mutual recognition
agreement.
MoU on collaboration in technology development in the field of Palm Oil: It was
signed between Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and Indias Institute of Chemical
Technology (ICT).
MoU on implementation of 4th Generation Technology Park in Andhra Pradesh: It
was signed between MIGHT Technology Malaysia and AP Economic Development Board.
The Malaysian industry-government group for high power technology (MIGHT) will act as
facilitator to develop cluster in AP. As part of park, packing material will be made from
recycled agricultural materials.
Scientists identify fungus that eats plastic
04-Apr-17
Scientists from Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have identified a soil fungus Aspergillus
tubingensis that uses enzymes to rapidly break down plastic materials. The plastic-eating fungus
was found Islamabad, Pakistan.
The new discovery in an advance can help to deal with plastic waste problem that threatens our
environment in safer and more effective way
Key facts
Scientists have found that Aspergillus tubingensis fungus which ordinarily lives in the soil can
also grows on the surface of plastics.
In order to grow on plastics, it secretes enzymes on the surface of the plastic which break the
chemical bonds between the plastic molecules, or polymers.
This fungus also uses the physical strength of its mycelia (the network of rootlike filaments)
to break apart the polymers.
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Significance of discovery
Plastic waste materials can persist in the environment over long periods of time as they do not break
down in the same way as other organic materials. The conventional plastic waste disposal through
burying, recycling, incineration or other methods are unsustainable, costly and result in toxic by-
products, which are hazardous to human health. This discovery can offer cheap sustainable solution
to degrade plastic and its toxic by-products without having any negative impact on environment and
human health.
IISc ranked Indias top university in 2017 NIRF Survey
04-Apr-17
The Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc), Bengaluru was adjudged as the best Indian university in the
2017 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) released by Union Human Resource
Development Ministry.
This year it is second edition NIRF survey and was released as part of the India Rankings 2017 for
the Educational Institutions.
What is NIRF Survey?
NIRF survey is first of its kind of indigenous ranking framework for higher education institutions in
the country. It outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country based on the
parameters broadly covering Teaching, Learning and Resources, Research and Professional practices,
Graduation Outcomes, Outreach and inclusivity and Perception. It covers six categories of institutions
including universities, engineering, management, pharmacy, architecture and colleges.
Background
In the second edition of India Rankings, a total of 2995 institutions had participated. It included 232
Universities, 1024 Engineering Institutions, 546 Management Institutions, 318 Pharmacy
Institutions and 637 General Degree Colleges, and others. Many of these had participated in multiple
disciplines, adding to a total of 3319 participants across disciplines.
List of top 5 India Rankings 2017
Overall
Indian Institute of Science, Banglore.
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
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Indian Institute of Tchnology, New Delhi

Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
Management
Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
Indian Institute of Management, Banglore
Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta
Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow
Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode
University
Indian Institute of Science, Banglore
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Banaras Hindu University
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Banglore
Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
Colleges
Miranda House, Delhi
Loyola College, District Chennai
Shri Ram College of Commerce, New Delhi
Bishop Heber College, District Tiruchirapalli
Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College,New Delhi
Pharmacy
Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali),
Punjab
University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh
Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad
Global initiative launched to fight fake news
04-Apr-17
A global alliance of tech industries and academic organisations have unveiled $14-million The News
Integrity Initiative to combat the spread of fake news, improve public understanding of
journalism, promote news literacy and build trust in journalism. The founding funders of the
initiative include Facebook, Craigslist founder Craig Newmarks philanthropic fund, Ford`
Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Tow Foundation, AppNexus, Mozilla and
Betaworks. City University of New Yorks journalism school will coordinate research, projects and
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events. Fake news has become a serious issue in the U.S. election campaign, when clearly fraudulent
stories circulated on social media, potentially swaying some voters. Concerns also have been raised
since then about hoaxes and misinformation affecting elections in Europe and rise of click farms to
generate revenue from online advertising using made-up news stories.
Tripura ink agreements for robust power distribution system
04-Apr-17
Tripura Government has signed two agreements with the Union Ministry of Power to enhance
power supply in distribution network. The agreements will enable state to get the benefits under the
Central government scheme. As per the agreements, state has accepted the provision of Ujjwal
Distribution Assurance Yojana (UDAY) and Transmission Service Agreement of Union Power
Ministry to upgrade the existing transmission network to reduce Aggregate Technical and
Commercial Loss.
India, UK to set up Green Growth Equity Fund under NIIF for green energy
04-Apr-17
India and the United Kingdom have decided to set up a 240 million pound Green Growth Equity
Fund to finance clean energy projects in India. Decision in this regard was taken at the 9th India-UK
Economic and Financial Dialogue in Delhi. Both India and UK are going to make a contribution of
120 million pounds each in the fund which will focus initial investments in Indias rapidly growing
energy and renewables market. The Fund will be a sub-fund of National Infrastructure and
Investment Fund (NIIF) which was set up by India in 2015 to finance greenfield as well as
brownfield projects and stalled projects.
Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Kishori Amonkar passes away
04-Apr-17
Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Kishori Amonkar passed away. She was 84. She was
recognised as one of the foremost singers in the Hindustani tradition and as an innovative exponent
of the Jaipur gharana. She was born on April 10, 1932. She had learned classical music from her
mother Mogubai Kurdikar who was the well-known vocalist. She also had developed her own
personal style, which reflected the influence of other gharanas and was generally regarded as an
individual variant of the Jaipur tradition. She was primarily known for her skillful singing of classical
khayals set in the traditional ragas of Hindustani music, but also performed the lighter classical
genres of thumri, bhajans and film music. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan (1987) and Padma
Vibhushan (2002) and became fellow of Sangeet Natak Akademi (2010).
DAC approves proposals to buy Barak missiles for naval warships
04-Apr-17
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) of the Union Defence Ministry has approved proposal to
28
procure fresh batch of Barak surface-to-air missiles (SAM) for the Indian Navys warships from
Israel.
The procurement of the missiles will enhance Indias maritime capability in view of the changing
security dynamics in the Indian Ocean region (IOR).
Key Facts
The missiles will be procured under Buy Global category from Israels Rafael Advance
Defence Systems Limited at an approximate cost of around Rs 500 crore.
The new batch of the missiles will replace the current ones deployed in the Indian Navy
which have completed their shelf life.
Israeli-built Barak short-range SAMs are installed on most of the front-line warships of the
India Navy, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.
DAC also cleared proposal for procurement of expendable Bathy thermograph systems for Indian
Navy to detect temperature changes under water. The procurement will be through the foreign
military sales route from the US. It also approved procurement of equipment to counter mines in the
sea, a repeat order worth Rs. 311 crore.
About Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
The DAC is Defence Ministrys highest decision making body for capital acquisition
proposals forwarded by the Indian armed forces. It was set up in 2001 as part of the post-
Kargil reforms in defence sector
It approves the long-term integrated perspective plan for the forces, accords acceptance of
necessity (AON) to begin acquisition proposals, and grants its approval to all major deals
through all their important phases.
It also has the power to approve any deviations in an acquisition, and recommends all big
capital defence purchases for approval of the Cabinet committee on security (CCS) headed by
Prime Minister.
19th commonwealth forestry conference held in Uttarakhand
04-Apr-17
The 19th Commonwealth Forestry Conference was held at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun,
Uttarakhand. This is for the second time India hosted the conference after it was hosted for first time
in 1968. Scientists and experts from 49 member countries of the Commonwealth had participated in
it. They focused issues on biodiversity conservation and management, livelihood and economic
security from forests, diversification, multiple uses and sustainable harvest, forest and climate
change. They also shared their ideas and researches on Forests for Prosperity and Posterity in
consonance with Aichi targets of the UN Convention on Conservation of Biological Diversity
(UNC-CBD) and Sustainable Development Goals.
29
No of beneficiaries under Ujjwala Yojana crosses 2 crore mark: Government

04-Apr-17
The number of beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for providing free of cost LPG
(cooking gas) connections to BPL households has crossed 2 crore mark since its launch in May 2016.
The success of the scheme shows that how it is serving as a novel means of women empowerment
and achieving the goals of providing clean fuel and a better life to the people.
About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
The Ujjwala Yojana was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2016 from
Maldepur Morh, Ballia in Uttar Pradesh.
Tagline for the scheme: Swachh Indhan, Behtar Jeevan.
Purpose of the scheme: Empower women and protect their health by shifting them from
traditional cooking based on unclean cooking fuels or on fossil fuels to clean cooking gas.
Beneficiary: Under the scheme, an adult woman member of a BPL will be given deposit-free
LPG connection with financial assistance of Rs 1,600 per connection by the Centre.
Identification of beneficiaries: It will be through the Socio-Economic Caste Census
(SECC) in consultation with state governments and Union territories.
Implementing Ministry: The scheme is being implemented by the Union Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas. It is first welfare scheme implemented by the Ministry.
Targets: 8,000 crore has been earmarked for providing 5 crore LPG connections to poor
households within 3 years by 2019.
Senior IPS Officer Geeta Johari appointed as Gujarat DGP
04-Apr-17
Senior IPS Officer Geeta Johari was appointed as new Director General of Police (DGP) of Gujarat.
With this, she became first woman IPS officer to be appointed as DGP of the state. She will replace
P.P. Pandey acting DGP of the state. Mrs. Johari is IPS officer of 1982 batch. Prior this
appointment, she was working as Head of Gujarat Police Housing Corporation. She will retire in
November 2017.
BP Kanungo takes over as RBI Deputy Governor
04-Apr-17
BP Kanungo took over as the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in Mumbai. He
was appointed by Government in March 2017 for a period of three years. Prior to this appointment,
he was holding the position of Executive Director of RBI. Earlier he had worked in several functional
areas of the banks such as foreign exchange management, banking and non-banking supervision,
currency management, government and bank accounts and public debt. He also had served as the
30
head of regional offices of RBI at Jaipur and Kolkata besides holding the position of the Banking
Ombudsman for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
Tax Evasion over Rs 5 crore is a non-bailable offence under GST Regime
04-Apr-17
Under the Central GST (CGST) Act, tax evasion of over Rs 5 crore under the GST regime will be
cognizable and non-bailable offence with the police having authority to make an arrest without a
warrant. If a person is arrested for a non-cognizable and bailable offence, the Deputy/ Assistant
Commissioner of CGST/SGST can release him on bail and he will be subject to the same provisions
as an officer in-charge of a police station under section 436 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
The government has set ambitious target date of July 1, 2017 for roll out of the GST, which will
subsume indirect taxes such as central excise, service tax, VAT and other local levies.
Prof. David R. Syiemlieh takes Oath as Chairman of UPSC
04-Apr-17
Prof. David R. Syiemlieh took the Oath of Office and Secrecy as Chairman of the Union Public
Service Commission (UPSC). He was administered oath by Vinay Mittal, the senior most Member of
the Commission as per clause (1) of Article 316 of the Constitution. Prof. Syiemlieh had joined the
Commission as member in June 2012. Later he was appointed Chairman in January 2017. Prior to
joining UPSC, he was Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar. He has held many
important positions in various policy making, academic and administrative bodies. He has also has
authored several books and publications. He was awarded Senior Fulbright Fellowship in 1999.
April 5, 2017
April 4: International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
05-Apr-17
The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is observed every year on
April 4 to highlight the deadly threat that mines pose to civilians lives and nations development.
The theme of this year was Needs driven. People Centred. The day was constituted by United Nation
General Assembly (UNGA) by passing resolution in December 2005.
RBI Board clears proposal to introduce Rs 200 notes
05-Apr-17
The board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cleared a proposal to introduce banknotes of Rs200
denomination. The decision was taken at the RBI board meeting held in Mumbai in March 2017.
The process of printing the new Rs 200 notes is likely to begin after June 2017 once the government
officially approves the new denomination.
Earlier in November 2016, RBI had announced the withdrawal of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency
notes, amounting to around 86% of currency in circulation of Rs 17.9 trillion. Since then, it has
31
replaced these denominations with the new Rs 2,000 and redesigned Rs 500 bank notes.
RBI board: It has 14 members including governor and four deputy governors. The board also has
economic affairs secretary and financial services secretary as its members.
Leftist Lenin Moreno wins Ecuador presidential election
05-Apr-17
Ecuadorean leftist Lenin Moreno has won 2017 Presidential election after a tight contest with his
right-wing opponent. Moreno won 51.16% of valid votes versus 48.84% for conservative challenger
Guillermo Lasso, with 99.65% of votes counted.
Germany becomes first NATO member to launch cyber command unit
05-Apr-17
Germany became the first North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member country to launch a
self-contained cyber command unit dubbed as Cyber and Information Space Command (Kdo
CIR). It has been designed to shield IT and weapons systems from growing attacks. The Kdo CIR
will be the youngest branch of Germanys military Bundeswehr. It will operate and protect German
militarys own IT infrastructure and computer-assisted weapons systems, and tackle online threats. It
will also focus on war-game offensive skills and capabilities.
India ranks 3rd in WADA doping charts
05-Apr-17
India was ranked third for the third year in a row in a doping violation report published by the
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for 2015.
In 2015, 117 Indian athletes were punished after testing positive for banned substances. India
followed the Russian Federation (176) and Italy (129), the same position as in the reports of 2013 and
2014.
Background
The chart was prepared by WADA after compiling information of analytical findings and sanctions
rendered till January 31, 2017 by various accredited anti-doping bodies. It was the first set of Anti-
Doping Rule Violation statistics under the revised WADA Code and third such report in its history
since 2013.
Key Facts
ADRV is a doping offence committed by an athlete or athlete support person, resulting in
certain consequences or sanctions. It is derived from adverse analytical findings (AAFs)
(known as positive results).
A total of 229,412 samples were received and analysed in 2015 by WADA-accredited
laboratories worldwide.
Out of these, 2,522 samples were reported as AAFs. The dope offenders belong to 80 sports
32
and 121 nationalities.

There were a total of 1,929 ADRVs (1,901 from athletes and 28 from athlete support
personnel) out of which 1,649 are analytical findings and 280 from evidence based
intelligence non analytical findings.
Out of 1649 are Analytical ADRVs, 1304 cases (79%) were of male and 345 female (21%); 390
(24%) were from out of competition tests and 1259 in competition (76%); 1644 urine and five
blood.
Among sports disciplines worldwide, bodybuilding has overtaken athletics in contributing
the highest number of dope cheats with 270 such cases.
Athletics is second at 242, followed by weightlifting (239), cycling (200), powerlifting (110),
football (108), rugby union (80), boxing (66), wrestling (57) and basketball (39).
India related facts: The number of dope offenders from India has been increasing in the last
three years. India had 91 and 96 Anti-doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) in 2013 and 2014
respectively.
Of the 117 Indian offenders of 2015, two were non-analytical ADRVs case. Out of the
remaining 115 analytical ADRVs, 78 are committed by male athletes and 37 were female.
Among individual sports, weightlifting has reported highest positive doping tests with a
whopping 56 Indian lifters (32 male and 24 female) punished for doping.
Athletics contributed second highest number of dope offenders with 21 (14 male and 7
female), followed by boxing (8), wrestling (8), cycling (4), kabaddi (4), aquatics (3),
powerlifting (3), Judo (2), wushu (2), rowing, hockey (1), football (1) , bodybuilding (1) and
street and ball hockey (1).
About World Anti-Doping Agency
WADA is global Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that aims at harmonizing anti-
doping regulations in all sports and countries. It is collective initiative led by the International
Olympic Committee.
It was established in 1999 in Lausanne Switzerland under so called Declaration of Lausanne
to coordinate, promote and monitor the fight against drugs in sports. Its headquarters is in
Montreal, Canada.
Madhya Pradesh Government launches MP e-nagarpalika mobile app
05-Apr-17
Madhya Pradesh government has launched MP e-nagarpalika mobile application to provide various
municipal services online. The app will offer 378 services like online payment of property tax, birth/
marriage/death certificates, building permission etc. It will also register complaints related to water,
33
garbage, streetlights etc. It also has online payment gateway. The mobile app was launched as part of
Rs 225-crore e-nagarpalika project, under which all municipal services will be made available online
on a unified web platform.
K Prithika Yashini becomes Indias first-ever transgender police official
05-Apr-17
K Prithika Yashini became Indias first-ever transgender person to become a police official, after she
took charge as sub-inspector in Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu. Her appointment was made as
per the Madras High Court order delivered in November 2015. The court had directed Tamil Nadu
Uniformed Services Recruitment Board (TNUSRB) to appoint K Prithika Yashini as a sub-inspector
of police as she is entitled to get the job. The countru also further had directed the TNUSRB to
include transgender people as a third category, apart from the usual category of male and female.
Japan officially recognises Bitcoin as currency
05-Apr-17
Japan has officially recognized bitcoin and digital currencies as legal money along the lines of other
fiat currencies with effect from April 1, 2017.
The recognition comes after implementation of a new law amending Banking Act in Japan for
legalizing these currencies. It will help in integration of digital currency into legal banking system
through regulatory scrutiny.
Key Facts
The recognition means regulations governing banks and financial institutions will be
applicable to crypto-currency and digital currencies exchange platforms
They will be also required to comply with strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know
Your Customer (KYC) requirements, along with annual audits.
Other requirements include meeting the stated capital and cyber security requirements to
ensure consumer protection.
It also makes these digital currencies as property of value, meaning that they can be used for
payment in the broader marketplace and that it may be bought or sold.
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a form of digital currency or virtual currency created and held electronically. No
one controls it that is not regulated by any central bank or government.
They arent printed, like dollars or euros theyre produced by people, and increasingly
businesses, running computers all around the world, using software that solves mathematical
problems.
It is also called a cryptocurrency since it is decentralized and uses cryptography to prevent
double-spending, a significant challenge inherent to digital currencies.
34
Bitcoin is a distributed peer-to-peer digital currency that functions without the inter-
mediation of any central authority.
It can also be traded on an open market and its exchange rate fluctuates much like a stock
market i.e. based on the demand.
35
36
Rajiv Chander appointed as Indias Ambassador and Permanent Representative

to UN
05-Apr-17
Rajiv Kumar Chander was appointed as Indias new Ambassador and permanent representative of
India to the United Nations (UN) Offices in Geneva. He will succeed Ajit Kumar. At present,
Chander is the consul general of India in Vancouver. He is 1983 batch Indian Foreign Services (IFS)
officer.
Tree-dwelling crab species Kani maranjadu found in Kerala
05-Apr-17
Scientists from the University of Kerala have discovered a new species of long-legged, tree-dwelling
crabs named Kani maranjandu in Western Ghats of Kerala.
It has been named after the Kani tribe in Kerala and are substantially different from other
congeners (organisms within the same genus).
Key Facts
Kani maranjandu is the first crab species of its kind to offer a record of an arboreal crab
(species that lives in trees).
Characteristic traits: Its upper shell is hard, its male abdominal structure and reproductive
parts and diagnostic elongated walking legs (no other genus has).
Haryana Government to provide one-time grant of Rs. 21,000 to families for third
girl child
05-Apr-17
Haryana Government has decided to provide one-time grant of Rs 21,000 to all those families whose
third girl child was born on or after August 24, 2015 under the Aapki Beti, Hamari Beti scheme.
Under the scheme, the eligible families will receive the amount irrespective of their caste, creed,
religion, income and number of sons. Its purpose is to combat the problem of declining child sex
ratio and promote girls education in the state.
UP Government forms committee to implement farm loan waiver decision
05-Apr-17
The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted six-member committee to implement its decision of
waving off farmers agricultural loan. It will be headed by Chief Secretary Rahul Bhatnagar. The
committee has been asked to coordinate with Nationalized Banks, Government, Cooperative, and
Rural Banks from where farmers have taken agro loans till March 2016 and formulate the strategy to
implement the governments decision. It also has been asked to prepare a working plan to arrange
financial support to the banks. Earlier in its first cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
cabinet had decided to wave off farmers agricultural loan up to Rs. 1 lakh. It will benefit about 86
37
lakhs small and marginalized farmers of the state.

North Korea fires missile into sea off east coast
05-Apr-17
North Korea has fired a ballistic missile from its east coast into the sea off the Peninsula from Sinpo,
a port city and submarine base. The missile was launched at a high angle and reached an altitude of
189 km and flew about 60 kilometres. Its launch comes ahead of a summit between US and Chinese
leaders who are set to discuss North Koreas arms program. Earlier in March 2017, North Korea had
fired four missiles towards Japan, some of which came as close as 300 km to the Japanese coast.
J&K bans polythene manufactured below 50 microns
05-Apr-17
Jammu & Kashmir Government has banned the usage of polythene bags below 50 microns in the
state. It also made mandatory to have name, registration number of the manufacturer and thickness
of the material printed on bag in English. Violator will be liable for punishment up to one month in
jail or fine of Rs 5000 or both. The new guidelines and regulations will facilitate proper recycling of
plastic waste, reducing its impact on ecology.
Daily Current Affairs Short Updates: April 5, 2017
05-Apr-17
Daily Current Affairs Short Updates for April 5, 2017 with important tid-bits on current affairs.
International Current Affairs
North Korea fires missile into sea off east coast
North Korea has fired a ballistic missile from its east coast into the sea off the Peninsula from Sinpo,
a port city and submarine base. The missile was launched at a high angle and reached an altitude of
189 km and flew about 60 kilometres. Its launch comes ahead of a summit between US and Chinese
leaders who are set to discuss North Koreas arms program. Earlier in March 2017, North Korea had
fired four missiles towards Japan, some of which came as close as 300 km to the Japanese coast.
Germany becomes first NATO member to launch cyber command unit
Germany became the first North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member country to launch a
self-contained cyber command unit dubbed as Cyber and Information Space Command (Kdo
CIR). It has been designed to shield IT and weapons systems from growing attacks. The Kdo CIR
will be the youngest branch of Germanys military Bundeswehr. It will operate and protect German
militarys own IT infrastructure and computer-assisted weapons systems, and tackle online threats. It
will also focus on war-game offensive skills and capabilities.
Leftist Lenin Moreno wins Ecuador presidential election
Ecuadorean leftist Lenin Moreno has won 2017 Presidential election after a tight contest with his
right-wing opponent. Moreno won 51.16% of valid votes versus 48.84% for conservative challenger
Guillermo Lasso, with 99.65% of votes counted.
38
States Current Affairs

J&K bans polythene manufactured below 50 microns
Jammu & Kashmir Government has banned the usage of polythene bags below 50 microns in the
state. It also made mandatory to have name, registration number of the manufacturer and thickness
of the material printed on bag in English. Violator will be liable for punishment up to one month in
jail or fine of Rs 5000 or both. The new guidelines and regulations will facilitate proper recycling of
plastic waste, reducing its impact on ecology.
UP Government forms committee to implement farm loan waiver decision
The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted six-member committee to implement its decision of
waving off farmers agricultural loan. It will be headed by Chief Secretary Rahul Bhatnagar. The
committee has been asked to coordinate with Nationalized Banks, Government, Cooperative, and
Rural Banks from where farmers have taken agro loans till March 2016 and formulate the strategy to
implement the governments decision. It also has been asked to prepare a working plan to arrange
financial support to the banks. Earlier in its first cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
cabinet had decided to wave off farmers agricultural loan up to Rs. 1 lakh. It will benefit about 86
lakhs small and marginalized farmers of the state.
Haryana to provide one-time grant of Rs. 21,000 to families for third girl child
Haryana Government has decided to provide one-time grant of Rs 21,000 to all those families whose
third girl child was born on or after August 24, 2015 under the Aapki Beti, Hamari Beti scheme.
Under the scheme, the eligible families will receive the amount irrespective of their caste, creed,
religion, income and number of sons. Its purpose is to combat the problem of declining child sex
ratio and promote girls education in the state.
Madhya Pradesh Government launches MP e-nagarpalika mobile app
Madhya Pradesh government has launched MP e-nagarpalika mobile application to provide various
municipal services online. The app will offer 378 services like online payment of property tax, birth/
marriage/death certificates, building permission etc. It will also register complaints related to water,
garbage, streetlights etc. It also has online payment gateway. The mobile app was launched as part of
Rs 225-crore e-nagarpalika project, under which all municipal services will be made available online
on a unified web platform.
Persons in News
Rajiv Chander appointed as Indias Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UN
Rajiv Kumar Chander was appointed as Indias new Ambassador and permanent representative of
India to the United Nations (UN) Offices in Geneva. He will succeed Ajit Kumar. At present,
Chander is the consul general of India in Vancouver. He is 1983 batch Indian Foreign Services (IFS)
officer.
39
K Prithika Yashini becomes Indias first-ever transgender police official

K Prithika Yashini became Indias first-ever transgender person to become a police official, after she
took charge as sub-inspector in Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu. Her appointment was made as
per the Madras High Court order delivered in November 2015. The court had directed Tamil Nadu
Uniformed Services Recruitment Board (TNUSRB) to appoint K Prithika Yashini as a sub-inspector
of police as she is entitled to get the job. The countru also further had directed the TNUSRB to
include transgender people as a third category, apart from the usual category of male and female.
Events and Observances
April 4: International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is observed every year on
April 4 to highlight the deadly threat that mines pose to civilians lives and nations development.
The theme of this year was Needs driven. People Centred. The day was constituted by United Nation
General Assembly (UNGA) by passing resolution in December 2005.
April 6, 2017
2017 National conference on Communicating India held in New Delhi
06-Apr-17
The 2017 National conference on Communicating India was held in New Delhi. It was organized by
the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) in collaboration with the India Media Centre,
University of Westminster, London, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library and Indian Institute of
Mass Communication (IIMC) with the association of Prasar Bharati. The three main themes of the
conference were Telling Indias story to the world, Communicating via Journalism and Dialogue
with Diaspora.
Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and Australia in field of Health and
Medicine
06-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved the MoU between India and Australia on cooperation in the field
of Health and Medicine.
The MoU will involve cooperation through joint initiatives in the Health Sector and strengthen
bilateral ties between both countries.
The main areas of cooperation are
Communicable diseases such as Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health.
Anti-Microbial Resistance and responding to public health emergencies.
Regulation of vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
Digital Health.
40
Tobacco Control
Any other area of cooperation decided mutually by both countries.
Union Cabinet approves agreement between India and Bangladesh on Audio
Visual Co-Production
06-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved the agreement on Audio Visual Co-Production India and
Bangladesh.
Decision in this regard was taken at the Union Cabinet Meeting chaired by the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Salient features of the Agreement
It will cover co-production of films, animations and documentary films.
An audio-visual co-production made under it, will be entitled to all the benefits which may be
accorded to any national audio-visual work by both countries in accordance with their
respective laws and regulations.
It will lead to exchange of art and culture among the two countries and create goodwill and
better understanding among the peoples of both the countries.
Facilitate utilization of Indian locales for shooting, thus raising the prospect of India as a
preferred film shooting destination across the globe.
Benefits
Audio-visual Co-productions will provide an opportunity to create and showcase our soft
power.
It will lead to generation of employment among artistic, technical as well as non-technical
personnel including post-production and its marketing, thus adding to the GDP of both the
countries.
So far, India has entered into audio-visual co-production agreements with Italy, Germany, United
Kingdom, France, New Zealand, Brazil, Poland, Canada, Spain, China and the Republic of Korea.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Bangladesh in field of Mass Media
06-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved the MoU on Cooperation in the field of Mass Media between India
and Bangladesh.
Decision in this regard was taken at the Union Cabinet Meeting chaired by the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Salient features of the MoU
Both countries will facilitate training and study tour of personnel in the field of mass media
and public relations. They will encourage the exchange of experts in the field of Mass Media
41
They will also encourage cooperation between educational, training and research institutions
in field of Mass Media & Communication and exchange of publications generated by these
institutions.
They will facilitate co-operation and sharing experiences in the field of regulations of the
Mass Media activities and statistical data relating to the Mass Media.
They will also facilitate accredited mass media representatives to set up offices in the creation
of conditions necessary for performance of professional duties on the basis of reciprocity.
Union Cabinet approves Collaboration Agreement to support Belmont Forum
Secretariat
06-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of the Collaborative Agreement with French
National Research Agency (ANR), France.
The MoU will be signed for supporting the Belmont Forum Secretariat from January, 2015 to
December, 2017 at a total estimated expenditure of 40,000 Euros. The Cabinet also approved
continued financial support to Belmont Forum Secretariat beyond 2017.
About Belmont Forum
Belmont Forum is a high level group of the worlds major and emerging funders of global
environmental change research and international science councils. It was established in 2009.
It aims to accelerate delivery of the environmental research needed to remove critical barriers
to sustainability by aligning and mobilizing international resources.
It provides an opportunity to identify study and deliver international environmental research
priorities through transnational research collaboration between natural and social scientists.
Members: India, Australia, Brazil, Canada, European Commission, France, Germany, Japan,
Netherland, South Africa, UK and US etc. India is represented by the Union Ministry of
Earth Science (MoES) since 2012.
Belmon Secretariat: It is hosted by one of the Belmont forum member on rotational basis.
ANR, France is hosting the Secretariat from January, 2015 to December, 2017.
Expenditure for hosting the Secretariat is borne by Belmont Forum member countries in
kind or cash contribution.
Comment
The signing of the MoU will help to maintain a certain degree of continuity in the operations of the
Belmont Forum and also help in smooth coordination of the activities of it. Indian scientific
community will ultimately benefit from this agreement as India already is participating in four
Collaborative Research Actions (CRAs) of the Forum.
42
CCEA approves extension of implementation of CCTNS Project by one year

06-Apr-17
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved t extension of the
implementation phase of the Crime and Criminals Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) Project
for another year beyond 31 March 2017.
The proposal in this regard was forwarded by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The extension
will help in achieving the remaining objectives of the project comprehensively.
What is Crime and Criminals Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) Project?
CCTNS is a mission mode project under the National e-Governance Plan of Central Government
that aims at creating a comprehensive and integrated system for enhancing the efficiency and
effectiveness of policing by adopting of principle of e-Governance. It seeks to create nationwide
networking infrastructure for evolution of IT-enabled-state-of-the-art tracking system for
investigation of crime and detection of criminals. It was originally approved in 2009.
Objective of CCTNS
The core objective of CCTNS is to connect all the police stations so that any of the police
stations can contact any other police station.
The interlinking of police stations will facilitate collection, storage, retrieval, analysis and
transfer the information among police stations, state headquarters and central police
organizations.
Under it, approximately 14,000 police stations throughout the country will be automated
along with 6000 higher offices in police hierarchy. Scientific and technical organizations will
be also connected with it.
Moreover, Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) also aims to integrate the CCTNS
project with the e-courts and e-prisons databases and with the other pillars of the criminal
justice system. It was added in 2015.
Key Features of the project
Deliver various web based police related services to citizens and computerise police processes.
Facilitate a pan-India search of crime and criminal records of individuals through a national
database.
Generate crime and criminal reports at the state and central level to inform policy
interventions.
Benefits
Facilitate transparency and speed in police service delivery, online registration of complaints
and crime reporting.
Provide pan-India search on complete national crime and criminal database that is make
43
database accessible to the Investigating Officers throughout the country.

Improve inter-state tracking of criminal movement by provide search facility to police in
regional languages.
Provide reliable network connectivity to all Police Stations in the country.
National level crime analytics that will be published at, increased frequency to help policy and
law makers in taking data backed timely actions and in making appropriate policy
interventions.
It will expedite various kinds of police verification requests and investigation by integrating
the project various e-Governance projects such as Aadhaar, National Population Register,
Vaahan Project etc.
Enhance hi-tech investigation capability by incorporating advanced features such as
biometric based identification, trend and pattern analytics etc.
Union Cabinet approves setting up Rail Development Authority
06-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has cleared approved setting up an independent rail regulator, named Rail
Development Authority (RDA). It will be based in Delhi and will be set up through an executive
order.
It will be responsible for recommending passenger fares, setting performance standards for rail
operations and creating level playing policy for private sector participation.
Key Facts
The RDA will be an independent body with separate budget. The independence is ensured
through separate budget, appointment and removal process.
It will act within the parameters of the Railway Act, 1989. It will only make
recommendations to the Railway Ministry which will take a final call on passenger and
freight fares.
Primary functions: (i) Tariff determination: RDA will frame principles, recommend
tariffs, principles for classification of commodities, frame principles for social service
obligation and guidelines for track access charges on dedicated freight corridors.
(ii) Ensuring fair play: It will ensure level-playing field for all stakeholders. It will propose
modifications and send suggestions or advisory notes on investment in railways.
It will also make suggestions regarding policies for private investment to ensure reasonable
safeguards to PPP investors to ensure level playing field and resolve disputes regarding future
concession agreements.
(iii) Setting standards: It will help to set efficiency and performance standards and
44
disseminate information in line with global best practices and benchmarking. It will also
collect, analyse and disseminate information and statistics concerning the rail sector.
Composition: It will have a Chairman and three members with a fixed term of five years.
Moreover, it will be allowed to engage experts from various fields.
They can be removed by the Centre on grounds such as insolvency, misbehaviour,
conviction, physical and mental incapability.
The Chairman and members of the Authority will be appointed by a Search and Selection
Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
The search committee will also include Railway Board Chairman, Department of Personnel
and Training Secretary and Chairman of any regulatory body of Central Government
nominated by the Cabinet Secretary.
Background
The need for a separate regulator was emphasised by various committees, including the Dr. Bibek
Debroy Committee on Mobilisation of Resources for Major Railway Projects and Restructuring of
Railway Ministry (2015), National Transport Development Policy Committee (2014) and Expert
Group under the Chairmanship of Dr. Rakesh Mohan (2001).
Problems with Indian Railways
At present, the rail tariffs were set by the Union government and were mostly based on
political considerations especially in passenger segment.
As per provisional estimate, Railways losses had touched over Rs 30,000 crore in 2015-16 in
the passenger segment due to sharp increases in input costs and no proportionate increase in
fares over the same period.
Moreover, keeping rail fares within affordable limits has led to cross-subsidisation as the
goods fares have increased considerably more than the passenger fares in the past.
The fare structure had distorted in the Railways network as the passenger fares are subsidised
by goods fares which has led to increase in the freight tariffs, resulting in diversion to road
sector.
Comment
RDA will improve the services offered to passengers, provide comfort to investors in the rail sector
and enhance transparency and accountability. It will help the Indian Railways to take decisions on
pricing of services commensurate with costs, protect consumer interests, suggest measures for
enhancement of non-fare revenue, create positive environment for investment, promote
competition and encourage market development, promote efficient resource allocation and
benchmarking of service standards, and suggest measures for absorption of new technologies and
human resource development.
45
Cabinet approves closure of Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana

06-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved closure of the Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana
(MGPSY). The scheme was launched in 2012 to address the social security-related issues of the
Emigration Check Required (ECR)-category workers going abroad for employment to ECR
countries. The scheme was closed because subscription under it was very low and no new
subscription was received for more than a year. The closure of the scheme will obviate the avoidable
recurring administrative and record-keeping expenditure.
Cabinet approves MoU on passenger cruise services between India and
Bangladesh
06-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved MoU on passenger cruise services on the coastal and protocol
routes between India and Bangladesh. It will facilitate starting a regular movement of passengers and
tourists in water crafts between the two countries. The MoU will promote people to people (P2P)
contact and cooperation between the both countries in respect of economic, social and cultural
advancement. It will also generate employment opportunities for the people of both neighbouring
countries.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Bangladesh in field of judicial sector
cooperation
06-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved MoU between India and Bangladesh in the field of judicial sector
cooperation. It aims at developing, promoting and strengthening mutual cooperation between
judiciaries of the two countries. It will also facilitate promoting mutual interaction among judges and
officials at various levels of judiciary through exchange visits, training and academic programmes. It
will also encourage mutual exchange of information on latest developments in field of law and
justice. It will enable exchange of knowledge in infrastructure and information technology (IT) in
this field.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and France on Technical Cooperation in
Civil Aviation
06-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and France
to implement Technical Cooperation Program in civil aviation sector. It was singed between the
Airports Authority of India (AAI) and its French counterpart, Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC),
France. The Technical Cooperation Program will be beneficial for enhancement of skills and
46
expertise of AAIs officers. It will be also beneficial for imparting training of engineers, technicians,
managers etc.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Bangladesh for fairway development
on two rivers
06-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved MoU between India and Bangladesh for fairway development on
two stretches. They are Ashuganj-Zakiganj stretch of Kushiyara river and Sirajganj-
Daikhawa stretch of Jamuna river. It will be implemented mainly in the Indo-Bangladesh
protocol route by undertaking necessary dredging jointly by the two countries. The MoU will
considerably help to reduce the logistics cost of cargo movement to North Eastern states of India. It
will also reduce the dependence and congestion through the narrow Siliguri Chickens Neck
corridor.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Bangladesh for fairway development
on two rivers
06-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved MoU between India and Bangladesh for fairway development on
two stretches. They are Ashuganj-Zakiganj stretch of Kushiyara river and Sirajganj-
Daikhawa stretch of Jamuna river. It will be implemented mainly in the Indo-Bangladesh
protocol route by undertaking necessary dredging jointly by the two countries. The MoU will
considerably help to reduce the logistics cost of cargo movement to North Eastern states of India. It
will also reduce the dependence and congestion through the narrow Siliguri Chickens Neck
corridor.
Cabinet approves Air Services Agreement between India and Georgia
06-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of the Air Services Agreement (ASA) between India
and Georgia. The Agreement is based on latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
template keeping in view of developments in Civil Aviation sector. Its objective is to improve the air
connectivity between the two countries. Presently there is no ASA between both countries. ASA is
the basic legal framework for any air operation between the two countries.
Cabinet approves closure of Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana
06-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved closure of the Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana
(MGPSY). The scheme was launched in 2012 to address the social security-related issues of the
47
Emigration Check Required (ECR)-category workers going abroad for employment to ECR
countries. The scheme was closed because subscription under it was very low and no new
subscription was received for more than a year. The closure of the scheme will obviate the avoidable
recurring administrative and record-keeping expenditure.
India-UAE cultural celebrations festival launched at Abu Dhabi
06-Apr-17
The India- United Arab Emirates (UAE) cultural celebrations festival was launched at Abu Dhabi
with a tribute video featuring both Mahatma Gandhi and late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The programme supported by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, UAE and the
Indian Business and Professional Group. India-UAE Cultural Celebrations celebrates the long-
standing relationship between the two countries and looks to strengthen existing cultural and
economic ties.The initiative proposes to bring some of the diversity of India to the UAE by bringing
artists from both the countries on the same platform to work and collaborate.
Girish Shankar appointed as Chairman of National Board of Electric Mobility
06-Apr-17
The Union Government has appointed Girish Shankar, Secretary of the Department of Heavy
Industry as chairman of newly constituted National Board of Electric Mobility (NBEM). NBEM aims
to promote electric mobility and manufacturing of electric (& hybrid) vehicles and their components.
It examines, formulates and proposes short- as well as long-term plans and contours of the mission
programme on electric mobility, its objectives and roles and responsibilities of the various
stakeholders. The NBEM will propose and recommend policy guidelines, interventions and possible
strategies needed for promoting electric mobility and for encouraging manufacture of electric
vehicles in the country.
Noted author and filmmaker Ajey Jhankar passes away
06-Apr-17
Noted author and filmmaker Ajey Jhankar passed away. He was 67. He was known for his novels
such as Sarkarnama and Drohpar. The movie Singularity by filmmakar Roland Joffe was based on
his novel Drohparv. He was the co-screenwriter for the film. He was also known for his marketing
venture Market Missionaries.
S P Bala Subramanyam awarded NTR National Film Award
06-Apr-17
Renowned playback singer, actor and music director S.P. Bala Subramanyam was awarded the NTR
National Film Award for 2012. Besides, Hindi film actress Hema Malini was awarded the same award
for the year 2013. The NTR National Award is an annual award that recognizes individuals for their
lifetime achievements and contributions to the Cinema of India. It is an honorary Nandi Award in
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the honour of film Actor, director, producer, and politician (late) N.T. Rama Rao who also had
served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. It carries a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh and a citation.
Virat Kohli honoured as Wisdens Leading Cricketer in the World
06-Apr-17
Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli was honoured as the Wisdens Leading Cricketer in the
World for the year 2016. Besides, he already has been declared Wisden India Almanacks Cricketer of
the Year for the second time in its 2017 edition. Apart from him, Ellyse Perry from Australia was
named for Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World for 2016. The Wisden Leading
Cricketer in the World is an annual cricket award selected by Wisden Cricketers Almanack.
April 7, 2017
April 5: National Maritime Day
07-Apr-17
The National Maritime Day (NMD) is observed every year on 5th April to commemorate the maiden
voyage of the first Indian owned ship SS Loyalty sailed from Bombay to London on 5th April 1919.
It was a crucial step for India shipping history when sea routes were controlled by the British. This
year is it is 54th edition of NMD and theme is Connecting India through Shipping. The NMD
was first celebrated on 5th April, 1964. It should be noted that the World Maritime Day (WMD) is
observed on September 29 to highlight the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the
marine environment.
Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat conferred with honorary rank of general of Nepal
Army
07-Apr-17
General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) was conferred with honorary rank of general
of Nepal Army. The title was conferred by Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari during a special
function at the Presidents Office. India and Nepal have a long tradition of conferring such honorary
titles on the chiefs of their armies since 1950 to signify the close military-to-military ties.
US launches multiple missile strikes in Syria after chemical weapons attack
07-Apr-17
The United States has carried out a missile attack against targets in Syria in response to a suspected
chemical weapons attack on a rebel-held town in Khan Sheikhun in Idlib province. US warships
launched between 50 to 60 Tomahawk cruise missiles at Shayrat Airfiled from where the Syrian
warplanes had carried out the chemical attacks. The purpose of strikes was intended to deter the
Syrian regime led by Bashar al-Assad from using chemical weapons again. The suspected chemical
attack had killed 86 people including women and children in the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhun
49
in northwestern Syria.
Government launches Cyber Physical Systems programme
07-Apr-17
Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched Cyber Physical Systems (CPS)
programme dealing with self-driven cars, autonomous unmanned vehicles and aircraft navigation
systems
The programme is still at a nascent stage. Rs. 3,000-crore has been has been conceived for it and it
will first take root in some of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
What is Cyber Physical Systems (CPS)?
CPS is an interdisciplinary field that deals with the deployment of computer-based systems
that do things in the physical world. For
example, self-driven cars produced by Google and Tesla.

It is a mechanism controlled or monitored by computer-based algorithms, tightly integrated
with the internet and its users.
It involves transdisciplinary approaches, merging theory of cybernetics, design and process
science and mechatronics.
In it, physical and software components are deeply intertwined, each operating on different
spatial and temporal scales.
Both exhibit multiple and distinct behavioural modalities, and interact with each other in a
myriad of ways that change with context.
Autonomous unmanned vehicles (UAVs) and aircraft navigation systems and smart grids
(where electricity is optimally distributed on the basis of calculations in real time by micro-
50
processors) also qualify as CPS.

Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) programme
The thrust of the CPS initiative is to break silos in academia and encourage greater synergy
between the university scientists and industry.
Under it, centres of excellence would be developed at the IITs and universities. Moreover,
there will be dedicated courses on the subject.
Need for CPS programme
CPS is an important technological evolutionary area that needed to be addressed as it has
potential to pose unprecedented challenges and also stresses to Indias demographic dividend.
It can be turned into a huge opportunity by ensuring that Indias future workforce is skilled in
robotics, artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing, big data analysis, quantum
communication and IoTs.
The National Science Foundation of the United States already has identified CPS as a key area
of inter-disciplinary research back in 2003. It means that India is late entrant in this
technology which has huge potential.
Roland founder and digital music pioneer Ikutaro Kakehashi passes away
07-Apr-17
Japanese engineer, Roland founder and pioneer of digital music Ikutaro Kakehashi passed away in
Japan. He was 87. He was best known for founding Roland Corporation in 1972 as well as his roles
in the development of Roland drum machines and MIDI standard (Musical Instrument Digital
Interface). He also had invented a series of drum machines and synthesisers such as the TR-808,
TR-909 and TB-303 that were used by some of musics biggest legends such as Prince, Kanye West,
New Order, Dr Dre etc. since the mid-1970s. MIDI is a technical standard that describes a protocol,
digital interface and connectors. It allows a wide variety of electronic musical instruments,
computers and other related devices to connect and communicate with one another.
Malvika Sinha appointed as new Executive Director of RBI
07-Apr-17
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Malvika Sinha as new Executive Director (ED)
following the appointment of B P Kanungo as Deputy Governor. In her new role, she will look after
foreign exchange department, internal debt management wing and department of government and
bank accounts. Prior to her elevation, she was Principal Chief General Manager, Department of
Cooperative Banking Supervision in the RBI. She had had joined RBI in 1982 and as a career central
banker she had served in the areas of regulation and supervision, foreign exchange and government
and bank accounts.
51
RBI cuts clearance time for NEFT transfers to make them faster
07-Apr-17
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to slash clearance time for National Electronic Funds
Transfer (NEFT) in an attempt to enhance efficiency of the electronic payment system and add to
customer convenience. It was announcement was made in line with the Vision-2018 for Payment
and Settlement Systems. Now, the NEFT settlement cycle will be reduced from hourly batches to half
hourly batches. Besides, 11 additional settlement batches will be introduced at 8.30 am onwards,
taking the total number of half hourly settlement batches during the day to 23. This move will
enhance the efficiency of the NEFT system and add to customer convenience.
PV Sindhu reaches career-best World No.2 ranking
07-Apr-17
Rio Olympics silver medallist P V Sindhu (21) jumped three places to achieve a career-best world
number two ranking in the latest Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings by earning 75759
points. With this, she became only the second Indian woman after Saina Nehwal to break into the
top-five of the world rankings. Sindhu recently had won the India Open title after defeating Carolina
Marin of Spain. Saina Nehwal was placed at ninth position in the ranking table with 64279 points.
None of the male Indian shuttler figured in the top-10 list.
Sports Ministry approves appointment of Foreign Coaches in Athletics
07-Apr-17
Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel has approved appointment of two foreign coaches and two
support staff for athletics. They are Dave Smith, Galina P. Bukharina, Dmitry Kislev and Elmira
Kisleva who have been made upto 2020 Olympics and they will be subject to performance review
annually. These appointments were recommended by the Foreign Coach Selection committee under
the Chairmanship of Secretary, Sports.
April 7: World Health Day
07-Apr-17
The World Health Day (WHD) is observed every year on 7 April to mark the anniversary of the
founding of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Observance of the day focuses on disseminating knowledge and awareness about human health,
increasing life expectancy by adding good health to the lives of people and promoting healthier living
habits across the globe.
The day also provides with a unique opportunity to mobilize action around a specific health topic of
concern to people all over the world.
2017 theme: Depression: Lets talk. It seeks to encourage people to come forward for treatment.
Under it, WHO will be leading a one-year global campaign on depression which is the leading cause
52
of ill health and disability worldwide. The goal of the campaign is that people with depression get
help.
More than 300 million people around the world are now living with depression, an increase of more
than 18% between 2005 and 2015. It affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all countries.
At worst, depression can lead to suicide, which is now the second leading cause of death among
15-29-year olds.
Background
The World Health Organisation (WHO) annually marks World Health Day on 7 April to
celebrate its founding in 1948. It is one of eight official global public health campaigns
marked by WHO
On this day in 1948, the first World Health Assembly was held Geneva, Switzerland. Since
then the World Health Assembly decided to celebrate 7 April of each year with effect from
1950 as the World Health Day.
National Childrens Film Festival held in Vishakhapatnam
07-Apr-17
The National Childrens Film Festival was held in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It was the
largest film festival for children in the country that gave the audience quality and wholesome
entertainment. The aim of the 3-day film festival was to expose children to quality cinema and to
introduce novel elements beyond films. The event was held at VUDA Childrens Theatre and was
jointly organized by Childrens Film Society of India and Andhra Pradesh government.
Iceland set to become worlds first country to neutralise gender pay gap
07-Apr-17
Iceland is set to become the first country in the world to neutralise gender pay gap. In this regard, a
bill was introduced in Icelands parliament that makes mandatory for public and private businesses to
prove they offer equal pay to employees. The bill entails companies and institutions of a certain size
(25 or more employees), to undertake a certification of their equal-pay programmes. According to
World Economic Forum (WEF)s 2015 Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI), Iceland was ranked first
and was followed by fellow Nordic nations Norway, Finland and Sweden.
Assam Government conducts Gunotsav programme
07-Apr-17
Assam government had conducted four-day long Gunotsav programme to improve quality of school
education in the state. The quality improvement programme covered over 9 lakh students of 12320
primary schools in Chirang, Barpeta, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Hailakandi, Kamrup (Metro),
Morigaon and West Karbi Anglong districts of the state. In it, external evaluators were deputed to
the schools for conducting external evaluation of students to gauge and assess the quality of learning
53
and teachers and students. It should be noted that, Gunotsav originally was Gujarat governments
initiative which has been adopted by Assam government.
Raman Roy appointed as new chairman NASSCOM
07-Apr-17
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Quatrro Raman Roy was appointed as the new
chairman of the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) for the year
2017-18. He succeeded CP Gurnani, MD & CEO of Tech Mahindra. Roy is considered one of the
poster boys of the Indian business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. He has been a member of
NASSCOMs executive council and was the vice-chairman in 2016-17. Apart from him, Chief
Strategy Officer (CSO) and member of the Board in Wipro Ltd Rishad Premji was appointed as the
Vice Chairman of NASSCOM for 2017-18. NASSCOM is countrys premier software lobby. It
facilitates business and trade in software and services and encourages the advancement of research in
software technology.
TRAI orders Reliance Jio to withdraw Summer Surprise offer
07-Apr-17
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has ordered Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio
Infocomm to withdraw its complimentary Jio Summer Surprise that offered 3 months of free
services to a user who paid an initial fee. TRAIs order comes amid increasing pressure on it from
incumbent telcos and the telecom department over the Jios two promotions Welcome Offer and
Happy New Year. These offers were cleared earlier by the TRAI but had led to a rate war, which had
badly affected telecom industrys finances, leading to a sharp fall in government revenue.
India, Russia ink deal on Unit 1 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant
07-Apr-17
India has signed a joint statement with Russia takeover full operational control of Unit 1 of the
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP). It formally marks the full transition.
The agreement was signed between representatives of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd
(NPCIL) and the ASE Group of Companies, a subsidiary of ROSATOM State Atomic Energy
Corporation of Russia.
Key Facts
With the deal, the Russian and Indian sides have confirmed fulfilment of all warranty terms
and obligations of the contractor (ASE Group of Companies) for the construction of Unit 1.
The warranty period run showed reliable and safe operation of Unit 1. Thus, the NPCIL has
confirmed that ASE Group of Companies, which is a general contractor, has fulfilled all its
tasks in full and accurately.
The commercial operation and the warranty period of Unit 1 of KKNPP had started in
54
December 2014. The warranty was typically for one year, which ended in December 2015.
However, the final takeover agreement was delayed to ensure the reliability of the plant and
equipment as Unit I was the first of a series of six reactors.
Earlier, in March 2017, both countries had signed joint protocol on provisional acceptance of
Unit 2 of the plant, which marked the start of its commercial operation.
About Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP)
KKNPP is the single largest nuclear power station in India. It is situated in
Koodankulam in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.
It is scheduled to have six VVER-1000 reactors with an installed capacity of 6,000 MW of
electricity. It has been built in collaboration with Atomstroyexport, the Russian state
company and NPCIL.
Unit 1 of the plant was synchronised with the southern power grid in October 2013 and is
generating electricity to its warranted limit of 1000 MW.
Unit 2 with capacity 1,000 MW had achieved first criticality in July 2016. It was grid-
connected in August 2016 and its commercial operation started in October 2016.
The ground-breaking ceremony for construction of units 3 & 4 was performed in February
2016. The power generated from the plant will provide electricity to Tamil Nadu,
Puducherry, Kerala and Karnataka.
Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar posthumously conferred Kirti Chakra
07-Apr-17
President Pranab Mukherjee has posthumously conferred Kirti Chakra, the second highest peacetime
gallantry award on Lance Havildar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar of Gorkha Rifles. The late Lance
Havildar had eliminated four terrorists during an operation in Jammu and Kashmir in June 2016.
President also presented 13 Shaurya Chakras, of which four were posthumous and 45 Distinguished
Service medals that included 15 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 2 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals and 28 Ati
Vishisht Seva Medals.
Union Government declares Kerala drought-hit
07-Apr-17
The Union has declared Kerala drought-hit, along with seven other States. The declaration was
based on a memorandum submitted to the Union Ministry of Agriculture by Kerala Government
seeking assistance for drought relief activities. Other seven states are Tamil Nadu, Karnataka,
Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Centre has allowed 50
additional working days in these eight states under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee (MGNREGA) Scheme and shall receive assistance of Rs. 24,000 crore.
55
North India to get first wildlife DNA bank in Bareilly

07-Apr-17
North India will soon get its first DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) bank for wildlife at the Indian
Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. In this regard, scientists at IVRI in
Bareilly are in the process of collecting the DNA samples of all kinds of wildlife to set up the bank. It
is expected to help in wildlife research and also bring down poaching.
Twitter unveils Lite version
07-Apr-17
Micro blogging site Twitter had rolled out Twitter Lite, a data friendly version of the platform in
India. Twitter Lite will use up to 70% less data than the standard version and load 30% faster on slow
or unreliable networks and take up less space on devices. It will provide the key features of Twitter
such as your timeline, Tweets, Direct Messages, trends, profiles, media uploads, notifications, and
more.
Google unveils YouTube Go
07-Apr-17
Google has rolled out the beta version of its new YouTube Go application in India. The application
promises to give a better experience of watching videos on a slower network. It has been designed to
be offline first and to improve the experience of watching videos on a slower network. Users can also
keep a tab on data used for streaming or saving videos. It can be downloaded on the Google Play
Store in India.
India ink defence deals with Israel for advanced MRSAM
07-Apr-17
India and Israel have inked defence deals worth over $2 billion for advanced medium-range surface-
to-air missile (MRSAM) systems.
As part of the deal, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will provide the Indian Army with Barak-8
advanced MRSAM systems.
About MRSAM
MRSAM is an advanced ground breaking air and missile defence system that can provide
ultimate protection against a variety of aerial threats such as hostile aircraft, missiles and
drones.
It has been developed jointly by IAI and Indias Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO). Other firms involved in project include Rafael, Bharat Electronics
Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited and L&T.
The system includes advanced phased-array radar, command and control systems, mobile
launchers and missiles with advanced RF seekers.
56
Using its Multi-Function Surveillance and Threat Alert Radars (MF-STARs), as well as
weapon control systems with data links, it can detect and track hostile aerial threats at a range
of 100-km and destroy them at 70-km.
The MRSAM is operational with the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and Israel Defense
Forces. Its deployment in Indian Army will help in plugging the existing holes in Indias air
defence coverage.
Comment
Israel currently is the fourth-largest arms supplier to India after the US, Russia and France. The
MRSAM systems defence deal between India and Israel will further tighten the bilateral strategic
partnership between both countries ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis impending visit to
Israel in July 2017.
64th National Film Awards
07-Apr-17
The 64th National Film Awards for year 2016 were announced on 07 April 2017. Marathi film
Kasaav won the award in the Best Feature Film category and Fireflies in the Abyss won in the Non-
Feature Film Category.
Telugu drama film Sathamanam Bhavathi directed by Satish Vegesna was selected as the Best
Popular film providing wholesome entertainment.
Background
Over 300 films vied for the honours this year. The winners in feature films category were chosen by
jury headed by Filmmaker Priyadarshan and winners in non-feature category were chosen by jury
headed nationally acclaimed cinematographer and writer Raju Misra.
The 64th National Film Awards in the various categories are as follows
Best Feature Film: Kasaav (Marathi).
Non-Feature Film: Fireflies in the Abyss.
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Sathamanam Bhavathi
Best Direction: Rajesh (Ventilator)
Best Actor: Akhay Kumar (Rustom)
Best Actress: Surabhi Lakshmi (Minnaminungu)
Best Supporting Actress: Zaira Wasim (Dangal)
Best Child Artist: Adhish Praveen (Kunju Daivam), Saj (Noor Islam), Manohara (Railway
Children)
Best stunt choreography: Peter Hein (Pulimurugan)
Best Childrens Film: Dhanak (Hindi)
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Best Film on social issue: Pink

Best Male Playback Singer: Sundara Iyer (Joker)
Best Female Playback Singer: Thume jaake
Best Screenplay (original): Syam Pushkaran (Maheshinte Prathikaram)
Best Screenplay (adapted): Sanjay Krishnaji patel (Dashakriya)
Best Editing: Rameshwar Ventilator
Sound designer: Jayadevan (Kaadu Pookunna Neram)
Best production design: 24
Best Costume Designer: Sachin (Marathi film)
Best Environmental film including agriculture: The Tiger who crossed the line
Best Make-up Artist: MK Ramakrishna
Best Music Direction: Babu Padmanabha (Kannada Lama)
Special Mention: Kadvi Hawa (Hindi), Mukthi Bhavan (Hindi), Majirathi Keki (Assamese),
Sonam Kapoor (Neerja).
Special Jury award: Mohanlal( Pulimurugan), Janatha Garage and Munthirivallikal
Thalirkkumbol.
Best feature films in regional languages: Madipur (Tulu), Joker (Tamil), Wrongside Raju
(Gujarati), Pelli Chupulu (Telugu), Dashakriya (Marathi), Bisarjan (Bengali), Maheshinte
Prathikaram (Malayalam), Ke Sara Sara (Konkini), Reservation (Kannada) and Neerja
(Hindi).
About National Film Awards
The National Film Awards are most prominent film award ceremonies in India. It was
established in 1954. Since then awarded annually.
Winners in different categories of these awards are selected by the national panel of Juries
appointed by Union Government. These awards are presented by the President of India in
the official ceremony.
RBI keeps repo rate unchanged in first monetary policy review of 2017-18
07-Apr-17
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its first bimonthly monetary policy review of the financial year
2017-18, has kept the key policy rate, the repo rate unchanged, but raised reverse repo rate by 25 bps
to 6%, from 5.75%.
Decision in this regard was taken by monetary policy committee (MPC) which decides interest
rates and all six members of the MPC voted in favour of the decision.
58
Policy Rates
Repo rate: It is the rate at which RBI lends to its clients generally against government
securities. It was unchanged at 25%.
This was the third successive quarterly review in which the RBI has kept its repo rate
unchanged at 6.25%.
Reverse Repo Rate: It is the rate at which banks lend funds to the RBI. It was raised the
Reverse Repo (RR) rate by 25 bps to 6%.
Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate: It is rate at which the scheduled banks can borrow
funds overnight from RBI against government securities. It is a very short term borrowing
scheme for scheduled banks. It was cut to 5%.
Bank Rate: It is rate charged by the central bank for lending funds to commercial banks. It
was set to 5%.
It influences lending rates of commercial banks. Higher bank rate will translate to higher
lending rates by the banks.
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): It is the amount of funds that the banks have to keep with the
RBI. It was unchanged at 4%. The RBI uses the CRR to drain out excessive money from the
system.
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): It was unchanged 20.50%. It is amount that banks have to
maintain a stipulated proportion of their net demand and time liabilities (NDTL) in the form
of liquid assets like cash, gold and unencumbered securities, treasury bills, dated securities etc.
Key Facts
The policy decision taken by RBI was consistent with its neutral policy stance with the
objective of achieving the medium-term target for retail inflation i.e. 4%.
The RBI held that the future course of monetary policy would largely depend on incoming
data on how macroeconomic conditions are evolving.
It has set its inflation projection to an average of 4.5% in the first half of 2017-18 and 5% in
the second half. It has kept GVA growth projection unchanged at 7.4% for FY18 as compared
with 6.7% in FY17.
The central bank also allowed banks to invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and
Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) in a bid to spur investments in core infrastructure
sectors.
April 8, 2017
Ban on cash transactions of over Rs 2 lakh not applicable for bank, post office
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withdrawals
08-Apr-17
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has clarified that the ban on cash transaction in excess of
Rs. 2 lakh will not be applicable to withdrawals from banks and post office savings accounts. Central
Government has banned cash transactions of over 2 lakh through the Finance Act 2017. Under it,
cash transactions of over 2 lakhs will a penalty of an equal amount would be levied on the receiver.
US, China agree to pursue 100-day plan for reducing trade deficit
08-Apr-17
United States and China have agreed to pursue a 100-day plan aimed at reducing the US trade deficit
with China. Decision in this regard was taken by US President Donald Trump and his Chinese
counterpart Xi Jinping in their first summit held in Florida, US. They also agreed to adopt the US-
China Comprehensive Dialogue. It will replace the Strategic and Economic Dialogue. It is designed
to cover 4 fields that include law enforcement, cyber security and economy.
Madhya Pradesh Government launches 1 year diploma course on Hindu
priesthood
08-Apr-17
Madhya Pradesh government-run Maharshi Patanjali Sanskrit Sansthan will launch one-year
diploma course on Hindu priesthood Purohityam from July 2017. This course will be open for all
irrespective of religion, caste, or gender. The basic qualification needed for enrolling this course is
class X. The enrolled candidates will be taught basics of priesthood, rituals, mantras in accordance
with the Hindu tradition.
Sex ratio in Haryana touches 950 mark for first time
08-Apr-17
The sex ratio in Haryana for the first time in the history has touched the 950 mark in March, 2017. It
was announced by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The state has improved its skewed sex ratio
after the launch of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao programme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from
Haryana. It also had launched a massive campaign in the state by strictly implementing Pre-
Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act and Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act.
The State is also running sensitisation-cum-awareness campaigns promoting girl child.
Scientists discovers protein that increases effectiveness of vaccines against
cancer
08-Apr-17
Scientists from Boston University School of Medicine, US have discovered a protein that could help
make vaccinations more effective and provide protection from diseases such as cancer. They had
purified a protein found on the exterior of bacteria neisseria meningitis and used it as an
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accessory to provide a better vaccination response. Typically, vaccines can either increase the
amount of antibody production or they can stimulate cells called cytotoxic T cells to directly kill the
offending agent. In this case, the protein called PorB is unique as it can do both.
IOA grants affiliation to Boxing Federation of India
08-Apr-17
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has granted affiliation to the Boxing Federation of India
(BFI). With this, the BFI now becomes the fully recognised body for Indian boxing. It already has
been granted affiliation by AIBA and the Union Sports Ministry. The affiliation also ends a logjam
that goes back to September 2016 when BFI took charge of the sport after fair elections were
conducted in the presence of AIBA and Sports Ministry observers. Prior to it, IOA had refused to
grant recognition to BFI stating that it still considered the now-defunct Indian Amateur Boxing
Federation (IABF) as the official national body for the sport.
Donald Trump nominates Indian-American Vishal Amin as his IP czar
08-Apr-17
US President Donald Trump has nominated Indian-American Vishal Amin as Intellectual Property
Enforcement Coordinator in the Executive Office of the President (IP czar). He will coordinate US
law-enforcement strategy around copyright, patents and trademarks. His appointment needs
confirmation of US Senate and will succeed Daniel Marti. Currently, Amin is a Senior Counsel on
House Judiciary Committee. He also had served in the administration of President George W Bush as
Associate Director for Domestic Policy and at the US Department of Commerce, as Special Assistant
and Associate Director for Policy in the Office of the Secretary.
Donald Trump nominates Indian-American Neomi Rao as his regulatory czar
08-Apr-17
US President Donald Trump has nominated prominent Indian-American law expert Neomi Rao as
Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) (regulatory czar). She will
oversee the US Presidents plan to eliminate 75% of federal regulations. OIRA is a statutory part of
the Office of Management and Budget within the Executive Office of the President. It reviews
regulations from federal agencies and has the power to reject rules that do not fall in line with the
Presidents goals. Currently, Rao is a professor at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason
University. Earlier, she had served as Associate Counsel to President George W Bush; counsel for
nominations and constitutional law to the US Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
Boxer Shyam Kumar wins gold medal at Thailand International
08-Apr-17
Indian boxer K Shyam Kumar has won gold medal at the Thailand International Tournament in the
49- kilogram category held in Bangkok. In the final match, he was declared winner after Olympic
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champion Hasanboy Dusmatov of Uzbekistan pulled out of the bout owing to an injury. It was
Kumars second gold medal at the event after he had first gold medal in the 2015 edition.
Malala Yousafzai to become youngest United Nations Messenger of Peace
08-Apr-17
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has selected Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai
(19) as Messenger of Peace. With this, she becomes UNs youngest-ever Messenger of Peace, the
highest honour bestowed by the UN on a global citizen. Pakistani education activist Malala became a
global symbol of the fight for girls education after being shot in the head in October 2012 for
opposing Taliban restrictions on female education. She had survived the deadly attack and became an
advocate for millions of girls denied formal education around the world.
NBA Launches Indias first Basketball School in Mumbai
08-Apr-17
US based National Basketball Association (NBA) has launched its first basketball school in India in
Mumbai, capital of Maharashtra. The school was opened as part of a multi-year agreement with
India On Track (IOT). The schools syllabus has been framed by the NBAs Elite Basketball
Development team with current and former NBA coaches, player development experts and former
NBA players. The school was opened as part of a network of tuition-based basketball development
programmes to train the male and female basketball players ages 6-18. NBA is planning to open
more schools in India and around the world this year.
April 6: International Day of Sports for Development and Peace
08-Apr-17
The International Day of Sports for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is observed every year on April
6 to recognize the power of sport in promoting peace and its ability to inspire. To celebrate this day,
United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) has launched digital
campaign #WePlayTogether. The campaign seeks to encourage organizations and individuals who
support or carry out sport for development and peace activities to partake in the commemoration of
the IDSDP.
Madhya Pradesh Government launches Deendayal Antyodaya Rasoi Yojana
08-Apr-17
Madhya Pradesh Government has launched Deendayal Antyodaya Rasoi Yojana, a populist
subsidised meal scheme for poor in the state.
The scheme has been named after the BJP ideologue Deendayal Upadhyaya. The first phase of the
scheme was launched by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in 49 districts headquarters across
the state.
With this, Madhya Pradesh becomes third state in the country to launch populist subsidised meal
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scheme. Tamil Nadu was first to launch such scheme under brand name of Amma Canteens followed
by Rajasthan.
Key Facts
Deendayal Antyodaya Rasoi Yojana will provide a full nutritious meal to poor people,
workers and their families at subsidised rate of Rs. 5.
To implement the populist subsidised meal scheme, food centres (canteens) will be opened at
each district. In case of big districts, more than one centre will be set up in accordance to local
needs.
These centres will have arrangement to cater at least 2000 persons every day. They will
provide cheap, good quality, nutritious and delicious food.
The funds for setting up these centres will be made available under CMs Urban
Infrastructure Scheme. Besides, local municipal bodies will make the water and electricity
available free-of-cost to these centres.
PM Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of multimodal terminal in Jharkhand
08-Apr-17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of a multi-modal terminal and a four-lane
bridge on the Ganga river in Jharkhands Sahibganj district. The multi-modal terminal is an
important component of the development of the National Waterway-1 (NW-1) from Varanasi in
Uttar Pradesh to Haldia in West Bengal, a distance of 1,390 km. The four-lane bridge on the Ganga
river will be connecting Sahibganj to Manihari in Bihars Katihar district.
India ranks 9th in corruption in business: EMEIA Fraud Survey
08-Apr-17
According to EY Europe, Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA) Fraud Survey 2017, India ranks 9th
among 41 surveyed countries in bribery and corrupt practices in businesses.
Indias ranking has improved marginally from the survey findings in 2015 when India was at the 6th
position. It has improved due to better regulatory scrutiny and emphasis on transparency and
governance.
Key Facts
In this edition of the survey, India ranked behind Ukraine, Cyprus, Greece, Slovakia, Croatia,
Kenya, South Africa and Hungary,.
The survey noted that nearly 78% respondents in the India have mentioned that bribery and
corrupt practices happen widely in businesses.
The findings in the survey also revealed that nearly 41% of Indian respondents are prepared
to act unethically to enhance their own career
Over 13% respondents in India are prepared to provide false information to improve their
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career or pay. 58% stated that loyalty towards company prevents employees from reporting
fraud, bribery or corruption.
The uncertainties in business environment, augmenting pressure to meet financial targets
and aspirations to achieve unprecedented career growth are driving employees to justify
unethical workplace behaviour.
Organisations should encourage millennials (people born in the 1980s-90s) to strengthen
their moral compass, communicate importance of upholding ethical standards and develop
programmes to motivate future leaders make right choices in life.
Globally, 1 in 5 respondents said they would be prepared to act unethically for their careers. It
calls for improved enforcement action to restore confidence in businesses.
Agriculture Ministry, ISRO to team up to Geo-Tag Agricultural Assets
08-Apr-17
The Union Agriculture Ministry has joined hands with the National Remote Sensing Centre
(NRSC), a wing of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for geo-tagging agricultural assets.
In this regard, Agriculture Ministry under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) and NRSC
have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Key Facts
The move will help bring transparency in governance due to real-time monitoring and
effective utilisation of agricultural assets such as ponds, crop area, warehouses and
laboratories etc.
At present, officials provide information on the assets manually, so there is no transparency.
Geo-tagging will provide realistic status of assets.
It will not only help in monitoring and utilising assets but will be useful in formulating
schemes for development in the agricultural sector. It will also help in avoiding duplication of
data.
Utilisation of space technology will help farmers to further get access to pesticide testing labs,
storage infrastructure, and market-related information.
Geotagging: It is the process of adding geographical identification like latitude and longitude to
various media such as a photo or video. It helps user to find a wide variety of location-specific
information from a device. It provides users the pinpoint location of the content of a given picture.
Geomapping: It is a visual representation of the geographical location of geotagged assets layered on
top of map or satellite imagery.
About Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
RKVY is a special Additional Central Assistance Scheme which launched in August 2007 as a
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part of the 11th Five Year Plan.

It was aimed to orient agricultural development strategies, to reaffirm its commitment to
achieve 4% annual growth in the agricultural sector during the 11th plan (200711).
It was launched to incentivize the States to provide additional resources in their State Plans
over and above their baseline expenditure to bridge critical gaps.
India ranks 40 in WEFs 2017 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index
08-Apr-17
India was ranked 40th among the 136 economies across the world in 2017 Travel and Tourism
Competitiveness Index (TTCI) released by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
In this edition of index, India has jumped 12 places from earlier 52nd position in 2015. But it lagged
behind its other Asian peers like Japan (4th) and China (13th).
Key Facts
Top 10 Countries in 2017 TTCI: Spain (1st), France (2nd), Germany (3rd), (4th), the United
Kingdom (5th), the United States (6th), Australia (7th), Italy (8th), Canada (9th) and
Switzerland (10th).
Globally, advanced economies still hold the top slots, 12 of the top 15 most improved
countries are emerging markets.
Regionally, rise of Asias giants shows that Asian Tourism Century is becoming a reality. To
reach their potential, Asian countries still have more to do, from enhancing security,
promoting their cultural heritage, building their infrastructure and creating stronger visa
policies.
The travel and tourism industry is considered force for good in largely stagnant global
economy. This sector accounts for 10% of global GDP, growing faster than other sectors and
providing one in 10 jobs.
India related Facts: India continues to enrich its cultural resources, protecting more cultural
sites and intangible expressions through UNESCO World Heritage lists, and via a greater
digital presence.
Some of the factors that helped India to improve its rank include international openness
through strong policies such as implementing visa on arrival and e-visas, and improvements
ground transport infrastructure.
Moreover Indias vast cultural and natural resources and its price competitiveness advantage
also attracted international tourists.
India has seen continued growth in international arrivals over the past 15 years, reaching the
8 million mark in 2015.
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But, still it needs to improve health conditions which are inadequate at present, similarly, ICT
readiness, security concerns and human resources are improving, but remain weak.
Indian travel and tourism sector presents significant opportunities that are yet to be reaped,
especially in provision of tourist service infrastructure, and also in terms of additional
accommodation capacity and entertainment facilities.
About Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index
The index compiled by World Economic Forum (WEF) ranks 136 countries across 14
dimensions under sub-indexes.
It measures set of factors and policies that enable sustainable development of travel and
tourism sector, which in turn, contributes to the development and competitiveness of a
country.
It further reveals how well countries could deliver sustainable economic and societal benefits
through their travel and tourism sector.
India, Bangladesh sign 22 agreements
08-Apr-17
India and Bangladesh have signed 22 agreements in various fields such as defence, nuclear
cooperation, judicial sector, earth sciences, navigation, peaceful uses of outer space, to boost bilateral
cooperation.
These agreements were signed in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime
Minister Shiekh Hasina in New Delhi after delegation level talks.
India also announced concessional Line of Credit (LoC) of $4.5 billion to Bangladesh for projects in
priority sectors. Moreover, India also gave LoC of $500 million to Bangladesh for defence purchases.
Some of the agreements signed are
MoU on Defence Cooperation Framework
MoU on Bilateral Judicial Sector Cooperation
MoU for extending Defence LOC of $500 million.
MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Mass Media.
MoU on Cooperation in the area of Cyber Security.
MoU concerning Cooperation on Aids to Navigation.
MoU on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
MoU for Extending a 3rd Line of Credit (LoC) by GoI to GoB.
Agreement on Cooperation in Peaceful uses of Nuclear Energy.
MoU on Co-operation in the field of Information Technology and Electronics.
MoU on establishing Border Haats across the border between India and Bangladesh.
Agreement for the Regulation of Motor Vehicle Passenger Traffic (Khulna-Kolkata route).
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Inter-Agency Agreement on Cooperation regarding Nuclear Power Plant Projects in

Bangladesh
MoU on Mutual Scientific Cooperation in the field of Earth Sciences for Research and
Development.
April 9, 10, 2017
April 10: World Homoeopathy Day
10-Apr-17
The World Homoeopathy Day is observed every year on April 10 to pay tribute to Dr. Christian
Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, founder and father of Homeopathy system of medicine.
Observance of the day seeks to spread more knowledge about this form of medicine in the
mainstream public health. This year it is 262nd birth anniversary of the founder of Homoeopathy.
On this occasion, AYUSH Ministry, had organised International Convention on World
Homoeopathy Day with theme Enhancing Quality Research in Homoeopathy through scientific evidence
and rich clinical experiences.
About Homeopathy
Homeopathy as a system of medicine was developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in Germany
in 1796. Now it is one of the major forms of treatment, adapted by most of the doctors of the
world.
It second most widely used system of treatment. It is one of the major medical practices used
to cure the diseases worldwide. This system of medicine uses a unique way of treatment by
stimulating bodys own healing power.
It is an alternative to the standard medicine system. The entire concept of this system of
treatment is different to the other conventional forms of medicines.
Homoeopathy is widely popular and recognized in India and has been integrated into the
national health care systems.
Astronomers discover Venus-like planet orbiting a dim star Kepler-1649
10-Apr-17
Astronomers using NASAs Kepler space telescope have discovered a Venus-like planet orbiting a
dim star called Kepler-1649.
The newly found planet is one-fifth the diameter of our Sun and is only slightly larger than Earth. It
is located 219 light years away from Earth.
Key Facts
The Venus-like planet tightly embraces its low-temperature star Kepler-1649 by encircling it
every nine days.
The tight orbit around the star causes the flux of sunlight reaching it to be 2.3 times as great
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as the solar flux on Earth. For comparison, the solar flux on Venus is 1.9 times the terrestrial
value (on earth).
The discovery will provide insight into the nature of planets encircling around M dwarf
stars, by far the most common type in the universe.
About Venus
Venus is the second planet from the Sun, orbiting it every 224.7 Earth days. It is named after
the Roman goddess of love and beauty.
It is a terrestrial planet and is sometimes called Earths sister planet because of their similar
size, mass, proximity to Sun, and bulk composition. It has no natural satellite.
But it is radically different from Earth in other respects. It has densest atmosphere of four
terrestrial planets, consisting of more than 96% CO2. The atmospheric pressure at its planets
surface is 92 times that of Earth.
Note: Venus is by far the hottest planet in the Solar System, with a mean surface temperature
462 C even though Mercury is closer to the Sun.
About Kepler Space Telescope (KST)
KST is an unmanned space observatory launched in 2009 by National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA).
It is tasked with determining how commonly, Earth-like planets occur throughout the Milky
Way galaxy.
KST works by observing a dimming in the light of a star, known as a transit, each time an
orbiting planet passes in front of it.
It has been designed for a statistical mission and not to probe into the environmental
conditions of planets that exist in the so-called Goldilocks zone (Habitable zone) of their
stars.
Government launches Bharat ke Veer web portal and application
10-Apr-17
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has launched web portal and mobile application named
Bharat ke Veer to enable people to contribute towards family of martyrs from central
paramilitary forces.
It was launched by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the occasion of Valour Day of Central
Reserve Police Force (CRPF), observed on 9 April.
Key Facts
The portal and application is an IT based platform to enable willing donors to contribute
towards the family of a braveheart who have sacrificed their life in line of duty or towards the
Bharat Ke Veer corpus.
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This online donation platform is technically supported by National Informatics Centre (NIC)
and powered by State Bank of India (SBI).
The amount so donated through it will be credited to the account of Next of Kin of those
Central Armed Police Force or Central Para Military Force soldiers.
To ensure maximum coverage, a cap of Rs. 15 lakh is imposed on donation and donors will
be alerted if amount exceeds, so they can choose to divert part of the donation to another
account or the corpus.
Bharat Ke Veer corpus will be managed by a committee made up of eminent persons of
repute and senior Government officials.
The committee will decide to disbursement of fund equitably to bravehearts family on need
basis.
Scientists discovers protein PorB that increases effectiveness of vaccines
against cancer
10-Apr-17
Scientists from Boston University School of Medicine, US have discovered a protein called PorB that
could help make vaccinations more effective and provide protection from diseases such as cancer.
In this study, researchers had purified this protein, found on the exterior of bacteria (neisseria
meningidis). It helps to increase amount of antibody production and can stimulate cells to kill
offending agent and used it as an accessory to provide a better vaccination response.
Proteins are unusually any of a class of nitrogenous organic compounds which have large molecules
composed of one or more long chains of amino acids. They are an essential part of all living
organisms, especially as structural components of body tissues such as muscle, hair, etc., and as
enzymes and antibodies.
Significance of discovery
Typically, vaccines can either increase the amount of antibody production or they can
stimulate cells (called cytotoxic T cells) to directly kill the offending agent. But the unique
protein PorB can do both.
In this study, researchers had used two experimental models. The first model was given a
vaccination with antigen and mixed PorB, while the second model was given the antigen
alone.
The model that received the PorB had an increase in the response to the vaccine antigen as
compared to the vaccination with the antigen alone.
Potential applications: The discovery may lead to greater understanding of how vaccine
enhancers work. It can also be used to help body identify and fight off bacterial infections and
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also potentially to use its own machinery to fight off other diseases like cancer, HIV, and
influenza before they establish.
President Pranab Mukherjee picks winner of Lucky Grahak and Digi Dhan Vyapar
Yojanas
10-Apr-17
President Pranab Mukherjee has picked up lucky winners from the 100th draw of lots under the
digital payments promotion schemes Lucky Grahak Yojana and Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana.
Total the six winners were selected three consumers and three merchants of Lucky Grahak Yojana
and Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana.
The winners will be felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14 in Nagpur
(Maharashtra) on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti.
Key Facts
The winners were identified through a random draw of eligible Transaction IDs by software
developed by National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI).
Consumer section: The first mega prize of Rs. 1 crore went to a customer of Central Bank
of India.
The second prize of Rs. 50 lakh went to Bank of Baroda customer and third prize of Rs. 25
lakh went to customer of Punjab National Bank. Selected customers had done transactions
using their RuPay debit cards.
Merchants Sections: Top three merchants won prizes of Rs.50 lakh, Rs. 25 lakh and Rs. 12
lakh, respectively.
About Schemes
Lucky Grahak Yojana and Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana are award based schemes launched by
NITI Aayog to encourage consumers and merchants for transition to digital payments in post
demonitisation.
These schemes aim to give cash awards to consumers and merchants who utilize digital
payment instruments for personal consumption expenditures.
National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) was the implementing agency for these
schemes.
Transactions using USSD, UPI, RuPay and AEPS will only be covered under these schemes. It
did not covered digital payments made through credit cards and e-wallets.
These schemes primarily focused on bringing the poor, lower middle class and small
businesses into the digital payment fold and restricted its focus on transactions within the
range of Rs 50 and Rs 3000.
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Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana was for merchants across the country having POS (Point of Sale)
machines for undertaking cashless transactions.
12th Indo-Mongolian Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant held in Vairengte
10-Apr-17
The twelfth edition Indo-Mongolian Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2017 has begun at
Vairengte in Mizoram. Vairengte houses Indian Armys elite Counter-Insurgency and Jungle
Warfare School.
The first joint Nomadic Elephant was held in 2004 and since then it is annually held. It seeks to
promote military associations between India and Mongolia.
Key Facts
The two week exercise (from 5 to 18 April 2017), is aimed at training the troops in Counter
Insurgency & Counter Terrorism Operations (CICT Ops) under the United Nations mandate.
In this edition of exercise, Indian Army is represented by a contingent comprising of three
officers, four JCOs and 39 soldiers of the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles.
While, Mongolian Army is represented by nine officers and 36 soldiers of the elite 084
Special Forces Task Battalion.
In this edition, both countries will lay emphasis on conducting operations by joint subunit,
comprising of troops from both armies, in adverse operational conditions to enhancing
interoperability between them.
It encompasses important aspects like convoy protection, room intervention drills,
ambush/counter-ambush drills while jointly conducting counter-terrorist operations under
the UN mandate.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates exhibition marking 100 years of Champaran
Satyagraha
10-Apr-17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an exhibition titled Swachhagraha Bapu Ko
Karyanjali Ek Abhiyan, Ek Pradarshani in New Delhi mark the 100 years (centenary year) of
Champaran Satyagraha.
The exhibition will showcase Champaran Satyagraha and it will connect essential principles of
Satyagraha with Swachhagraha. It will also showcase the ground covered by the Swachh Bharat
Mission in creating a mass movement towards a clean India.
About Champaran Satyagraha
Champaran Satyagraha was Mahatma Gandhis first experiment of Satyagraha. It was
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undertaken in the erstwhile undivided Champaran district in northern Bihar in April 1917.
It was undertaken after Mahatma Gandhi learned about the abuses suffered by farmers, who
were forced into growing indigo by British planters and estate owners.
The tenants from Champaran were forced under the law to plant three out of every twenty
parts of his land with indigo for his landlord under the so called Tinkathia system.
Initially, Gandhiji was reluctant to commit himself to the task but he was so persuaded by
indigo cultivator Rajkumar Shukla that he decided to investigate the matter.
Gandhijis plan was to carry out an extensive inquiry in the district and demand action based
on its findings. However, local authorities did not find his visit welcoming and they
unsuccessfully tried to dissuade him.
But Gandhi began his work from the house of Babu Gorakh Prasad in Motihari, headquarters
of the then Champaran district.
During this time, Gandhij was served with a court summon while he was making a spot visit
to village. Gandhiji was charged with violating law and was told to leave Champaran, but he
refused to leave.
On April 18, 1917 when Gandhi appeared in Motihari Court and was accompanied by nearly
2000 local people. The magistrate wanted to defer the trial and resulted in the collapse of trial.
The then Lieutenant Governor of Bihar ordered the withdrawal of case against Gandhi, and
the Collector wrote to Gandhi saying he was free to conduct the inquiry.
This small step in the form of passive protest was a giant leap forward in the history of
freedom struggle and heralded the advent of Gandhian era.
His protest led to abolishing of exploitative tinkathia system. The victory at Champaran
established Gandhiji in Indias struggle against the British raj.
Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016: Key Provisions
10-Apr-17
The Lok Sabha has passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016 by a voice vote to give more
thrust to road safety, controlling pollution and accidents.
The bill seeks to amend the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 that provides for legal standards for motor
vehicles, grant of driving licenses, and penalties for violation of these provisions.
Key Provisions
National Transportation Policy: Union government must frame National Transportation
Policy, in consultation with the states.
Recall of vehicles: It empowers Union government to order for recall of motor vehicles if a
defects in the vehicle may cause damage to the environment, or the driver, or other road
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users.
Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF): Mandatory for Union government to constitute
Motor Vehicle Accident Fund to provide compulsory insurance cover to all road users in
India.
MVAF will be credited with cess or tax as approved by Union government, grant or loan
made by Union government or any other source prescribed by Union government.
Care for road accident victims: Union government will develop a scheme for cashless
treatment of road accident victims during golden hour.
It defines golden hour as the time period of up to an hour following a traumatic injury,
during which the likelihood of preventing death through prompt medical care is the highest.
Compensation for death: It increases the compensation for death in a hit and run case from
to Rs two lakh or more from Rs 25,000, as prescribed by the Union government.
Protection of good samaritans: It defines a good samaritan as a person who renders
emergency medical or non-medical assistance to a victim at scene of an accident in good faith,
voluntary and without the expectation of any reward.
Good samaritans will not be held liable for any criminal or civil action for any injury to or
death of an accident victim. Union government may frame rules to provide for procedures for
their questioning or disclosure of personal information.
Aggregator services: It defines an aggregator as a digital intermediary or market place and
their services may be used by a passenger to connect with a driver for transportation
purposes.
It makes mandatory for these aggregators to obtain licenses and comply with the Information
Technology Act (IT), 2000.
Electronic services: The Bill provides for the computerization of certain services to
improve delivery of services to the stakeholders using e-Governance.
It enables (i) online learning licenses, (ii) increases period of driving licenses validity, (iii) Do
away with the requirements of educational qualifications for transport licenses etc.
It also proposes Aadhar based verification for grant of online services including learners
licence to ensure the integrity of the online services and stop creation of duplicate licences.
Offences and penalties: It increases the penalties for several offences under the parent Act
for high risk offences like drunken driving, dangerous driving, overloading, non-adherence
to safety norms by drivers.
Offences committed Juveniles: The owner or guardian will be deemed guilty in cases of
offences by the Juveniles. Juvenile will be tried under JJ Act and the registration of Motor
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Vehicle will be cancelled.

Pakistan sentences alleged RAW agent Kulbhushan Jadhav to death
10-Apr-17
Pakistans Field General Court Martial has sentenced to death Indian national and alleged RAW
(Research and Analysis Wing) agent Kulbhushan Jadhav (46) who was arrested last year on charges
of spying.
The death sentence was confirmed by army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa after the Field General
Court Martial found him guilty of all the charges.
Background
Kulbhushan Jadhav was arrested in March 2016 by Pakistani security forces in the restive
Balochistan province after he reportedly entered from Iran. Pakistan has alleged that Jadhav was a
serving officer in the Indian Navy and deputed to the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), foreign
(external) intelligence agency of India. Union External Affairs Ministry had acknowledged that
Jadhav served with the navy but has no link with government since his premature retirement from
Indian Navy.
Earlier in 1999, Pakistan had hanged an Indian Sheikh Shamim also on charges of spying. In 2013,
another Indian national, Sarabjit Singh was also sentenced to death (16 years) for spying in Pakistan.
He was killed in jail after being attacked by fellow inmates.. However, these two previous cases were
gone through civilian courts.
About Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
RAW is the primary foreign intelligence agency of India.
It was established in 1968 following the intelligence failures of the Sino-Indian and Indo-
Pakistani wars.
Headquarters: New Delhi.
Motto: : (English: The law protects when it is protected)
It is under the direct command of Prime Minister and reports on an administrative basis to
the Cabinet Secretary of India, who reports to the Prime Minister.
Its primary function is gathering foreign intelligence, engaging in counter-terrorism, advising
Indian policymakers, promoting counter-proliferation and advancing Indias foreign strategic
interests.
First UK rail freight service to China to depart
10-Apr-17
The first rail freight service from United Kingdom to China departed from Essex. Earlier the first
freight train in the opposite direction, from China to UK had arrived in London in January 2017.
The train service was launched as part of Chinas ambitious One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative
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that aims to revive the ancient Silk Road trading routes with the West dating back more than 2,000
years.
Key Facts
The 30 containers train carrying British goods including pharmaceuticals will travel over
7,500 miles to reach Yiwu (China), a famed wholesale market town in the eastern province of
Zhejiang in 17 days.
The train during the journey will pass through seven countries France, Germany,
Belgium, Poland, Russia, Kazakhstan before reaching final destination in China.
The operators have mentioned that the rail transportation between UK and China is cheaper
than by air and faster than by sea.
About Chinas One Belt and One Road (OBOR) Initiative

OBOR initiative is Chinas ambitious development strategy and framework that aims to boost
its connectivity and trade across Asia, Africa and Europe.It was proposed by Chinese
President Xi Jinping in 2013. It has been launched as part of Chinas revived 21st century Silk
Road diplomacy that seeks to push it to take a bigger role in global affairs as a major global
power. It is basically investment and trade promotion scheme aiming to deepen economic
connections between China and rest of the world. It comprises two components viz. the Silk
Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
Parliament passes Constitution (SCs) order (Amendment) Bill, 2017
10-Apr-17
Parliament has passed the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill 2017 after it was
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passed by Rajya Sabha. It was already passed by Lok Sabha in March 2017.
The Bill seeks to amends the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 and the Constitution
(Pondicherry) Scheduled Castes Order, 1964.
Key Provisions
Modify the list of SCs for Odisha: It makes castes Sualgiri, Swalgiri as synonyms to the
Sabakhia caste in the list of SCs for the state.
Modification of name of Pondicherry: It modifies name of the Union Territory of
Pondicherry to Puducherry by incorporating changes in the Constitution (Pondicherry)
Scheduled Castes Order, 1964.
Background
Article 341 of the Constitution empowers the President to specify the Scheduled Castes in various
states and UTs. Further, it permits Parliament to modify this list.
Constitution 123rd Amendment Bill, 2017 passed in Lok Sabha
10-Apr-17
Lok Sabha has passed Constitution 123rd Amendment Bill, 2017 which seeks to give constitutional
status to National Commission for Backward Classes. The bill was passed by the house with 360 MPs
voting in favor and 2 against the bill.
Objectives of the Bill
rd
The Constitution 123 Amendment Bill seeks to make the following changes:
It seeks to insert a new article 338B in the constitution which provides for NCBC, its
composition, mandate, functions and various officers.
Insert a new article 342-A which empowers the president to notify the list of socially and
educationally backward classes of that state / union territory. In case of a state, president will
make such notification after consultation with the Governor. Under the same article, it is
proposed that parliament by making a law can include or exclude the classes from the central
list of backward classes.
Background
The government had created a Commission for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes via a
resolution in 1987. It was given constitutional status by passing Constitution (65th amendment) Act,
1990, leading to creation of National Commission of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
(NCSCST) in 1992. Via the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003; the NCSCST was split into
two different commissions viz. NCSC and NCST by inserting Article 338-A. NCSC was mandated to
look into the grievances and complaints of backward classes also. However, in 1992, the Supreme
Court in Indra Sawhney case had directed the government to create a permanent body to entertain,
examine and recommend the inclusion and exclusion of various Backward Classes for the purpose of
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benefits and protection. Towards this, the parliament passed National Commission for Backward
Classes Act in 1993 and constituted the National Commission for Backward Classes as a statutory
body. Currently, this body is responsible to look into the inclusion and exclusion of backward classes
only. To safeguard the interests of these classes more effectively, there was a need to give
constitutional status to NCBC. For this purpose, the above said amendment has been introduced and
passed in Lok Sabha. The bill will now need to be passed in Rajya Sabha to become act.
Since the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993 becomes irrelevant once this bill
becomes an act; Lok Sabha has also passed a separate bill to repeal that act.
April 11, 2017
Colson Whitehead wins 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Underground Railroad
11-Apr-17
Colson Whiteheads celebrated novel The Underground Railroad has won the 2017 Pulitzer
Prize for fiction. The novel is about an escaped slave that combined liberating imagination and
brutal reality.
Earlier in November 2016, the novel had received the National Book Award of US. This makes
Colson Whitehead first person to win Pulitzer and National Book Award for fiction in last 20 years.
List of 2017 Pulitzer Prize Winners
Letters, Drama & Music
Fiction: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead.
Drama: Sweat by Lynn Nottage.
History: Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy, by
Heather Ann Thompson.
Biography or Autobiography: The Return: Fathers, Sons and the Land in Between, by
Hisham Matar.
Poetry: Olio, by Tyehimba Jess (Wave Books)
General Nonfiction: Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, by Matthew
Desmond.
Music: Angels Bone, by Du Yun.
Journalism
Public Service: New York Daily News and ProPublica
Breaking News Reporting: Staff of East Bay Times, Oakland.
Investigative Reporting: Eric Eyre of Charleston Gazette-Mail, Charleston/.
Explanatory Reporting: International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, McClatchy
and Miami Herald
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Local Reporting: The Salt Lake Tribune Staff

National Reporting: David A. Fahrenthold of The Washington Post
International Reporting: The New York Times Staff
Feature Writing: C. J. Chivers of The New York Times
Commentary: Peggy Noonan of The Wall Street Journal
Criticism: Hilton Als of The New Yorker
Editorial Writing: Art Cullen of The Storm Lake Times, Storm Lake.
Editorial Cartooning: Jim Morin of Miami Herald
Breaking News Photography: Daniel Berehulak, freelance photographer
Feature Photography: Jason Wambsgans of Chicago Tribune
About Pulitzer Prize
The Pulitzer Prize is an annual award for achievements in newspaper, magazine and online
journalism, literature, and musical composition in the United States.
It was established in 1917 by provisions in will of American-Hungarian newspaper publisher
Joseph Pulitzer. The award is administered by Columbia University in New York City.
Prizes are awarded yearly in 21 categories. In 20 of the categories, each winner receives a
certificate and a US$15,000 cash award. The winner in the public service category of the
journalism is awarded a gold medal.
Malala Yousafzai made youngest UN Messenger of Peace
11-Apr-17
United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres has bestowed the highest honour UN
Messenger of Peace upon Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai.
She was described as a symbol of the most important thing in the world-education for all. With this,
she became youngest ever UN Messenger of Peace.
About Malala Yousafzai
Malala was born on 12 July 1997 in Mingora city in Swat province of Pakistan.
At the age of 11 she had caught international attention as female education activist after
writing for the BBC about life under the Taliban in Pakistan under pseudonym Gul Makai.
Her campaign had led to a Taliban assassination attempt near that left her severely wounded
after she was shot in head in 2012.
Awards and Honours: In 2014, at the age of 17 she was awarded Nobel peace prize,
becoming youngest Nobel Laureate in the history of Nobel award.
National Youth Peace Prize (2011), Mother Teresa Awards for Social Justice (2012), Simon de
Beauvoir Prize (2013), Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought (2013), Anna Politkovskaya
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Award (2013).
UN has declared 12 July as Malala Day in her honour.
About UN Messenger of Peace
The coveted title is bestowed by UN upon distinguished individuals, carefully selected from
the fields of art, literature, music and sports or other fields of public life.
The Messengers of Peace scheme was instigated in 1997 as a central addition to the system of
UN goodwill ambassadors and honorary ambassadors, run by the different UN agencies since
1954.
The messengers of peace are appointed directly by the Secretary-General of the UN and are
intended to promote the work of the United Nations in general and
Initially they were chosen for a period of three year, but three of the current twelve
messengers, Michael Douglas, Jane Goodall, and Yo-Yo Ma have served for more than ten
years.
Align pay in PSBs to that in CPSEs: BBB
11-Apr-17
The Bank Board Bureau (BBB) has recommended that Government should bring in reforms in the
compensation process in public sector banks (PSBs) on the lines of Central Public Sector Enterprises
(CPSEs).
BBB has suggested compensation reforms in PSBs so that best practices can be introduced on the
lines already prevalent in CPSEs.
It will play important role in attracting high-quality talent for non-executive directors and chairmen.
It will also maintain a level-playing field with the private sector with respect to role, responsibility
and remuneration.
About Bank Board Bureau (BBB)
BBB is the super authority (autonomous body) of eminent professionals and officials for
public sector banks (PSBs). It had replaced the Appointments Board of Government.
It is set up in April 2016 as part of seven point Indradhanush Mission to revamp the Public
Sector Banks (PSBs).
Functions: Give recommendations to Government for appointment of full-time Directors as
well as non-Executive Chairman of PSBs.
Give advice to PSBs in developing strategies for raising funds through innovative financial
methods and instruments to deal with stressed assets.
Guide banks on mergers and consolidations and also ways to address the bad loans problem
and among other issues.
Composition of BBB: It has three ex-officio members and three expert members, in addition
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to the Chairman. Former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Vinod Rai is first and
incumbent Chairman of BBB.
India, Australia sign six agreements
11-Apr-17
India and Australia have singed six agreements in various fields such as terrorism, sports, health,
environment, aviation sector to boost bilateral cooperation.
These agreements were signed in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visiting
Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull after delegation level talks.
Signed MoUs are
MoU on Cooperation in Sports.
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine.
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.
MoU for Promotion and Development of Cooperation in Civil Aviation Security
MoU on Cooperation in Combatting International Terrorism and Transnational Organized
Crime.
Implementation arrangement between ISRO and Geoscience Australia on Cooperation in
Earth Observation and Satellite Navigation.
Highlights of delegation level talks
Both countries sought to provide a boost to trade and security ties including counterterrorism
cooperation.
Trade deal: Both countries could not conclude negotiations for Comprehensive Economic
Cooperation Agreement (CECA) which they have been negotiating.
Uranium Supply: Australia held that ready to supply uranium to India as soon as possible.
Both countries had signed civil nuclear cooperation in 2013 but actual supply has not yet
commenced due to absence of any commercial contract.
NSG membership: Australia will spport for Indias membership of the Nuclear Suppliers
Group and also for Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement, the two export control
regimes.
Maritime security: Both countries agreed share common interests in ensuring maritime
security and the safety of sea lines of communication.
They also recognised importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful
commerce, resolving maritime disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international
law, including UNCLOS.
Defence: Both countries agreed to remain strongly committed to the breadth of their defence
ties and recalled the Special Forces Bilateral Exercise conducted in October 2016.
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They agreed that the bilateral maritime exercise first held in the Bay of Bengal in 2015 will be
repeated off Western Australia in the first half of 2018. They took decision for first bilateral
Army-to-Army exercise to take place in 2018.
They also agreed to look forward to the inaugural secretaries defence and foreign affairs
dialogue in the 2+2 format as a new mechanism to build on the deep strategic partnership.
Survey of India launches web portal Nakshe
11-Apr-17
The Survey of India (SOI) has launched new web portal called Nakshe to make open series maps
available to Indians for free.
The portal was launched by Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Harsh
Vardhan on the occasion of 250th anniversary of SOI.
Features of Nakshe portal
It will offer free download of 3,000 Topographic maps or Open Series Maps (OSM) in a pdf
format on 1:50,000 scale through Aaadhar enabled user authentication process.
The maps are meant for development activities in the country, and can be also used to plan
scientific expeditions, research and planning development projects.
Topographic maps or OSM comprise natural and man-made geographical features including
terrain or topography.
About Survey of India (SOI)
SOI is the principal mapping agency of the country. It comes under the Department of
Science & Technology.
Its origin can be traced back to Year 1767, making it oldest scientific department in India and
one of the oldest survey establishments in the world.
It prepares maps for defence and civilian purposes and are considered a standard reference for
the shape, extent and geographic features of the country.
SoI has surveyed and mapped each and every part of the country and these maps have played
valuable role in nation building and were pivotal in almost all major developmental activities
of modern India.
Note: Foundation for the scientific survey and mapping of the country was laid with The
Great Trignometric Survey (GTS) in 19th century on 10th April, 1802, by noted surveyors
Col. Lambton and Sir George Everest.
April 12, 2017
Government reduces number of centrally sponsored schemes to 28
12-Apr-17
The Union Government has reduced the number of centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) from 66 to
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28 umbrella schemes, effective from the financial year 2016-17.

These schemes were reduced based on the recommendation of the sub-group of Chief Ministers on
rationalisation of centrally sponsored schemes.
Key Facts
Government has categorised 6 schemes as Core of the Core, 20 schemes as Core Schemes and
remaining two as Optional Schemes.
If required government is also planning to merge the related schemes and implement them as
Umbrella Schemes with flexibility to states to administer in the line with their requirements.
Core schemes: For these schemes, the fund-sharing pattern between the Centre and states
would be 60:40 for general category states. For the eight Northeastern and three Himalayan
states, ratio is 90:10.
Core-of-core Schemes: These schemes are fully funded by the Centre. Some of the schemes
included in this category are: MGRNEA, National Social Assistance Plan and the National
Programme for Persons with Disabilities.
Optional Schemes: These schemes are for social protection and social inclusion. The fund-
sharing pattern between the Centre and states is 50:50 for general category states and 80:20
for Northeastern and hilly states.
Funds for these schemes will be allocated to states as a lump sum and states would be free to
choose which optional scheme they want to adopt.
What are Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS)?
CCS are schemes that are implemented by state governments but are largely funded by the
Central Government with a defined State Government share.
They are basically special purpose grants (or loans) extended by Central Government to states
to encourage them to plan and implement programmes that help attain national goals and
objectives.
CSS are basically extended by the Central Government to States under Article 282 of the
Constitution. It mainly cover items listed in states list.
India, Georgia sign Joint Statement to launch Joint Feasibility Study on FTA
12-Apr-17
India and Georgia have singed a Joint Statement on the launching of the Joint Feasibility Study on
the Free Trade Agreement between both countries.
The statement was signed by Union Commerce & Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and
Georgias Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Giorgi Gakharia.
Key Facts
The objective of the study is to further promote economic, trade and investment relations
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between the two countries for creating favourable conditions for more comprehensive
economic cooperation.
Upon the completion of the Joint Feasibility Study both countries may proceed to
negotiations on an FTA once the internal procedures are completed and the mandates on
negotiations are approved.
In this regard, Joint Feasibility Study Group consisting of the officials of the two countries
has been established.
It will provide an opportunity for more in-depth and systematic examination of potential
FTA. It will discuss possible scope of a potential FTA and analyse sensitiveness of specific
sectors and recommend possible ways to address them.
Background
India is having positive trade balance with Georgia. In 2015-2016 the total exports from India to
Georgia was $82.57 million and import from Georgia was $24.47 million. The Joint Feasibility Study
will further contribute to the mutually beneficial cooperation of the partners and bring it to a new
level.
Georgia: It is a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. It is located at the crossroads of Western
Asia and Eastern Europe and is bounded by the Black Sea to the west, Russia to the north, Turkey to
the south and Armenia and Azerbaijan to the southeast. Tbilisi is its capital and largest city.
Government sets up inter-ministerial panel to monitor UDAN
12-Apr-17
The Union Government has set up an Inter- Ministerial Monitoring-cum-Coordination Committee
to monitor the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) scheme.
UDAN is regional air connectivity scheme (RCS) which seeks to make flying affordable by
connecting unserved and under-served airports.
Key Facts
The committee will be responsible for coordination among stakeholders, including state
governments for time-bound implementation of the scheme.
It will also monitor schemes of promotion of regional connectivity by way of revival of
unserved and under-served airports/airstrips and UDAN.
It will be chaired by Civil Aviation Secretary and will have representations from the
ministries of Finance, Defence, Home as well as Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman, representatives from the Directorate General of
Civil Aviation (DGCA), BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security), officials of airlines and
states concerned will be also its part.
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Background
The Union Civil Aviation Ministry already has awarded 128 routes connecting 70 airports to 5
airlines, under the scheme UDAN Scheme. In the flights operated under RCS, around 50% of the
seats will have a fare cap Rs 2,500 per seat/hour. Apart from various incentives, the operators of
such flights will be extended viability gap funding (VGF) for which money is partly raised through a
levy imposed on flights operating in major routes. The VGF will be in place for three years for the
airlines concerned from the date of starting operations in a particular UDAN route. Operators will
be provided also other benefits such as zero airport charges and three-year exclusivity on the routes.
Parliament passes HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2017
12-Apr-17
Parliament has passed the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome (AIDS) (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2017. It is the first national HIV law in South Asia.
The Bill seeks to safeguard the rights of people living with HIV and affected by HIV. It aims to
prevent social stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV (PLHIV).
Key Provisions
Prevention and control the spread of HIV and AIDS. It prohibits discrimination against
persons with HIV and AIDS.
Privacy of PLHIV: No person will be compelled to disclose his HIV status except with his
informed consent, and if required by a court order.
Establishments keeping records of information of PLHIV must adopt data protection
measures.
Prohibits any individual from publishing information or advocating feelings of hatred against
HIV positive persons and PLHIV.
Safeguarding Rights: Obligations on establishments to safeguard rights of persons living
with HIV arid create mechanisms for redressing complaints.
Strengthen legal accountability and establish formal mechanisms for inquiring into
complaints and redressing grievances to probe discrimination complaints against those who
discriminate against PLHIV.
It ensures that no HIV test, medical treatment or research is conducted on a person without
his informed consent.
Grounds of discrimination: Lists various grounds on which discrimination against HIV-
positive persons and those living with them is prohibited.
These include the denial, discontinuation, termination or unfair treatment with regard to
employment, educational establishments, health care services, renting property etc.
Bans unfair treatment of people living with and affected by HIV with regard to accessing
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public facilities, such as shops, hotels, restaurants, public entertainment venues, public
facilities and burial grounds.
Pre-requisite HIV testing: Prohibits, requirement for HIV testing as a pre-requisite for
obtaining employment or accessing health care or education.
Background
There are approximately 21 lakh persons estimated to be living with HIV in India. The prevalence of
HIV in India is decreasing since last decade but percentage of PLHIV receiving Anti-Retroviral
therapy (ART) treatment is merely 28.82% against global percentage of 41%. The Bill will provide
essential support to National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) in arresting new spread of HIV
infections and thereby achieving the target of Ending the epidemic by 2030 to meet goal
Sustainable Development Goals.
Government launches URJA MITRA app
12-Apr-17
The Union Ministry of Power has launched URJA MITRA app for empowering citizens by real time
information sharing on power supply.
The app is a first of its kind which provides a central platform, web-portal (www.urjamitra.com) as
well as mobile app for state power Distribution utilities to disseminate power outage information to
rural/ urban power consumers through SMS/ push/email notifications across the country.
Rural Feeder Monitoring Scheme
The Ministry also inaugurated Rural Feeder Monitoring Scheme to monitor the quantity and
quality parameters of power supply in rural areas of the country.
The entire data under the scheme will be hosted on National Power Portal (NPP) on real time
basis and may be accessed by various stake holders through web services.
Background
The Union Government has set December 2017 as the deadline to achieve 100% rural feeder
monitoring by installing additional meters and modems on all feeders across the country. The
purpose of this move is to facilitate real time communication of faults appearing in the power supply.
These meters will be geo-tagged to pin point the location and cause of the fault and address it at the
earliest.
G20 Digital Ministerial Meeting on Digital Economy held in Germany
12-Apr-17
The G20 Digital Ministerial Meeting on Digital Economy was held in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Ministers responsible for the digital economy from G20 countries had participated in it.
It concluded with adaptation of declaration on Shaping Digitalisation for an Interconnected
World.
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Key Features of the declaration

It talks about the need for greater availability of affordable broadband connectivity, broader
adoption of digital technologies and services improved digital skills and literacy, greater
digital entrepreneurship for the digital economy to achieve the Sustainable Development
Goals.
It includes three annex papers on Digital skills in vocational education and training, A
Roadmap for Digitalisation: Policies for a Digital Future and G20 Priorities on Digital
Trade.
It calls for collaboration between the countries and all stakeholders, including academia and
private sector and sharing of best practices forms.
It calls for greater support for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which
might be constrained by their scale in adoption of digital technologies.
Background
The ministerial conference was held according to the G20 Task Force on the digital economy
established in G20 summit held in Hangzhou, China in 2016. The G20 leaders summit held at
Hangzhou had proposed to collectively leverage the opportunities and address challenges of an
increasingly digital world, in order to enable a dynamic and thriving digital economy to drive
inclusive global growth that benefits all.
About G20
The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for its members international economic
cooperation and decision-making.
It is deliberating forum for the governments and central bank governors from 20 major
economies on economic issues and other important development challenges.
It was started in 1999 as a meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in the
aftermath of the Southeast Asian (Tiger economies) financial crisis.
It was established for studying, reviewing, and promoting high-level discussion of policy
issues pertaining to the promotion of international financial stability.
In 2008, the first G20 Leaders Summit was held in Washington DC, US. The group had
played a key role in responding to the global financial crisis.
It comprises total 19 countries plus the European Union (EU), representing 85% of global
GDP, 80% of international trade, 65% of worlds population.
Its members include Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, India, France, Germany,
Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey, South Africa,
UK, US and EU.
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Government to launch SAMPADA scheme for food processing

12-Apr-17
The Union Ministry of Food Processing is going to launch Scheme for Agro-Marine Produce
Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters (SAMPADA) for food processing
sector.
The scheme will integrate current and new schemes aimed at reducing food wastage and doubling
farmers income by 2022. It will help to create infrastructure for linkage of entire supply chain.
Key Facts
SAMPADA is an umbrella scheme that will include ongoing schemes like mega food parks
and cold chain projects and new schemes. It has an outlay of Rs. 6000 crore and will be
implemented by 2019-20.
The ministry will also launch three new schemes to create infrastructure for improving the
entire food supply chain.
These three schemes are Creation/ Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation
Capacities, New Agro-Processing Clusters and Backward and Forward Linkages.
Moreover, government is taking steps to boost food processing sector to bring down post-
harvest losses preferably to zero level, provide quality food to consumers at cheaper price and
double of farmers income.
Belle-II detector system integrated with powerful SuperKEKB accelerator
12-Apr-17
The High Energy Accelerator Research Organisation (KEK) completed the rolling-in of the Belle-II
experiment in Tsukuba, Japan. With this, it moves a step forward by integrating particle detector
with powerful accelerator.
The term roll-in refers to the operation of moving the entire Belle II detector system from its
assembly area to the beam collision point. The Belle II detectors total weight is about 1400 tons.
About Belle-II experiment
Belle II experiment consists of an upgraded detector to record the enormous numbers of
particle processes that are produced by the SuperKEKB accelerator.
The experiment is designed to study violations of the Standard Model of particle physics. It is
grand collaboration of 700 scientists from 23 countries including India.
The detector precisely measures elementary particle interactions artificially created with the
upgraded SuperKEKB accelerator.
In the Belle II experiment, various elementary particles generated from high energy electron-
positron collisions will be observed using the 8-meter tall Belle II detector consisting of seven
types of subdetectors.
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The detector will provide measurements of direction and momenta of newly produced
particles. Compared to previous Belle experiment, Belle will allow collection of much larger
data samples with much improved measurement precision.
Indias contribution
Belle-II has a significant Indian participation both on experimental and theoretical sides. The fourth
layer of the six-layer i.e. highly sensitive particle detector (the heart of Belle-II) has been built by
Indian scientists from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai. Scientists from the
Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Guwahati and Hyderabad, Panjab
University, Institute of Mathematical Sciences (Chennai), Punjab Agricultural University, Malaviya
National Institute of Technology (Jaipur), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research
(Mohali) are also participating in this research.
April 13, 2017
CCEA approves 9.4% hike in raw jute MSP for 2017-18 season
13-Apr-17
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved increase in the Minimum
Support Price (MSP) for raw Jute for 2017-18 season in order to protect the economic interests of
the farmers.
The MSP was increased to Rs. 3500/- per quintal for 2017-18 season, an increase of Rs. 300/- (9.4%)
over the previous year.
Key Facts
Jute is long, soft, shiny vegetable fiber mainly used as raw material for Packaging Industry. It
is also called as the golden fiber for its colour and high cash value.
The increase in MSP will benefit Jute industry which supports the livelihood of around 40
lakh farm families and 3.7 lakh workers directly employed in the organised mills and in
tertiary sector and allied activities.
These farm families are mainly concentrated in three eastern states viz. West Bengal, Bihar
and Assam which account for over 95% of the total area under jute production in the country.
National Seeds Corporation Limited (NSCL) is promoting new varieties of jute viz., JRO-204,
JBO-2003, JRS-517, JRC-532 and JRO-2407 under National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-
Commercial Crops.
In this regard, NSCL has entered into agreement for promotion of new varieties of jute seeds
in the jute growing states.
Cabinet approves setting up of Government e-Marketplace for procurement
13-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved setting up of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for procurement of
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goods & services required by Central & State Government organizations.

The SPV will be called Government e-Marketplace (GeM SPV). It will replace the Directorate
General of Supplies and Disposal (DGS&D) under the Ministry of Commerce.
Key Facts
GeM SPV will be established as non-profit autonomous body under Section 8 of the
Companies Act, 2013.
It will provide end-to-end online marketplace for Central and State Government
Ministries/Departments, CPSUs & SPSUs, local bodies for procurement of common use
goods & services.
It will bring more transparency and streamlining government procurement which is
estimated at Rs 10,000 crore a year.
Currently, over 9,000 products from 250 categories, including stationery, computers and
several services are registered by different vendors on GeM SPVs portal.
Cabinet approves setting up of Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy at
Visakhapatnam
13-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved setting up of Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE)
at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh as Institute of National Importance through an Act of
Parliament.
The Institute will have the governance structure as well as legal mandate to grant degrees in a
manner similar to that enjoyed by Indian Institutes of Technologies (IITs).
Key Facts
The enactment of separate Act will impart the required status to the IIPE to become a Centre
of Excellence in petroleum and energy studies.
The Cabinet also approved Rs 655.46 crore as capital expenditure to set up IIPE and
contribution of Rs 200 crore towards its Endowment Fund (in addition to a contribution of
Rs 200 crore from Oil Companies).
The objective of setting up IIPE is to meet the quantitative and qualitative gap in the supply
of skilled manpower for petroleum sector and promote research activities needed for the
growth of the sector.
IIPEs academic and research activities will derive strength from proximity to sector-related
activities such as Visakhapatnam refinery, KG-Basin and the planned Petrochemical complex
at Kakinada.
Background
The IIPE will be set up in Andhra Pradesh as per the commitment under the 13 Schedule of Andhra
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Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014. In this regard, Andhra Pradesh Government has allocated 200
acres of land, free of cost, for setting up the institute at Sabbavaram Mandal in Visakhapatnam
district. IIPE has been registered as a Society under the AP Society Registration Act, 2001 in April
2016. Its temporary campus has been set up at the Andhra University Campus for academic session
2016-17 with two undergraduate programmes namely, Petroleum Engineering and Chemical
Engineering. The responsibility of mentoring the institute was taken by IIT, Kharagpur.
Justice Gita Mittal appointed as acting Chief justice of Delhi High Court
13-Apr-17
Justice Gita Mittal, the senior-most judge of Delhi High Court, has been appointed as the acting
Chief justice of Delhi High Court with effect from April 14. Her appointment comes at the backdrop
of the retirement of current Chief justice Gorla Rohini.
President of India has appointed Justice Mittal as the Chief Justice by exercising his powers conferred
by article 223 of the Constitution of India.
Article 223 of the Indian Constitution provides for the appointment of acting Chief
Justice by the President of India whenever the ofce of the Chief Justice of a High
Court falls vacant due to any reason such as absence or otherwise.
About Justice Gita Mittal

In 2004, Justice Mittal was appointed as Additional Judge of Delhi High Court and was made
permanent in 2006. Justice Mittal is one of the members of the Governing Council of the National
Law University and Indian Law Institute. She has also been nominated to the Administrative Committee
of the Indian Law Institute.
Justice Mittal is currently chairing the Delhi High Court committees on Mediation and Conciliation
Centre and also over the committee monitoring the implementation of Judicial Guidelines for Dealing
with cases of Sexual Offences and Child Witnesses. Justice Mittal spearheaded the inauguration of
Vulnerable Witness Court Project in trial courts in Delhi. First such court room in the country was
inaugurated in September 2012 and the second on September 2013.
Her important judicial pronouncements include pronouncements on compensation for riot victims,
right to shelter of internally displaced persons, right to marriage of a female member of the Armed
Force, principles governing DNA testing in paternity issues in the absence of statutory provisions,
right to workers in labour force etc.
Cabinet approves MoU for establishment of BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection
13-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for
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Establishment of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Grid Interconnection.
The MoU will be signed among member states of BIMSTEC at the upcoming third BIMSTEC
Energy Ministers Meeting to be held in Nepal.
Key Facts
The MoU provides broad framework for members to cooperate towards implementation of
grid interconnections for electricity trade to promote rational and optimal power
transmission in BIMSTEC region.
It also provides optimization of using the energy resources in the region for mutual benefits
on non-discriminatory basis subject to rules and regulations, laws of member countries;
It also aims to promote efficient, economic, and secure operation of power system needed
through the development of regional electricity networks.
It also highlights the necessity of optimization of capital investment for generation capacity
addition across the region and power exchange through cross border interconnections.
Background
BIMSTEC is an international organisation involving a group of 7 countries from South Asia
and South East Asia viz. India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand and
Myanmar.
The first BIMSTEC Energy Ministers Conference held in New Delhi in October 2005, had
formulated the Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation in BIMSTEC.
In this plan, under the BIMSTEC Trans-Power Exchange and Development Project, Task
Force led by Thailand, with representatives of member countries will give report on draft
MoU for grid interconnections.
Since then total five meetings Task Force were held and the draft MoU for establishment of
BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection was finalized in March 2015.
In the BIMSTEC Leaders Retreat 2016, held in Goa in October 2016, Leaders decided to
expedite the signing of the MoU on BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection.
5 Facts: Operation Meghdoot
13-Apr-17
Operation Meghdoot was an Indian armed forces operation launched 33 years ago on 13 April 1984.
Here are the Five Facts about this operation:
1. Operation Meghdoot was an operation launched by Indian Armed Forces to capture the Siachen
Glacier in Kashmir.
2. The operation was entrusted to one of the Kumaon Battalions, supported by Ladakh Scouts. Initial
assault was led by Maj (later Col ) RS Sandhu, VrC. This military operation was unique because it
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was the first assault launched in worlds highest battlefield.

3. During the operation, Indian troops landed on Bilafond La on Saltoro ridge, west of Siachen
glacier, on Friday, April 13, 1984. It was a Baishakhi day.
4. The operation resulted in Indian troops gaining control of the entire Siachen glacier, giving India
strategic advantage and also maintaining status quo.
5. Siachen not only gives India opportunity to test the mettle of its own troops but also useful for
R&D in various military disciplines. With occupying Siachen, India prides of sustaining its
dominance on worlds highest battlefield, however has paid heavy price for it in the form of human
costs.
Recent Updates of BIMSTEC grid interconnection
13-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Power for signing a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) with member states of BIMSTEC for establishing BIMSTEC grid
interconnections. The MoU will be signed at the 3rd BIMSTEC Energy Ministers Meeting that will
be held in Nepal shortly.
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
(BIMSTEC) is a sub-regional group of seven countries in South Asia and South East
Asia lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal viz. Bangladesh, India,
th
Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. It was established on 6 June 1997
through the Bangkok Declaration. It is headquartered at Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Timeline
In 2005, during the first BIMSTEC Energy Ministers Conference held in New Delhi, a Plan of Action
for Energy Cooperation in BIMSTEC was formulated. As a part of the plan, under the BIMSTEC Trans-
Power Exchange and Development Project, a task force under the leadership of Thailand was formed
comprising the representatives of member countries to come up with a report on draft MoU for grid
interconnections.
After a total of five meetings, the draft MoU for the establishment of the BIMSTEC grid
interconnection was finalised on March 16, 2015.
The leaders reached a consensus to expedite the signing of the MoU on BIMSTEC grid
interconnection during the BIMSTEC Leaders Retreat, 2016 held in Goa.
In the fourth meeting of BIMSTEC held in January 2017, the MoU was discussed and finalised.
Salient features
The MoU provides a broad framework of cooperation for the implementation of grid
interconnections for the purpose of carrying out trade in electricity. Its objective is to promote
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rational and optimal power transmission in the BIMSTEC region.

The MoU for the establishment of the BIMSTEC grid interconnection facilitates:
Optimization of energy resources in the BIMSTEC region for mutual benefits on non-
discriminatory basis subject to laws, rules and regulations of the respective Parties;
Promotion of efficient, economic, and secure operation of power system by developing
regional electricity networks;
Necessity of optimization of capital investment for additional capacity generation across the
region; and
Power exchange through cross-border interconnections.
Daily Current Affairs Updates: April 12, 2017

13-Apr-17
Daily Current Affairs Short Updates for April 12, 2017 with important short notes on current events
and newspaper summary.
SC gives a new ruling that gender is not a pretext for leniency
SC has taken cognizance of the increasing role of women in crime and said that gender
cannot be considered as a ground for lenient punishment and they should be treated at par
with men for equal offences committed by them.
SC also held that women at times surpass men in the intensity and nature of crime.
SC directs Centre, Punjab and Haryana to settle SYL
SC asks the Centre, Punjab and Haryana to complete their talks on construction of SYL
(Sutlej-Yamuna Link) Canal as soon as possible. Justice Ghose will retire on May 27 and said
if the issue isnt settled till then, it will have to be passed to a Bench.
Both states have continued a stand-off on the issue.
Dynamic fuel prices to be introduced in UT and 4 cities from May 1.
Public sector oil companies will start with a pilot project of dynamic fuel pricing in
Chandigarh, Puducherry, Visakhapatnam, Udaipur and Jamshedpur from May1, 2017.
It will involve a daily revision of both petrol and diesel prices like other commodities that
reflect daily rate.
The companies involved are Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.,
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. They together own 95 percent of the 58,000 fuel
stations in the country.
The companied state that a daily revision will be less volatile and more accurate.
E-marketplace gets Cabinet nod
The Union Cabinet gave its approval to set up a special purpose vehicle called Government
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e-marketplace GeM-SPV). It will be a National Public Procurement Portion registered under

the Companies Act.
It will be a national portal for buying goods and services by Central and State governments.
It will provide end-to-end online marketplace for Central and State government
ministries/departments, Central and State PSUs, autonomous and local bodies for both
procurement of common use goods and services.
FATCA Act: Self-Certify Bank Accounts or face closure
FATCA or Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act requires that the bank accounts which were
opened between July 1, 2014 and August 31, 2015 should be self-certified on self-certify
forms by April 30, non-compliance will lead to account blocking.
This is as per the Inter-Governmental Agreement IGA with US for implementation of
FATCA which was came into force on August 31, 2015.
Rex Tillerson gets a cold welcome in Russia
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson received a cold welcome in Russia due to recent US air-
strikes on Russian ally Syria over formers reaction on the chemical attack.
Russian Foreign Minister stated that Russia is trying to decipher the real intentions of Trump
administration amidst highly ambiguous and contradictory ideas coming from Washington.
Tillerson admitted the fact that the two world powers have sharp differences.
China and US discuss rising tensions in Korean peninsula
China has urged US to resort to peaceful measures for solving rising tensions in Korean
peninsula due North Korean nuclear programme.
This has become important as the US Navy fleet Carl Vinson headed towards Korean waters.
US has also asked China to show significant commitment to bring a resolution to the issue as
North Korea has stepped up its missile development and nuclear programme.
Irans former President Ahmedinejad will run for Presidential race
Former President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad has defied the recommendation by the Supreme
Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to run for the Presidential election due in May.
His entry has spoilt the whole mathematics of the election which was believed by the majority
will be won by the moderate President Hassan Rouhani.
Trumps new Executive Order will hurt Indian Shrimp exports
$5.5 billion Indian seafood market will face tough restrictions in America as the new
executive order will impose countervailing duties on countries dumping goods.
America is the biggest importer of Indian seafood. It had a share of 5% in 2015-16, 94% of
which was shrimp.
Indian exporters will face anti-dumping duty in addition to other non-tariff barriers like
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increased inspections.
Panel formed to review virtual currencies
The Central government has formed a new Panel under Special Secretary (Economic Affairs)
to examine the various virtual/digital/crypto currencies like bitcoins, etc.
It will also look into the framework in-depth to study issues related to consumer protection
and money laundering.
The Panel has to submit its report in next 3 months.
FRBM Panel for 3% fiscal deficit target
The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) committee has made
recommendations of a fiscal deficit target f 3% by 2020.
The Committee has also suggested an escape clause for over-riding considerations of national
security, calamities of national proportion and collapse of agriculture etc. which has drastic
effects on output and incomes.
The Committee was headed by NK Singh.
Budget Session ends with passage of landmark Bills
Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, 2017 passed
Bills passed in both the Houses of Parliament are as follows:
The Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill
The Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities)Bill
The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill
The Maternity Benefit (Amendment)Bill
The Mental Health Care Bill
The Employees Compensation (Amendment) Bill
The Taxation (Amendment) Bill
Industrial output declines 1.2% in February
A contraction in capital goods has led to a decline in Industrial output by 1.2% in February
Manufacturing also fell by 2% in February against its rise of 2.3% in January. 9 out of 22
industry groups remained positive.
Sugar, cement and plastic machinery also showed sharp declines.
President of Badminton Association of India passes away
Akhilesh Das Gupta, President of Badminton Association of India passed away following a
massive heart attack in New Delhi. He was 56.
He had first become the BAI President after the arrest of former chief VK Verma over
charges of corruption in Commonwealth Games 2010.
He was unanimously re-elected for 4-year term in 2014. He was also the Vice-President of
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Badminton Asia Confederation.

Government sets up Inter-Disciplinary Committee to examine framework for
Virtual Currencies
13-Apr-17
The Union government has constituted a time-bound inter-disciplinary committee to come up with
an action plan for dealing with virtual currencies so as to fix the regulatory gaps in the existing
framework governing virtual currencies. The committee is required to submit its report within three
months.
Need
The circulation of virtual currencies, of late, has become a cause of concern. With respect to the
virtual currencies, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also cautioned the users, holders and traders of
Virtual currencies about the potential financial, operational, legal, customer protection and security
related risks through press releases in December 2013 and February 2017.
Virtual Currencies, also called as digital/crypto-currencies, are a type of unregulated

digital money that is neither issued by a central bank/public authority, nor is necessarily
attached to a at currency, but is used and accepted among the members of a specic
virtual community. They are capable of being transferred, stored or traded
electronically. The examples of virtual currencies are Bitcoin, Litecoin, Darkcoin,
Peercoin, Dogecoin, Primecoin etc.
Composition
The nine-member inter-disciplinary committee will be chaired by Dinesh Sharma, special secretary
in the economic affairs department. The committee will also have representatives from the
Department of Economic Affairs, Department of Financial Services, Department of Revenue,
Ministry of Home Affairs, IT ministry, Reserve Bank of India, NITI Aayog and State Bank of India.
Mandate
The committee is mandated to:
Take stock of the current status of Virtual Currencies both in India and globally;
Examine the present global regulatory and legal structures governing Virtual Currencies;
Suggest measures for tackling the issues related to Virtual Currencies including issues like
consumer protection, money laundering etc;
Examine other relevant issues related to Virtual Currencies.
Oil companies to revise petrol and diesel prices everyday
13-Apr-17
Beginning from May 1, Oil PSUs have decided to change petrol and diesel prices every day in
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synchronisation with international rates similar to what is practiced in advanced markets. As per the
plan, pump rates will be decided based on daily movement in international oil prices and rupee-US
dollar fluctuations.
Initially, the oil PSUs like Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
(BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), which together own 95% of the
petrol pumps in the country, will launch a pilot for daily fuel price revision in 5 cities viz. Puducherry,
Vizag (Andhra Pradesh), Udaipur (Rajasthan), Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) and Chandigarh. After studying
the implications of the pilot, the plan will be extended to other parts of the country.
Unlike earlier, automation at filling stations allows oil companies to centrally change prices.
Availability of digital technologies and social networks have made much easier for the oil companies
to convey the change in fuel price across the 53,000 filling stations in the country.
Present practice of price determination
Presently, Oil companies have the freedom to revise rates. They revise the fuel price on 1st and 16th of
every month based on the average international rate of the fuel in the preceding fortnight and
currency exchange rate.
While petrol prices were freed from the clutches of the government in June 2010, the diesel prices
got deregulated in October 2014.
Significance
Though technically, oil PSUs has the freedom to revise the fuel prices, they are often guided by
political considerations. Usually, a price hike is withheld by the oil companies during election season.
To compensate for the losses incurred by the oil companies during election season, the government
often allows the oil companies to maintain prices higher even when the international rates suggest
otherwise. With daily changes in prices, the political pressures associated with revising fuel rates will
ease.
Daily changes would change fuel price by just a few paise per litre every day. This means prices
would not rise or drop sharply bringing relief to the customers.
India, Australia Sports Partnership (IASP) launched
13-Apr-17
India and Australia have launched India-Australia Sports Partnership (IASP) with a vision of
increasing cooperation in sports. IASP was launched jointly by the visiting Australian Prime
Minister Mr Malcolm Turnbull and the Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Mr Vijay Goel in
the presence of Sachin Tendulkar.
Under IASP, India and Australia will cooperate in four areas:
athlete and coach training and development,
sport science,
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sport governance and integrity, and

grassroots participation.
Under the framework of the new partnership, Victoria University and the University of Canberra will
help India to establish a National Sports University similar to that of the Australian Institute of
Sport.
Significance
IASP will help in facilitating the exchange of athletes, coaches, technical officials, sports scientists
between India and Australia.
Recent initiatives of government
India wants to make sports as an important component of public health management and education.
To this end, Khelo India programme was launched by the government to develop a sporting culture at
the grassroots level. The government has also announced that it would launch National Sports Talent
Identification and Development Portal shortly. Apart from the above initiatives, the sports ministry is
also planning to introduce sports as a compulsory subject in schools.
President Gives Assent to Four GST Legislations
13-Apr-17
President Pranab Mukherjee has given assent to four supporting legislations on Goods and Services
Tax (GST). The four legislations are:
The Central GST Act, 2017,
The Integrated GST Act, 2017,
The GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017, and
The Union Territory GST Act, 2017.
The above bills were passed in Rajya Sabha on April 6th and in Lok Sabha on 29 March. Now with
the Presidents assent, these bills will pave way for the roll-out of GST regime from 1 July.
The Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, deals with the levy of the Central Goods and Services
Tax by the union government over the supply of goods and services within the boundary of a state.
The Integrated GST Act, 2017, provides for the levy of Integrated Goods and Services Tax by the
union government on the interstate supply of goods and services.
The Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act, 2017, provides for compensation for the losses
incurred by the states on account of implementation of the Goods and Services Tax.
The Union Territory GST Act, 2017, provides for the levy and collection of tax on intra-state supply of
goods, services or both, by the Union Territories.
Jammu & Kashmir
GST regime will not be applicable to Jammu and Kashmir because of the fact that Article 370 gives
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special status to the state. So, the state will have to legislate its own law and integrate with the GST
regime.
GST
Goods and Services Tax is a comprehensive indirect tax which is to be levied on the manufacture,
sale and consumption of goods and services in India. This is so far the biggest tax reform in the
country. GST will subsume central excise, service tax, Value Added Tax (VAT) and other local levies
to create a uniform market. GST eliminates the cascading effect of taxes because it is taxed at every
point of business and the input credit is available in the value chain.
The tax rates under GST regime will be based on the recommendation GST Council. Council has
two-thirds voting by States and one-third by Centre.
Government launches Aadhaar Seeding Application
13-Apr-17
The Union Ministry of Labour & Employment has launched Aadhaar Seeding Application for
efficient service delivery and widening the reach of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) benefits.
It was launched at the 217th special meeting of the Central Board of Employees Provident Fund
(CBEPF/EPFO) in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Minster of State for Labour and
Employment Bandaru Dattatreya.
Key Facts
The seeding application has been developed by the EPFO with the support of Common
Service Centres (CSC) and CDAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing).
It has been developed in pursuance of the governments policy for optimum use of
information technology for efficient service delivery and widening the reach of benefits to
people.
The application will enable a provident fund member or pensioner walk into any field offices
of the EPFO or CSC outlets with UAN (Universal Account Number) and Aadhaar and seed
the Aadhaar with the UAN.
About Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO)
EPFO is a statutory body established under Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous
Provisions Act, 1952.
It is administered by a Board known as Central Board of Trustees headed by Union Labour
Minister.
It administers (i) Employees Provident Fund scheme (ii) Employees Pension Scheme (iii)
Employees Deposit linked Insurance scheme for the workforce engaged in the organized
sector in India.
It is one of the largest social security organisations in India in terms volume of financial
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transactions undertaken and number of covered beneficiaries.

Common Service Centres (CSC): They are ICT enabled front end service delivery points at the
village level for delivery of government and private services. They are a strategic cornerstone of the
Digital India programme. They are the access points for delivery of various electronic services to
villages in India.
Cab safety measures for women included in the New Taxi Policy guidelines
13-Apr-17
Cab safety measures for women commuters as recommended by the Ministry of Women and Child
Development to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Shipping (MoRTH) have been
included in the new Taxi Policy guidelines. These recommendations from the Ministry of Women
and Child Development comes at the backdrop of increasing cases of sexual harassment of women
commuters in the cabs.
Recommendations that were included in the New Taxi policy guidelines are:
Mandatory fitting of GPS panic devices in the taxis.
To ensure the safety of women and child passengers, central locking system in the taxis to be
disallowed.
Sharing of a seat in the cabs must be subject to the willingness of passengers.
Identification of driver along with the photo and the registration number should be
prominently displayed in the cab.
Violation of stipulated rules and regulations by taxi operators and drivers to be strictly dealt
in accordance with law.
Taxi Policy guidelines
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) had constituted a committee to review issues
relating to taxi permits and propose taxi policy guidelines to promote urban mobility. The
committee comprised of the representatives from MoRTH, Transport Commissioners from four
States and representatives from Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi Police, Ministry of Women
and Child Development, NITI Aayog and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology,
submitted its report in December 2016. The policy is recommendatory in nature and is expected to
help the states in framing detailed regulations.
Jharkhand police initiates Tare Zameen Par programme for underprivileged kids
13-Apr-17
Jharkhand Police has initiated Tare Zameen Par programme to enlighten children in Naxal-affected
areas in the Palamau district of Jharkhand. This programme is aimed to restore confidence in the
state police force and to encourage children to lead happy lives. As a part of the programme, the state
police appealed the locals to donate bags, shoes, books and clothes to improve the basic amenities of
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the children in the Naxal-affected areas.
Central Processing Centre (CPC) gets new Pin Code

13-Apr-17
The Department of Post has allotted a unique pin code for the Income Tax Departments Central
Processing Centre (CPC) based in Bengaluru so as to ensure that the letters and mails sent by
taxpayers to the CPC are not lost or reach the centre late. The new pin code given to CPC is 560500.
Earlier, the CPC was using the pin code 560100 which was marked for the entire city area of
Bengaluru. The new pin code will cater exclusively to the CPC of the Income Tax department and
will help in addressing the grievances of the taxpayers with respect to the issues of non-reaching of
postal mails.
CPC
The CPC is the central database centre of the Income Tax department based in Bengaluru. It receives
both e-filed and postal Income Tax Returns (ITRs), which it processes for issuance of refunds. It also
deals with other tax related documents of a taxpayer.
Haryana launched Operation Durga to ensure women Safety
13-Apr-17
Similar to that of Uttar Pradeshs anti-romeo squad, the Haryana government has launched
Operation Durga to ensure women safety in the state. Under this operation, teams formed by the
Chief Ministers Flying Squad visited public places such as schools, colleges, bus stands and railway
stations and caught persons indulging in crime activities against women like eve-teasing, stalking,
harassment and other such activities. Since women are hesitant in reporting incidents involving anti-
social elements to the Police, the campaign, Operation Durga was launched so that flying squads
patrol those areas where such anti-social elements committed crimes against women.
April 14, 2017
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana crosses loan targets
14-Apr-17
Loans disbursed under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) have crossed its target of Rs 1.8
lakh crore in the financial year 2016-17. Loans extended currently stands at Rs 1.80,087 crore. Of
this, a majority of the loans were awarded by banks (Rs 1.23 lakh crore). Non-banking financial
institutions have lent about Rs 57,000 crore. In this years budget, Rs 2.44 lakh crore has been set as a
target for Mudra loans for the financial year 2017-18.
Significance
Significantly, out of the 4 crore borrowers, over 70% of the borrowers were women. Around
20% of the borrowers belonged to Scheduled Caste category, 5% belonged to Scheduled Tribe
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category and 35% belonged to other backward classes.

Robust growth in bank loans to unfunded and underfunded segments of the society indicates
that this category of borrowers has emerged as a key driver of demand for credit.
Non-insistence of collateral/guarantor, simple documentation and quick processing are the
three praiseworthy attributes of the MUDRA loans.
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)
The objective of this scheme to launch a Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency
(MUDRA) Bank to support the entrepreneurs of Scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other
backward classes entrepreneurs in the MSME sector. The scheme was launched on April 8, 2015.
MUDRA cards are the unique feature of this scheme. The card permits access to working capital
through ATMs and card machines.
MUDRA loans can be availed for non-agricultural activities upto Rs 10 lakh and for activities allied
to agriculture such as dairy, poultry bee keeping etc. The scheme provides loans to micro units in
three categories ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 10 lakh.
Shishu: Loan up to Rs 50,000
Kishore: Loan ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh
Tarun: Loan ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
Income Tax Department launches Operation Clean Money-II
14-Apr-17
The Income Tax department has launched the second phase of the Operation Clean Money to
investigate over 60,000 individuals with an aim to detect black money generation post
demonetisation. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the policy-making body of the income
tax department has detected flow of black money into the banks amounting to over Rs 9,334 crore
between November 9, 2016 and February 28 this year.
Under the second phase of Operation Clean Money, more than 60,000 persons including 1,300 high
risk persons has been identified for detailed investigation. The department has deducted more than
6,000 transactions of high value property purchase and 6,600 cases of outward remittances.
The first phase of Operation Clean Money was launched on January 31, 2017. In the first phase, the
department went through e-verification of large cash deposits into the banks after the
demonetisation and had sent online queries and investigated around 17.92 lakh persons.
Significance
This operation will help in eliminating black money and widen the tax base.
The impact of the operations carried out by the income tax department has resulted in a
21.7% increase in the income tax returns in the financial year 2016-17. Also, 16% growth in
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the gross collection has been observed, which is the highest in the last five years. Besides, 14%
growth in net collection has been realized, which is the highest in the last three years.
Daily Current Affairs Digest: April 13, 2017
14-Apr-17
Daily Current Affairs digest for April 13, 2017 with important short notes on current events and
newspaper summary.
RBI tightens noose on banks to relax bad debt
The RBI has tightened the PCA or Prompt Corrective Action plan for banks which outlays
the ways to deal with lenders who do not comply with the efficiency yardsticks.
It is done with the aim to align them with international norms.
PCA will have three threshold levels, breach of any one of them will lead to restriction of
some normal bank activities.
Banks will be supervised for capital, asset quality, profitability and leverage.
The PCA will be revised after every 3 years.
Exports rise to 28% in March
Merchandise exports have grown to 27.6% in March which is seen as the highest rate in last 5
years.
Exports grew to $29.2 billion as against $22.9 billion in 2016.
Imports have also shown an apparent growth to $39.7 billion against $27.3 billion a year ago.
Government to conduct GST training this summer for MPs and MLAs.
The Central Government is planning to spread awareness about the new GST regime and is
all set to impart training to MPs and MLAs to teach them the finer points of the same.
The primary idea is to convey to the general populace that GST is a consumer friendly
measure and it will not bring an increase in total taxes.
Government launches Operation Clean Money 2.0
The Income Tax department has launched another drive to catch the tax evaders who had
deposited large sums during the demonetisation drive.
The first phase of the Operation had scrutinised deposits worth Rs. 10 lakhs. The second
phase will examine deposits between Rs. 5-10 lakhs.
Government set to boost the Cruise tourism by easing norms
The Central government has set up a high-level task force for expansion and promotion of
cruise tourism in India.
The Ministry of Shipping has appointed B K Associates as Consultants who will submit their
report by end of May.
In addition, a task force has also been set up under the chairmanship of Secretary (Tourism)
and with Secretary (Shipping) as the co-chairman to promote cruise tourism.
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Furthermore, the government has also allowed the foreign flag vessels with passengers to call
at Indian ports without a licence from DG shipping.
Many port-level committees have also been formed to look into matters of manpower,
coordination and logistics.
A rebate of atleast 30% has also been offered to the cruise vessels.
Railways will float global tender for steel procurement
Indian Railways will not procure steel from SAIL for the first time in last 30 years. This is to
meet the shortfall from SAIL. The Railways has been procuring tracks from the Bhilai Steel
Plant- the flagship unit of SAIL.
The Plant supplies approximately 7,00,000-8,00,000 tonnes of rail.
The demand for the year 2017-18 is 1.35 million tonnes as against the SAIL supply of only 1.1
million tonnes.
FRBM Panel proposes autonomous fiscal council under Financial Ministry
The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Panel has recommended setting up of a
New Fiscal Council to monitor implementation.
This proposal has come after studying 40 countries.
The Council will be an autonomous body under the Finance Ministry and will be comprised
of a Chairman and two members which will be appointed by the Central government. The
members should have extensive experience in public finance and economy.
India-UK jointly make latest jet engine
Indian and UK governments are jointly making the most powerful jet engine for fighter jets
of the future. The engine is slated to have the highest thrust possible in a jet engine.
It is a gas turbine engine is being developed by the collaboration between UKs Rolls Royce
and Indias Defence Research and Development Organization and Gas Turbine and Research
Establishment.
Biopic on Dalit Cricketer Baloo Palwankar
Dalit bowler Baloo Palwankar made significant contribution to the sport in 1990s.
He is the first Dalit cricketer to do that. Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia will make a biopic on
the left-hand spinner.
US drops the biggest non-nuclear bomb on IS shelters in Afghanistan
US dropped the GBU-43 bomb-the largest non-nuclear bomb to be used in combat in eastern
Afghanistan on a series of caves used by IS militants.
GBU-43 is known as the mother of all bombs is a 21,600 pound (9,797kgs) GPS-guided
munition. It was first tested in March 2003.
US Air Force calls it the Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb (MOAB). It is Americas most
powerful non-nuke bomb.
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President Trump takes a U-turn on NATO

Amid the rising tensions between US, Russia and Syria President Trump has reaffirmed his
commitment to the alliance.
He also felt assured that NATO will have an increased role in supporting the Iraqi venture.
India-Pakistan harden stance on Jadhav
Both nations hardened their stance on the death sentence of Jadhav.
India maintains he is innocent while Pakistan states he is an Indian spy.
Dipa and Sakshi have been conferred Padma Shri.
Gymnast Dipa Karmakar and wrestler Sakshi Malik have been bestowed Padma Shri Award
from President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Fact Box: Teesta River Issue
14-Apr-17
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his hopes for the earliest solution to Teesta
Water Dispute to his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina. But, Mamata Banerjee is the sole
hurdle to the Teesta river water treaty for the past six years. The controversy is about sharing of
Teesta water during the lean season. As water is a state subject, a deal cannot be inked without the
approval of CM of West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee is accused of complicating water sharing issues
for perceived gains in domestic politics. In 2011, she stopped the UPA government from signing the
preliminary agreement with Bangladesh over sharing of Teesta waters.
Facts
Teesta is a river originating in Sikkim and flows through West Bengal and Bangladesh. Around 83%
of the rivers catchment lies in India and 17% in Bangladesh. India has a higher share of about 55% of
the rivers water. So, Bangladesh wants a higher share than what it gets now. It wants 50% of Teestas
waters between the months of December and May to secure the livelihoods of its farmers and
fisherman. As per an estimate of Observer research Foundation, five districts in Bangladesh face
acute shortages during the dry season due to the withdrawals of the Teestas waters in India.
Negotiations for sharing of river water has been taking place since 1983. In 2011, an interim deal was
proposed to be signed which allocated 42.5% of Teestas waters to India and 37.5% to Bangladesh. But
due to Mamata Banerjees opposition, the deal was shelved.
Unlike Ganga water sharing in 1996 or the recent exchange of enclaves with Bangladesh, there exists
very little opposition for Teesta river water treaty even in North Bengal, where the river flows.
Recently, Mamata Banerjee has proposed linking of three more rivers in North Bengal with Teesta
so that there will be enough water to share. But this proposal is termed unviable as the rivers
mentioned by Banerjee originates in Bhutan and flows in different gradients when compared with
Teesta.
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Hydropower generation in Teesta river is another point of contention. In Sikkim alone, there are at
least 26 projects that produces 50,000 MW of power. With Banerjees tough stance, Bangladesh may
approach an international court or demand share from the hydro-electricity generated in Sikkim.
ASCI issues guidelines for celebrities endorsing products
14-Apr-17
The advertising industry watchdog Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has come up with
a set of guidelines for celebrities endorsing products. As per the guidelines, celebrities are
personalities from the field of entertainment and sports and also includes other well known
personalities like doctors, authors, activists and educationists who gets compensation for appearing
in advertisements.
Salient guidelines
Celebrities must exercise due diligence to make sure that all description claims and
comparisons made in the advertisements that they endorse are not misleading and deceptive.
It will be the duty of the advertiser and the advertising agency to make sure that celebrities
are aware about the ASCI guidelines.
ASCI have barred celebrities to endorse product/treatment/remedy that is prohibited under
The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act (Objectionable Advertisements) and the Drugs & Cosmetic Act.
Celebrities should not endorse those products which by law require a health warning on its
packaging or advertisement.
Celebrities seeking the advice of ASCI to ascertain whether the advertisement potentially
violates any provision of the ASCI code or not would be considered of having completed due
diligence. Also, the advertising advice of ASCI cannot be construed as pre-clearance for an
advertisement.
Advertising Standards Council of India
ASCI is a self regulatory, voluntary, non-governmental body of the advertising industry founded in
1985. The aim of ASCI is to enhance the publics confidence in advertising and ensure that all
advertising material is truthful, legal, honest, decent and not objectify women and fair.
126th Birth Anniversary of Dr.Bhimrao Ambedkar Celebrated
14-Apr-17
126th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R.Ambedkar was celebrated at the Parliament House
complex. The President, Vice President and Prime Minister paid floral tributes to the statue of
Ambedkar present in the Parliament House Lawns. The celebrations were organized by Dr.
Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Dr.Bhimrao Ambedkar
Dr. B R Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 at Mhow in Madhya Pradesh. Ambedkar was elected
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as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly. He is called as the father of
the Indian Constitution.
Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha was the first organization formed by Dr. Ambedkar in 1924. Ambedkar
was appointed as the first Law Minister of Independent India, but he resigned from the Cabinet on
September 1951 due to differences with Nehru on the Hindu Code Bill. Ambedkar got himself
converted to Buddhism on October 14, 1956. He died on December 6, 1956 at Delhi due to severe
diabetic neurosis. After his death, his political party Scheduled Caste Federation was renamed as
Republican Party of India in 1957 by his followers.
Some of his famous books are: The Untouchable: Who are They and Why They Have Become
Untouchables; Buddha and His Dhamma; The Rise and Fall of Hindu Women, Emancipation of
Untouchables, The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India; Pakistan or Partition of India,
Thoughts on Linguistic States, etc.
MOAB Explained
14-Apr-17
GBU-43, nicknamed as the Mother of All Bombs, has been dropped by the United States over an ISIS
complex in Afghanistan, near the Pakistan border. The bomb was dropped using a Lockheed
MC-130 transport plane.
GBU-43 is one of the largest non-nuclear bomb ever used in the battlefield. The bomb has been
dropped to destroy a system of tunnels and caves used by the ISIS fighters to move around freely
making easier for them to target US military advisers and the Afghan forces. The strike was carried
out with MOAB to maximize the destruction suffered by the IS fighters and their facilities as well as
to minimize the risk for Afghan and US forces conducting cleaning operations in the area.
Facts about MOAB
The official name used by the US Air Force for GBU-43 is the Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb
(MOAB).MOAB weighs 9,797 kgs and is a GPS-guided munition. MOAB is bout 20 feet long and is
capable of burrowing through 200 feet of earth and 60 feet of concrete before detonating.According
to Pentagon, MOAB is the largest non-nuclear bomb that has ever been used in the combat.
MOAB was first tested in March 2003 at the time of US led invasion of Iraq. The test resulted in a
huge mushroom cloud that could be seen as far away from 32 km.
MOAB, however, is not the largest bomb ever made. Russia in 2007 tested Aviation Thermobaric
Bomb of Increased Power, nicknamed as the Father of All Bombs. It is estimated to be 4 times
more powerful than MOAB.
Prime Minister launches BHIM-Aadhaar platform
14-Apr-17
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Prime Minister has launched BHIM-Aadhaar platform from Nagpur. BHIM-Aadhaar platform is the
merchant interface of the BHIM App that has been launched for making digital payments using the
Aadhaar platform. BHIM App was launched in December 2016 to provide a one-stop solution for all
digital payments. The App created a new world record by registering 1.9 crore downloads within
four months since its launch.
the newly launched BHIM-Aadhaar platform will help people to pay digitally using their biometric
data like thumb imprint on a merchants biometric enabled device like a smart phone or a biometric
reader. The App needs to be installed only by merchants and they need to connect their smartphones
to the biometric scan machine to accept the payments from customers. The customers who want to
pay using this app needs to link Aadhaar number and biometic fingerprint to complete a transaction.
Significance
The most significant aspect of this BHIM-Aadhaar platform is that it enables all those citizens
without access to smart phones, internet, debit/credit cards to make digital transactions.
It eliminates the need to pay the fee currently being charged by the private card companies
such as MasterCard and Visa.
For merchants, it would eliminate the need for long waiting period and hassle of procuring a
new POS (Point of Sale) machine.
For customers, it eliminates the hassle of remembering passwords, account numbers, or
setting up of virtual payment addresses and using USSD codes to transfer money.
Offer schemes
Prime Minister has also launched two new offers rewarding BHIM users. Both the schemes will be
administered by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and implemented by
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
BHIM Referral Bonus Scheme
Under this scheme, both the existing BHIM users and the new users will get a cash bonus credited
directly to their account. This scheme incentivizes the existing BHIM users to refer new users to
BHIM. Upon completion of minimum 3 unique successful transactions amounting to Rs 50 to any 3
unique users, the bonus will be paid to both the referrer and the referee.
BHIM Cash back Scheme
Under this scheme, merchants will get cash back on every transaction using BHIM. The merchants
can get cashback of up to Rs 300 per month, with each merchant eligible to win up to Rs 1800 in 6
months.
Former J&K Governor Girish Chandra Saxena passes away
14-Apr-17
Former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Girish Chandra Saxena has passed away at the age of 90.
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Saxena was an Indian Police Service officer of the 1950 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre. He
served two terms as the governor of Jammu and Kashmir. First term from May 26, 1990 till March
13, 1993 and the second from 1998 to 2003. Saxena also served as the head of Research and Analysis
Wing from 1983 to 1986, and also as an advisor to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Nepal and China to conduct Sagarmatha Friendship-2017
14-Apr-17
Nepal and China is all set to hold their first ever joint military exercise named Sagarmatha
Friendship-2017 from April 17 to April 26. The 10 day long joint exercise will focus on combating
terror and disaster management. Although, Nepal conducts joint exercises with other countries like
India and United States, this is the first time it is holding a joint exercise with China. The joint
exercise comes at the backdrop of Nepals proposal of such exercise having focus on disaster
management during Chinese Defence Minister, General Chang Wanquans official visit to Nepal on
March 24. Sagarmatha is the Nepali name for Mt Everest, which stands in between both the
countries.
Even though the bilateral military engagement between Nepal and China does not violate India-
Nepal treaty of peace and friendship (1950), the exercise does appear unconventional as Nepal has
conducted exercises with India earlier. Nepal can have military exercises with other countries
without violating the pact with India, but at the same time, military engagement with China is
worrisome as Chinas definition of terrorism includes Tibetan agitators as well.
The 1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship is a bilateral pact between the
Government of Nepal and Government of India inked at Kathmandu on July 31, 1950.
The treaty permits free movement of people and goods between the two countries and
a close relationship and collaboration on matters of defence and foreign affairs. The
treaty has 10 articles and envisages for eternal peace and friendship between the two
nations.
April 15, 2017

RBI issues Revised Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework for NPAs
15-Apr-17
RBI has come up with a notification titled Revised Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework for
banks. The revised framework would apply to all banks operating in India including small and
foreign banks. The new set of provisions will be effective from April 1 based on the financials of
banks as of March 2017. The revised framework will override the existing PCA framework. The
revised framework will be again reviewed after three years.
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Need for revised framework

RBI had promised to revise the PCA framework at its first monetary policy review of the current
fiscal held on April 6, as the bad loans including those already restructured reached USD 80 billion or
15% of the system as of March 2017. As per the estimates, the NPAs of state-run banks reached Rs
6.3 lakh crore as of September compared to Rs 5.5 lakh crore at the end of June 2016.
Salient guidelines of revised PCA
Capital, Asset Quality and profitability would be the basis on which the banks would be monitored.
Banks would be placed under PCA framework depending upon the audited annual financial results
and RBIs supervisory assessment. RBI may also impose PCA on any bank including migration from
one threshold to another if circumstances so warrants. RBI has defined three kinds of risk thresholds
and the PCA will depend upon the type of risk threshold that was breached.
If a bank breaches the risk threshold, then mandatory actions include the restriction on dividend
payment/remittance of profits, restriction on branch expansion, higher provisions, restriction on
management compensation and directors fees. Specifically, the breach of Risk Threshold 3 of CET1
(common equity tier 1) by a bank would call for resolution through tools like amalgamation,
reconstruction, winding up among others.
RBI in its discretion can also carry out the following actions:
Recommend the bank owner be it government/promoters/parent of foreign bank branch to
bring in new management/board.
Advise banks board to activate the recovery plan as approved by the supervisor.
Advise banks board to carry out a detailed review of business model, the profitability of
business lines and activities, assessment of medium and long-term viability, balance sheet
projections among others.
Review short term strategies and medium-term business plans and carry out any other
corrective actions like the removal of officials and supersession or suppression of the board.
PM launches cashless/less cash township models across 12 states
15-Apr-17
Prime Minister has launched 81 cashless/less cash townships across 12 states in Nagpur. The 81
townships included 56 in Gujarat and 25 in 11 states including Delhi, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Chhatisgarh. The model of cashless/less cash township
was developed by Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd (GNFC) across these States
under the auspices of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog.
GNFCs township at Bharuch (Gujarat) had become Indias first 100% cashless township after
demonetization. It is expected that these 81 townships will deliver 2.5 lakh cashless transactions per
day, translating into 9 crore cashless transactions in a year.
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Cashless townships
The townships for adopting GNFCs model were selected based on a third-party assessment by Price
Waterhouse Coopers (PwC). The chosen 81 townships belonged to that of central public sector
companies such as ONGC, Indian Oil, NTPC, SAIL, BHEL, NMDC, CRPF, BSF and Police Lines and
also to private sector townships like Reliance, Essar, Adani, Birla Aditya, Welspun etc.
Criteria
The criteria for qualification of a township to a less cash township are: townships must have
completed the payment acceptance infrastructure; all the families residing in the townships must
have been covered under training programmes; 80% of total transactions during the review period
should have been done through digital modes.
NITI Aayog has appreciated GNFCs model and had advised Central ministries and CMDs of 300-
plus central PSUs for quickly adopting to this model.
Significance
As per the study conducted by PWC on GNFCs cashless initiative, following benefits have been
identified:
It resulted in financial inclusion, cashlessness as a lifestyle, better parental control over childs
expenses, womens empowerment, more convenience in performing transactions and social
upliftment.
Over 96% of farmers during the assessment reported cost savings resulting from fewer trips
to fertiliser shops and discounts on cashless transactions. They have also reported better
money management.
India Licensing Expo (ILE) to be held in Mumbai in August
15-Apr-17
India Licensing Expo is scheduled to be held on August 20-21 in Mumbai. The expo will be Indias
first and most influential brand licensing event that will collate opportunities, knowledge and
recognitions under one roof. The expo will be organised by License India, Indias first licensing media
Services Company and supported by Franchise India.
The expo is expected to see the participation of over 100 global and domestic companies. The expo
aims to encourage and enable Indian licensing industry to take advantage and network, capitalise on
opportunities and grow bigger and faster in the given peripheries. It will bring together a wide range
of intellectual properties comprising character, entertainment, celebrity, corporate, sports, and art.
Need
Licensing sector in India is pegged at $1 billion. It is still at a nascent stage. Indian licensing sector is
at an inflection point which sees partnering of many domestic and global companies for licensing of
their brands and characters in India. At this juncture, ILE will provide networking and business
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opportunities and will also become repository and knowledge centre for licensing in India. The expo
is expected to become one of the leading events of the sector offering a full range of licensing
ecosystem in the country.
ILE has tied up with Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) in order to
specifically attract the top French enterprises carrying out business in India.
Significance
The expo will act as a dedicated hub for licensing professionals.
Though Brand Licensing has become an accepted retail strategy in India, ILE will help in
bringing global understanding to Indian landscape.
ILEs tie up with IFCCI is expected to opens gates for the French companies to roll out their
operations in Indian landscape through licensing.
Punjab Government prohibits VIP names on Plaques and Foundation Stones
15-Apr-17
Punjab government has prohibited the inclusion of names of the government functionaries,
including ministers and MLAs, on foundation stones and inaugural plaques so as to build a stronger
connect with the people by shedding the VIP culture.
The state government has clarified that though there is no bar on government functionaries and
leaders attending or laying the foundation stone of any project, the practice of inscribing their names
on foundation stones or plaques would be discarded with immediate effect. Further, the order has
clarified that henceforth all projects and programmes, including those inaugurated by the CM, would
be dedicated to the people of Punjab.
The order comes at the backdrop of cabinet minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot threatening a
government school principal over his name not being at the top of the inauguration plaque went
viral on social media.
The chief minister of Punjab has been seen taking various initiatives to shed VIP culture in the state.
Earlier, he and his cabinet ministers gave up the symbolic red beacon light on their vehicles, fulfilling
a promise on the partys election manifesto.
Seabed Resident Event Profiler (SREP) robot developed by NIO
15-Apr-17
Scientists at CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) have developed a robotic platform,
Seabed Resident Event Profiler (SREP) that is capable of being stationed at any water depth from 0-200
metres to track the oceanic processes. The robot has been designed to regularly record the water
column information at every 10 to 25 cm during every profile four times a day. The robot was tested
during the recent voyage of RV Sindhu Sadhana, the latest state of the art research vessel of NIO.
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Significance
The SREP robot has been designed particularly to carry out studies related to the monsoon, global
climate and upwelling.
Upwelling is a phenomenon associated with the monsoon that sees the migration of deep sea oxygen
minimum zone (OMZ) towards the coast. It also brings the nutrient-rich water to the surface and
enhances the biological productivity of the region. Several sensors attached to SREP is capable of
detecting the conditions associated with upwelling such as low temperature, low oxygen, high
nutrients, and changes in density patterns etc. This enables SREP to effectively track upwelling
during June to September. Upwelling is an important phenomenon for the ecosystem sustenance and
fishery. Similarly, since south-west monsoon forms the backbone of the countrys economy,
knowing the conditions for its onset forms one of the major goals of SREP.
The robot in its final configuration will be capable of sitting on the seabed for 100 days continuously
to track the oceanic processes in the upcoming monsoon season.
CSIR-NIO
CSIR-NIO was established on 1 January 1966 with its headquarters at Dona Paula, Goa. It has
regional centres at Kochi, Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. CSIR-NIO was established following the
International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE) in the 1960s. CSIR-NIO primarily focuses on research
over traditional branches of oceanography such as biological, chemical, geological/geophysical, and
physical as well as over ocean engineering, marine instrumentation and marine archaeology.
Uttar Pradesh signs Power for All agreement with Union government
15-Apr-17
The Uttar Pradesh government has signed Power for All pact with the Centre to provide 247
power supply to all the households in the State. With this signing of the agreement, Uttar Pradesh
which was the only state in the country which did not join the central government scheme has finally
joined in it. The previous government in the state did not show interest in joining the Power for All
initiative of the central government.
As a part of energy efficiency measures, 10,000 energy efficiency solar- panel pumps will be
distributed through Centres undertaking, Energy Efficiency Services (EESL). In addition, it has been
agreed to distribute energy efficient bulbs, tube lights and fans at cheaper rates.
Separately, the state government has also launched 1912 as the toll-free helpline for the consumers
in rural areas to communicate their grievances pertaining to power and electricity.
Power for All scheme
Power for All scheme is a joint initiative of the central and state governments, with the objective of
providing 24X7 electricity to all households, industry, commercial businesses and other electricity-
consuming entities within the time span of four years. The government strives to provide 247
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power across the country by 2019.

70th Himachal Day celebrated across Himachal Pradesh
15-Apr-17
Himachal Pradesh celebrated 70th Himachal Day function in Chamba. Himachal Pradesh came into
existence by merging 30 odd princely states in 1948.
According to a 2005 Transparency International survey, Himachal Pradesh was found to be the second
least corrupt state in the country.
An overview of development
In 1948, states per capita income was Rs 240 and States GDP was Rs 26 crore. At present, the
corresponding figures are Rs 1,47,277 and Rs 1,24,570 crore respectively.
Literacy rate has increased from 7% in 1948 to 82.80% (Census 2011).
Out of total 3226 panchayats, 3138 panchayats have been connected with motorable roads
From only 6 villages that had electricity, now every household has electricity.
70% of the population of the state depends on agriculture for their livelihood. To augment
horticulture production, World Bank funded Rs 1134 crore Horticulture Development Project
has been launched in the state.
Daily Current Affairs Digest: April 14, 2017
15-Apr-17
Daily Current Affairs digest for April 14, 2017 with important short notes on current events and
newspaper summary.
Cashless Payments get a big boost
PM Modi launches Aadhaar pay system which will allow cash transfers with help of
biometrics and without phones.
PM launched the BHIM-Aadhaar platform putting in place a key milestone in digital
payments.
This will enable real time bank to bank transfer without using phone at no additional cost.
30 banks in the country have already adopted BHIM-Aadhaar known as Aadhaar Pay.
PPP Approval Panel to be phased out
The Central government has proposed to dismantle the finance ministry committee which
gives approval to PPP projects to speed up the procedural delays and fostering ease of doing
business.
NITI Aayog may be given charge of these projects.
The move follows the planned dismantling of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board.
As per the current rules, PPP projects above 1000-Cores are sent to PPPAC and then to the
Cabinet for approval. PPPAC was created in 2006 under the Department of Economic Affairs
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in the Finance Ministry. It is comprised of the secretaries of economic affairs, expenditure

and legal affairs along with the department sponsoring the project and the NITI Aayog CEO.
India to discuss Afghanistan strike during US NSA visit
US National Security Advisor HR McMaster is slated to visit New Delhi.
India will raise the issue of use of mother of all bombs by US against the IS caves in
Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Indian side will also try to understand US future plans on
Afghanistan.
India strongly maintains that Taliban should be checked for peace in Afghanistan.
BRICS envoys meet in Vishakhapatnam
Special envoys of five BRICS member states who are specialised in West Asian Affairs met at
Vizag to discuss the volatile situation in Syria and the US air strikes.
The concerns were raised on the spread of IS beyond the current strongholds of West Asia
and North Africa.
BRICS condemned the use of chemical weapons but reiterated their complete commitment
for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and the growing need for a peaceful
solution based on Resolution 2254 of UNSC and stood by three rounds of talks in Astana.
12 Major ports post Record Profit
12 major ports in India have posted record profit of Rs. 5,000 Crores in 2016-17 by working
on the turnaround time by the shipping industry and also addition of non-core commodities
to freight.
Goas Mormugao port registered 60% growth which the highest recorded by any port in the
country.
The ports also saw an apparent increase in traffic which reached a record level of 647 million
in 2017. Among various commodities, iron-ore saw a growth of 163%.
Centre alerts on upcoming water shortage
The Central government has asked some states to take up water conservation projects and
give priority to drinking water.
Also, states have been advised to control water consumption and promote the use of drip and
sprinkler irrigation.
Maharashtra, Telangana, Bihar, UP, Haryana, MP, HP, Uttarakhand and Chattisgarh have
been recognised as the most vulnerable states. Most of them fall in arid and semi-arid zones,
have on spatial rains and low water storage in reservoirs and thereby a decline in water table.
NBFCs to be hit by farm loan waivers
Many valuations of the Non-Banking Financial Corporations have come under strain
expected farm loan waivers have led to delay in recovery of advances even in states leading in
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mechanised ploughing.
After UP loan waiver, many similar voices are also being heard from Karnataka, Maharashtra,
Tamil Nadu together which account for a third of tractor loans given by firms like M&M
finance, Magma Fincorp, Sundaram Finance, Cholamandalam and Shriram
Banks bypass PMs a million more PoS Target
Banks have long surpassed the PMs 10 lakh additional machines after demonetisation till
March end.
SBI, Axis bank and HDFC Bank have installed more than 7 lakhs PoS terminals.
RBI data suggests that the number of PoS terminals have gone up from 17.6 lakhs to 22.2
lakhs by March end.
NABARD is also contemplating setting up of 25,000 terminals across 12, 500 villages.
VISA and MasterCard worried about growing Homegrown Apps
VISA and MasterCard persuade the government to ensure they dont lose in the digital
payments push by the government. Latter is being taken care of by the UPI Unified Payment
Interface , BHIM or Bharat Interface for Money and also Aadhaar Pay.
The companies are bringing forth avenues like QR codes and Contactless payments to stay
relevant in the cashless economy.
The companies have genuine worries about losing the market share to Aadhaar Enabled
Payment System. Latter will allow authentication of payments through fingerprint readers.
China indulges in War-mongering over North Korea crisis
Chinese have warned that the war clouds will thicken over the Korean peninsula if the nation
defies the US sanctions and stark warnings to carry out the sixth nuclear test or more
missiles.
Chinese reiterated the need to prevent an irreversible outcome.
US is conducting the biggest-ever joint military exercise with South Korea. Pyongyang has
launched another ballistic missile and will soon also conduct a nuke test.
Record harvest of cereals globally: UN-FAO
The world has harvested the largest cereal crop in history in 2016-17 to a total of 2.6 billion
metric tonnes as per UN-Food and Agriculture Organisation.
India is also headed for a record production of cereals in the same year which as per advance
government estimates is about 250 million tonnes.
This is contrast to situation in Africa and Yemen where over 20 million people are facing
starvation. 795 million people go to bed hungry every night of which 20 million are from
India.
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Ganga patrol team planned to check pollution

The Central government is planning a Ganga Patrol team comprising IPS officers, Army
personnel, paramilitary forces and also state police officers to raise Ganga Volunteer Force.
It will be tasked to prevent pollution and desecration of the Holy river.
The central force will patrol the entire stretch of the Ganga (2,525km) spread in five states
namely Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal which are on the
main stem of the river.
ISRO to share technology for manufacturing of Lithium-ion batteries for
production of electric vehicles
15-Apr-17
The government has directed the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to share battery
technology for mass production of Lithium-Ion batteries for electric vehicles. The Vikram Sarabhai
Space Centre under ISRO has developed indigenous technology to manufacture high-power batteries
for use in two- and three-wheelers and their feasibility tests conducted by the Automotive Research
Association of India (ARAI) was found to be successful. This development is expected to push Indias
electric vehicles (EV) industry.
It has been reported that many major automobile companies, battery manufacturers and public
sector undertakings like Indian Oil, BHEL, Mahindra Renault, Hyundai, Nissan, Tata Motors, High
Energy Batteries have approached ISRO for transfer of the battery technology so that it will enable
them to produce indigenous Lithium-Ion batteries.
ISRO is soon expected to come up with a framework to make the transfer process smooth. A MoU
for manufacturing batteries is expected to be soon reached between ISRO and BHEL. The cabinet
secretariat has asked ISRO to develop an enabling framework to enable even interested private
players to obtain the technology for mass production.
Need
Batteries are the key components for the production of electric vehicles. But, at present Lithium-ion
batteries are imported from abroad which makes them very expensive. Lithium ion batteries have
the advantage of being less weight, having high power, and less volume in comparison to
conventional batteries. As per the government documents, bulk procurement and mass production
of such batteries can reduce the cost by almost 80%. This will push the demand for such batteries and
keep their prices within the reach of Indian customers.
The government strives to push for the production of more electric vehicles in order to reduce air
pollution, which has become one of the biggest health concerns in recent times.
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Scientists find second Great Spot on Jupiter

15-Apr-17
Scientists have found second Great Spot in Jupiter which is cold and high up. The Great Spot was
found to be 24,000 km across and 12,000 km wide. It is found to be in the upper atmosphere and is
much cooler than the hot surroundings. Unlike the Great Red Spot which was identified in 1830, this
newly discovered Great Spot is continuously changing its shape and size.
The Great Cold Spot is believed to be caused by magnetic forces responsible for Jupiters polar
auroras. This phenomenon drives energy into the atmosphere and creates a region of cooling in the
boundary layer between the underlying atmosphere and the vacuum of space.
The Great Spot was discovered by a British-led team using a telescope in the Southern Observatory
in northern Chile. It was found to be much more volatile than the slowly changing Great Red Spot
and found to be thousands of years old. Scientists have planned to study the Great Cold Spot using
ground telescopes and NASAs Juno spacecraft that is orbiting around Jupiter. The study has been
published in Geophysical Research Letters, a journal of the American Geophysical Union.
Saturns moon Enceladus may be habitable: NASA
15-Apr-17
NASA has announced that Saturns sixth-largest moon Enceladus and Jupiters fourth-largest moon
Europa may be habitable as they have the necessary ingredients required to sustain life. The key
ingredients of life are liquid water, a source of energy for metabolism, and chemicals such as carbon,
hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulphur. Findings were made by NASA with the help
of Cassini-Huygens unmanned spacecraft and the Hubble Telescope. Cassini-Huygens unmanned
spacecraft was sent in 1997 to study Saturn, its rings, and its moon.
Salient findings
Saturns moon Enceladus has a higher possibility of hosting life than Jupiters Europa as it has a form
of chemical energy on which life forms can feed. Enceladus is a small, icy moon which has an
abundance of hydrogen molecules in water plumes. 98% of the gas in the plumes was found to be
water and 1% is hydrogen and the remaining is a mixture of molecules of carbon dioxide, methane,
and ammonia.
Underwater vents present on Enceladus resemble the vents present on Earths ocean floors, where
microbes and other sea life congregate. Scientists expect to find the potential for life in those vents as
microbes flourish on Earth in hot cracks on the ocean floors, where sunlight cannot penetrate.
Microbes are capable of using the process of methanogenesis, in which hydrogen is combined with
carbon dioxide dissolved in the water, to obtain energy. This process creates methane as a byproduct,
which is a critical ingredient for life
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April 16, 17, 2017

Depression in Bay of Bengal named Tropical Cyclone Maarutha
16-Apr-17
A deep depression in Bay of Bengal has intensified into a tropical cyclone named Maarutha. This
cyclone is expected to hit Myanmar on 17 April 2017 and bring heavy rains in parts of that country.
Tropical Cyclone Maarutha is the first named storm of 2017 Northern Hemisphere tropical cyclone
season.
About Tropical Cyclones
A Cyclone represents a rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over
tropical or subtropical waters and has closed low-level circulation. Most large scale cyclonic
circulations are centered on areas of low atmospheric pressure. Based on their latitude, the cyclones
may be tropical cyclones or temperate cyclones (extra-tropical cyclones).
The tropical cyclones rotate anti-clockwise in the northern hemisphere and are classified into three
types viz. Tropical Depression maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less); Tropical Storm
(maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph); hurricane (maximum sustained winds of 74 mph) and
major hurricane (maximum sustained winds of 111 mph). Hurricanes are called typhoons in western
North Pacific, while similar storms in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean are called cyclones.
Tropical Cyclones in Indian Ocean
Tropical cyclones between east of the Horn of Africa and west of the Malay Peninsula are most
common from April to December, with peaks in May and November in the Indian Ocean. Vardah
was the strongest cyclone of the 2016 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. The other cyclones in
2016 season included Cyclonic Storm Roanu, Cyclonic Storm Kyant and Cyclonic Storm Nada.
Cyclone Maarutha is the first tropical cyclone of 2017 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. It started
forming under the influence of a persistent area of convection in South Bay of Bengal on April 13,
2017 and has been recently classified as a Cyclonic storm. After giving heavy rainfall in Sri Lanka and
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, it is expected to make a landfall in Myanmar in next two three days.
Internet Pioneer Robert Taylor Passes Away
17-Apr-17
Robert Taylor, a pioneer of Modern Computing and the Internet has passed away at the age of 85.
Rob Taylor was instrumental in creating the internet and the modern personal computer. Taylors
engineering team was also responsible for the development of Ethernet and a word processing
program, Microsoft Word.
Taylor worked with Pentagons Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) in 1966 and was
instrumental in creating a single computer network to link ARPA-sponsored researchers at
companies and institutions. That shared network, ARPANET has evolved into the internet.
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Taylor also worked at Xeroxs famous Palo Alto Research Center, or Parc, where he and his team
created the Alto, a pioneering personal computer. This technology was the inspiration for Microsofts
Windows software and the Apple computers. Taylor was awarded the National Medal of Technology
and Innovation in 1999. He was also awarded the Draper prize from the National Academy of
Engineering for the development of the first practical networked personal computers in 2004.
National Medal of Technology and Innovation is the highest honour for technological
achievement in the United States. It will be granted by the President of United States
for the distinguished contributions of new and important technology. The award is
given for individuals/group of people/organization.
Emma Morano, the worlds oldest person passes away

17-Apr-17
Emma Morano, the worlds oldest woman has passed away in Italy at the age of 117. She was the last
known person born in the 19th century who was still alive. Emma Morano was born on 29
November 1899 in Italy. She held the Guinness World Record titles for the oldest living person and
oldest living woman. Morano is five years younger than Jeanne Calment, the 122-year-old person
who held the title for being the oldest person ever.
Morano was a solitary person who made her living by working in a factory producing jute sacks. She
had been living in her two room apartment for the last 20 years. In her lifetime that spanned three
centuries, she has seen two World Wars and more than 90 Italian governments. Morano had
admitted that the reason behind her longevity was genetics.
Gayathri Gopichand wins singles and doubles crown at Pembangunan Jaya Raya
Junior Grand Prix
17-Apr-17
Gayatri Gopichand, daughter of National Badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, has bagged both the
singles and doubles crown at the Pembangunan Jaya Raya Junior Grand Prix in Jakarta.
Gayatri defeated her doubles partner Samiya Farooqui to win the girls U-15 singles title.
Gayatri and Samiya defeated Indonesian pair of Kelly Larissa and Shelandry Vyola to clinch the U-15
doubles title with a straight game win. Both Gayatri and Samiya train under Pullela Gopichand at his
academy in Hyderabad.
B Sai Praneeth wins Singapore Open Super Series Title
17-Apr-17
Sai Praneeth defeated the world No 29 Kidambi Srikanth in an all-Indian mens singles final and
clinched Singapore Open Superseries badminton title. With this, India has become only the fourth
country after China, Denmark and Indonesia to have its nationals in a mens singles Superseries final.
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Last year, Sai Praneeth clinched the Canada Open. Kidambi Srikanth has won the 2014 China Super
Series Premier and 2015 India Super Series. He also reached the quarterfinals of Rio Olympics. He
holds the distinction of being the first Indian to claim a Superseries title after the graded events
became part of the world badminton calendar.
Facts about Kempe Gowda
17-Apr-17
The President of India, recently, inaugurated the Kempe Gowda Festival organized by the
Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Foundation in New Delhi.
Facts about Kempe Gowda
Kempe Gowda was a chieftain under the Vijayanagara kings and ruled over most parts of Karnataka
in the 16th century. He was born in 1513 in a village near Yelahanka. The Vijayanagara kings
bestowed the villages of Ulsoor, Begur Hobli, Varthur, Jigni, Kengeri and Kumbalgod among others
upon Kempe Gowda.
According to historians, Kempe Gowda is a just and humane ruler and is widely accepted as the
founder of Bangalore. He visualized a city with military cantonment, water tanks, temples etc, that
provide employment to tradesmen. Subsequently, he approached the Vijayanagara kings for the
approval and laid the foundations for Bangalore City in 1532. Kempe Gowdas planned city had eight
access gates and wide roads. He ensured that collection of revenue is just and equitable in the city.
Planned urban development of the Bengaluru city is a testimony to the capability of Kempe Gowda
that even today despite unprecedented challenges of population, traffic and environmental pollution,
Bengaluru remains as a Garden City. He ensured that collection of revenue is just and equitable. He
is also credited with building the Basavanagudi Bull temple, Ulsoor Someshwara temple and Gavi
Gangadhareshwara temple, all of which are stronger even today.
In the 1550s, Kempe Gowda struck coins known as Pagodas. This act of his incurred the displeasure
of the Vijayanagara kings and he was imprisoned for five years.
After an illustrious reign of three decades, Kempe Gowda died in 1570.
Daily Current Affairs Digest: April 15, 16, 2017
17-Apr-17
Daily Current Affairs digest for April 15-16, 2017 with important short notes on current events and
newspaper summary.
SEBI or Securities and Exchange Board of India set to block P-note route for NRIs
The regulator is considering completely barring NRIs from subscribing to Participatory notes
to prevent money laundering.
The rules are being tightened as many variants of P-notes have been issued after the
implementation of GAAR (General Anti Avoidance Rules) on April 1.
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Investments in P-notes are witnessing a fluctuating trend since demonetisation.

One Group, One Tax likely under GST
Government is planning to propose one rate for each product group to avoid complexities in
tax structure.
Most economies have single tax rate whereas India has a four-tier tax structure of 5%, 12%,
18% and 28%. 18% will be applicable on most products. GST Council is yet to decide which
rate will be applicable to which product.
GST is expected to spur economic growth by 1-2 percentage points as all interstate barriers
will be removed thereby boosting efficiency.
India holds back talks with Pakistans Water Secretary
India has moved to put on hold all talks with Pakistans water secretary on a World Bank-
facilitated initiative. This is because of technical issues on Indus River Hydel projects.
This has created legal hurdles for Pakistan who is trying to bring Gilgit-Baltistan region
under its Constitution for economic corridor.
The refusal also comes in wake of Pakistani military tribunals order to execute Kulbhushan
Jadhav.
Pakistan bids to legalise CPEC- Constitutional Status to Gilgit-Baltistan trips on UN
Resolution
Pakistans bid to alter status of Gilgit-Baltistan region which falls under PoK is said to face
many legal hurdles due to UN resolutions on geographical entity which was earlier part of
J&K princely state which acceded to India in 1947.
GB region has been generally remained undefined in Pakistani constitutions since 1947 and
only recently Islamabad has taken the initiative to bring it under the Constitution of CPEC.
President gives his approval for all speeches to be in Hindi
President Pranab Mukherjee has accepted the recommendation of Committee of Parliament
on Official Languages for all speeches by the dignitaries to be only in Hindi if they can read
and speak the language.
The decision has come after six years after the committee made 117 recommendations to
make Hindi more popular language.
New proposed RBI norms leave M-Wallets companies worried
Mobile Wallet company executives have expressed concerns about the complete KYC
guidelines and wanted deadline to extend its implementation.
RBI had issued graft guidelines for licence holders of prepaid payment instrument PPI as it
could be a negative force for small transactions.
Currently, these e-wallets and prepaid payments instruments can only hold 20,000 per user
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with minimum KYC. These PPIs will move full KYC details within 60 days of issue of PPI
licence.
New Security Framework for Mobile Payments
National Payments Corporation of India plans to develop a new security framework for
mobile phone-based payments for both banks and mobile wallets. This will be equivalent to
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) framework.
The increasing mobile phone based payments can be a potent point to attract hackers.
NPCI wants to build new security standards for mobile payments to overcome any major loss
of public money.
PM will step in to solve musings on Power Reforms
NITI Aayog has not been able to gather consensus on Proposed National Energy Policy.
The primary point of contention is freeing coal from price control, as this will divest the
ministry of its power to control coal prices.
National Energy Policy has proposed comprehensive reforms to free sectors such as coal,
electricity and fertilisers from subsidies and price controls, helping to produce more power by
making electricity generation projects commercially viable for private companies.
Centre will check Status of of MoUs signed by states
Central government will soon check status of various MoUs signed by states at some grand
investor fairs and ensure that these are taken more seriously and result in concrete
investments.
The motive is to understand various roadblocks faced by the states during execution of the
projects.
The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion will be the nodal department to conduct
the exercise.
State officials have stated that shortage of funds and delay in clearances are the major reasons
for failure of MoUs from seeing light of the day.
Companies report better CSR Compliance in FY-16
As per CII Annual CSR Tracker Survey, CSR of companies has considerably improved in
India in 2015-16 with companies managing to spend about 92% of their slated CSR
expenditure.
Section 135 of the Companies Act of 2013 requires companies to spend at least 2% of their
average net profit for the immediately preceding three financial years on CSR activities.
1270 BSE listed companies together spent 8185 Crores for FY16 till December 2016.
North Korean missile launch fails
North Koreas failed ballistic missile launch drew no major international reactions. The
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missile was a medium-range projectile and failed in early few seconds.

Government to allow 100% FDI in Cash and ATM Management companies.
The Central government has given its nod to allow Cash and ATM management companies
to attract 100% foreign direct investment and exempted them from compliance to the Private
Security Agencies (Regulation) Act (PSARA).
Companies that make devices such as currency authenticators and sorting and currency
counting machines will also benefit from this clarification.
Telangana passes bill to hike reservations for Muslims and STs
17-Apr-17
The Telangana legislature has passed the Telangana Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes
(Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions and of Appointments or Posts in the Services under the State)
Bill, 2017, that seeks to raise substantially the reservation for backward Muslims and scheduled tribes.
The new legislation will increase the reservation for socially and educationally backward Muslims
from the existing 4% to 12% and for Scheduled Tribes from 6% to 10% taking the total quotas in
government jobs and educational institutions in the state much beyond the 50 % ceiling set by the
Supreme Court. The total quota in the state will now increase to 62%.
The bill will now be sent for obtaining Presidents assent. Since the reservation goes beyond the 50%
ceiling set by the Supreme Court, the state government wants the centre to include the bill in the 9th
schedule of the Constitution which will preclude a judicial review. States like Tamil Nadu and
Jharkhand already have reservations totalling more than 50 percent.
Reservation bills included in 9th Schedule of the Constitution protects it from judicial
review. Ninth Schedule contains more than 250 legislations receiving protection from
the judicial scrutiny. With the burgeoning laws which are placed under the Ninth
Schedule, it has today become a constitutional dustbin and house for every
controversial law passed by the government. For example, former PM Indira Gandhi
made amendments to the Representation of Peoples Acts of 1951 and 1974 and placed
in the Ninth Schedule along with the Election Laws Amendment Act, 1975 to make her
election valid.
Vastu Shashtra to be introduced in IIT Kharagpur

17-Apr-17
IIT Kharagpur plans to introduce Vastu Shashtra to the architecture students from this year August.
While the rudiments of Vastu Shastra will be introduced to the first and second-year undergraduate
architecture students, detailed grounding on the subject will be imparted to the post graduate and
research scholars in infrastructure.
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For the UG students, graded modules related to basic design and history of architecture will be
taught. For the PG level, modules imparting solar principles, sacred diagrams, 9 circuit placements or
the nabagraha mandal, sacred altars and design semiotics and semantics will be taught.
Need
The faculty members of IIT Kharagpur feels that Vastu Shastra as a concept needs to be included in
the architecture and infrastructure syllabi. They are of the view that students be conversant with
ancient Indian architectural traditions. They believe that ancient Indian concepts have a scientific
basis and introducing students to these will open up new avenues of knowledge. The basic concept of
Vastu Shastra revolves around the healthy relationship of nature and infrastructure and hence has
modern relevance.
Vastu Shastra
Vastu Shastra has its beginnings in Rig Veda. It is a traditional Hindu system of architecture that
describes principles of design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, space arrangement and
spatial geometry.
Turkey Referendum: President Erdogan wins sweeping powers
17-Apr-17
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won the referendum on granting him sweeping new
powers by a clear majority. The Yes vote garnered by Erdogan was 51.36% and No was 48.64%.
while the supporters of Erdogan has hailed the results, the two main opposition parties have
challenged the results.
New Constitution
The draft of the new constitution has the following salient features:
Next presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on 3 November 2019;
It provides for a five year tenure and maximum of two terms for the President;
The president will have powers to directly appoint top public officials, including ministers;
President will be able to assign one or several vice-presidents;
The job of prime minister would be scrapped;
President will have power to intervene in the judiciary;
The president will have power to decide whether or not to impose a state of emergency
Why Referendum?
According Erdogan, changes were needed to address security concerns especially after an attempted
coup nine months earlier. He also wants these changes to avoid the fragile coalition governments of
the past.
The new system Erdogan envisages will resemble those in France and the US and would help to
bring calm to the turmoil caused by the Kurdish insurgency, Islamist militancy and conflict in
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neighbouring Syria, which has resulted in a huge refugee influx.

Criticism
Critics fear that the proposed changes would make the presidents position too powerful without any
checks and balances present in other presidential systems. They also complain of massive
irregularities with the voting.
Government covers 14 SC, ST, OBC and DNT scholarship schemes under Digital
Payments
17-Apr-17
The Government has stated that 14 scholarship schemes for Scheduled Castes and Other Backward
Classes (OBCs) / Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-nomadic Tribes (DNTs) students come under
Digital Payments Initiatives. This is expected to benefit 3.54 crore students across the country. As
per the modalities of this initiative, all scholarship amount will be deposited in the bank accounts of
the students.
Schemes for SCs
There will be a 60% Aadhaar seeding in SC student bank account. Educational Empowerment is
carried out by virtue of scholarships, hostels for students, coaching facilities, capital for
creation/upgradation of premises, institution etc. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
spends 54 % of its Budget on scholarships for Scheduled castes. In addition, the government has
tasked each branch of public sector banks to handhold at least one SC/ST youth, as an entrepreneur,
to generate more employment among the members of the community.
Scholarships
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal ministry for the implementation of seven
different types of scholarships:
Post and Pre-Matric Scholarships;
Top Class Scholarship;
National Overseas Scholarships;
National Fellowship for Scheduled Castes administered by the UGC;
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Children of those engaged in unclean occupations;
Free Coaching for Scheduled Castes and OBCs (70: 30 ratio); and
Upgradation of merit.
Indias GDP to grow 7.2% in 2017-18: World Bank Report
17-Apr-17
In a new World Bank report titled Globalization Backlash, the agency expects Indias gross domestic
product to spike to 7.2% in the financial year 2017-18 from 6.8% the previous fiscal. It has also
forecasted that the fiscal, inflation and external conditions in the country to remain stable and
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Indias economic growth to rise gradually to 7.7% in 2019-20, underpinned by a recovery in private
investments.
The agency has stated that despite renewed weakness in private investment and sluggish external
demand, India continued to grow robustly until demonetisation slowed the growth, albeit modestly.
It expects that inflation would stabilise with the support of favourable investment climate and
structural reforms.
The agency, however, has warned India against significant risks to its favourable growth outlook.
Among them, it has underlined uncertainties in the external environment, not-so clear picture of the
impact of demonetisation on small and informal firms, obstacles to private investment and rapid
hikes in the prices of oil and other commodities.
South Asia
The agencys report focuses on the economic climate in South Asia and maintains that South Asia
will remain as the fastest growing region in the world. It has observed that strong performance of
the regions eastern part particularly India, Bhutan and Bangladesh has defied disappointing world
growth in 2016. It has further stated that the current globalization backlash should not prevent South
Asian countries from having a stronger outward orientation.
World Bank
World Bank is one of five institutions created at the Breton Woods Conference in 1944. World
Bank is part of the United Nations system, but its governance structure is different. World Banks
headquarter is situated at Washington DC. World Banks official goal is to reduce poverty. It
provides loans to developing countries for capital programmes.
Andhra Pradesh Government formulates market intervention for red chilli
farmers
17-Apr-17
The Andhra Pradesh state government has formulated guidelines for a market intervention exercise
to help red chilli farmers in the state who are in a great distress due to the price crash in the market
yard, which is the biggest in the state and the country.
As per the modalities of the scheme, chilli stocks with the farmers would be bought at the price fixed
by the government and each farmer will get the additional benefit of Rs 1,500 per quintal, subject to
a ceiling of 20 quintals. The price per quintal should not exceed Rs 8,000 inclusive of the Rs 1,500
per quintal being offered by the government. The scheme covers tenant farmers as well.
The states market intervention exercise will begin from April 20 and continue up to June 30 with a
gap from May 12 to June 11 for the summer holidays.
Need
Price of Red Chilli dropped from a level of Rs 12,000-14,000 per quintal last year to below Rs 5,000
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per quintal this year. This has caused huge distress among the farmers forcing the state government
to initiate the market intervention exercise.
Red chillies
India accounts for 38% of global production of 18 lakh tonnes of red chillies. Andhra Pradesh and
Telangana alone account for 50% of Indias production. The cost of producing the crop is very high.
The farmers in Telangana shifted to chillies following the governments advisory to shun cotton and
look out for alternative crops. In addition, favourable weather in the kharif season had also
prompted farmers to grow red chillies in several areas.
Prime Minister felicitates family members of Paika rebellion
17-Apr-17
Prime Minister felicitated the descendants of 16 families associated with Paika Rebellion of 1817 and
other freedom struggles of Odisha in Bhubaneswar. In this years budget speech, Finance Minister
had mentioned about the Paika rebellion led by Bakshi Jagabandhu and stated that the event will be
commemorated appropriately.
Paika Rebellion
Paika Rebellion of 1817 is an armed rebellion against British colonialism. The revolution was in
response to the tinkering of the revenue system by the British in 1803. In response, the farming
community of Odisha rose in rebellion. At that juncture, Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar, the military
chief of the King of Khurda, led the army of Paikas and forced the British to retreat. This came to be
known as Paika Bidroh (Paika rebellion). The landed militia of Khurda was called Paiks.
Paika Rebellion of 1817 has various social, economic and political reasons. The main cause of the
revolution was the takeover of the rent-free land that had been given to the Paiks for their military
service to the Kingdom of Khurda.
Though the revolution occurred before the first war of independence in 1857, the revolution did not
get similar recognition like that of the Revolt of 1857.
Government launches programme for capacity building of Elected Women
Representatives (EWRs) of Panchayats
17-Apr-17
The Ministry of Women and Child Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati
Raj has launched a nationwide programme for capacity building of Elected Women Representatives
(EWRs) of Panchayats and a training program for Trainers of women panchayat leaders at Ranchi,
Jharkhand.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched the programme representatives at the
grassroots level in various fields like engineering (building of roads, drains, latrines etc.), finance,
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social development, education, health, and environment among others. In the first phase of the
training, 40 master trainers of Jharkhand will be trained at the State institute of Rural Development,
Ranchi. In the second phase, around 3000 Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) will be imparted
training by the master trainers at the districts of Simdega, Pakur and Chatra of Jharkhand. In
subsequent phases, similar training modules will be organised in different states throughout the
country with the help of National Institute of Rural Development, State Institutes of Rural
Development and Panchayati Raj Departments of the States. At present, there are around 13 lakhs
EWRs in panchayats throughout the country.
In the first phase of the training, 40 master trainers of Jharkhand will be trained at the State institute
of Rural Development, Ranchi. In the second phase, around 3000 Elected Women Representatives
(EWRs) will be imparted training by the master trainers at the districts of Simdega, Pakur and
Chatra of Jharkhand. In subsequent phases, similar training modules will be organised in different
states throughout the country with the help of National Institute of Rural Development, State
Institutes of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Departments of the States. At present, there are
around 13 lakhs EWRs in panchayats throughout the country.
In subsequent phases, similar training modules will be organised in different states throughout the
country with the help of National Institute of Rural Development, State Institutes of Rural
Development and Panchayati Raj Departments of the States. At present, there are around 13 lakhs
EWRs in panchayats throughout the country.
Need
The initiative is aimed at empowering EWRs by enhancing their capacity, capability and skill in
governance and administration of villages as the EWRs lack appropriate knowledge and skill to
administer the village.
The women sarpanches can be helpful in taking several new schemes of the government to the
common man especially those in distress and the underprivileged. Women sarpanches can also play a
vital role in ensuring the safety of women, education of the girl child, health of women, creation of
assets under MGNREGA, immunisation and other important issues at the grassroots level.
April 18, 2017
INS Chennai dedicated to Chennai
18-Apr-17
Naval Ship INS Chennai, a P15A Guided Missile Destroyer, was dedicated to Chennai in the presence
of the chief minister of Tamil Nadu and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval
Command.
INS Chennai
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INS Chennai, a Kolkata-class stealth Guided missile destroyer ship was commissioned into Indian
Navys combat fleet by Defence minister Manohar Parrikar on 21 November 2016 in Mumbai. It is
the largest-ever destroyer to be built in India. It is third and last Kolkata-class guided missile
destroyers built under Project 15A.
The indigenously designed ship has state of the art weapons and sensors, stealth features, an
advanced action information system, a comprehensive auxiliary control system, world class modular
living spaces, sophisticated power distribution system and a host of other advanced features. The
ship is capable of undertaking a full spectrum of maritime warfare. The ship has the formidable
prowess of missile technology and has been armed with supersonic surface to surface BrahMos
missiles and Barak-8 long-range surface to air missiles.
The Project 15A Kolkata class are a class of stealth guided missile destroyers built for
Indian Navy. These destroyers are follow-on of the legendary Project 15 Delhi class
destroyers which entered service in the late 1990s. The class comprises of three ships.
INS Kolkata, the rst ship of the class got commissioned on August, 2014. The second
ship, INS Kochi, got commissioned on September, 2015. The third ship, INS Chennai,
got commissioned on November, 2016
PM inaugurates phase-I of the Link-2 pipeline canal of SAUNI project

18-Apr-17
Prime Minister has inaugurated phase-I (Link-2) pipeline canal of the ambitious Saurashtra Narmada
Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana in Botad district of Gujarat. He laid foundation stone for the Phase-
II (Link-2) of the SAUNI Yojana in Saurashtra. The design of Link-2 is to pump Narmada water in
17 dams spread across Botad, Bhavnagar and Amreli districts of Gujarat. This is considered as a
second milestone of the Rs 12,000 crore projects to pump Narmada water to the arid Saurashtra
region.
Link-1 canal will take water to 30 dams in Jamnagar and Devbhoomi Dwarka districts. Last year, in
August, Prime Minister dedicated phase-I of the Link-I canal to the nation.
SAUNI project
The entire SAUNI project envisages supplying water for irrigation purposes to 10.22 lakh acres of
land in Saurashtra region. Under this project, one million acre feet (MAFT) of floodwaters of
Narmada will be diverted to the Saurashtra region. In total, 1,126-kilometre-long network of giant
pipelines would be laid to fill up 115 reservoirs in the Saurashtra region by diverting flood waters
overflowing from the Sardar Sarovar Dam across the Narmada in south Gujarat. The project aims to
utilize the floodwater which otherwise overflows the Narmada dam during monsoon and drains into
the sea.
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Under the SAUNI project, instead of open canals, pipelines are used. The massive pipelines of
SAUNI project will run underground and thus requires no acquisition of farmers land and results in
less water loss. The pumping stations for the project will be constructed on government land. The
project envisages filling irrigation dams that already have canal networks to channel water to farms.
Therefore, technically, SAUNI project is a link project.
Under the project, four trunk lines (Link I, II, III and IV) will carry water to the 115 dams spread
across the 11 districts of the Saurashtra region.
Link-1 of the project (180 km) originates from the Machhu II dam in Morbi district and carries
Narmada water to 30 dams.
Link-2 (253 km) originates from Limdi Bhogavo II dam in Surendrangar, and supplies water to 17
dams.
Link-3 (245 km) originates from Dholi Dhaja dam in Surendranagar and ends at Venu I dam of
Rajkot district, carrying water to 28 dams along its length.
Link-4 originates from Limdi Bhogavo II dam and ends at Hiran II dam in Gir Somnath district.
Gururaja Bhat Award conferred on historian A.V. Narasimha Murthi
18-Apr-17
Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat Award 2017 has been conferred upon Prof. A.V. Narasimha Murthy,
Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), Mysuru and former Head, Department of Ancient
History and Archaeology, University of Mysore. Murthy was selected for the award in consideration
of his contribution to Indian Archaeology, Ancient History and Numismatics. The award was
presented to Murthy by the Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation D.V.
Sadananda Gowda.
Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat (1924-1978)
Paduru Gururaja Bhat was a teacher, historian, and researcher par excellence. He studied and
researched history of Tulu Nadu for over two decades and culture by travelling to most of the
villages in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts and visiting temples and other places studying
inscriptions. He is credited for providing cultural identity to the region of Tulu Nadu. On the basis of
his extensive research, Bhat published his magnum opus, Studies in Tuluva History and Culture, in
1975.
Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat Award 2017
The award was instituted in 2010 by Udupi-based Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat Memorial Trust and
carries a citation and a purse of Rs. 50,000. The award recognises outstanding contributions in the
field of history, archaeology, sociology, and other social sciences.
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Australia abolishes 457 Visa Programme largely used by Indians

18-Apr-17
Australia has abolished the 457 Visa Programme used by thousands of temporary foreign workers, a
majority of them Indians to address growing unemployment in that country. Instead, Australia wants
to adopt Australians first approach to skilled migration.
Since access to the skills is important for the growth and investment of that countrys businesses, it
intends to replace the 457 visa programme by another visa programme, with new restrictions. The
new temporary visa will be designed in such a way it will help in recruiting the best and brightest to
fill critical skill gaps in the interest of that nation. The new visa will ensure that foreign workers are
not brought into Australia just because it is easy for the employers to recruit a foreign worker than
go to the trouble of hiring an Australian.
There are about 95,757 workers in Australia on primary 457 visa programme. Worryingly, the
majority of the visa holders are from India followed by the UK and China. This announcement has
come days after Prime Minister Turnbull visited India where a range of issues, including national
security, counter-terrorism, education and energy, were discussed. Totally, six agreements were
signed during his visit.
457 Visa
The 457 visa allows Australian employers to employ foreign workers for a period up to four years in
skilled jobs where there is a shortage of Australian workers. The visa holders are eligible to bring
family members, who have unrestricted work and study rights in Australia. The visa was introduced
during the tenure of Prime Minister John Howard in 1996.
President inaugurates Global Exhibition on Services (GES-2017)
18-Apr-17
President has inaugurated Global Exhibition on Services (GES-2017) that is set to highlight Indias
potential to boost its services exports across sectors at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida. The event
has been organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry together with the Confederation of
Indian Industry (CII) and Services Export Promotion Council. This is the 3rd edition of GES and the
earlier editions were held in 2015 and 2016. This edition is set to see the participation of over 70
countries and comes in the backdrop of increased focus on services trade and Indias submission to
the World Trade Organisation on trade facilitation in services.
The main focus of the event will be on 20 services sectors, including information technology,
tourism and hospitality, logistics, education and financial services.
This year, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), will showcase its offering of application
of space technology on a real-time basis for implementing and monitoring of public programmes.
Besides, the Ministry of Tourism will host Incredible India Haat, a cuisine, culture and handicrafts
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show.
Objectives
Position India as a leader in the services sector
Tap potential for exports in the services sector
Draw investments into the country in the services sector
Service sector
Indias services exports stood at $146.5 billion in the first 11 months of 2016-17, growing at 3 per
cent. It has witnessed a surplus of $59 billion in April-February 2016-17. In India, IT and software
services accounted for over 48% of overall services exports. As per provisional estimates released by
RBI, the service export touched US $ 80 billion as against US $ 77 billion in the time period from
April to September 2016, a rise of almost 4%. A strong services sector backed by a manufacturing
sector is expected to play a pivotal role in the growth of Indian economy.
Sagar Baheti: Indias first visually impaired athlete to complete Boston Marathon
18-Apr-17
Sagar Baheti has become the first visually impaired Indian runner to complete the historic Boston
Marathon. Bengaluru-based 31 years old Baheti completed a distance of 42.16 km distance in just
over four hours. Supported by the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(MABVI), Baheti finished the 121st Boston Marathon as one of 30,000 runners. The 2017 Boston
Marathon has been recorded as the second hottest marathon in a decade.
Baheti, a businessman by profession was diagnosed with Stargardts disease, a type of macular
degeneration that eventually leads to blindness, in 2013. With his participation in the marathon,
Baheti expects to raise $10,000 for MABVI, an organization that supports visually impaired persons
by providing advanced low-vision devices.
Boston Marathon
Historic Boston Marathon is the worlds oldest, most competitive and the hardest marathon to
qualify for. It is an annual event hosted in several cities in greater Boston, United States. It is always
held on the third Monday of April. It is one of the six Marathon Majors held throughout the world.
BRABO: First Made in India Industrial Robot
18-Apr-17
TAL Manufacturing Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors has unveiled Indias first
conceptualized, designed and manufactured articulated industrial robot called BRABO. BRABO
stands for Bravo Robot.
The robot has been developed indigenously for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in
India. The robot is primarily developed to complement the human workforce and repeatedly
perform high volume, dangerous and time-consuming tasks ranging from handling of raw materials
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to packaging of finished products.

BRABO was designed and manufactured at the TALs Pune factory. Other than the motors and
drives for the Robo-arm, all the other parts of the robot were indigenously manufactured in India.
BRABO has four patents registered in its name and TAL has also applied for an intellectual property
(IP) certification for the robot.
Features of BRABO
The robot will be easy to install, use, program and maintain. It comes with low-cost power
transmission system. It will be able to work on single phase power supply suitable for MSMEs. It has
an inbuilt programmable logic controller and can act as a virtual controller for simulation.
Articulated robots
Articulated robots are those that are fitted with rotary joints. They can have one or more rotary
joints depending upon their function. Rotary joints will allow for precise movements and hence
increases the capabilities of the robot.
Significance- Industrial robots
Industrial robots help in cost reduction, improved quality, increased production, and improved
workplace health and safety. Considering its significance, global industrial robotics market is
expected to reach US$79.58 billion by 2022.
Disabled persons granted exemption from standing during National Anthem in
movie halls
18-Apr-17
The Supreme Court has granted an exemption to six categories of disabled people from standing
when the national anthem is played before the screening of a film in theatres. The six categories
include people suffering from cerebral palsy, Parkinson disease, muscular dystrophy and other
categories of disability. The order comes at the backdrop of reported incidents of people with
disabilities facing the wrath of people trying to enforce patriotism during the national anthem.
In addition, the Court has also issued notice to the union government on the plea seeking Vande
Mataram to be made mandatory in schools. The Centre should file its reply in a four weeks time on
the plea. The reply should also ascertain the feasibility of singing the national anthem and the
national song in Parliament, assemblies, courts, schools and colleges on working days.
Background
On November 30, 2016, the Supreme Court made it mandatory for all the cinema halls across the
nation to play the national anthem with the image of the national flag displayed before screening of a
movie, when the audience must stand and show respect. The idea was to instil a sense of committed
patriotism and nationalism among people.
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Vistadome glass-ceiling coach launched by Indian Railways

18-Apr-17
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has flagged off Visakhapatnam-Kirandul passenger train with first
of its kind, see-through, vistadome coaches through a video link from Bhubaneswar. The Vistadome
air-conditioned coach is a first-of-its-kind on Indian Railways that has been introduced with an aim
to promote tourism. The 40 seat coach has been built by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in
Chennai, Tamil Nadu at a cost of INR 3.38 crore. At present only one coach has been attached to the
train on trial basis. Similar coaches are expected to be introduced in other routes like northeast as
well.
Features
The vistadome coaches have the specially designed features like glass roof, LED lights, rotating seats,
GPS-based information system, large glass windows and observation lounge among others. It also
has a glass-domed ceiling, automatic sliding doors and a multi-tier luggage rack. The coach will offer
a panoramic view of the sites along the 128-km rail route from Visakhapatnam to Araku valley hill
station.
A unique feature of the coach is the double-wide reclining passenger seats which could be rotated
360 degrees for a better sightseeing experience. This feature will enable tourists to get breathtaking
views of Anantagiri ghat section, Lambasingi, Borra caves and the tunnels lying all along the route.
April 19, 2017
Donald Trump signs executive order tightening H1-B visa programme
19-Apr-17
Donald Trump has signed an executive order to enforce and review the H-1B visa programme. He
has ordered the countrys federal agencies to tighten the H-1B visa programme, widely used to bring
high-skilled foreign workers to the US. This order is aimed at fulfilling his campaign pledges to put
America First. In the document titled Buy American and Hire American order, Trump seeks to make
modifications in government procurement that would give a push for purchases of American
products in federal contracts. Earlier, Trumps administration had rolled out policy shifts to clamp
down on H-1B visa programme. It included a warning to employers not to discriminate against US
workers.
The issue of executive order also reveals Trumps heavy dependence on executive orders to fulfil his
electoral promises. Till date, Trump has no major legislative achievements to boast of. His attempts
to overhaul healthcare and tax law has not become successful so far in the Congress, controlled by his
fellow Republicans.
Need
H-1B visa programme is accused of taking away jobs from Americans. Also, Trump wants a more
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merit-based way of giving visas to highly skilled workers instead of the present lottery system. In his
new order, trump has asked agencies to propose ideas to direct visas to the most skilled and highly
paid applicants without resorting to the lottery system. In fact, several bills have been proposed in
Congress to end the lottery system.
Impact
The move is a deterrent to Indian IT companies which sends a huge number of software engineers to
the US on H1-B visas. As per a report published by Bloomberg, companies like Tata Consultancy
Services Ltd, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp and Mphasis Corp. would likely have fewer
visas approved once the changes proposed by Trump are adopted.
H1-B Visas
The H visas are for temporary workers. The H1B Visas are for foreign skilled workers in
occupations that generally require higher education, including science, engineering or computer
programming.
The H1B visas are given through a lottery system. Every year, the US government awards 65,000
H1B visas and randomly distributes another 20,000 to graduate student workers.
Global economy to grow 3.5% in 2017: IMF
19-Apr-17
The IMF has predicted that the global economy would grow at 3.5% in 2017, up from 3.1 % last year,
and 3.6% in 2018. This years projection of IMF is marginally higher than what was stated in their
last update. The improvement in this years projection springs up from good economic news in
Europe and Asia, notably from China and Japan. As per IMF, momentum in the global economy has
been building up since the middle of the last year making it reaffirm its previous forecasts of higher
growth for this year and next year.
However, it has warned that despite these signs of strength, many countries are likely to continue to
struggle this year as well. IMF has warned that weather conditions and civil unrest would threaten
the low-income countries with mass starvation. Particularly, in Sub-Saharan Africa, IMF expects the
income levels to fall slightly. Further, commodity exporters in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin
America are likely to struggle with low levels of commodity prices since early 2016.
Way forward
IMF has suggested that policy interventions must address these disparities to ensure the stability of
an open, collaborative trading system that benefits all countries. It has called for the need of credible
strategies in many countries to place public debt on a sustainable path. It has asked the World to
make a renewed multilateral effort to tackle common challenges in an integrated global economy.
IMF
IMF came into existence on December 27, 1945. The IMF works to improve the economies of its
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member countries. IMF was established to promote international economic cooperation,

international trade, employment, and exchange rate stability. It also makes its resources available to
member countries to meet the balance of payments needs. Its headquarters is in Washington, D.C.
South-West Monsoon to be normal: IMD
19-Apr-17
The India Meteorological Departments (IMD) has predicted a normal monsoon this year with a
rainfall of 96% of the long-period average (LPA). Rainfall between 96% and 104% of LPA is
considered as normal. The country had to suffer back-to-back droughts in 2014 and 2015. In 2016,
rainfall received was 3% less than the 89 cm average despite IMDs prediction of above normal rains.
IMD will come up with the regional forecasts in early June.
Reason
The IMD has attributed the projection to a weakening of El Nio and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole
(IOD). Weakening of El Nino and positive IOD conditions are expected to be favourable for a
normal monsoon.
The El Nino is characterised by a warming of sea surface temperature along the equatorial Pacific
Ocean. El Nino is known to dry up monsoon rains every 6 out of 10 years. The Indian Ocean
Dipole (IOD) refers to a swing in the sea surface temperatures in the western and eastern Indian
oceans.
Significance
The India Meteorological Departments (IMD) prediction of a normal monsoon will boost the
sentiments of stocks. This will put an end to the almost continuous earnings downgrade witnessed in
the markets in recent times. The poor earnings had transformed Indian stocks to be one among the
most expensive stocks in the world.
The forecast for normal monsoon is expected to result in three to four per cent growth in farm gross
domestic product (GDP). Normal monsoon will help in agricultural production and ease inflationary
pressures.
The forecast for normal rains is also beneficial for consumer-oriented sectors such as two-wheelers,
FMCG, banking and packaged consumer goods that are the worst hit owing to demonetisation.
With an increase in farm and non-farm wages, these sectors are expected to witness growth.
Demonetisation prevented these sectors from reaping the benefits of good rains last year.
Other benefits of normal monsoon
Less drawdown of water from reservoirs and the instances of drinking water crisis will be
less.
Improved power situation owing to more power generated in hydel power projects and usage
of fewer pumps for irrigation.
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Less pressure on the RBI to raise interest rates

Economic growth will get strengthened.
The occurrence of drought will be less. The need for importing oilseeds and pulses will be
less.
IMD forecasts
The IMD was set up in 1875. It produced its first monsoon forecast in 1886 after the famine of the
1870s. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issues forecasts for the country as a whole and
five regions.
IMD uses a statistical model that uses historical relationships between rainfall and six to eight
predictors such as sea-surface temperatures and southeasterly winds over the Indian ocean etc. IMD
also uses the data obtained from radar, observatories, ships, sensors and satellites for forecast
predictions. The statistical method was introduced by British in the 1920s.
Last year, IMD announced that it is replacing the statistical method with dynamic model, which is
based on a U.S. model tweaked for India. IMD also announced that it is spending $60 million on a
new supercomputer to improve the accuracy of Monsoon predictions.
Current Data on Indias steel import and export
19-Apr-17
According to Joint Plant Committees annual report on steel sector for the time period 2016-17,
Indias import of total finished steel declined 36 % to 7.4 million tonnes (MT). At the same time, steel
exports increased 102% to reach 8.2 million tonnes (MT) in the said time period. The country also
fared well in terms of production as well. The production of crude steel was 97.385 MT during
April-March 2016-17, which is 8.5% increase over the previous year steel production.
Steel Sector
India is the third largest producer of crude steel after China and Japan. India has set an ambitious
target for becoming the second largest in the near term. For this, the Steel Ministry has released new
draft National Steel Policy of 2017, that envisages doubling of Indias domestic steel production
capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030-31.
Joint Plant Committee
JPC was founded in 1964 by the Ministry of Steel. It formulates guidelines for production, allocation,
pricing and distribution of iron and steel materials across the country. It is the only institution which
is officially empowered by the Ministry of Steel to collect data on the Indian iron and steel industry
in order to create and maintain a basic, complete and non-partisan databank in this industry. Its
headquarters is located in Kolkata.
Chinese President announces military restructure of PLA
19-Apr-17
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Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced a restructure of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA)
with an aim to make it as a leaner fighting force with enhanced joint operations capability. President
Xi Jinping is the chair of the Central Military Commission, and also commander-in-chief of the
armed forces.
The present restructure is the second major phase of President Xis reforms. Earlier in September
2015, President Xi announced a reduction in the number of military personnel by 300,000. Those
reforms also included establishing a joint operational command structure by 2020. Xi is also seen
rooting out corruption in the military by jailing dozens of senior military officers.
China is also rapidly upgrading its military hardware owing to its increasingly assertive stance about
its sovereignty claims in the South China Sea and its plans to expand its military influence overseas.
Salient highlights
The new structure of PLA will have 84 units. All the 84 units will be at the combined-corps
level so that the commanders will hold the rank of major-general or rear-admiral.
The members of the units would likely be regrouped from existing forces.
All the 84 units will be placed under 15 agencies.
The military restructure will be carried out by placing greater emphasis on new capabilities
including cyberspace, electronic and information warfare.
Impact
Though, the impact of the restructure on PLAs fighting capabilities are not clear, experts feel that
restructure could aid in breaking up the PLA into more modular units. It is expected to make the
units small enough to be transportable and agile
Peoples Liberation Army is the worlds largest standing military.
Union Cabinet clears Election Commissions proposal to buy VVPAT machines

19-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has cleared the Election Commissions proposal to buy new Voter Verifiable
Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines. The machines are expected to be used in the 2019 General
Elections. The Union Cabinet has permitted the Election Commission (EC) to procure 16,15,000
units, at an estimated base price of Rs. 3,173.47 crore. So far, EC has sent at least 11 reminders to the
Centre seeking funds for procuring VVPAT machines.
The Centre has chosen Bengaluru-based Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Hyderabad-based
Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL) to manufacture the VVPAT units. The government has
also directed the Price Negotiation Committee to negotiate the final unit price. It is expected that the
two PSUs will need at least 30 months to produce over 16 lakh VVPATs.
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Need
The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission to come up with a tentative time period by
which it can use VVPAT machines across all polling stations of the country. The Supreme Court has
directed the EC to conduct 2019 national elections entirely with these upgraded machines. Earlier in
2013, SC had directed the EC to introduce VVPAT in a phased manner for 2014 general elections.
SC had observed that VVPAT will ensure free and fair polls and help in sorting out disputes.
Earlier in 2013, SC had directed the EC to introduce VVPAT in a phased manner for 2014 general
elections. SC had observed that VVPAT will ensure free and fair polls and help in sorting out
disputes.
Election Commission has been accused by sixteen parties like Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the Aam
Aadmi Party (AAP), and the congress for allegedly deploying tampered EVMs. They have also
petitioned EC to revert back to paper ballot system for greater transparency.
VVPAT machines- Significance
The usage of VVPAT machines of the Election Commission is expected to ensure free and fair
elections. In the VVPAT system, when a voter presses the button for a candidate of his choice in the
electronic voting machines (EVM), a paper ballot containing the serial number, the name of the
candidate and poll symbol will be printed for the voter. The voters will be able to view the voter-
verifiable paper audit trail slip for seven seconds after which it will get deposited in a sealed box.
VVPAT machines can be regarded as an independent verification system as it (i) allows voters to
verify that their votes are cast correctly, (ii) detects possible election fraud or malfunction and (iii)
Provides a means to audit the stored electronic results.
Union Cabinet decides to ban use of red beacon by VIPs from May 1
19-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has put a ban on the use of red beacons atop cars of VIPs. Only three categories
were exempted from the ban. They are the President, Vice-President and Chief Justice of India. The
exemption also applies to the emergency service vehicles. Accordingly, fire brigade, ambulance
services, police vehicles and other emergency services will be allowed to use the blue beacon. The
decision will come into force from May 1, 2017. In effect, the ban is applicable to the prime minister,
union ministers, chief ministers, state cabinet ministers, bureaucrats and judges of the High Court
and Supreme Court. The decision was taken to end VIP culture.
As per the existing practice, a red light beacon can be used atop of vehicles of high dignitaries
specified by the Central and State government. As per the notification issued by the Ministry of Road
Transport & Highways in 2005, the following dignitaries were eligible to use red light with a flasher.
They are the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Former President, Deputy Prime Minister,
Chief Justice of India, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Cabinet Ministers of the Union, Deputy Chairman
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Planning Commission, Former Prime Ministers, Leaders of Oppositions in the Rajya Sabha & Lok
Sabha, Judges of the Supreme Court. As per the present decision, neither the state nor the central
government can nominate any members to use the red beacon.
Need
The Supreme Court in 2013 directed States to amend the Motor Vehicle Rules to restrict the use of
the red beacon. It had stated that only constitutional authorities should be allowed to use the red
beacon. The decision of the cabinet assumes significance in the aftermath of the attack on the
Parliament in 2001. During the attack, the terrorists entered the Parliament complex through a
vehicle fitted with a red beacon. With this decision, it would be easier for the traffic authorities to
nab violators illegally using red beacons and prevent the repeat of 2001 incidents.
Recently, the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab decided not to use the red beacon on their
official cars.
Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Tripura chosen for Krishi Karman Awards,
2015-16
19-Apr-17
The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has selected Tamil Nadu, Himachal
Pradesh and Tripura for the Krishi Karman awards for their record performance in the production
of food grains during 2015-16. Apart from these states, Meghalaya would get commendation prize
for total food grain production and would be given a cash award of Rs 1 crore.
Tamil Nadu has been chosen in large category (production more than 10 million tonnes), Himachal
Pradesh in medium category (1 to 10 million tonnes) and Tripura in small category (less than 1
million tonnes).
Tamil Nadu had produced 130 lakh tonnes of foodgrains in 2015-16, which is the highest in the last
five years. In terms of yield in foodgrains, the state managed to get a yield of 3.38 tonnes per hectare
as against the all-India average of 2.028 tonnes per hectare, which is 67% more than the national
average. The state had adopted an innovative, eco-friendly integrated pest management to achieve
this feat. In addition, government interventions like post-harvest management, disbursal of subsidies
and integrated soil health management were also taken into account by the agricultural ministry.
Tamil Nadu will receive a sum of Rs 5 crore for the award. Tamil Nadu had already bagged the award
thrice in 2011-12 for highest food grains production, in 2013-14 for highest pulses production and in
2014-15 for highest coarse cereals production.
Tripura has been selected for the Krishi Karman Award 2015-16 for a commendable increase in food
grain production in small category states. The state produced 825,000 tonnes of food grain in 2016.
The state would also receive a cash award of Rs five crore. Tripura gets this national award for the
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second time. The state targets to produce 935,000 tonnes of food grain in 2017.
Krishi Karman Awards
Krishi Karman awards were instituted in 2010-11 by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare to reward the best performing States in the production of foodgrains and individual crops of
Rice, Wheat, Pulses and Coarse Cereals.
Totally, eight awards are given, including three for the States with highest foodgrains production in
three identified categories-large, medium and small, and five awards are given for highest production
under each of the crops Rice, Wheat, Pulses, Coarse Cereals and Oilseeds.
Union Cabinet approves policy guidelines to allow state entities to directly
borrow bilateral loans
19-Apr-17
The Union Cabinet has approved the policy guidelines to permit financially sound State Government
entities to borrow directly from bilateral ODA (Official development Assistance) partners for the
purpose of implementing vital infrastructure projects. The approval is subject to fulfilment of certain
conditions and all repayments of loans and interests to the funding agencies.
As a corollary to the new decision, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority
(MMRDA) has been permitted to borrow directly from Japan International Cooperation Agency
(JICA) Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan for implementation of Mumbai Trans Harbour
Link (MTHL) project.
Present guidelines
At present, external assistance from bilateral and multilateral sources is received by the union
government for:
projects/programmes in the Central sector;
projects executed by Central Public Sector Undertakings;
on behalf of the State Governments for State sector projects/programmes implemented by
the State Governments and/or local bodies and public sector undertakings.
The existing guidelines prohibit State Government from borrowing directly from external
agencies. In addition, the amount borrowed by the state governments would become a part of their
FRBM (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management).
Salient highlights of new guidelines
The State government which gets the loan will furnish guarantee for the loan and the
Government of India will provide counter guarantee for the loan.
The state entities can directly approach bilateral agencies and the funding would not fall
under state FRBM target.
The eligibility criteria for state entities would be a revenue of over Rs 1,000 crore.
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In case of infrastructure projects, the cost criteria will be Rs 5,000 crore.

Need
Major infrastructure projects of several State entities have huge funding requirements, and
borrowing of the State Governments for implementing such projects exhausts their respective
borrowing limits. Therefore, it was considered necessary to facilitate direct borrowing by the State
Government entities from bilateral external agencies. As per the new guidelines, State entities can
directly borrow and repay the loan without burdening the State exchequer.
April 20, 2017
LHS 1140b: Another planet in habitable zone discovered
20-Apr-17
Astronomers have discovered yet another planet, called LHS1140b, which is expected to be present in
the Goldilocks Zone. Its not so far away, either. It is found orbiting around the star LHS 1140 some
39 light-years away.
Goldilocks Zone refers to a habitable zone where the temperature is neither too high
nor too low.
The planet is found to be rocky, like the Earth but is over six-times as massive as Earth and about
1.5-times larger and falls under the category of Super Earth. Its gravitational pull will be three times
stronger than that of the Earth. Rocky planets within the habitable zone are the best candidates to
find evidence of some form of life.
Super Earth: These are planets that are bigger and more massive than Earth and yet
smaller and less massive than the next biggest planet, Neptune.
The very close location of the planet will make it easier for the astronomers to study its atmosphere
and look for signs of life in the near-future. The study of a planets atmosphere is vital to look for
signs of life. If the atmosphere is found to be thick and filled with carbon dioxide, like Venus, then it
can be concluded that it would be too hot to hold life or water. On the other hand, if the atmosphere
is too thin and wispy like Mars, then all the water will get locked up as ice.
The first planet outside our solar system was found out in 1995. With the help of NASAs Kepler
telescope, the discovery of planets has become easier. So far, astronomers have identified 52
potentially habitable planets and around 3,600 planets outside our solar system. With the launch of
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) by NASA in 2018, chances of studying planets and
detecting a familiar atmosphere will increase manifold. JWST will succeed the Hubble space
telescope.
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RGIA gets carbon neutrality status

20-Apr-17
The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) at Shamshabad has been given the carbon
neutrality status by Airports Council International (ACI) under its Airport Carbon Accreditation
programme. The airports operator GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL), a GMR
Group-led consortium, has stated that it was conferred with the carbon neutrality (level 3:
neutrality) by the ACI at a ceremony held in Doha, Qatar.
The ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation programme was initiated in June 2009 and consists of four
levels: mapping (level 1), reduction (level 2), optimisation (level 3) and neutrality (level 3+).
RGIA achieved levels one and two in 2012. It achieved level 3 status in 2013. The level 3+ status
which it has achieved now is the fourth and highest accreditation under ACIs Carbon Accreditation
programme.
RGIA adopted many sustainable measures like proactive energy conservation, generation of
renewable energy, carbon sinking through extensive greenbelt and various other environment
protection initiatives to achieve this status.
ACI
Airports Council International (ACI) is the only global trade representative representing the worlds
airport authorities. It is a member of Air Transport Action Group (ATAG). It was established in
1991 and develops standards, policies and recommended practices for airports. The global body
represents the interests of airports with governments and international organisations.
Video gaming to be featured as a full sport at the 2022 Asian Games
20-Apr-17
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) will feature Video gaming as a full sport at the 2022 Asian
Games. According to OCA, the decision to include e-sports was taken to reflect the rapid
development and popularity of this new form of sports participation among the youth. Hence, e-
sports would be introduced as a medal sport to the official program of the Asian Games at Hangzhou,
China. It will be included as a demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian Games in Palembang,
Indonesia. OCA has entered into a collaboration with Alisports, a unit of Chinas Alibaba Group, to
bring e-sports to the games. However, no details have come out on the details of the video games
that would be included.
The Asian Games features a wide range of traditional Olympic. It includes some of the more obscure
sports like sepak takraw ( a game that has features of soccer and volleyball), kabaddi, etc. It also
includes a variety of martial arts, contract bridge, jet-ski racing and sport climbing etc.
Asian Games
Asian Games, also known as Asiad, is a pancontinental multi-sport event, which is considered as the
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second-biggest sporting competition in the world after the Olympics in the number of athletes
involved. The Asian Games are recognised by the International Olympic Committee. It is held every
four years and is regulated and organised by the OCA. The first Asian Games was held in 1951 in
New Delhi, India. The last Asian Games was held in Incheon, South Korea in 2014. The next Asian
Games is slated to be held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia in 2018.
ISRO to test launch GSLV-Mk III-D1 in May 2017
20-Apr-17
ISRO is all set to undertake the first developmental flight of a game-changer rocket (launching
vehicle) that will have the capacity to launch four-tonne class of satellites, from Sriharikota
spaceport. ISRO looks forward to conduct the second developmental flight within this year.
Significance
With the successful test launch, ISRO can carry out all the launches within the country instead of
depending on international agencies for the launch of heavier satellites. Hence, the successful test
launch will help in reducing ISROs dependency on international launching vehicles. ISROs launch
vehicles as of now have the capability to launch satellites only up to 2.2 tonne. For the launch of
heavier satellites, it had to depend upon the international agencies. So, the ISRO rightly views
operationalisation of this rocket as a game-changer mission.
GSAT-19
GSAT-19 would be the payload for the first developmental flight of the indigenous GSLV-Mk III-D1
Launcher. GSAT-19 has a mass of 3200 kg and would carry Ka and Ku band payload along with a
Geostationary Radiation Spectrometer Payload (GRASP). The spectrometer would be used to
monitor and study the nature of the charged particles and influence of space radiation on spacecraft
and electronic components.
GSAT-19 would also make use of advanced spacecraft technologies such as bus subsystem
experiments in the electrical propulsion system, indigenous Li-ion battery and indigenous bus bars
for power distribution etc.
About GSLV-Mk III
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III is the next generation launch vehicle of
ISRO which will be capable of launching four-tonne class satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer
Orbit (GTO). It has an indigenous cryogenic third stage, designated as C25. The C25 stage is
considered as the most powerful upper stage developed by ISRO which uses Liquid Oxygen (LOX)
and Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) propellant combination.
UNESCOs Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize 2017 winners

20-Apr-17
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UNESCO has named Giuseppina Nicolini, Mayor of Lampedusa (Italy) and the non-governmental
organisation SOS Mditerrane (France) as the winners of Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize
2017 for their work to save the lives of refugees and migrants and welcome them with dignity.
In the past, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize has been granted to internationally renowned
personalities like Nelson Mandela, Yasser Arafat, King Juan Carlos of Spain, former US president Jimmy
Carter and Shimon Peres. For the first time, the award goes to a mayor.
Giuseppina Nicolini is a 56-year-old mayor of a small Italian island since 2012. She has been selected
for the award for her boundless humanity and unwavering commitment to refugee crisis
management. As a mayor, Nicolini ensured that the Lampedusa deals as efficiently and humanely as
possible with the migrants and refugees arriving from war-torn Middle Eastern countries by sea.
Lampedusa is a small island which is roughly equidistant from Southern Sicily, Malta and Tunisia.
SOS Mediterranee is an NGO founded in 2015 to rescue the refugees each week from dinghies and
boats in the Mediterranean. Since 2013, it is estimated that nearly 13,000 people have perished in
shipwrecks.
Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize
UNESCOs Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize was created in 1989 to honour living individuals
and active public or private bodies or institutions that have made significant contribution to peace.
The Prize was established by a resolution supported by 120 countries and was adopted by the General
Conference of UNESCO at its 25th session.
India contributes USD 2,50,000 to Election Assistance Division of UN
20-Apr-17
India has contributed USD 2,50,000 to the UN Election Assistance Division to help other countries to
hold elections and develop their electoral systems. This is the second time that India has contributed
USD 2,50,000 towards electoral assistance and capacity building. The first assistance was made in
2012.
UN Election Assistance Division
UN Election Assistance Division was set up in 1991 to help member states to build credible and
sustainable national electoral systems. The UN electoral assistance is based on the principle
established in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. According to it, the will of the people, as
expressed through periodic and genuine elections, shall be the basis of government authority.
Under this programme, UN has assisted over 100 countries with their elections. Though it
principally provides technical assistance for conducting elections, it has also sent observers at the
request of the General Assembly or the Security Council to ensure the integrity of elections
conducted at different countries.
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In the 1990s, UN under this programme has provided popular consultations in the countries like
Timor-Leste, South Africa, Mozambique, El Salvador and Cambodia. Recently, it has provided
technical and logistical assistance to conduct elections in countries like Afghanistan, Burundi, the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Nepal, Sierra Leone and Sudan.
Types of Assistance
Technical assistance
Election observation and other assessments
Organization or Supervision of Elections.
UN entities providing electoral assistance
The Department of Political Affairs (DPA)
The Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO)
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
The United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS)
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Assam plans to develop birth place of Srimanta Sankardev Batadrava
20-Apr-17
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has mooted an idea of developing the birthplace of
Srimanta Sankardev Batadrava as an international tourist spot and plans to place it in the national
and international tourist circuit. The state government plans to develop the birthplace on the lines of
the Golden Temple of Amritsar. The site is proposed to be developed as an ideal place for religious
and cultural tourism.
Srimanta Sankardeva
Srimanta Sankardeva (14491568) is a 15th 16th century social and religious reformer, poet,
playwright and preacher of the vaishnavite cult. He was born at Alipukhuri-Bordowa in 1449.
Sankaradev is credited for inspiring the Bhakti Movement in Assam just like how Guru Nanak,
Ramananda, Kabir, Basava and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu inspired in the rest of the Indian
subcontinent. The ideas of Sankaradev were based on Bhagavata Purana.
Sankaradev is widely credited for developing new forms of music (Borgeet); theatrical
performances(Ankia Naat, Bhaona); dance form (Sattriya), and literary language namely Brajavali. In
addition, the Bhagavatic religious movement started by him had influenced two medieval kingdoms-
Koch and Ahom.
The contributions made by the Sankaradev are a part of living tradition in Assam even today.
Teachings of Sankaradev are practised by a large section of people in Assam. His teachings have left a
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lasting mark on the religious and cultural life of Assam. His teachings are credited to have integrated
different castes and groups of people in Assam into one cultural unit.
Centre extends Ceasefire with Naga rebel groups till April 27, 2018
20-Apr-17
The union government has extended the ceasefire with the two Naga armed factions, namely,
National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Reformation (NSCN-R) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland-
Neakpao-Kithovi (GPRN/NSCN) till April 27, 2018. The decision over extension of ceasefire was taken
at a meeting held between the officials of Home Ministry and the Ceasefire Supervisory Board of
Naga armed factions. A ceasefire is already in operation between the government and the Naga
armed factions of NSCN-R and NSCN-NK.
Background
Nagaland is known as an epicentre of insurgency in north-eastern India. The Union Government
and the insurgent group NSCN had entered into a ceasefire accord in 1997. Since then, they have
continued with the peace process.
The Naga rebels have been insisting on their sovereignty and also demanding the creation of a
Greater Nagaland or Nagalim, which consists all the Naga-inhabited areas of neighbouring Assam,
Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and some portions Myanmar, which it considers to be the rightful
homeland of the Nagas. However, the establishment of Nagalim threatens to include large chunks of
territories of three neighbouring States, Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, along with some
portion of Myanmar. Thus, fulfilling the demand of a Greater Nagaland would affect the integrity of
other states.
In 2010, the Government of India had made it clear that it will not change the boundaries of the
current states. In August 2015, a framework agreement between the Central Government and the
NSCN-IM was signed. The agreement brought to an end almost two-decade-old ceasefire and
endless rounds of talks and has opened up avenues of peace talks with the militias.
Australia announces sweeping changes to Citizenship laws
20-Apr-17
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has made sweeping changes to Citizenship laws
unveiling tighter requirements for new applicants. This announcement follows the recent scrapping
of the 457 visa program for foreign workers, which was used majorly by the Indians. The 457
programme was scrapped to tackle the growing unemployment in the country.
Salient highlights
As per the new requirement, applicants for obtaining citizenship must be permanent residents for at
least four years, which is three years longer than the present requirement.
The applicants must be committed to embrace Australian values and respect the countrys laws.
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The applicant should not have got involved in criminal activity, including family violence or
involvement in organised crime, which is thoroughly inconsistent with Australian values.
The applicants have to pass a standalone English test which will focus heavily on respect for women
and children. English language proficiency test is meant for economic participation and integration
into the Australian community and social cohesion.
The number of times an applicant can fail the citizenship is determined as three. At present, there is
no restriction on the number of times an applicant can fail. In addition, applicants will be
automatically disqualified if they are found cheating during the citizenship test.
India develops National Action Plan to combat Antimicrobial Resistance
20-Apr-17
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare announced the finalization of Indias comprehensive
and multi-sectoral National Action Plan at the Inter-Ministerial Consultation on AMR containment
held at New Delhi. The consultation was attended by various ministers including Minister of
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan, and Minister of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change Anil Madhav Dave. The Ministers signed a Delhi Declaration to
contain Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
The Delhi Declaration calls for the support of all stakeholders including UN, WHO, FAO and other
UN agencies, civil society organizations etc., in developing and implementing the national and state
action plans on AMR. The National action plan has objectives of enhancing awareness,
strengthening surveillance, improving rational use of antibiotics, reducing infections and promoting
research
Governmental interventions
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has set up a National Anti-Microbial Resistance
Research and Surveillance Network (AMRRSN) to enable compilation of data of AMR at the
national level.
Under AMRRSN, ICMR is carrying out surveillance of drug resistance to antibiotics in the following
six pathogenic groups:
Diarrhoeagenic bacterial organisms
Enteric fever pathogens
Enterobacteriaceae causing sepsis
Gramnegative Non-fermenters
Gram positives including MRSA
Fungal infections.
In addition, the health ministry enacted regulations to regulate the sale of antibiotics and brought out
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National Guidelines for the use of antibiotics.

Further, the National Programme for Containment of AMR is under implementation in 12th
Five Year Plan with the following objectives:
To establish a laboratory-based surveillance system by strengthening laboratories.
To generate quality data on AMR for pathogens of public health importance.
To generate awareness among healthcare providers and in the community regarding the
rational use of antibiotics.
To strengthen infection control guidelines and practices and promote rational use of
antibiotics.
AMR
Antibiotic drug resistance is developed in the micro-organisms. AMR is the ability of a
microorganism such as bacteria, viruses etc., to render the anti-microbial such as antibiotics,
antivirals and antimalarials ineffective against them. It results in failure of standard treatments and
the spread of infections.
April 21, 2017
SC sets 25% of husbands net salary as alimony
21-Apr-17
The Supreme Court in its latest ruling has set 25% of the net salary as the maintenance to be paid by
a husband to his estranged wife. The Court has observed that the alimony paid to a woman must be
just and proper and must be sufficient enough to ensure that a woman lived with dignity after
separating from her husband. It has further observed that the alimony must be befitting the status of
the parties and the capacity of the spouse to pay maintenance.
The ruling has come on a mans plea challenging Calcutta High Courts order that asked him to pay
Rs 23,000 every month as alimony to his former wife. But the Bench of justices R Banumathi and
MM Santanagoudar turned down his plea that the amount was excessive.
The present ruling delivered by the Supreme Court follows its inclination to safeguard the interest of
women in matrimonial disputes affecting their financial status. In an earlier judgment delivered in
2016, the apex court had observed that as per Hindu Law, the husband has got a personal obligation
to maintain his wife whether or not he possessed any property. In case if he possessed of properties,
then his wife will be entitled to a right to be maintained out of such properties.
Madhesi Parties in Nepal unite to form a new united Political Party
21-Apr-17
Five prominent Madhesi parties in Nepal have united to form a new united party named the Rastriya
Janata Party, which will be the fifth largest party in Nepals Parliament. Interestingly the word
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Madhes has not been included in the new partys name. This announcement of unification has
come ahead of elections to local government bodies scheduled on May 14.
The five parties that have united are Mahantha Thakurs Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party, Rajendra
Mahatos Sadbhawana Party, Sharat Singh Bhandaris Rastriya Madhes Samajbadi Party, Mahendra Yadavs
Tarai Madhes Sadbhawana Party and Rajkishor Yadavs Madhesi Janadhikar Forum- Ganatantrik.
It has been announced that leaders of the five parties will lead the Rastriya Janata Party by rotation.
The new party will continue to push for addressing the demands and grievances of Madhesis
including amendment of the Constitution. The new party has warned the Nepal government that
they would disrupt the upcoming elections to local bodies if their demands, including proportional
representation in Parliament are not met.
Background
Madhesis account for 50% of Population of Nepal. The Madhesi parties are claiming to represent the
interests of the people of the southern Terai region who are mostly of Indian origin. Madhesi parties
demand that the Constitution promulgated in 2015 should be revised and the provisions with respect
to citizenship should be amended and demarcation of the provincial boundary should be carried out.
As per the provisions, most of the key constitutional posts have been reserved for only citizens by
descent. Madhesi parties object to this criterion as huge numbers of Madhesis have acquired
citizenship by birth or naturalization. This criteria makes them ineligible to hold the office of
President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker of Parliament, Chairperson of
National Assembly etc.
Madhesis want representation in terms of proportion. The Nepali constitution has given equal
representation on the basis of geographical area, while the Madhesis demanded that the
constitution should ensure their representation as per their population size. The government of
Nepal has rejected this demand by stating that if population were to be sole criteria for inclusion,
some minority groups such as Dolpa would never get represented.
Rio Olympics silver medallist P.V.Sindhu moves to No. 3 in World Ranking
21-Apr-17
Ace shuttler PV Sindhu has been ranked No. 3 in the latest BWF ranking. Sindhu who was at No.5
climbed up two places on the basis of making the quarter-finals of the recently-concluded Singapore
Open Super Series. Sindhus career best is when she reached World No. 2 two weeks ago.
As per the latest BWF ranking, London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal has been ranked
eighth. Kidambi Srikanth and B Sai Praneeth have been placed at 21st and 22nd positions
respectively.
PV Sindhu
PV Sindhu received international attention after getting listed on the Top 20 list of Badminton
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World Federation rankings in 2012. In 2013, she created history by becoming first Indian womens
singles badminton player to win a medal at the 2013 World Championships. Sindhu grabbed Silver
medal in Rio Olympics. With that, she became the second Indian female shuttler to win an Olympic
medal after Saina Nehwal (2012 London Olympics). She has been awarded Padma Shri in 2015,
which is Indias fourth-highest civilian honour.
NALCO Disinvestment: Government raises Rs 1200 crore
21-Apr-17
The Central Government has raised Rs. 1,200 crore by divesting 9.2% of paid-up capital in National
Aluminum Company Ltd. (NALCO). With this disinvestment, Governments shareholding in
NALCO has become 65.37%.
Disinvestment involves the sale of Governments share in the Public Sector

Undertakings. In disinvestment, the government sells only a part of the equity which is
essentially less than 51% so that ownership and management rights can be possessed by
the Government itself.
Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Ministry of Finance, has set a
record target of Rs. 72,500 crore to be realized through disinvestment in this fiscal. This target
follows the 2016-17 all-time high achievement of Rs. 46,247 crore.
For the fourth time in a row, retail investors out-performed institutional investors. It shows that
retail investor backs disinvestments of CPSEs. In fact it satisfies one of the objectives of
disinvestment policy of the government which aims to make PSU shareholding as broad-based as
possible so that nations wealth is shared by its citizens. In this disinvestment exercise, the
government for the first time has used the green shoe option (over-subscription option) since the
modified OFS procedure has been put in place by SEBI in 2016. DIPAM exercised the green shoe
option owing to the overwhelming response from the market.
Greenshoe option is a special provision in an IPO prospectus. Green shoe option

permits the underwriters to sell more share to the investors than originally planned by
the issuer. This option is exercised if the demand for a security issue is higher than the
expected.
DIPAM
The Department of Disinvestment was set up as a separate Department on 10th December 1999 and
functions as one of the Departments under the Ministry of Finance since 2004. In 2016, the
Department of Disinvestment was renamed as Department of Investment and Public Asset
Management (DIPAM). DIPAM advises the Union Government in the matters of the financial
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restructuring of PSUs and also for attracting investment through capital markets. It deals with all
matters relating to the sale of Union Governments equity through private placement or offer for sale
or any other mode in the erstwhile Central PSUs.
NALCO
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) is a Navratna CPSE functioning under Ministry of
Mines. It was established on 7th January 1981. It has integrated and diversified operations in mining,
metal and power.
Lawyers plan nationwide agitations against Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2017
21-Apr-17
Bar Council of India (BCI) has called for a nationwide stir against what they allege as the
undemocratic provisions of the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2017. BCI has planned to submit a
memorandum to the Union Law Minister to reject the Law Commissions suggestions to amend the
Act.
The Law Commission of India has proposed various amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961 so as to
usher in forward-looking reforms in the legal profession. It has placed before the government, the
Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2017.
BCIs objections
BCI has condemned those proposals that deter lawyers from going on strike and also those that allow
entry of foreign law firms and lawyers to practice in India. According to BCI, the Law Commission
has hastily prepared the amendment bill without waiting for its final suggestions. It has stated that all
the proposed amendments will take away the freedom of lawyers to practice fearlessly in the court
proceedings.
The Law Commission as a part of its recommendations has proposed that the bar council(s) should
comprise one non-lawyer member so that it can be made sure that effective actions are taken against
lawyers indulging in professional misconduct. BCI has vehemently opposed this demand too. It says
that this provision will destroy the autonomy of the state council and the Bar Council of India.
Law Commissions Response
According to Law Commission, the recommendations was worked out after receiving the
suggestions of the BCI, which clearly supported for imposing punitive action against those lawyers
who go on strike causing inconvenience to the litigants and the justice delivery system.
Law Commission also feels that if medical councils, press councils and other institutions can have
members from other fields then bar councils can also have non-lawyers as members so as to to usher
in accountability in the system.
National Safety Councils NSCI Safety Awards 2016 presented to 70
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Organisations
21-Apr-17
Minister of State (IC) for Labour & Employment Bandaru Dattatreya awarded NSCI Safety Awards
2016 to 70 Organisations at a function held in New Delhi. In addition, 12 client organizations from
Construction Sector were also awarded. The Award was granted to the organisations under four
categories:
SarvaShreshtha Suraksha Puraskar,
Shreshtha Suraksha Puraskar,
Suraksha Puraskar
PrashansaPatra.
In Manufacturing Sector, Indian Oils Digboi refinery, National Fertilizers, Panipat, and NPCIL,
Kaiga Generating Station 3 and 4, Karnataka, are the winners.
In Construction Sector, Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. And L&T Ltd., Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh has
been selected for its works on NPCIL Atomic Power Project, Rajasthan.
In MSME Sector, Electricals & Electronics, Thane, has won SarvaShreshtha Suraksha Puraskar for
the year 2016.
Interestingly, none of the winners witnessed any fatal accident during the 3-year assessment period.
More specifically, National Fertilizers Ltd. Panipat has achieved a massive 49.67 million accident-free
man-hours spread over 11 years and 5 months.
The Government framed the National Policy on Occupational Safety, Health and
Environment in 2009. As many changes have taken place in national as well as international arena,
the government has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to review the national policy.
National Safety Council
It is a self-supporting non- profit autonomous society coming under the purview of Ministry of
Labour and Employment. It has been conducting award schemes for three sectors- Manufacturing
Sector since 1998; Construction Sector from 2005 and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises from
2009.
The main objective of the NSCI award scheme is to recognise organisations that have made
meritorious performance in achieving occupational safety and health (OSH) and implemented
effective OSH management systems, practices and procedures.
NDMA conducts unique state level mock exercise on forest fire in Uttarakhand
21-Apr-17
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has recently carried out first-of-its-kind
State-level mock exercise on forest fire. The main objective of the mock exercise is to assess the
efficacy of preparedness and response mechanisms available with the forest department and the
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district administration.
The exercise was conducted by NDMA in collaboration with the State Government. The exercise
was conducted across all 13 districts covering different types of forests. Various agencies, such as fire,
forest, Army, health, police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response
Force (SDRF) and civil defence took part in the drill.
Mock exercise on forest fire in Uttarakhand is significant as nearly 70% of the States geographical
area comes under forests and incidents of forest fires are frequent.
NDMA so far has carried out more than 550 mock exercises across the country to improve
preparedness and response mechanisms for various disaster situations.
Forest fires in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is known for human-induced forest fires since a long time. In 2016, the pine forests of
Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh caught fire. Most of the fires in Uttarakhand happen in the Chir
pine (Pinus Rroxburghii) forests because leaves of this conifer tree catch fire easily. The forest fires in
Uttarakhand have been predominantly intentional for the purpose of collection of forest resources
such as resin, sal seeds, honey, timber etc. To collect resin easily, the surface fires are lit so that pine
needles can be removed.
NDMA
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Prime Minister of India, is
the apex Body for Disaster Management in India. It is responsible for laying down the policies, plans
and guidelines for Disaster Management to ensure timely and effective response to disasters.
Pakistan Leases Gwadar port to a State-run Chinese firm for 40 years
21-Apr-17
Pakistan has leased the operations of its strategic Gwadar port to a State-run Chinese firm, the China
Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC) for a period of 40 years. COPHC is slated to carry out all the
developmental work on the port situated in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. COPHC took over
the operations of the port in 2013. Previously, the control of the Gwadar port was with Singapores
PSA (Port of Singapore Authority) International.
As per the contract, 91% share of revenue collection from gross revenue of terminal and marine
operations as well as 85% share from gross revenue of free zone operation will go to the COPHC.
The provinces will not be given any share in the revenue collection.
Gwadar Port is a warm-water, deep-sea port situated on the Arabian Sea at Gwadar in
Balochistan province of Pakistan. It is located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf just
outside the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. It features as the southern
Pakistan hub of the $57 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) plan. It is
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considered as a vital link between the Chinese One Belt, One Road initiative and the
Maritime Silk Road project.
Advantages for China

Gwadar offers China a shortest route to oil-rich West Asia and Africa. China can use the port to
transport fuel into north-western China, by transporting oil and gas from the port through pipelines
to Chinas Xinjiang province. Having Gwadar under its command would change the security
dynamics for China. As Chinas oil imports increase, it would prefer to insulate its energy transports
from the troubled waters of the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea.
Implications for India
Gwadar port offers serious strategic implications for India. Gwadar provides China a key listening
post to observe the Indian naval activities around the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Aden. The Gwadar
port, if fully operationalised, will wean Pakistan away from near-total dependence on Karachi, which
is much closer to India and hence within the Indian militarys strike range. Lease of Gwadar port also
helps China to encircle India (String of Pearls) and gain strategic advantage in the region. India has
apprehensions that these ports could be used for military purpose as well.
China announces names for six places in Arunachal Pradesh
21-Apr-17
China has unilaterally announced standardised names for six places in Arunachal Pradesh. It is felt
that Chinese move comes as a retaliation against Dalai Lamas visit to Arunachal Pradesh. Experts
feel that Chinas announcement is aimed at reaffirming its territorial sovereignty over the region.
According to the Chinese foreign ministry, change of names was a legitimate action carried out in
line with Chinese law.
China has named the six places in Arunachal Pradesh with Roman alphabet as Wogyainling, Mila Ri,
Qoidngarbo Ri, Mainquka, Bmo La and Namkapub Ri. The name Wogyainling is likely to be given to
the Ugyen Ling monastery (birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama), Qoidngarbo Ri is likely to be the
name given to Choten Karpo Ri, Mainquka is likely to be Mechuka in West Siang district and Bmo
La is likely to be Bumla.
During the visit of Dalai Lama, Union minister of state for home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, had
categorically asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable and integral part of India.
Background
During the recent visit of Dalai Lama China issued warnings and repeated calls to cancel his visit. But
India turned down his request saying that Dalai Lama is free to travel across the country.
According to China, Arunachal Pradesh is part of South Tibet and has close Buddhist links to the
Tibet Autonomous Region. Official Chinese maps show Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet.
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The Indo-China border dispute ensues the 3,488 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). So far both
the have held 19 rounds of talks to resolve the boundary dispute.
April 21: Civil Services Day
21-Apr-17
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has inaugurated 11th Civil Services Day programme. The Civil
Services Day function is organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public
Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
In this edition, awards will be given to five priority schemes, namely, Pradhan Mantri Krishi
Sinchayee Yojana, Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana,
Start Up India/Stand Up India and e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM). Totally, 10 districts
would be awarded this year under the five priority schemes.
The awards will be given in three groups. The first group comprises of eight North-Eastern States
and the three Hill States of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The second
group consists of the seven Union Territories and the third constitutes rest of the 18 states.
Besides, two awards would be given to Central/State organisations under Innovation category.
Under this category, innovative work carried out by the Central/State Government organisations in
defined themes such as environment conservation, disaster management, water conservation,
energy, education, health, women and child-centric initiatives etc. would be taken into cognizance.
Civil Services Day
The National Civil Services Day is celebrated every year on April 21, when civil servants rededicate
themselves to the cause of the citizens and renew their commitment to public service. On this day,
the Prime Minister Award for Excellence in Public Administration is presented in three categories.
These awards were instituted in 2006. The awards have been instituted with a view to acknowledge,
recognise and reward the extraordinary and innovative work done by officers of the Central and
State Governments towards the welfare of common citizen. This day coincides with the date on
which Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel had addressed the first batch of probationers at the All India
Administrative Service Training School at Metcalfe House, New Delhi in 1947.
April 22, 2017
April 22: Earth Day
22-Apr-17
Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22. It was first celebrated in 1970, and since then it is
celebrated in more than 193 countries by over a billion people every year. Earth Day celebrations are
coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network.
Earth Day 2017s Campaign is Environmental & Climate Literacy. Environmental and climate
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literacy was chosen as it is important for creating green voters and advancing environmental and
climate laws and policies across the globe as well as to accelerate green technologies and jobs.
Earth Day
Every year Earth Day is being observed on the 22nd April to build support for environmental
protection around the world. It aims to encourage people to carry out activities that will benefit the
Earth, such as recycling more, using solar power or plant trees.
Earth Day celebrations are a way to remind humans of environmental deterioration caused by them
and advise them to turn off the electronic devices that are not in use or taking public transport to
reduce the emission levels. It recognises that Earth and its ecosystems provide its inhabitants with
life and sustenance. It also aims to raise awareness that humans have a collective responsibility to
promote harmony with nature and to balance the economic, social and environmental needs of
present and future generations.
The concept of observing Earth Day was formally proposed by John McConnell at a UNESCO
conference on Environment in 1969. Later in 1971, a proclamation was signed to observe
international Earth Day annually on the Vernal Equinox by UN Secretary-General U Thant.
On Earth Day 2016, historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change was signed. The agreement is
legally binding on signatory countries to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees
Celsius.
Uttar Pradesh to establish 40 Yoga wellness centres
22-Apr-17
Uttar Pradesh has decided to establish 40 Yoga wellness centres in 40 districts across the state in the
present financial year. Out of 40 centres, 23 will be set up at Ayurvedic hospitals, 12 at homeopathic
and 7 at Unani hospitals and colleges. For setting up of wellness centres in the remaining 35 districts,
the state government plans to get assistance from union government.
The state government has also planned to start post graduate courses at Government Ayurvedic
college and hospital Varanasi, Unani college Allahabad, Government Homeopathy college Allahabad
and TT college Lucknow. Besides, a first herbal garden of the state would be set up soon near the
Government national Homeopathic college and hospital, Lucknow to encourage the farmers to
cultivate herbal plants across the state.
Background
According to the Ministry of AYUSH in response to a Lok Sabha question in 2016, it was revealed
that the five southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
together account for over 90% of all the registered yoga and naturopathy practitioners in the
country. So, the government is working towards ensuring a more geographically balanced
promotion of yoga across the country and bring non-south states at par with the southern states.
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With this aim, the Centre is implementing National AYUSH Mission as a Centrally Sponsored
Scheme.
The International Yoga Day (IYD) is celebrated across the world on 21 June. The idea of celebrating
the International Yoga Day was pitched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2014. The date 21st June was selected because it represents
one of the two solstices and it is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere which has special
significance in many parts of the world.
In December 2016, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
had formally inscribed Yoga in its representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
One crore assets geotagged under GeoMGNREGA initiative
22-Apr-17
MGNREGA has reached a major milestone by geotagging one crore assets created under it. The
geotagged assets have been put in public domain. The scale of assets created under MGNREGA is
massive and is estimated to be about 2.82 crore assets since the financial year 2006-07. On an
average, it works out to a creation of 30 lakh assets annually.
The type of assets created under MGNREGA includes water harvesting structures, plantations, rural
infrastructure, flood control measures, individual assets for sustainable livelihood, community
infrastructure etc. As per the Ministry of Rural Affairs, all assets created under MGNREGA will be
geotagged and special focus would be given to geotagging of Natural Resource Management works
primarily the water-related works.
The geotagging exercise is expected to usher in greater transparency and accountability at field level.
Background
Geotagging of assets created under MGNREGA was started after Prime Minister Narendra Modi
emphasised the need for online recording and monitoring of assets to check leakages. Subsequently,
on June 24, 2016, the Ministry of Rural development signed a MoU with National Remote Sensing
Centre (NRSC), ISRO and National Informatics Centre to geotag MGNREGA assets created under
each village panchayats.
The geotagging exercise commenced from 1st September 2016. Gram Rozgar Sahayak or a junior
engineer uploads the photos of assets on the Bhuvan web portal run by ISROs National Remote
Sensing Centre via a mobile app. The time and location of the asset get automatically encrypted at
the time of upload of the photos. In this way, within a span of seven months, one crore assets have
been geotagged and shared in public domain.
In January 2017, Kangra district (Himachal Pradesh) became the first district in the country to
geotag all the assets created under MGNREGA.
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Geotagging is a process of adding geographical identication in the form of metadata

to various media like websites, SMS, QR codes, RSS feeds, geotagged photographs etc.
The data usually consists of parameters like latitude, longitude, altitude, distance, place
names etc. It can help to nd a range of location specic information from a device.
Cuba and Morocco re-establish diplomatic ties after 37 years

22-Apr-17
Guided by the mutual will to develop friendly relations, Cuba and Morocco has signed an agreement
to re-establish diplomatic ties after a time period of 37 years. The two governments have also agreed
to forge political, economic and cultural cooperation. The agreement to this effect was signed at the
headquarters of the Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations.
King Mohamed VI of Morocco has ordered the opening of a Moroccan embassy in Havana. Cuba is
one of the few Latin American countries in which Morocco does not have any representation. It is
expected that the relations between the countries would be restored after the exchange of
ambassadors.
After Cubas diplomatic reestablishment with Morocco, Israel, South Korea and Somalia remain the
only countries which do not have any ties with Cuba.
The decision to re-establish diplomatic ties has been made couple of weeks after King Mohammeds
private visit to Cuba. The visit of King Mohammed VI is the first ever made by a Moroccan king to
Cuba.
Background
Morocco severed its ties with Cuba in 1980 after Fidel Castro officially recognised Western Sahara as
the independent Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). Morocco claims the territory as its
own.
The Cuba and Morocco relationship suffered several strains since 1960s due to Cubas decision to
side with Algeria during the Morocco-Algerian military conflict of 1963 known as the Sand War.
In 1970s, Cuba again decided to side with Algeria in its support for the independence of the Western
Sahara from Morocco.
India-South Korea sign MoU on shipbuilding
22-Apr-17
A MoU has been signed between India and South Korea for defence industry cooperation in
shipbuilding. Under the MoU, the two countries would recommend the organisations for
collaborating in the implementation of specific projects. The MoUs signed will be valid for a time
period of 5 years and are automatically extendable for further successive five years at a time.
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While South Korea is yet to name its recommended organisation, India has nominated Hindustan
Shipyard Ltd (HSL), Visakhapatnam for the collaboration.
HSL and the nominated shipyard by South Korea will find and develop indigenous sources for the
supply of majority of the material and equipment for the construction of the warship. HSL has
already teamed with Hyundai Heavy Industries to build five fleet support ships and two strategic
operating vessels.
In addition to the above project, Kangnam Corporation of South Korea is slated to provide consultancy,
design and technological assistance to Indias state-owned Goa Shipyard Limited in building 12 mine
countermeasures vessels.
Significance
The cooperation is part of the Make in India policy. Accordingly, the warships will be built at
domestic shipyards with the help of South Korea. This will enable HSL to upgrade and modernise its
facilities and finish shipbuilding projects in a timely and cost effective manner. It would be able to
imbibe best practices in shipbuilding. As a result of which, the production of HSL will increase
manifold leading to the creation of more employment opportunities to the unemployed.
In addition, the plan to identify and develop indigenous sources for the supply of material and
equipment would pave way for the development of ancillary industry /maritime cluster in the
region.
Background
The partnership was conceived under the overall umbrella of the Special Strategic Partnership as
declared in the Joint Statement of the Prime Ministers of both the nations in May 2015.
Subsequently, the two countries agreed to encourage co-operation between their shipyards in the
defence sector.
Government approves Guidelines on service charge
22-Apr-17
Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs has approved the Guidelines on Fair Trade Practices Related to
Charging of Service Charge from Consumers by Hotels and Restaurants. As a part of the guidelines which
has been issued in public interest to protect the rights of consumers, the government has said that
Service charge on hotel and restaurant bills is totally voluntary, adding that mandatory levy of
service charge amounts to unfair trade practice.
As per the guidelines, Hotels and restaurants cannot decide on service charge and the column of
service charge will be left blank in the bill for the customers to fill up before making payment.
The guidelines have also stated that in a case of mandatory levy of service charge, customers can file a
complaint in the Consumer Court. However, at present, stringent action cannot be taken against the
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erring hotels as the current Consumer Protection Act, 1986 does not empower the ministry to do so.
But, under the new Consumer Protection Bill, an authority is expected to be set up with powers to
take such actions.
Rationale
Department of Consumer Affairs has justified the guidelines in view of complaints received by it
from consumers that some hotels are insisting payment of service charge in the range of 5-20 per
cent and many people are paying it believing that it is part of taxes.
As per the guidelines, a component of service is already inherent in the provision of food and
beverages ordered by a customer. Hence, the price of food and beverages is expected to cover both
goods and service components.
HRAWIs Response
The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has not welcomed the guidelines
by saying that levying of service charge is a global practice and a legitimate tax, adding that it has
been in India for more than half a century. It has accused the government of singling out the sector
as hospitality sector and several businesses are levying such charges.
World Bank approves $375 million loan for National Waterway-1
22-Apr-17
The World Bank has approved a loan of $375 million (around Rs 2,421 crore) for capacity
augmentation of National Waterway-1 (NW-1) between Haldia in West Bengal and Varanasi in
Uttar Pradesh on the river Ganga under the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP). The project would
enable commercial navigation of vessels of 1,500-2,000 deadweight tonnes capacity along a 1,390-km
stretch.
Jal Marg Vikas Project is a project on the river Ganga that envisages the development
of waterway between Allahabad and Haldia that will cover a distance of 1620 km. It
aims to develop a fairway with three metres depth to enable commercial navigation of
at least 1500 tonne vessels on the river. The project includes the development of
fairway, multi-modal terminals, strengthening of open river navigation technique,
conservancy works, modern River Information System (RIS) etc.
As a part of the project, Inland Waterways Authority of India will set up a River Information Service
System on NW-1, the first of its kind in India. Besides, three multi-modal terminals, one each at
Varanasi, Sahibganj (Jharkhand), Haldia; and inter-modal terminals at Kalughat and Ghazipur; a
navigation lock at Farakka; and five Roll on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) terminals would be constructed.
Need
The rail and road corridors of this region have been crippled with heavy traffic and have become
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saturated. Hence, the development of NW-1 would pave way for an alternative, viable, economical,
efficient and eco-friendly mode of transport.
NW-1
National Waterway-1 (NW-1) is a waterway passing through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and
West Bengal, potentially serving the major cities of Haldia, Howrah, Kolkata, Bhagalpur, Patna,
Ghazipur, Varanasi, Allahabad and their industrial hinterlands including several industries located
along the Ganga basin.
Inland Waterways Authority of India
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is the statutory body in charge of the waterways in
India. Its headquarters is located in Noida, UP. Its main function is to build the necessary
infrastructure in the inland waterways, surveying the economic feasibility of new projects and also
carrying out administration and regulation.
River Information system (RIS)
RIS is a combination of modern tracking equipment comprising of hardware and software designed
to optimise transport and traffic processes in inland water navigation. The system has the capability
to enhance swift electronic data transfer between mobile vessels and Base stations through advance
and real-time exchange of information. It enables safe and efficient inland water transport by
avoiding risks such as (i) Ship-to-Ship collisions. (ii) Ship-Bridge collisions. (iii) Groundings.
Inland Waterway Authority of India (IWAI) is implementing the RIS in India.
Chinas first cargo spacecraft successfully docks with the Tiangong-2 space lab
22-Apr-17
China has successfully docked its first cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-1 with the Tiangong-2 space lab. It
is hailed as a major step towards Chinas ambition of establishing a permanently manned space
station by 2022. China has an ambitious plan of building a permanent space station by 2022, that will
be in the orbit for at least 10 years. Tiangong-2 (Heavenly Palace 2) space lab was home to two
astronauts for a month in last October. T It was Chinas longest-ever manned space mission.
iangong-2 was put up into space on September 15, 2016.China has prioritised advancing its space
programme to strengthen national security.
Tianzhou-1 is a tube-like craft which is capable of carrying 6 tonnes of goods, 2 tonnes of fuel and
can fly unmanned for three months. It is considered that the cargo spacecraft has provided an
important technological basis for building a space station. According to Chinese sources, Tianzhou-1
will dock two more times with Tiangong-2 before falling back to Earth.
Despite its achievements, China still lags behind the United States and Russia. For instance, in 2013,
Chinas rover, Jade Rabbit which landed on moon faced many technical difficulties.
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Criticism
The US Defence Department has accused China of pursuing activities that are aimed at preventing
other nations from using space-based assets in a crisis. However, China has refuted such claims and
has stated it has only peaceful ambitions in space, but has tested anti-satellite missiles. In 2011, the
US Congress ordered that Chinese astronauts should not be allowed to enter International Space
Station (ISS) owing to national security concerns.
April 23, 24, 2017
India becomes World No.2 LPG importer
24-Apr-17
India has become worlds second largest LPG importer, a position that was previously occupied by
Japan. China remains as the worlds top importer. According to Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell,
LPG imports in the country has increased 23% during the financial year 2016-2017 to about 11
million tonnes.
The main reason behind the increase in the consumption of LPG in India is due to the two
government schemes coupled with free gas connections. From May 2016, the government is
providing free cooking gas connections to women from extremely poor households, to reduce the
use of polluting fuels such as wood and dried cow dung. This has increased Indias active LPG users
to about 200 million, which is 60% more than Japans entire population. According to the World
Health Organization, polluting fuels used for cooking purposes results in 1.3 million premature
deaths in India every year.
India has set an ambitious target of increasing LPG usage to cover 80% of the households by March
2019. As per the present estimates of the oil ministry, demand for fuel will touch 35 million tonnes
by 2031-32 in India.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
PMUY was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2016 with the tagline of Swachh
Indhan, Behtar Jeevan. The schemes motive is to provide free of cost LPG (cooking gas) connections
to women from BPL Households.
The scheme seeks to empower women and protect their health by shifting them from traditional
cooking based on unclean cooking fuels or on fossil fuels to clean cooking gas. It is being
implemented by Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The scheme will be implemented
over three years time period until the financial year 2018-19.
A new freight train connects Russia with China
24-Apr-17
A freight train connecting Russia with China arrived in Ganzhou an inland city in Jiangxi province,
carrying goods from Moscow. The freight train travelled more than 7,000 km, before reaching
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Ganzhou in eastern China.

Significance for China
Jiangxi province is the former revolutionary heartland of the Communist Party. This freight train
connecting Russia and China is expected to bring resources from Europe and boost local
development. Ganzhou is an inland area with a complex landscape and was a hot bed of
revolutionary activities owing to its remote mountain ranges. However, its complex landscape has
become a stumbling block in development. Even though, the Chinese government tried to push
regional development in the past few decades, Ganzhou could not fetch any major projects due to its
geography, making many people to live in poverty.
Rail freight is cheap and costs only half that of air freight and half the time of sea freight. In order to
boost its export revenues, China is already operating train services to several cities in Europe. In
January 2017, it inaugurated a new train service to London traversing over 12,000 kilometres across
18 days. China is set to gain heavily from opening the ancient trade routes and strengthen
connectivity with Europe. It would also enhance regional cooperation in countries that lie along the
Silk Road.
April 24: National Panchayati Raj Diwas
24-Apr-17
In India, April 24th is celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Diwas every year. This day marks the
passing of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into force with effect from 24
April 1993.
The passage of 73rd amendment is hailed as a defining moment in history as it permits states to take
steps to organize village panchayats and provide them with necessary powers and authority necessary
to facilitate them to function as units of self-government.
Every year on this day Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj organises National Conference and awards
best performing Gram Panchayats with The Panchayat Shashakatikaran Puraskar/Rashtriya Gaurav
Gram Sabha Puraskar.
Background
The first National Panchayati Raj Day was celebrated in 2010.
The 73rd Amendment 1992 added a new Part IX to the constitution titled The Panchayats covering
provisions from Article 243 to 243(O); and a new Eleventh Schedule covering 29 subjects within the
functions of the Panchayats.
73rd amendment implements the article 40 of the DPSP which says that State shall take steps to
organise village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to
enable them to function as units of self-government.
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National Youth Athletics Meet: Haryana is Champion

24-Apr-17
Haryana emerged champion beating Kerala at the National Youth Athletics Meet. Kerala was at the
top place for the last five years. Haryana emerged champions with 166.5 points. Kerala has finished
as the runners-up. However, Kerala managed to retain the team crown for girls while Haryana boys
topped and won the boys title.
At the meet, Rohit Yadav improved his personal best in javelin throw and has a set a new meet
record. Pole vaulter Nivya Antony of Kerala equaled her national youth record set at Coimbatore
during the junior nationals.
The National youth athletics championships were held at the GMC Balayogi Athletics Stadium,
Gachibowli, from April 21 to 23. The meet saw the participation of about 505 athletes.
The National youth athletics meet assumes importance as it was a selection meet for selecting Indian
teams to participate in the Asian Championships in May in Bangkok and the World Youth
Championships in Nairobi in July. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) had requested the
Director, Anti Doping Agency to depute technical delegates and officials for the conduct of the meet
and to prevent misuse of banned substances.
Goldman Environmental Prize for Prafulla Samantra
24-Apr-17
Social activist Prafulla Samantra was announced one among six winners of the Goldman
Environmental Prize for his historic 12-year legal battle that affirmed the indigenous Dongria Kondhs
land rights and protected the Niyamgiri Hills from a massive, open-pit aluminum ore mine.
The other five winners for this year are: Mark Lopez (United States); Uro Macerl (Slovenia);
Rodrigo Tot (Guatemala); Rodrigue Katembo (Democratic Republic of Congo); and Wendy
Bowman (Australia).
Prafulla Samantra is a trained lawyer and has been involved in activism since the Jayprakash
Narayan-movement. He was an iconic leader responsible for rallying tribes in Niyamgiri region of
Odisha and made use of legal provisions to block mining-to-metals conglomerate Vedanta from
setting up a bauxite mine there. Samantara was the first citizen to use law to halt the mining
operations of Vedanta. As a result of his efforts, the company has been forced to suspend mining of
bauxite from that region.
In its April 18, 2013, historic judgment, Supreme Court empowered local communities to have the
final say in mining projects on their land. Subsequently, village councils of the Niyamgiri Hills
unanimously voted against the mine. In August 2015, Vedanta announced the closure of its
aluminium refinery in that region.
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Samantara is only the sixth Indian to win the prize after Medha Patkar, M.C. Mehta, Rasheeda Bi,
Champaran Shukla and Ramesh Agrawal since 1990 when the award was first instituted.
Goldman Environmental Prize
The Goldman Environmental Prize was created in 1990 to honour grassroots environmentalists
undertaking risk to their lives for the cause of protecting the environment. The award is given to six
persons, one from six geographical regions of the world, namely, Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands and
Island Nations, North America, and South & Central America. The prize is given by Goldman
Environmental Foundation having its headquarters in San Francisco. The prize is also called as the
Green Nobel.
Rafael Nadal wins the Monte Carlo tennis tournament for a record 10th time
24-Apr-17
Rafael Nadal has once again won the Monte Carlo Masters for a record 10th time with a 6-1 6-3
victory over Albert Ramos-Vinolas. With this win, he has made history by becoming the first man in
the Open era to win the same event 10 times.
Earlier, Rohan Bopanna and his Uruguayan partner Pablo Cuevas had won the mens doubles
crown at the Monte Carlo Masters after defeating Spains Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez in
Monaco.
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal is a Spanish professional tennis player. In tennis Nadal is famously known as The King
of Clay. So far, Rafael Nadal has won 14 Grand Slam singles titles, 29 titles in ATP World Tour
Masters 1000 events and 17 ATP World Tour 500 tournaments. He had also won 2008 Olympic gold
medal in singles.
Monte-Carlo Masters
Monte Carlo Masters is an annual tennis tournament for male professional players which is played
on clay courts. It is held in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France. The championship was first held in
1897. The tournament is part of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 on the Association of Tennis
Professionals (ATP) Tour.
India becomes worlds fifth largest military spender
24-Apr-17
According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri), India has become worlds
fifth-largest military spender spending at $55.9 billion in 2016. The US remains the worlds largest
military followed by China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. The other prominent spenders in the top 15
include Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
Global trends
Global military spending amounted to 2.2% of the worldwide GDP. Military spending as a share of
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GDP, was highest in the Middle East and lowest in the Americas. In Asia and Oceania, military
expenditure increased by 4.6% in 2016 spurned by many tensions in the region such claims of
territorial rights made by various countries in the South China Sea.
The US is the top spender whose military expenditure grew 1.7% between 2015 and 2016 to $611
billion. The growth in US military expenditure suggests the end o the trend of decreases in spending
that resulted from the economic crisis and the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and Iraq.
Even now the expenditure of US remains 20% lower than its peak in 2010.
China spent $215 billion. Russia spent $69.2 billion making it this editions third largest spender.
Saudi Arabia which was the third largest spender in 2015 is ranked at 4th position in 2016 with a
spending of $63.7 billion. Pakistan did not figure in the list of top 15 spenders and it spent $9.93
billion.
Military expenditure in Western Europe has increased for the second consecutive year. Falling oil
revenue forced many oil-exporting countries to reduce military spending.
SIPRI
SIPRI was established in 1966 as independent international institute dedicated to research into
conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. The organization provides data, analysis and
recommendations to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public.
Newton wins Jury Prize for Best Film at the Hong Kong International Film
Festival
24-Apr-17
Hindi film Newton has won the Jury Prize for Best Film at the Hong Kong International Film
Festival. Earlier, the film had its world premiere at Berlinale and got its first global recognition by
winning the Art Cinema award for the Forum section at Berlinale. The film also went to 16th Annual
Tribeca Film Festival.
Newton is a political comedy film directed by Amit Masurkar. The story revolves around a clerk on
election duty in a conflict-ridden region of Chhattisgarh. The movie was shot in the jungles of
Chattisgarh.
Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF)
The Hong Kong International Film Festival was founded in 1976 and is Asias oldest international
film festival. Every year, it introduces Hong Kong, Chinese, Asian cinema and filmmakers to the
world. It screens more than 250 titles from over 55 countries at each edition of the festival.
In a first, Uttarakhand deploys drones to monitor forest fires

24-Apr-17
In a first, the Uttarakhand Forest Department has deployed three drones for real-time monitoring of
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the forest fires. This is the first time that drones are used to monitor forest fires in India. Besides
monitoring of forest fire, drones are already in use for wildlife conservation for nest status, aviation
ethology, crocodile and water birds counting and monitoring.
Need
In India, Uttarakhand faces maximum incidents of forest fires. In 2016, about 2,000 incidents of
forest fires destroyed 4,500 hectares of forest land in Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand has about 71% of the
total geographical area under forest cover. Thus, real time monitoring of forest fires will help in
preventing the spread of forest fire. Though, the Forest Department employs both traditional
method and modern methods with the help of satellite images, it is difficult to know about the forest
fire in the Terai and Bhabar regions. The Terai region consists of fertile lowlands of the southern
Himalayan, Shivalik foothills and north of Indo-Gangetic plains and the Bhabar region runs parallel
to the north side of Terai.
Forest fires in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is known for human-induced forest fires since a long time. In 2016, the pine forests of
Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh caught fire. Most of the fires in Uttarakhand happen in the Chir
pine (Pinus Rroxburghii) forests because leaves of this conifer tree catch fire easily. The forest fires in
Uttarakhand have been predominantly intentional for the purpose of collection of forest resources
such as resin, sal seeds, honey, timber etc. To collect resin easily, the surface fires are lit so that pine
needles can be removed.
K Viswanath wins Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2016
24-Apr-17
Veteran filmmaker and actor Kasinadhuni Viswanath has been conferred Dadasaheb Phalke award
for 2016 by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The award consists of a Swarn Kamal
(Golden Lotus), a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakhs and a shawl.
K Viswanath
Viswanath was born in February 1930 in Andhra Pradesh. As a director he has made fifty films on
varied themes of art, music and dance. In 1992, he received Padmashri Award for his contribution to
film making. He has also won 5 National Awards, 20 Nandi Awards of Andhra Pradesh government,
10 Filmfare Awards including Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award
The award is conferred by the Union Government for outstanding contribution to the growth and
development of Indian Cinema. The Award was established in 1969 to commemorate the birth
centenary year of father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke. It is the highest official recognition
(award) in Indian cinema. It is given on the basis of recommendations of a committee of eminent
personalities set up by the government.
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April 25, 2017

Indias first sea ropeway to connect Mumbai & Elephanta Island
25-Apr-17
Indias first and longest ropeway is planned to be constructed by the Mumbai Port Trust to link
Mumbai with the famous Elephanta Island in the Arabian Sea. Elephanta Island has got global
recognition for its famed Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 8-km long ropeway
will start from Sewri in Mumbais east coast and end at Elephanta Island at Raigad district.
The 40-minute ride by a 20-seater cable car is expected to boost tourism as it offers a magnificent
view of mudflats on the east coast especially during the flamingo season, the mangroves as well as the
Mumbai Trans Harbour Link to the north.
At present, the islands are accessible only by ferries from the mainland and takes around an hour for
the 10-km cruise. Other details like the cable height and capacity of cars are being worked out.
Elephanta Island
Elephanta Island is a 16 sq. km island that has several archaeological remains famous for its cave
sculptures. The island is locally known as Gharapuri Caves. It is located in Mumbai Harbour, east of
Mumbai, Maharashtra. The island is believed to be inhabited from 2nd century BC but the famous
temples carved out of rocks are believed to have been constructed around 5th-6th century AD. The
island has a dam to conserve freshwater collected during monsoons and two British-era canons atop
a hill that offers a panoramic view of Mumbai. The much famed two-day Elephanta Cultural Festival is
organised by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in winters.
At present, the island is inhabited by around 1,200 residents. The inhabitants are mostly fisherfolk
and farmers who live in three tiny port villages called Rajbandar, Shentbandar and Morabandar.
Tourists, however, are not permitted to have an overnight stay at the island as it is covered with
thick forests.
Wax worm caterpillars found to eat Plastics
25-Apr-17
The wax worm, the larvae of insect Galleria mellonella, is found to possess the ability to biodegrade
polyethylene, which is one of the toughest and most used plastics. The scientists have observed that
the degradation rate of the wax worm is extremely fast when compared to other recent discoveries.
Last year, a bacteria was found to biodegrade plastics at a rate of just 0.13mg a day.
Significance
The present discovery assumes significance for getting rid of the ever increasing Polyethylene plastic
waste that degrades the environment. It is estimated that a trillion plastic bags are used every single
year. The plastics are highly resistant to breaking down, and even if it does the smaller pieces usually
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tend to choke up ecosystems without getting degraded.

The wax worms were found to transform the polyethylene into ethylene glycol. To make sure it was
not just the chewing and degrading the plastic, scientists mashed up some of the worms and smeared
them on polyethylene bags and got similar results as above. The molecular details of the process of
breakdown could be used to come up with a biotechnological solution for managing polyethylene
waste.
Wax Worm
Wax worms are medium-white caterpillars with black-tipped feet that live as parasites in bee
colonies and are commercially bred for fishing bait. They are the caterpillar larvae of wax moths.
Wax moths lay their eggs inside beehives where these worms hatch and grow on beeswax. The wax
worms feed on cocoons, pollen, and shed skins of bees and are considered as parasites by the
beekeepers.
Astronaut Peggy Whitson sets new space record
25-Apr-17
Astronaut Peggy Whitson has set a new space record for most days in space by a US astronaut. She
has broken the previous record set by Jeff Williams who had spent a total of 534 days in space.
President Trump congratulated her through a video chat between White House and the ISS.
Peggy Whitson, at present, is serving as the Space Station Commander of Expedition 51. She was
recently launched to the ISS in November 2016 using a Russian Soyuz capsule. At the time of her
launch, she had already accumulated 377 total days in space. At the time of her return back to Earth,
she would have accumulated more than 600 days in space.
Achievements
Peggy Whitson already holds many records:
Whitson holds the record for most spacewalks carried out by a woman astronaut.
She holds the record for being the first woman to command the International Space Station
(ISS) twice. She commanded the ISS for the first time in 2007.
At the age of 57, Peggy Whitson is the also the oldest woman to have gone into space.
She holds the record for spending the longest time in space by a woman.
Peggy Whitson
Peggy Whitson was born in Iowa, United States and holds an advanced degree in biochemistry. She
has held several prominent medical science and research positions at NASA. She was selected as an
astronaut in 1996 and went into space for the first time in 2002.
Northeast Indias largest IT hub opens in Tripura
25-Apr-17
Northeasts sixth and largest hub for information technology has been inaugurated in Agartala. The
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hub has been set up at a cost of Rs 50 crore to boost employment and e-governance besides export of
software technology. The hub is expected to create more employment opportunities for the youths
and extend the e-governance to cover all the people of the region. This would facilitate famous IT
companies to set off their business and services and boost export of software technology. This will be
the largest hub in the region.
Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), under the union Ministry of Electronic and Information
Technology, helped the state government in setting up of the hub by sharing the technological
knowledge. In the new IT hub, ready-to-use incubation space will be made available that can be used
by the start-up companies, aspiring entrepreneurs, Indian and multi-national companies as per their
needs and requirements.
Last year, Tripura got an award for its performance in IT and e-governance from the central
government. The state has already extended many e-governance based facilities and services up to
the level of gram panchayats. The e-district scheme in the state helps people in getting various
certificates and documents from their concerned panchayats or blocks. It is estimated that the states
80 percent of the states 37 lakh population have begun to use mobile phones leading to an IT boom.
Significance
Tripura has a vast pool of skilled English speaking IT manpower. Thousands of these professionals
are currently working in cities like Bengaluru or Hyderabad. Opening up of IT hub offers a new
opportunity for not only Tripura but the whole of northeast India. With Indias recent agreement
with Bangladesh over the purchase of surplus bandwidth and its close proximity to Bangladesh,
Tripura can act as a backyard of the fledgling IT industry of Bangladesh. It can make use of
Bangladeshs plans to double its IT exports by 2017.
Cows to have Aadhaar like ID
25-Apr-17
The central government has informed the Supreme Court that it intends to provide unique
identification number for cows as suggested by an expert committee to track cattle and prevent their
trafficking.
According to the August 2016 report submitted by the committee constituted by the home ministry,
the unique ID will have the details like cattles age, breed, sex, height, body colour, horn type, tail
switch, lactation profile (in case of milch cattles) and other special marks. The IDs are proposed to be
provided in the form of a polyurethane tag. In addition, the registration proof has to be maintained
by the owner of the cattle which should be transferred to the next owner in case of legitimate
transfer of the cattle. The committee has also recommended that a state level data base may be
uploaded to a website that links with a national online database.
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The response of the government was submitted to Supreme Court which was hearing the PIL filed
by Akhil Bharat Krishi Gosewa Sangh.
Need
According to the government, the recommendations of the panel will help in stop trafficking of
cattle across the Indo-Bangladesh border and will also prevent smuggling of cattle to Nepal for being
sacrificed at the Gadhimai festival, which is held once in five years.
Also, as per the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act read with Export Import Policy (Exim
policy) of India requires that cattle can be exported to other countries only with a valid license from
the regional licensing authority.
The allocation of unique ID will also help to prevent cruelty towards the animals. They can be
vaccinated on time and scientific intervention can be made available on time. It would also pave way
for making a uniform act for cow preservation and protection in India.
First malaria vaccine to be tested in Kenya, Ghana and Malawi in 2018
25-Apr-17
The World Health Organization has announced that it is ready to test the first malaria vaccine in the
real world setting in 2018. The aim of the testing will be to ascertain whether the vaccine will work
under real world circumstances or not. Kenya, Ghana and Malawi have been chosen for taking
part in the pilot project.
The vaccine, RTS,S, also known as Mosquirix, was produced by GlaxoSmithKline in 1987 in a
public-private partnership with the PATH Malaria Initiative and with support from the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2015, the vaccine received approval from the European Medicines
Agency (EMA).
For the next four years (2017-2021), the vaccine will be administered to children between 5 and 17
months in Kenya, Ghana and Malawi. The vaccine will be given four times and will be administered
by an intramuscular injection.
The RTS, S vaccine works by targeting the liver phase of the malaria parasites life cycle as the
parasite multiplies inside the liver after getting introduced into the body by a mosquito bite. It has
taken about 30 years for the creation of the vaccine to the approval of pilot programme in 2017.
Only five species of Plasmodium parasite spread malarial parasite worldwide.
Need
According to WHO, malaria kills one child every two minutes and has killed 429,000 people in 2015.
According to the WHO World Malaria Report 2016, Nigeria suffers most malaria deaths worldwide
(26%), followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (10%), India (6%), and Mali (5%). African
continent suffers the most mosquito-borne ailments and there still exists gaps in prevention
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coverage as many people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to mosquito protection like bed nets or
bug spray.
Agriculture Ministry unveils model APMC Act

25-Apr-17
In order to give more freedom to farmers to sell their produce, the agriculture ministry has unveiled
The State/UT Agricultural Produce and Livestocks Marketing (promotion and facilitation) Act, 2017 which
has defined each state/UT as a single unified market area. The draft law is proposed to overhaul the
existing laws.
So far 26 states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka,
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, have fully or partly modified their APMC laws. Other
than Bihar, all other states/UTs have agreed to adopt the model Act.
Salient Highlights
The model act proposes to curb the role of APMC mandis. The existing APMC mandis are allowed
to enforce regulation only in their market yard and thus encouraging private sector players to set up
mandis. Traders would be able to transact in all markets within a state by paying a single fee.
The model law on agricultural marketing would introduce features like single market within a state,
private wholesale markets, direct sale by farmers to bulk buyers, and promotion of electronic trading
etc.
As agricultural marketing is a state subject and is governed by their respective Agricultural Produce
Market Committee (APMC) Acts, the states are free to adopt portions or the entire model act. The
state governments as per the draft law are required to appoint an independent entity director of
agricultural marketing who would function as a sole authority to grant the licence for the
establishment of a new market yard in the state concerned.
The new Act proposes to put a cap on mandi taxes at 1% for foodgrain and 2% for fruits and
vegetables as well as commission agents levy at 2% of the total transaction cost.
Need
Due to the monopoly of APMCs, farmers do not have a choice to sell their farm produce to multiple
buyers. The model act will provide several marketing channels to sell agricultural produce. The
model act aims to liberalize trade in farm produce and aid better price realization for farmers.
GNFC wins Golden Globe Tigers award
25-Apr-17
Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd (GNFC) has won the prestigious Golden
Globe Tigers Award for Excellence and Leadership in CSR for the year 2017 in the category of E-
Payment Leadership. GNFC has been awarded for the implementation of digital transactions in its
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township at Bharuch (Gujarat). Award was given to GNFC at Golden Globe Tigers Night 2017 held
at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event saw the participation of global CSR leaders from over 43
countries. This is the second award for GNFC in this category. It has already won the Golden
Peacock Award for its cashless innovation.
GNFC
Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers & Chemicals Limited is a state-owned manufacturer of fertilizers
and Chemicals. It was founded in 1976. It emerged as the first fertiliser company in the country to
adopt a cashless economy successfully. GNFCs township in Bharuch, Gujarat, became the first 100%
cashless township of India. Recently, Prime Minister had launched GNFCs replicated cashless
township model in 81 integrated townships across 12 states.
Golden Globe Tigers Award for Excellence and Leadership
Golden Globe Tigers Award for Excellence and Leadership recognises leaders in marketing, branding
CSR and social innovation, education and academic across leadership levels in an individual and
organisation. It is considered as one of the highest award individuals and organizations can aspire to
achieve.
IIITM-K develops app for coffee growers
25-Apr-17
Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management-Kerala (IIITM-K) has launched an
application named Kaapi Soil Health Management and Monitoring (Kshemam) app to provide soil
nutrient information and fertiliser recommendation for coffee plantation owners. The app will help
in proper identification of optimum levels of fertiliser use. Farmers by entering information like
geographic coordinates or their administrative divisions can check the soil property, nutrient status
and fertiliser recommendations for their land. In addition, the spatial variation of individual
nutrients can also be thematically visualised with the help of this app. By using this app, the farmers
can generate fertiliser recommendation, nutrient advisory and soil health card in English, Kannada,
Tamil or Malayalam.
National Bureau of Soil and Land Use Planning at the Indian Council of Agriculture Research
(ICAR) has already done GPS enabled soil sampling and nutrient analysis in Karnataka, Kerala and
Tamil Nadu to provide correct information to the coffee growers. In India, Karnataka, Kerala and
Tamil Nadu are the leading producers of coffee.
International Conference on Dara Shikoh to be held
25-Apr-17
The international conference on Dara Shikoh: Reclaiming Spiritual Legacy of India will be held on
April 27 and 28. The conference will be organised by the Indian Council Of Cultural Relations
(ICCR). The conference will see the participation of eminent scholars from the US, Iran,
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Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and India. The objective of the conference is to
highlight Dara Shikohs contributions to bring about spiritual homogenisation of Hinduism and
Islam and his initiatives in building a cohesive social and cultural edifice in India.
Dara Sikoh
Dara Sikoh was an intellectual, wise and a paragon of harmonious coexistence of various religions.
He loved Muslims, Hindus, Sufis and Sikhs all alike. Dara Shikoh dedicated himself to create a bridge
of Hindu-Muslim Unity and was so learned that translated 50 Upanishads from Sanskrit to Persian
for the Muslim Scholars. This work is called Sirr-i-Akbar, the great mystery. Through his research,
he reached a conclusion that a common spiritual basis existed between Hinduism and Islam. He
wrote that a great deal of Quranic wisdom existed in Upanishads. He also documented the Quranic
terms and their Sanskrit equivalents from Upanishads. He was invited to lay the foundation of the
Golden Temple of Amritsar and he befriended with 7thGuru of Sikhs Guru Har Rai.
April 26, 2017
Joint operational doctrine for Tri-Services unveiled
26-Apr-17
Joint operational doctrine aimed at providing deeper operational synergies among the tri-services
was unveiled by the chairman of the chiefs of staff committee (COSC) and Navy Chief Admiral Sunil
Lanba in presence of Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat and IAF Chief B S Dhanoa. The doctrine is aimed
at coherently dealing with all possible security threats faced by India such as conventional and proxy
wars. This document is the second edition of the joint doctrine. The first edition of the document
was released around eight years ago.
Salient Highlights
The doctrine proposes joint training of personnel, unified command and control structure. In
addition, it supports tri-service approach to modernise the tri-services. The doctrine has said that the
Higher Defence Organisation will facilitate inter-Service coordination in planning, execution of
operations and force planning.
The doctrine facilitates the establishment of a broad framework for the conduct of operations across
all the domains (land, air, sea, space and cyber-space).
The doctrine pushes for effective deterrent capabilities to protect Indias strategic interests along the
Northern, Western and Eastern borders and sensitivities along the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of
Actual Control (LAC).
According to the doctrine, Indias threats primarily emanates from the disputed land borders and
thus addressing the consequences of instability and volatility emanating in Indias extended and
immediate neighbourhood remains a priority.
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It has said that the transnational threats posed by State and Non-State sponsored terrorist
organisations pose a danger to regions beyond Indias primary theatres.
In the case of a war, the document calls for joint working of the land, air and naval commanders to
jointly formulate and implement war plans to ensure a well-oiled fighting machinery. For the sake of
fighting together, they have to train together.
The doctrine calls for the integration of the layered hierarchies of the national security structures to
reap the most out of the available expertise.
The doctrine pushes for having an Integrated Theatre Battle as the guiding philosophy for evolution
of war fighting strategies. This is to ensure decisive victory across the entire spectrum of conflict in
varied geographical domains.
The doctrine has called for coordination of agencies like RAW, Intelligence Bureau and Intelligence
organisations of the para-military forces as part of the Joint Intelligence Committee under the
National Security Adviser.
Somnath Temple, Charminar among new places chosen for Swachh iconic places
initiative
26-Apr-17
The government has announced the names of ten new Iconic places under the Phase II of Swachh
Iconic Places initiative. Swachh Iconic Places (SIP) is an initiative of Ministry of Drinking Water and
Sanitation under Swachh Bharat Mission.
The ten new iconic places that will be undertaken in Phase II of Swachh Iconic Places initiative are:
Gangotri, Yamunotri. Mahakaleshwar Temple (Ujjain), Char Minar (Hyderabad), Church and
Convent of St. Francis of Assissi (Goa), Adi Shankaracharyas abode Kaladi in Ernakulam,
Gomateshwar in Shravanbelgola, Baijnath Dham (Devghar), Gaya Tirth (Bihar) and Somnath temple
in Gujarat.
The ten Iconic places that are already under implementation in Phase I are: Ajmer Sharif Dargah,
CST Mumbai, Golden Temple (Amritsar), Kamakhya Temple (Assam), Maikarnika Ghat (Varanasi),
Meenakshi Temple (Madurai) Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (Katra, J&K), Shree Jagannath Temple
(Puri), The Taj Mahal (Agra), Tirupati Temple (Tirumala).
The aim of this initiative is to make these places intensely clean and transform them as model
Swachh Tourist Destinations, that will enhance the experience of visitors from India and abroad.
Background
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, a special clean-up initiative will be carried out on 100 iconic
heritage, spiritual and cultural places in the country. The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched on 2
October 2014 to make India clean and open defecation free by 2019 to mark Mahatma Gandhis
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150th birth anniversary. The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation will be the coordinating
Ministry for this initiative, in association with the Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of
Culture, Ministry of Tourism and the concerned State governments. So far, under Swachh Bharat
Mission, the sanitation coverage has increased to 64% with 1.92 lakh villages becoming Open
Defecation Free (ODF).
Manpreet Kaur wins shot put gold at Asian Grand Prix, sets new national record
26-Apr-17
Shot putter Manpreet Kaur broke her own 2015 national record at the Asian Grand Prix in Jinhua,
China. Her performance in the event has helped her to earn a gold medal and qualify for the World
Championships to be held in London in August 2017. Her outstanding performance in the first leg
of the Asian Grand Prix has helped her to reach No 1 spot in the world rankings. Manpreet kaurs
performance at the event was overwhelming. Her throw is adjudged as the best by any shotputter
this year. In addition, her throw was 32 centimeters more than the Rio Olympic gold medallist
Michelle Carter. Kaur had become the first Indian woman to qualify for the shot put event at the Rio
Olympics. But she managed to finish only 23rd in Rio.
Overall, India managed to bag seven medals including one gold, four silver and two bronze at the
event. Two silver medals were secured by Tintu Lukka and Jinson Johnson. Shot putter Om Prakash
managed to claim bronze with a distance of 18.41m. Indias world junior champion in javelin, Neeraj
Chopra managed to win silver. Long jumper Neena Varakil has claimed silver and the national
record holder in 100m sprint, Dutee Chand bagged bronze for the team.
India to host 18th World Road Meeting
26-Apr-17
The International Road federation (IRF) has named India to be the host of the 18th World Road
Meeting (WRM 2017). WRM 2017 will be held on November 13, 2017. The theme of this years
WRM is Safe Roads and Smart Mobility: The Engines of Economic Growth. India has been chosen to hold
this event to reflect the growing importance of the country as a market for transport infrastructure
and services. Indias growing demand for surface transport and mobility requires massive
investments in the transport infrastructure. The WRM will provide an important platform for
potential investors to partner and participate in the immense opportunities that are made available
by the country. In addition, it will also provide a platform for sharing cutting-edge research, best
practices and experiences, from around the globe.
The conference is expected to be attended by over 4,000 delegates across the world and will include
plenary sessions with eminent and well-known speakers discussing important issues facing mobility
sector.
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World Road Meeting

The World Road Meeting is the biggest global platform for road engineers, safety and transport
experts and companies engaged in road safety products to discuss issues pertaining to road
infrastructure and mobility as well as to exhibit and showcase their products. WRM is held once in
every four years. WRM is globally an important event for discussing important issues facing the
road, transport and mobility sectors.
International Road federation (IRF)
The International Road Federation is a global not-for-profit organization founded in 1948. Its motto
is Better Roads. Better World. It is headquartered in Washington DC. The IRF organizes seminars,
workshops and events and seeks to promote the benefits of a sustainable road transport
infrastructure across societies by providing world-class knowledge resources, advocacy services etc.
IRF is funded primarily through member fees.
Belgium opens honorary consulate in GIFT City
26-Apr-17
Belgium has become the first country to open an honorary consulate office in Gujarat International
Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Belgium already has two Consulates-General
in Mumbai and Chennai, and an honorary consulate in Kolkata. The consulate was inaugurated by
Belgian Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Pieter De Crem.
Hari Sankaran, Vice-Chairman and MD, Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS), has
been nominated as Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium to the state of Gujarat. Gujarat and
Belgium have strong historic ties surrounding the diamond industry.
GIFT City
GIFT is a central business district (CBD) located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in
the state of Gujarat. GIFT will be built on 886 acres of land to provide high-quality physical
infrastructure with facilities like electricity, water, gas, district cooling, roads, telecoms and
broadband services to woo finance and tech firms to relocate their operations
from Mumbai, Bangalore, Gurgaon etc. GIFT will include a special economic zone (SEZ),
international education zone, integrated townships, an entertainment zone, hotels, a convention
center, an international techno park, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) units, shopping
malls, stock exchanges and other service units. The likely cost of the GIFT City project is Rs 70,000
crore.
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Limited (GIFTCL) is responsible for developing
and implementing the project. GIFTCL is a joint venture of Gujarat Urban Development Company
Limited (GUDCOL) and Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS).
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Nita Ambani made member of IOCs important Commissions

26-Apr-17
Nita Ambani has been made member of two important commissions of IOCs governing body. She
has been made as a member of the prestigious Olympic channel and Olympic education Commission.
Nita Ambani already holds the distinction of being Indias first woman International Olympic
Committee member. She was elected as an individual member of International Olympic Committee
(IOC) last year. She will serve the IOC till she turns 70.
IOC has announced the composition of 26 commissions for 2017. The composition of the IOC
commissions for 2017 has seen a 70% increase in female participation since September 2013. The
commissions have also been constituted to reflect a broader geographical representation and include
a number of new faces.
Nita Ambani has replaced International Paralympic Committee President Philip Craven to be one of
the 16 members of the Olympic Channel Commission headed by United States Olympic Committee
Chairman Lawrence Francis Probst. The Olympic Channel is a digital channel which is estimated to
cost about USD 600 million over the first seven years. It was launched last year during Rio Games.
The channel aims to promote Olympic sports and values all round the year. The channel is based in
Madrid.
Nita Ambani is also named in the 24-member Olympic Education Commission headed by Barry John
Maister of New Zealand.
Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal continues to be on the IOC Athletes Commission after her
appointment in October last year.
Nita Ambani
Nita Ambani is the chairperson and founder of Reliance Foundation and a non-executive director
of Reliance Industries. Nita Ambani is an ardent sports lover. With a family fortune of USD$20
billion, she is considered as Indias wealthiest woman. Forbes Magazine has adjudged Nita Ambani as
the most influential women business leaders in Asia for the year 2016.
China launches first indigenously built aircraft carrier
26-Apr-17
China has launched its first indigenously built aircraft carrier following the 68th-anniversary
celebrations of the founding of the Chinese navy. It is Chinas second aircraft carrier built in the
north-eastern port of Dalian. The new aircraft carrier will be able to operate Chinas Shenyang J-15
fighter jets and will be more dedicated to military and humanitarian operations.
The design of the new aircraft carrier has been obtained from Chinas first aircraft carrier, the
Liaoning, which was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China.
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Analysis
Although the aircraft carrier is not expected to enter service until 2020, it will tremendously boost
the blue water capabilities of Chinese Navy. However, little is known Chinas aircraft carrier
program which is kept as a secret. As per the foreign military analysts, the presence of two aircraft
carriers has made China the most powerful maritime force in the Asia-Pacific. As per the analysts,
Chinas aircraft carrier programme is aimed at eroding U.S. military prominence in the region.
A blue-water navy is a maritime force having the capability to operate globally across
the deep waters of open oceans.
China has the second largest military budget in the world. Although, the design of Chinas aircraft
carriers would give its fighter jets enough lift to take off from their shorter decks they lack the
powerful catapult technology for launching aircraft as seen in U.S. navys longer-range nuclear
carriers.
With Chinas ambitious claims of almost all the South China Sea in which other countries like
Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims, experts feel that the
country will need at least six carriers. The United States, for instance, operates 10 aircraft carriers
and plans to build two more carriers in the future.
Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar appointed CRPF chief
26-Apr-17
IPS officer Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar has been appointed as the Director-General of the Central Reserve
Police Force (CRPF). The appointment has come two days after 25 CRPF personnel were ambushed
by Naxals in Chhattisgarhs Sukma district. The CRPF was functioning without a head for the past
two months after the retirement of K. Durga Prasad on February 28, 2017.
Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar is a 1983 batch IPS officer belonging to the Uttar Pradesh cadre. He is the
Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau.
In another key appointment, IPS officer R.K. Pachnanda has been named the director general of the
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). R.K. Pachnanda is a 1983 batch IPS officer of West Bengal
cadre. He will take charge after the retirement of Krishna Chaudhary in June-end.
Uttar Pradesh cancels 15 government holidays
26-Apr-17
Uttar Pradesh state government has cancelled 15 public holidays marking the birth or death
anniversaries of eminent personalities. Alternatively, on these days, the school and college students
would be taught about these public figures through various programmes. Out of the 42 public
holidays observed by the state, 17 pertained to birth anniversaries. The move was taken at the
backdrop of increasing concern over the shrinking academic session due to increased holidays. It is
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held that in the state 220-day academic session has been reduced to only 120 days due to the
celebration of such holidays.
The previously ruled Samajwadi Party had declared holidays on the anniversaries of the following
personalities: Former PM Chandrashekhar (April 17), Maharishi Kashyap and Maharshi Nishadraj
Jayanti (April 5), Hazrat Ajmeri Garib Nawaj Urs (April 26), Maharana Pratap Jayanti (May 9) and
the death anniversary of Ambedkar (December 6).
The state government would soon publish the revised list of holidays.
April 27, 2017
IOC to build new oil terminal at Motihari to supply fuel to Nepal
27-Apr-17
The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has planned to build a new oil terminal at Motihari in Bihar to
supply fuel to Nepal via the planned pipeline up to Amlekganj in Nepal. The old terminal functioning
at Raxaul in Bihar will be shut down as it does not conform to the current OISD (Oil Industry Safety
Directorate) guidelines. The decision to shift the terminal from Raxaul to Motihari has been taken
keeping in mind the current safety guidelines.
Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) is a technical directorate that formulates the
regulatory measures to enhance safety of the Indian oil and gas industry. It functions
under the ministry of petroleum and natural gas.
The 69-km Motihari-Amlekganj pipeline will be built at a cost of Rs.325 crore. Nepal is giving at
most importance to the project by giving it a national priority status. Also, as per the initial
agreement, a new 200 km pipeline would be laid between Patna and Motihari and will be utilised if
there is a delay in operation of the new terminal at Motihari. Already a pipeline between Barauni
(where a refinery exists) and Patna exists. IOC expects to operationalise the Motihari-Amlekganj
pipeline after 30 months of receiving statutory clearances. Nepal wants the pipeline to be extended
up to Chitwan for which the IOC has been asked to prepare a detailed feasibility report (DFR).
Background
In August 2015, the India and Nepal signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a product
pipeline. As a follow-up, IOC and Nepal Oil Corporation entered into a MoU for laying down of the
pipeline. At the beginning, it was decided that the pipeline would be laid from Raxaul to Amlekganj,
but later it was decided to extend it till Motihari. Recently, the fuel supply agreements between India
and Nepal have been extended to five years. Nepal receives around 2 lakh kilolitres of fuel from IOC
every month.
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Srishti Kaur wins Miss Teen Universe pageant

27-Apr-17
Srishti Kaur of India has been crowned Miss Teen Universe 2017 at Managua, the capital of
Nicaragua. She won after beating 25 contestants from across the world. In addition, she also bagged
an award for the best national costume. Her costume featured a peacock, the Indian national bird.
She succeeds Nieveles Gonzalez of Puerto Rico as the Miss Teen Universe. Kaur had also won the
title of Miss Teen Tiara International at the beginning of this year beating 29 contestants.
Kaur, a resident of Noida is currently pursuing her education at London School of Fashion.
Miss Teen Universe pageant
Miss Teen Universe pageant was started six years ago. The pageant is organized by the Miss
Universe organisation for teens aged 15 to 19. The event takes place once in a year. The winner is
decided based on the physical beauty, incorporating qualities such as personality, talent, and
intelligence.
ISRO launches solar calculator app
27-Apr-17
ISRO has launched a solar calculator app that can calculate the benefits of installing solar panels in
different regions of the country. The app has been created by the Space Application Center (SAC)
facility of ISRO following the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)s request. The app
comes handy for installation of Photovoltaic (PV) for tapping of solar energy.
Salient features
The App determines solar energy potential (in kWh/m2) at any given location, determination of
which is important for setting up of photovoltaic thermal power plants. The user can key in the
location or the app can get the location details through GPS. The app provides monthly and yearly
solar potential by processing data obtained from Indian Geostationary Satellites (Kalpana-1,
INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR).
The app provides information about the azimuth and elevation angles, and duration of day over
different time periods in a year. It also calculates the obstruction of sunlight due to terrain by
employing Digital Elevation Model (DEM). In addition, the app also suggests the optimum tilt angle
for the installation of solar PV. The app provides information using tables and visuals. The complete
report provided by the app can be saved by the user in the form of PDF. The app at present can be
downloaded from New and Renewable Energy section at vedas.sac.gov.in.
SAC
Space Applications Centre (SAC) is one of the major centres of ISRO. It was established in the year
1972. It primarily focuses on the design of space-borne instruments for ISRO missions. It also
develops applications of space technology covering the fields of communication, broadcasting,
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navigation, disaster monitoring, meteorology, oceanography, environment monitoring and natural

resources survey for societal benefits. It is headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
PM launches UDAN Scheme
27-Apr-17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme from
Jubbarhatti, an airport on the outskirts of Shimla. Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik means the common
man flies. He flagged of the first UDAN flight under Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) on
Shimla-Delhi sector. UDAN flights on KadapaHyderabad, and Nanded-Hyderabad sectors were
also flagged off.
Salient Highlights
Around 45 unserved and under-served airports are set to be connected under UDAN scheme to
make flying more affordable. The airports to be connected under UDAN include Bhatinda,
Bhavnagar, Durgapur, Jaisalmer, Puducherry, and Shimla.
Under this scheme, five operators will operate flights services on 128 routes that will connect 70
airports through 19-78 seater aircrafts. The operators are Air India subsidiary Airline Allied Services,
Air Deccan, Air Odisha, Turbo Megha, and Spice Jet.
As per the modalities of the scheme, airfare for a one-hour journey of 500 km has been capped at an
all-inclusive charge of Rs. 2,500. For longer routes and flight duration, the pricing will vary. A single
person will be entitled to buy 9 to 40 seats in a flight. However, only 50% of the seats will be sold at
Rs 2500 per seat per hour. The airlines can sell the rest of the tickets at market rates.
Significance
UDAN scheme will make flying easier and affordable for the common man. It is hailed as the first-of-
its-kind scheme globally to stimulate regional connectivity through a market-based mechanism.
UDAN network will cover the whole country. Accordingly, 24 airports in the western region, 17
airports in the northern region, 11 in the southern region, 12 in east and 6 in north-eastern parts of
the country are proposed to be connected under UDAN. The scheme is expected to have positive
effects on the economy in terms of employment and investment. The scheme will also promote
tourism and balanced regional growth.
UDAN
The Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) was launched in October
2016. It is considered as a vital component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) which was
released on June 15, 2016.
The scheme has been launched to provide connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of the
country through revival of existing air-strips and airports. This is first of its kind scheme and will be
implemented for a period of 10 years. As of now, 128 routes have been identified and declared in the
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RCS map of India. The key objective of the UDAN scheme is to provide regional connectivity so that
persons in regional towns are able to take affordable flights.
Veteran actor Vinod Khanna passes away
27-Apr-17
Veteran actor and politician Vinod Khanna has expired at the age of 70. He was said to be suffering
from cancer. Khanna is married twice and is survived by four children.
Films
Born on 6 October 1946, Khanna has featured in as many as 146 films. Some of his famous films are
Mere Apne, Insaaf and Amar, Akbar, Anthony. He was last seen in 2015 in Shah Rukh Khans Dilwale.
He made his debut in 1968 with Mann Ka Meet.
Khanna has also won numerous awards, including the Filmfare award for best supporting actor and
the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999. In 1982 Khanna decided to quit the film industry
at the peak time of his career to follow his spiritual guru Osho Rajneesh.
Politics
Khanna forayed into politics in 1997. In 1998, he got elected to the Lok Sabha from the Gurdaspur
constituency in Punjab on a BJP ticket. He served as the Union minister for culture and tourism in
2002 under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Later, he also became a minister of state in the
Ministry of External Affairs. At the time of his death, he was a sitting Bharatiya Janata Party member
of the Lok Sabha from the Gurdaspur constituency.
US tax reform: Trump introduces biggest tax reform plan in US history
27-Apr-17
US President Donald Trump has introduced biggest tax reform plan in the history of United States.
As per the proposals of the new plan, major cuts have been made in the income tax rate. the income
tax rates have been slashed from 39.6% to 35%. The new plan has also sharply slashed the business
taxes. Steep discounts have been announced on corporate profits that are brought back into the US.
The new plan proposes for a 15% corporate tax rate which is a sharp drop from the existing 35%. In
addition, the new reforms aim to move to a territorial tax system that provides relief to both small
and large businesses. It is also proposed to repeal the estate tax, the alternative minimum tax. In
addition, tax relief will be provided to the families with child and dependent care expenses. Further,
the number of tax brackets is expected to be brought down to three from seven.
However, under the US law, only the Congress is empowered to make major changes to the tax
laws.
Impact
These reforms are hailed as the biggest tax cut and largest tax reform in the history of the United
States. According to the economists, the new tax reforms are likely to add trillions of dollars to the
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deficit over the next decade. As far as India is concerned, the reforms are expected to further push up
stock markets which have already responded positively.
NASAs Cassini spacecraft successfully travels between Saturn and its rings
27-Apr-17
Recently, NASAs Cassini spacecraft completed its final close flyby of Saturns moon Titan and has
now started its final set of 22 orbits before plunging into Saturn on September 15, 2017, and thus
completing its 20-year long journey. Already, Cassini has dived successfully through the space
between Saturn and its rings, a region no spacecraft has been before. It will perform another 21 dives
through the same gap and will send more detailed information about Saturn and its rings. These
series of 22 manoeuvres that brings Cassini closer to Saturns surface before plunging into it is called
as the spacecrafts grand finale.
The spacecraft will provide the radar team with the final set of new images of the hydrocarbon seas
and lakes that are present in Titans North Polar Region.
Cassini
Cassini spacecraft was named after the 17th-century astronomer Giovanni Cassini. It was launched
into space in October 1997. It is a joint endeavour of NASA, European Space Agency (ESA) and
Italian space agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI).
Cassini was the fourth space probe to visit Saturn and the first to enter its orbit. The Robotic
spacecraft included a Saturn orbiter and an atmospheric probe/lander called Huygens for the Saturns
moon Titan which entered and landed on Titan in 2005.
Sixteen European countries and the United States make up the team responsible for designing,
building, flying and collecting data from the Cassini orbiter and Huygens probe. Huygens was
developed by the European Space Research and Technology Centre.
Findings of Cassini
Cassini and Huygens have revealed the existence of earth-like geographic features, great lakes of
liquid nitrogen gas on Titans surface. Cassini also found evidence for the existence of Underground
Ocean on the moon Enceladus. In April, NASA announced that the spacecraft has found evidence
that the underground ocean could sustain some form of life. Cassini has generated a rich volume of
data that will fuel scientific study for decades to come.
Scientists create Artificial Womb
27-Apr-17
Researchers have created a fluid-filled transparent container called the Biobag to simulate how
foetuses float in amniotic fluid inside the uterus of their mothers.
Researchers tested five lambs with a biological age corresponding to 23-week human premature
babies in the artificially created womb like device. The premature lambs were delivered by C-section
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and were immediately placed into the womb-like device. To mimic a womb, researchers created a
temperature-controlled bag filled with a substitute for amniotic fluid. They used an electrolyte
solution to mimic amniotic fluid that the lambs swallow and take into their lungs. The researchers
then attached the umbilical cord to the device that exchanges carbon dioxide in blood with oxygen.
In early-stage animal testing, all the lambs appeared to grow normally inside the system for three to
four weeks. After four weeks, the lambs were seen opening their eyes, started growing wool, breathe
and swim. In a sum, the results were found very promising.
Significance
The artificial wombs can facilitate development of premature babies in a uterus-like environment.
The womb-like environment will offer them a better chance of healthy survival. At present, the
premature babies are hooked to ventilators and other machines inside incubators. Premature babies
have high risk factor for getting serious disabilities such as cerebral palsy. One of the biggest risks the
premature babies face is that their lungs are not ready to breathe air. When they are hooked to
ventilators there is a high risk of lifelong lung damage.
UNESCO to screen Indian short film as part of World Press Freedom Day
celebrations
27-Apr-17
UNESCO to screen Rahul V. Chittellas short film Azaad as a part of World Press Freedom Day
event that is scheduled to be held from May 1-4 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The movie is about the
dysfunctional relationship between a father and his son. World Press Freedom Day is celebrated by
UNESCO to celebrate the principle of freedom of the press.
The theme for this years edition of World Press Freedom Day is Critical Minds for Critical Times:
Medias role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies.
World Press Freedom Day
May 3 is celebrated as World Press Freedom Day every year to celebrate the fundamental principles
of press freedom as well as to evaluate the freedom of press around the world. It serves as an
occasion to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists
who died while doing their profession.
In 1993, World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly. It was proclaimed
following the recommendation of UNESCO at its twenty-sixth General Conference in 1991. It is a
day of support for media around the world and serves as a reminder that still in many countries
publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down, while journalists, editors and
publishers are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered. This day is celebrated to act as a
reminder to the governments of the need to protect the freedom of press.
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April 28, 2017

Bhubaneswar: First Indian city to win Pierre Lenfant Awards-2017
28-Apr-17
Bhubaneswar has become the first Indian city to win Pierre Lenfant International Planning
excellence award-2017 instituted by the American Planning Association (APA). Bhubaneswar has
been chosen for its good and advanced town planning and engaging its residents in the planning
process.
The APA Awards jury has selected Five Excellence Award recipients in total who will be honoured at
the Awards Luncheon at APAs National Planning Conference in New York on May 8.
Pierre Lenfant Awards

Pierre Lenfant was a French-born American architect and civil engineer. He is credited for designing
the layout of the streets of Washington, D.C. The American Planning Association (APA) has named
an award in his honour to recognize excellence in international planning.
APA
APA was created in 1978. It is an independent, not for profit educational organization representing
the field of urban planning in the United States. It serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas related
to urban planning. The APA through awards, honours outstanding community plans, planning
programs and initiatives, public education efforts, and individuals for their leadership on planning
issues. APA boasts of 35,000 members from over 100 countries.
All-woman India Reserve Battalion (IRB) to be raised in Jammu and Kashmir
28-Apr-17
The Home Ministry has planned to raise an all-woman India Reserve Battalion (IRB) in Jammu and
Kashmir. The decision has been taken in the wake of girl students throwing stones at security forces
in Srinagar a few days ago. The all-woman battalion will be one among the five IRBs that has been
sanctioned by the Central government for the State last year. The decision was taken after the Home
Minister reviewed various developmental and infrastructure projects in the State.
The all-woman battalions major role would be to tackle protesters. Apart from that, it would also be
assigned other law and order duties. The cost of raising battalions would be Rs. 61 crore and 75% of
the expenditure will be borne by the union government.
The Indian Reserve Battalion is an elite unit trained to deal with a specic situation. It is
a type of Armed Police Force that has been sanctioned to States and Union Territories.
India Reserve Battalion (IRB) is raised to provide employment opportunities to the local youths with
60% of vacancies reserved for candidates from the border districts. Though IRB personnel are usually
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deployed in their respective states, they can also be deployed elsewhere if necessary.
Other decisions
The home ministry has also asked the Jammu and Kashmir State government to not use Special
Police Officers as guards at the houses of politicians and other government officials. Instead it has
been advised to use them in active policing.
The state has been asked to construct many football fields and develop other sports facilities for the
rural youth of the state to engage themselves.
Background
The central government has announced Rs 80,000 crore developmental packages to Jammu and
Kashmir in 2015. Already Rs 61,112 crore has already been sanctioned by different ministries and Rs
19,500 crore has been released to implement various projects in the state. Projects to be implemented
under the package include augmentation of power infrastructure and road infrastructure, flood relief,
promotion of tourism, and setting up of 50 tourist villages.
E-taxi trial run to begin in Nagpur

28-Apr-17
The countrys first electric taxi trial in the country would be launched in Nagpur from May 24. The
first project of its kind will be undertaken by Nagpur Municipal Corporation. Mahindra and
Mahindra is set to provide 200 taxis for the initiative.
Government initiatives
Government strives to address tackle increasing pollution in the country by unveiling various
schemes. Electric car taxi is one of the ambitious projects and forms as a part of its UNDP
millennium goals to tackle pollution. The government is also set to unveil Rs 5,763-crore Eastern
Peripheral Expressway project to decongest Delhi. After its completion, the road will become
Indias first 135 km green road to be lit entirely by solar panels with advanced traffic system. The
expressway will pass through Sonipat, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Faridabad and
Palwal in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Poland supports Indias Permanent membership at UNSC
28-Apr-17
Poland has assured its support for Indias bid for membership in the elite Nuclear Suppliers
Group (NSG) and a permanent seat in the expanded UN Security Council. This was stated during the
visit of vice President Hamid Ansari to the Poland.
Apart from discussing various bilateral and multilateral issues, the two countries also signed an
agreement in the agriculture sector. It was also agreed upon that there exists scope to increase
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cooperation in railway, defence, mining, agriculture, civil aviation, as well as in areas like food
processing, solar energy, clean coal, treatment of solid waste.
Poland is a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a group of 48 nuclear supplier countries that seeks
to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through the implementation
of two sets of Guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports. Presently
India is not a member of the group.
Also, the countries acknowledged the need for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on
International Terrorism at the UN.
The Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism is a proposed treaty which

intends to criminalize all forms of international terrorism and deny terrorists, their
nanciers and supporters access to funds, arms, and safe havens.
India-Poland ties
India and Poland established diplomatic relations in 1954. The two countries share common ideology
like opposition to colonialism, imperialism, and racism.
Poland is Indias largest trade partner and export destination in the east European region.
Investments made by India in Poland are around USD 3 billion and Polish investments in India are
around 600 million USD. Indias major exports to Poland include tobacco, processed minerals,
chemicals, rubber, plastic, machinery, drugs, transport equipment, and ready-made cotton garments
etc.
Poland hosts around 3,000 members of the Indian community who are mostly traders who settled in
Poland after the collapse of communism.
India Cyprus inks four agreements

28-Apr-17
India and Cyprus have signed four agreements following delegation-level talks between Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades in New Delhi. The two sides
discussed various bilateral and regional issues and agreed on the need on the part of all countries to
act decisively against those countries that shelter and sustain violence factories in their regions. The
two sides also called for the need for early reforms of the United Nations Security Council. Cyprus
reiterated its support to Indias bid for inclusion a permanent member in the UNSC.
Cyprus will also award its highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios III,
on President Pranab Mukherjee.
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Agreements
Both the countries signed:
An executive programme on culture, education and scientific cooperation for the years 2017
to 2020.
A work plan under a programme of cooperation in agriculture for the period 2017-2018.
Agreement on cooperation in the area of merchant shipping.
Agreement to boost air services between the two countries.
India-Cyprus ties
Cyprus is the eighth largest foreign investor in India with a cumulative foreign direct investment of
about $9 billion in areas such as financial leasing, stock exchange, auto manufacture, manufacturing
industries, real estate, cargo handling, construction, shipping and logistics. The Double Taxation
Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between both the countries was revised in 2016.
Diplomatic ties between India and Cyprus were established in 1962. Cyprus got the support of India
during its struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Bilateral trade between both the
countries stood at EUR 76.5 million in 2015. The major commodities exported by India to Cyprus
are organic chemicals, vehicles & accessories and iron & steel. Indias main imports are aluminium
and its products, wood pulp, machinery, boilers, engines, and plastic.
Kazakhstan opens consulate in Chennai
28-Apr-17
Kazakhstan has opened its honorary consulate in Chennai. The consulate will cover the states of
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. It will be headed by well-known businessman Suraj
Shantakumar. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations
between India and Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan has expressed confidence that the establishment of the consulate in Chennai, which is a
major industrial centre would promote the potential for economic cooperation in a number of areas
like IT industry, engineering, tourism, transport infrastructure, as well as agricultural production.
Background
Among the countries that constituted former USSR, Kazakhstan has emerged as the second largest
economic partner for India. Kazakhstan is natural resources, minerals, oil and gas and chemical
products. It is the largest exporter of Uranium to India. The prospectus of cooperation looms large in
several areas. Recently, there was a meeting between the special working groups on textiles from the
two countries in Kazakhstan. The bilateral trade between the two countries was around 618 million
USD in 2016. India exports pharmaceuticals, tea, tobacco, and engineering equipment to Kazakhstan
and imports oil products, metals and natural minerals from that country.
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US places India once again on IPR priority watch list

28-Apr-17
The US Trade Representatives (USTR) office has once again placed India on the priority watch list
in this years Special 301 report despite the country rolling out National IPR Policy last year. India
has been placed in priority watch list owing to USTRs view that India has not made adequate
changes in its intellectual property (IP) laws and regulations. India has been placed on the Priority
Watch List for decades now and is likely to remain in the Priority Watch List category for having
inadequate IPR laws and patent protection.
Background
Out-of-cycle review (OCR) of the Indias IPR regime by the USTR was started under the Obama
administration in which both American, as well as Indian firms and other stakeholders, submitted
their reviews on Indias IPR laws.
In May last year, India rolled out a National IPR Policy to address the concerns of the US trade
bodies. The policy was drafted confirming to the World Trade Organisations Trade-Related Aspects
of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
Similar to USTRs Special 301 Report, India is being ranked poorly in the IPR index being done by
the US Chamber of Commerces Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC).
USTR
United States Trade Representative (USTR) is an agency that is part of the executive office of the
President of the US. USTR creates an annual Special 301 list since 1989. USTR places those countries
that have either national laws or regulations that detrimentally affect U.S. trade or the rights of IP
holders on this list. USTR places these countries in three categories. The most egregious violators
are featured as Priority Foreign Countries (PFC), serious offenders are featured on the Priority
Watch List (PWL), and less serious offenders in the Watch List (WL). The Special 301 list has
continuously placed India most often as a PWL country.
Analysis
Under World Trade Organisation jurisprudence, the legality of the unilateral actions by the US over
other sovereign countries remains questionable. To cater to its needs, the US tries to bring about a
change in a countrys domestic IP law by adopting mechanisms like the Special 301 list. It is an
extraterritorial application of the domestic law of a country and is not reasonable under the overall
WTO regime.
Tripartite MoU signed for broadband services to Post Offices
28-Apr-17
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between BBNL, Department of Posts
and BSNL to provide broadband connectivity of BharatNet to Post Offices in rural areas.
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BSNL would provide broadband services. The infrastructure expenses and the operational expenses
would be paid by the Department of Posts. BBNL would facilitate and coordinate the entire project.
BharatNet
BharatNet is Centres rural internet connectivity programme which is implemented by Bharat
Broadband Network Limited (BBNL). It is worlds largest rural broadband connectivity
programme using Optical fibre. Bharat Net seeks to connect all of Indias households, particularly the
rural areas, through demand, affordable broadband connectivity of 2 Mbps to 20 Mbps to realise the
vision of Digital India. The project is being funded by Universal service Obligation Fund (USOF).
The three-phase implementation under the BharatNet project is:
Under the first phase, one lakh gram panchayats would be provided connectivity by laying
underground optic fibre cable (OFC) lines by March 2017. This phase is nearing its
completion.
Under the second phase, connectivity will be provided to all 2,50,500 gram panchayats in the
country. It is to be completed by December 2018.
Under the third phase from 2018 to 2023, state-of-the-art, future-proof network, including
fiber between districts and blocks would be created.
Kerala hosts countrys first ever transgender athletic meet
28-Apr-17
Kerala has conducted the countrys first-ever transgender one-day athletic meet in
Thiruvananthapuram. The event saw the participation of 132 participants belonging to 12 districts
of the state. No participant representing Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts participated in the
event. The event was jointly organised by Kerala sports council and Sexual Gender Minority
Federation of Kerala. In the competition, six events were conducted, namely, 100 metres, 200 metres,
and 400 metres running; 100x 4 relay race, high jump and shot put.
Plan for common Engineering entrance exam put on hold
28-Apr-17
The Ministry of Human Resources and Development has put on hold the plan for conducting a
single entrance test for admission to engineering courses throughout the country till a consensus is
reached with the states. The ministry feels that without reaching consensus, the purpose of having a
common engineering entrance exam would not be served. Also, the ministry wants to discuss the
possibility of having common counselling provisions with the states.
However, it is not fully clear whether the consultation with the states will delay the implementation
of the plan in 2018. As per the sources, as soon as the consensus is built among the states, the centre
will work out the modalities of implementing the plan.
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Background
Recently, the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) had passed a regulation to hold a
national-level common engineering entrance exam from 2018. But, it was vehemently opposed by
states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Development wants to conduct a common test for admission
to engineering courses similar to that of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for
medical and dental colleges introduced last year.
At present, various exams are held for admitting students to engineering courses. For instance, the
CBSE conducts JEE-Mains exam every year, for which over 11 lakh students appear. Several states
have their own tests. In addition, several private colleges have their own entrance examinations. In
India, there are over 3,300 approved engineering colleges with an annual intake of around 16 lakh
students. So, the government feels that there should be a single common entrance examination for
admission to engineering courses.
AICTE
AICTE is a statutory body established in November 1945. It comes under the aegis of Department of
Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resources Development. AICTE is a national-level council
for technical education responsible for planning and coordination of technical education and
management of education system in the country. It accredits graduate and post graduate programs at
Indian institutions.
April 29, 30, 2017

Indias Forex reserves increase by $1.25 billion
29-Apr-17
According to the Reserve Bank of Indias weekly statistical supplement, Indias foreign exchange
(Forex) reserves have increased by $1.25 billion to reach $371.13 billion from $369.88 billion as on
April 21, 2017. The current reserves are just short of a lifetime high of USD 371.99 billion reached in
the week to September 30, 2016.
Components
The components of Indias Foreign Exchange Reserves include:
Foreign currency assets (FCAs)
Gold
Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)
RBIs Reserve position with International Monetary Fund (IMF)
FCAs constitute the largest component of the Forex Reserves. It was augmented by $1.23 billion to
$347.48 billion as on April 21, 2017. FCAs consist of US dollar and other major non-US global
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currencies. It also comprises of investments in US Treasury bonds, bonds of other selected

governments, deposits with foreign central and commercial banks.
The gold reserves stand at $19.86 billion.
SDRs value has increased $5 million to $1.45 billion.
RBIs reserve position with the IMF stands to $2.33 billion.
North Korea once again test-fires ballistic missile
29-Apr-17
North Korea has test-fired a ballistic missile defying global pressure and warnings from the United
States and its main ally, China. The test was conducted from the Pukchang region present in the
north of the North Korean capital, Pyongyang. However, according to the US and South Korean
officials, the test has failed and it is North Koreas fourth successive unsuccessful missile test since
March. The missile launched is expected to be a medium-range weapon known as a KN-17 and
appears to have disintegrated within minutes of taking off.
Global Response
South Korea has said that the launch was a clear violation of UN resolutions and warned North
Korea of tougher UN sanctions. Earlier, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had warned North
Korea of catastrophic consequences if it fails to curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
Japan has condemned the test as unacceptable.
Background
North Korea has been conducting missile and nuclear weapons-related tests at an unprecedented
level since the beginning of this year. In February, it successfully launched a new intermediate-range
ballistic missile that is capable of carrying a nuclear weapon. Similarly, it also successfully tested
ballistic missiles on March 6. But since then it has caused a series of failed missile tests. The reasons
behind the failed tests are largely unknown.
It is said that North Korea has made some progress in developing intermediate-range and
submarine-launched missiles. Even North Koreas sole major ally, China is not able to convince the
former to abandon its missile and nuclear weapons development plans.
Implications
In a show of force, the United States could conduct new naval drills and deploy more ships and
aircraft in the region. It has already sent the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group to waters off the
Korean peninsula. Already, the USS Michigan, a nuclear submarine has been docked in South Korea.
In addition, the US could also speed up its plans for new sanctions. However, such sanctions have
done very little to prevent North Korea from pursuing its ballistic missiles and nuclear arms
programme.
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Government launches Test and Treat policy for HIV

29-Apr-17
Union Health Minister JP Nadda has launched the Test and Treat policy for Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients. As per this new policy, anyone who is tested and found
positive will get the necessary treatment free of cost. Anyone found positive will be provided with
ART (Anti- Retroviral Therapy) irrespective of his CD count. The scheme will be a centrally
sponsored scheme. All men, women, adolescents and children who have been diagnosed positively
can benefit under this new policy.
HIV destroys the CD4 T cells in the human body and weakens the immunity levels. A person who
has CD4 cell count below 200 is considered to be at significant risk of developing serious illnesses.
Before the announcement of this new policy, the government was providing free treatment to
people with a count of 400 and below.
Government initiatives
The government is set to soon launch a National Strategic Plan for HIV for the next seven years,
which will be significant for ending AIDS. Recently, the government also passed the long-pending
HIV/AIDS Act. The HIV/AIDS Act has the key provisions such as the prohibition of discrimination,
informed consent, non-disclosure of HIV status, anti-retroviral therapy and opportunistic infection
management, protection of property of affected children, safe working environment and provision
for the appointment of ombudsman in every state.
In India, around 21 lakh people are estimated to have HIV. Out of them, only about 14 lakh people
have been identified yet. To identify the remaining cases, the government has revised national HIV
testing guidelines. Recently, the treatment provided by about 1,600 ART and Link ART sites have
crossed the 1 million people mark making the country the second in the world to have such large
number of people on free lifelong treatment.
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus. It is also known as human T-lymphotropic
virus-III (HTLV-III), lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV), and AIDS-associated retrovirus
(ARV). Transmission of HIV involves anal, vaginal or oral sex, blood transfusion, contaminated
hypodermic needles, an exchange between mother and baby during pregnancy, childbirth,
breastfeeding or other exposure to one of the above bodily fluids.
India successfully carries out fresh user trial of Agni-III ballistic missile
29-Apr-17
India has successfully carried out a fresh user trial of Agni-III ballistic missile from a defence test
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facility in the Abdul Kalam Island. The Strategic Forces Command carried out the test with logistics
support from Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO).
The objective of the test was to re-establish the operational effectiveness of the weapon system. Agni
III was inducted into the armed forces in June 2011. Already several successful tests have been
conducted making the missile a foolproof and a proven missile.
Significance
The missile has a two-stage solid propellant system and is capable of re-entering the atmosphere at a
very high velocity. Agni-III is a rail mobile system capable missile and can be launched from various
platforms anywhere in the country. The missile forms the mainstay of Indias nuclear deterrence
programme as it provides the strategic second-strike capability.
Agni-III Ballistic Missile
Agni-III is an intermediate range (3,000 km to 5,000 km) missile with two stages. It is surface-to-
surface nuclear capable intermediate-range ballistic missile indigenously developed by DRDO
under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). It is capable of carrying
both conventional and nuclear warheads weighing up to 1.5 tonnes. It is 17 metres tall and weighs
about 48 tonnes. The missile has been equipped with the hybrid guidance, navigation and control
systems along with an advanced onboard computer.
Strategic Forces Command (SFC)
The SFC is a specially raised missile-handling unit of the Indian Army. It forms part of Indias
Nuclear Command Authority (NCA). It was created on January 4, 2003, by an executive order of
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It is
responsible for the management and administration of the countrys tactical and strategic nuclear
weapons stockpile. It is headed by a Commander-in-Chief of the rank of Air Marshal.
Abdul Kalam Island
To inspire youngsters to work dedicatedly for the scientific research, the state government of Odisha
renamed the Wheeler Island in Bhadrak district as Abdul Kalam Island as a humble tribute to former
President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Prior to the renaming, the island was named after an English
commandant Lieutenant Wheeler.
Oorja-CAPFs Under-19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament-2017
29-Apr-17
The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will conduct Oorja CAPFs Under-19 Football Talent
Hunt Tournament 2017, throughout the country from May 1-15, 2017. The tournament will be
jointly organized by CAPF under the aegis of All India Police Sports Control Board.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will conduct the tournament in Maharashtra,
Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and the Union Territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman &
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Diu.
Bruno Coutinho, an Arjuna Awardee, has been made as the brand ambassador for Oorja -2017 in
Goa.
Background
India will be hosting FIFA Under 19 World Cup in October 2017. At this juncture, Prime Minister
has called for encouraging boys and girls to play football and develop both skill and fitness. To
encourage the sport, Mission XI Million programme has been launched.
Mission XI Million
Mission XI Million is a grassroots programme designed to encourage children to play football. It is
school contact programme aimed at improving the football ecosystem and enlarge the talent pool for
the national team. The programme aims to reach out over 37 cities and 12,000 schools across all 29
states. The activities under this initiative will be divided into three phases: seminars for teacher and
educators, in-school activities and football festivals, which will be conducted till September, 2017.
First book village in the country to come up in Maharashtra
29-Apr-17
From May 4, Bhilar, a tiny hamlet in Satara district of Maharashtra is all set to become Indias first
book village. The concept of book village is inspired by Britains Hay-on-Wye, which is a Welsh
town located in the United Kingdom, famous for its bookstores and literature festivals.
Under this initiative, tourists and locals can come and read books, magazines, newspapers stacked at
25 artistically decorated locations around the village. The books on wide-ranging subjects and 15,000
books in Marathi would be made available on these premises. Some of the books that will be
available for the readers are very rare and out of publication, including novels, reference books about
Maharashtra and Marathi culture written by prominent authors. To make sure that the books are
returned by the tourists, tourists will be made to pay a nominal deposit.
Bhilar has been chosen as already it attracts a number of tourists who throng the village to taste the
locally produced strawberries. The state government has chosen Bhilar to further promote tourism
and the Marathi language.
Bhilar
Bhilar is a small village located near picturesque hill station Panchagani in Satara district of
Maharashtra. The village is popular for its strawberries. Near the village exists the British-era hill
station of Mahabaleshwar. Bhilar produces nearly 100 tonnes of strawberry every year. Around 90%
of the villages population of around 10,000 is involved in strawberry farming.
Hay-on-Wye
Hay-on-Wye is a village located in Wales of the UK. It is the worlds largest second-hand book
centre. In 1972, a person named Richard Booth established a second-hand bookstore in an
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abandoned fire station and subsequently many followed, making Hay-on-Wye a book paradise.
Today there exists around 30 bookstores catering to the needs of the villages population of 1,500
people. Every year, the village hosts the Hay Festival, one of the worlds top literary festivals.
Recently, the village also made news when a note written by author Enid Blyton was discovered in
one of the villages bookstore.
Prime Minister inaugurates International Basava Convention
29-Apr-17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled translated volumes of Vachana in 23 Indian languages
on the occasion of Basava Jayanti. The 23 Vachana volumes were edited by late M M Kalburgi and
have been translated into other languages by more than 200 people. Prime Minister also released the
digital version of the work. This is the first ever celebration of Basava Jayanti at the national level in
New Delhi.
The translated volumes of Vachana was commissioned by the Basava Samithi at a cost of 2.5 crore
rupees of which the Karnataka government has contributed 1 crore rupees. The celebrations also
coincide with golden jubilee of Basava Samiti that was set up by former Vice President B D Jatti 1964
to spread in Basavannas message.
Vachana is a prosaic form very much popular in the Kannada literature. It propagates
values of universal brotherhood. It was penned by Basavanna and other saints. The
12th-century social reformer Basavanna used this style of writing to spread social
awareness and bring equality in the 12th-century society.
Basavanna
Basavanna was a 12th-century philosopher, statesman, Kannada poet and a social reformer who lived
in Karnataka during the reign of the Kalachuri-dynasty king Bijjala I. He served as the chief minister
of his kingdom.
Basavanna rejected gender or social discrimination, superstitions and rituals. During his tenure as
Chief Minister, he introduced many new public institutions like Anubhava Mantapa (hall of spiritual
experience) that would facilitate men and women from all socio-economic backgrounds to have a
healthy and open discuss on various spiritual and mundane questions of life. A 13th-century sacred
Telugu text, the Basava purana by Palkuriki Somanatha offers a full account of Basavas life and ideas.
In 2003, former President of India Abdul Kalam inaugurated Basaveshwars statue in the Parliament
of India. In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the statue of Basaveshwara along the
bank of the river Thames in London.
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Digi Yatra initiative to make flying simpler

29-Apr-17
The Ministry of Civil Aviation under the proposed Digi Yatra initiative is looking forward to make
boarding pass and security check-ins digital at airports using Aadhaar and mobile phones. Under this
initiative, a digital mode for airport entry and verification of passengers would be used. The move is
aimed to ease the security and boarding procedure. In a sum, the initiative aims to make the whole
air travel experience completely digital. According to the civil aviation minister Jayant Sinha, the
proposed initiative would not require any paperwork and the traveller will be securely identified
through Aadhaar number, passport or other documents. The ministry is now working on
establishing a uniform set of standards and protocols which can be applied across the system. The
ministry expects to roll out the initiative in the coming months.
In addition, the ministry is also in the process of coming up with an approach to have a no-fly list
based on safety. The government has decided to come with a no-fly list in the wake of instances of
unruly behaviour by air passengers that endanger the safety of all passengers in an aircraft. By having
a no fly list, the government wants to ensure that the unruly passengers are not able to fly and are
appropriately dealt with.
Ganga Swachhta Sankalp Divas to be celebrated on May 02, 2017
29-Apr-17
May 2, 2017 will be observed as Ganga Swachhta Sankalp Divas by National Mission on Clean Ganga
(NMCG) at 12 locations, namely, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Bhagalpur, Sahibganj,
Kolkata, Raj Ghat (Hardoi), Bithoor, Srinagar ( Uttarakhand), Vidhur Kuti (Bijnor) and Devprayag.
Apart from these locations, with the help of Ganga Vichaar Manch, local NGOs and volunteer
support, the event is slated to be organized at more than 30 other locations.
The objective of the event is to spread awareness and promote active involvement of the masses in
Swachh Ganga. The event envisages developing a sense of pride and ownership among masses and to
actively support for Namami Gange programme.
Ganga Vichar Manch which is a volunteer wing of National Mission on Clean Ganga (NMCG)
would execute the event in close coordination with State Programme Management Groups, State
Government Departments/Agencies, District Administration and other key stakeholders at each of
the above locations.
Background
In March 2017, NMCG observed 16 days long Ganga Swachhta Pakhwada along with five Ganga
Basin States. The event emerged as a mass movement with the participation of various stakeholders.
NMCG is organizing Ganga Swachhta Sankalp Divas by considering the overwhelming success with
active participation of various communities in the pakhwada.
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Compendium of Multiple Choice Questions

Below 250 Questions were published in GKTodays Current Aairs Quiz Section from April 1
to April 30, 2017.
1. Indias first International Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease (ICFMD) has set up in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Assam
[D] Haryana
Answer: A [Odisha ]
Explanation:
The Union Agriculture Minister Radhamohan Singh has inaugurated Indias rst International
Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease (ICFMD) at Argul in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on April 1,
2017. The research centre has been constructed in joint collaboration of UNs Food and
Agriculture Organisation and Union governments Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(ICAR) to conduct research on viral disease of cattle and bualoes. The centre has the facility
for safe handling and storage of live Foot and Mouth disease virus that essentially is required
for control of the disease. The samples from all over the country will be collected in this
research centre to nd a cure of the disease. Notably, India is suering a loss of Rs. 23
thousand crore annually due to Foot and Mouth disease of cattle and bualos.
2. Who has been appointed the new Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University?
[A] Pankaj Mohan
[B] Sunaina Singh
[C] Arvind Sharma
[D] Vijay Bhatkar
Answer: B [Sunaina Singh]
Explanation:
Sunaina Singh has been appointed the new vice chancellor of Nalanda University (NU). She
is expected to take up the new assignment soon. Currently, she is vice chancellor of the
English and Foreign Language University (EFLU), Hyderabad. The headquarters of NU is at
Rajgir, Bihar. Dr.Vijay Pandurang Bhatka, who is the father of Indias rst supercomputer and
acclaimed scientist, is the Chancellor of the university.
3. Which Indian Chief Minister has been selected for the USIBC Transformative Chief Minister
(TCM) award?
[A] Sarbananda Sonowal
[B] Nitish Kumar
[C] N Chandrababu Naidu
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[D] Raman Singh

Answer: C [N Chandrababu Naidu]
Explanation:
N Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has been selected for the US
India Business Council (USIBC)s Transformative Chief Minister (TCM) award for his good
governance to people after bifurcation. Naidu would receive award at the 2nd annual West
Coast Summit (WCS) to be held in Menlo Park, California on May 8, 2017.
4. Japan will provide how much Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan for infrastructure
projects in India for FY 17?
[A] Yen 201 billion
[B] Yen 232 billion
[C] Yen 445 billion
[D] Yen 371 billion
Answer: D [Yen 371 billion]
Explanation:
Japan will provide an Ocial Development Assistance (ODA) loan for an amount of Yen
371.345 billion (=Rs.21,590 crore approx) under FY 2016-2017 to India for infrastructure
projects, the dedicated freight corridor. For this, the notes were exchanged in New Delhi
between S Selvakumar, Joint Secretary under Department of Economic Aairs and Kenji
Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India. (Exchange Rate: Re.1 = Yen 1.72).
5. Who has been appointed the new chairman of the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC)?
[A] Vanaja Sarna
[B] Najib Shah
[C] Ram Tirth
[D] Milind Sharma
Answer: A [Vanaja Sarna]
Explanation:
Vanaja N. Sarna, a 1980 batch ocer of Indian Revenue Service (IRS), has been appointed
the new chairman of the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC). She succeeded Najib
Shah. The CBEC is the apex body for framing policy and administrative issues related to
indirect tax, and central excise duty. It works under nance ministry, which comprises of a
chairperson and a maximum of six members.
6. Which city has become the first Indian city to offer 1Gbps wired broadband internet service?
[A] Chennai
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Bangaluru
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[D] Kochi
Answer: B [Hyderabad]
Explanation:
The Atria Convergence Technologies (ACT) Fibrenet has recently launched 1 Gigabit per
second wired broadband internet service in Hyderabad. With this launch, Hyderabad has
become the Indias rst Giga-enabled. ACT Fibrenet uses ber optic technology and its 1
Gbps oering is 400 times faster than the average internet speed of 2.5 megabits per
second in India. Giga speeds will allow downloads from the internet faster than transferring
data from a USB drive and will be available for Rs 5,999 per month.
7. Which country has become the new member of South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation
(SASEC) program?
[A] Bhutan
[B] Pakistan
[C] Iran
[D] Myanmar
Answer: D [Myanmar ]
Explanation:
Myanmar has become the 7th member of South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation
(SASEC) program of Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2017. The SASEC program was
formed in 2001 in response to the request of the four countries of South Asia Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India and Nepal from ADB to assist in facilitating economic cooperation among
them. As a project-based partnership, the SASEC program has been helping realize regional
prosperity by enhancing cross-border connectivity, facilitating faster and more ecient trade
and promoting cross-border power trade. Maldives and Sri Lanka joined SASEC in 2014.
8. Which high level committee has been set up to examine working of regulatory bodies for AYUSH
system of medicine?
[A] Madhukar Gupta Committee
[B] Arvind Panagariya committee
[C] Shailesh Nagar committee
[D] H R Nagendra committee
Answer: B [Arvind Panagariya committee]
Explanation:
The high-level committee headed by Arvind Panagariya has been set up to examine the
working of the regulatory bodies viz. Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) and Central
Council of Homoeopathy(CCH) and their governing legislations viz. Indian Medicine Central
Council (IMCC) Act 1970 and Homoeopathy Central Council (HCC) Act 1973 respectively, for
suggesting suitable reforms. Panagariya is the Chairmanship of Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog.
The AYUSH systems of medicine are regulated by two statutory regulatory bodies viz. CCIM
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and CCH. These regulatory bodies regulate education and practice of AYUSH systems of
medicine through its subordinate regulations and also maintain central registers of Indian
Medicine and Homoeopathy.
9. Who has become the new Whole Time Member (WTM) of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of
India (IBBI)?
[A] A Unnikrishnan
[B] Amardeep Singh Bhatia
[C] Navrang Saini
[D] Ajay Tyagi
Answer: C [Navrang Saini]
Explanation:
Dr. Navrang Saini has taken charge as new Whole Time Member (WTM) of Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) in New Delhi. Dr. Saini will look after Registration &
Monitoring wing comprising Insolvency Professionals, Information Utilities, Insolvency
Professional Agencies & Entities, Valuers, Surveillance, Investigation and Grievance
Redressal. He will also look after Legal Aairs and Establishment. Dr. Saini served as a
member of the Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS). He has served Ministry of Corporate
Aairs in various capacities and played a key role in implementation of MCA 21. His last
assignment was Director General, Ministry of Corporate Aairs.
10. Gilbert Baker, the LGBT rainbow flag creator has passed away. He hailed from which country?
[A] France
[B] Germany
[C] Cuba
[D] United States
Answer: D [United States]
Explanation:
Gilbert Baker, who created the rainbow ag as a symbol for the gay community, has recently
passed away in Kansas, United States. Bakers ag was widely associated with LGBT rights
causes.
11. Who has clinched the 2017 Womens singles India Super Series tournament?
[A] Sung Ji-Hyun
[B] P V Sindhu
[C] Saina Nehwal
[D] Carolina Marin
Answer: B [P V Sindhu]
Explanation:
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Rio Olympics silver medallist P V Sindhu from India has won the 2017 Womens singles India
Super Series tournament by defeating reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin of Spain in
the nal by 21-19, 21-16 at Siri Fort Sports Complex in New Delhi. Beside this, Viktor Axelsen
of Denmark clinched the mens singles title of the tournament by defeating Chinese Taipeis
Tien Chen Chou in straight games.
12. Which institute has topped the 2017 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings
for higher educational institutions?
[A] Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
[B] Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
[C] Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
[D] Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
Answer: A [Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore]
Explanation:
The Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore has topped the 2017 National Institutional Ranking
Framework (NIRF) rankings for higher educational institutions in overall ranking. IIT Madras
stood at 2nd position, followed by IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru
University (JNU). The institutes are ranked by the National Bureau of Accration (NBA) based
on their teaching and learning resources, graduation outcome, perception, outreach and
inclusivity and research productivity. This year, the project has more than 800 new
participants and some new categories has also been introduced in medicine and law. Apart
from this, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has topped the list in India Rankings
2017 in engineering category, followed by IIT Bombay and Kharagpur. Whereas, Indian
Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad bagged the rst rank in management category
while Miranda House, Delhi was ranked the top college. The 2017 India Rankings for higher
educational institutions has been released by Union Human Resource Development (HRD)
Minister Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi on April 3, 2017.
13. The 19th ion of Commonwealth Forestry Conference has started in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Assam
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Kerala
Answer: C [Uttarakhand]
Explanation:
The 19th ion of Commonwealth Forestry Conference (CFC) has started at Forest Research
Institute in Dehradun, Uttarakhand with the theme Forests for Prosperity and Posterity on
April 3, 2017. About 500 delegations including scientists, academicians, forest ocers,
representatives of the governments, industries, and research and conservation agencies
from India and abroad are attending the 5-day event. The conference is being organized in
coordination with the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change along with
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Commonwealth Forestry Association of United Kingdom. The issues aecting climate change
and green cover will be deliberated upon in the conference.
14. Who has won the 2017 Mens Singles Miami Open Tennis Tournament?
[A] Dominic Thiem
[B] Rafael Nadal
[C] Milos Raonic
[D] Roger Federer
Answer: D [Roger Federer]
Explanation:
Roger Federer, a Swiss professional tennis player, has won the 2017 Mens Singles Miami
Open Tennis Tournament by defeating Rafael Nadal in the nal by 6-3 6-4 in the nal at the
Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, United States. Apart from this, Johanna
Konta from Great Britain has won the 2017 Miami Open Womens Singles title by defeating
Caroline Wozniacki in the nal by 64, 63.
15. Darcus Howe, the well-known black power activist has passed away. He hailed from which
country?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] United States
[C] Germany
[D] Haryana
Answer: A [United Kingdom]
Explanation:
Darcus Howe (74), one of the most prominent black activists of his generation in Britain, has
recently passed away in London, United Kingdom. He was best known in the UK for his Black
on Black series on Channel 4; his current aairs programme, Devils Advocate; and his work
with Tariq Ali on Bandung Fil.
16. What is the theme of the 2017 World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD)?
[A] Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neuro diversity
[B] Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination
[C] Employment: The Autism Advantage
[D] Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology
Answer: B [Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination]
Explanation:
The World Autism Awareness Day (AWWD) is an internationally recognised day observed
every year on April 2 to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with
autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society. The 2017
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theme is Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination.
17. Who has been chosen for the 2017 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize?
[A] Ahmet Sik
[B] Reeyot Alemu
[C] Dawit Isaak
[D] Mazen Darwish
Answer: C [Dawit Isaak]
Explanation:
Dawit Isaak, an imprisoned Eritrean-Swedish journalist who was arrested in a crackdown on
the media in September 2001 and was known for his critical and insightful reporting, has
been chosen for the 2017 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. His present
location is unknown. The $25,000 Prize is named in honour of Guillermo Cano Isaza, a
Colombian journalist who was assassinated in 1986 in front of the oces of his El Espectador
newspaper in Bogot. It is awarded each year to an individual or organization that has
persevered to protect press freedoms under adversity. The Prize will be awarded during the
celebration of 2017 World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) on May 3, which will be hosted in
Jakarta, Indonesia.
18. The South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Finance Ministers meeting has
strated in which country?
[A] South Korea
[B] China
[C] Nepal
[D] India
Answer: D [India]
Explanation:
The South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Finance Ministers meeting has
been chaired by the Union Minister of Finance Arun Jaitley in New Delhi on April 3, 2017 to
discuss the imperatives of a new way forward for sub-regional economic cooperation among
countries under the SASEC program. The meeting has attended by the 7-Finance Ministers
from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka apart from ocials
from these countries and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The event is a unique
opportunity for the member countries to discuss and exchange ideas and strive to foster
better cooperation in the sub-region. Recently, Myanmar has also joined the SASEC
programme as its 7th member.
19. Which union minister has launched PowerTex India scheme to boost powerloom sector?
[A] Narendra Modi
[B] Smriti Irani
[C] Rajnath Singh
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[D] Arun Jaitley

Answer: B [Smriti Irani]
Explanation:
The Union Minister of Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani has recently launched PowerTex India a
comprehensive scheme for powerloom sector development in Bhiwandi district of
Maharashtra. PowerTex India has also launched simultaneously at over 45 locations in India
and will especially benet small powerloom weavers. The purpose of the 3-year scheme is to
boost common infrastructure and modernize the power-loom sector. The scheme has
provisions for installation of solar plants and would provide nancial assistance/capital
subsidy for installation of solar photo voltaic plant (solar plant) by small power-loom units to
alleviate the problem of power-cuts. For upgradation of powerloom sector, the union
government has also increased subsidy by 30%.
20. The Ntangki National Park is located in which state??

[A] Mizoram
[B] Nagaland
[C] Manipur
[D] Tripura
Answer: B [Nagaland]
Explanation:
The Ntangki National Park is a wildlife park located in Peren district of Nagaland. Among the
creatures that inhabit the park are the rare hoolock gibbon, golden langur, hornbill, palm
civets, black stork, tiger, white-breasted kingsher, monitor lizard, python and sloth bear.
The name Ntangki is derived from the Zeme dialect of the Zeliangrong tribe.
21. Kishori Amonkar, the renowned Hindustani classical vocalist has passed away. She hailed from
which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Answer: A [Maharashtra]
Explanation:
Kishori Amonkar (84), the renowned Hindustani classical vocalist, has recently passed away
in Mumbai, Maharashtra. She was considered one of the foremost singers in the Hindustani
tradition and is an innovator of the Jaipur gharana. Amonkar received a plethora of awards,
including the Padma Bhushan in 1987 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2002.
22. Who has been appointed the new chief justice of Madras High Court?
[A] Pradeep Nandraj
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[B] Indira Banerjee

[C] Kanta Bhatnagar
[D] Nikhil Bose
Answer: B [Indira Banerjee]
Explanation:
Justice Indira Banerjee has been appointed the new Chief Justice of Madras High Court. With
this, Justice Banerjee would be the second woman next to Justice Kanta Kumari Bhatnagar
(June November, 1992) to head the charted court. Prior to this appointment, Banerjee was
a judge of the Delhi High Court.
23. Who has recently taken charge as new Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
[A] Ashwani Kumar
[B] N S Vishwanathan
[C] BP Kanungo
[D] T S Ahuja
Answer: C [BP Kanungo]
Explanation:
BP Kanungo has recently taken charge as the new Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) for a period of three years in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He succeeded R Gandhi. Prior
to this appointment, Kanungo was holding the position of Executive Director of RBI. He has
worked in several functional areas of the banks such as foreign exchange management,
banking and non-banking supervision, currency management, government and bank
accounts and public debt. Kanungo has also served as the head of regional oces of RBI at
Jaipur and Kolkata besides holding the position of the Banking Ombudsman for Madhya
Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
24. Which country has officially recognized Bitcoin and digital currencies as legal money?
[A] Australia
[B] China
[C] North Korea
[D] Japan
Answer: D [Japan ]
Explanation:
Japan has ocially recognized bitcoin and digital currencies as legal money with eect from
April 1, 2017, which will help the integration of digital currency into the legacy banking
system through regulation. Thus, as per new laws implementation, Bitcoin exchanges will
also come under additional regulatory scrutiny. The recognition of cryptocurrency as a legal
tender also means the applicability of regulations governing banks and nancial institutions
to crypto-currency exchange platforms. They will be required to comply with strict Anti-
Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, along with annual
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audits. Other requirements include meeting the stated capital and cyber security
requirements to ensure consumer protection.
25. Which country has become the first NATO member to launch self-contained cyber command
unit?
[A] Germany
[B] France
[C] Belgium
[D] United States
Answer: A [Germany ]
Explanation:
Germany has become the rst North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member to launch
a self-contained cyber command unit, which is designed to shield IT and weapons systems
from growing attacks. The Cyber and Information Space Command (Kdo CIR) will have a
status equal to that of the army, navy, and air force. The Kdo CIR is the youngest branch of
Germanys military Bundeswehr. It will operate and protect the militarys own IT
infrastructure and computer-assisted weapons systems, and tackle online threats. The
center would also focus on war-game oensive skills and capabilities.
26. Which state government has launched e-nagarpalika app to provide municipal services online?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Madhya Pradesh government has recently launched mobile app MP e-nagarpalika to
provide various municipal services online. The app would oer 378 services like online
payment of property tax, seeking building permission, birth/ marriage/death certicates etc.
It will also register complaints related to garbage, water, streetlights etc. Online payment
gateway would be available on this app. The mobile app is a part of Rs 225-crore e-
nagarpalika project, under which all municipal services would be made available online on a
unied web platform.
27. Who has become the Indias first-ever transgender police Sub-Inspector?
[A] Deepthi Sunaina
[B] Smithi Saran
[C] Prithika Yashini
[D] Nandini Kumari
Answer: C [Prithika Yashini]
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Explanation:
K Prithika Yashini has become the Indias rst-ever transgender person to become a police
ocial, when she took charge as sub-inspector in Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu. In terms
of judgement of the Madras High Court delivered in November 2015, directions were given to
the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board (TNUSRB) to appoint K Prithika
Yashini as a sub-inspector of police as she is entitled to get the job. The judgement further
directed the TNUSRB to include transgender people as a third category, apart from the
usual category of male and female.
28. Who has been appointed as new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the
United Nations (UN)?
[A] Jai Singh
[B] Niranjan Joshi
[C] Ajit Kumar
[D] Rajiv Chander
Answer: D [Rajiv Chander]
Explanation:
Rajiv Kumar Chander, the 1983 batch Indian Foreign Services (IFS) ocer, has been
appointed as new Ambassador and permanent representative of India to the United Nations
(UN) Oces in Geneva. He will succeed Ajit Kumar. At present, Chander is the consul general
of India in Vancouver.
29. Which state government will provide one-time grant of Rs. 21,000 to families for third girl
child?
[A] Assam
[B] Haryana
[C] Punjab
[D] Manipur
Answer: B [Haryana]
Explanation:
Under the Aapki Beti, Hamari Beti scheme, the Haryana government will provide one-time
grant of Rs 21,000 to all those families whose third girl child was born on or after August 24,
2015. Under the scheme, the eligible families would receive the amount irrespective of their
caste, creed, religion, income and number of sons. The purpose of the scheme is to combat
the problem of declining child sex ratio and promote girls education in the state.
30. What is the theme of 2017 International Mine Awareness Day (IMAD)?
[A] Mine Action & Women Dominance
[B] Needs driven. People Centred
[C] Mine Action is Humanitarian Action
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[D] More than Mines

Answer: B [Needs driven. People Centred]
Explanation:
The International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is observed every
year on April 4 to raise awareness about landmines and progress toward their eradication.
The day also highlights the deadly threat that mines pose to civilians lives and nations
development. The 2017 theme is Needs driven. People Centred.
31. Who has won the 2017 Ecuador Presidential election?

[A] Lenin Moreno
[B] Rafael Correa
[C] Guillermo Lasso
[D] Norman Wray
Answer: A [Lenin Moreno]
Explanation:
Ecuadorean leftist Lenn Boltaire Moreno Garces has won the 2017 Ecuador Presidential
election after securing 51.16% of votes in the election. He will be Ecuadors 44th President
and will take oce on May 24, 2017. Prior to this, Moreno served the nation as Vice
President from 2007 to 2013 under President Rafael Correa. The current President of
Ecuador is Rafael Correa.
32. The 2017 National conference on Communicating India has started in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Kochi
[C] Guwahati
[D] Agra
Answer: A [New Delhi]
Explanation:
The 2017 National conference on Communicating India has held in New Delhi on April 5,
2017. The three main themes for the conference are Telling Indias story to the world,
Communicating via Journalism and Dialogue with Diaspora. The one-day conference has
been organized by the Vivekananda International Foundation in collaboration with the India
Media Centre, University of Westminster, London, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library and
the Indian Institute of Mass Communication with the association of Prasar Bharati.
33. Who has been appointed the first woman Director General of Police (DGP) of Gujarat?
[A] Nikita Sharma
[B] Nidhi Mathur
[C] Geeta Johri
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[D] Neha Arusia

Answer: C [Geeta Johri]
Explanation:
Geeta Johri, a 1982-batch IPS ocer, has been appointed Director General of Police (DGP) of
Gujarat. With this, Johari has become the rst woman IPS ocer to be appointed for the top
job in the state. Presently, she is posted as managing director in the Gujarat Police Housing
Corporation, Gandhinagar. She has been controversial for her role in the investigation into
the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh, his wife Kauserbi and 2006 Tulsiram Prajapati encounter
cases. The decision comes in wake of sudden ouster of Joharis predecessor P P Pandey who
stepped down from the post following a petition in the Supreme Court. Pandey is an accused
in Ishrat Jahan encounter case.
34. Who will become the chairman of the newly constituted National Board for Electric Mobility
(NBEM)?
[A] Girish Shankar
[B] Vikram Kirloskar
[C] Vinod Dasari
[D] Pawan Goenka
Answer: A [Girish Shankar]
Explanation:
The Union Government has recently constituted National Board of Electric Mobility (NBEM) to
promote electric mobility and manufacturing of electric (& hybrid) vehicles and their
components. The Board will be chaired by Girish Shankar, Secretary of the Department of
Heavy Industry. The NBEM will examine, formulate and propose short- as well as long-term
plans and contours of the mission programme on electric mobility, its objectives, quantiable
outcomes and roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders. It will propose and
recommend policy guidelines and government interventions and possible strategies for
promoting electric mobility and for encouraging manufacture of electric vehicles in the
country.
35. Who has won the 2017 Serbian Presidential election?

[A] Vuk Jeremic
[B] Saaa Jankovic
[C] Tomislav Nikolic
[D] Aleksandar Vucic
Answer: D [Aleksandar Vucic]
Explanation:
Aleksandar Vucic, the current Prime Minister of Serbia, has won the 2017 Serbian
Presidential election by 55% of votes. He will take oce on May 31, 2017. Vucic is also the
leader and president of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). The current oce holder is
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Tomislav Nikolic.
36. Ajey Jhankar, who passed away recently, was related to which field?
[A] Sports
[B] Law
[C] Film Industry
[D] Politics
Answer: C [Film Industry]
Explanation:
Ajey Jhankar (57), the noted author and lmmaker, has recently passed away. He was well-
known for his novels such as Sarkarnama and Drohpar. The hollywood movie Singularity by
lmmakar Roland Joe was based on Jhankars novel Drohparv. He was the co-screenwriter
for the lm. Jhankar was known for his marketing venture Market Missionaries.
37. Which renowned personality has won the NTR National Film Award for year 2012?
[A] S L Bhyrappa
[B] S P Bala Subramanyam
[C] Hema Malini
[D] Dasari Narayana Rao
Answer: B [S P Bala Subramanyam]
Explanation:
S.P. Bala Subramanyam, the renowned playback singer, actor and music director, has won
the NTR National Film Award for 2012 and Hindi lm actor Hema Malini will receive the same
for 2013. The NTR National Award is an annual award to recognize people for their lifetime
achievements and contributions to the Cinema of India. The award is an honorary Nandi
Award in the honour of an Indian Film Actor, director, producer, and politician N.T. Rama Rao
who also served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. It carries a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh
and a citation.
38. Who has been honoured as the Wisdens leading cricketer in the World for 2016?
[A] Chris Woakes
[B] Misbah-ul-Haq
[C] Younis Khan
[D] Virat Kohli
Answer: D [Virat Kohli]
Explanation:
Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has been honoured as the Wisdens Leading Cricketer in the
World for 2016. Apart from this, Kohli has already been declared Wisden India Almanacks
Cricketer of the Year for the second time in its 2017 ion. In 2016, Kohli amassed 1215 Test
runs at an average of 75.93, 10 ODI appearances fetched him 739 runs at 92.37, while he
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scored 641 T20 International runs at 106.83. Apart from him, Ellyse Perry from Australia has
been named for Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World for 2016. The Wisden
Leading Cricketer in the World is an annual cricket award selected by Wisden Cricketers
Almanack.
39. What is the Indias rank in the WADAs Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) report for year
2015?
[A] 1st
[B] 4th
[C] 3rd
[D] 5th
Answer: C [3rd]
Explanation:
India has been ranked 3rd for the third year in a row in the recently published Anti-Doping
Rule Violations (ADRVs) report for year 2015. The report is compiled by the World Anti-
Doping Agency (WADA). As per the report, 117 athletes from India were punished after
testing positive for banned substances in 2015. The list is topped by Russia (176), followed
by Italy (129), India (117), France (84) and Belgium (67). An ADRV is a doping oence
committed by an athlete or athlete support person, which results in certain consequences or
sanctions.
40. Sai Kiran P has won the NASA Moon prize for proposing an elevator from Earth to the Moon.
He belongs to which Indian state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Telangana
Answer: D [Telangana]
Explanation:
Sai Kiran P (18) from Telangana (presently studying at Chennai) has won the second prize in
the grade 12 category of the 2017 Nasa Ames Space Settlement Contest for proposing an
elevator from Earth to the Moon. The annual global contest was conducted jointly by the
NASA Ames Research Center, the National Space Society (NSS) and San Jose State
University. The theme of the contest was to design a proposal for human settlements on the
moon.
41. Who has been appointed the new Executive Director (ED) of Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
[A] Nishant Jain
[B] Swati Tripathi
[C] Malvika Sinha
215
[D] Kalpana Gupta

Answer: C [Malvika Sinha]
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently appointed Malvika Sinha as new Executive
Director (ED), following the appointment of B P Kanungo as Deputy Governor. As Executive
Director (ED), she will look after foreign exchange department, department of government
and bank accounts and internal debt management wing. Prior to being promoted as ED, she
was Principal Chief General Manager, Department of Cooperative Banking Supervision in the
Reserve Bank. Apart from her, there are 10 other EDs of RBI viz. Surekha Marandi, M.
Rajeshwar Rao, Sudarshan Sen, Deepak Singhal, Meena Hemchandra, K. K. Vohra, Dr M. D.
Patra, Chandan Sinha, Deepali Pant Joshi and Dr. Deepak Mohanty.
42. Which state government has started Gunotsav programme to improve elementary education?
[A] Assam
[B] Kerala
[C] Manipur
[D] Haryana
Answer: A [Assam]
Explanation:
The Assam government has recently started four-day long Gunotsav programme to improve
quality of school education in the state from April 4, which will cover over 9 lakh students of
12320 primary schools in Barpeta, Chirang, Dibrugarh, Hailakandi, Kamrup (Metro),
Lakhimpur, Morigaon and West Karbi Anglong districts. It is a quality improvement
programme where external evaluators are deputed to the schools for conducting external
evaluation of students. The programme is a great initiative to gauge the quality of learning
and teachers and students will greatly benet from it. Originally a Gujarat government
initiative, Gunotsav has been adopted by Sarbananda Sonowal led government in Assam.
43. What is the theme of 54th ion of National Maritime Day (NMD)-2017?
[A] The Blue Economy
[B] Connecting India through Shipping
[C] Make in India an opportunity for martime sector
[D] Indian Coast Line A New opportunity
Answer: B [Connecting India through Shipping]
Explanation:
The National Maritime Day (NMD) is celebrated every year in India on April 5 to
commemorate the maiden voyage of the rst Indian owned ship SS Loyalty sailed from
Bombay to London on 5th April 1919. This was a crucial step for Indian shipping history when
sea routes were controlled by the British. The 2017 theme of 54th ion of NMD is Connecting
India through Shipping. The United Nations World Maritime Day (WMD) is observed every
216
year on September 29 to highlight the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and
the marine environment.
44. Who has won the 2016 ACM A.M. Turing Award?
[A] Michael Stonebraker
[B] Martin E. Hellman
[C] Leslie Lamport
[D] Tim Berners-Lee
Answer: D [Tim Berners-Lee]
Explanation:
Sir Timothy John Berners-Lee, a professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the
University of Oxford, has been bestowed with the 2016 ACM A.M. Turing Award for inventing
the World Wide Web (WWW), the rst web browser, and the fundamental protocols and
algorithms allowing the Web to scale. The ACM Turing Award is often referred to as the
Nobel Prize of Computing, which is presented by the Association for Computing Machinery
(ACM) to an individual selected for contributions of a technical nature made to the
computing community. The annual award carries a $1 million prize, with nancial support
provided by Google Inc.
45. Which committee has been formed by the Uttar Pradesh Government to implement farm loan
waiver decision?
[A] Rahul Bhatnagar committee
[B] Vikram Sharma committee
[C] Ajay Goenka committee
[D] Vinod Malwai committee
Answer: A [Rahul Bhatnagar committee]
Explanation:
The Uttar Pradesh Government has recently formed an 8-member committee under Chief
Secretary Rahul Bhatnagar to implement farm loan waiver decision. The committee would
formalise the loan waiver with the banks by April 21, 2017. It will also try to nd ways for
making payment to the banks by May 15, so that farmers will be in a position to avail of crop
loans in 2017. There are 700,000 farmers in the state whose combined Rs 5,630-crore debt
has been declared non-performing by the banks; they cannot get new loans.
46. The famous Berhampur Thakurani Yatra festival has started in which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Answer: B [Odisha]
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Explanation:
The famous Berhampur Thakurani Yatra festival has started with great pomp and gaiety in
Berhampur, Odisha. It is one of the biggest festivals of southern Odisha. The month-long
festival of the deity Goddess Budhi Thakurani will be held for 29 days till May 1,2017. As
per tradition, the Goddess will stay in a temporary abode near her parental house in
Desibehera street. The idol of the Goddess would be taken out in a procession to dierent
streets to facilitate residents worship her at their own doorsteps. The biannual extravaganza
is the festival of the weaving community, known as Devangiris, and organised by P Durga
Prasad Desibehera, whose family has been conducting the festival for generations.
47. Who has been appointed the new chairman of the National Association of Software and Services
Companies (NASSCOM) for 2017-18?
[A] B V R Mohan Reddy
[B] Rishad Premji
[C] Raman Roy
[D] R Chandrashekhar
Answer: C [Raman Roy]
Explanation:
Raman Roy, the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Quatrro, has been appointed as
the new chairman of the National Association of Software and Services Companies
(NASSCOM) for 2017-18. Roy is considered one of the poster boys of the Indian business
process outsourcing industry, has been a member of Nasscoms executive council and was
the vice-chairman for 2016-17. He succeeded CP Gurnani, who is the MD & CEO of Tech
Mahindra. Apart from him, Rishad Premji has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of
NASSCOM for 2017-18. Premji is the Chief Strategy Ocer (CSO) and Member of the Board in
Wipro Ltd.
48. Ikutaro Kakehashi, the Roland founder and digital music pioneer has passed away. He hailed
from which country?
[A] North Korea
[B] China
[C] South Korea
[D] Japan
Answer: D [Japan]
Explanation:
Ikutaro Kakehashi (87), the Roland founder and digital music pioneer, has passed away on
April 1, 2017 in Japan. The Japanese engineer was best known for founding Roland
Corporation in 1972 as well as his roles in the development of Roland drum machines and
the MIDI standard. He invented a series of drum machines and synthesisers such as the
TR-808, TR-909 and TB-303 that have been used by some of musics biggest names since
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the mid-1970s, from Prince to Kanye West, New Order to Dr Dre.
49. Which country will become the worlds first country to neutralise gender pay gap?
[A] Sweden
[B] Iceland
[C] Finland
[D] Norway
Answer: B [Iceland]
Explanation:
Recently, Icelands parliament has presented a bill that would require public and private
businesses to prove they oer equal pay to employees. The bill entails that companies and
institutions of a certain size, 25 or more employees, undertake a certication of their equal-
pay programmes. If the bill passed then Iceland will become the worlds rst country to
neutralize gender pay gap. According to World Economic Forum (WEF)s 2015 Global Gender
Gap Index (GGGI), Iceland ranks rst, followed by fellow Nordic nations Norway, Finland and
Sweden.
50. The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary (DWLS) is located in which state?

[A] Tripura
[B] Mizoram
[C] Assam
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: D [Arunachal Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary (DWLS) is located in the Upper Dibang Valley district of
Arunachal Pradesh covering an area of 4,149 km2. The sanctuary is rich in wildlife. Rare
mammals such as Mishmi takin, red goral, musk deer , red panda, Asiatic black bear,
occasional tiger and Gongshan muntjac occur while among birds there are the rare Sclaters
monal and Blyths tragopan. A ying squirrel, new to science has been recently discovered
from the edge of this sanctuary. It has been named the Mishmi Hills giant ying squirrel
(Petaurista mishmiensis).
51. What is the current reverse repo rate, as per first bi-monthly monetary policy review for 2017-18
of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
[A] 6.0%
[B] 6.25%
[C] 6.5%
[D] 5.75%
Answer: A [6.0%]
Explanation:
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As per rst bi-monthly monetary policy review for 2017-18 of the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI), the repo rate the main policy rate at which banks borrow from RBI remain
unchanged at 6.25%. While, RBI raised the Reverse Repo (RR) rate by 25 bps to 6% and cut
the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the bank rate by 25 bps to 6.50%. The central
bank also allowed banks to invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure
Investment Trusts (InvITs) in a bid to spur investments in core infrastructure sectors. The
Reverse Repo (RR) rate is the rate at which banks lend funds to the RBI.
52. Which state government will start a one-year diploma course on Hindu Purohityam?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Rajasthan
Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Madhya Pradesh government- run Maharshi Patanjali Sanskrit Sansthan will start a one-
year diploma course on Hindu priesthood Purohityam from July 2017. This course would be
open for all irrespective of caste, gender or religion. The basic qualication needed is class
X. Thus, there will be no specications on caste as both Scheduled Caste and Brahmins can
apply for the course. The candidates will be taught basics of priesthood, rituals, mantras in
accordance with the Hindu tradition.
53. Which digital campaign has launched for 2017 International Day of Sports for Development and
Peace (IDSDP)?
[A] #PlayForPeace
[B] #PlayForSustainableDevelopmentGoals
[C] #WePlayTogether
[D] #EndViolence
Answer: C [#WePlayTogether]
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN)s International Day of Sports for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is
observed every year on April 6 to recognize the power of sport in promoting peace and its
ability to inspire. This year (2017), the United Nations Oce on Sport for Development and
Peace (UNOSDP) launched the digital campaign #WePlayTogether to encourage
organizations and individuals who support or carry out sport for development and peace
activities to partake in the commemoration of the IDSDP.
54. India and the United Kingdom (UK) will set up how much amount of Green Growth Equity
Fund (GGEF) to finance clean energy projects?
[A] 255 million
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[B] 340 million

[C] 555 million
[D] 240 million
Answer: D [240 million]
Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) and the United Kingdom (UK) have decided to set up a fund
worth 240 million to nance clean energy projects in India. This will be known as the Green
Growth Equity Fund (GGEF), which will be sub-fund of National Investment and Infrastructure
Fund (NIIF). The purpose of joint UK-India fund is to leverage private sector investment from
the City of London to nance Indias infrastructure projects and is likely to raise around 500
million initially. It will focus initial investments in Indias rapidly growing energy and
renewable market. The NIIF was formed in 2015 to nance greeneld as well as browneld
projects.
55. What is the Indias rank in the worlds largest tourism economy in terms of GDP, according to
the latest report of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)?
[A] 9th
[B] 7th
[C] 4th
[D] 11th
Answer: B [7th]
Explanation:
Indias Travel & Tourism sector has been ranked 7th in the world in terms of its total
contribution to the countrys GDP, according to the latest report of the World Travel and
Tourism Council (WTTC). According to data, the travel and tourism sector generated Rs 14.1
trillion in 2016, which is worlds 7th largest in terms of absolute size. Additionally, the sector
created 40.3 million jobs in 2016, which ranks India 2nd in the world in terms of total
employment generated. The sector accounts for 9.3% of the countrys total jobs.
56. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved how much amount of loan to Power Grid
Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL)?
[A] $175 million
[B] $160 million
[C] $188 million
[D] $196 million
Answer: A [$175 million]
Explanation:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $175 million loan to Power Grid
Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL) to expand its solar energy transmission network in the
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country. The project funding will improve the capacity and eciency of interstate
transmission networks, particularly in transmitting the electricity generated from new solar
parks to the national grid.
57. What is the theme of the 2017 World Health Day (WHD)?
[A] Move for health
[B] Food safety
[C] Depression: Let\s Talk
[D] Working together for health
Answer: C [Depression: Let\s Talk]
Explanation:
The World Health Day (WHD) is observed every year on April 7 to mark the anniversary of
the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO). The day provides with a unique
opportunity to mobilize action around a specic health topic of concern to people all over the
world. This year (in 2017), the WHO is leading a one-year global campaign on depression
with theme Depression: Lets Talk, which is the leading cause of ill health and disability
worldwide. Depression is the leading cause of ill health and death among 15-29-year olds.
More than 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18
per cent between 2005 and 2015. It aects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all
countries.
58. The 2017 National Tuberculosis (TB) summit has started in which city?
[A] Chennai
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Guwahati
[D] Dharamshala
Answer: D [Dharamshala]
Explanation:
The National Tuberculosis (TB) summit has started in Kangra district of Dharamshala,
Himachal Pradesh on April 7, 2017. The slogan of the summit on TB frees India is India
versus TB, TB harega, Desh Jeetega. The two-day event will provide a platform for
tuberculosis (TB) experts, scientists, patients, doctors and government representatives to
discuss strategies for implementing a TB control strategy that engages all stakeholders. It
will raise awareness and increase momentum to the ght against TB.
59. Which movie has won the Best Film award in the 64th National Awards-2017?
[A] Rustom
[B] Ventilator
[C] Kasaav
[D] Neerja
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Answer: C [Kasaav]
Explanation:
Marathi lm Kasaav has won the Best Film award at the 64th National Awards, which were
announced at the National Media Centre (NMC) in New Delhi on April 7, 2017. Rajesh
Mapuskar has been named as the Best Director for his Marathi lm Ventilator. Akshay
Kumar won his rst National Film Award for his role in Rustom, a courtroom drama inspired
by the 1959 Nanavati case was adjudged the best actor for Rustom while Surabhi Lakshmi
won the best actress award for Minnaminungu. Amitabh Bachchan-starrer lm Pink has
been named the best lm in the category on social issues. The Best Hindi Feature Film award
went to Neerja, directed by Ram Madhvani.
60. India has signed defence deal with which country for advanced Medium-Range Surface-to-Air
Missile (MRSAM) systems?
[A] Japan
[B] South Korea
[C] Israel
[D] Russia
Answer: C [Israel ]
Explanation:
India and Israel have signed mega defence deals worth over $2 billion for advanced Surface-
to-Air Missile (SAM) systems, which are designed to destroy hostile aircraft, missiles and
drones at a range of 70-km. As part of the deal, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will provide
Barak-8 advanced Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) systems to the the Indian
Army.These Barak-8 systems, with their Multi-Function Surveillance and Threat Alert Radars
(MF-STARs) as well as weapon control systems with data links, can detect and track hostile
aerial threats at a range of 100-km and destroy them at 70-km. Consequently, they will help
in plugging the existing holes in Indias air defence coverage.
61. What is the Indias rank in the 2017 WEFs Global Travel and Tourism Competitive Index
(GTTCI)?
[A] 40th
[B] 52nd
[C] 33rd
[D] 67th
Answer: A [40th]
Explanation:
India has been ranked 40th out of 136 countries in the 2017 World Economic Forums (WEF)
Global Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (GTTCI), as per WEFs Travel and Tourism
Competitiveness Report 2017. In the global ranking, Spain has topped the list, followed by
France, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom. The report ranks countries across 14
223
dimensions, revealing how well countries could deliver sustainable economic and societal
benets through their travel and tourism sector. Apart from the ranking, the report also
showed how the industry is a force for good in an otherwise largely stagnant global
economy. The global travel and tourism sector accounts for 10% of global GDP, growing
faster than other sectors and providing one in 10 jobs.
62. Shyam Kumar is associated with which sports?

[A] Chess
[B] Boxing
[C] Sprint
[D] Wrestling
Answer: B [Boxing]
Explanation:
Indian boxer K Shyam Kumar has won a gold medal in the 49- kilogram category at the
Thailand International Tournament in Bangkok on April 8, 2017. He clinched the medal
without even stepping inside the ring for his summit clash, as Olympic champion Hasanboy
Dusmatov of Uzbekistan was unable to play the nal match due to his injury.
63. Who has been posthumously conferred the Kirti Chakra award for year 2016?
[A] Mohan Nath Goswami
[B] Rajendra Ramraoji Nimbhorkar
[C] Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar
[D] Iqroop Singh Ghuman
Answer: C [Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar]
Explanation:
Lance Havildar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar of the Gorkha Ries has been posthumously
conferred the 2016 Kirti Chakra award by President Pranab Mukherjee at the defence
investiture ceremony in New Delhi. The late Lance Havildar eliminated four terrorists during
an operation in Jammu and Kashmir on June 16, 2016. The honourable President Mukherjee
has also presented 13 Shaurya Chakras, of which four were posthumous, and 45
Distinguished Service medals. These include 15 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, two Uttam
Yudh Seva Medals and 28 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals. The Kirti Chakra is the second highest
peacetime gallantry award i.e. awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrice away
from the eld of battle.
64. Which state government has imposed a 10% cow cess as surcharge on stamp duty for protection
and propagation of cows?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Punjab
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[D] Rajasthan
Answer: D [Rajasthan ]
Explanation:
The Rajasthan government has imposed a 10% cow cess as surcharge on stamp duty for
protection and propagation of cows. The surcharge will be applicable on non-judicial
instruments. The cess will have a bearing on costs of making documents like property sale or
lease deeds, rent agreements and mortgage. Though, judicial stamps, revenue ticket and
insurance ticket have been excluded from this order. Rajasthan is the only state in India
which has a dedicated Cow Ministry. At present, the Rajasthan Cow Ministry is allocated 11%
share of the entire land registrations revenue.
65. The Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) is located in which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Assam
[D] Sikkim
Answer: A [Uttar Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) is the Indias premier advanced research
facility in the eld of veterinary medicine and allied branches. It is in news because
Scientists at the IVRI is in process of setting up a Deoxyribo- Nucleic Acid (DNA) bank for wild
animals, the rst of its kind in North India, which is expected to start at the end of 2017. So
far, they have collected samples of 140 species. Through the DNA bank, scientists at IVRIs
Centre for Wildlife will be able to tell the name and schedule of the species if they get only a
part of the meat, hair, blood, skin or bone of any animal. Besides, the centre is also
collecting serum of animals. The move will help clamp down on wildlife poaching and
smuggling and also aid in research on wildlife species. At present, a DNA bank exists in
Hyderabad. The headquarters of IVRI is located at Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh.
66. The Union Government has launched CPS programme to deal with autonomous unmanned
vehicles. What does CPS stands for?
[A] Cyber Physical Science
[B] Cyber Physical Systems
[C] Cyber Physical Security
[D] Cyber Physical Securitization
Answer: B [Cyber Physical Systems]
Explanation:
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched Cyber Physical Systems
(CPS) programme to deal with self-driven cars, autonomous unmanned vehicles and aircraft
navigation systems. The CPS is an interdisciplinary eld that deals with the deployment of
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computer-based systems that do things in the physical world. For instance, the self-driven
cars produced by Google and Tesla.
67. Which country will become the worlds first country to allow legalized production, sale and
consumption of marijuana?
[A] Norway
[B] Portugal
[C] Uruguay
[D] China
Answer: C [Uruguay ]
Explanation:
Uruguay will become the rst country in the world to fully allow the production, sale and
consumption of marijuana when its pharmacies will be allowed to sell marijuana in July 2017.
It adopted a revolutionary law that fully legalized production, sale and consumption of
marijuana. Under the law, buyers must sign up for a national registry of marijuana users to
ensure they have fullled licensing procedures and do not exceed the monthly maximum
purchase of 40 grams (1.4 ounces). Under the law, users also have the option to grow their
own pot at home, or join cannabis clubs that grow it in cooperatives.
68. Which state government has launched Deendayal Rasoi Yojana to provide food at subsidized
rate to poor?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Haryana
Answer: C [Madhya Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Madhya Pradesh government has recently launched the Deendayal Rasoi Yojana (DRY),
under which subsidized meals will be available at Rs 5 per plate to people, especially the
economically disadvantaged sections of society. Under the yojana, anyone can have a
wholesome meal at Rs 5 which includes four chapatis, one vegetable curry and Dal every
day between 11 am to 3 pm. The arrangement would cater to at least 2000 persons every
day. The wheat and rice would be made available at these canteens at Rs one each through
fair price shops. Local municipal bodies will make the water and electricity available free-of-
cost. The funds for setting up these centres would be made available under Chief Ministers
Urban Infrastructure Scheme.
69. Which movie has won the Best Childrens Film in the 64th National Awards-2017?
[A] Jaldeep
[B] As You Like It
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[C] Dhanak
[D] Abhayam
Answer: C [Dhanak ]
Explanation:
Hindi lm Dhanak has won the Best Childrens Film award at the 64th National Awards. The
award carries a Golden Lotus Award (Swarna Kamal), a certicate and cash prize of Rs. 1.5
Lakh. The awards ceremony will be held on 3 May 2017. The movie is written and directed
by Nagesh Kukunoor.
70. Which city is hosting the 2017 National Childrens Film Festival (NCFF)?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] Visakhapatnam
[C] Jaipur
[D] Bhopal
Answer: B [Visakhapatnam]
Explanation:
The National Childrens Film Festival (NCFF) has inaugurated by the Union Information and
Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu at Vuda Theater in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
on 7 April, 2017. The 3-day fest is organized by the Childrens Film Society, India (CFSI). It is
the largest lm festival for children in India giving the audience quality and wholesome
entertainment. The purpose of the lm festival is to expose children to quality cinema and to
introduce novel elements beyond lms.
71. An exhibition titled Swachhagraha Bapu Ko Karyanjali has inaugurated in which city to mark
100 years of the historic Champaran Satyagraha?
[A] Kanpur
[B] Porbandar
[C] Lucknow
[D] New Delhi
Answer: D [New Delhi]
Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated an exhibition titled Swachhagraha Bapu Ko
Karyanjali in New Delhi on April 10, 2017 to mark centenary of the historic Champaran
Satyagraha Mahatma Gandhis rst Satyagraha in India. The exhibition will showcase
Champaran Satyagraha and it will connect essential principles of Satyagraha with
Swachhagraha. The exhibition will also showcase the ground covered by the Swachh Bharat
Mission in creating a mass movement towards a clean India.
72. Indias first NBA Basketball School has started in which city?
[A] Jaipur
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[B] Pune
[C] Mumbai
[D] Rajkot
Answer: C [Mumbai]
Explanation:
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has launched Indias rst NBA Basketball School
launched in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The school is a part of a multi-year agreement with India
On Track (IOT), which is open to male and female players between ages 6-18. The NBA
Basketball School builds an additional track between the Jr. NBA and NBA Academies with
the goal of increasing the pool of players who have the talent to attend our academies
around the world.
73. Who will become the United Nations (UN)s youngest-ever Messenger of Peace?
[A] Malala Yousafzai
[B] Midori
[C] Haya Bint Al Hussein
[D] Charlize Theron
Answer: A [Malala Yousafzai]
Explanation:
Malala Yousafzai (19), the youngestever Nobel Peace Prize laureate, will become the
United Nations (UN)s youngest-ever Messenger of Peace to promote girls education around
the world as part of her new role. She is honoured by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
during a ceremony at the U.N. headquarters in New York on April 10, 2017. Yousafzai is a
Pakistani education activist, who came to prominence when a Taliban gunman shot her in
the head on her school bus in 2012 as punishment for campaigning for girls to go to school
which deed the militant Islamic groups ban on female education.
74. The Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in which state?

[A] Mizoram
[B] Manipur
[C] Tripura
[D] Assam
Answer: B [Manipur]
Explanation:
The Keibul Lamjao National Park is the only oating park in the world, located in the
Bishnupur district of Manipur. It is an integral part of Loktak Lake, which is famous for the
phumdis oating over it. The park is home to brow-antlered deer Sangai that has been
included in the Centre-sponsored endangered species recovery programme. Apart from the
brow-antlered deer, the other mammals reported are the hog deer, wild boar, , large Indian
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civet, common otter, jungle cat, golden cat, bay bamboo rat, musk shrew, etc.
75. Which Indian-origin educationist has won the Asian Businesswoman of Year award?
[A] Asha Khemka
[B] Sangeeta Gupta
[C] Shaeli Solanki
[D] Lakshmi Devi
Answer: A [Asha Khemka]
Explanation:
Dame Asha Khemka, an Indian-origin educationist in the UK, has won the Asian
Businesswoman of the Year award for her eorts in the eld of education and skills at the
Asian Business Awards ceremony in Birmingham in April 2017. She is the Principal and CEO
of West Nottinghamshire College in England. Khemka was appointed a Dame Commander of
the Order of the British Empire in 2014 in recognition of her services to the deprived areas of
the West Midlands as principal of West Nottinghamshire College.
76. The International Convention on World Homoeopathy Day (WHD) has started in which city?
[A] Agartala
[B] Chennai
[C] New Delhi
[D] Pune
Answer: C [New Delhi]
Explanation:
The International Convention on World Homoeopathy Day has started on April 9, 2017 with
the theme Enhancing Quality of Research in Homoeopathy through scientic evidence and
rich clinical experiences at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra (PBK) in New Delhi. The 2-day event is
being organized to commemorate the 262nd birth anniversary of the founder of
Homeopathy, Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, who was a
great scholar, linguist and acclaimed scientist. The convention is organized by Central
Council for Research in Homeopathy and Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India (GoI).
77. The G-7 Foreign Ministers meeting has started in which country?
[A] France
[B] Italy
[C] Canada
[D] Japan
Answer: B [Italy]
Explanation:
The G-7 Foreign Ministers meeting has started in Luca, Italy from April 10, 2017. The civil
war in Syria is likely to dominate talks in the two day summit, with Italy hoping for a nal
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communique that will reinforce United Nations eorts to end six years of conict. The ght
against terrorism is also expected to be high on the agenda. The meeting comes as the
United States moves a Navy strike group near the Korean peninsula amid concerns over
North Koreas nuclear ambitions, and as the Wests relations with Russia struggle to
overcome years of mistrust. The Group of 7 (G7) consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy,
Japan, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (USA).
78. The first NIMCARE World Health Day Summit 2017 has started in which city?
[A] Coimbatore
[B] Tiruchirappalli
[C] Kochi
[D] New Delhi
Answer: D [New Delhi]
Explanation:
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the rst NIMCARE World Health Day
Summit 2017 on April 7, 2017 in New Delhi. The slogan of the summit is Unite for a Healthy
Mind. The NIMCARE is a registered Charitable Trust under the Government of Tamil Nadu.
The purpose of the non-protable trust is to make a change in the lives of the
underprivileged people by providing them with the highest quality healthcare to every
member of the society, educate healthcare professionals in the best available techniques in
the world of healthcare and combat the various aictions ailing the people of the society
with the help of cutting edge research.
79. Indias first-ever micro drama festival Thespis has started in which city?
[A] Udaipur
[B] New Delhi
[C] Pune
[D] Agra
Answer: B [New Delhi]
Explanation:
Indias rst-ever micro-drama festival Thespis has started at the Indira Gandhi National
Centre for the Arts in New Delhi on April 9, 2017. The micro drama festival has presented the
series of 25 micro drama tales composed with the duration of 10 minutes and is named after
Thespis of Icaria, who lived in 6th century BC and was the rst actor to perform solo. The
plays are conceptualised in 10 dierent languages, including Kashmiri, Rajasthani, Urdu,
Punjabi, Oriya, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and English. It is organized by Delhi based registered
theatre group Vriksh.
80. The 12th ion of Indo Mongolian Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant has started in
which Indian state?
[A] Mizoram
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[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Answer: A [Mizoram ]
Explanation:
The 12th ion of Indo Mongolian Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant has started at
Vairengte in Mizoram from April 5, 2017 and will continue till April 18, 2017. Mongolian Army
is represented by nine ocers and 36 soldiers of the elite 084 Special Forces Task Battalion
while Indian Army is represented by a contingent comprising of three ocers, four JCOs and
39 soldiers of the Jammu & Kashmir Ries. The purpose of the military exercise is to train the
troops in Counter Insurgency & Counter Terrorism Operations under the United Nations
mandate. The joint training will also lay emphasis on conducting operations by a joint
subunit, comprising of troops from both the armies, in adverse operational conditions aimed
at enhancing the interoperability between the two armies.
81. Which city police has launched Pink Hoyslas police petrol vehicles for women safety?
[A] Bengaluru
[B] Chennai
[C] Kochi
[D] Guwahati
Answer: A [Bengaluru ]
Explanation:
Bengaluru city police has launched Pink Hoyslas police patrol vehicles for women safety.
Pink Hoysalas will be stationed at 51 hot spots that have been identied on the basis of the
crime pattern in various city areas, especially those related to safety of women and children.
The vehicles will also patrol during the night to extend a moral support for women of
Bengaluru. Apart from this, an emergency panic alarm app Suraksha has also launched for
women to send emergency alerts directly to the city police control room in case of threat.
The Suraksha app is available from Android and iOS platforms.
82. Who has won the 2017 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix tournament?
[A] Nico Rosberg
[B] Lewis Hamilton
[C] Fernando Alonso
[D] Sebastian Vettel
Answer: B [Lewis Hamilton]
Explanation:
Lewis Hamilton, a British Formula One racing driver from England, has won the 2017
Formula One Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China.
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83. Which company has been named the official Innovation Partner for the 2017 ICC Champions
Trophy 2017?
[A] Reliance
[B] IBM
[C] Google
[D] Intel
Answer: D [Intel]
Explanation:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Intel as its ocial Innovation Partner for
the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2017. The ICC has collaborated with Intel to transform
the cricket experience for fans and help coaches and players improve performance. The
2017 season will be the 8th ion of the Champions Trophy, which will begin on June 1 and end
on June 18. 8 teams will participate and a total of 15 matches will be played. The opening
game will be played between England and Bangladesh, while the India Pakistan rivalry will
be played on June 4 at Birmingham.
84. Which state government to launch cheap food canteen Annapurna Bhojnalayas?
[A] Haryana
[B] Manipur
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Assam
Answer: C [Uttar Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Uttar Pradesh will launch cheap food canteen Annapurna Bhojnalayas across all 14
municipal corporations in the state. Under the scheme, breakfast will be provided at Rs 3,
while lunch and dinner will cost Rs 5 only. As per scheme, breakfast will consist of porridge,
poha and idli-sambhar along with tea and snacks while for lunch and dinner, dal and rice,
seasonal vegetables and chapatis will be served.
85. Which Indian-origin personality has become first non-white judge at the Old Bailey Court of
London?
[A] Kirti Solanki
[B] James Miskin
[C] Tayeb Salih
[D] Anuja Ravindra Dhir
Answer: D [Anuja Ravindra Dhir]
Explanation:
Anuja Ravindra Dhir, an Indian-origin woman, has become the rst non-white judge to sit at
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the Old Bailey Court of London. She is also the youngest circuit judge to sit at the court. The
Old Bailey Court of London is the central criminal court of England and Wales. It houses 15
judges including 10 men and 5 women.
86. Who is the author of the book Gandhi in Champaran?

[A] DG Tendulkar
[B] Anand Gandhi
[C] S Ganesan
[D] Mahadev Desai
Answer: A [DG Tendulkar]
Explanation:
The Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, M Venkaiah Naidu has recently released a
book titled Gandhi in Champaran authored by noted author Dinanath Gopal Tendulkar at
National Mahatma Gandhi Museum in New Delhi. Naidu also released a book containing a
collection of letters and articles of the correspondence between Nobel laureate Romain
Rolland and Mahatma Gandhi as well as DG Tendulkars 8 volume biography of Mahatama
Gandhi.
87. Which portal has been launched by the Survey of India (SoI) that offers free download of Indian
Maps?
[A] Digital Map Portal
[B] SoI Portal
[C] Nakshe Portal
[D] OSM Portal
Answer: C [Nakshe Portal]
Explanation:
Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister of Science and Technology, has recently launched the
Nakshe Portal in New Delhi to mark the 250th anniversary of the Survey of India (SoI). These
topographic maps or Open Series Maps (OSM) have been made available for free download
from nakshe web portal in PDF format on 1:50,000 scale through Aadhaar enabled user
authentication process, in line with Digital India programme of the Government of India
(GoI).
88. Who has won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize in fiction?

[A] Hisham Matar
[B] Colson Whitehead
[C] Matthew Desmond
[D] Lynn Nottage
Answer: B [Colson Whitehead]
Explanation:
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Colson Whitehead from United States has won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize in ction for his novel
The Underground Railroad. The novel had received the 2016 National Book Award of the
US. This is for the rst time in more than 20 years that the same work won the Pulitzer and
National Book Award for ction. The novel depicts the journey of a young woman that
escaped from slavery via a fantastical train system.
89. Which country has executed most people in 2016, as per Amnesty International Global Report
Death Sentences & Executions 2016?
[A] Pakistan
[B] Iran
[C] China
[D] Saudi Arabia
Answer: C [China]
Explanation:
As per Amnesty International Global Report Death Sentences & Executions 2016, China has
executed most people in 2016, despite the number of executions worldwide dropped by
37%. The report stated that it is dicult to get a clear number as Beijing classies most
information related to the death penalty as state secrets. The agency said it believes that
China executed thousands each year. Excluding China, states around the world executed
1,032 people in 2016, according to Amnestys records. Iran has acquired 2nd position
followed by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Pakistan and Egypt. The report further stated that 104
countries were recorded to have abolished the death penalty in law or practice. Amnesty
collects its statistics using ocial gures, media reports and information passed on from
individuals sentenced to death and their families and representatives.
90. The first-ever G20 Digital Ministerial Meeting on Digital Economy was held in which country?
[A] Japan
[B] India
[C] Russia
[D] Germany
Answer: D [Germany ]
Explanation:
The rst-ever G20 Digital Ministerial Meeting on Digital Economy was held in Dusseldorf,
Germany on April 6-7, 2017 with theme Digitisation: Policies for a Digital Future. The
conference established a general agreement on how to maximize the benets of
digitalisation and highlighted the importance of Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) as the backbone of todays digital economy.
91. Which countrys team has won the 5th ion of Asian School Hockey Championship-2017?
[A] India
[B] China
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[C] Iran
[D] Malaysia
Answer: A [India]
Explanation:
The Indian School team has won the 5th ion of Asian School Hockey Championship after
defeating Malaysia by 5-1 at the Aishbagh Stadium in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. For India,
Alishan Mohammad scored two goals and Pratap Lakra successfully converted a penalty
corner and a penalty stroke in the goal. Maninder Singh scored the fth goal. Malaysia
managed to score its single goal through Akhimullah Anuar Esook.
92. Kristin Davis has been appointed the new UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. She hails from which
country?
[A] Belgium
[B] Australia
[C] United States
[D] Norway
Answer: C [United States]
Explanation:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has appointed an
internationally acclaimed actress and philanthropist Kristin Davis as its new Goodwill
Ambassador. Davis from United States championed UNHCRs work through media interviews
and via her social media channels. She has also supported key UNHCR advocacy and
fundraising events and campaigns including traveling to Australia in 2016 to help raise
funds for women victims of sexual violence in DR Congo. The headquarters of UNHCR is
located in Geneva, Switzerland.
93. Akhilesh Das Gupta, the former Union Minister has passed away. He was associated with which
political party?
[A] Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
[B] Indian National Congress (INC)
[C] All India Trinamool Congress (AITC)
[D] Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)
Answer: B [Indian National Congress (INC)]
Explanation:
Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta (56), the former Union Minister of State for Steel under Dr. Manmohan
Singh Government during UPA-I, has recently passed away in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He
was a Prominent Educationist, Professor, and Indian Politician & Philanthropist. Dr. Gupta
was the President of Badminton Association of India (BAI), Vice President of Badminton Asia
Confederation (BAC), Member Executive Council of Badminton World Federation (BWF) &
235
Vice President of Indian Olympic Association (IOA). He was also the member of the Rajya
Sabha for three terms from 1996 to 2014. Dr. Gupta was the son of Freedom Fighter Late
Shri Babu Banarasi Das, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
94. The Union government will launch SAMPADA Scheme for which sector?
[A] Mining
[B] Education
[C] Food processing
[D] Tourism
Answer: C [Food processing]
Explanation:
The Union government will launch an umbrella programme SAMPADA for food processing
sector with Rs. 6,000 crore outlay to integrate current and new schemes. The purpose of the
new programme is to reduce food wastage and to double farmers income. This programme
will help create infrastructure for linkage of entire supply chain. The acronym SAMPADA
stands for Scheme for Agro-Marine Produce Processing and Development of Agro-
Processing Clusters.
95. Who is the newly appointed chairman of Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal
(TDSAT)?
[A] Shiva Kirti Singh
[B] Bipin Bihari Srivastava
[C] S B Sinha
[D] D P Wadhwa
Answer: A [Shiva Kirti Singh]
Explanation:
Shiva Kirti Singh, the retired Supreme Court judge, has been appointed the new chairman of
the Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT). The top slot in the telecom
tribunal had been vacant for nearly a year since Justice Aftab Alam retired in June 2016. The
purpose of the TDAST is to adjudicate disputes and dispose of appeals with a view to protect
the interests of service providers and consumers of the telecom sector and to promote and
ensure orderly growth of the telecom sector As per norms, the head of the dispute resolution
agency for the telecom industry must be a person, who has been a Supreme Court judge, or
the chief justice of a high court.
96. Who has become the first Naga cop to receive Shaurya Chakra award since Nagaland attained
statehood?
[A] Neiphiu Rio
[B] Atu Zumvu
[C] Joseph Hesso
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[D] L L Doungel
Answer: B [Atu Zumvu]
Explanation:
Atu Zumvu, a Sub-Divisional Police Ocer with the Nagaland Police, has become the rst
Naga cop to confer with the prestigious Shaurya Chakra award at a ceremony held at the
Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 6, 2017 since Nagaland attained statehood. Zumvu won the
prestigious award because he shot down three National Democratic Front of Bodoland
(NDFB) outt members, who were responsible for killing 81 people. Nagaland attained
statehood in 1963 and since then this is the rst time a police ocer from the state has
been honored with this award.
97. Which committee has been constituted by the Union government to monitor the regional air
connectivity scheme UDAN?
[A] V L Mathew committee
[B] Nivya Murthy committee
[C] R N Choubey committee
[D] Deepak Sajwan committee
Answer: C [R N Choubey committee ]
Explanation:
The Union government has recently constituted an inter-ministerial committee to monitor
the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) which seeks to make
ying aordable by connecting un-served and under-served airports. Besides, the panel
would be responsible for coordination among stakeholders, including state governments, for
time bound implementation of the scheme. The committee will be chaired by Rajiv Nayan
Choubey, the Civil Aviation Secretary. The committee will also be responsible for overall
monitoring of the schemes of promotion of regional connectivity by way of revival of
unserved and under-served airports.
98. Who is the author of the book Matoshree?

[A] Sumitra Mahajan
[B] Narendra Modi
[C] Venkaiah Naidu
[D] Sushma Swaraj
Answer: A [Sumitra Mahajan]
Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently released a book Matoshree, authored by Lok
Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in New Delhi on April 11, 2017. The book Matoshree
covers the life and times of legendary Devi Ahilyabai Holker who ruled the Holkar Empire
spread over the Malwa region from 1767 to 1795. Ahilyabai Holkar was a very able ruler and
organizer, highly respected during her lifetime and considered as a saint by people after her
237
death. She is remembered and worshipped by people for her exemplary governance, sense
of justice and fairness.
99. Which city has ranked the top-paying city for professionals in India, according to the 2017 Salary
Trends Study by Randstad?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Mumbai
[C] Hyderabad
[D] Bengaluru
Answer: D [Bengaluru ]
Explanation:
Bengaluru has been ranked the top-paying city for professionals in India with an average
yearly salary of Rs.14.6 lakh, according to the 2017 Salary Trends Study by Randstad.
Mumbai ranks second with Rs14.2 lakh followed by Hyderabad and NCR with an average
annual CTC gure of Rs 13.6 lakhs and Rs 13.5 lakhs respectively. Chennai (Rs 13.4 lakh),
Pune (Rs 13.2 lakh) and Kolkata (Rs 11.4 lakh) were the other top payers in the list. The
Randstad Salary Trends Study 2017 is an analysis of 1,00,000 jobs across 20 industry
verticals and 15 core functions. The survey identies roles that are experiencing strong
demand in the job market across industries and pay relatively higher remunerations for
talent in the six to 10 years experience bracket when compared to other professionals in the
same salary range. Core Java professionals top the list of these Hot Jobs with an average
annual CTC of Rs18.06 lakh, followed by digital marketing professionals with Rs17.09 lakh
and testing automation engineers with Rs14.67 lakh.
100. Who has been appointed as the new Ambassador of India to the Federal Republic of Germany?
[A] Gautam Jain
[B] Mukta Dutta Tomar
[C] Gurjit Singh
[D] Yash Singhal
Answer: B [Mukta Dutta Tomar]
Explanation:
Mukta Dutta Tomar, a 1984-batch IFS ocer, has been appointed as the new Ambassador of
India to the Federal Republic of Germany. She will succeed Gurjit Singh. Presently, she is the
additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Aairs (MEA).
101. Which countrys honorary citizenship has been received by Nobel Peace laureate Malala
Yousafzai?
[A] Norway
[B] Canada
[C] Switzerland
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[D] South Africa

Answer: B [Canada]
Explanation:
Nobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai has become only the 6th person to receive honorary
Canadian citizenship for advocating girls education. The Pakistani activist was welcomed to
the seat of Canadas democracy by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. At age 19, Yousafzai is the
youngest person to speak to Canadian members of parliament and senators in a joint
session. She is also the youngest to receive honorary Canadian citizenship a privilege
previously granted to ve others including Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama and Myanmars
Aung San Suu Kyi.
102. Who has been named as the new administrator of the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP)?
[A] Kemal Dervis
[B] Helen Clark
[C] Segolene Royal
[D] Achim Steiner
Answer: D [Achim Steiner]
Explanation:
Achim Steiner from Germany, an expert in environmental issues and politics, has been
named as the new administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He
will succeed Helen Elizabeth Clark, a former New Zealand Prime Minister. Previously, he
served at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and headed the UN oce in
Kenya. The UNDP focuses on poverty reduction, HIV/AIDS, democratic governance, energy
and environment, social development, and crisis prevention and recovery. The headquarters
of UNDP is located in New York City, United States.
103. The International Day of Human Space Flight is observed on which date?
[A] April 12
[B] April 10
[C] April 13
[D] April 14
Answer: A [April 12]
Explanation:
The International Day of Human Space Flight is celebrated every year on April 12 to mark
the beginning of the space era for mankind, rearming the important contribution of space
science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals and increasing the well-
being of States and peoples, as well as ensuring the realization of their aspiration to
maintain outer space for peaceful purposes. On 12th April 1961 the rst human space ight
was carried out by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet citizen. This historic event opened the way for
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space exploration for the benet of all humanity.
104. Which bollywood personality has been honoured with the Living Legend Lifetime award by the
Punjab Association?
[A] Kamini Kaushal
[B] Amitabh Bachchan
[C] Dilip Kumar
[D] Shatrughan Sinha
Answer: C [Dilip Kumar ]
Explanation:
Bollywood thespian Dilip Kumar has been honoured with the Living Legend Lifetime award
by the Punjab Association. He is widely considered as one of the greatest actors in the
history of Hindi cinema. He holds the Guinness World Record for winning the maximum
number of awards by an Indian actor. He is known for his roles in lms such as Devdas,
Mughal-e-Azam, Saudagar, Kranti and Karma.
105. Ramesh Chandra Agrawal, who passed away recently, was the chairman of which well-known
newspaper?
[A] Punjab Kesari
[B] Amar Ujala
[C] Dainik Bhaskar
[D] Rajasthan Patrika
Answer: C [Dainik Bhaskar]
Explanation:
Ramesh Chandra Agrawal (73), chairman of the Indias leading publication house Dainik
Bhaskar Group, has recently passed away at Ahmedabad airport due to heart attack. He had
over 42 years of experience in the publishing and newspaper business and was engaged in
the running of the organization for over four decades. He also ranked 95th on the forbes list
of Indias Richest in 2012. The Dainik Bhaskar Group has a presence in 26 cities and six
states of India and has an estimated readership of over 15 million. Besides the Hindi
newspaper, the group also publishes Divya Bhaskar in Gujarati, English newspaper DNA,
Marathi newspaper Divya Marathi, along with running FM Radio My FM and DB Digital.
106. Which state government will launch a unique programme Ammaku Vandaman in schools to
pay tribute to mothers?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu
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Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh ]

Explanation:
The Andhra Pradesh government will launch a unique programme Ammaku Vandanam in
schools to pay tribute to mothers and to respect motherhood. The programme will be
implemented in high schools on the annual day of every academic year or on any other day
decided by the School Management Committee (SMC). Under the programme, the school
children will take the blessings of their mothers and may also do paada pooja (washing her
feet). The state government has allocated Rs 2.50 crore for organising the programme. Of
this, the government will release Rs. 1.25 crore, while the remaining amount has to be
pooled by the headmasters and teachers from the alumni/donors/CSR.
107. The National Safe Motherhood Day (NSMD) is observed on which date in India?
[A] April 13
[B] April 14
[C] April 12
[D] April 11
Answer: D [April 11]
Explanation:
The National Safe Motherhood Day (NSMD) is observed every year on April 11 to create
awareness on maternity care for pregnant and lactating women. The NSMD is an initiative of
White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood, India (WRAI). The focus of year 2017 is to ensure
that women must have the availability and adequate access to care during pregnancy,
childbirth and postnatal services.
108. Which committee has been constituted by the Union Government to examine the existing
framework with regard to Virtual Currencies?
[A] Dinesh Sharma committee
[B] Shaktikanta Das committee
[C] H R Khan committee
[D] B S Dharamraj committee
Answer: A [Dinesh Sharma committee ]
Explanation:
The Union Government has recently constituted an Inter-Disciplinary Committee to examine
the existing framework with regard to Virtual Currencies. The Committee will take stock of
the present status of Virtual Currencies both in India and globally. It will also examine the
existing global regulatory and legal structures governing these Currencies. The committee
will also suggest measures for dealing with such currencies including issues relating to
consumer protection and money laundering. The Committee will be chaired by Dinesh
Sharma, the Special Secretary of Economic Aairs, and will submit its report within 3
months.
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109. India has signed MoU with which neighboring country for extending Hindi language course?
[A] Nepal
[B] China
[C] Myanmar
[D] Bangladesh
Answer: B [China ]
Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) has signed an agreement with China to extend the term of
Hindi language course functioning at a leading Chinese University since 2012. The MoU was
signed by Consul General of Shanghai Consulate Prakash Gupta on behalf of Indian Council
for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) President
Cao Deming in Shanghai. Under the terms of the agreement, the MoU envisaged appointing
a Hindi language professor by ICCR in consultation with SISU to teach the language to
Chinese and international students at the University. Initially, the MoU was signed on
October 29, 2012 for a period of ve years by (then) Ambassador of India to China and
Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and SISU Executive Vice President Feng Qinghua.
110. Which state government will re-launched Adarana scheme for improving traditional
occupations?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Sikkim
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Andhra Pradesh government has re-launched Adarana scheme for improving traditional
occupations. The scheme is for the uplift and all-round development of people belonging to
the Backward Classes. The scheme will oer modern tools, technology, marketing, and
nancial support to artisans and those pursuing traditional occupations to raise their income
levels and provide employment in the rural areas. Adarana had been launched with this
objective during the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) rule.
111. The World Bank (WB) has approved how much amount of loan to help India develop its first
modern waterway?
[A] $275 million
[B] $375 million
[C] $475 million
[D] $575 million
Answer: B [$375 million]
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Explanation:
The World Bank (WB) has approved a $375 million loan to Indias rst waterway project
National Waterway (NW) 1. The waterway project is to create a water transport fairway on
a 1,360-km stretch of the Ganga River between Varanasi and Haldia. The project will help
build the infrastructure needed to develop water transportation in the area. It will nance the
construction of six multi-modal terminals, 10 RORO jetties, ship-repair facilities as well as
passenger jetties along the river. It will also help modernise the ageing Farakka lock and add
a new lock to allow for smoother passage of boats. The project will also help the Inland
Waterways Authority of India acquire a state-of-the-art River Information System as well as
navigation aids to make travel on the river safer and more reliable. The US$375 million loan
from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a 7-year grace
period and a maturity of 17 years.
112. Which port has topped the list in the first-ever ranking of the ports on Sanitation Parameters
under the Union Ministry of Shipping?
[A] Kandla Port
[B] Cochin Port
[C] Haldia Port
[D] Vizag Port
Answer: C [Haldia Port]
Explanation:
Haldia Port of West Bengal has topped the list in the rst-ever ranking of the ports on
Sanitation Parameters under the Union Ministry of Shipping. The ranking was based on the
eorts undertaken by ports to counter waste generating sources with respect to port
operation, oce area, township area and the response to incoming ships. The ranking of all
13 Indian ports was conducted by the Quality Council of India (QCI) during the Swachhta
Pakhwada observed from March 16-31, 2017.
113. India has signed sport partnership agreement with which country to increase cooperation in
sports?
[A] Canada
[B] United States
[C] Russia
[D] Australia
Answer: D [Australia ]
Explanation:
India has recently signed sport partnership agreement with Australia to increase cooperation
in sports. The India-Australia Sports Partnership would facilitate exchange of athletes,
coaches, technical ocials, sports scientists between the two countries. It will advance India-
Australia cooperation in four areas, athlete and coach training and development, sport
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science, sport governance and integrity and grassroots participation. Under the new
partnership, Victoria University and the University of Canberra would work with India to
assist in the establishment of a National Sports University (NSU) similar to the Australian
Institute of Sport.
114. Indias first industrial-articulated robot TAL Brabo has been launched by which Indian
company?
[A] Tata Motors
[B] Maruti Suzuki
[C] Mahindra & Mahindra
[D] Eicher Motors
Answer: A [Tata Motors]
Explanation:
Indias rst industrial-articulated robot TAL Brabo has been launched by TAL Manufacturing
Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Motors. It is the rst industrial robot to be fully
conceptualized, designed & made in India for Micro, Small and Medium Industries (MSME).
The indigenously built robot is available in two variants of payloads of 2 kg and 10 kg, priced
at Rs. 5 lakh and Rs.7 lakh. It can be used for tasks such as picking and placement of
materials, welding, sealant application and vision-based inspection. The robot can be
programmed to operate 24/7 and can perform complex operations cost eectively. Apart
from the MSME sector, the robot can also be used by large-scale manufacturers.
115. Dr. Mark Weinberhg, the renowned AIDS researcher has passed away. He hailed from which
country?
[A] Finland
[B] Canada
[C] Norway
[D] Australia
Answer: B [Canada]
Explanation:
Dr. Mark Wainberg (71), the renowned Canadian AIDS researcher and social activist, has
recently passed away in Bal Harbour, Florida, USA. He was a leader in the ght against AIDS
and was a major force in HIV Science. Wainberg was the founder and Director of the McGill
University AIDS Centre and the Lady Davis Institute at Montreals Jewish General Hospital at
the Montreal Jewish General Hospital and Professor of Medicine and of Microbiology at McGill
University.
116. Munshi Venu, who passed away recently, was the veteran actor of which film industry?
[A] Tamil
[B] Odia
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[C] Malayalam
[D] Telugu
Answer: C [Malayalam ]
Explanation:
Munshi Venu (63), a prominent Malayalam actor, has passed away at Chalakudy in Thrissur,
Kerala. He acted in over 75 Malayalam lms and will be remembered for his comical
characters. He was best known for his roles in Chotta Mumbai, Salt n Pepper, Kanyaka
Talkies, Oru Muthassi Gadha, Immanuel and Daddy Cool.
117. Which state government has launched Operation Durga to ensure women safety?
[A] Punjab
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Haryana
Answer: D [Haryana ]
Explanation:
The Haryana government has recently launched Operation Durga campaign to ensure
women safety in the state. Under this campaign, 24 teams have been formed by the Chief
Ministers Flying Squad. The teams comprise woman personnel, including nine Sub-
inspectors of Police, 14 Assistant Sub-inspectors, six Head Constables and 13 constables,
besides other police ocers from each district. The teams will visit public places such as
schools, colleges, bus stands and railway stations and will nab anti-social elements indulging
in crimes against women, including eve teasing, vulgar comments, stalking and other similar
activities.
118. The 2017 Sangken festival has started in which state?

[A] Sikkim
[B] Assam
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: D [Arunachal Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Sangken festival has started in Arunachal Pradesh from April 14, 2017 that marks the
start of Theravada Buddhist New Year. It is celebrated by the Theravada Buddhist
community. On the occasion the images of Buddha are taken out and are given ceremonial
bath. The holy bath of lord Buddha is an auspicious event in the 3-day fest. Later people
celebrate the festival by splashing water on each others, which symbolizes the spiritual
cleansing in order to begin the New Year free from impurities. The water also symbolizes
fortune and purity that is said to clear all diseases, sins and bad luck.
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119. Who is the newly appointed Chief Justice of Delhi High Court (DHC)?
[A] SK Kaul
[B] Gita Mittal
[C] Huluvadi G Ramesh
[D] G Rohini
Answer: B [Gita Mittal]
Explanation:
Justice Gita Mittal has become the acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Court (DHC). She has
authored many signicant judgments and was also instrumental in the establishment of
vulnerable witness deposition complexes in Delhi. Her judicial pronouncements include
judgments on compensation to riot victims, right to shelter for displaced persons, right to
marriage of a woman member of the armed forces, among others. She has also been part of
various court committees. She succeeded Chief Justice G. Rohini , who retires on April 13,
2017.
120. Which state has bagged Krishi Karman Award 2015-16 for increase in food grains production?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Answer: A [Himachal Pradesh]
Explanation:
Himachal Pradesh has bagged Krishi Karman Award 2015-16 for commendable increase in
food grains production. The state Agriculture Department has been selected for this award
for the 3rd time due to their dedicated eorts in extending technological inputs and services
to the farmers which resulted in increase in food grains production. The award would carries
a trophy, citation and cash prize. Apart from this, the department has also done considerable
work in promoting poly-house cultivation, crop diversication, micro irrigation, organic
farming and soil health management. The state was also conferred the Krishi Karman Award
for 2011-12 for increase in wheat production and in 2014-15 for increasing food grains
production.
121. Which Indian software engineer has won first prize in Unite Ideas #UNGAViz Textual Analysis
and Visualisation Challenge?
[A] Salem Avan
[B] Sandeep Konam
[C] Abdulqadir Rashik
[D] Nikhil Chandavarkar
Answer: C [Abdulqadir Rashik]
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Explanation:
Abdulqadir Rashik, an Indian software engineer, has recently won rst prize in Unite Ideas
#UNGAViz Textual Analysis and Visualisation Challenge for his Global Policy, an open-
source tool that enables users to search and interactively view General Assembly resolutions
to gain a deeper understanding of the voting patterns and decisions made by United Nations
Member States. Rashiks prototype will be made public and shared with United Nations
bodies and member states. He will also receive recognition from the Department of State
and the Oce of Information and Communications Technology. Previously, he won the top
prize in the United Nations #LinksSDGs challenge in March 2017 for his Links to Sustainable
Cities, an interactive visualisation that identies and maps the links between various
Sustainable Development Goals. Rashik is an entrepreneur and founder of India-based Miavy
Systems.
122. Which state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union
government for the Power for All scheme?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Haryana
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Answer: D [Uttar Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Uttar Pradesh government has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with the Union government for the Power for All scheme in the state. The aim of this
scheme is to ensure 24-hour quality power supply in the state by October 2018 and electric
connection to every house and agriculture eld by 2019. The purpose of the MoU is to
ensure that consumers get quality electricity at an aordable price. The project will cost
above Rs. 40 thousand crore out of which 20 thousand crore will be spent till 2018.
123. Which Indian environmental engineer has won the 2017 Cartier Womens Initiative Awards?
[A] Trupti Jain
[B] Kirti Bose
[C] Nitin Bansal
[D] Chandresh Yadav
Answer: A [Trupti Jain]
Explanation:
Trupti Jain, an Indian environmental engineer, has won prestigious 2017 Cartier Womens
Initiative Awards at the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall in Singapore for providing women
working on farms with water management solutions and protecting small farmers against
droughts and ash oods. She is among the six winners chosen for the Asia-Pacic laureate
from a pool of nearly 1,900 applicants from over 120 countries and was selected by an
independent international jury. Each recipient receives a $ 100,000 prize money as well as a
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year of mentoring. Jain is the founder of the Gujarat-based Naireeta Services company and
providing handmade water management solutions that enable small farmers to lter and
store rainwater underground to protect them against droughts and ash oods.
124. Girish Saxena, who passed away recently, was the former governor of which state?
[A] Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Sikkim
[D] Manipur
Answer: A [Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)]
Explanation:
Girish Chandra Saxena (90), the former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has recently
passed away in New Delhi. Saxena was the 1950-batch IPS ocer, who served in Uttar
Pradesh as Chief of Police in various districts including Rampur, Aligarh, Bareilly and
Allahabad. Later, he was deputated to the Government of India (GoI) in April 1969, served in
Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) for 16 years and headed it from 1983 to 1986. After his
retirement from the RAW in 1986, Saxena served as an advisor to the then Prime Minister
Rajiv Gandhi till January 1988. His main areas of specialization were international aairs,
national security and intelligence matters.
125. Who has won the 2017 Asian Billiards Championship title?
[A] Michael Ferreira
[B] Sourav Kothari
[C] Pankaj Advani
[D] Subhash Agarwal
Answer: C [Pankaj Advani]
Explanation:
Pankaj Advani, 16-time world champion, has won his 7th Asian title by defeating his
compatriot Sourav Kothari 6-3 in an entertaining nal of the 2017 Asian Billiards
Championship in Chandigarh.
126. Which state to have Indias first privately-run railway station?

[A] Tripura
[B] Odisha
[C] Kerala
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Answer: D [Madhya Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has stated that the Habibganj station in Bhopal,
Madhya Pradesh has been handed over to a private rm to be operated by it. With this,
248
Habibganj station has become the Indias rst privately-run railway station. The station
building will be developed in line with airport terminals. Though, the trains at the station will
still be run by the Railways.
127. The 2017 Pana Sankranti has recently celebrated in which state of India?
[A] Odisha
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] Assam
Answer: A [Odisha]
Explanation:
The Pana Sankranti, also known as Maha bisuba Sankranti, is the traditional New Year day
festival of Buddhists and Hindus in Odisha. This year, it is celebrated on April 14, 2017.This
day is named after the main chilled sweet mango-milk-yoghurt-coconut drink Pana, which
shared as a tradition on this occasion. The festival is celebrated with visits to Shiva, Shakti,
or Hanuman temples, as the day is considered to be the birthday of Hanuman.People takes
baths in rivers or major pilgrimage centers. Communities participate in mela (fairs), watch
street dance or acrobatic performances. A notable climax of the social celebrations is re-
walk, where volunteers sprint over a bed of burning coal while being cheered with music and
songs. Pana Sankranti is similar to new year festivals observed by Hindus elsewhere such as
Vaisakhi (north and central India), Bihu (Assam), Pohela Boishakh (Bengal), Vishu (Kerala)
and Puthandu (Tamil Nadu).
128. The Koradi Thermal Power Station (KTPS) is located in which state?
[A] Hayana
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Maharashtra
Answer: D [Maharashtra]
Explanation:
The Koradi Thermal Power Station (KTPS) is located at Koradi near Nagpur, Maharashtra. It is
in news because Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently dedicated the 3,300 MW KTPS to
the nation. The power plant will help boost the states power utilisation and help farmers
draw power at exible hours as per their requirements.
129. Which of the following countries will hold their first-ever joint military exercise Sagarmatha
Friendship-2017?
[A] Nepal and Myanmar
[B] China and Nepal
[C] Myanmar and China
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[D] Bhutan and Myanmar

Answer: B [China and Nepal ]
Explanation:
The rst-ever joint military exercise Sagarmatha Friendship-2017 will be held between
Nepal and China from April 17, 2017 with a special focus on combating terror and disaster
management. The 10-day-long military drill is being organised by the two countries as part
of their preparedness against terrorism that has posed as a serious security threat globally.
It is to be known that Sagarmatha is the Nepali name of Mt Everest that is bordering
between Nepal and China.
130. Which state police has launched Tare Zameen Par programme to enlighten children in Naxal-
affected areas?
[A] Odisha
[B] Manipur
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Jharkhand
Answer: D [Jharkhand ]
Explanation:
The Jharkhand Police has recently launched Tare Zameen Par programme to enlighten
children in Naxal-aected areas in the Palamau district of Jharkhand. The purpose of the
programme is to restore condence in the state police force and to encourage children to
lead happy lives. As a part of the programme, the state police appealed the locals to donate
bags, shoes, books and clothes to improve the basic amenities of the children in the Naxal-
aected areas.
131. Robert W. Taylor, the renowned computer pioneer passed away. He hailed from which
country?
[A] France
[B] Japan
[C] Australia
[D] United States
Explanation:
Robert William Taylor (85), the internet and computer pioneer, has recently passed away in
California, United States. He was instrumental in creating the internet and the modern
personal computer. Taylors was also responsible for developing ethernet local networking
and a word processing program that became Microsoft Word.
132. Which state government has recently launched unemployment allowance scheme?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
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[B] Madhya Pradesh

[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Answer: C [Himachal Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, Virbhadra Singh has recently launched an
unemployment allowance scheme at the state level function at Chamba on the occasion of
the 70th foundation day of Himachal Pradesh. As per the scheme, the state government will
provide an unemployment allowance of Rs 1,000 per month to youth having intermediate or
above qualication where as the unemployed youth with disability would be given Rs 1,500
per month. Apart from this, the state government has also decided to regularize contract
employees after three years in service, instead of the present period of 5 years.
133. Which state has become the first Indian state to launch a special awareness drive to ensure that
transgenders in the state register as voters?
[A] Kerala
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Karnataka
[D] Odisha
Answer: B [Maharashtra ]
Explanation:
Maharashtra became the rst Indian state to launch a special awareness drive to ensure that
transgenders in the state register as voters. The state branch of the Election Commission of
India (ECI) has launched the drive on April 15, celebrated as Third Gender Day (TGD).
According to ECI ocials, Maharashtra has over 10 lakh transgenders and only about 1,700
are registered voters. It must be noted that the third gender status for hijras or
transgenders was created by the Supreme Court in its landmark judgment on 15th April
2014.
134. The Union Government has launched RUSA portal to act as a one-stop for States Higher
Education Plans. What does RUSA stands for?
[A] Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan
[B] Rashtriya Uttam Shiksha Abhiyan
[C] Rashtriya Unmukht Shiksha Abhiyan
[D] Rashtriya Unnatsheel Shiksha Abhiyan
Answer: A [Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan]
Explanation:
The Union Minister of Human Resource and Development (HRD) Prakash Javadekar has
launched the portal and mobile app Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in New
251
Delhi on April 17, 2017. The portal will act as a one-stop one-stop destination for higher
education plans, decisions and information on resources of states. Apart from this, the Fund
and Reform Tracker has also launched for RUSA. The mobile application will ensure that all
projects under RUSA are tracked 247. RUSA is the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)
launched in 2013 to provide strategic central funding to State Higher Education Departments
and Institutions and achieve the broad objectives of access, equity and excellence.
135. Gayatri Pullela is associated with which sports?

[A] Badminton
[B] Tennis
[C] Hockey
[D] Football
Answer: A [Badminton ]
Explanation:
Gayatri Pullela has bagged both the singles and doubles crown at the Pembangunan Jaya
Raya Junior Grand Prix in Jakarta, Indonesia. She won girls U-15 singles title by defeating her
compatriot Samiya Farooqui by 21-11, 18-21, 21-16. Later, Pullela and Samiya won their
U-15 doubles title by defeating Indonesian pair of Kelly Larissa and Shelandry Vyola in the
nal by 21-17, 21-15. Both Gayatri and Samiya train together at the Pullela Gopichand
Academy in Hyderabad. Gayatri Pullela is the daughter of National Badminton coach Pullela
Gopichand.
136. Who has won the 2017 Time Magazines Most Influential Person Readers poll?
[A] Leni Robredo
[B] Rodrigo Duterte
[C] Narendra Modi
[D] Justin Trudeau
Answer: B [Rodrigo Duterte]
Explanation:
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has won the 2017 Time magazines readers poll of the
100 most inuential people in the world. Duterte got 5% of the total yes votes in the poll,
which closed on April 16, 2017. The ocial TIME 100 list, which is selected by TIMEs ors, will
be announced on April 20, 2017.
137. Emma Morano, the worlds oldest person has passed away. She hailed from which country?
[A] Norway
[B] Jamaica
[C] Italy
[D] France
Answer: C [Italy]
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Explanation:
Emma Martina Luigia Morano (117), the worlds oldest woman, has recently passed away at
Verbania in Italy on April 15, 2017. She was born on 29th November 1899 in the Piedmont
region of Italy and was ocially the last person born in the 1800s still living. She was the
Guinness World Record holder for the oldest living person and oldest living woman. Upon
Moranos death, Violet Brown from Jamaica became the worlds oldest known person in the
world.
138. What is the theme of the 2017 World Hemophilia Day (WHD)?
[A] Count Me In
[B] Together We Care
[C] Improve Your Life!
[D] Hear their voices
Answer: D [Hear their voices]
Explanation:
The World Hemophilia Day (WHD) is observed every year on April 17 to improve and sustain
care for people with inherited bleeding disorders around the world. The 2017 World
Hemophilia Day theme is Hear Their Voices to unite the community and show support for
the millions of people aected by bleeding disorders. Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding
disorder in which a person lacks or has low levels of certain proteins called clotting factors
and as a result, the blood doesnt clot properly. Clotting factor is a protein in blood that
controls bleeding. If you have hemophilia, you may bleed for a longer time after an injury
than you would if your blood clotted normally. Hemophilia is quite rare. About 1 in 10,000
people are born with it.
139. Who has won the 2017 Mens singles Singapore Open Badminton tournament?
[A] N S Reddy
[B] Anthony Sinisuka Ginting
[C] Sai Praneeth Bhamidipati
[D] Kidambi Srikanth
Answer: C [Sai Praneeth Bhamidipati]
Explanation:
Sai Praneeth Bhamidipati from India has won the 2017 Mens singles Singapore Open
Badminton tournament by defeating his compatriot Kidambi Srikanth in the nal by 17-21,
21-17,21-17 at Singapore Indore Stadium, Singapore. Apart from this, Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan
has won the Womens Singles title by defeating Carolina Marin of Spain in the nal by 21-15,
21-15. In the Mens doubles event, the pair of M Boe and C Mogensen defeated the J Li and Y
Liu duo 21-13, 21-14. In the Womens doubles, the pair of K R Juhl and C Pedersen beat the
pair of M Matsutomo and A Takahashi 21-18,14-21, 21-15. In the Mixed Doubles, the K. Lu
and Y Huang duo defeated the duo of P Dechapol and S Teiratennachal 19-21, 21-16, 21-11.
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140. The first-ever Nepal-China joint military exercise Sagarmatha Friendship-2017 has started in
which of the following cities?
[A] Guangzhou
[B] Beijing
[C] Butwal
[D] Kathmandu
Answer: D [Kathmandu]
Explanation:
The rst-ever Nepal-China joint military exercise Sagarmatha Friendship-2017 has started
at Kathmandu, Nepal from April 17, 2017 with a special focus on counter- terrorism and
disaster management. The purpose of 10-day-long military exercise is to exchange
experience, skills and professional knowledge between the armies of Nepal and China. It is
to be known that Sagarmatha is the Nepali name of Mt Everest that is bordering between
Nepal and China.
141. Who has been bestowed with the Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat Memorial Award 2017?
[A] A V Narasimha Murthy
[B] N Jayaram
[C] B K Chandrashekhar
[D] P Sripathi Tantry
Answer: A [A V Narasimha Murthy]
Explanation:
Prof. A.V. Narasimha Murthy, the noted historian and archaeologist, has bestowed with the
prestigious Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat Memorial Award 2017 in Udupi, Karnataka for his
contribution to Indian Archaeology, Ancient History and Numismatics. The award carries a
citation and a purse of Rs. 50,000. Prof. Murthy is the Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
(BVB), Mysuru and former Head, Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, University
of Mysore. The Udupi-based Dr. Paduru Gururaja Bhat Memorial trust had instituted the
award in 2010 for recognising outstanding contributions in the eld of history, archaeology,
sociology, and other social sciences. The late Paduru Gururaja Bhat (1924-1978) was a
teacher, historian and researcher par excellence, especially in Tulu history and culture.
142. What is the theme of the 2017 World Heritage Day (WHD)?
[A] World Heritage for Tourism
[B] Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism
[C] The Heritage of Sport
[D] Cultural Heritage for Tourism
Answer: B [Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism]
Explanation:
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The World Heritage Day (WHD) is being observed every year on April 18 to spread
awareness of the importance of protecting and preserving various sites around the world
that have achieved world heritage status. The 2017 theme is Cultural Heritage and
Sustainable Tourism. The world heritage sites are ocially recognised by the UN and the
United Nations Educational Scientic and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO. These sites are
classied as a natural or man-made structure that has international importances and hold
cultural and physical signicance. There are total 1,052 heritage sites in all over the World.
In India, there are 35 World Heritage Sites including the very famous Taj Mahal in Agra,
Nalanda University, Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh.
143. Which state government has recently signed a reworked MoU with Hindustan Petroleum
Corporation Limited (HPCL) for Barmer refinery?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Gujarat
Answer: C [Rajasthan ]
Explanation:
The Rajasthan government has recently signed a reworked MoU with Hindustan Petroleum
Corporation Limited (HPCL) for the Rs 43,129 crore Barmer renery. The Barmer renery will
be the rst in the country to produce BS-6 standard fuel. The state government will have
26% stake in the project while rest will be held by HPCL. The government has made 4800
acre land available at Pachpadra for the project. It is expected that the project will take four
years to complete.
144. Who has been bestowed with the 6th ion of MS Swaminathan award?
[A] C. Parthasarathy
[B] M Y Saxena
[C] M V R Prasad
[D] R R Hanchinal
Answer: D [R R Hanchinal]
Explanation:
Dr. Rayappa Ramappa Hanchinal has been bestowed with the 6th ion of prestigious M.S.
Swaminathan Award for contribution in the eld of agriculture. Dr Hanchinal received the
award for his contributions and sustained support to the areas of crop improvement for hot
and very hot dry environments, seed production technology and intellectual protection rights
in plant varieties. He is the Chairperson of Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights
Authority, New Delhi. The award is instituted and given under the aegis of Retired ICAR
Employees Association (RICAREA) in association with the Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd (NSL). It
carries a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh, a medal and citation.
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145. Which IIT institute will start Vastu Shastra classes for architecture students?
[A] IIT Kharagpur
[B] IIT Bombay
[C] IIT Madras
[D] IIT Indore
Answer: A [IIT Kharagpur]
Explanation:
Indias oldest and largest Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), IIT Kharagpur will start Vastu
Shastra classes for architecture students from the next academic session i.e. starting from
August 2017. It will be introduced to undergraduate students as part of courses on basic
design and history of architecture. At the post-graduate level, concepts of social principles,
9-circuit placements or the nabagraha mandal, sacred altars and design semiotics and
semantics will be taught to students. The purpose of this initiative is to explore Indias
ancient roots in Vastu Shastra. It is a part of the institutes Science and Heritage Initiative
(SandHI) which will oversee the curriculum design.
146. What is the Indias GDP growth forecast for FY 18, according to the World Banks latest report
Globalization Backlash?
[A] 7.3%
[B] 7.2%
[C] 7.5%
[D] 7.4%
Answer: B [7.2%]
Explanation:
According to the latest report of World Bank titled Globalization Backlash, Indias Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow at 7.2% for FY 18, from 6.8% in FY 16. The
international agency expects the scal, ination and external conditions in India to remain
stable and a gradual GDP growth rise to 7.7% in 2019-20. The report focuses on the
economic climate in South Asia and, predicts growth in the region.
147. The Manipur government has launched DARPAN web portal to check corruption. What does
DARPAN stands for?
[A] Digital Application for Revalue by Public And Nation
[B] Digital Application for Reappraisal by Public And Nation
[C] Digital Application for Review by Public And Nation
[D] Digital Application for Reassessment by Public And Nation
Answer: C [Digital Application for Review by Public And Nation]
Explanation:
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The Chief Minister of Manipur , Nongthombam Biren Singh has recently launched two web
applications to check corruption and to keep track of government activities. The newly
launched web-sites are Anti-Corruption Cell and Digital Application for Review by Public And
Nation (DARPAN), which will monitor all government funded projects and ensure
transparency and accountability. The purpose of the website DARPAN is to inform the people
of the State about various projects being taken up by the Government of Manipur and
current status of the projects and check dissemination of fake or incorrect status report by
using GPS location verication.
148. Which country is hosting the 3rd ion of Global Exhibition on Services (GES 2017)?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] South Korea
[D] India
Answer: D [India]
Explanation:
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has inaugurated the 3rd ion of the Global
Exhibition on Services (GES-2017) on April 17, 2017 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The
GES-2017 will highlight Indias potential to boost its services exports across sectors. The 4-
day event will be held at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida and will focus on 20 services
sectors, including information technology, tourism and hospitality, logistics, education and
nancial services. GES 2017 brings together 550 exhibitors from 70 plus countries. More
than 20,000 visitors are expected to attend the exhibition. The exhibition will see over 5,000
business meetings and deliberations at more than 30 seminars. The exhibition is being
organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry together with the Confederation of
Indian Industry (CII) and Services Export Promotion Council (EEPC).
149. Who has won the 2017 Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix tournament?
[A] Sebastian Vettel
[B] Felipe Massa
[C] Lewis Hamilton
[D] Valtteri Bottas
Answer: A [Sebastian Vettel]
Explanation:
Sebastian Vettel, a German racing driver for Scuderia Ferrari, has won the 2017 Formula 1
Bahrain Grand Prix tournament at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain.
150. Which union ministry has launched nation-wide training programme for Elected Women
representatives (EWRs) of Panchayats?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Human Resource Development
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[C] Ministry of Women and Child Development

[D] Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Answer: C [Ministry of Women and Child Development]
Explanation:
The Ministry of Women and Child Development in collaboration with the Ministry of
Panchayati Raj has launched a nationwide programme for capacity building of Elected
Women Representatives (EWRs) of Panchayats and a training program for trainers of women
panchayat leaders on April 17, 2017 at Ranchi, Jharkhand. The training program seeks to
empower EWRs of panchayats by enhancing their capacity, capability and skill in governance
and administration of villages. The purpose of the training programme is to build the
condence of the women representatives in dealing with the daily functioning of the
panchayats and make them aware of the laws and rights of women under Constitution of
India.
151. Which country to host the 14th ion of United Nations International Day of Vesak 2017?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Nepal
[D] Sri Lanka
Answer: D [Sri Lanka]
Explanation:
The 14th ion of United Nations International Day of Vesak will be hosted by Srilanka from
May 12-14, 2017 under the theme Buddhist Teachings for Social Justice and Sustainable
World Peace. Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, will be the chief guest for UN
Vesak Day. The events include an International Buddhist Symposium the participation of
over 400 delegates from 100 countries. Vesak is associated with three important locations of
Buddhist history Lumbini in Nepal, the birth place of Prince Siddharta, Bodh Gaya (Buddha
Gaya) Bihar State in India where The Buddha attained the most exalted Enlightenment under
a Bodhi Tree and Kushinagar (Kusinara) in Uttar Pradesh, India where The Buddha attained
Mahaparinibbna. The signicance of Vesak lies with the Buddhas teaching of cessation of
suering and universal peace to all humankind. It is a message to urge followers to do that
which is good and to turn away from evil. It is a message of peace and perfect harmony
between human beings and nature.
152. Who will head the committee formed by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development
(MHRD) to review UGC recommendations?
[A] Secretary of the department of Higher Education (HE)
[B] Union Minister of Human Resource Development
[C] Chairman of UGC
[D] Secretary of Home Affairs
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Answer: A [Secretary of the department of Higher Education (HE)]

Explanation:
The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has formed a committee to
review the recommendations made by University Grants Commission (UGC) panel on
implementation of the 7th pay commission in educational institutions. The committee will be
headed Kewal Kumar Sharma, the secretary of the department of Higher Education (HE). The
development comes against the backdrop of teachers associations of various universities
threatening to go on strike on April 19, 2017 over the delay in implementation after the UGC
panel submitted its report. The pay review committee of the UGC, which was formed in 2016
and was headed by it member VS Chauhan, had recommended to scrap ad-hoc and
temporary appointments of teachers across universities.
153. Which of the following banks has become the Indias most-valued Public Sector Unit (PSU) in
terms of market valuation?
[A] Punjab National Bank
[B] Exim Bank
[C] State Bank of India
[D] Reserve Bank of India
Answer: C [State Bank of India ]
Explanation:
The State Bank of India (SBI) has become the Indias most valued Public Sector Unit (PSU) in
terms of market valuation. At the end of trade on April 18, the market cap of SBI stood at Rs
2,35,307.51 crore. Among the top-10 most valued companies list, SBI is at 5th position, while
ONGC is at 7th. Apart from this, IT major TCS is the most valued Indian company with a
market cap of Rs 4,54,902.85 crore followed by RIL, HDFC Bank, ITC, SBI, HDFC, ONGC,
Infosys, HUL, and Maruti Suzuki.
154. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has tied up with which PSU company to
develop low-cost lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles?
[A] Antrix Corporation
[B] Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd
[C] Bharat Dynamics
[D] Bharat Electronics Ltd
Answer: B [Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd]
Explanation:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) to help develop low-cost lithium ion batteries
for electric vehicles. According to the MoU, BHEL will set up a production plant, while ISRO
will provide support for scale-up, joint eort in cost optimisation, research and development
for alternate chemistry and buyback commitment, according to sources. BHEL will develop
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the battery for commercial applications. This is part of Indias plan to promote low-cost
electric vehicles with the use of lithium-ion batteries.
155. What is the Indias GDP growth forecast for FY 18, according to the International Monetary
Fund (IMF)s latest report World Economic Outlook (WEO)?
[A] 7.2%
[B] 7.4%
[C] 6.8%
[D] 6.6%
Answer: A [7.2%]
Explanation:
As per latest biannual World Economic Outlook (WEO) report, International Monetary Fund
(IMF) has increased Indias Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate estimate for FY 17
(2016-17) to 6.8%, from 6.6% estimated in January 2017. As per WEO, IMF has also retained
Indias GDP growth projection of 7.2% for FY 18 and 7.7% for FY19 because of the temporary
negative consumption shock induced by cash shortages and payment disruptions from the
recent currency exchange initiative. According to WEO, the global economy is expected to
do better with 3.5% growth in 2017 against 3.1% in 2016 on the back of better growth in the
US and the emerging market pack, but Euro zone is likely to continue to grow at current
pace.
156. Allan Holdsworth, the renowned guitarist and composer passed away. He hailed from which
country?
[A] Japan
[B] England
[C] Germany
[D] France
Answer: B [England]
Explanation:
Allan Holdsworth (70), the renowned British guitarist and composer, has recently passed
away in California, United States. He was known for his advanced knowledge of music,
through which he incorporated a vast array of complex chord progressions and intricate
solos.
157. Who has become the Indias first visually impaired runner to compete the historic Boston
Marathon?
[A] Devika Narain
[B] Vishnukant Sharma
[C] Sagar Baheti
[D] Nikunj Sen
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Answer: C [Sagar Baheti]

Explanation:
Sagar Baheti from Bangaluru has become the Indias rst visually impaired runner to
compete and nish the historic Boston Marathon, which is the worlds oldest, most
competitive and the hardest marathon. He covered the 42.195 km distance in 4 hours, 14
minutes and 7 seconds and nished the race at the 18th spot in the visually impaired
category. Presently, Baheti cannot identify objects beyond one metre. He was supported by
the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) to compete in the
marathon.
158. The Civil Services Day (CSD) is celebrated on which day in India?
[A] April 18
[B] April 21
[C] April 19
[D] April 20
Answer: B [April 21]
Explanation:
The Civil Services Day (CSD) is organized every year on April 21 in India by civil servants to
rededicate and recommit themselves to the cause of the people. This day gives civil
servants the opportunity for introspection and thinking about future strategies to deal with
the challenges being posed by the changing times. On this occasion, all ocers of Central
and State Governments are honoured for excellence in public administration by the Prime
Minister of India. This year, 2-day programme will be inaugurated by the Union Home
Minister Rajnath Singh on April 20, 2017 and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will confer
PMs awards for Excellence in Public Administration to Districts/Implementing units and other
Central/State organisations on April 21, 2017 for eective implementation of Identied
Priority Programmes and Innovation.
159. Where is the headquarters of the National Safety Council (NSC)?

[A] New Delhi
[B] Kochi
[C] Mumbai
[D] Chennai
Answer: C [Mumbai]
Explanation:
The National Safety Council (NSC) is a self-supporting non-prot autonomous society, set up
by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Govt. of India (GoI) on 4th March 1966. Its aim is
to strengthen a national movement on Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) to prevent and
mitigate loss of life, human suering & economic losses and provide support services. It is in
news because the 2016 NSCI Safety Awards will be presented by the Minister of State
(Independent Charge), Labour & Employment Bandaru Dattatreya on April 20, 2017 in New
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Delhi. The NSCI Safety Awards are coveted national level awards in the eld of Workplace
Safety, Health and Environment. The headquarters of the NSC is located in Mumbai,
Maharashtra.
160. The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is located in which state?

[A] Assam
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Sikkim
[D] Odisha
Answer: B [Arunachal Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is located in the Himalayan foothills in Bhalukpong Forest
Division of West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh. It conjoins Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
to the southwest. It is a part of the Kameng Protected Area Complex (KPAC), which is an
Elephant Reserve. Sessa is noted for the occurrence of more than 200 orchid species with 5
new and endemic species. Sub-tropical types include the genera Dendrobium, Bulbophyllum,
Coelogyne, Eria, Phaius and Liparis. The sanctuary is unique in having 7 endemic species of
saprotrophic orchids.
161. Who has been named for the prestigious Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement (LTA) award?
[A] Vikram Gokhale
[B] Arun Nalawade
[C] Saira Banu
[D] Jackie Shroff
Answer: C [Saira Banu]
Explanation:
Veteran actress Saira Banu has been named for the prestigious Raj Kapoor Lifetime
achievement award of the Maharashtra Government. Actor Jackie Shro is selected for the
Raj Kapoor Special contribution award. Apart from this, noted Marathi lm industry
personalities Vikram Gokhale and Arun Nalawade have been named for the coveted V.
Shantaram Lifetime Achievement and V. Shantaram Special Contribution annual awards.
Both the lifetime awards carry a citation and cash of Rs. 5 lakh each, while both the special
contribution awards carry a citation and Rs. 3 lakh. The awards will be presented at the 54th
Maharashtra State Marathi Film Festival.
162. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has conducted its first-ever mock
exercise on forest fire in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Jharkhand
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[D] Odisha
Answer: B [Uttarakhand]
Explanation:
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has conducted its rst-of-its-kind State-
level mock exercise on forest re in Uttarakhand on April 18, 2017. The aim of the mock
exercise is to assess the ecacy of integrating the preparedness and response mechanisms
of the forest department with those of the district administration. The 3-day exercise is
signicant as almost 70% of the States geographical area is under forests and incidents of
forest res are commonplace. The mock exercise has been conducted in collaboration with
the State Government. The re ocials from all the districts and other departments of the
state have participated in the exercise.
163. What is the Indias rank in the 2017 A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Confidence
Index?
[A] 12th
[B] 8th
[C] 10th
[D] 5th
Answer: B [8th]
Explanation:
India has been ranked at the 8th position in the 2017 A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment
(FDI) Condence Index. As per A.T. Kearney report, foreign companies have considered India
as an attractive destination due to its reforms to enable a transparent and an easy business
environment. Around 31% of rms surveyed were optimistic about Indias economic outlook
over the next three years. About 70% of the respondents plan to maintain or increase their
FDI in India. The Index is an annual analysis of how political, economic, and regulatory
changes will likely aect FDI inows into countries in the coming years. The Index is
constructed using primary data from a proprietary survey administered to senior executives
of the worlds leading corporations. All companies participating in the survey have annual
revenues of $500 million or more. United States has ranked rst in the FDI index, followed by
Germany, China, United Kingdom and Canada.
164. Who is the newly appointed MD and CEO of the LIC Housing Finance?
[A] Sunita Sharma
[B] Pooja Bansal
[C] Nikhil Kumar
[D] Vinay Sah
Answer: D [Vinay Sah]
Explanation:
Vinay Sah has become the new MD and CEO of LIC Housing Finance. He succeeded Sunita
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Sharma, who has been promoted as Managing Director of Life Insurance Corporation of India
(LIC). Prior to joining LIC Housing Finance, Sah was Executive DirectorMarketing/Product
Development with LIC of India.
165. Which of the following has become the Indias first CII-IGBC Platinum rated project?
[A] ICICI Bank Data Centre
[B] HDFC Bank Data Centre
[C] Axis Bank Data Centre
[D] SBI Data Centre
Answer: A [ICICI Bank Data Centre]
Explanation:
The ICICI Bank Data Centre in Hyderabad has become the Indias rst Platinum rated project
to be rated under IGBC Green Data Centre Rating System. At present, more than 150
professionals from ICICI Bank are IGBC Accred Professionals (APs) and they are fully
equipped to manage the green building facilities of ICICI Bank. The Indian Green Building
Council (IGBC) is a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and its vision is to
enable a sustainable built environment for all and facilitate India to be one of the global
leaders in the sustainable built environment by 2025. The IGBC Green Data Centre Rating
System would facilitate in providing tremendous tangible and intangible benets. Tangible
benets include: 20 to 25% reduction in Power Usage Eectiveness, 25 to 30% reduction in
water consumption. Intangible benets include enhanced air quality, excellent day-lighting,
health & well-being of the sta operating such facility.
166. Which state government will set up Book Banks in schools to provide old books to needy
students?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Punjab
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Answer: C [Punjab]
Explanation:
The Punjab government will launch an innovative scheme Book Banks in all schools of the
state so that needy students will get the books for their academic year free of cost. These
book banks will request students to deposit their old books so that the needy students in the
next batch can use them free of cost. The scheme will help the needy save money and it will
also reduce costs and environmental damage associated with printing new books. Though,
this unique initiative will be purely on voluntary basis and no student would be bound to give
away their old books. NGOs that have been running similar schemes will help the
government in the implementation process.
167. Devineni Rajshekhar, the former Minister of Andhra Pradesh has passed away. He was
264
associated with which political party?

[A] Indian National Congress (INC)
[B] Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
[C] Communist Party of India (CPI)
[D] Telugu Desam Party (TDP)
Answer: D [Telugu Desam Party (TDP)]
Explanation:
Devineni Rajasekhar (63), the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader and former Andhra Pradesh
Minister, has recently passed away in Hyderabad. He was popularly known as Devineni
Nehru. Nehru was a ve-time MLA from the Kankipadu constituency in Krishna district and
was an ardent follower of late Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao.
168. Who has been appointed the new Financial Commissioner (FC) of Indian Railways?
[A] B N Mohapatra
[B] S K Bhagat
[C] Anand Mathur
[D] Akhil Agrawal
Answer: A [B N Mohapatra]
Explanation:
B.N. Mohapatra, an ocer of Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) of 1980 batch, has been
appointed the new Financial Commissioner (FC) of Indian Railways. Prior to this posting, he
served as Additional Member (Finance) since November 2016,
169. Who will be the new chairman of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)?
[A] Aagam Modi
[B] Devendra Kumar Sharma
[C] Cheteshwar Mangalam
[D] P V Singhal
Answer: B [Devendra Kumar Sharma]
Explanation:
Devendra Kumar Sharma, the managing director of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation
Limited, will be the new chairman of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). The BBMB
manages the release of water in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan as it controls Bhakra, Pong
and other dams. The post of chairman had been lying vacant since September 2015 and its
temporary charge was given to SK Sharma. The appointment committee of the Union cabinet
approved DK Sharmas name and the power ministry will issue a formal order soon. The
appointment is for a period of three years on deputation from the date of assuming charge.
170. Which airline will become the worlds first airline to adopt new satellite-based airplane tracking
265
system?
[A] Japan Airlines
[B] Singapore Airlines
[C] Asiana Airlines
[D] Malaysia Airlines
Answer: D [Malaysia Airlines]
Explanation:
Malaysia Airlines will become the worlds rst airline to track its ights with the help of
satellites by 2018. For this, Malaysia Airlines has signed an agreement with Aireon LLC,
SITAONAIR and FlightAware LLC that will enable it to monitor its aircraft ight paths in real
time anywhere in the world including over the Polar Regions and the most remote oceans.
No new avionics or modications are needed for aircraft to be tracked by the satellites.
171. The UN Chinese Language Day is observed on which date?

[A] April 23
[B] April 20
[C] April 21
[D] April 22
Explanation:
The UN Chinese Language Day is observed every year on April 20 by the United Nations
Educational, Scientic and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to raise awareness and respect
for the history, culture and achievements of each of the six ocial languages of the world
body. April 20 was chosen as the date for the Chinese language to pay tribute to Cang Jie, a
mythical gure who is presumed to have invented Chinese characters about 5,000 years
ago. The six ocial languages of the United Nations are as follows: English, French, Russian,
Chinese, Spanish and Arabic.
172. Which country to host 2017 BRICS Film Festival?

[A] Russia
[B] South Africa
[C] China
[D] India
Answer: C [China ]
Explanation:
The 2017 BRICS Film Festival will be held in Chengdu, southwest Chinas Sichuan Province
from June 23 to 27. During the festival, 30 lms from BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India,
China and South Africa) will be screened, including an anthology by ve directors from the
aforementioned countries, Where has the time gone. The feature lm consisting of ve 18-
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minute shorts on the same theme is a joint work by Walter Salles from Brazil, Aleksey
Fedorchenko from Russia, Madhur Bhandarkar from India, Jahmil X. T. Qubeka from South
Africa, and Jia Zhangke from China. The rst BRICS Film Festival was held in New Delhi, India
in September 2016.
173. Giuseppina Nicolini has been honoured with the 2017 Felix Houphouet Boigny Peace Prize. She
hails from which country?
[A] Italy
[B] France
[C] Germany
[D] Norway
Answer: A [Italy]
Explanation:
The 2017 Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize has been awarded to Giuseppina Nicolini,
Mayor of Lampedusa (Italy) and to the nongovernmental organization SOS Merranee
(France) for their work to save the lives of refugees and migrants and welcome them with
dignity. SOS Merranee is a civic, European organization for the rescue of people in distress in
the Merranean. The prize includes a cheque of USD 150,000, a gold medal and a peace
diploma. The Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize was created in 1989 to honor individuals
or public and private bodies or institutions that have made a signicant contribution to
promoting, seeking, safeguarding or maintaining peace in conformity with the United
Nations Charter and the Constitution of UNESCO.
174. Which country to host the first-ever World Ocean Festival (WOF)?
[A] England
[B] Japan
[C] India
[D] United States
Explanation:
The rst-ever World Ocean Festival (WOF) will be held in New York City, United States from
June 4, 2017, which will be organized by the Global Brian Foundation (GBF). As part of the
festival, activists and enthusiasts will take to the streets and waterways of New York City to
raise their voices to reverse the declining health of our oceans. The week-long event will
galvanize people across the world to bring public attention to the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs), specically Goal 14, on conservation and sustainable use the oceans, seas and
marine resources for sustainable development.
175. India has contributed how much amount to United Nations (UN) Election assistance
programme?
[A] $450,000
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[B] $150,000
[C] $250,000
[D] $350,000
Answer: C [$250,000]
Explanation:
India has contributed $250,000 to UN election assistance programme for helping countries to
hold elections and develop their electoral systems. This is the second Indian contribution of
$250,000 to the programmes for electoral assistance and capacity building. The rst was
made in 2012. The Election Assistance Division (EAD) of United Nations, which was set up in
1991, has helped over 100 countries with their elections. It is based on the principle
established in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The division principally provides
technical assistance for organising and conducting elections.
176. Which Indian cricketer will be honoured with the 75th Master Dinanath Mangeshkar award for
his outstanding contribution to Indian Cricket?
[A] Gundappa Viswanath
[B] Sunil Gavaskar
[C] Kapil Dev
[D] Ravi Shastri
Answer: C [Kapil Dev]
Explanation:
The cricket icon Kapil Dev will be honoured with the 75th Master Dinanath Mangeshkar
award on April 24, 2017 for his outstanding contribution to Indian Cricket. Beside this, Actor
Aamir Khan will be honoured with the Vishesh Puraskar for Best Film Dangal. Apart from
this, legendary actress Vyjayanthimala Bali will be honoured with Master Dinanath Vishesh
Puraskar for her achievements in Hindi cinema. Mohan Wagh Award for best drama will be
awarded to Sunil Barve for Amar Photo Studio Subak Sanstha. The event will be organised
by Master Dinanath Smruti Pratishthan and Hridayesh Arts
177. Who has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement (LTA) award at the 80th Bengal Film
Journalists Association (BFJA) awards-2017?
[A] Moushumi Chatterjee
[B] Chiranjeet Chakraborty
[C] Prosenjit Chatterjee
[D] Rituparna Sengupta
Answer: A [Moushumi Chatterjee]
Explanation:
The veteran actress Moushumi Chatterjee has been honored with the lifetime achievement
award at the 80th Bengal Film Journalists Association (BFJA) awards. Apart from this, Bengali
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lm superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee was given the best actor award for his role in
Sankhachil, while Rituparna Sengupta was given the best actress crown for her role in
Rajkahini along with Paoli Dam for Natoker Moto (2015). A galaxy of seasoned directors
Kaushik Ganguly (Cinemawala 2016), Shiboprasad Mukherjee-Nandita Roy (Belaseshe
2015), Aniruddha Roychowdhury (Buno Haans 2014), Srijit Mukherjee (Rajkahini 2015)
and Goutam Ghosh (Sankhachil 2015) were honoured with best direction trophies for
their works. The BFJA is the oldest association of lm critics in India, founded in 1937 to
serve the developing lm journalism and lm industry.
178. Who has been chosen for the 2016 Sahitya Akademi Award for translation in English language?
[A] A R Vankatachalapathy
[B] Sri Aniruddhan Vasudevan
[C] Githa Hariharan
[D] K Satchidanandan
Answer: B [Sri Aniruddhan Vasudevan]
Explanation:
The Sahitya Akademi has recently declared its 2016 Translation Prize in English language to
Sri Aniruddhan Vasudevan for his book titled One Part Woman. The book is the English
translation of Perumal Murugans controversial Tamil novel Maadhorubaagan. Vasudevan
will be felicitated with the award along with other winners of the Sahitya Akademi award in
23 languages in a ceremony in June 2016. The prize consists of a casket containing an
engraved copper-plaque and a cheque of Rs. 50,000.
179. Which All India Radio (AIR) has been honoured with the 26th ion of Lelte Award?
[A] AIR Aizawl
[B] AIR Bhopal
[C] AIR Lucknow
[D] AIR Delhi
Answer: A [AIR Aizawl]
Explanation:
The All India Radio (AIR) Aizawl has been honoured with the prestigious Lelte Award at an
impressive 26th Award Ceremony held at Chanmari YMA Hall in Aizawl. The award is given in
recognition of the role played by AIR Aizawl for the overall progress & development of
Mizoram and for promotion of Mizo language & literature and for its contribution in the eld
of healthcare & education and in promotion of brotherhood. The Lelte Special Award was
received by D R Lalropuia, Director (E) & Head of Oce. Lelte is a popular Weekly Magazine
in Mizoram which hit the stand since 1983. The Magazine is instituting Lelte Awards aims
at recognizing talents and skills of the young and budding Mizo artists for the past 26 years.
Besides, the Magazine strives for honouring, promoting and recognizing whats matter in
Mizoram.
180. India has recently signed pact with which country for defence shipbuilding?
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[A] Japan
[B] Australia
[C] South Korea
[D] China
Answer: C [South Korea]
Explanation:
India and South Korea has recently signed an agreement to rm up bilateral cooperation in
defence shipbuilding. The agreement will form the basis of defence cooperation between the
two countries in shipbuilding. Under the MoU, the two sides will nominate one shipyard each
for this purpose. India has already picked Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) while Korea will
make the nomination soon. It will enable HSL to upgrade and modernise its facilities so as to
enable it to execute naval projects in a timely manner. The agreement will also be useful for
the development of vendors for supply of material.
181. What is the theme of the 2017 International Mother Earth Day (IMED)?
[A] Trees for the Earth
[B] Environmental and Climate Literacy
[C] Earth and its ecosystems
[D] Unite for tomorrow
Answer: B [Environmental and Climate Literacy]
Explanation:
The International Mother Earth Day (IMED) is observed every year all over the world on April
22 with the message to protect environment. The day is celebrated worldwide to raise
awareness among people that they have a collective responsibility to promote harmony with
nature and to balance the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future
generations. The campaign theme for 2017 is Environmental and Climate Literacy. The day
was proposed at the UNESCO conference in 1969 and the rst Earth Day celebrations took
place in 1970.
182. Which of the following has become the the first re-insurer to set up base in financial hub
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City)?
[A] ICICI Lombard General Insurance
[B] The New India Assurance Co. Ltd.
[C] National Insurance Co. Ltd.
[D] General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re)
Answer: D [General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re)]
Explanation:
The General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) has become the rst re-insurer to open
an oce at Indias rst International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at Gujarat International
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Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). GIC Re is the wholly-owned by the government, which provide
reinsurance support to life and non-life insurers in India and abroad. GIC Res foreign and
domestic premium composition now stands at 45:55.
183. Which state will be awarded with Krishi Karman Award for 2015-16 for wheat production?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Kerala
Answer: A [Madhya Pradesh]
Explanation:
Madhya Pradesh will be awarded with the Union Governments Krishi Karman Award for
2015-16 for wheat production. It is the fth consecutive year that Madhya Pradesh will be
conferred with the prestigious Krishi Karman Award. MP wheat production in 2015-16 stood
at 184.10 lakh tonnes as against 171.03 lakh tonnes in 2014-15, a rise of 7.64%. The award
instituted by the Union Agriculture Ministry carries a trophy, citation and cash prize of Rs. 2
crore. In addition, the cash reward of Rs. 2 lakh and a citation letter will be handed over to a
woman and a male farmer as best wheat producer.
184. Which city hosted the first-ever India Indonesia Energy Forum (IIEF)?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Yogyakarta
[C] Surabaya
[D] Jakarta
Answer: D [Jakarta]
Explanation:
The rst-ever India Indonesia Energy Forum (IIEF) was held in Jakarta, Indonesia on April 20,
2017. The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal, New and Renewable
Energy and Mines Piyush Goyal and Indonesia Energy and Mineral Resources Minister
Ignasius Jonan participated in the forum. The Energy Forum was preceded by 2nd Joint
Working Group (JWG) on Oil and Gas, 4th JWG on Coal and 1st JWG on New and Renewable
Energy. The reports of three JWGs were presented to two Ministers during the Energy Forum.
185. Indias first-ever village of books will open in which state to promote tourism?
[A] Punjab
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Tamil Nadu
Answer: C [Maharashtra ]
Explanation:
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Indias rst-ever village of books will open at Bhilar village in Maharashtra on May 4, 2017
to promote tourism and Marathi language. The village is roughly 8 km away from the hill
station of Panchgani. As of now, all the books provided by the Maharashtra government are
in Marathi. Soon, the books written in Hindi and English will be added to this collection.
Author interactions, literary events and book-reading sessions will also be conducted in the
village. The idea for this book village is inspired by Hay-on-Wye, a Welsh town known for its
book stores and literature festivals.
186. Which city has been designated UNESCO World Book Capital 2018?
[A] Athens
[B] Ljubljana
[C] Conakry
[D] Alexandria
Answer: A [Athens]
Explanation:
Athens, the capital of Greece, has been designated as the UNESCO World Book Capital 2018
by Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO, in Paris. The city of Athens was chosen for
the quality of its activities, supported by the entire book industry. The proposed activity
programme includes meetings with writers, translators and illustrators, concerts, thematic
exhibitions, poetry readings and workshops for publishing professionals. Athens is the 18th
city to become World Book Capital. At present, Conakry (the capital of the Republic of
Guinea) is the World Book Capital for 2017.
187. Which state government has signed a MoU with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for
agricultural transformation?
[A] Mizoram
[B] Odisha
[C] Manipur
[D] Assam
Answer: B [Odisha ]
Explanation:
The Odisha government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation with the objectives of improving the lives of smallholder farmers
and promoting inclusive agricultural transformation. The MoU will allow the government and
the foundation to partner on agriculture projects including a project to improve data
management, analysis and use within the department of agriculture. Other activities may
include expansion of bio-fortied crops in Odisha, generating evidence on policy issues
pertaining to farmers income, land, women in agriculture, and crop diversication and
developing joint programmes on soil diagnostics and agronomic inputs targeting.
188. The 2017 United Nations Oceans Conference will be held in which city?
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[A] Lisbon
[B] Beijing
[C] New York
[D] Thimphu
Answer: C [New York]
Explanation:
The high-level UN Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development
Goal 14 (or UN Ocean Conference) will be co-hosted by the Governments of Fiji and Sweden
at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States from 5 to 9 June 2017 to
conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable
development. The theme of the Conference is Our oceans, our future: partnering for the
implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14.
189. Who has won the award for the 2016 Mens Player of the Year by the Golf Industry Association
(GIA)?
[A] Shiv Chawrasia
[B] Ali Sher
[C] Aakash Ohri
[D] Anirban Lahiri
Answer: A [Shiv Chawrasia]
Explanation:
At the 2nd ion of the Golf Industry Association (GIA) Awards, Shiv Shankar Prasad Chawrasia
from India has won the award for the 2016 Mens Player of the Year, while Aditi Ashok
bagged the Outstanding achievement as a Player award. Apart from this Ali Sher, the Delhi
Golf Club caddy-turned-pro-golfer, was feted for an Outstanding Playing Career.
190. Nora Chopra, who passed away recently, was related to which field?
[A] Journalism
[B] Sports
[C] Politics
[D] Science
Answer: A [Journalism]
Explanation:
Nora Chopra (64), the veteran journalist and columnist, has recently passed away in New
Delhi. She was widely admired and respected for her journalistic skills. Chopra had started
her career with the Pioneer in Allahabad and later she worked for Northern India Patrika, The
Sunday Guardian, the Asian Age and Tehelka.
191. Which Bollywood film has won the best film honour at the 2017 Hong Kong International Film
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Festival?
[A] Trivisa
[B] Newton
[C] Happiness
[D] Blue Mountains
Answer: B [Newton]
Explanation:
Bollywood lm Newton has won the best lm honour at the Hong Kong International Film
Festival. Amit Masurkar-directed Newton, which also stars Anjali Patil and RajKumar Rao, is
a political satire. It had its world premiere at the 67th Berlin Film Festival where it won the
International Federation of Art Cinemas (CICAE) award in its Forum segment.
192. Which state government has recently signed MoU with Indian Railways to expand green cover?
[A] Kerala
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Rajasthan
Answer: C [Maharashtra ]
Explanation:
In a bid to expand the green cover, the Maharashtra government recently signed the
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Railways, under which trees will be planted
on the land adjacent to the railway tracks in the state.
193. Which country to host 15th ion of International Musculoskeletal Congress (IMC)-2017?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] South Korea
Answer: D [South Korea]
Explanation:
The 15th ion of WFH International Musculoskeletal Congress (IMC) will be held in Seoul,
South Korea from May 5-7, 2017, which is been organized by the World Federation of
Hemophilia (WFH) and the Korea Hemophilia Foundation . The purpose of IMC is to bring
together orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, physiatrists, rehabilitation medicine
specialists, rheumatologists, hematologists, scientists, researchers, and other health
professionals from around the world to discuss a variety of surgical and nonsurgical
approaches to the prevention and management of hemophilic arthropathy.
194. Which Indian bank has won the 2017 Golden Peacock Innovative Product / Service Award
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(GPIPSA)?
[A] Yes Bank
[B] ICICI Bank
[C] State Bank of India (SBI)
[D] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Answer: A [Yes Bank]
Explanation:
Yes Bank has won the prestigious 2017 Golden Peacock Innovative Product / Service Award
(GPIPSA) at the 27th World Congress at the Dubai Global Convention in Dubai, UAE. Apart
from this, Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd (GNFC) also won the award in
this category for pioneering a cashless township transformation model. The Golden Peacock
Awards are acknowledged as a benchmark of corporate excellence worldwide. The awards
seek to raise the overall standards of developing and implementing transformative business
models, and to recognize the achievements of the best performing organizations.
195. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has offered honourary life membership to which Indian
women cricket player?
[A] Mithali Raj
[B] Sandhya Agarwal
[C] Veda Krishnamurthy
[D] Poonam Ganesh Raut
Answer: B [Sandhya Agarwal]
Explanation:
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has oered honourary life membership to Sandhya
Agarwal, former captain of the Indian womens Test team. Agarwal is being honoured in
recognition of her distinguished service to the game. She has played 13 Tests and 21 ODIs
from 1984 to 1995. After her retirement, she continued to contribute to the game as a
selector and coach, besides being a member of the BCCIs womens committee. Presently,
she is the chairperson of Girls Under-19 and senior womens team of MPCA. The Marylebone
Cricket Club, founded in 1787, has been recognised as the sole authority on the laws of
cricket since its foundation.
196. What is the theme of the India Pavillian during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2017?
[A] Yoga and Spirituality
[B] Yoga and Nature
[C] Yoga and Wellness
[D] Yoga and Health
Answer: C [Yoga and Wellness]
Explanation:
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The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has started at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai from April
24, 2017. The ATM is the leading global event of the Middle East inbound and outbound
travel industry. The 4-day fair will welcome over 2,600 exhibitors and an expected 30,000
visitors to the Middle East. The theme of the India Pavilion is Yoga and Wellness, which will
depict India as a year round multi faceted tourist destination for all ages and all seasons. The
pavilion will highlight medical tourism in India which is fast gaining currency both amongst
Middle East and European travellers. The Indian Pavilion under the aegis of the Tourism
Ministry will exhibit the grandeur of the Indian subcontinent and will provide a platform to
the leading Indian tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, state governments and airlines to
market India as an aordable and exotic tourist destination, which can be the basis of
holistic travel experience.
197. Who has been appointed the new interim President of Badminton Association of India (BAI)?
[A] Viraj Sagar Das
[B] Kuki Juneja
[C] Sudhanshu Gupta
[D] Himanta Biswa Sarma
Answer: D [Himanta Biswa Sarma]
Explanation:
Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP leader and Assam Badminton Association President, has been
appointed the new interim President of Badminton Association of India (BAI). The post of
president was left vacant after the sudden demise of former president Akhilesh Das Gupta.
198. Which Indian personality has won the 2017 Goldman Environmental Prize?
[A] Prafulla Samantra
[B] Rashida Bee
[C] Champa Devi Shukla
[D] Ramesh Agrawal
Answer: A [Prafulla Samantra]
Explanation:
Prafulla Samantra, an iconic leader of social justice movements in India, the Goldman
Environmental Prize for his historic 12-year legal battle that armed the indigenous Dongria
Kondhs land rights and protected the Niyamgiri Hills from a massive, open-pit aluminum ore
mine. In this battle, Prafulla has been kidnapped, assaulted and attacked several times by
the mining company for his activism and continues to receive threats for his anti-
development stance. The other 2017 recepients are: Mark Lopez (United States), Uros
Macerl (Slovenia), Rodrigo Tot (Guatemala), Rodrigue Mugaruka Katembo (Democratic
Republic of Congo) and Wendy Bowman (Australia).
199. The National Panchayati Raj Diwas is celebrated on which date in India?
[A] April 23
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[B] April 24
[C] April 22
[D] April 25
Explanation:
The National Panchayati Raj Diwas is celebrated every year on April 24 across India to mark
the passing of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into force with eect
from 24 April 1993.
200. Who has won the 2017 Mens Singles title of Monte Carlo Masters Tennis tournament?
[A] Albert Vinolas
[B] Roger Federer
[C] Rafael Nadal
[D] Novak Djokovic
Answer: C [Rafael Nadal]
Explanation:
Rafael Nadal, a Spanish professional tennis player, has won the Mens Singles title of Monte
Carlo Masters Tennis tournament by defeating Albert Vinolas by 6-1, 6-3 at a summit clash in
Monaco. With this, Rafael claimed a record 10th Monte Carlo Masters title. Beside this,
Indias Rohan Bopanna and his Uruguayan partner Pablo Cuevas won lifted the mens
doubles crown at the Monte Carlo Masters after registering a hard- fought three-set win over
Spains Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez.
201. Manpreet Kaur, who recently clinched Gold at the 2017 Asian Grand Prix Meet, is associated
with which sports?
[A] Javelin throw
[B] Shot put
[C] Long jump
[D] Sprint
Answer: B [Shot put]
Explanation:
Indian shot putter Manpreet Kaur has recently clinched Gold in the rst leg of the at the
2017 Asian Grand Prix Meet in Jinhua, China. Manpreet came up with a best throw of 18.86
metre, which was nearly one meter more than her earlier national record of 17.96 metre that
she had set in 2015. With the performance, Manpreet also qualied for the IAAF World
Championships to be held in August 2017 in London, United Kingdom (UK).
202. What is the theme of the 2017 World Malaria Day (WMD)?
[A] Malaria: a disease without borders
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[B] Invest in the future: defeat malaria

[C] End malaria for good
[D] Counting malaria out
Answer: C [End malaria for good]
Explanation:
The World Malaria Day (WMD) is observed every year on April 25 to create awareness among
the people about this vector borne disease. The 2017 theme is End malaria for good.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly four lakh people die of malaria every
year in the world. Tackling malaria is improving with a 29% drop in mortality rates between
2010 and 2015 and a 21% global decrease in cases. In India, every year close to one million
people suer from this diseases. Malaria caused by the falciparum parasite is the most
serious, and can lead to breathing problems, liver failure, coma and eventual death. In areas
with high malaria concentration, pregnant women and children are most at risk of
contracting the disease. Around Ninety-one countries are working to reduce their malaria
burden through the deployment and use of WHO-recommended preventive, diagnostic and
treatment tools.
203. Who will be conferred with the 2016 Dada Saheb Phalke award?
[A] Mrinal Sen
[B] Adoor Gopalakrishnan
[C] Soumitra Chatterjee
[D] Kasinadhuni Viswanath
Answer: D [Kasinadhuni Viswanath]
Explanation:
Kasinadhuni Viswanath (87), the renowned actor-director, has been named for the
prestigious 2016 Dada Saheb Phalke award for his outstanding contribution to the lm
industry. He is icon in the lm industry and known for classical and traditional art, music and
dance. The award will be conferred by President Pranab Mukherjee at a function on May 3 at
Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. With this, Viswanath will become the 48th recipient of the
award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema. The award carries a golden lotus, a cash
prize of Rs 10 lakhs and a shawl.
204. Which country has become the worlds largest importer of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG),
according to Petroleum Planning & Analysis cell?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] Japan
[D] Bhutan
Answer: A [China]
Explanation:
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According to data from Oil Ministrys Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell, China is the
worlds largest importer of Liqueed Petroleum Gas (LPG), where as India toppled Japan to
acquire second position. It is because of Indian governments drive to provide free cooking
connections to women from extremely poor households resulted in 32.5 million new LPG
connections being added in FY17. The governments eorts have pushed up Indias active
LPG user count to about 200 million. It aims to increase the households using LPG to 80% of
total households in India by FY19 from 72.8% as on April 1, 2017. On the other hand, Japan is
cutting back on LPG as cooking fuel and is moving to cheaper alternatives such as natural
gas. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), hazardous cooking fuels like wood and
cow dung cause air pollution on burning and are responsible for 1.3 million pre-mature
deaths a year.
205. Which union ministry has made a provision enabling people to apply online for passports in
Hindi?
[A] Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
[B] Ministry of External Affairs
[C] Ministry of Law and Justice
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer: B [Ministry of External Affairs]
Explanation:
The Ministry of External Aairs (MEA) has made a provision enabling people to apply online
for passports in Hindi. The move comes after President Pranab Mukherjee recently accepted
recommendations made in this regard by the Committee of Parliament on Ocial Language
via its 9th report. The report was submitted in 2011. People can download the application
form available in Hindi, ll it in and upload it while applying for the passport. The information
regarding passport and visa will also be now made available in Hindi on the ocial website
of the Ministry.
206. Which country is the worlds largest military spender, as per latest report by the Stockholm
International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] United States
[D] Russia
Answer: C [United States]
Explanation:
As per latest annual update of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
military expenditure database, the United States is the largest military spender in the world
with an expenditure of $611 billion, followed by China, Russia and Saudi Arabia. India has
acquired the 5th position as largest military spender in 2016 with expenditure of $55.9
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billion for 2016-17.
207. Who has been bestowed with the prestigious P C Chandra Puraskaar 2017?
[A] Girdhar Yadav
[B] Suparnananda Bose
[C] Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay
[D] Kailash Satyarthi
Answer: D [Kailash Satyarthi]
Explanation:
Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi has been bestowed with the prestigious P C Chandra
Puraskaar 2017 for his global crusade against child slavery and exploitative by the PC
Chandra Jewellers on April 23, 2017 at the Science City auditorium in Kolkata, West Bengal.
This year the P C Chandra Puraskaar carries an honorarium of Rs 10 lakh, which is tax
exempted.
208. Which state team has won the 2017 National Youth Athletics Championships?
[A] Kerala
[B] Punjab
[C] Manipur
[D] Haryana
Explanation:
Haryana has won the 2017 National Youth Athletics Championships by defeating Kerala at
G.M.C. Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad. Haryana emerged champions with overall 166.5
points including girls and boys performance. Kerala, nished as runners-up managing 134.75
points. Though, Kerala retained the team crown for girls with 100 points, while Haryana boys
topped with 108.5 points at the end of the three day meet. Javelin throw player Damneet
Singh of Punjab has been declared the best Athlete in boys category while in girls Aparna
Roy of who win 100m hurdles race awarded as the best.
209. Which state government has launched Kilkari app to create awarness among pregnant
women?
[A] Punjab
[B] Haryana
[C] Assam
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Answer: B [Haryana ]
Explanation:
The National Health Mission (NHM) in Haryana has recently launched a mobile-based
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application Kilkari to create awareness among pregnant women, parents and health
workers on the importance of ante and post natal care, institutional delivery and
immunisation. From the second trimester of pregnancy, till the child is one-year-old, the app
will deliver 72 times appropriate audio messages to registered mobile numbers on
pregnancy, child and childbirth care every week.
210. Which hospital has become the Indias First public hospital for eye tumours?
[A] Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER)
[B] All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health (AIIH&PH)
[C] Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital (ANMMCH)
[D] All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
Answer: D [All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)]
Explanation:
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences ( AIIMS) has become the Indias First public
hospital to start plaque brachytherapy facility for the treatment of eye tumours. The facility
is a form of local radiation delivered to the eye through a radioactive device which is
attached to the eye for a temporary period of time. The Rajendra Prasad Centre for
Opthalmic Sciences will treat children suering from a type of cancer called Retinoblastoma
and adults who suer from melanoma.
211. Which country has appointed Hana Khatib as first female judge in its Muslim sharia court
system?
[A] Iran
[B] Israel
[C] Palestine
[D] Iraq
Answer: B [Israel ]
Explanation:
Israel has recently appointed Hana Khatib as rst female judge in its Muslim sharia court
system. Hana Khatib, an attorney from the northern town of Tamra, was selected by an
Israeli justice committee to become a religious judge, or qadi, in the courts ruling on
personal law for Muslims inside Israel. Khatib is the rst woman not only for the Muslim
sharia courts but also for all the religious courts in Israel, as no women serve as judges in the
Jewish or Druze courts. Because of this, her appointment is a precedent for Israel. Khatib will
be sworn in by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in a few weeks.
212. Man Kaur, who has won Gold at the 2017 World Masters Games, is associated with which
sports?
[A] Sprint
[B] Shot put
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[C] Wushu
[D] Table Tennis
Answer: A [Sprint]
Explanation:
Man Kaur, a 101-year-old athlete from India, has recently won Gold in the 100 metres sprint
at the World Masters Games in Auckland, New Zealand on April 24, 2017. She completed the
race in one minute 14 seconds and was the only athlete to compete in her age category.
With this, She scored her 17th gold medal for her athletic career which started at the age of
93.
213. What is the theme of the 2017 World Intellectual Property Day (WIPD)?
[A] Digital Creativity: Culture Reimagined
[B] Creativity The Next Generation
[C] Innovation Improving Lives
[D] Green Innovation
Answer: C [Innovation Improving Lives]
Explanation:
The World Intellectual Property Day (WIPD) is observed every year on April 26 to learn about
the role that intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright)
play in encouraging innovation and creativity. The 2017 theme is Innovation Improving
Lives to explore how innovation is making our lives healthier, safer, and more comfortable,
turning problems into progress.
214. Which state will become the first Indian state to invite all Twitter and Facebook users to
interact with the Chief Minister (CM)?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Haryana
Explanation:
Haryana will become the rst Indian state to invite all Twitter and Facebook users to interact
with the Chief Minister Manohar Lal. This was disclosed in a workshop on Social Media
Grievance Redressal Mechanism chaired by Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister
Dr Rakesh Gupta at Panchkula. The state government will launch an integrated Social Media
Grievances Tracker Twitter and Facebook for faster and real-time redressal of grievances
pertaining to dierent departments, on May 15, 2017. The online grievance redressal
mechanism is being set up to identify process and resolve all relevant short-term complaints
being sent by citizens to the Chief Minister Oce (CMO) or the Government through social
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media.
215. Who is the newly elected President of Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI)?
[A] Mridul Bhadauria
[B] K E Prabhakar
[C] Dinesh Patel
[D] V. Veeralankaiah
Answer: A [Mridul Bhadauria]
Explanation:
Dr. Mridul Bhadauria has been elected the new President of Amateur Kabaddi Federation of
India (AKFI). Apart from her, Dinesh Patel has also been elected as new general secretary of
AKFI. The elections were held here under the supervision of Justice I S Israni. The AKFI is the
central institution to administrate and promote Kabaddi in India. Beside this, AKFI aims at
improving the standard of the sport in the neighboring countries of India. It also organizes
international kabaddi tournaments for both men and women in India.
216. The International conference on Dara Shikoh Reclaiming Spiritual Legacy of India will be
held in which city?
[A] Bhopal
[B] New Delhi
[C] Hyderabad
[D] Lucknow
Answer: B [New Delhi]
Explanation:
The International conference on Dara Shikoh Reclaiming Spiritual Legacy of India will be
held from April 27, 2017 at ICCRs Azad Bhavan in New Delhi. The 2-day conference will be
organised by the Indian Council Of Cultural Relations (ICCR) and will see the participation of
eminent scholars from the US, Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and
India. The purpose of the conference is to highlight Dara Shikohs contributions to bring
about spiritual homogenisation of Hinduism and Islam and his initiatives in building a
cohesive social and cultural edice in India.
217. Who has been conferred with the Ghantasala national award?
[A] Asha Bhosle
[B] Ramalingeswara Rao
[C] Vani Jairam
[D] Ananda Bhaskar
Answer: C [Vani Jairam]
Explanation:
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Versatile playback singer Vani Jairam has been conferred with the Ghantasala national award
on April 23, 2017. She is known in the North as Meerabai for her rendition of songs sung by
the medieval poet in praise of Lord Krishna. The award is instituted by the Ghantasala
National Art Academy in the memory of the legendary singer Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao
who ruled the roost for over three decades the Telugu tinsel world.
218. The World Lab Animal Day (WLAD) is observed on which day?
[A] April 24
[B] April 25
[C] April 26
[D] April 27
Answer: A [April 24]
Explanation:
The World Day For Animals In Laboratories (also known as World Lab Animal Day (WLAD)) is
observed every year on April 24 to mark the birthday of former National Anti-Vivisection
Society (NAVS) president Hugh Dowding, Today the event is marked by demonstrations and
protests by groups opposed to the use of animals in research. NAVS and other groups
opposed to animal research have claimed that the WLAD is recognized by the United
Nations. However, the day is not included on the ocial list of United Nations observances.
219. CREDAI has recently inked MOU with SBI for concessional loan for housing projects. Where is
the headquarters of CREDAI?
[A] Kochi
[B] Pune
[C] New Delhi
[D] Chennai
Explanation:
The Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with State Bank of India (SBI) to provide loans at a
concessional rate to builders as well as customers for aordable housing projects. Both SBI
and CREDAI will collaborate and work towards the development of the real estate sector,
specically through the aordable housing and green housing projects. The duration of the
agreement is for a period of three years. The CREDAI is the apex body of private Real Estate
developers registered under Section 25 of Companies Act, 1956. It is a not-for-prot
company and its headquarters is located in New Delhi.
220. The 15th ion of Indo-French naval exercise Varuna has started in which of the following sea
ports?
[A] Port of Quilon
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[B] Visakhapatnam Port

[C] Kochi Port
[D] Toulon port
Answer: D [Toulon port]
Explanation:
The 15th ion of Indo-French naval exercise Varuna has started at Toulon port on southern
Frances Merranean coast on April 24, 2017 to deepen combat coordination between the two
navies. The purpose of current naval exercise is to underscore Indias peaceful presence and
solidarity with friendly and like-minded countries towards ensuring good order in the
maritime domain and to strengthen the existing bonds between India and France. From
Indian side, guided missile destroyer INS Mumbai, stealth frigate INS Trishul and eet tanker
INS Aditya are taking part in it, which will continue till April 30, 2017. The ships are part of
the Indian Navys overseas deployment to the Merranean Sea and West Coast of Africa and
they arrived at Toulon port on southern Frances Merranean coast.
221. Which of the following security forces is / are the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) of
India?
[A] Special Frontier Force (SFF)
[B] Assam Rifles
[C] Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
[D] All of the above
Answer: C [Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)]
Explanation:
The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) refers to uniform nomenclature of ve security
forces in India under the authority of Ministry of Home Aairs (MHA). They are the Border
Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force
(CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Recently, Rajiv Rai
Bhatnagar, the 1983 batch of the Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS ocer, has been appointed the
new Director General of the CRPF. He succeeded acting DG Sudeep Lakhtakia and will have a
tenure of almost three years from the date of joining the post till December 31, 2019, the
date when he will superannuate. The appointment of Bhatnagar comes after acting CRPF DG
Sudeep Lakhtakias stint led to the casualty of 36 paramilitary men in two major attacks
executed by the ultra-Left extremists in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. Prior to this
appointment, Bhatnagar was serving as Director General of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
222. Who has won the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Foundation Kerala State award for the
year 2016-17?
[A] Prabhat Kumar
[B] Ajay Pandey
[C] Neelam Juneja
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[D] Dileep K Nair

Answer: D [Dileep K Nair]
Explanation:
Dileep K Nair, the youngest-ever chancellor of India, has won the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
International Foundation Kerala State award for the year 2016-17 for excellent performance
in the eld of education. in Trivendurum, Kerala. Currently, he is the Chancellor of the North
East Frontier Technical University NEFTU in Arunachal Pradesh. Nair has around 12 years of
experience in various Educational Projects in dierent parts of the country. He is also the
founder of The Automobile Society (India) and The Engineers Outlook Magazine.
223. Which state government has recently signed a MoU with Bharat Broadband Network Ltd
(BBNL) to implement BharatNet?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Assam
[D] Manipur
Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Explanation:
The Tamil Nadu government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat
Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) for implement the Centres rural internet connectivity
programme Bharatnet. For this purpose, a sum of Rs. 50 lakh has been allocated as the
states share captial. The scheme will be helpful in providing Internet connectivity to every
household in Tamil Nadu.
224. The International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day (ICDRD) is observed on which date?
[A] April 25
[B] April 26
[C] April 27
[D] April 28
Explanation:
The International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day (ICDRD) is observed every year on
April 26 to raise global awareness of the consequences of the explosion of the Nuclear Power
Plant. The day commemorates an explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986
which spread a radioactive cloud over large parts of the Soviet Union, now the territories of
Belarus, Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Due to explosion, nearly 8.4 million people in
the three countries were exposed to the radiation.
225. Jonathan Demme, the Oscar-winning filmmaker has passed away. He hailed from which
country?
286
[A] United States

[B] France
[C] Germany
[D] Russia
Answer: A [United States]
Explanation:
Robert Jonathan Demme (73), the Oscar-winning US lmmaker, has passed away in New
York City, United States. He was best known for his directorial ventures Silence of the
Lambs and Philadelphia. He was also a prolic documentary-maker who directed the 1984
Talking Heads in concert lm Stop Making Sense, as well as docs on Neil Young and
Justin Timberlake.
226. Who has been shortlisted to represent India at the FIFA Football for Friendship (F4F) global
social programme?
[A] Rudro Sen
[B] Sujal Kahar
[C] Chhagan Chauhan
[D] Sandeep Kumar
Answer: B [Sujal Kahar]
Explanation:
Sujal Kahar (12), the football enthusiast and goal-keeper from Mumbai, has been shortlisted
to represent India at the 5th ion of FIFA Football for Friendship (F4F) global social
programme. India joins the programme for the rst time and will participate alongside over
60 other countries. Sujal will join young footballers from around the world in St. Petersburg,
Russia in July 2017. The F4F programme is an international childrens social program
supported by Gazprom and FIFA. The mission of F4F program is to develop childrens
football, promote youth sports and a healthy lifestyle, foster tolerance and respect for
dierent cultures and nationalities among children from dierent countries.
227. Who has been appointed as the new Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP)?
[A] Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar
[B] Sudeep Lakhtakia
[C] RK Pachnanda
[D] Sugan Chaudhary
Answer: C [RK Pachnanda]
Explanation:
RK Pachnanda, the 1983 batch of the West Bengal cadre IPS ocer, has been appointed as
the new Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP). Currently, he is serving as
Director General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indias specialized force for
287
responding to natural disasters and CBRN emergencies. He will succeed ITBP DG Krishna
Chaudhary, who will retire from service on June 30, 2017. Pachnanda will have a tenure with
ITBP till October 31, 2018.
228. Which country to host 18th ion of World Road Meeting (WRM)?
[A] Brazil
[B] India
[C] China
[D] South Africa
Answer: B [India]
Explanation:
India will host the 18th ion of IRF World Road Meeting (WRM 2017) in Delhi from November
14-17, 2017 with the theme Safe Roads and Smart Mobility: The Engines of Economic
Growth. The WRM has been organized by the International Road Federation (IRF) once
every four years for the past 60 years. It is a prestigious event and is expected to attract
over 4,000 international and national participants. The purpose of the conference is to
identify and discuss the range of challenges that are faced in delivering safe, sustainable,
and smart road transport and mobility at an aordable price. The WRM includes a
conference, an exhibition, a young professional lab and an innovation cafe and will also
provide an outlet for sharing cutting-edge research, best practices and experiences, from
across the world.
229. Who has been crowned Miss Teen Universe 2017?

[A] Xirelle Agustin
[B] Nicole Obando
[C] Nieveles Gonzalez
[D] Srishti Kaur
Answer: D [Srishti Kaur]
Explanation:
Srishti Kaur from India has been crowned Miss Teen Universe 2017 at the Ruben Dario
National Theater in Managua, the capital of Central American country Nicaragua. She also
won the Best National Costume Award at the prestigious pageant, which featured a peacock
the Indian national bird. The youngster has studied from Lotus Valley International in Noida
and is currently pursuing her education at London School of Fashion. Kaur succeeded
Nieveles Gonzalez from Puerto Rico as the Miss Teen Universe. Apart from her, Xirelle
Agustin from the Philippines won in the Teen Popularity category, while Nicole Obando from
Costa Rica won the award for Teen Charm. The pageant is organized by the Miss Universe
organization for teens aged 15 to 19.
230. Which country has become the first country to open an honorary consulate office in Gujarat
International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City)?
288
[A] Germany
[B] Belgium
[C] Singapore
[D] South Africa
Answer: B [Belgium ]
Explanation:
Belgium has become the rst country to open an honorary consulate oce in Gujarat
International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). This is in addition to Belgiums embassy in Delhi,
two consulates general in Mumbai and Chennai and an honorary consulate in Kolkata. Beside
this, Hari Sankaran was nominated as Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium to the
state of Gujarat. Sankaran is the Vice-Chairman and MD of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial
Services (IL&FS). The GIFT city is Indias rst multi-service SEZ with International Financial
Services Centre (IFSC) status which is catering to Indias large nancial services market by
oering global rms worlds class infrastructure and facilities.
231. Which country has become the first country in the world to ban the mining of metals?
[A] El Salvador
[B] Mozambique
[C] Seychelles
[D] Namibia
Answer: A [El Salvador]
Explanation:
El Salvador has become the rst country in the world to ban the mining of metals to protect
water sources and the environment. According to the text published on April 27, 2017 in the
ocial journal the law bans prospection, exploration, exploitation, extraction or processing
of metallic minerals in El Salvador. The new law entered into force after being signed by
President Salvador Sanchez Ceren and will protect poor rural communities threatened by
proposed mining projects.
232. Which city has become the first Indian city to won Pierre Lenfant Planning Excellence and
Achievement Awards-2017?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Bhubaneswar
[C] Guwahati
[D] Chennai
Answer: B [Bhubaneswar]
Explanation:
Bhubaneswar has become the rst Indian city to won 2017 Pierre Lenfant Planning
Excellence and Achievement Awards-2017, which is instituted by the American Planning
289
Association (APA). The No.1 smart city Bhubaneswar has received this award for good and
advanced town planning and engaging its residents in the planning process. The association
selected ve excellence award recipients, which will be honoured at an awards luncheon at
the associations National Planning Conference in New York on May 8, 2017. Notably, the
American Planning Association honours comprehensive planning eorts and inspiring
individuals to recognize outstanding community plans, planning programs and initiatives,
public education eorts, and individuals for their leadership on planning issues.
233. Who has been declared Man of the tournament in 2017 T-20 Deaf and Dumb Asia Cup?
[A] Pravin Patil
[B] Yeshwant Sidhaye
[C] Imran Sheikh
[D] Yashwanth Naidu
Answer: D [Yashwanth Naidu]
Explanation:
Yashwanth Naidu, a deaf and Dumb Cricketer from Andhra Pradesh, has been declared Man
of the Tournament in the T-20 Asia Cup for his controlled bowling at Dhaka, Bangladesh. In
the triangular tournament, India beat Bangladesh and Pakistan in the T-20 Asia Cup to lift
the Trophy. Earlier, during 2016, Naidu was instrumental in India winning the Asia Cup in Sri
Lanka and during 2015 when India lifted the World Cup, his bowling won laurels of all.
234. Who has been conferred the 52nd ion of the Jnanpith Award-2016?
[A] Sankha Ghosh
[B] Chandrashekhara Kambara
[C] Bishnu Dey
[D] D R Bendre
Answer: A [Sankha Ghosh]
Explanation:
Prof. Sankha Ghosh, an eminent Bengali poet and literary critic, has been conferred the 52nd
ion of the Jnanpith Award (2016) by President Pranab Mukherjee at a function in New Delhi
on April 27, 2017. He was awarded for his outstanding contribution in the eld of literature.
Excerpt of Ghoshs classic creations are Adim lata -gulmomay, Murkho Baro, Samajik Noy
and Baborer Prarthana. With this, Prof. Ghosh has become the 6th Bengali author to win
Indias highest literary award after Mahasweta Devi, Tarashankar Bandopadhyay, Ashapurna
Devi, Subhash Mukhopadhyay and Bishnu Dey.
235. Who has become the first Indian actor to deliver a speech at the internationally acclaimed TED
Talks?
[A] Amitabh Bachchan
[B] Shah Rukh Khan
[C] Aamir Khan
290
[D] Akshay Kumar

Answer: B [Shah Rukh Khan]
Explanation:
Bollywood Actor Shah Rukh Khan has become the rst Indian actor to deliver a speech at the
internationally acclaimed TED Talks. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design.
He attended Ted 2017 The Future You conference at Vancouver, Canada on April 27, 2017
and spoke on various issues beginning from his startdom to the changes world has
experienced with the introduction of internet. Shah Rukh Khan has also partnered with TED
to host the hindi version of the famous talk show. TED talks is famous for its motivational
and inspirational speeches around the world.
236. Vinu Chakravarthy, who passed away recently, was the renowned personality of which field?
[A] Politics
[B] Journalism
[C] Film Industry
[D] Sports
Answer: C [Film Industry]
Explanation:
Vinu Chakravarthy (71), the veteran Tamil actor and scriptwriter, has passed away in
Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He was well known for his unique stentorian voice and trade mark
pauses in dialogue delivery. He acted in over 1,000 Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Badaga and
Malayalam languages lms playing villain, comic roles and supporting characters. He has
also directed movies on his own and is cred with introducing Silk Smitha
237. What is the Indias rank in the 2017 World Press Freedom Index (WPFI)?
[A] 133rd
[B] 144th
[C] 131st
[D] 136th
Answer: D [136th]
Explanation:
India has been ranked 136th out of 180 countries in the latest annual World Press Freedom
Index (WPFI-2017). As per report, the rank has been slipped 3-places due to threats from
(Prime Minister Narendra) Modis nationalism and growing self-censorship in the
mainstream media. The report also mentioned that journalists were increasingly targets of
online smear campaigns and threats. The 2017 WPFI compiled by Reporters Without Borders
(RSF) reects a world in which attacks on the media have become commonplace and
strongmen are on the rise. The index is topped by Norway, followed by Sweden, Finland and
Denmark. China has acquired 176th position among 180 nations and is described as the
worlds leading prison for citizen journalists.
291
238. What is the theme of the 2017 World Immunization Week?

[A] Vaccines Work
[B] Close the immunization gap
[C] Are you up-to-date?
[D] Immunization vaccine for you
Answer: A [Vaccines Work]
Explanation:
The 2017 World Immunization Week (WIW) has started from April 24, 2017 to raise
awareness about the critical importance of full immunization throughout life and its role in
achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The week long global public
health campaign is celebrated with theme Vaccines Work to highlight the importance of
immunization as a top global health investment priority and to promote understanding of the
action steps required to achieve the Global Vaccine Action Plan.
239. Which international organisation has observed the 2017 World Day on Safety and Health at
Work?
[A] United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
[B] International Court of Justice (ICJ)
[C] World Health Organization (WHO)
[D] International Labour Organization (ILO)
Answer: D [International Labour Organization (ILO)]
Explanation:
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign to promote
safe, healthy and decent work. It is held on 28 April and has been observed by the
International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003. As per estimate, every day 6300 people
die at a result of occupational accidents or work related diseases which mean that there are
more than 2.3 million deaths per year. The human cost of this daily adversity is vast and the
economic burden of poor occupational safety and health practices is estimated at 4% of
global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year. The 2017 theme Optimize the collection
and use of occupational Safety and Health (OSH) focuses on the critical need for countries
to improve their capacity to collect and utilize reliable Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
data.
240. Which Indian short film will be screened by UNESCO as part of 2017 World Press Freedom
Day (WPFD) in Indonesia?
[A] Gutthi
[B] Azaad
[C] Little terrorist
[D] Roadside Ambanis
292
Answer: B [Azaad]
Explanation:
The Indian short lm Azaad will be screened by United Nations Educational, Scientic and
Cultural organisation (UNESCO) as part of 2017 World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) event,
which will be held from May 1-4, 2017 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The movie is written and
directed by Rahul V. Chittella, which tells the story of the dysfunctional relationship between
a father and his son. The WPFD is observed every year on May 3 to celebrate the
fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to
defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who
have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. The 2017 theme is Critical Minds for
Critical Times: Medias role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies.
241. Indias first-ever transgender athletic meet was held in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Assam
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Answer: A [Kerala]
Explanation:
Indias rst-ever transgender athletic meet was held at the Central Stadium in
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on April 28, 2017 to provide a platform for the transgender
community to display their athletic ability. Around 100 participants from nine districts of
Kerala competed in the one-day meet which had competitions like 100 metre, 200 metre
and 400 metre races, 4100 metre relay, long jump and shot put. The event was jointly
organised by Kerala sports council and Sexual Gender Minority Federation of Kerala.
242. Which country hosted the 2017 International Basava Convention (IBC)?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Norway
Answer: A [India]
Explanation:
The International Basava Convention (IBC) has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on April 29, 2017. To mark the occasion, he launched
translated volumes of Vachana, penned by 12th century social reformer Basavanna and
other saints in 23 Indian languages The Prime Minister has also released the digital version
of the work at the rst-ever celebration of Basava Jayanthi at the national level. Vachana is a
prosaic form well known in the Kannada literature which propagate values of universal
brotherhood. This style of writing was used by Basavanna for spreading social awareness
and brings equality in the society in the 12th century. The event also coincides with golden
293
jubilee of Basava Samiti, set up by former Vice President B D Jatti in 1964 with an aim to
spread Basavannas message across India. The 23 Vachana volumes, ed by esteemed literary
scholar late M M Kalburgi and translated by more than 200 people, was commissioned by the
Bengaluru based Basava Samithi at a cost of Rs. 2.5 crore of which, the Karnataka
government contributed Rs. 1 crore.
243. Which union minister has recently launched Test & Treat policy for HIV patients?
[A] Narendra Modi
[B] Maneka Gandhi
[C] Jagat Prakash Nadda
[D] Nitin Gadkari
Answer: C [Jagat Prakash Nadda]
Explanation:
Jagat Prakash Nadda, the Union Health Minister, has recently launched the Test and Treat
policy for providing treatment to patients suering from Human Immunodeciency Virus
(HIV). As per the policy, anyone who is tested and found HIV positive will be provided Anti-
Retroviral Therapy (ART) treatment free of cost. It is a centrally sponsored scheme and
people suering from HIV will benet from it.
244. Who has won gold at the 10th ion of Moscow sand art championship?
[A] Manas Kumar Sahoo
[B] Kseniya Simonova
[C] Nitish Bharti
[D] Sudarsan Pattnaik
Answer: D [Sudarsan Pattnaik]
Explanation:
The noted Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik from Odisha has won the jury prize gold
medal at the 10th ion of Moscow Sand art Championship-2017 in Moscow, Russia. Pattnaik
secured the gold for his 10 feet high sand sculpture of Lord Ganesh with messase Go
Green at the Championship to highlight the importance of ecological balance in the face of
global warming. The theme for the international sand sculpture event was The world around
us.
245. Indias first-ever electric taxi (e- taxi) trial run will be held in which city?
[A] Nagpur
[B] Guwahati
[C] New Delhi
[D] Lucknow
Answer: A [Nagpur]
Explanation:
294
Indias rst electric taxi (e- taxi) trial will be held in Nagpur, Maharashtra from May 24, 2017.
For this initiative, Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) will provide 200 taxis. The e-taxi is one of
the ambitious projects of the Union Government and forms as a part of its United Nations
Development Program (UNDP) millennium goals to tackle pollution. The project will be
undertaken by Nagpur Municipal Corporation and is the rst project of its kind in India.
246. Who has become the first Indian woman to drive Formula E racing car at a race track?
[A] Kritika Chandhok
[B] Gul Panag
[C] Rajini Krishnan
[D] Divya Malik
Answer: B [Gul Panag]
Explanation:
Gul Panag, an Indian actress and an automobile enthusiast, has become the rst Indian
woman to drive Formula E racing car at a race track. She drove the M4Electro at the Circuit
de Calafat in Catalonia, Spain. The M4Electro is a Mahindra 4th generation Formula E race
car and a Season 4 challenger in Barcelona, Spain. To drive a racing car, one requires a high
level of tness as the G forces create tremendous stress on the body. It requires specialized
training to ensure a high level of precision.
247. Who has become the first-ever Indian racer to take pole in FIA Formula 3 European
Championship?
[A] Aditya Mehta
[B] Alok Kumar
[C] Jehan Daruvala
[D] Yasin Merchant
Answer: C [Jehan Daruvala]
Explanation:
Jehan Daruvala has created history by becoming the rst Indian racer to occupy pole position
in the FIA Formula 3 European Championships in the qualifying session for Round 2 in
Monza, Italy. Though, he was unable to translate that to a race victory, and nished the
hard-fought race on April 29, 2017 in second place, behind his Carlin Racing teammate
Lando Norris of the United Kingdom (UK). Formula 3 is considered to be one of the toughest
junior racing category, but is known to produce legends in F1.
248. Which Indian personality has been selected for Japans prestigious Order of the Rising Sun
award?
[A] Narendra Modi
[B] Pranab Mukherjee
[C] Sushma Swaraj
295
[D] Ashwani Kumar

Answer: D [Ashwani Kumar]
Explanation:
Ashwani Kumar, the former Union minister, has been selected by Japan for its prestigious
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun award for his contribution to fostering Japan-
India ties and promotion of friendship between the two countries. The Grand Cordon of the
Order of the Rising Sun is the highest category of decorations among the Orders of the
Rising Sun, is conferred in recognition of distinguished accomplishments of individuals. The
Presentation Ceremony for the Investiture of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun
will be held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 9, when the foreign recipients will be
given an audience with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
249. Which city to host the 4th ion of National Standards Conclave (NSC)?
[A] Jaipur
[B] Udaipur
[C] New Delhi
[D] Kanpur
Explanation:
The 4th ion of National Standards Conclave (NSC) will be held in New Delhi from May 1-2,
2017. The purpose of the conclave is to bring awareness and prepare Industries Central
Government Ministries, State Governments, regulatory/standards setting and conformity
assessment bodies on the growing importance of Standards in the changing scenario of
global trade. The Department of Commerce, Government of India in collaboration with
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the National
Accration Board for Certication Bodies (NABCB) and other knowledge partners is organizing
the Conclave.
250. Who has won the 2017 ACBS Asian Snooker Championship?
[A] Thor Chuan Leong
[B] Lyu Haotian
[C] Mohamed Shehab
[D] Pankaj Advani
Answer: B [Lyu Haotian]
Explanation:
Lv Haotian from China has won the 33rd ion of ACBS Asian Snooker Championship-2017 by
defeating Indias top cueist Pankaj Advani in the nal by 3-6 in Doha, Qatar. This is the rst
silver Advani has won this season, the rest all gold medals at the National Championships
of Billiards, 6-red Snooker, 15-red Snooker and the Asian Billiards Championship. The defeat
in the nal meant that Advani could not complete a career Grand Slam in cue sport. A victory
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could make Advani only player in history to win all majors in two sports at all levels and
across all formats.
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General Knowledge Today April 2017

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General Knowledge Today April 2017

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General Knowledge Today

Current Affairs: April, 2017 [Date-wise

Published Date: May 3, 2017

Justice Pradeep Nandrajog sworn in as Chief Justice of Rajasthan HC ........................................ 20

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What is Bitcoin? ......................................................................................................................................... 34

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Virat Kohli honoured as Wisdens Leading Cricketer in the World ............................................... 49

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Boxer Shyam Kumar wins gold medal at Thailand International ................................................... 61

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Malala Yousafzai made youngest UN Messenger of Peace ............................................................. 78

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FRBM Panel for 3% scal decit target .............................................................................................. 95

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Facts about MOAB ................................................................................................................................. 107

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Saturns moon Enceladus may be habitable: NASA ......................................................................... 118

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World Bank ............................................................................................................................................... 127

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South-West Monsoon to be normal: IMD ......................................................................................... 137

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Australia announces sweeping changes to Citizenship laws .......................................................... 148

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Government approves Guidelines on service charge ....................................................................... 161

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Salient Highlights .................................................................................................................................... 174

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Cassini ........................................................................................................................................................ 186

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Strategic Forces Command (SFC) ...................................................................................................... 197

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doubling the farmers income by 2022.

NPPA increases stent prices by around 2%

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

It honours a person, organization or institution for their outstanding contribution to the

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

organizations specialized in rural development programmes and to build a repository of institutional

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

Myanmar becomes 7th member of SASEC

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

Indian Institute of Tchnology, New Delhi

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No of beneficiaries under Ujjwala Yojana crosses 2 crore mark: Government

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

and 121 nationalities.

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in

Rajiv Chander appointed as Indias Ambassador and Permanent Representative

lakhs small and marginalized farmers of the state.

States Current Affairs

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K Prithika Yashini becomes Indias first-ever transgender police official