GkToday July 2017

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

Compendium]
Published Date: August 9, 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: July, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium]
Contents
Month Highlights: July, 2017 ............................................................................................................................ 3
Persons in news Appointments/Elections .......................................................................................... 3
Sports ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Persons in news: Died ................................................................................................................................. 5
Science, Technology & Environment ....................................................................................................... 5
Events & Observances ................................................................................................................................. 9
Defence Related ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Finance, Business and Economy .............................................................................................................. 11
Government Policy and Schemes ........................................................................................................... 13
Awards ......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Miscellaneous Terms and Facts .............................................................................................................. 17
Date Wise Current Affairs ............................................................................................................................... 18
July 1, 2017 .......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Union Government launches new training programme COMMIT for State Government
ofcials ................................................................................................................................................. 18
Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
Home Ministry to give security nod to GSTN .................................................................................... 19
Security issue .............................................................................................................................................. 19
About Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) ............................................................................ 19
Prime Minister inaugurates Textiles India 2017 .............................................................................. 20
Eight core sectors growth slips to 3.6% in May 2017 .................................................................... 20
R K Pachnanda takes charge as Director General ITBP ................................................................... 21
About R K Pachnanda ............................................................................................................................... 21
About Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) ........................................................................................... 21
KK Venugopal appointed as Attorney General of India ................................................................... 22
About K K Venugopal .............................................................................................................................. 22
About Attorney General of India ........................................................................................................... 22
Union Government launches National Biopharma Mission ............................................................. 22
Need ............................................................................................................................................................. 23
About Innovate in India (i3) program .................................................................................................. 23
About National Biopharma Mission ...................................................................................................... 23
Railways, NBCC ink MoU to redevelop 10 railway stations ............................................................ 23
Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 24
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 24
2 Indian-Americans to be honoured with Great Immigrants award ............................................. 24
About Great Immigrants: The Pride of America Award .................................................................. 25
Fact Box: India-China Border Dispute .................................................................................................. 25
India-China Border Dispute .................................................................................................................... 25
July 2-3, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................... 27
2017 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
2
Carrie Lam sworn in as rst female Chief Executive of Hong Kong ............................................ 27
About Hong Kong .................................................................................................................................... 27
Germany wins 2017 Confederation Cup Football title ..................................................................... 27
About FIFA Confederations Cup ........................................................................................................... 27
Mahesh Bhagwat conferred 2017 Trafcking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes Award .......... 28
Accomplishment of Mahesh Bhagwat .................................................................................................. 28
About Trafcking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes Award ............................................................ 28
Assam to raise Special Rhino Protection Force for rhino protection ............................................ 28
About one-horned rhinos ........................................................................................................................ 28
Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020 ............................................................................................................ 29
Scientists develop worlds sharpest laser .............................................................................................. 29
What is Laser? ............................................................................................................................................ 29
Features of sharpest laser ....................................................................................................................... 29
WHO declares end of Ebola outbreak in Congo ............................................................................... 29
About Ebola virus disease (EVD) ........................................................................................................... 30
Indigenously developed quick reaction surface-to-air short range missile successfully test-red
................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Key Features of the missile ..................................................................................................................... 30
NMCE, ICEX to merge to create Indias third biggest commodity exchange ............................. 30
Key Facts ...................................................................................................................................................... 31
Commodity trading in India .................................................................................................................... 31
July 4, 2017 ......................................................................................................................................................... 31
Sunderbans mangrove depleting alarmingly: Study ........................................................................... 31
Key Facts ...................................................................................................................................................... 31
About Sundarbans ..................................................................................................................................... 32
Indias defence commitment to Bhutan ................................................................................................ 32
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 32
Indias defence commitment to Bhutan ................................................................................................ 33
India placed 88th in money hoarded in Swiss banks ........................................................................ 33
Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 33
India, ADB inks $220 million Loan Agreement for Rajasthan State Highways Investment
Program .............................................................................................................................................. 34
Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 34
About Asian Development Bank (ADB) .............................................................................................. 34
President approves ordinance allowing Kambala in Karnataka ...................................................... 34
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 35
About Kambala .......................................................................................................................................... 35
Foundation stone of countrys biggest Global Skill Park laid in Bhopal ....................................... 35
About Global Skill Park ........................................................................................................................... 35
Fact Box: Vice Presidential Election ....................................................................................................... 36
About ofce of Vice President ................................................................................................................ 36
3
Eligibility ...................................................................................................................................................... 36
Election ........................................................................................................................................................ 36
Term and removal .................................................................................................................................... 36
Functions of Vice President ..................................................................................................................... 36
Achal Kumar Joti appointed as Chief Election Commissioner ........................................................ 36
About Achal Kumar Joti .......................................................................................................................... 37
Appointment of Election Commissioners ............................................................................................ 37
July 5, 2017 ........................................................................................................................................................ 37
Indias TERI ranked second among worlds climate think tanks ................................................... 37
About The Energy Resources Institute (TERI) ................................................................................... 37
US rolls out expedited entry for low-risk Indian travellers .............................................................. 38
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initiative ............................................................................... 38
Indo-Thai joint military exercise Maitree 2017 begins in Himachal Pradesh ........................... 38
Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 38
Sanjay Kumar appointed new NDRF Chief ........................................................................................ 39
About National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) ............................................................................ 39
UDAY covers 97% of discom debt: Centre ........................................................................................ 39
Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 39
About Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) .......................................................................... 40
North Korea claims successful test of its rst intercontinental missile ....................................... 40
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 40
What is Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)? ............................................................................. 40
What are experts saying about the North Korean claim? ................................................................ 40
MERIT app and e-Bidding portal for utilization of domestic coal in IPP Power Stations launched
................................................................................................................................................................ 41
Need ............................................................................................................................................................. 41
Advantages ................................................................................................................................................. 42
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 42
July 6, 2017 ........................................................................................................................................................ 42
SC asks government to formalise Election Commissioners appointment through Law .......... 42
Need ............................................................................................................................................................. 42
Election Commissioners ........................................................................................................................... 42
In a rst, White tiger spotted in Nilgiris ............................................................................................. 43
White Tigers ............................................................................................................................................... 43
India and Israel sign 7 Agreements ...................................................................................................... 43
MoUs ........................................................................................................................................................... 44
India-Israel .................................................................................................................................................. 44
Scientists discover reasons behind 2015 Chennai Floods ................................................................ 44
Salient Findings ......................................................................................................................................... 44
El-Nino ........................................................................................................................................................ 45
Prime Minister Modis Israel Visit: Other Important Takeaways ................................................... 45
4
OCI card ..................................................................................................................................................... 45

Air Connectivity ......................................................................................................................................... 45
Israeli ower named after PM Modi ..................................................................................................... 45
Strategic partnership ................................................................................................................................ 45
Indian Cultural Centre ............................................................................................................................. 45
Israel India Innovation Initiative Fund (I4F) ....................................................................................... 45
EPFO signs Agreement with Five Banks ............................................................................................. 46
Salient Facts ............................................................................................................................................... 46
Employee Provident Fund (EPF) ........................................................................................................... 46
EPFO ............................................................................................................................................................ 46
US calls for new U.N. sanctions against N.Korea ............................................................................ 46
Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 46
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 47
India ranked 96th in FIFA Rankings .................................................................................................... 47
FIFA Rankings ........................................................................................................................................... 47
India to be base to economic pole of global growth: Harvard University ................................... 47
CID .............................................................................................................................................................. 48
BMI Research: India to have a GDP Growth of 6.9% in this Fiscal ............................................ 48
Salient Facts ............................................................................................................................................... 48
Asian Athletics Championships 2017: Manpreet Kaur and Govindan Laxman wins Gold ...... 49
Asian Athletics Championship ............................................................................................................... 49
July 7, 2017 ........................................................................................................................................................ 50
Sanjiv Goenka named as IIT-Kharagpur chairman ........................................................................... 50
Salient Facts ................................................................................................................................................ 50
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 50
India becomes Fourth Largest Foreign Investor into UK ................................................................. 50
Salient Facts ................................................................................................................................................ 50
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 50
HRD Ministry: No Detention Policy to be removed from next Academic Year .......................... 51
Rationale ....................................................................................................................................................... 51
Background ................................................................................................................................................. 51
RBI limits Customer liability in Online Banking .................................................................................. 51
Salient Highlights ....................................................................................................................................... 51
India ranked 23rd in second Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) .................................................... 52
Salient Highlights ....................................................................................................................................... 52
ITU ............................................................................................................................................................... 53
UNESCO puts Old City of Hebron on its heritage in danger list ................................................... 53
Salient Facts ................................................................................................................................................ 53
Hebron ......................................................................................................................................................... 53
Israel ............................................................................................................................................................. 54
5
Vietnam renews Indian Oil Deal ............................................................................................................ 54

Background ................................................................................................................................................ 54
Tata Steel receives PMs trophy for best Integrated Steel Plant ..................................................... 55
Salient Facts ................................................................................................................................................ 55
July 8, 2017 ........................................................................................................................................................ 55
122 Countries adopts historic global treaty to ban Nuclear Weapons ......................................... 55
Opposition ................................................................................................................................................... 55
Researchers: Soil of Mars may be Toxic to Alien Life ...................................................................... 56
Salient Facts ................................................................................................................................................ 56
12th G20 Summit: Countries pledge to act tough on Terrorism and eliminate Safe Havens
................................................................................................................................................................ 56
G20 .............................................................................................................................................................. 57
India and Bangladesh have decided to construct bridge along Mizoram Border ....................... 57
Signicance ................................................................................................................................................. 57
India-Bangladesh Border ......................................................................................................................... 57
Harinder Pal Sandhu Wins South Australian Open Squash Title ................................................... 58
World Bank: India emerging as front-runner in ght against Climate Change .......................... 58
Salient Facts ................................................................................................................................................ 58
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 58
Fact Box: JIGYASA Student-Scientist connect Programme .................................................... 59
Salient Facts ................................................................................................................................................ 59
India plans to invite Leaders of ASEAN countries for 2018 Republic Day celebrations ........... 59
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 59
ASEAN ........................................................................................................................................................ 60
July 9-10, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................. 60
Cabinet approves IRDAIs admission as a signatory to IAIS, MMoU ........................................... 60
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 60
About Insurance Regulatory Authority of India (IRDA) .................................................................. 60
Indias forex reserves at record-high of $386.53 billion ................................................................... 61
Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 61
Government launches 4 digital initiatives to push e-education ....................................................... 61
Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 61
India to join Global Foreign Exchange Committee ........................................................................... 62
About Global Foreign Exchange Committee (GFXC) ...................................................................... 62
Bank for International Settlements (BIS) ............................................................................................. 62
G-20 leaders adopt Hamburg Action Plan ......................................................................................... 62
Key Highlights of Hamburg Action Plan ............................................................................................. 63
About Group of Twenty (G20) ............................................................................................................ 63
India, US and Japan navies kick off 2017 Malabar Exercise ............................................................ 63
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 64
6
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 64
Government merges Ministries of Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation
............................................................................................................................................................. 64
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 64
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 65
Walled City of Ahmedabad designated as Indias rst World Heritage City ................................ 65
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 65
About Walled City of Ahmedabad ........................................................................................................ 65
About World Heritage Cities Programme ........................................................................................... 65
India to import crude oil from US for rst time ................................................................................ 66
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 66
Aaykar Setu: Government launches new tax payer service module .............................................. 66
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 66
July 11, 2017 ....................................................................................................................................................... 67
Okinoshima Island: Japans men-only island gets UNESCO heritage tag .................................... 67
Okinoshima Island .................................................................................................................................... 67
Scientist create mini Saturns from charged liquid droplets ............................................................. 67
Electrospraying Effect .............................................................................................................................. 67
Latest Experiment ..................................................................................................................................... 67
Signicance of Research .......................................................................................................................... 68
11 July: World Population Day ................................................................................................................ 68
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 68
Vaccine shows protection against gonorrhea for rst time: Scientists .......................................... 68
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 68
Antibiotic resistance making gonorrhea difcult to treat ................................................................ 69
About Gonorrhoea ................................................................................................................................... 69
Tamil Nadu reports rst case of Zika virus ........................................................................................ 69
About Zika virus ....................................................................................................................................... 69
President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates Ashiana Annexe in Dehradun ..................................... 69
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 69
Ashiana ........................................................................................................................................................ 70
Karnataka Government constitutes committee to study legalities for separate State ag ........ 70
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 70
Constitutional and legal position of State having its own ag ........................................................ 70
Over Rs 57,000 crore saved through DBT: Government .............................................................. 70
Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 71
About Direct Benet Transfer (DBT) scheme ................................................................................... 71
July 12, 2017 ....................................................................................................................................................... 71
BCCI appoints Ravi Shastri as new head coach of Indian cricket team ........................................ 71
Rajasthan: First State to x minimum education qualication for cooperative body poll .......... 71
Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 72
7
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 72
India to become largest milk producer in 2026: OECD-FAO report ........................................... 72
Key Highlights of Report ......................................................................................................................... 72
5 States, 1 UT ink MoU with Centre on Government e-Marketplace .......................................... 73
About Government e-Marketplace (GeM) initiative ........................................................................ 74
Benets of GeM ........................................................................................................................................ 74
NGT bans nylon, synthetic manja ......................................................................................................... 74
Petition ........................................................................................................................................................ 74
NGT Judgement ........................................................................................................................................ 75
About National Green Tribunal (NGT) .............................................................................................. 75
NASAs Juno spacecraft completes yby over Jupiters Great Red Spot ...................................... 75
Jupiters Great Red Spot .......................................................................................................................... 75
About Juno spacecraft .............................................................................................................................. 75
Union Cabinet approves JIN pact between India and Bangladesh ................................................. 76
Purpose of JIN ........................................................................................................................................... 76
Approval of JIN ......................................................................................................................................... 76
Union Cabinet approves establishment of International Rice Research Institute in Varanasi
............................................................................................................................................................... 77
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 77
Benets from ISARC ................................................................................................................................ 77
About International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) ........................................................................... 77
Indias Mithali Raj becomes rst to score 6000 runs in womens ODI cricket ......................... 78
Mithali Raj .................................................................................................................................................. 78
July 13, 2017 ...................................................................................................................................................... 78
CCEA approves SASEC Road Connectivity Investment Program Tranche 2 ......................... 78
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 78
SASEC Road Connectivity Investment Program (SRCIP) ............................................................... 78
Government empowers Army to procure weapons systems for short intense wars ................ 78
Need ............................................................................................................................................................ 79
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 79
Indian Railways launches RailCloud to optimise server management, resources ....................... 79
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 79
Nivaran-Grievance Portal ........................................................................................................................ 80
Indigenously developed S-band Doppler Weather Radar commissioned in Kochi ................. 80
Doppler weather radar ............................................................................................................................ 80
Scientists discover smallest star known in the universe ................................................................... 80
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 80
........................................................................................................................................................................ 81
About SuperWASP .................................................................................................................................... 81
NGT declares 100m from edge of Ganga as No-development Zone ........................................... 81
NGT directions .......................................................................................................................................... 81
8
DIPP to set up Indias rst TISC in Punjab ......................................................................................... 82

Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 82
About WIPOs TISC program ................................................................................................................ 82
Government sets up new wing to provide intelligence inputs ........................................................ 82
Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 82
Chinas Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo passes away ................................................................................ 83
About Liu Xiaobo ...................................................................................................................................... 83
July 14, 2017 ...................................................................................................................................................... 83
President gives assent to Maharashtra Social Boycott Bill ............................................................... 83
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 83
Salient features of the Bill ....................................................................................................................... 84
India to host 8th International Theatre Olympics in 2018 .............................................................. 84
About The Theatre Olympics ................................................................................................................ 84
Saraswati: Indian scientists discover supercluster of galaxies .......................................................... 84
What is Supercluster? .............................................................................................................................. 84
About Saraswati supercluster ................................................................................................................. 85
India ranks 116 out of 157 nations on 2017 SDG index .................................................................. 85
Key Highlights of 2017 SDG Index and Dashboard report ............................................................ 85
About Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ................................................................................ 86
India contributes additional $1 million to India-UN Development Partnership Fund ................ 86
India-UN Development Partnership Fund ........................................................................................... 87
United Nations Ofce for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) ................................................. 87
Scientists for rst time store small movie clip in DNA of living bacteria ..................................... 87
How DNA store information? ............................................................................................................... 87
CRISPR gene-editing technique ............................................................................................................. 88
Indias rst solar powered DEMU train launched ............................................................................. 88
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 88
Benets ........................................................................................................................................................ 88
July 15, 2017 ...................................................................................................................................................... 88
15 July: World Youth Skills Day ............................................................................................................. 88
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 89
India ranks third in global index of countries with most condence in their government: OCED
Report .................................................................................................................................................. 89
Key Highlights ........................................................................................................................................... 89
About Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ............................ 90
India, European Union establish Investment Facilitation Mechanism ............................................. 91
Background ................................................................................................................................................. 91
Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 91
Signicance ................................................................................................................................................. 91
Raipur Airport ranked rst in Customer Satisfaction Index Survey ............................................... 91
CSI survey ................................................................................................................................................... 92
9
Swami Vivekananda Airport ................................................................................................................... 92

Indias Sundar Singh Gurjar wins gold medal at World Para Athletics ........................................ 92
Sundar Singh Gurjar ................................................................................................................................ 92
US House of Representatives passes Bill on defence co-operation with India ............................ 92
Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 92
National Defense Authorisation Act ..................................................................................................... 93
July 16-17, 2017 ................................................................................................................................................ 93
Indias Harinder Pal Sandhu wins Victorian Open squash tournament ........................................ 93
Harinder Pal Sandhu ................................................................................................................................ 93
Roger Federer wins record 8th Wimbledon title ............................................................................... 93
Other Category winners .......................................................................................................................... 93
IBBI noties rules for bankruptcy probe ............................................................................................. 94
New regulations ........................................................................................................................................ 94
About Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) ................................................................ 94
Union Government clears three export infrastructure plans under TIES .................................... 94
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 95
About Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) ................................................................... 95
GSI discovers millions of tonnes of precious metals and minerals in Indian waters .................. 95
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 96
About Geological Survey of India (GSI) ............................................................................................. 96
Scientists develop super-exible and strong articial silk ................................................................ 97
Composition ............................................................................................................................................... 97
Properties .................................................................................................................................................... 97
Fact box: National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination ............................................................... 97
Features of the Plan .................................................................................................................................. 97
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 98
SOHUM: Indigenously developed low-cost hearing screening device for newborns launched
............................................................................................................................................................... 98
Features of SOHUM ................................................................................................................................ 98
School of International Biodesign ......................................................................................................... 99
July 18, 2017 ...................................................................................................................................................... 99
Reliance Industries market capitalisation hits Rs 5 lakh crore mark ............................................. 99
About Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) ............................................................................................. 99
Scientists develop 3D-printed soft silicone heart ............................................................................... 99
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 100
3D Printing Technology ........................................................................................................................ 100
Tata Motors unveils Indias rst Bio-CNG bus ................................................................................ 100
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 100
Biomethane ............................................................................................................................................... 100
SBI launches SBI Realty portal for home buyers ........................................................................... 100
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 101
10
About State Bank of India (SBI) ........................................................................................................... 101

UKs rst woman Sikh MP Preet Kaur Gill elected to Home Affairs Select Committee ......... 101
July 19, 2017 ..................................................................................................................................................... 101
US imposes new sanctions against Iran over ballistic missile program ........................................ 101
About 2015 Nuclear Deal ...................................................................................................................... 102
Supreme Court allows Centre to replace MCI oversight committee .......................................... 102
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 102
About Medical Council of India (MCI) .............................................................................................. 102
US Navy tests worlds rst Laser Weapons System ......................................................................... 103
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 103
Underwater ghost nets posing threat to marine ecosystem: Study .............................................. 103
Problem ..................................................................................................................................................... 103
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 103
TR Zeliang sworn in as 19th Chief Minister of Nagaland ............................................................. 104
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 104
UIDAI launches mAadhaar app for Aadhaar data on phone ........................................................ 104
Features of mAadhaar ............................................................................................................................ 104
About UIDAI ............................................................................................................................................ 104
Cabinet approves MOC in respect of tax matters between India and BRICS countries ......... 105
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 105
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 105
Union Cabinet approves draft bills to replace GST ordinances for J&K ..................................... 105
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 106
July 20, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................... 106
Union Cabinet nod for IWAI bond issue ........................................................................................... 106
Modalities .................................................................................................................................................. 106
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 106
About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) ....................................................................... 106
Lok Sabha passes Indian Institutes of Information Technology (PPP) Bill, 2017 ..................... 106
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 107
Salient Features of the Bill ..................................................................................................................... 107
Environment Ministry approves Projects in 3 States under NAFCC ........................................... 107
Projects approved .................................................................................................................................... 108
About National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) .............................................. 108
IISER Kolkata Researchers develop ame-proof, rust-resistant material .................................... 108
Key Highlights ......................................................................................................................................... 108
Union Cabinet approves Phase II of BharatNet project .................................................................. 109
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 109
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 109
BharatNet project .................................................................................................................................... 109
Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) ....................................................................................... 109
11
Ram Nath Kovind elected as Indias 14th President ........................................................................ 109

About Ram Nath Kovind ........................................................................................................................ 110
July 21, 2017 ...................................................................................................................................................... 110
Indian Navys second LCU Mark IV L52 ship launched by GRSE ................................................ 110
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 110
Government releases National Trade Facilitation Action Plan ....................................................... 110
Key Facts ..................................................................................................................................................... 111
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 111
India, Japan civil nuclear deal comes into force ................................................................................. 111
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 111
Comment ................................................................................................................................................... 112
SEBI inks pact with ESMA for information exchange on CCPs .................................................... 112
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 112
About Central Counterparty (CCP) ..................................................................................................... 112
First meeting of Integrated Monitoring and Advisory Council held in New Delhi ................... 112
Key Highlights of 1st IMAC meeting ................................................................................................... 113
About IMAC .............................................................................................................................................. 113
Astrosat, Chandra and Hubble jointly detect massive cosmic explosion on Proxima Centauri
............................................................................................................................................................... 113
Proxima Centauri ...................................................................................................................................... 113
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 114
Indian Army inks MoU with DRDO to raise MRSAM defence system regiment ..................... 114
Background ............................................................................................................................................... 114
About MRSAM ......................................................................................................................................... 114
President inaugurates Bicentenary Celebration of Paika Rebellion ............................................... 114
About Paika Bidroha (rebellion) ........................................................................................................... 115
Karamjyoti Dala wins bronze medal at World Para Athletics ........................................................ 115
Karamjyoti Dala ........................................................................................................................................ 115
About World Para Athletics Championships ...................................................................................... 115
Government launches Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana for senior citizens ..................... 116
Features of PMVVY ................................................................................................................................. 116
Lok Sabha passes The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill,
2017 .................................................................................................................................................... 116
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 117
Background ............................................................................................................................................... 117
Government to launch Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana .......................................................... 117
Key Features of AGEY ............................................................................................................................ 117
About DAY-NRLM .................................................................................................................................. 117
Castor plant can reduce soil pollution: Study .................................................................................... 118
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 118
Signicance ................................................................................................................................................ 118
12
India to host 2017 Global Conference on Cyber Space .................................................................. 118

About Global Conference on Cyber Space (GCCS) ........................................................................ 118
July 23, 24, 2017 .............................................................................................................................................. 118
England wins 2017 ICC Womens World Cup .................................................................................. 119
About ICC Womens World Cup ......................................................................................................... 119
USS Gerald R Ford: Worlds largest aircraft carrier inducted by US ........................................... 119
About USS Gerald R Ford ..................................................................................................................... 119
H S Prannoy wins US Open Grand Prix Gold badminton title ..................................................... 120
Spanish scientists discover novobiocin compound as anti-Zika drug .......................................... 120
Novobiocin compound ........................................................................................................................... 120
About Zika virus ...................................................................................................................................... 120
Former ISRO Chairman U R Rao passes away .................................................................................. 121
About U R Rao .......................................................................................................................................... 121
Iran, Iraq ink pact on military cooperation ......................................................................................... 121
Comment ................................................................................................................................................... 122
Background ............................................................................................................................................... 122
India witnessed third highest terror attacks in 2016: US ................................................................ 122
Key Highlights from report ................................................................................................................... 122
CCEA approves selling 51% stake in HPCL to ONGC ................................................................... 123
Background ............................................................................................................................................... 123
Comment ................................................................................................................................................... 123
July 25, 2017 ..................................................................................................................................................... 123
Government launches Aarambh mobile app for road maintenance .......................................... 123
Aarambh mobile app .............................................................................................................................. 124
Concept and Guidance Note for Mobilizing Funds for Maintenance of Rural Road ............... 124
Renowned academic Professor Yash Pal passes away ..................................................................... 124
About Yash Pal ......................................................................................................................................... 124
Parliament passes The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2016
.............................................................................................................................................................. 124
Features of the Bill ................................................................................................................................... 125
Background ............................................................................................................................................... 125
FSSAI bans stapler pins in tea bags from January 2018 ................................................................. 125
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 125
About FSSAI ............................................................................................................................................. 125
Worlds rst wind farm being built off Scotland coast ................................................................... 126
Signicance ............................................................................................................................................... 126
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 126
Benets ...................................................................................................................................................... 126
Ram Nath Kovind sworn in as 14th President of India ................................................................... 126
Ram Nath Kovind .................................................................................................................................... 126
President of India ..................................................................................................................................... 126
13
Oath or afrmation by the President .................................................................................................. 127

Human antibodies produced in lab for rst time ............................................................................. 127
Antibodies ................................................................................................................................................. 127
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 127
Signicance ............................................................................................................................................... 127
July 26, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................... 128
Government approves rst housing project on private land under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
.............................................................................................................................................................. 128
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 128
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) ............................................................................................... 128
Reliance Defence launches rst two Navy ships Shachi and Shruti ............................................. 128
About NOPVs ........................................................................................................................................... 128
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 129
18th Kargil Vijay Diwas observed ........................................................................................................ 129
India-Pakistan Kargil War ...................................................................................................................... 129
IMF retains India 2017 GDP growth forecast at 7.2% .................................................................. 129
Key Highlights of WEO Updates .......................................................................................................... 129
About World Economic Outlook (WEO) ........................................................................................... 130
Former freedom ghter K.E. Mammen passes away ...................................................................... 130
About K.E. Mammen .............................................................................................................................. 130
Cabinet apprised JDI on Indo German-Centre for Sustainability ................................................. 130
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 130
Parliament passes Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Bill, 2017 .............................................. 131
Salient features of bill .............................................................................................................................. 131
Cabinet approves revision of guidelines of Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme ............................... 131
Need for Changes .................................................................................................................................... 132
Specic approved changes ..................................................................................................................... 132
Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar Chief Minister ................................................................................... 132
Background ............................................................................................................................................... 133
About Nitish Kumar ................................................................................................................................ 133
July 27, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................... 133
Scientists discover glow-in-the-dark shark in Pacic ...................................................................... 133
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 133
NASA jets for rst time will chase solar eclipse ............................................................................... 133
Need for research .................................................................................................................................... 134
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 134
CAC adopts Codex standards for three spices ................................................................................. 134
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 134
Signicance ............................................................................................................................................... 135
About Codex Alimentarius .................................................................................................................... 135
Purpose of the Codex Alimentarius ..................................................................................................... 135
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Cabinet approves new wage code bill to ensure minimum wage across all sectors ................ 135
Background ............................................................................................................................................... 135
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 135
2017 BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers meeting held in Chongqing ......................... 136
Key Highlights of meeting ..................................................................................................................... 136
BIRCS ......................................................................................................................................................... 136
NABARD inks AMA with Green Climate Fund ............................................................................... 136
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 137
About Green Climate Fund (GCF) ..................................................................................................... 137
Scientists develop new software that can crate 3D models from 2D photographs ................. 137
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 137
Articial Intelligence ............................................................................................................................... 137
July 28, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................... 137
Ajay Singh wins bronze medal in Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships ...... 138
Weightlifting ............................................................................................................................................. 138
BRICS nations sign Taxation Cooperation Memorandum ............................................................. 138
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 138
NITI Aayog clears six proposals for high-tech public transport ................................................... 138
Supreme Court puts end to immediate arrests in dowry cases .................................................... 139
Highlights of SC order ........................................................................................................................... 140
Scientists for rst time edit genes of human embryos .................................................................... 140
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 140
CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology ........................................................................................ 140
28 July: World Hepatitis Day ................................................................................................................ 140
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif resigns .................................................................................. 141
Pakistan SC Ruling ................................................................................................................................... 141
Background ............................................................................................................................................... 141
Panama Paper leaks ................................................................................................................................. 141
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 142
Government launches India Quake app for earthquake parameter dissemination ................... 142
Key Features of India Quake app ........................................................................................................ 142
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 142
Lok Sabha passes Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2017 ..................................................... 142
Key Highlights of Bill .............................................................................................................................. 143
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 143
July 29, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................... 143
Former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar conferred with Japanese honour ............................... 143
About Ashwani Kumar .......................................................................................................................... 143
The Order of the Rising Sun ................................................................................................................ 143
Sagar Vani: An Integrated Information Dissemination System launched ................................... 144
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 144
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NPCI gets RBI nod to operate Bharat Bill Payment System .......................................................... 144
About Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) ....................................................................................... 144
29 July: International Tiger Day .......................................................................................................... 145
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 145
Delhi Metro becomes worlds rst completely green Metro system ......................................... 145
About Delhi Metro .................................................................................................................................. 145
Other Achievements ............................................................................................................................... 145
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) .............................................................................................. 146
Operational Guidelines for Planning and Implementation of Family Participatory Care released
.............................................................................................................................................................. 146
Family Participatory Care (FPC) .......................................................................................................... 146
Need for FPC ........................................................................................................................................... 146
Key Operational Guidelines .................................................................................................................. 146
China successfully produces gas from ammable ice under South China Sea ......................... 147
Flammable ice .......................................................................................................................................... 147
Muntra: Indias rst unmanned tank rolled out by DRDO ............................................................ 147
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 147
July 30-31, 2017 .............................................................................................................................................. 148
Sri Lanka, China sign $1.1 billion Hambantota port deal ............................................................... 148
Comment .................................................................................................................................................. 148
Indias Concern ........................................................................................................................................ 148
India is worlds third-biggest beef exporter: OECD-FAO report ................................................. 149
Key Highlights of Report ....................................................................................................................... 149
IISER Scientists develop Gelator to remove oil from spills ............................................................ 149
Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 149
July 30: World Day against Trafcking in Persons .......................................................................... 150
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 150
Haryana government bans use of liquid nitrogen in food and drink ........................................... 150
Liquid nitrogen ......................................................................................................................................... 150
Harmful effects of liquid nitrogen ....................................................................................................... 150
Scientists develop Bio-glue for wound healing .................................................................................. 151
Key Facts .................................................................................................................................................... 151
Factbox: Breakthrough Starshot successfully launch worlds smallest spacecrafts .................... 151
Sprites ......................................................................................................................................................... 151
Mission Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 151
About Breakthrough Starshot ............................................................................................................... 152
Government launches Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-2 in Mumbai ..................................................... 152
About Jiyo Parsi scheme ......................................................................................................................... 152
National Mission for Clean Ganga approves 7 projects ................................................................. 152
About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) ........................................................................ 152
CBDT inks 9 Advance Pricing Agreements ...................................................................................... 153
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About Advance Pricing Agreements (APA) ...................................................................................... 153

About Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) ................................................................................ 153
Compendium of Multiple Choice Questions ............................................................................................. 153
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Month Highlights: July, 2017

Persons in news Appointments/Elections
K K Venugopal
President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed senior advocate and constitutional expert K K
Venugopal (86) as the new Attorney General of India. He will be 15th Attorney General of
India. He succeeds Mukul Rohatgi as the countrys top law officer.
R K Pachnanda
Senior IPS officer R K Pachnanda took charge as the new Director General of the Indo-
Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). He will be the 29th Chief of the ITBP.
Carrie Lam
Carrie Lam was sworn in as the first female Chief Executive (CE) of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (HKSAR), an autonomous territory of China on the Pearl River Delta.
Achal Kumar Joti
President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed election commissioner Achal Kumar Joti as the
next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). He will be the 21st CEC and succeeded Nasim
Zaidi.
Sanjay Kumar
Senior IPS officer Sanjay Kumar was appointed as Director General (DG) of National Disaster
Response Force (NDRF). He will succeed R K Pachnanda who was has taken charge as DG
the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Sanjiv Goenka
RP Sanjiv Goenka Group Chairman, Sanjiv Goenka, has been named as the Chairman of the
Board of Governors at IIT-Kharagpur. He will serve as the Chairman for three years.
Preet Kaur Gill
Britains first woman Sikh MP Preet Kaur Gill was elected to Home Affairs Select Committee
in the UK Parliament. She will be one of 11 MPs on the cross-party home affairs committee.
TR Zeliang
Senior Naga Peoples Front (NPF) legislator TR Zeliang (65) was sworn in as the 19th chief
minister of Nagaland. He was administered oath to office and secrecy by Governor P.B.
Acharya.
Ram Nath Kovind
Former governor Ram Nath Kovind was elected as Indias 14th President. He will be only the
second Dalit leader after K R Narayanan since Independence to occupy Indias highest
ceremonial post.
Nawaz Sharif
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has resigned from his post after the Supreme Court
disqualified him in the Panama Papers case. This is the third time Nawaz Sharif has been
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unable to complete his term in the chief executives office.

Sports
Germany
Four-time FIFA World Cup winner Germany won maiden FIFA Confederation Cup
Football title by defeating Copa America Champion Chile by 1-0 goals in the final match held
at St Petersburg, Russia.
Harinder Pal Sandhu
Indias Harinder Pal Sandhu has defeated Rhys Dowling of Australia 11-8 12-10 11-4 to lift
South Australian Open squash title. This will be Sandhus first PSA tournament victory in
Australia.
Ravi Shastri
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named former Indian all-rounder and
captain Ravi Shastri as the new chief coach of the Indian cricket team till ICC World Cup
2019. He will succeed Anil Kumble who had resigned from the post after the ICCChampions
Trophy 2017.
Mithali Raj
Indian captain Mithali Raj (34) scripted history by becoming first player in the history of
womens ODI cricket to score more than 6000 career runs. She also became all-time leading
run-getter in womens ODI. She achieved the record feat against Australia in the ICC
Womens World Cup 2017 match at Bristol.
Sundar Singh Gurjar
Indias Sundar Singh Gurjar (21) won gold medal in the mens javelin throw event at World
Para Athletics Championships held in London, United Kingdom.
Harinder Pal Sandhu
Indias Harinder Pal Sandhu (28) won the Victorian Open squash tournament held in
Melbourne, Australia. In the final he defeated Rex Hedrick of Australia by 12-14, 11-3, 11-4
score.
Roger Federer
Switzerlands Roger Federer won 2017 Wimbledon title in the mens single category. In the
final match he defeated Marin Cilic of Croatia by 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 score. It was Federers record
eighth Wimbledon title and overall 19th Grand Slam.
Karamjyoti Dalal
Indias Karamjyoti Dalal has won bronze medal at the World Para Athletics Championships
2017 in the discus-throw. In the womens F55 category of discus-throw, she managed a throw
of 19.02 m.
England
Englands womens cricket team won 2017 ICC World Cup title by defeating India by 9 runs
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at Lords Cricket Ground in London. It was Englands fourth Womens World Cup title.
Besides the inaugural edition in 1973, England had won the World Cup in 1993 and 2009 as
well.
H S Prannoy
Ace Indian Shuttler H S Prannoy won the 2017 Yonex US Open Grand Prix Gold badminton
tournament title. It was his third grand prix gold title of badminton.
Ajay Singh
Indias Ajay Singh has won bronze medal in the 2017 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting
Championships held at Kathmandu, Nepal. He got third place in 77 kgs mens junior category
by lifting 143 kgs in snatch and 172 kgs in clean and jerk.
Persons in news: Died

Liu Xiaobo
Chinas most famous political prisoner, the Nobel laureate and democracy icon Liu Xiaobo
passed away in custody following a battle with cancer. He was 61. Liu was awarded the 2010
Nobel Peace Prize for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in
China.
Udupi Ramachandra Rao
Internationally-renowned space scientist and former chairman of ISRO (Indian Space
Research Organization), Udupi Ramachandra Rao passed away in Bengaluru. Prof Rao is
credited with having played an instrumental role in building up Indian satellite programmes
right from nations first satellite Aryabhatta.
Yash Pal
Globally renowned physicist, academic and higher education reformer Professor Yash Pal
passed away in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. He was 90. He was known for his contributions to the
study of cosmic rays, as well as for being an institution-builder.
K.E. Mammen
Freedom fighter K.E. Mammen passed away due to age-related diseases in Neyyatinkara,
Kerala. He was 96. He was a pacifist and adherent follower of Mahatma Gandhi
Science, Technology & Environment
Special Rhino Protection Force (SRPF)
The Assam government is going to raise a new Special Rhino Protection Force (SRPF) for
better protection of the one-horned rhinos in Assam.
Ebola virus disease
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the end of the most recent outbreak of
Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
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Worlds sharpest laser

Scientists from Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Germany have developed the
worlds sharpest laser with record-breaking precision.
Kambala, bullock cart races
President Pranab Mukherjee has approved the promulgation of The Prevention of cruelty to
Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 by the Governor of Karnataka in
pursuance of Article 213 of Constitution. The promulgated ordinance legalises Kambala,
bullock cart races and bull runs as traditional sports involving animals and exempt them from
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Miniature versions of Saturn
Scientists from Northwestern University in the United States have created miniature versions
of Saturn, complete with rings, by electrifying tiny droplets of fluids.
Gonorrhoea infection
Scientists from New Zealand for the first time have claimed that vaccine can protect against
the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea. They have found that Men B jab vaccine
originally developed to stop an outbreak of meningitis B can protect from gonorrhoea.
Zika virus
Tamil Nadu has reported its first case of Zika virus in a 27-year-old man from a village in
Krishnagiri district. RT-PCR test conducted on patients blood, urine and throat samples
were found to be positive for Zika. This is second case Zika reported in India.
Juno spacecraft
NASAs unmanned spacecraft Juno has successfully peered into the Jupiters giant storm
known as the Great Red Spot. It became first space probe to complete flyby of Jupiters Great
Red Spot.
Nylon, synthetic manja banned
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed nationwide blanket ban on the use of kite
strings (manja), made of nylon or any synthetic material on the grounds that it poses a threat
to animals and humans.
Smallest star in universe
Scientists from University of Cambridge, UK have discovered the smallest star in the
universe. It has been named as EBLM J0555-57Ab. The star was identified by SuperWASP, a
planet-finding experiment run by several universities.
S-band doppler weather radar (DWR)
A state-of-the-art, indigenously developed S-band doppler weather radar (DWR) of India
Meteorological Department (IMD) was commissioned at Palluruthy in West Kochi, Kerala. It
has been manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) based on the indigenous
technology provided by ISRO.
6
Saraswati Supercluster
A team of Indian astronomers have identified previously unknown, extremely large
supercluster of galaxies located in the direction of constellation Pisces. It has been named
Saraswati.
Indias first solar powered train
Indian Railways has launched Indias first solar powered diesel multiple unit (DEMU) broad
gauge train. It is 1600 Horse Power (HP) train with all solar powered coaches. The train will
run from Sarai Rohilla in Delhi to Farukh Nagar in Haryana.
SOHUM
The Union Ministry of Science and Technology has launched SOHUM, an indigenously
developed low-cost hearing screening device for newborns. The innovative medical device
has been developed by the School of International Biodesign (SIB) startup Sohum Innovation
Labs India Pvt Ltd under Department of Biotechnology (DBT) supported (SIB).
Indias first Bio-CNG bus
Indias largest Commercial Vehicles manufacturer Tata Motors has unveiled countrys first
Bio-CNG (bio-methane) bus. The bus was rolled out at the Urja Utsav, bio-energy
programme, organised by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Worlds first active Laser Weapons System
United States Navy successfully tested the worlds first-ever active Laser Weapons System
(LaWS). LaWS operates within an invisible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is
absolutely silent and incredibly effective.
BharatNet project
The Union Cabinet has extended the second phase of the BharatNet project that forms the
backbone for the Union governments Digital India initiative. The second phase aims at
covering the remaining 1.50 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPS).
Coronal explosion on Proxima Centauri
Indias first dedicated space observatory AstroSat along with other space and earth-based
observatories have detected a massive coronal explosion on Proxima Centauri, suns closest
star neighbour.
Novobiocin compound
Researchers San Antonio Catholic University of Murcia, Spain have discovered novobiocin
compound that could be used as a potential drug to fight the effects of a Zika virus infection.
The novobiocin molecule (compound) was previously used in antibiotic drug to fend off
nosocomial infections (those acquired inside a hospital).
Worlds first full-scale floating wind farm
The worlds first fullscale floating wind farm is being built off the coast of Scotland in the
North Sea. The wind farm, known as Hywind is a trial project which aims to bring power to
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20,000 homes.
Human antibodies
Scientists for the first time have produced human antibodies in the laboratory. They have
developed revolutionary technique which can help in rapid development of new vaccines to
treat a wide range of infectious diseases.
Etmopterus lailae
Scientists have discovered new species of glow-in-the-dark shark living 1,000 feet below the
Pacific Ocean off the coast of the northwestern Hawaiian islands. It has been named
Etmopterus lailae and belongs to lanternshark family. It has an unusually large nose, weighs a
little less than a kilo and measures less than a foot.
NABARD inks AMA with GCF
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has signed an
Accreditation Master Agreement (AMA) with the Green Climate Fund (GCF). With this,
NABARD becomes the first Indian organisation to get Direct Access Entity status of the GCF.
SurfNet
Scientists including one of Indian origin have developed new artificial intelligence (AI)
software called SurfNet that can create three dimensional (3D) models from 2D photographs.
Genes of human embryos edited for first time
Scientists from Oregon Health and Science University, US for first time have successfully
edited genes of human embryos to correct defective DNA that cause inherited diseases. They
had used the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology to alter human DNA in single-cell
embryos, which allows specific sections of DNA to be altered or replaced.
Delhi Metro: Worlds first completely green Metro system
The Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) has become the worlds first completely
green Metro system for adhering to green building norms for its residential colonies. In this
regard, Delhi Metro has secured the platinum rating for adherence to green building norms
for its 10 residential colonies from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
Methane hydrate or flammable ice
China has successfully produced natural gas from methane hydrate, also known as flammable
ice, in an experimental project in the South China Sea (SCS). As part of the experiment, a
drilling platform had produced a total of 309,000 cubic metres of natural gas from gas hydrate
in 60 days.
Bio-glue
Scientists have developed a super strong, flexible Bio-glue for wound healing without causing
toxicity. It has been inspired by an adhesive material (glue) secreted by slugs that sticks to
biological tissues.
8
Gelator
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER),
Thiruvananthapuram have developed gelator that can suck up oil and congeal it. The gelator
is hydrophobic material that has property of oleilophilic (oil-loving) and takes up oil when it
comes in contact with it.
Sprites: worlds smallest spacecrafts
Scientists have announced that the worlds smallest spacecrafts dubbed as Sprites ever
launched are successfully travelling in low Earth orbit and communicating with systems on
Earth. The six prototypes of Sprites were launched in June 2017 as part of the Breakthrough
Starshot project designed to test technologies that would eventually be used for interstellar
missions.
Events & Observances

Textiles India 2017
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Textiles India 2017, Indias first ever mega
textiles trade fair at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The three-day fair showcased the nation as a
global sourcing hub and investment destination for manufacturers world-wide.
2018 Republic Day celebrations
India has planned to invite the ten leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) as Chief Guests for 2018 Republic Day celebrations. This Plan has come at a time
when India is engaged in a stand-off with China in the Sikkim sector.
July 11: World Population Day
The World Population Day is observed across the world on July 11 to attention on the
urgency and importance of population issue. Observance of the day aims at increase peoples
awareness on various population issues such as the importance of family planning, maternal
health, gender equality, poverty and human rights.
8th International Theatre Olympics
India for the first time will host 8th International Theatre Olympics, the greatest carnival of
theatre in the world in 2018. The 51-day carnival of theatre will begin on February 17, 2018.
The mega international event will be organised by the National School of Drama (NSD) in
coordination with the Union Culture Ministry.
15 July: World Youth Skills Day
The World Youth Skills Day is observed globally on 15 July every year to raise awareness
about the importance of investing in youth skills development. Observance of the day aims to
create more awareness on training and the development of skills for the youth of today and
also create better employment opportunities for the youth.
9
Paika Rebellion
President Pranab Mukharjee inaugurated the bicentenary (200th) celebration of Paika
Rebellion (1817) of Odisha organised by the Union Ministry of Culture in New Delhi. Paika
rebellion predates the 1857 Revolt i.e. first war of independence.
Global Conference on Cyber Space (GCCS) 2017
India will host Global Conference on Cyber Space (GCCS) 2017, the worlds largest
conference on cyber space and related issues in New Delhi in November 2017. This is for the
first time GCCS is taking place outside Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD) nations.
18th Kargil Vijay Diwas
The 18th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas was celebrated across India to commemorate the
success of Operation Vijay and remember brave sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the 1999
India-Pakistan Kargil War.
July 28: World Hepatitis Day
The World Hepatitis Day is being observed every year on July 28 around the world by World
Health Organisation (WHO) to spread awareness about viral hepatitis. This year the theme of
the Day is Eliminate Hepatitis.
29 July: International Tiger Day
The International Tiger Day (also known as Global Tiger Day) is celebrated every year on 29
July to raise awareness for tiger conservation. The goal of observance of the day is to promote
the protection and expansion of the wild tigers habitats and to gain support through
awareness for tiger conservation.
Defence Related
QR-SAM
India successfully test-fired its indigenously developed quick reaction surface-to-air short
range missile (QR-SAM). It is an all-weather weapon system capable of tracking and firing. It
has a strike range of 25 to 30 km and can engage multiple targets.
Maitree 2017
A joint military training exercise Maitree 2017 between Indian Army and Royal Thailand
Army was held in Bakloh in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The aim of the exercise
was to build and promote closer relations while exchanging skills and experiences between
the two armies.
Hwasong-14
North Korea has claimed that it has successfully test-fired its first intercontinental ballistic
missile (ICBM) Hwasong-14 into waters near Sea of Japan. The claim was confirmed by
United States. The successful test also marks North Koreas the final step in becoming
10
confident and powerful nuclear state that can strike anywhere on Earth.
2017 MALABAR naval Exercise
India, Japan and United States (US) navies have kicked off 2017 MALABAR trilateral naval
Exercise near Chennai in Bay of Bengal. This year it is the 21st edition of the naval exercise.
In this edition of the exercise, total of around 15 warships, two submarines and scores of
fighter jets, surveillance aircraft and helicopters from three navies will take part.
National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA), 2018
The United States House of Representatives has passed an amendment to National Defense
Authorisation Act (NDAA), 2018, a $621.5 billion defence expenditure bill to advance
defence cooperation with India.
LCU Mark IV L52 ship
Indian Navys second LCU (landing craft utility) Mark IV L52 ship built by Garden Reach
Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata, was formally launched in Kolkata,
West Bengal.
MRSAM defence system
The Indian Army has signed MoU with Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) to raise one regiment of the advanced Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles
(MRSAM) defence system.
USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78)
The United States (US) Navy officially inducted USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78), the worlds
largest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. It is the most
advanced aircraft carrier in the world. USS Gerald Ford is first in the series of three of the
futuristic ships of the Ford-class carriers ordered by US Navy.
Shachi and Shruti NOPVs
Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (RDEL) launched the first two Naval Offshore
Patrol Vessels (NOPVs) Shachi and Shruti at their shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat. These two
NOPVs are the first warships to be launched by a private sector shipyard in India.
Muntra
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has rolled out Muntra,
Indias first unmanned, remotely operated tank at its Chennai lab. It has been launched in
three variants Muntra-S, Muntra-M and Muntra-N for surveillance, mine detection and
reconnaissance in areas with nuclear and biological threats. It is also likely to be used in
Naxal-hit areas.
Finance, Business and Economy
Growth of eight core sectors
The growth of eight core sectors slowed to 3.6% in May 2017 due to fall in output of coal and
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fertilisers. It was 5.2% in May 2016. In April 2017, these eight sectors had recorded a growth
rate of 2.8%.
NMCE, ICEX merger
National Multi Commodity Exchange (NMCE), Indias first demutualised online national
multi-commodities exchange will merge with Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX). The
merged entity will create Indias third biggest commodity exchange.
Global Entry programme (GEP)
The United States of America (USA) has rolled out pre-approved expedited entry clearance
for low-risk Indian travellers under its Global Entry programme (GEP). With this initiative,
India became 11th country whose citizens are now eligible to enroll in the Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) initiative.
Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI)
India has been ranked 23rd out of 165 nations in the second Global Cybersecurity Index
(GCI) that measures the commitment of nations across the world to cyber security. The Index
has been released by the UN telecommunications agency International Telecommunication
Union (ITU).
Global Foreign Exchange Committee (GFXC)
India will soon join Global Foreign Exchange Committee (GFXC), a newly-constituted forum
of central bankers and experts working towards promotion of a robust and transparent
foreign exchange (Forex) market. The committee has been set up under guidance of the Bank
for International Settlements (BIS), an international financial organisation.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Index
India has been ranked low 116 out of 157 nations on the 2017 Sustainable Development Goal
(SDG) Index and Dashboard report released by Sustainable Development Solutions Network
(SDSN) and Bertelsmann Stiftung.
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) for the first time in its trading history
has crossed Rs 5 lakh crore in market capitalisation. The market cap of RIL stood at Rs
5,04,458.09 on BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange).
SBI Realty
Indias largest commercial bank State Bank of India (SBI) launched SBI Realty, a dedicated
portal that will help home buyers to choose flats from its 3,000 approved projects across the
country.
IWAI Bonds
The Union Cabinet gave its nod to Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to raise
Rs.660 crore in bonds for extra budgetary resources (EBRs) in 2017-18.
12
National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (NTFAP)

The Union Government released the 76 point National Trade Facilitation Action Plan
(NTFAP). The plan has been adopted by the National Committee on Trade Facilitation
(NCTF), reflecting Governments commitment to implement the Trade Facilitation
Agreement (TFA).
Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB) Scheme
The Union Cabinet has approved revision of guidelines of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB)
Scheme with a view to achieve its intended objectives.
Labour Code on Wages Bill
The Union Cabinet has approved the Labour Code on Wages Bill which will ensure a
minimum wage across all sectors by integrating existing labour related laws.
Codex standards for spices
The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has adopted three Codex standards for black,
white and green pepper, cumin and thyme. It is for first time pepper, cumin and thyme,
spices will have such universal standards. The adoption of Codex standards paves the way for
universal agreement on identifying quality spices in various countries.
Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has received final nod from the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) to function as the Bharat Bill Payment Central Unit (BBPCU) and
operate the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS).
Operational Guidelines for Planning and Implementation of Family Participatory Care
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released Operational Guidelines for
Planning and Implementation of Family Participatory Care (FPC) for improving newborn
health. The guidelines are for all stakeholders involved in the process of planning and
delivering newborn care.
India: worlds third-biggest exporter of beef
According to recently released OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2017-2026 report, India is
the worlds third-biggest exporter of beef. Brazil was ranked as the worlds top beef exporter
followed by Australia.
Advance Pricing Agreements
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has entered into 9 Unilateral Advance Pricing
Agreements (UAPAs) with Indian taxpayers in July, 2017. With this, total number of APAs
signed till date stands at 171 (Bilateral-12 and Unilateral-159).
Government Policy and Schemes
COMMIT programme
The Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension has launched a new training
programme Comprehensive Online Modified Modules on Induction Training (COMMIT)
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for State Government officials.

Goods and Service Tax Network (GSTN)
The Union Home Ministry is yet to give security clearance to the Goods and Service Tax
Network (GSTN), the IT backbone of the Goods and Service Tax (GST). Though the GSTN
has been operational, it had not got the security clearance which is a mandatory requirement
as it has private participation.
National Biopharma Mission
The Union Ministry of Science & Technology has launched National Biopharma Mission, a
first ever Industry-Academia mission to accelerate biopharmaceutical development in India.
Under this mission, the ministry also launched Innovate in India (i3) program to create an
enabling ecosystem to promote entrepreneurship and indigenous manufacturing in the
sector.
Indias biggest Global Skill Park
The foundation stone of the countrys biggest Global Skill Park was laid in Bhopal. The park
will come up on 37 acre land allotted in Narela Shankari area of Bhopal. It will be established
with the support of Singapores Institute of Technical Education and Education Services
(ITEES).
MERIT app and e-Bidding portal
Union Minister of State for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines, Piyush Goyal
launched the MERIT app (Merit Order Despatch of Electricity for Rejuvenation of Income
and Transparency) and the e-bidding portal for offering an e-Bidding solution to States.
No-detention policy
The HRD Ministry has decided to remove the no-detention policy for students from the next
academic year. Under the Right to Education Act, no child will be detained or held back in
any class or expelled till the completion of elementary education covering classes 1 to 8.
Jigyasa
Jigyasa, a student- scientist connect programme has been launched by the government in
New Delhi. The programme would be implemented by the Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS).
4 digital initiatives to push e-education
President Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of Guru Purnima launched four major digital
initiatives in to push e-education. They are Swayam, Swayam Prabha, National Academic
Depository and National Digital Library.
Aaykar Setu
The Union Finance Ministry has launched Aaykar Setu, a new tax payer service module. The
new e-initiative literally means taxpayers bridge and will be available in android phones. It
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compiles various tax tools, dynamic updates, live chat facility and important links to various
processes within the Income Tax Department (ITD) in a single module.
Minimum educational qualifications for cooperative societies
Rajasthan has become the first State in the country to lay down the minimum educational
qualifications for contesting elections to village cooperative societies and various other
cooperative bodies. In this regard, state government has amended State Cooperative Societies
Rules, 2003
Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
5 States and a Union Territory (UT) have formally adopted the Centres Government e-
Marketplace (GeM) initiative. They are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Telangana,
Arunachal Pradesh and Puducherry (UT).
IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC)
The Union Cabinet has approved establishment of International Rice Research Institute
(IRRI) set up a regional centre International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), a global rice
research institute. It will be named as IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) and will be
set up at campus of National Seed Research and Training Centre (NSRTC) in Varanasi, Uttar
Pradesh.
RailCloud
The Indian Railways has launched RailCloud, a virtual server with an inbuilt security system
that will enable faster connectivity at a reduced cost. Rail Cloud works on popular Cloud
Computing system.
Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC)
The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) will establish Indias first
Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) at Patent Information Centre, Punjab.
Directorate General of Analytics and Risk Management (DGARM)
The Union Government has set up Directorate General of Analytics and Risk Management
(DGARM), a new wing to provide intelligence inputs taking action against tax evaders. It has
been has been set up will be under the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC). It will
also do big data analytics for taxmen for better policy formulation.
India-EU Investment Facilitation Mechanism
India and European Union (EU) have established Investment Facilitation Mechanism (IFM)
for EU Investments in India. The mechanism will allow for a close coordination between EU
and India with an aim to promote and facilitate EU investment in India.
Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES)
The Union Government for the first time has given approval three infrastructure proposals
to address the infrastructure problem under the Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme
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(TIES).
National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Malaria Elimination (2017-22)
The Union Health Ministry and Family Welfare for first time has unveiled National Strategic
Plan (NSP) for Malaria Elimination (2017-22). It has set malaria elimination deadline as 2027,
three years ahead of the global deadline.
mAadhaar App
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched mAadhaar, a new
mobile application for syncing Aadhaar data on mobile phones. The app allows users to carry
their unique Aadhaar information including name, date of birth, gender, address, and the
linked photograph, on their smartphones.
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)
The Union Finance Ministry has launched Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY),
a pension scheme exclusively for senior citizens aged 60 years and above. Under this scheme,
senior citizens will get a guaranteed interest of 8% for 10 years depending upon the
investment made by them.
Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY)
The Union Ministry of Rural Development will launch Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana
(AGEY), a sub-scheme under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods
Mission (DAY-NRLM). It aims to provide an alternative source of livelihood to members of
Self Help Groups (SHGs) by facilitating them to operate public transport services in backward
rural areas.
Aarambh mobile app
The Union Ministry of Rural Development launched Aarambh mobile app for performance
based maintenance contracting and community contracting for maintenance of rural roads.
High-tech public transport
The NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog has approved 6 transport
proposals of transport ministry exploring options to improve public transport. It includes
high-tech mass rapid transportation technologies such as metrino, hyperloop, pod taxis,
stadler buses, hybrid buses and freight rail road.
India Quake application
The Union Ministry of Earth Science has launched India Quake application on the occasion
of its foundation day. The mobile app has been developed by the National Centre for
Seismology (NCS) for automatic dissemination of earthquake parameter (location, time and
magnitude) after the occurrence of earthquakes.
Sagar Vani
The Union Ministry of Earth Science has launched Sagar Vani, an integrated information
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dissemination system. Sagar Vani is an integrated information dissemination system that will
serve the coastal community, especially the fishermen community with the advisories and
alerts towards their livelihood as well as their safety at Sea.
Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-2
The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has launched Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-2 in
Mumbai, Maharashtra under the Jiyo Parsi scheme. The Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-2 aims at
containing the declining trend of population of the Parsi community and reverses it to bring
their population above the threshold level.
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
The Executive Committee of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in its 4th meeting
has approved seven projects in the sector of sewage infrastructure, ghat development and
research.
Awards
Pride of America Award
Two Indian-Americans, Adobe Chief Shantanu Narayen (54) and former US Surgeon
General Vivek Murthy (39) have been chosen for prestigious Great Immigrants: The Pride of
America Award 2017.
Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat
Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat, IPS officer from Telangana was conferred with the 2017
Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes Award by the Unites States Department of State.
He is third IPS officer to get this honour.
Ashwani Kumar
Former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar was conferred with the Japans imperial decoration
Order of the Rising Sun award for his contribution to fostering Japan-India ties.
Miscellaneous Terms and Facts

Hebron
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee acting on a proposal brought by Palestine has put
the West Bank city of Hebron on its list of world heritage in danger. This has made Israel
angry and has triggered a new Israeli-Palestinian spat at the international body.
Global treaty banning nuclear weapons
The United Nations has adopted a historic global treaty banning nuclear weapons. The treaty
was adopted by a vote of 122 members in favour. The Netherlands was the only country who
voted against the treaty. Singapore abstained from voting.
Hamburg Action Plan
The 12th G-20 summit concluded in Germanys Hamburg city with adaptation of Hamburg
Action Plan. It sets out the groups strategy for achieving strong, sustainable, balanced and
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inclusive growth. The action plan aims to address major global challenges, including climate
change, harnessing digitalisation, and to contribute to prosperity and well-being.
Walled City of Ahmedabad
The 600-year-old Walled City of Ahmedabad was declared World Heritage City by the
World Heritage Committee (WHC) of UNESCO after it met in Karlow, Poland. It is first
Indian city get the honour. The Walled City of Ahmedabad is located on the eastern banks of
Sabarmati River.
Okinoshima Island
Okinoshima Island, Japans men-only island was declared as a UNESCO world heritage site.
The island will be the 17th set of Japanese cultural assets to be granted this status and overall
21st in the list.
Maharashtra Prohibition of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2016
President Pranab Mukherjee has given his assent to Maharashtra Prohibition of People from
Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2016. Maharashtra is the first
state in the country to formulate a law to punish social boycott. The presidential assent paves
the way for the state to strictly enforce the law to deal with the scourge of social boycott with
an iron hand.
India-UN Development Partnership Fund
India has contributed an additional $1 million to India-UN Development Partnership Fund
launched to support sustainable development projects across the developing world. Earlier,
India had made an initial contribution of $1 million when the fund was created.
India-Japan civil nuclear agreement
The landmark India-Japan civil nuclear agreement came into force. In this regard, Foreign
Secretary S. Jaishankar exchanged the diplomatic notes with the Japanese envoy to India to
formalise the completion of the process. The deal would enable Japan to export nuclear
power plant technology as well as provide finance for nuclear power plants in India.
BRICS Taxation Cooperation Memorandum
Tax authorities of the BRICS- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have signed
BRICS Taxation Cooperation Memorandum to establish a mechanism for taxation
cooperation. The landmark document is the blocs first document that elevates taxation
cooperation to the institutional level.
Date Wise Current Affairs
July 1, 2017
Union Government launches new training programme COMMIT for State
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Government officials
July 1, 2017
The Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension has launched a new training programme
Comprehensive Online Modified Modules on Induction Training (COMMIT) for State Government
officials.
The objective of COMMIT programme is to improve the public service delivery mechanism and provide
citizen centric administration through capacity building of officials who interact with the citizens on day-to-
day basis.
Key Facts
The COMMIT programme has been developed by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in
collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
It will supplement the existing 12-Day Induction Training Programme (ITP) launched in 2014-15 for newly
recruited state Government officials to develop in them Generic and Domain specific competencies.
COMMIT is cost effective and has the potential to cover about 3.3 lakh officials annually, compared to
10,000 officials under existing 12-Day ITP.
Initially on pilot basis the programme will be launched in 6 States of Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil
Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal during the current financial year 2017-18. Next year it is expected to
cover all India level. It will cover approximately 74,000 State Government officials in 2017-18.
The COMMIT programme has been designed in such a way that it allows to translate the content in
local/regional languages. It will be implemented through State Administrative Training Institutes (ATIs). It
will be of 28 hours duration which will include e-Modules for 20 hours and face-to-face training for 8 hours.
The 20 hours e-training will be imparted through specifically developed 12 Generic and 3 Domain specific e-
Modules.
Home Ministry to give security nod to GSTN
July 1, 2017
The Union Home Ministry is yet to give security clearance to the Goods and Service Tax Network (GSTN),
the IT backbone of the Goods and Service Tax (GST).
Though the GSTN has been operational, it had not got the security clearance which is a mandatory
requirement as it has private participation.
Security issue
The Union Finance Ministry is looking into the GSTN from the economic securitys perspective whereas the
Union Home Ministry is examining any threat to national security by any of the stake holders in the
company. Home Ministry has not decided time frame to grant clearance to GSTN. The procedure of grant of
security clearance to the GSTN involves background checking of office bearers and others concerned.
About Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN)
GSTN is a not for profit, non-Government, private limited company incorporated in 2013. The Union
Government holds 24.5% equity in GSTN. It has been set up primarily to provide IT infrastructure and
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services to the Central and State Governments, tax payers and other stakeholders for implementation of
Goods and Services Tax (GST).
All States including two UTs (Delhi and Puducherry) and the Empowered Committee of State Finance
Ministers (EC) together hold another 24.5%. Balance 51% equity is with non-Government financial
institutions-HDFC Bank Ltd (10%), HDFC Ltd (10%), ICICI Bank Ltd (10%), NSE Strategic Investment
Corporation Ltd (10%) and LIC Housing Finance Limited (11%).
The Revenue Model of GSTN after GST rollout will consist of User Charge to be paid by stakeholders who
will use the system and thus it will be a self-sustaining organization.
Prime Minister inaugurates Textiles India 2017
July 1, 2017
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Textiles India 2017, Indias first ever mega textiles trade fair
at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
The three-day fair will showcase the nation as a global sourcing hub and investment destination for
manufacturers world-wide.
Key Facts
The fair has been organised by Union Ministry of Textiles.
It aims to explore opportunities and strengths of textiles and apparel manufacturing in India
for global investors, and forge collaboration with global players in the textiles segment.
The event will have G2G, B2B and B2G meetings with 2,500 international buyers, 1000+
international and domestic exhibitors and 15,000 domestic visitors.
Besides, country sessions, state sessions, round tables and sectorial seminars will be also held,
many of which will be chaired by Union Ministers. Fashion shows and thematic shows will
also be held.
Indias textiles sector
Indias textiles sector is one of the oldest industries in Indian economy dating back several centuries. Even
today, it is one of the largest contributors to Indias exports with approximately 11% of total exports (exports
during FY 2015-16 stood at US$ 40 billion). It contributes approximately 5% to Indias Gross Domestic
Product (GDP), and 14% to overall Index of Industrial Production (IIP). It is also labour intensive and is the
second largest employer after agriculture. Government has allowed 100% FDI in the Indian textiles sector
under the automatic route.
Eight core sectors growth slips to 3.6% in May 2017
July 1, 2017
The growth of eight core sectors slowed to 3.6% in May 2017 due to fall in output of coal and fertilisers. It
was 5.2% in May 2016. In April 2017, these eight sectors had recorded a growth rate of 2.8%.
Core industry can be defined as the main industry. In most countries, there is a particular industry that
seems to be the backbone of all other industries and it qualifies to be the core industry.
In India, there are eight core sectors comprising of coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers,
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steel, cement and electricity. The electricity has the maximum weight of 10.32% 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%).
These eight Core Industries comprise nearly 38% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial
Production (IIP), which measures factory output.
Key Facts
In May 2017, Coal and fertiliser productions recorded negative growth of 3.3% and 6.5%,
respectively. Steel sector growth dipped to 3.7% as against 13.4% in May 2016.
Slow growth in these key sectors may also have implications on the Index of Industrial
Production (IIP) number as these segments account for about 41% to the total factory output.
However, growth in refinery products and electricity output grew by 5.4% and 6.4% in May
2017 as against 3.3% and 6.2%, respectively in the same period last year.
Natural gas production too grew by 4.5% in May 2017 as against a negative growth rate of
6.5% a year earlier.
R K Pachnanda takes charge as Director General ITBP
July 1, 2017
Senior IPS officer R K Pachnanda took charge as the new Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border
Police (ITBP). He will be the 29th Chief of the ITBP.
With this appointment, Pachnanda became the only IPS officer who has served in all the major central
paramilitary forces and agencies CRPF, CISF, BSF, NDRF, SPG, CBI and now the ITBP.
About R K Pachnanda
Pachnanda is a 1983 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the West Bengal cadre. Prior to the
appointment as DG ITBP, he has served in various capacities as Commissioner of Police, Kolkata and DG
NDRF. He has been decorated with Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Service (1999) and Presidents
Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2007). He has also authored the book Terrorism and Response to
Terrorist Threat in 2001.
About Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
The ITBP (- ) is one of the five Central Armed Police Forces of India. It was raised on
24 October 1962, under the CRPF Act, in the wake of the 1962 Sino-Indian War. It was provided full
autonomy after Parliament enacted the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force Act, 1992. It works under the
command of the Union Home Ministry.
Its motto is Shaurya Dridhata Karm Nishtha (English: Valour Steadfastness and Commitment). At present,
ITBP is strong Central Armed Police Force of 90000 personnel. It primarily guards the 3,488 KM Indo-
China border along Tibet Autonomous Region. ITBP force is also engaged in a variety of internal security
tasks including disaster management, civil Medical Camp, nuclear, biological and chemical disasters and UN
peacekeeping missions around the world.
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KK Venugopal appointed as Attorney General of India

July 1, 2017
President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed senior advocate and constitutional expert K K Venugopal (86) as
the new Attorney General of India. He will be 15th Attorney General of India.
He succeeds Mukul Rohatgi as the countrys top law officer. Earlier, in the Morarji Desai government
(1977-79), Venugopal had served as Additional Solicitor General of India
About K K Venugopal
In his 50-year legal career, he had handled many high profile cases such as Mandal case, Ayodhya dispute,
Presidential reference regarding appointment of Judges and also case involving judicial appointments. He
assisted the Supreme Court in a number of cases and was amicus curiae in the infamous 2G spectrum case.
He also had represented senior BJP leader L K Advani in the Babri Masjid demolition case. He is the
recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan.
About Attorney General of India
Attorney General for India is the Indian governments chief legal advisor, and its primary lawyer in the
Supreme Court of India.He is appointed by the President of India under Article 76(1) of the Constitution and
holds office during the pleasure of the President. He is part of Union Executive.
Qualification
He must be a person qualified to be appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court or an eminent jurist, in the
opinion of the President and must be a citizen of India.
Functions
Attorney General is the first law officer of the government of India and acts as top advocate for Union
Government. He is responsible for giving advice to President/ Union Government upon such legal matters
and to perform such other duties of legal character which are assigned to him by the President.
He has right of audience in all courts within the territory of India. He has also the right to speak and take
part in proceedings of both the houses of parliament including joint sittings. But cannot vote in
parliament.Further, he can also be made a member of any parliamentary committee but in the committee
also, he has no power to vote. He has all the powers and privileges that of a member of parliament.
Private Practice
Attorney General of India is not a full time Government servant. He is an advocate of the government and is
allowed to take up private practice, provided the other party is not the state. Further, without permission of
the government he cannot defend the accused persons in criminal matters.
Union Government launches National Biopharma Mission
July 1, 2017
The Union Ministry of Science & Technology has launched National Biopharma Mission, a first ever
Industry-Academia mission to accelerate biopharmaceutical development in India.
Under this mission, the ministry also launched Innovate in India (i3) program to create an enabling
ecosystem to promote entrepreneurship and indigenous manufacturing in the sector.
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Need
India has been an active player in the global pharmaceutical industry and has contributed towards making
life saving drugs and low cost pharmaceutical products accessible at affordable rates. Despite, these advances,
Indian biopharmaceutical industry is still 10-15 years behind their counterparts in the developed countries
and faces stiff competition from Korea, China and others.
The lacuna primarily exists due to disconnected centers of excellence, less focus on translational research and
uncertain funding. So there was an immediate need to consolidated efforts to promote product discovery,
translational research and early stage manufacturing in the country to ensure inclusive innovation.
About Innovate in India (i3) program
i3 is a flagship program of the Government of India in collaboration with World Bank. It is committed to
make India a hub for design and development of novel, affordable and effective biopharmaceutical products
and solutions.
It promises to boost the growth of domestic biopharma industry by accelerating the translation of research
concepts into viable products and supporting clinical validation. Moreover it will enable sustainable
networks for collaboration between industry and academia, and support entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The program will witness an investment of $250 million with $125 million as a loan from world Bank. It
will strive to increase Indias global biopharmaceutical market share from current 2.8% to 5% and generate
additional business opportunity of $16 billion. The program will help to innovate, co-create and co-facilitate
scientific discoveries and offer young entrepreneurs an avenue to engage with the best in the industry.
About National Biopharma Mission
The mission aims to enable and nurture an ecosystem for preparing Indias technological and product
development capabilities in biopharmaceuticals to be globally competitive level over the next decade. It will
also strive to transform the health standards of Indias population through affordable product development
The mission will be implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a
PSU of Department of Biotechnology. It will bring together expertise from national and international
corridors to provide strategic direction and guidance to move promising solutions through the product
development value chain.
It will provide a holistic and integrated approach to strengthen and support the entire product development
value chain for accelerating the research leads to product development. This will help not only in immediate
product development for addressing public health needs, but also help to create an ecosystem which will
facilitate development of a continuous pipeline of products.
The mission will concentrate on development of specific products such as vaccines, medical devices,
biotherapeutics and diagnostics etc. Besides, it will also work on establishment of shared infrastructure and
facilities. It will help in building and strengthening domain specific knowledge and management skills at the
same time creating and enhancing technology transfer capabilities in public and private sector.
Railways, NBCC ink MoU to redevelop 10 railway stations
July 1, 2017
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Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has inked MoU with National Building Construction
Corporation (NBCC) for redevelopment of 10 railway stations across the country on global standards.
The identified stations to be taken up initially by NBCC, a PSU of Urban Development Ministry for
redevelopment are Tirupati, Nellore, Puducherry, Sarai Rohilla (Delhi), Madgaon, Lucknow, Gomtinagar,
Kota, Thane (New) and Ernakulam. RLDA is an arm of the Indian Railways for commercial exploitation of
rail land.
Key Facts
As per the MoU, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be formed at the national level as a Joint Venture (JV)
company between RLDA and NBCC on 50:50 shareholding basis. The SPV in turn will enter into City
Support Agreements (CSA) with respective cities for the redevelopment of stations and commercial
development on Railway land in alignment with the Smart City Plans of respective cities.
RLDA will lease out the land to the SPV for a fixed lease period of up to 45 years at a nominal token cost for
development and NBCC as Project Management Consultant will execute the project work on behalf of SPV.
Earnings from the commercial development of land parcels at stations will be utilized to redevelop the
stations for creating necessary infrastructure and better passenger amenities. The surplus earnings will go to
RLDA which would in turn would be remitted to Zonal railways.
The entire revenue from lease revenues from built up spaces will be deposited in an SPVs ESCROW
account which is to be managed by a Committee to be formed.
Background
The Indian Railways has embarked on an ambitious project to redevelop 403 stations with the participation
of private players, public sector and foreign agencies. It has taken up this redevelopment programme of
stations in a big way by adopting a multi-pronged strategy. It has chosen PPP model and is also roping in
varied agencies to execute the project namely its own PSUs, other Central government PSUs, foreign
countries through government-to-government (G2G) cooperation and state governments. Earlier in
October 2016, MoU was also signed between the Railway Ministry and Urban Development Ministry for
integrated planning for redevelopment of railway stations in the cities included in the Smart Cities Mission
and AMRUT schemes.
2 Indian-Americans to be honoured with Great Immigrants award
July 1, 2017
Two Indian-Americans, Adobe Chief Shantanu Narayen (54) and former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy
(39) have been chosen for prestigious Great Immigrants: The Pride of America Award 2017.
They are among 38 distinguished US immigrants representing more than 30 countries of origin around the
world honoured with this years award for their role in advancing USs economy, society, and culture.
Some the honourees include Canadian-origin social entrepreneur Jeff Skoll, PayPal cofounder of Ukrainian
origin Max Levchin, Iranian-origin philanthropist and entrepreneur Hushang Ansary.
Vivek Murthy
Murthy was born in the UK. He is alumnus of Harvard and Yale. He was appointed as Surgeon General by
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former President Barack Obama in 2014, making the first-ever Indian-American and also the youngest to
occupy the post. He was dismissed this in April 2017 by the Trump administration.
Shantanu Narayen
Narayen is a native of Hyderabad. He holds an undergraduate degree in electronics engineering, a masters
degree in computer science, and an MBA from UC Berkeley. He is a board member of Pfizer and US-India
Business Council. At present, he is CEO of Adobe Systems.
About Great Immigrants: The Pride of America Award
The award is given annually on the occasion of Independence Day of United States i.e. 4th July to naturalised
citizens of US for their contribution in advancing USs economy, society, and culture. The award has been
instituted by New York-based Carnegie Corporation in 2006. The honourees are recognised with a full-page
public service announcement in The New York Times and an online public awareness initiative.
The Carnegie Corporation was established in 1911 by Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie to promote the
advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. Carnegie Corporations founder Andrew
Carnegie was one of pioneer American capitalist who had shaped the modern American industry and
philanthropy. He was the son of impoverished immigrants who had settled in US.
Fact Box: India-China Border Dispute
July 1, 2017
Indian and Chinese troops are facing off once again in Sikkim at Doko-La (or Donglong, as the Chinese call
it), which lies at the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan. There have been growing tensions between
India and China. The current confrontation, however, shows signs of escalating. Both countries have upped
the ante and deployed around 3,000 troops each in the tri-junction.
The Doklam area has huge strategic significance for both India and China. It close to proximity of sensitive
Chickens Neck, or the Siliguri Corridor, which is an extremely narrow stretch of land that connects the
north-eastern region to the rest of India. Here is background of India-China Border dispute
India-China Border Dispute
India shares total boundary of around 3,488 km with China (second largest after Bangladesh). The Sino-
Indian border is generally divided into three sectors namely: Western sector, Middle sector, and Eastern
sector. 5 states viz. Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh share
border with China.
Western Sector
In the western sector, India shares about 2152 km long border with China. It is between Jammu and
Kashmir and Xinjiang Province of China. In this sector, there is territorial dispute over Aksai Chin. Both
countries went to war in 1962 over disputed territory of Aksai Chin. India claims it as part of Kashmir, while
China claims it is part of Xinjiang.
The dispute over Aksai Chin can be traced back to the failure of the British Empire to clearly demarcate a
legal border between China and its Indian colony. During the time of British rule in India, two borders
between India and China were proposed Johnsons Line and McDonald Line.
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The Johnsons line (proposed in 1865) shows Aksai Chin in Jammu and Kashmir i.e. under Indias control
whereas McDonald Line (proposed in 1893) places it under Chinas control. India considers Johnson Line as
correct, rightful national border with China, while on the other hand, China considers the McDonald Line
as the correct border with India.
At present, Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the line separating Indian areas of Jammu and Kashmir from
Aksai Chin. It is concurrent with the Chinese Aksai Chin claim line.
Middle sector
In this sector, India shares about 625 km long boundary with China which runs along the watershed from
Ladakh to Nepal. The states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand touch this border with Tibet (China) in
this sector. Both sides do not have much disagreement over border in this area.
Eastern Sector
In this sector, India shares 1,140 km long boundary with China. It runs from the eastern limit of Bhutan to a
point near the Talu Pass at the trijunction of Tibet, India and Myanmar. This boundary line is called
McMahon Line. The boundary was established along the Himalayan crest of the northern watershed of the
Brahmaputra, except where the Kemang, Subansiri, Dihang and Lohit rivers break through that watershed.
China considers the McMahon Line illegal and unacceptable claiming that Tibetans representatives who had
sign the 1914 Convention held in Shimla which delineated the Mc Mahon line on the map were not having
rights to do so.
Present mechanism to resolve border issue

26
India and China in 2003 had appointed Special Representatives to discuss the boundary question. In 2005,
both sides had agreed on political parameters and guiding principles for a boundary settlement, will form the
basis of the final settlement. So far 19 rounds of Special Representative Talks on the border have taken place
(the latest was in April 2016).
July 2-3, 2017
Carrie Lam sworn in as first female Chief Executive of Hong Kong
July 3, 2017
Carrie Lam was sworn in as the first female Chief Executive (CE) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region (HKSAR), an autonomous territory of China on the Pearl River Delta.
The CE of Hong Kong is the head and representative of the Hong Kong and also head of the Government of
Hong Kong.
Carrie Lam took her oath to office before Chines President Xi Jinping on the occasion marking 20th
anniversary of Hong Kongs return to China from Britain. She is fifth CE of Hong Kong since it became part
of China in 1997.
Prior to getting electing as CE, she was the Chief Secretary for Administration of Hong Kong SAR
Government (from 2012 to 2017), the senior most rank of principal officials of Hong Kong.
About Hong Kong
Hong Kong was part of China back in early 18th Century. Later it was ceded to Britain after Chinas Qing
dynasty government was defeated in the First Opium War in 1842. Later in 1898, Kowloon island other 235
Outlying Islands surrounding Hong Kong Island were leased to Britain for 99 years period. After end of 99
year lease Britain handed Hong Kong to Peoples Republic of China on 1st July 1997 under the principle
condition of One Country, Two Systems. This arrangement allows Hong Kong maintains a separate
political and economic system and enjoys high degree of autonomy, including retaining its capitalist system,
independent judiciary and rule of law, free trade and freedom of speech. At present, Hong Kong is a service-
based economy and serves as important gateway to the worlds largest market.
Germany wins 2017 Confederation Cup Football title
July 3, 2017
Four-time FIFA World Cup winner Germany won maiden FIFA Confederation Cup Football title by
defeating Copa America Champion Chile by 1-0 goals in the final match held at St Petersburg, Russia.
Lars Stindl of Germany score the goal in the first half against the run of play. Chile was not able to score
goal. Earlier, in the third-place play-off match, Portugal defeated Mexico by 2-1.
About FIFA Confederations Cup
The FIFA Confederations Cup is an international association football tournament for national teams. It is
currently held every four years by FIFA. It is contested by the holders of each of the six regional
championships (UEFA, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, CAF, AFC, OFC), along with the current FIFA World
Cup holder and the host nation, bringing the number of teams up to eight.
It was established in 1992. Since 2005, the tournament has been held in the nation hosts the next World
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Cup, acting as a test event for the larger tournament. Brazil has won the title for record 4 times (1997, 2005,
2009, 2013), followed by France (2001, 2003)
Mahesh Bhagwat conferred 2017 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes
Award
July 3, 2017
Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat, IPS officer from Telangana was conferred with the 2017 Trafficking in
Persons (TIP) Report Heroes Award by the Unites States Department of State. He is third IPS officer to get
this honour.
He was awarded for his vital role in elevating human trafficking as a government priority and his innovative
approach to investigating cases and dismantling human trafficking operations.
Currently, Mahesh Bhagwat is Police Commissioner of Rachakonda, one of the three Police
Commissionerates located in Hyderabad.
Accomplishment of Mahesh Bhagwat
He was central figure in anti-trafficking operations that have removed hundreds of victims from situations
of trafficking, and with the help of other government departments and civil society organisations, ensured
their placement in rehabilitation programmes.
He has pioneered the use of legal provisions to close sites where trafficking is known to occur. Under his
command, the Rachakonda Police Commissionerate had closed 25 brothels 20 residential apartments and
five hotels- in less than a year. The Commissionerate also had participated in one of the largest crackdowns
on labour trafficking in the country, which had led to the identification and rescue of more than 350 children
bonded forcibly to work in brick kilns
About Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes Award
Each year, the US Department of State honours individuals around the world who have devoted their lives
to the fight against human trafficking. These individuals may be lawmakers, police officers, NGO workers
and concerned citizens who are committed to ending modern slavery. The award recognizes their tireless
effortsdespite opposition, resistance and threats to their lives to protect victims, punish offenders, and
raise awareness of ongoing criminal practices in their countries and abroad.
Assam to raise Special Rhino Protection Force for rhino protection
July 3, 2017
The Assam government is going to raise a new Special Rhino Protection Force (SRPF) for better
protection of the one-horned rhinos in Assam.
State government has already started the process of recruitment for the proposed force. The cadre for the
force will selected from local youths hailing from the fringe areas of the Kaziranga national park.
After initial selection, recruits will be given necessary training. They will be also provided with arms and
ammunition for better protection of the one horned rhinos.
About one-horned rhinos
The greater one-horned rhinoceros is the largest of the Asian Rhinos. Its preferred habitat is alluvial flood
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plains and areas containing tall grasslands along the foothills of the Himalayas. Formerly, they were
extensively distributed in the Gangetic plains, but today they are restricted to small habitats in Indo-Nepal
terai and North Bengal, and Assam.
They are found in Kaziranga, Orang, Pobitara, Jaldapara (in Assam), Dudhwa (UP) National Park. Kaziranga
National Park hosts two-thirds of the worlds Great One-horned rhinoceros (68% of worldwide population).
It has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020
It is a partnership the Assam Forest Department, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Bodoland
Territorial Council, International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and US Fish and Wildlife Service. Its goal is to
attain a wild rhino population of at least 3,000 in the Indian state of Assam by the year 2020.
Scientists develop worlds sharpest laser
July 3, 2017
Scientists from Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Germany have developed the worlds
sharpest laser with record-breaking precision.
This precision can be useful for various applications such as optical atomic clocks, radioastronomy, precision
spectroscopy, testing the theory of relativity and carry out new precision measurements on ultracold atoms.
What is Laser?
A laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) is a device that emits light through a process
of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. Major difference
between laser and other sources of light is that, laser emits light coherently. Laser light is used in numerous
applications in industry, medicine and information technologies. It also brought about a real revolution in
fields of research and in metrology etc.
Features of sharpest laser
Theoretically, laser light has only one colour, wavelength or frequency. In reality, however, there is always a
certain linewidth. This newly developed laser has linewidth of only 10 miliHertz (0.01 Hz), closer to the
ideal laser than ever before.
In addition to the new lasers extremely small linewidth, researchers also have found out that the emitted
laser lights frequency was more precise than what had ever been achieved before.
WHO declares end of Ebola outbreak in Congo

July 3, 2017
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the end of the most recent outbreak of Ebola virus
disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The announcement comes 42 days (two 21-day incubation cycles of the virus) after the last confirmed Ebola
patient in the affected Bas-Ul province of DRC tested negative for the disease for the second time.
It was DRCs eighth outbreak of EVD since the discovery of the virus in the country in 1976. It killed four of
the eight people infected in the central African country.
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The recent outbreak in DRC is not connected to the 2014 deadly Ebola outbreak that had worst hit Guinea,
Liberia and Sierra Leone and killed more than 11,300 dead, highest ever since its discovery of virus. This
outbreak was declared finished in 2016.
About Ebola virus disease (EVD)
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a viral hemorrhagic fever of humans and other primates caused by ebola viruses.
It was first identified in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a village near the Ebola River,
from which it takes its name.
Transmission: The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population
through human-to-human transmission. Fruit bats are natural host of this virus. It spreads through contact
with body fluids of inflected persons such as blood, urine and saliva. It also spreads through sexual
transmission.
Symptoms: High fever, bleeding and central nervous system damage. The average EVD case fatality rate is
around 50%. However, in past outbreaks case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90%.
Treatment: There is as yet no proven treatment available for EVD. However, a range of potential
treatments including immune therapies, blood products and drug therapies are currently being evaluated. An
experimental Ebola vaccine rVSV-ZEBOV is proved to highly protective against the deadly virus in a major
trial in Guinea conducted in 2015.
Indigenously developed quick reaction surface-to-air short range missile
successfully test-fired
July 3, 2017
India successfully test-fired its indigenously developed quick reaction surface-to-air short range missile
(QR-SAM). The sophisticated missile was test fired from a truck-mounted canister launcher from launch
complex-3 at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur.
It was the second successful developmental trial of the state-of-the-art missile with an aerial target. The first
test launch of the missile was conducted in June 2017 from the same base.
Key Features of the missile
The QR-SAM has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and
other establishments. It has been designed to be a quick reaction missile. It is an all-weather weapon system
capable of tracking and firing. The missile has a strike range of 25 to 30 km and can engage multiple
targets. QR-SAM will complement the existing Akash short range SAM (surface-to-air missile) with a range
of 25 kilometres which has already been inducted into the services.
NMCE, ICEX to merge to create Indias third biggest commodity exchange
July 3, 2017
National Multi Commodity Exchange (NMCE), Indias first demutualised online national multi-commodities
exchange will merge with Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX).
The merged entity will create Indias third biggest commodity exchange. The largest commodity exchange by
volume is the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) followed by National Commodity and Derivatives
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Exchange (NCDEX).
Key Facts
This is the first merger deal in the commodity exchange space in India. It has been approved by the boards of
both exchanges and is expected to be completed by December 2017, subject to regulatory approvals. In the
merged entity, the ICEX will hold a 62.8% stake, while NMCE shareholders will own the rest.
The new exchange will offer a wide range of contracts, including bullion, oil, rubber, and other agri-
commodities. It will also offer the worlds first diamond futures contract, which has already received in-
principle approval from the marker regulator SEBI.
The merger will help ICEX to further strengthen its position in the countrys fast-growing commodity
derivatives market. It will result in greater financial strength, the consolidation of clients and members, an
enhanced product basket, and higher operational synergies.
Commodity trading in India
Commodity trading is an exchange where various commodities and derivatives products are traded. Most
commodity markets trade in agricultural products and other raw materials and contracts based on them.
These contracts can include spot prices, futures, forwards and options on futures. Other sophisticated
products may include interest rates, environmental instruments, swaps, or ocean freight contracts.
Commodity trading in India has a long history. In fact, commodity trading had started in India much before
it started in many other countries. However, years of foreign rule and Government policies had caused the
commodity trading in India to diminish. It was restarted recently.
At present, India has six national commodity exchanges namely, Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX),
National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), National Multi-Commodity Exchange (NMCE)
and Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX), ACE Derivatives exchange (ACE) and Universal commodity
exchange (UCX) apart from numerous regional exchanges.
Government had established regulatory body is Forward Markets Commission (FMC) in 1953. It was
merged with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in September 2015.
July 4, 2017
Sunderbans mangrove depleting alarmingly: Study
July 4, 2017
Data obtained from latest study conducted using remote sensing and GIS for the first time has offered
definite proof that the mangrove forest cover in Indian Sunderbans has been depleting alarmingly.
From 1986 to 2012, 124.418 sq km or about 5.5% of the mangrove cover of Sunderbans was lost. Moreover,
variable degrees of erosion were also observed in at least 18 islands. The continuation of this process is a
serious ecological threat.
Key Facts
Total forest cover of the Indian Sunderbans as assessed by remote sensing studies for the year 1986 was
about 2,246.839 sq km. It has gradually declined by 2,201.41 sq. km. in 1996, then down to 2168.914 sq km
in 2001 and to 2122.421 sq km in 2012. The loss in the mangrove forest in the Indian Sunderbans is about
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5.5 %.
The continuation of this process in response to climate change and sea level rise poses a serious threat to the
carbon sequestration potential and other ecosystem services of this mangrove forest in future.
The study also highlights a time series of the erosion of at least 18 mangrove forested islands of the Indian
Sunderbans from 1986 to 2012. These islands include Sagar, Gosaba, Dulibhasani, Dalhousie, Bhangaduni
and Jambudwip. The mean sea level rise is considered a driving factor for coastal erosion, coastal flooding,
increase in the number of tidal creeks and losing land.
The loss land, including mangrove forest is mainly due to decrease in fresh water flow and sediment supply
in the western (Indian) part of the delta, and the rate of sea level rise is higher than sediment supply.
However, the eastern (Bangladesh) side of the Sunderbans delta is gaining land because of the huge amount
of sediment and water flow from the Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers.
Critical minimal inflow of freshwater is necessary for the luxuriant growth of mangroves. Decrease in
freshwater inflow results change in mangrove succession where freshwater loving species of mangroves are
replaced by salt-water loving ones. This immediate impact of salinity will also have negative impact on the
fishing community, as commercially sought fish species will be replaced by fish that does not have as much
market value.
About Sundarbans
Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest in the coastal region of the Bay of Bengal. It covers approximately
10,000 square kilometres of area of which 60% is in Bangladesh with the remainder in India. It is located in
the delta region of Padma, Meghna and Brahmaputra river basins. It is the largest tidal halophytic mangrove
forest in the world.
In 1997, Sundarban was recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sundarban forests are known for its
self- Royal Bengal Tiger and other numerous species of animals, including Chital Deer, Crocodile and
Snakes. In May 1992, it was recognized as a Ramsar Site.
Indias defence commitment to Bhutan
July 4, 2017
The present standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in Doklam (located at the tri-junction of India,
China and Bhutan) has highlighted Indias very special relationship with Bhutan, including military
responsibilities.
Background
In June 2017 Chinese Army (Peoples Liberation Army) construction party had entered the Doklam area and
attempted to construct a road. Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) patrol had attempted to dissuade them from this
unilateral activity. Later Bhutan underlinined that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory
was a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affected the process
of demarcating the boundary between these two countries. Since these developments, India and Bhutan have
been in continuous contact, giving a view of Indias role in Bhutans security and matters of mutual interest.
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Indias defence commitment to Bhutan

Under the 2007 India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty, both countries have agreed to cooperate closely with each
other on issues relating to their national interests. It provides that, neither Government will allow the use of
its territory for activities harmful to the national security and interest of the other.
Under the previous treaty, India was to guide Bhutan on foreign and defence policies. The 2007 treaty is
meant to respect the sensitivities of Bhutan regarding its sovereignty. In reality, it gives India virtual
responsibility to protect Bhutan from the kind of external threat including threat from Chinese military.
Moreover, the Eastern Army Command and the Eastern Air Command of India have integrated protection
of Bhutan into their role. The Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT), headed by a Major General also
plays a critical role in training Bhutanese security personnel.
India placed 88th in money hoarded in Swiss banks
July 4, 2017
As per analysis of the latest figures compiled by the Zurich based SNB (Swiss National Bank) as on 2016-end,
India has slipped to the 88th place in terms of money parked by its citizens with Swiss banks.
The analysis shows that the money officially held by Indians with banks in Switzerland now accounts for a
meagre 0.04% of the total funds kept by all foreign clients in the Swiss banking system.
The latest data from the SNB comes ahead of a new framework for automatic exchange of information
singned between Switzerland and India to help check the black money menace. The funds mentioned are the
official figures and do not indicate the quantum of black money.
Key Facts
The total money held in Swiss banks by foreign clients from across the world, incidentally rose by a small
margin to 1.42 trillion Swiss francs (CHF) during 2016 from 1.41 trillion CHF in 2015.
In terms of individual countries, United Kingdom accounted for the largest chunk at about CHF 359 (over
25%) of the total foreign money with Swiss banks. The US came second with nearly CHF 177 billion (about
14%). Besides, UK and US, no other country accounted for a double-digit percentage share. The top-ten
countries included West Indies, France, Bahamas, Germany, Guernsey, Jersey, Hong Kong and Luxembourg.
India was ranked in top-50 continuously in terms of holdings in Swiss banks between 1996 and 2007, but it
started declining after that and was placed at 55th in 2008, 59th in 2009 and 2010 each, 55th again in 2011,
71st in 2012, 58th in 2013, 61st in 2014 and 75th in 2015. It was ranked highest at 37th place in 2004.
Among the five BRICS nations, India was also the lowest ranked. Russia was ranked 19th (CHF 15.6 billion),
China 25th (9.6 billion), Brazil 52nd (2.7 billion) and South Africa 61st (2.2 billion). Among them only China
has moved up.
Among Indias neighbouring countries, Pakistan was ranked 71st place (with about CHF 1.4 billion),
Bangladesh was 89th (667.5 million), Nepal was 150th (312 million), Sri Lanka was 151st (307 million) and
Bhutan was 282nd (half a million Swiss francs).
The total money belonging to the developed countries fell to CHF 824 billion, while those from developing
nations actually rose marginally to CHF 208 million. The money from developing economies in Asia-Pacific
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region rose to CHF 50 billion.

The funds parked in Swiss banks from offshore financial centres rose to CHF 389 billion. The offshore
financial centres that ranked higher including Cayman Islands, Panama, Marshall Islands, Cyprus, Bermuda,
Seychelles, Isle of Man and Gibraltar.
India, ADB inks $220 million Loan Agreement for Rajasthan State Highways
Investment Program
July 4, 2017
The Union Government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $220 million loan agreement
for improving connectivity as well as transport efficiency and safety on State Highways of Rajasthan.
The loan will be provided as the first tranche of the $500 million Rajasthan State Highways Investment
Program, approved by ADB Board in May 2017. The Program will upgrade about 2,000 kilometers of state
highways and major district roads to two-lane or intermediate-lane standards to meet road safety
requirements.
Key Facts
Rajasthan State Highways Investment Program aims improve State Highways and major district roads in
Rajasthan. It will enhance the capacity of the State public works department (PWD) in the areas of road asset
management, road safety and project management.
One of the focus areas of the program is to attract private sector financing through government capacity
building on public private partnership (PPP) development. ADB will finance part of the construction costs
for the annuity-based PPP concessions and engineering procurement construction (EPC) contracts. It will
also enhance the stability of contract regime, and ensure good governance during project implementation.
The first tranche loan will improve about 1,000 kilometres of State Highways and major district roads. It will
have a 25-year term, including a grace period of 8 years. The loan will carry an annual interest rate
determined in accordance with ADBs London interbank offered rate-based (LIBOR) lending facility. The
total cost of the project is $1.415 billion, of government contributing $465 million and $450 million from the
private sector and other concessionaries.
About Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The ADB is a regional development bank which aims to promote social and economic development in Asia.
It was established on 19 December 1966. It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB now has 67
members, of which 48 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside.
The ADB has been modelled closely on the World Bank. It has similar weighted voting system where votes
are distributed in proportion with members capital subscriptions. As of 2014, Japan is the largest
shareholder (capital subscription) of ADB having 15.7% shares followed US (15.6%), China (6.5%), India
(6.4%), and Australia (5.8%).
President approves ordinance allowing Kambala in Karnataka
July 4, 2017
President Pranab Mukherjee has approved the promulgation of The Prevention of cruelty to Animals
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(Karnataka Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 by the Governor of Karnataka in pursuance of Article 213 of
Constitution.
The promulgated ordinance legalises Kambala, bullock cart races and bull runs as traditional sports
involving animals and exempt them from The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Background
In November 2016, the Karnataka High Court had banned the kambala along with bull-cart race in the state
while hearing a case filed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) citing animal cruelty.
The high court had stayed these traditional sports in view of the Supreme Courts ban on jallikattu, a
traditional bull taming sport of Tamil Nadu.
Following protests by people and kambala organisers, Karnataka Assembly had passed an ordinance
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2017 in February 2017 to allow Kambala. In
April 2017, the Union Home Ministry asked the state government to modify the Bill (ordinance). The state
government made the modifications and sent it back to the union government. Earlier in June 2017, the
Union Ministry of Law and Justice had cleared the modified bill (ordinance).
About Kambala
Kambala is the traditional slush track buffalo race that is held annually in coastal districts of Karnataka to
entertain rural people of the area. Slushy/marshy paddy field track is used for Kambala. The sports season
generally starts in November and lasts till March. The contest generally takes place between two pairs of
buffaloes, each pair race in two seprate wet rice fields tracks, controlled by a whip-lashing farmer.
In the traditional form of Kambala, buffalo racing was non-competitive and buffalo pairs ran one by one in
paddy fields. Besides, there was also ritualistic approach as some agriculturists race their buffaloes as a means
to thank the god for protecting their animals from disease. But in recent times, Kambala has become an
organised rural sport.
Foundation stone of countrys biggest Global Skill Park laid in Bhopal
July 4, 2017
The foundation stone of the countrys biggest Global Skill Park was laid in Bhopal jointly by Union Minister
of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajeev Pratap Rudi and Madhya Pradesh Chief
Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
The park will come up on 37 acre land allotted in Narela Shankari area of Bhopal. It will be established with
the support of Singapores Institute of Technical Education and Education Services (ITEES).
About Global Skill Park
The objective of the Global Skill Park is to prepare skilled youths who could get jobs in private companies as
per their requirements. Besides, the youths will be able to get employment opportunities in foreign
countries. Thus, the skill park will function on the spirit of With Industry -For Industry.
The park will have capacity to impart skill training to 1000 students every year by trainers of international
standard. The courses conducted for skill training at the park will also have provision of international joint
certification.
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Fact Box: Vice Presidential Election

July 4, 2017
Incumbent Vice President Hamid Ansaris term comes to an end on August 10, 2017. Election Commission
of India (EC) has issued a notification, the process of filing nominations for the vice presidential election.
About office of Vice President
The officer of Vice-President is second highest public office in India. He has second rank in the order of
precedence. Practically, office of Vice President has been created to provide political continuity of the Indian
state. His main function is in the form of ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. He works as acting president
when president is not available.
Eligibility
As per article 66, the candidate contesting for election of Vice-President of India should be citizen of India,
completed age of 35 years and must be qualified to become a member of Rajya Sabha. He must not hold an
office for profit. A candidates nomination paper needs to be subscribed by at least 20 electors as proposers
and at least another 20 electors as seconders.
Note: Presidential candidate should be qualified to become a member of Lok Sabha, Vice-presidential
candidate should be qualified to become a member of Rajya Sabha.
Election
Like Presidential election, Vice Presidential election is also indirect and is held via system of proportional
representation by means of the single transferable vote. The electoral college of Vice President includes
elected by elected members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Unlike in Presidential election, MLAs or MLCs
from state assemblies have no role to play in Vice Presidential election.
Term and removal
The term of office of the Vice President is five years. The term may end earlier by resignation which should
be addressed to the President. The term may also terminate earlier by removal. There no impeachment
process to remove Vice President.
The Vice President can be removed by a resolution passed by the members of the Rajya Sabha. To move
such resolution, a 14 days notice is to be given. Such a resolution, though passed by the Rajya Sabha only,
but must be agreeable to the Lok Sabha.
Functions of Vice President
Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. However, during the period when he acts as
the officiating President of India, he shall not act as chairman of the Rajya Sabha and shall not be entitled to
the salary or allowances payable to the chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
According to Article 65, in case the President is unable to discharge his duties for reasons such as illness,
resignation, removal, death or otherwise, the Vice President shall carry out functions of the President. In
such case, he will be entitled for the salary, allowance and all privileges of the President.
Achal Kumar Joti appointed as Chief Election Commissioner
July 4, 2017
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President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed election commissioner Achal Kumar Joti as the next Chief
Election Commissioner (CEC). He will be the 21st CEC and shall succeed Nasim Zaidi.
He will continue as CEC till 17 January 2018. He had joined the three-member election commission as an
election commissioner in May, 2015.
About Achal Kumar Joti
A K Joti is retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of 1975-batch. He had retired as the Gujarat
Chief secretary in January, 2013. In his home cadre he had worked in various capacities, including as the
chairman of the Kandla Port Trust (1999- 2004), managing director of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam
Ltd. (SSNNL). He also had served as the Secretary in the Industry, Revenue and Water Supply Departments
in the State. He was also Gujarat Vigilance Commissioner.
Appointment of Election Commissioners
Election commission is multi member body and currently has three members including Chief Election
Commissioner. They all are appointed by the President for a term which is fixed by the President.
Tenure: The service conditions and tenure of office of Chief Election Commissioner and Election
Commissioners are determined by an act of parliament titled The Chief Election Commissioner and Other
Election Commissioners (Conditions of Service) Act, 1991. This act has fixed their term for 6 years or till age
of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Power/salary: The Chief Election Commissioner and election commissioners have equal power and receive
equal salary, allowances and other perquisites, which are similar to a judge of the Supreme Court. In case of
difference of opinion amongst the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioner, the matter is
decided by the Commission by majority.
July 5, 2017
Indias TERI ranked second among worlds climate think tanks
July 5, 2017
New Delhi-based The Energy Resources Institute (TERI) was ranked second among worlds best climate
think tank by the International Centre for Climate Governance (ICCG).
TERI was ranked number two under the category 2016 Top Climate Think Tanks in the Rest of the World-
Absolute Global Rankings during ICCGs 23rd annual conference of the European Association of
Environmental and Resource Economists (EAERE) in Athens, Greece.
ICCG is an internationally-renowned body whose activities focus on the design of climate policy and related
governance issues. It rankings helps to highlight the scale and magnitude of work done by the think tanks
working in the field of climate change.
About The Energy Resources Institute (TERI)
TERI is a non-profit research, policy research organisation that conducts research work in the fields of
energy, environment and sustainable development. It was established in 1974 as Tata Energy Research
Institute and was renamed The Energy and Resources Institute in 2003.
It aims to focus on formulating local and national level strategies for shaping global solutions to critical
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issues. Its key focus lies in promoting clean energy, water management, pollution management, sustainable
agriculture and climate resilience.
Presently, it has over 1200 employees especially research professionals from different disciplines pertaining
to issues of environment and energy. In 2013, it was ranked as the topmost global think-tank by the ICCG.
US rolls out expedited entry for low-risk Indian travellers
July 5, 2017
The United States of America (USA) has rolled out pre-approved expedited entry clearance for low-risk
Indian travellers under its Global Entry programme (GEP).
With this initiative, India became 11th country whose citizens are now eligible to enroll in the Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) initiative. Indian Ambassador to US Navtej Sarna was the first Indian national to
enroll in the programme.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initiative
Under this initiative, international GEP member traveller can enter in US through automatic kiosks, rather
than queueing up to clear immigration check by meeting an immigration officer at selected airports. At these
selective airports, the specified members need proceed to the Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-
readable passport, place their fingerprints on the scanner for verification and complete a customs
declaration.
The Global Entry kiosk then will issue the traveller a transaction receipt and directs him or her to the
baggage claim and the exit. It should be noted that under the GEP, travellers must be pre-approved for the
initiative. All applicants for GEP undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before
enrolment.
Presently, Global Entry programme is available at 53 US airports and 15 pre-clearance locations. It is now
available to US citizens, Green Card holders and nationals from Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama,
South Korea, Argentina, Colombia, Singapore, Switzerland and UK besides India.
Indo-Thai joint military exercise Maitree 2017 begins in Himachal Pradesh
July 5, 2017
A joint military training exercise Maitree 2017 between Indian Army and Royal Thailand Army commenced
at Bakloh in Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh.
The aim of 14 day long exercise is to build and promote closer relations while exchanging skills and
experiences between the two armies.
Key Facts
The Maitree series of bilateral exercises has been one of the major defence cooperation initiatives between
India and Thailand. It is an annual event. The previous edition of the exercise was held at Krabi in Thailand
in 2016.
Exercise Maitree 2017 is a continuation of a series of joint exercises between the Indian Army and the Royal
Thailand Army. It will be conducted in a manner such that both contingents will get to acquaint with each
other`s operating procedures in the backdrop of counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism environment.
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Approximately 50 troops from Royal Thailand Army and an equal number of Indian soldiers from the
Northern Command are participating in the exercise. They will jointly plan and execute a series of drills for
the neutralisation of likely threats that may be encountered in counter terrorism environment.
Earlier, a joint training exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman, named Al Nagah-II
2017, was held at Bakloh in March 2017.
Sanjay Kumar appointed new NDRF Chief
July 5, 2017
Senior IPS officer Sanjay Kumar was appointed as Director General (DG) of National Disaster Response
Force (NDRF). He will succeed R K Pachnanda who was has taken charge as DG the Indo-Tibetan Border
Police (ITBP).
Sanjay Kumar is a 1985-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Himachal Pradesh cadre. Prior to this
appointment, he was director general of police (DGP) in Himachal Pradesh.
About National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
NDRF is Indias elite disaster mitigation combat force established under The Disaster Management Act,
2005. It was established in 2006 and is headquartered in New Delhi. It functions under Union Ministry of
Home Affairs.
It is mandated to undertake special disaster response, relief, rescue operations and combat roles
independently in the case of an event of any disaster (natural or man-made), accident or emergency. It also
assists local authorities in launching a quick rescue and response operation to save life and property. It is
assisted by 12 battalions with strength of over 13,000 personnel positioned in various states of country.
UDAY covers 97% of discom debt: Centre
July 5, 2017
The Union Ministry of Power has announced that about 97% of the total outstanding debt of all state power
distribution companies (discoms) has been covered under the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY).
As on September 2015, the total debt of all state-owned discoms was Rs. 3.95 lakh crore. The 26 states and 1
UT which have joined the UDAY scheme accounted for total outstanding debt of Rs. 3.82 lakh crore. Hence,
about 97% of the total outstanding debt of all State discoms has been covered under UDAY.
Key Facts
Issuance of bonds: The total liability opted by states for restructuring through the issuance of bonds under
the scheme was Rs. 2.69 lakh crore. So far, states have issued bonds of Rs. 2.09 lakh crore and discoms have
issued bonds worth Rs. 0.23 lakh crore. Bonds worth Rs. 0.37 lakh crore are yet to be issued by various
discoms. Hence, about 86% of the restructurable debt of states has been restructured so far under UDAY.
National average of aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses: It stood at 20.2% in FY17
from all UDAY states. It has increased by two percentage points, from 81% in FY16 to 83% in FY17. The
difference between the average cost of supply (ACS) and the average revenue realised (ARR) also has come
down in the last year.
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About Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY)

The UDAY Scheme was launched by Union Power Ministry for the financial turnaround and revival
package for electricity distribution companies of India (DISCOMs). It aimed to help to make discoms
financially and operationally healthy so they can supply adequate power at affordable rates and play
important role in Union Governments ambition of meeting target of 100% Village electrification and 24X7
Power For All.
Under it, state governments were to take over up to 75% of their respective discoms debt by issuing
sovereign bonds to pay back the lenders. Remaining 25% of debt will be issued by discoms in the form of
bonds.
UDAY envisages to have a permanent solution for past as well as potential future issues of the power sector
such as reducing the interest burden on the discoms by allowing the states to take over the bulk of their debt,
reduce the cost of power, increase the operational efficiencies of the discoms by providing capital and
infrastructure like coal linkages and reduce in AT&C and transmission losses.
The scheme is optional for the states to join. Andhra Pradesh was the first state to join it. Mizoram was 26th
state to join UDAY scheme. Nagaland, Odisha and West Bengal are only three states that have not joined the
scheme.
North Korea claims successful test of its first intercontinental missile
July 5, 2017
North Korea has claimed that it has successfully test-fired its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
Hwasong-14 into waters near Sea of Japan. The claim was confirmed by United States.
The launch appeared to be North Koreas most successful missile test since its ballistic missile programme
gathered pace in the late 1990s. The successful test also marks North Koreas the final step in becoming
confident and powerful nuclear state that can strike anywhere on Earth.
Key Facts
Based on missiles height and trajectory path, US scientists claim that missile could potentially be powerful
enough to reach Alaska. The missile had reached an altitude higher and flew longer than any of the North
Koreas previous similar tests. The missile had landed in Japans exclusive economic zone.
US has strongly condemned the launch and added that it will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea.
The ICBM testing represents a new escalation of the threat to US and its allies and partners, the region and
the world.
What is Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)?
An ICBM is a missile launched by a land-based system that is intended to carry nuclear payloads. To qualify
as an ICBM, a missile must have a minimum range of 5,500km. The most significant difference between an
ICBM and other ballistic missiles is its greater range and speed. It enables countries to strike exceptionally
distant targets with minimum warning.
What are experts saying about the North Korean claim?
Analysis by South Korea and Japan has supported the account given by North Korea, which said the missile
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reached an altitude of 2,802km and flew 930km. The US initially had described it as an intermediate-range
missile but later conceded it was an ICBM. North Korea will be 8th nation in the world to successfully test
ICBM. Other countries that have ICBM technology are US, Russia, China, UK, France, Israel and India.
MERIT app and e-Bidding portal for utilization of domestic coal in IPP Power
Stations launched
July 5, 2017
Union Minister of State for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines, Piyush Goyal has
launched the MERIT app (Merit Order Despatch of Electricity for Rejuvenation of Income and
Transparency) and the e-bidding portal for offering an e-Bidding solution to States. The app and the portal
would help the states to select Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for procurement of power by
transferring their domestic coal under the scheme of flexibility in utilisation of domestic coal.
Need
The launch of the app and the portal is aimed at promoting the vision of Minimum Government and
Maximum Governanceethrough Speed, Skill and Scale.
It would result in optimum utilisation of Coal and would save the consumer around Rs. 20,000 crores in the
next five years. It would increase the transparency and accountability.
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Advantages
The advantages of MERIT app:
Empowers the consumer.
Promotes participative governance.
Transparency in information dissemination relating to marginal variable cost and source wise
purchase of electricity.
Promotes economy and efficiency in operation.
Optimises the procurement costs.
Facilitates renewable integration and handling of the variability and uncertainty of
renewables.
Background
Union cabinet in May 2016 permitted flexibility in utilisation of domestic coal amongst power generating
stations. Following which the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued the methodology for utilisation
of domestic coal within State/Central generating stations on 8th June 2016. The ministry of power then
came up with the methodology for use of transferred coal in Independent Power Producers (IPPs) generating
stations in February 2017.
July 6, 2017
SC asks government to formalise Election Commissioners appointment through
Law
July 6, 2017
The Supreme Court has asked the Union government to formalise appointment of election commissioners
through law.
Need
The Supreme Court has observed that even though the Election commissioners have been so far appointed
in a very fair manner, there exists a legitimate expectation in the Constitution of India that Election
Commissioners, who are charged with the free and fair conduct of elections be appointed through a most
transparent and just process formalised by a law enacted by the Parliament.
According to the Supreme Court, at present due to lack of a parliamentary law, there is no transparency in
the eligibility, criteria required for a person to be appointed as an election commissioner. The court has
observed that even the selection procedure of the CBI Director is formalised by a written law
Election Commissioners
For the conduct of free and fair elections, an independent Election Commission has been provided for
in Article 324.In India, the Election Commission consists of three members. These all are appointed by
the President for a term which is fixed by the President. However, conditions of service and tenure of office
of the chief election commissioner and other election commissioner are determined by an act of
parliament titled The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Conditions of
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Service) Act, 1991. This act has fixed the following:

The chief election commissioner or an election commissioner shall hold office for a term of 6
years or age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
The chief election commissioner and other commissioners are paid a salary equal to the salary
of a judge of the Supreme Court. On retirement, they are entitled to a pension payable to a
judge of the Supreme Court.
All business of the election commission shall, as far as possible, be transacted unanimously. If
the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners differ in opinion on any
matter, such matter shall be decided according to the opinion of the majority.
In a first, White tiger spotted in Nilgiris
July 6, 2017
A photographer named Nilanjan Ray is believed to have spotted a rare white tiger with a pale skin colour for
the first time in the Nilgiris. The discovery has aroused interest among conservationists and forest officials. It
is yet to be ascertained whether the white tiger is a true genetic mutant.
The tiger which was spotted in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve does not seem to be albino and was found to
be whitish with golden brown patches. As per the scientists, genetic mutation among tigers changes an
amino acid responsible for the normal colour being formed, resulting in natural polymorphism. According
to the scientists, white tigers lack pheomelanin, which is responsible for the red-yellow hue in the skin coat.
White Tigers
In India, white tigers are predominantly found in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. In 2016, worlds first White Tiger
Safari was inaugurated at Mukundpur in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh.
The first white tiger in Madhya Pradeshs was spotted in Vindhya region in 1915. However, the rare breed of
the big cat spotted for the first time died in 1920. In 1951, a white tiger cub named Mohan was captured by
Rewa Maharaja Martand Singh. Later the tiger cub became the progenitor of all known white tigers in the
world after the Maharaja arranged for its breeding.
White tigers in India are nothing but a pigmentation variant of the Bengal tiger. They have been reported in
the wild from time to time in the Indian states of Assam, West Bengal, Bihar. These tigers have white fur
because of the lack of the pigment pheomelanin, which is found in Bengal tigers with orange colour fur.
India and Israel sign 7 Agreements
July 6, 2017
India and Israel have signed 7 agreements on areas including space, tech and agriculture during the visit of
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the first Indian Prime
Minister to visit Israel. Also, Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit marks the 25 years of establishment of
diplomatic relationship between India and Israel.
In the joint statement released after talks between India and Israel, both the countries have called for taking
strong measures against terror organisations and also against those who encouraged, supported and financed
43
terrorism.
MoUs
MoU for setting up of India-Israel Industrial R&D & Technological Innovation Fund (I4F)
MoU for conservation of water in India
MoU on State Water Utility Reform in India
India-Israel Development Cooperation- 3-year work program in Agriculture (2018-2020)
Plan of cooperation regarding cooperation in atomic clocks
MoU regarding cooperation in GEO-LEO optical link.
MoU regarding cooperation in electric propulsion for small satellites.
India-Israel
The diplomatic relationship between India and Israel was established in 1992. India is Israels topmost
destination for arms export. India is already buying an average of $1 billion per year in military equipment.
For India, Israel is the third largest source of arms after the US and Russia with a share of 7.2% between 2012
and 2016.
The earliest India-Israel defence collaboration took place during the 1962 Sino-Indian war when Israel
provided military aid to India. Israel also helped India during its two wars with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971.
India reciprocated by helping Israel during the six-day war in 1967 by supplying spare parts for French-
made Mystere and Ouragan aircraft as well as AX-13 tanks.
In April 2017, India and Israel had signed a $2 billion deal for an advanced medium-range surface-to-air
missile system which will be helpful for the Indian army to shoot down aircraft, missiles and drones etc.
Israel is Indias 38th-largest trading partner with the trade balance standing in Indias favour in 2016-17.
Scientists discover reasons behind 2015 Chennai Floods
July 6, 2017
A study conducted by the University of Hyderabad and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
has found out that the extreme El Nino conditions and warming of the Bay of Bengal
had resulted in unprecedented heavy rainfall in Chennai for three days between November 30th to December
2nd in 2015.
Salient Findings
El Nino usually causes less than normal rainfall in the case of south-west monsoon. However, it does the
reverse in the case of the northeast monsoon. It causes above-normal rainfall during the northeast monsoon.
This is due to the difference in seasonal wind patterns between the two monsoons.
The researchers had carried out a simple linear correlation analysis that points out that the sea surface
temperature at the Bay of Bengal is positively correlated with northeast monsoon rainfall. It has been found
out that the magnitude of correlations of northeast monsoon rainfall with El Nino conditions and the Bay of
Bengal warming to be almost same.
Based on several experiments, the scientists have attributed around 21% of the intensity of the extreme
Chennai rainfall to the extreme El Nino condition
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The consistent warming of the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh is also
considered as an important factor for the floods by the scientists.
However, scientists are yet to ascertain whether the contribution from the tropical Pacific to extreme rainfall
during the northeast monsoon occurs only at the time of extreme El Nino or whether normal El Ninos too are
capable of causing them.
El-Nino
El-Nino is a weather phenomenon, during which temperature at sea surface is warmer than normal sea-
surface temperatures. El Nino is a warming of the Pacific Ocean between South America and the Date
Line, centred directly on the Equator, and typically extending several degrees of latitude to either side of
the equator. It accompanies high air surface pressure in the western Pacific. El Nio occurs when tropical
Pacific Ocean trade winds die out and ocean temperatures become unusually warm
Prime Minister Modis Israel Visit: Other Important Takeaways
July 6, 2017
Prime Minister Narendra Modis three-day visit to Israel which is the first by an Indian prime minister to
Israel resulted in the signing of seven agreements on areas including space, tech and agriculture. The other
prominent takeaways of the visit are the following:
OCI card
Prime Minister Modi has assured faster facilitation of OCI cards for Jewish Citizens of Indian origin in Israel.
He also assured that the OCI card will be given even to those people of Indian origin who had served in the
Israeli governments compulsory army service.
Air Connectivity
The launch of a new Air India flight connecting India and Israel was announced, the flight is expected to
connect Delhi/Mumbai with Tel Aviv.
Israeli flower named after PM Modi
As a special gesture, a new fast growing Israeli Crysanthumun flower was named MODI after Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, during the Indian Premiers visit to the Danziger flower farm, which is one of
the leading floriculture companies of Israel having founded in 1953.
Strategic partnership
India and Israel have announced that they have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership as India has
identified Israel as a major development and technological partner. Both countries have also agreed to combat
growing radicalization and terrorism and expand co-operation in cyber security.
Indian Cultural Centre
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the establishment of an Indian Cultural Centre in Israel to
enhance people-to-people contacts between the two countries. Israels has also voiced its strong support to
promote the practice of yoga by designating June 21 as International Yoga Day.
Israel India Innovation Initiative Fund (I4F)
The $40 million Israel India Innovation Initiative Fund has been launched as a five-year technology fund with
an aim at growing the business relationship between both the countries. The similar type of fund had boosted
45
Israels ties with that of the US in the past 40 years.

EPFO signs Agreement with Five Banks
July 6, 2017
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has inked an agreement with four private banks and
Bank of Baroda for the purpose of collection of provident fund dues from the employers and payments to its
subscribers.
Salient Facts
This is the first time the EPFO has roped in private banks, namely, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and
Kotak Mahindra Bank. Earlier, the EPFO was making use of the services of only the state-run banks. This
move of the EPFO will help the organisation to save nearly Rs 300 crore per year as the five banks have
agreed to zero transaction charges.
Already the EPFO had tied up with five other banks. The five other banks are State Bank of India
(SBI), Punjab National Bank, Allahabad Bank, Indian Bank and Union Bank of India. The latest agreement
will now authorise 10 banks to collect provident fund contribution and make payment to the employees.
Every year, the EPFO settles around 1.16 crore claims and collects 75,000 crores from establishments under
the EPF Act.
Employee Provident Fund (EPF)
The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is a retirement benefit applicable only to salaried employees. It is a
fund to which both the employee and employer contribute fixed amount (percent) of the formers basic
salary amount each month. This percentage is pre-set by the government. At present, the entire EPF amount
is tax-free at the time of withdrawal if the employee has completed five years of continuous service.
EPFO
EPFO is a statutory body of Union Government that comes under the aegis of Ministry of Labour and
Employment. It is one of the largest social security organisations in India in terms volume of financial
transactions undertaken and the number of covered beneficiaries. Its headquarters is located in New Delhi.
The main functions of the EPFO: Administers a compulsory contributory Provident Fund Scheme (1952),
Pension Scheme (1995) and Insurance Scheme (1976).
US calls for new U.N. sanctions against N.Korea
July 6, 2017
The United States has decided to present a draft resolution in the U.N. Security Council aimed at imposing
new sanctions on North Korea as it has successfully launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile
(ICBM).
Salient Highlights
An emergency meeting of the UNSC was called by the United States, Japan and South Korea to agree on a
response to the North Koreas ICBM test. In the emergency meeting, the US has said that the launch of an
ICBM by the North Korea is a clear and sharp escalation. Under the new sanctions, the US has decided to use
trade restrictions targeting those countries that continue to have dealings with North Korea. France has
46
expressed its support for a new resolution.

In last year, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) had adopted two sanctions resolutions to curtail
hard currency needed to fund North Koreas military programs. Those resolutions paved the way for
imposing bans on North Koreas coal exports, which is its major source of revenue. In addition, the sanctions
also placed restrictions on banking and provided for mandatory searches of all cargo to and from North
Korea.
In total, so far six sets of sanctions have been imposed on North Korea since it has first tested an atomic
device in 2006.
Background
Recently, North Korea had successfully test-fired its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
Hwasong-14 into waters near Sea of Japan. The claim was confirmed by the United States. The launch
appeared to be North Koreas most successful missile test since its ballistic missile programme gathered pace
in the late 1990s. Based on missiles height and trajectory path, US scientists claim that missile could
potentially be powerful enough to reach Alaska. The missile had reached an altitude higher and flew longer
than any of the North Koreas previous similar tests. The missile had landed in Japans exclusive economic
zone. US has strongly condemned the launch and added that it will never accept a nuclear-armed North
Korea. The ICBM testing represents a new escalation of the threat to US and its allies and partners.
India ranked 96th in FIFA Rankings
July 6, 2017
As per the updated FIFA world football rankings, the Indian national football has managed to secure the
96th spot moving up four places. Earlier, India was placed at the 100th position. This is the best ranking
secured by India in 21 years. India had ranked 101st in the FIFA rankings for April. The current ranking is
far better off than the 173rd rank secured in March 2015. Since the beginning of the world ranking
system,India has been averaging at the 134th rank. In 1996, India managed to secure the 94th spot. Till date,
it remains the countrys best ever FIFA ranking.
At present, Germany leads the rankings. Germany is followed by Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, and
Switzerland in the rankings. Among Asian countries, Iran leads at No. 23.
FIFA Rankings
The FIFA World Rankings ranks the mens national teams in association football. The rankings were first
introduced in 1992. The teams are ranked based on their game results of all FIFA-recognised full
international matches. The teams are ranked based on its performance over the last four years. The rankings
are currently led by Germany. The teams like Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, France, Italy,
the Netherlands and Spain have also held top positions previously.
India to be base to economic pole of global growth: Harvard University
July 6, 2017
According to the research conducted by the Centre for International Development at Harvard University
(CID), India will be the base to the economic pole of global growth over the coming decade. The study has
47
stated that over the years, the economic pole of global growth has moved from China to neighbouring India
and it is likely to remain over India in the coming decade.
Salient Highlights
India
The study has attributed Indias rapid growth prospects to the diversification of the countrys export base
which now includes more complex sectors such as chemicals, vehicles and certain electronics. The study
further states that India is also particularly well-positioned to continue diversifying into new areas
World
The research study has warned of a continued slowdown in global growth over the coming decade. With
7.7% annual growth, India and Uganda top the list of the fastest growing economies.
The growth projections indicate that the growth in emerging markets to continue to outpace that of
advanced economies, though not uniformly. The study is also optimistic about new growth hubs in East
Africa and new segments of South-East Asia, led by Indonesia and Vietnam.
The major oil economies of the world are experiencing the pitfalls of their reliance on one resource. On the
other hand, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam have accumulated new capabilities that permit more diverse and
complex production will have faster growth in the coming years.
China
The study has found a decline in Chinas exports. Its economic complexity ranking has also declined four
spots for the first time since the global financial crisis. However, the growth projections for China is still
above the world average. China is expected to grow at 4.4% annually in the coming decade.
CID
CID is Harvard Universitys leading research hub that works to advance the understanding of development
challenges and offer viable solutions to problems of global poverty.
The growth projections arrived by CID at the study are based on each countrys economic complexity, which
tells about the diversity and sophistication of the productive capabilities embedded in a countrys exports and
the ease with which that country could further diversify its exports by expanding those capabilities.
BMI Research: India to have a GDP Growth of 6.9% in this Fiscal
July 6, 2017
According to BMI Research, a Fitch group company, India is expected to register a growth of 6.9% in this
financial year.
BMI Research was founded in 1984 by Business Monitor International and later in 2014, it was acquired by
Fitch Group. The firm performs industry and financial market analysis in 24 industries and 200 global
markets.
Salient Facts
The report has observed that the Real GDP growth has slowed to 6.1 % year-on-year in the fourth quarter of
2016-17. The growth rate is expected to pick up following the demonetisation drive in November 2016 but
the weak public banks are expected to cap the economic recovery. The Public-Sector Banks are still plagued
48
with mounting non-performing assets, which is expected to take a toll on Indias growth potential. Though
the RBI has taken efforts to clean up the NPAs, the study observes that it will take some more time for credit
allocation to the productive sectors of the economy.
The report, however, expects the economy to continue to recover in the coming quarters as the negative
ramifications of the demonetisation measure have already started wearing off. India is also expected to get
benefits from positive demographic trends, greater external stability arising out of improved terms of trade
from low oil prices, and continued reforms improving the business environment of the country.
Asia
The report expects a slowdown in economic growth in North Asia in 2017 and 2018. The slowdown will
be driven by the structural slowdown in China, poor policy initiatives in Japan, and policy uncertainty in
South Korea.
In Asia, India and ASEAN are likely to remain as the bright spots in the region owing to their positive
demographics and improvements in the business environments.
Asian Athletics Championships 2017: Manpreet Kaur and Govindan Laxman wins
Gold
July 6, 2017
Manpreet Kaur and Govindan Laxman has managed to win gold medals on the opening
day of Asian Athletics Championships held at Kalinga Stadium of Bhubaneshwar.
Manpreet Kaur threw 18.28m to win a gold medal in the womens shotput event. Her best was record
breaking throw of 18.86m at the Asian Grand Prix in China earlier this year.
Vikas Gowda, though failed to defend his title in the mens discus throw has managed to win a bronze medal
in the mens discus throw with an effort of 60.81m. His throw was way below his seasons best of 62m.
Govindan Laxmanan has won a gold medal in the mens 5000 metres. In the last edition of the event held at
Wuhan in China, Laxman had won a bronze medal.
Asian Athletics Championship
The Asian Athletics Championships is an event organised by the Asian Athletics Association. The event is
held once in every two years. The last episode of the event took place in Wuhan in 2015. The 2017 Asian
Athletics Championship is the 22nd edition and will be held from 6 July to 9 July 2017 at the Kalinga
Stadium in Bhubaneshwar. Around 800 athletes from around 45 countries are participating in the event,
Bhubaneshwar is the third Indian city to host this event after New Delhi (1989) and Pune (2013).
Mascot
Olly, the Olive Ridley sea turtle has been chosen as the mascot for the championship.Olive Ridley Turtles are
endangered species that are found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian
Oceans. Astaranga coast and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, both in Odisha, are home to Olive Ridley
Turtles. These turtles travel to Odishas Rushikulya and Gahirmatha beaches for its nesting. In India, the
turtle has been included in Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
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July 7, 2017
Sanjiv Goenka named as IIT-Kharagpur chairman
July 7, 2017
RP Sanjiv Goenka Group Chairman, Sanjiv Goenka, has been named as the Chairman of the Board of
Governors at IIT-Kharagpur. He will serve as the Chairman for three years.
Salient Facts
Sanjiv Goenka was nominated by the President, Pranab Mukherjee, in his capacity as Visitor of the Institute.
With this appointment, Sanjiv Goenka will serve his second term as the Chairman of Board of Governors at
the IIT-KGP. He held his previous stint between 2002 and 2007.
Previously, Sanjiv Goenka had served as a member of the Prime Ministers Council on Trade & Industry;
and also on several academic institutions as member and chair of its Governing bodies.
Background
The Board of Governors is the highest administrative body of the IIT-KGP. The board comprises of the
eminent panel of members including Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson, State Bank of India; Sudha N
Murty, Chairperson, Infosys Foundation; N Balakrishnan, IISc Bangalore and Jai Pal Mittal, M
N Saha Distinguished Professor (NASI).
PP Chakrabarti, Director at IIT Kharagpur and Pradip Pyne, Registrar are Ex-Officio Members. Dipanwita
Roy Chowdhury and Manoj K Tiwari, who all are the institutional representatives serve as Senate
representatives of the Institute.
IIT-KGP, which is recognized as an Institute of National Importance was established in

1951 by the Government of India. It was the rst IIT to be established in the country.
India becomes Fourth Largest Foreign Investor into UK

July 7, 2017
As per the official figures published by the UKs Department for International Trade, India has become the
fourth largest foreign investor into the UK in 2016-17. India has lost its position as the third largest investor
to France.
Salient Facts
In 2016-17, India had set up 127 new projects and safeguarded 7,645 existing jobs and created 3,999 new jobs
in the UK. India is sharing the fourth spot with Australia and New Zeland, which had also set up 127 projects
collectively.
The US remains the top most investor in the UK by setting up of 577 projects in 2016-17. China (including
Hong Kong) with 160 projects and France with 131 projects have been placed in the second and third
positions respectively.
Background
The UK continues to be a great inward investment destination and remains extremely attractive to foreign
investors even after its decision to exit the EU. The UK attributes open, liberal economy, world-class talent
50
and business-friendly taxation as a reason for remaining extremely attractive to foreign investors. The UK
had managed to attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects than ever before for 2016-17. In a
sum, UK claims itself as the number one destination for inward investment in Europe with the sectors such
as technology, renewable energy, life sciences and creative industries all witnessing an increase in the number
of projects and investments.
HRD Ministry: No Detention Policy to be removed from next Academic Year
July 7, 2017
The HRD Ministry has decided to remove the no-detention policy for students from the next academic
year. Under the Right to Education Act, no child will be detained or held back in any class or expelled till the
completion of elementary education covering classes 1 to 8.
Rationale
The governments decision comes after it had received several complaints regarding the deterioration of the
quality of basic education in the country. In addition, the States have been asking for the withdrawal of the
no-detention policy from the Right to Education Act 2009. As per the critics, the policy has resulted in
remarkable improvement in enrollments but has brought down the academic standards.
Background
No-Detention Policy
Under this policy, the students up to class VIII are automatically promoted to the next class without being
held back even if they do not get a passing grade. The policy was implemented as part of the Continuous and
Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) under the RTE Act to ensure all-round development of students. The
concept of CCE which was imported from the West lays emphasis on evaluating a child through the year,
and not just based on performance in one or two term exams.
The basic objective behind the no-detention policy was to prevent dropouts. The no detention policy in the
RTE does not mean the abolition of assessment rather it calls for a replacement of the traditional system of
evaluation with a continuous and comprehensive assessment that is not threatening. The policy also intends
to free the students from the pressure and fear of examination and give them a stress-free academic
environment and childhood.
Committees
The TSR Subramanian committee on Education had observed that the no detention policy in schools should
be applicable till Class V and exams be held from Class VI onwards. Prior to this, the
Vasudev Devnani committee had also recommended for the revocation of No-Detention Policy.
RBI limits Customer liability in Online Banking
July 7, 2017
RBI has issued directions on Customer Protection Limiting Liability of Customers
in unauthorised Electronic Banking Transactions. RBI has issued the revised directions amidst a recent
increase in customer grievances related to unauthorised transactions.
Salient Highlights
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The following are the salient highlights of the revised directions:

If the customers report to the banks regarding the loss they suffer through online banking transactions
within three days, then the amount involved will be credited to their accounts within a time period of 10
days. Any loss suffered by the customer after reporting of the unauthorised transaction will be borne by the
concerned bank. In sum, there will be zero liability of a customer in the case of third party breach where
the deficiency lies neither with the bank nor with the customer but elsewhere in the system.
The customer is required to report to the bank within three working days after receiving the communication
from the bank regarding the unauthorised transaction.
In cases of customer reporting the third party fraud with a delay of four to seven working days, then the
liability of customer in such cases would be up to Rs 25,000.
Customers will also be entitled to zero liability in cases when authorised transaction occurs due
to contributory fraud/negligence/deficiency on the part of the bank irrespective of whether or not
the unauthorised transaction has been reported by the customer.
In cases of negligence caused by the customer by sharing of payment credentials, the customer is liable to
bear the entire loss until the unauthorised transaction is reported to the bank.
If the customer reports about the unauthorised transaction after seven days, then the liability of the customer
would be determined as per the banks Board approved policy.
The bank has to credit the amount involved in the unauthorised electronic transaction to the customers
account within 10 working days of reporting of fraud. The bank has to do this without waiting
for settlement of insurance claim if any.
The banks should ask its customers to mandatorily register for SMS alerts and e-mail for email alerts for
electronic banking transactions.
India ranked 23rd in second Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI)
July 7, 2017
India has been ranked 23rd out of 165 nations in the second Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) that measures
the commitment of nations across the world to cyber security. The Index has been released by the UN
telecommunications agency International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Salient Highlights
India has been listed in the maturing category of the index with a score of 0.683. Around 77 countries have
been placed in the maturing category as they have developed complex commitments to cyber security and
engage in cybersecurity programmes and initiatives.
Singapore has topped the index with a score of 0.925. Singapore is followed
by United States (2nd), Malaysia (3rd), Oman (4th), Estonia (5th), Mauritius (6th), Australia (7th),
Georgia (8th), France (9th), Canada (10th) and Russia (11th). China has been placed at 34th.
Equatorial Guinea is the worst performer among all nations with a score of zero.
ITU has ranked the countries based on the countries legal, technical
and organisational institutions, educational and research capabilities, as well as their cooperation in
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information-sharing networks. The index also figured the improvement and strengthening of the five pillars
of the ITU Global Cybersecurity Agenda, namely, legal, technical, organisational, capacity building and
international cooperation.
The report has observed that only about half of all countries have a cybersecurity strategy or in the process of
developing one and has urged the other countries to have a national policy to protect against cybercrime.
ITU has advocated for the adoption of a national security strategy. As per the report, 50% of the nations do
not have any such strategy. As per the ITU, the malicious attacks have increased in recent years. The latest
example of cyber attacks is those carried out as recently as 27 June 2017.
ITU
ITU is the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication
technologies (ICTs). ITU has 193 countries as its members and also 800 private-sector entities and academic
institutions. ITU is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
ITU is responsible for allocating global radio spectrum and satellite orbits. It also develops the technical
standards that ensure networks and technologies to seamlessly interconnect. It also strives to improve access
to ICTs among the underserved communities worldwide.
UNESCO puts Old City of Hebron on its heritage in danger list
July 7, 2017
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee acting on a proposal brought by Palestine has put the West Bank
city of Hebron on its list of world heritage in danger. This has made Israel angry and has triggered a new
Israeli-Palestinian spat at the international body.
Salient Facts
The inclusion of the Old City of West Bank into the list of World Heritage in danger is aimed at
drawing worlds attention to the situation in Hebron.
The resolution for declaring Hebron as a protected area of outstanding universal value was brought by the
Palestine and the resolution was fast-tracked by the UNESCO on the basis that the site was under severe
threat. Palestine accuses Israel for involving in violations, vandalism and for causing damage to properties in
the area.
In a separate vote, the heritage committee had also supported a resolution condemning Israels actions in
Jerusalem. This has further infuriated Israel.
The resolution is viewed as a major victory for the Palestinian Diplomacy at the UN. In 2012, Palestine has
been granted observer status by the UN General Assembly, meaning it is not recognised as a fully-fledged
country.
Hebron
Hebron is cited as one of the oldest cities in the world. The city is very old dating from the Chalcolithic
period or more than 3,000 years BC. The Old City of Hebron has sites that are holy to both Jews and
Muslims, known as either the Tomb of the Patriarchs or the al-Ibrahimi mosque. The city which is the
largest city in the West Bank is home to more than 200,000 Palestinians and a few hundred Israeli settlers.
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Israel
Israel has rejected the Hebron resolution saying that the resolutions reference to the city as Islamic
denies thousands of years of Jewish connection with the city.
Israel believes that Hebron is the birthplace of the Jewish people. The religious site at the Hebron was
originally built by the Jewish King Herod, which was later added to by the Muslim caliphs.
Israel has accused the UN for adopting anti-Israel bias at all issues concerning it. In May, UNESCO had
passed a separate resolution on Jerusalem condemning Israel.
Vietnam renews Indian Oil Deal
July 7, 2017
Vietnam has granted ONGC Videsh a two-year extension to explore oil block 128 in the South China Sea.
The permission was first granted in the year 2006 which is due to expire in mid-June.
The part of the oil block 128 is in the U-shaped nine-dash line, the area which is claimed by China. The area
is also a route for more than $5 trillion in trade every year and is also claimed by the Philippines, Brunei,
Malaysia and Taiwan.
In the areas south of block 128, the drilling works have already commenced. The block is owned jointly by
Vietnams state oil firm, Spains Repsol and Mubadala Development Co of the United Arab Emirates.
Background
Despite sharing common communist ideology and growing trade, China and Vietnam have competing
maritime claims and centuries-old mistrust. China has been opposing Vietnams drilling activities in the
South China Sea and has opposed to its unilateral, illegal oil and gas activities in the South China Sea in
which it has territorial claims.
China is also concerned at Vietnams evolving security relationships with the United States and Japan.
Both United States and Japan has been offering moral support to Vietnam and helping Vietnams coastguard.
South China Sea Dispute
China has been aggressively claiming the entire South China Sea as its own. The other countries that claim
the various territories in the South China Sea are Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand,
Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. The South China Sea is part of Pacific Ocean spreading an area of some 35
lakh square km with eight littoral countries/territories viz. China, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia,
Brunei, Singapore and Vietnam. It is strategically located in the international shipping route that sees the
passage of worlds half of the merchant ships.
India-Vietnam
Vietnam has welcomed India to play a bigger role in Southeast Asia and specifically, the South China Sea.
Vietnam is following the strategy of seeking many partnerships with big powers while avoiding formal
military alliances.
India has provided naval patrol boats, satellite cover to monitor Vietnams waters and training for its
submarines and fighter pilots. India is providing more military support than it is currently offering to any
other South-east Asian country. Further, under the $500 million defence credit line announced by India last
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year, India will transfer naval vessels and missiles to Vietnam.

Tata Steel receives PMs trophy for best Integrated Steel Plant
July 7, 2017
Tata Steel Ltd has bagged Prime Ministers trophy for Best Performing Integrated Steel Plant in the country
for the performance years 2014-2015 and 2015- 16.
Salient Facts
For the third consecutive year, Tata Steel has bagged the award. Overall, the company has been recognised as
the best integrated steel plant for 12 times and has won the PMs Trophy 10 times.
The company was selected for the award after it went through rigorous assessment by a panel of
distinguished judges. As per the company, it is making continuous efforts to embrace modern technology
and strive towards creating a world-class plant environment.
Tata Steel Group is ranked as one of the top 10 steel companies in the world with an annual crude steel
capacity of 27.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) as of March 2017. The company is also the worlds second
most geographically diversified steel producer. It is operating in 26 countries and has a commercial presence
in over 50 countries.
July 8, 2017
122 Countries adopts historic global treaty to ban Nuclear Weapons
July 8, 2017
The United Nations has adopted a historic global treaty banning nuclear weapons. The treaty was adopted
by a vote of 122 members in favour. The Netherlands was the only country who voted against the treaty.
Singapore abstained from voting.
Costa Ricas ambassador, Elayne Whyte Gomez, was the president of the UN conference that negotiated the
treaty. Nearly 129 countries signed up to take part in the drafting of the treaty which represents two-thirds
of the UNs193 member states. Nearly 141 countries led by Austria, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and New
Zealand drafted the treaty in a hope that the treaty would increase pressure on the nuclear powers to take
disarmament more seriously.
The treaty would be opened for signature on September 20. It will enter into force once 50 countries ratified
it. All of the ratifying countries should never under any circumstances develop, test, produce, manufacture,
otherwise acquire, possess or stockpile nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. The treaty also
bans any transfer or use of nuclear weapons or nuclear explosive devices.
Opposition
The nine nuclear powers, namely, the United States, Russia, Britain, China, France, India, Pakistan, North
Korea and Israel neither took part in the negotiations nor cast their vote. Even Japan the sole sufferer of
atomic attack refrained from taking part in the negotiations. Most of the NATO countries too boycotted the
negotiations.
The nuclear powers view the treaty as unrealistic and argue that it will not have any impact on reducing the
global stockpile of 15000 atomic weapons. According to the nuclear powers, their nuclear arsenals serve as a
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deterrent against nuclear attacks and they remain committed to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
(NPT). The NPT seeks to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and puts the onus on nuclear states to
reduce their stockpiles.
But the non-nuclear states are increasingly worried about the slow pace of disarmament and are concerned
that weapons of mass destruction may fall into the wrong hands.
Researchers: Soil of Mars may be Toxic to Alien Life
July 8, 2017
According to the research carried out by Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in the UK, surface of
Mars has chemical compounds called perchlorates that can wipe out living organisms.
Salient Facts
The researchers have found that the chemical compounds found on the surface of Mars when exposed
to ultraviolet (UV) light can kill the bacteria which are commonly carried by spacecraft. This
finding has given a blow to the hopes of finding alien life on the surface of the Mars.
The research has also suggested that the effect of perchlorates gets compounded by two other type of
chemicals found on the Mars such as iron oxides and hydrogen peroxide. With the presence of all three
chemicals, the scientists saw a more than 10-fold increase in death of bacteria cells when compared to those
caused by the perchlorates alone.
Scientists carried out an investigation to study the potential reactivity of perchlorates and their effect on
Bacillus subtilis, a bacterium which is commonly found on spacecraft and also on the soils and rocks. It was
found out that when magnesium perchlorate was exposed to UV radiation as on Mars then it becomes
capable of killing bacteria more effectively than UV light alone. In the presence of concentrations of
perchlorate similar to those found on Mars, cells of B subtilis will quickly die.
The above study has concluded that the Martian surface may be highly damaging to living cells owing to
a toxic mix of oxidants, iron oxides, perchlorates and UV energy.
12th G20 Summit: Countries pledge to act tough on Terrorism and eliminate Safe
Havens
July 8, 2017
In the 12th G20 Summit held in Hamburg, the leaders of the G20 countries has agreed for taking concrete
steps to stop funding of the terror activities. The leaders have also pledged for a joint crackdown on the
global scourge of terrorism and check its funding sources.
Salient Highlights
Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modis call for united action against terrorism and elimination of
terrorist safe havens, the G20 countries strongly condemned all terrorist attacks worldwide and pledged
greater coordination to counter the menace. Earlier Prime Minister Modi in the G20 Summit had called for a
concerted global crackdown against countries that support terrorism for their own political goals.
The leaders also agreed to facilitate swift action and targeted exchange of information between intelligence,
law enforcement and judicial authorities.
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The G20 leaders have also called upon the private sector including the communication firms to curb the
misuse of the internet for terror propaganda. Further, the leaders have also pledged to ensure terrorists are
brought to justice.
Further, the G20 leaders reiterated their resolve to make the international financial system entirely hostile to
terrorist financing. The leaders have also called for taking strong measures against the
terrorist organisation like ISIS/ISIL/Daesh, Al Qaida etc.
G20
The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for international economic cooperation and decision-
making. It is a 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 South-east 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.
The G20 comprises of 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.
India and Bangladesh have decided to construct bridge along Mizoram Border
July 8, 2017
India and Bangladesh have decided to construct a bridge over Mizorams Khawthlangtuipui river (also
known as Karnaphuli river) to facilitate trade and to improve communication between the two countries.
The decision was taken after officials from both the side met at Tlabung town in Mamit district of Mizoram.
The Mamit district is situated adjacent to Khagrachari district of Southeast Bangladesh.
The proposed bridge is expected to be constructed as closer as possible to the nearest custom station located
in the Bangladesh side.
Significance
The proposed bridge is expected to serve as an important link between India and Bangladesh. It would
improve road connectivity between the two regions. The proposed bridge is also expected to strengthen the
ties between the people of the two countries.
India-Bangladesh Border
Mizoram has a 318 km unfenced border with Bangladesh. In March 2017, the Union Government had
announced that half of the 4,096-km long border India shares with Bangladesh has been fenced. The
remaining half will be fenced by 2019 deadline. India and Bangladesh share a 4,096 km land boundary, largest
among the international boundaries that India shares with its neighbours. The border runs along five states,
West Bengal (2,216.7 km), Assam (263 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Tripura (856 km) and Mizoram (318 km).
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Harinder Pal Sandhu Wins South Australian Open Squash Title

July 8, 2017
Indias Harinder Pal Sandhu has defeated Rhys Dowling of Australia 11-8 12-10 11-4 to lift South Australian
Open squash title. This will be Sandhus first PSA tournament victory in Australia. South Australian Open
squash title is on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) international circuit.
This victory will be Sandhus third this season after winning two in Malaysia in May. Overall, this will be
Sandhus eight title win at the PSA level. He had also managed to reach the quarterfinals of the Asian
Individual Squash Championship in Chennai in April.
World Bank: India emerging as front-runner in fight against Climate Change
July 8, 2017
The World Bank has observed that India is emerging as a frontrunner in the fight against climate change. It
has noted that India is gradually replacing coal energy with solar power as a source of energy.
Salient Facts
The World Bank has observed that India has made a sweeping commitment to solar power, innovative
solutions and energy efficiency initiatives to provide round the clock electricity to its people by 2030. With
these initiatives and a firm decision to use more clean energy, India has emerged as the front-runner in the
global fight against climate change.
The report of the World Bank had also praised India for walking away from plans to install nearly 14 GW of
coal-fired power plants in order to use solar power to generate electricity as it is affordable for the country
now to use solar power instead of fossil fuels. The expense involved in generating electricity from solar
photovoltaic (PV) is at present a quarter of what it was in 2009 and is also predicted to fall another 66% by
2040. India gets 300 days of sunshine every year and has one of the best conditions in the world to capture
and use solar energy.
India has set an ambitious target for generating 160 gigawatts (GW) of the wind and solar power by 2022. It
would help India to help its population to light their homes, study at night, provide families with
refrigerators to preserve food items. In addition, it would also act as an incentive for international firms to
invest in Indias solar market.
Background
India has begun promoting the use of solar power on a large scale in place of fossil fuels in order
to honour its climate change commitments. On the first day of the COP-21 summit, the International Solar
Alliance was launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande as
a union of countries with abundant sunlight. Under this alliance, 121 countries that fall within the tropics
{i.e. between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn} have been invited to make collaborative efforts to
harness solar energy to generate the electricity. Most of these countries fall within Asia, Africa and
South America. There are three objectives behind the International Solar Alliance. First is to force down
prices by driving demand; second is to bring standardisation in solar technologies and third is to foster
research and development.
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Fact Box: JIGYASA Student-Scientist connect Programme

July 8, 2017
Jigyasa, a student- scientist connect programme has been launched by the government in New Delhi.
The programme would be implemented by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
in collaboration with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS).
Salient Facts
The main focus of the programme is to connect school students and scientists as well as to extend students
classroom learning to a very well-planned research laboratory based learning.
The programme has been inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a new India and Scientific
Social Responsibility (SSR) of scientific community and institutions.
The JIGYASA programme is expected to inculcate the culture of inquisitiveness and scientific temper on the
minds of children and school teachers.
The programme will connect 1151 Kendriya Vidyalayas with 38 National Laboratories of CSIR and will
target 100,000 students and 1000 teachers every year. Under this programme, the CSIR would launch a talent
hunt among the visiting students for furthering the cause of scientific development.
JIGYASA programme would be one of the major initiatives of the CSIR at the national level during its
Platinum Jubilee Celebration Year.
The model of engagement under JIGYASA between the CSIR and the KVS will include Student Residential
Programmes; Scientists as Teachers and Teachers as Scientists; Lab-specific activities / Onsite
Experiments; Visits of Scientists to Schools/Outreach Programmes; Science and Maths Clubs; Popular
Lecture Series/ demonstration programme at Schools; Student Apprenticeship Programmes; Science
Exhibitions; Projects of National Childrens Science Congress; Teacher Workshops; and Tinkering
Laboratories.
India plans to invite Leaders of ASEAN countries for 2018 Republic Day
celebrations
July 8, 2017
India has planned to invite the ten leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as Chief
Guests for 2018 Republic Day celebrations. This Plan has come at a time when India is engaged in a stand-off
with China in the Sikkim sector.
If invited Republic Day 2018 would be the first Republic Day event that will have so many leaders as the
chief guests. In the recent past, world leaders like former US President Barack Obama, former French
President Franois Hollande and UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have been invited as
the chief guests for the Republic Day celebrations.
Background
Indias commitment to strengthen its ties with ASEAN countries is reflected by its Look East Policy
becoming Act East Policy. At the India-ASEAN Summit held in Myanmar in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra
Modi had declared that Indias Look East Policy has become Act East Policy.
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With respect to the focus areas of cooperation with ASEAN, the External Affairs Minister described them in
terms of three Cs-Commerce, Connectivity and Culture.
This year also marks the 25 years of dialogue partnership between India and ASEAN, 15 years of summit-
level interaction, and five years of strategic partnership. India and ASEAN had upgraded their relationship to
a strategic partnership in 2012.
ASEAN
ASEAN consists of 10-member countries- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The founder members of the grouping were Malaysia,
Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines and Thailand. Later the group was expanded by adding the remaining
members with Cambodia becoming the last entrant added to the group in 1999.
ASEAN came into existence on August 8, 1967, after ASEAN declaration (also known as Bangkok
Declaration). It is a regional organisation that aims to promote intergovernmental cooperation and economic
integration amongst its members.
July 9-10, 2017
Cabinet approves IRDAIs admission as a signatory to IAIS, MMoU
July 10, 2017
The Union Cabinet approved Insurance Regulatory and Development Authoritys (IRDAI) admission as a
signatory to International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS), Multilateral Memorandum of
Understanding (MMoU).
The IAIS is a global framework for cooperation and information exchange between insurance supervisors.
The IAIS-MMoU is a statement of its signatories intent to cooperate in the field of information exchange as
well as procedure for handling information requests.
It provides a formal basis for cooperation and information exchange between the Signatory Authorities
regarding the supervision of insurance companies where cross-border aspects arise mainly due to absence of
any bilateral agreements.
The scope of the IAIS-MMoU is wider than the existing agreements as it also provides for supervision of
other regulated entities such as insurance intermediaries under Anti Money Laundering, (AML) and
Combating the Finance of Terrorism (CFT).
Background
With increasing integration of financial market and growing number of internationally active insurance
companies there is increased need for mutual cooperation and information exchange between insurance
industry supervisors. In this background the IRDAI has become a signatory member of the IAIS-MMoU.
About Insurance Regulatory Authority of India (IRDA)
IRDA is an apex statutory body that regulates and develops the insurance industry in India. It was
constituted as per provisions of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999. Its headquarter
is in Hyderabad.
The functions of IRDA are to protect the rights of insurance policy holders; provide registration certification
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to life insurance companies; renew, modify, cancel or suspend this registration certificate as and when
appropriate; promote efficiency in the conduct of insurance business; promote and regulate professional
organisations connected with the insurance and reinsurance business; regulate investment of funds by
insurance companies; adjudication of disputes between insurers and intermediaries or insurance
intermediaries.
Indias forex reserves at record-high of $386.53 billion
July 10, 2017
According to RBI, Indias foreign exchange (Forex) reserves have increased by $4.007 billion to touch a
record high of $386.539 billion in the week that ended 30th June 2017.
The components of Indias Foreign Exchange Reserves include Foreign currency assets (FCAs), Special
Drawing Rights (SDRs), Gold and RBIs Reserve position with International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Key Facts
The increase forex in the reporting week was due to increase FCAs. It rose by $3.724 billion to $362.388
billion. Gold reserves also increased by $252.8 million to $20.348 billion. Indias special drawing rights
(SDRs) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also rose by $11.8 million to $1.479 billion. The RBIs
reserve position with IMF also increased by $18.9 million to $2.322 billion.
FCAs forms major part of the overall reserves. It consists of US dollar and other major non-US global
currencies. It also comprises of investments in US Treasury bonds, bonds of other selected governments,
deposits with foreign central and commercial banks. FCAs also include with them the effects of appreciation
or depreciation of non-US currencies like the euro, pound, and yen and is expressed in terms of dollars.
Government launches 4 digital initiatives to push e-education
July 10, 2017
President Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of Guru Purnima launched four major digital initiatives in to
push e-education. They are Swayam, Swayam Prabha, National Academic Depository and National
Digital Library. All these digital initiatives are operational under Union Ministry of Human Resource and
Development.
Key Facts
Swayam: It an indigenously designed massive open online course (MOOC), It will host all the courses,
taught in classrooms from 9th class till post-graduation and can be accessed by anyone, anywhere at any
time. It aims to bridge the digital divide for students in e-education.
Swayam Prabha: It will provide high quality educational contents, developed by experts, through 32 DTH
(direct to home) Television Channels with an aim to bring uniformity in standards of education. It will cover
diverse disciplines of all levels of education in various languages. It will be available to all and will be having
new content of 4 hours to be telecasted 6 times a day.
National Academic Depository: It is a digital depository of academic awards for authenticating all
certificates issued by institutions. NAD will directly integrate with Boards/Universities which issue
Certificates which will be verified, authenticated, accessed and retrieved in a digital depository for purpose of
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employment, higher education, and loans.

National Digital Library: It is a large online library containing 6.5 million books. It provides free access to
many books in English and the Indian languages.
India to join Global Foreign Exchange Committee
July 10, 2017
India will soon join Global Foreign Exchange Committee (GFXC), a newly-constituted forum of central
bankers and experts working towards promotion of a robust and transparent foreign exchange (Forex)
market.
The committee has been set up under guidance of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), an
international financial organisation.
About Global Foreign Exchange Committee (GFXC)
The GFXC was established in London during a meeting in May 2017 of public and private sector
representatives from the foreign exchange committees (FXCs) of 16 international forex trading centres.
The newly expanded and formalised GFXC, replaces a similar but more informal organisation of eight FXCs
from Australia, Euro area, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, UK and US. It will now also include
representatives from existing, or soon to be established FXCs or similar structures in China, India, Brazil,
Korea, Mexico, South Africa, Sweden and Switzerland.
The objectives GFXC: (i) Promote collaboration and communication among the local FXCs and non-
GFXC jurisdictions with significant FX markets (ii) Exchange views on trends and developments in global
FX markets, including on the structure and functioning of those markets, drawing on information gathered
at the various FXCs; (iii) Promote, maintain and update on a regular basis the FX Global Code (the Code)
and consider good practices regarding effective mechanisms to support adherence.
It will also maintain and update Global Code of Conduct for the Foreign Exchange Markets issued by Bank
for International Settlements (BIS).
Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
BIS is an international financial organisation owned by 60 member central banks, representing countries
from around the world including India. It fosters international monetary and financial cooperation and
serves as a bank for central banks. It carries out its work through its meetings, programmes and through the
Basel Process hosting international groups pursuing global financial stability and facilitating their
interaction. Its headquarter is in Basel, Switzerland.
G-20 leaders adopt Hamburg Action Plan
July 10, 2017
The 12th G-20 summit concluded in Germanys Hamburg city with adaptation of Hamburg Action Plan. It
sets out the groups strategy for achieving strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth.
The action plan aims to address major global challenges, including climate change, harnessing digitalisation,
and to contribute to prosperity and well-being.
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Key Highlights of Hamburg Action Plan

Tackle common challenges: G20 members resolved to tackle common challenges to the global
community, including terrorism, displacement, hunger, poverty and health threats, job creation, climate
change, energy security and inequality including gender inequality, as a basis for sustainable development
and stability.
Trade and globalisation: They stressed on the importance of harnessing the benefits of globalisation,
reaffirm the importance of transparency for predictable and mutually beneficial trade relations. They also
underlined importance to boost employment by improving sustainable global supply chains, as an important
source of job creation and balanced economic growth.
Continue to use all policy tools: G20 members will use all policy tools such as monetary, fiscal and
structural- individually and collectively to achieve the goal of strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive
growth, while enhancing economic and financial resilience.
Paris Agreement: They agreed that the 2015 Paris Agreement is irreversible and reiterated the importance
of fulfilment of the UNFCCC commitments by developed countries in providing means of implementation
including financial resources to assist developing countries with respect to both mitigation and adaptation
actions.
Sustainable livelihoods: G-20 members are committed to increase innovation on sustainable and clean
energies and energy efficiency, work towards low greenhouse-gas emission energy systems and harness
digitalisation to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Global Health systems: G-20 members called for strengthening health systems and safeguarding against
health crises. The leaders called on the UN to keep global health high on the political agenda and strive for
cooperative action to strengthen health systems worldwide, including through developing the health
workforce. The leaders also stressed on combatting Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR), which is a growing
threat to public health and economic growth.
About Group of Twenty (G20)
The G20 is the premier forum for its members international economic cooperation and decision-making. It
is deliberating on global 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. In 2008, the first G20 Leaders Summit was held in
Washington DC, US. Since them the group had played a key role in responding to the global financial crisis.
Its members include 19 countries India, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany,
Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, UK, US and
European Union (EU). They collectively represent 85% of global GDP, 80% of international trade, 65% of
worlds population.
India, US and Japan navies kick off 2017 Malabar Exercise
July 10, 2017
India, Japan and United States (US) navies have kicked off 2017 MALABAR trilateral naval Exercise near
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Chennai in Bay of Bengal. This year it is the 21st edition of the naval exercise.
In this edition of the exercise, total of around 15 warships, two submarines and scores of fighter jets,
surveillance aircraft and helicopters from three navies will take part.
Key Facts
The 8 day long Malabar 2017 exercise consists of both ashore and at-sea activities. This year operations of
the exercise include anti-submarine warfare, familiarization with inter-operability between maritime forces,
search and rescue and seizure missions and many other drills.
One of the main goals of this edition of the exercise is submarine-hunting. The goal carries subtext given
the ever-increasing and regular operation of Chinese Navy submarines in the Indian Ocean.
This year, two aircraft carriers from India and US and a Japanese helicopter destroyer form part of the
warships that will join the naval drills.
Participants from US Navy include the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz with embarked Carrier Air
Wing 11; guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton; guided-missile destroyers USS Howard, USS Shoup and
USS Kidd; a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft; and a Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine.
From Indian Navy, aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya is participating for the first time. Two Kamorta class
anti-submarine warfare corvettes, two Shivalik class frigates and tanker INS Jyoti are also participating. The
Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSD) ships JS Izumo and JS Sazanami are participating in the exercise.
Background
Malabar Exercise began as an Indo-US bilateral naval drill in 1992. Since then it is held annually. Japan had
formally joined the exercise as a permanent participant in 2015. The primary aim of this multilateral exercise
is to increase interoperability amongst the three navies and develop common understanding of procedures
for Maritime Security Operations and deepen defence relations. In 2007, the exercise also saw participation
of Australia and Singapore. All the participating nations in the exercise have clarified earlier that the Malabar
series is not aimed at any specific country.
Government merges Ministries of Urban Development, Housing and Urban
Poverty Alleviation
July 10, 2017
The Union Government has merged the Ministries of Urban Development and Housing and Urban Poverty
Alleviation to form the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
With this merger, the Union Government now has 51 ministries. In 2004, there were total 42 ministries.
The first government in independent India had just 17 ministries.
Key Facts
The merger of ministries involved in policy making in urban areas into single ministry will help to ensure
cohesiveness in formulating policies related to urban issues and cut the flab in bureaucracy.
These two ministries have a long history of mergers and de-mergers. This is third time the ministries have
been merged. In 1952, they were one ministry which was known as the Ministry of Works, Housing and
Supply. They were demerged in 1999, merged again in 2000 and bifurcated again in 2004.
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Background
The recent merger of ministries was based on the recommendation of a panel of secretaries. The panel in
February 2017 had recommended the merger of the two ministries to increase efficiency in governance. It
had recommended that the ministries of housing and urban poverty alleviation, and urban development be
merged and that the AYUSH and pharmaceuticals ministries be brought under the Health Ministry. The
panel also recommended the need to corporatise the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
Walled City of Ahmedabad designated as Indias first World Heritage City
July 10, 2017
The 600-year-old Walled City of Ahmedabad was declared World Heritage City by the World Heritage
Committee (WHC) of UNESCO after it met in Karlow, Poland. It is first Indian city get the honour.
The Walled City of Ahmedabad is located on the eastern banks of Sabarmati river. It presents a rich
architectural heritage from the sultanate period, notably the Bhadra citadel, walls and gates of the Fort city
and numerous mosques and tombs, as well as important Hindu and Jain temples of later periods. It will be
third city from the Indian subcontinent to enjoy this status along with Bhaktapur in Nepal and Galle in Sri
Lanka.
Background
The nomination of Ahmedabad was supported by about 20 countries including Turkey, Tunisia, Lebanon,
Peru, Portugal, Croatia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Korea, Croatia, Cuba and Poland. Earlier, the
committee also added Asmara (capital of Eritrea), added Hebron-Al Khalil Old Town (Palestine) and W-
Arly-Pendjari Complex (Benin, Burkina Faso) to the list.
About Walled City of Ahmedabad
The Walled City of Ahmedabad was founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah I of Gujarat Sultanate in in 1411. It
remained the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate and later important political and commercial centre of Gujarat.
It was established as a product of the Sultans ambitions to create a trading rival to the neighbouring Hindu
trade centre of Asaval. Further, he made Ahmedabad centre of his own line of dynasty and replaced the old
capital of Anhilvad Patan, located nearby.
Ahmed Shah I had laid the foundation of Bhadra Fort starting from Manek Burj, the first bastion of the city
in 1411 which was completed in 1413. During Mughal rule, Bhadra Fort served as the seat of Governor of
Gujarat
The richness of architecture present in Ahmedabad is enhanced by the cultural fusion of Hindu and Muslim
elements. The city also holds rare distinction of being one of the oldest trading points in India and also
centres of Indian freedom struggle under Mahatma Gandhi.
Spread over 5.43 square kilometres, the city now has approximate population of four lakh, living in century
old wooden residences in around 600 pols or neighbourhoods. Today, despite having become extremely
crowded and dilapidated, it still serves as the symbolic heart of metropolitan Ahmedabad.
About World Heritage Cities Programme
It is one of six thematic programmes formally approved and monitored by the WHC. It aims to assist state
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parties in the challenges of protecting and managing their urban heritage. The programme is structured
along a two-way process (i) development of a theoretical framework for urban heritage conservation, and
(ii) provision of technical assistance to States Parties for the implementation of new approaches and
schemes.
India to import crude oil from US for first time
July 10, 2017
India, the worlds third-largest oil importer, for the first time will import crude oil from the United States.
The purchase comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US in June 2017 when President
Donald Trump had assured that US looks forward to export more energy products to India.
Key Facts
Indian Oil Corp (IOC) has bought 1.6 million barrels of US Mars crude (a heavy, high-sulphur grade) and
400,000 barrels of Western Canadian Select that will be delivered onboard a Very Large Crude Carrier. The
import will take place after IOC gets the carrier in October 2017 from PetroChina. The oil will be loaded off
the US Gulf Coast,
The import of crude from US could become an alternative source for the Indian companies for the supply of
heavy, high-sulphur grades as feedstocks, which typically sell at a lower cost relative to other oil types.
Besides IOC, Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) is second Indian refiner which also has planned to buy its
first ever US crude oil cargo and has issued a purchase tender.
India will be the latest Asian country to buy US crude after Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, China
and Taiwan as they seek to diversify oil imports from other regions after the OPEC production cuts raised
prices of Middle East heavy-sour crude ( grades with a high sulphur content).
Aaykar Setu: Government launches new tax payer service module
July 10, 2017
The Union Finance Ministry has launched Aaykar Setu, a new tax payer service module. The new e-
initiative literally means taxpayers bridge and will be available in android phones.
It compiles various tax tools, dynamic updates, live chat facility and important links to various processes
within the Income Tax Department (ITD) in a single module.
Key Facts
Aaykar Setu has been launched in mobile responsive android application and also in desktop version to
enhance mobile access as well as desktop access. This e-initiative aims provide better taxpayer services and
also help in reducing the direct physical interface between assesses and tax assessing authorities.
It will allow IDT to directly communicate with the taxpayers on a range of multiple informative and useful
tax services. The tax payers will also be able to receive regular updates regarding important tax dates, forms
and notifications on mobile numbers registered with the ITD.
The mobile app will allow entities track TDS, pay taxes and apply for permanent account number (PAN). It
will also help people link their 12-digit biometric identifier Aadhaar with PAN card. To avail this service, all
taxpayers will have to register their mobile numbers in the Aaykar Setu module in order to receive such SMS
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alerts.
July 11, 2017
Okinoshima Island: Japans men-only island gets UNESCO heritage tag
July 11, 2017
Okinoshima Island, Japans men-only island was declared as a UNESCO world heritage site. The island will
be the 17th set of Japanese cultural assets to be granted this status and overall 21st in the list.
The island is part of the prefectures Munakata region. It is located in south-west Japan between the main
island of Kyushu and the Korean Peninsula in the Sea of Japan (East Sea). It still follow strict taboos from
ancient times, including the controversial ban on women from entering the island
Okinoshima Island
Okinoshima Island is an ancient religious site in Japan that is considered sacred by the local Munakata
Taisha. Entries of women are strictly banned on the island. Even male visitors need to take off their clothes
and take a naked bath (purifying bath) before visiting the shrine.
It is permanently manned by a Shinto priest who prays the islands goddess, in a tradition that has been kept
up for centuries. The entire island is considered a Shinto Kami, an ethnic religion of Japan that focuses on
ritual practices to be carried out diligently, to establish a connection between present-day Japan and its
ancient past. Kami are the spirits or phenomena that are worshipped in the religion of Shinto.
The island covers an area of 240 acres and has a maximum elevation of 244 m. Since ancient times, it was an
important window for foreign trade in Japan, forming part of a trade route that linked the archipelago to the
Korean peninsula and China.
Scientist create mini Saturns from charged liquid droplets
July 11, 2017
Scientists from Northwestern University in the United States have created miniature versions of Saturn,
complete with rings, by electrifying tiny droplets of fluids.
Electrospraying Effect
When a drop of electrically conductive liquid is exposed to an electric field, the droplet responds by forming
two electrically charged poles. In the previous research it was found that these poles can get pulled towards
the sources of the electric field, taking on cone shapes. If the pull is strong enough, the tips of the cones can
spray jets of droplets. This effect is known as electrospraying.
Latest Experiment
In the latest experiments, researchers explored the outcomes seen after drops of liquid is submerged in more
electrically conductive fluids-specifically, drops of silicone oil suspended in castor oil. When an electric field
is applied to drop of silicone oil, it was observed that drop flattens and emits rings of fluid from its equator
that break up into droplets.
If an electric field is strong enough, the equators of these squashed drops emit concentric rings of droplets,
making the drops look like miniature versions of Saturn. In these experiments, drops of silicone oil about 1
millimetre wide generated droplets that were about 100 times smaller.
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Significance of Research
The future advance research may pave the way for generating microscopic and uniform particles and
capsules which are used in products such as drugs, inks, cosmetics and paints. It will also explore new
materials that can be used to produce ring of particles effect.
11 July: World Population Day
July 11, 2017
The World Population Day is observed across the world on July 11 to attention on the urgency and
importance of population issue. Observance of the day aims at increase peoples awareness on various
population issues such as the importance of family planning, maternal health, gender equality, poverty and
human rights.
2017 theme: Family Planning- Empowering People, Developing Nations. The theme highlights importance of
family planning as it allows people to attain their desired number of children and determine the spacing of
pregnancies.
Background
The World Population Day was established by the then Governing Council of the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) in 1989. It was inspired by the public interest in Five Billion Day on July
11, 1987. On this date worlds approximate population had reached five billion people.
Later in December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly decided to continue observing World
Population Day by adopting resolution 45/216 to enhance awareness of population issues, including their
relations to the environment and development.
The Day was first marked on 11 July 1990 in more than 90 countries. Since then, it is observed annually by
number of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) country offices and other organizations and
institutions commemorate World Population Day, in partnership with governments and civil society
The world population has grown tremendously over the past years. China has the highest population in the
world and India stood at second.
Vaccine shows protection against gonorrhea for first time: Scientists
July 11, 2017
Scientists from New Zealand for the first time have claimed that vaccine can protect against the sexually
transmitted infection gonorrhoea. They have found that Men B jab vaccine originally developed to stop an
outbreak of meningitis B can protect from gonorrhoea.
Key Facts
Scientists claim was based on analysis of vaccination data of about a million adolescents in New Zealand who
were vaccinated by Men B jab vaccine between 2004 and 2006. They found that gonorrhoea cases had fallen
by 31% in vaccinated adolescents. The bacterium that causes meningitis, Neisseria meningitidis, is a very close
relative of the bacterium species Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes gonorrhoea. Thus, it appears the Men B
jab vaccine is giving cross-protection against gonorrhoea.
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Antibiotic resistance making gonorrhea difficult to treat

According to a new warning from the World Health Organization (WHO), antibiotic resistance is making
gonorrhea difficult to treat. . Therefore, developing a vaccine is urgently needed to stop global spread of
super-gonorrhoea.
About Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea disease (also called the clap) is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It spreads by
unprotected sex. Its symptoms include a thick green or yellow discharge from sexual organs, pain when
urinating and bleeding between periods in case of in women. In many cases, no symptoms are seen at all.
Untreated gonorrhoeae infection can lead to infertility in both genders, pelvic inflammatory disease in
women and can be passed on to a child during pregnancy. According to WHO, about 78 million people pick
up the sexually transmitted infection each year due to Gonorrhoea.
Tamil Nadu reports first case of Zika virus
July 11, 2017
Tamil Nadu has reported its first case of Zika virus in a 27-year-old man from a village in Krishnagiri
district. RT-PCR test conducted on patients blood, urine and throat samples were found to be positive for
Zika.
This is second case Zika reported in India. Earlier in May 2017, the World Health Organisation (WHO)
confirmed the first cases of Zika in in Ahmedabad, Gujarat after three cases were detected.
About Zika virus
Zika virus is vector borne disease transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the same mosquito that
transmits dengue. It is also found that, sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.
Threats: The virus is capable of causing serious birth defects i.e. neurological disorders and foetal
deformation known as Microcephaly in which infants are born with abnormally smaller heads. Besides a
possible link between the virus and Guillain-Barr syndrome (a condition in which the bodys immune
system attacks part of the nervous system) is also suspected.
Treatment: There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available to treat Zika. The best form of
prevention is protection against mosquito bites and clearing stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates Ashiana Annexe in Dehradun
July 11, 2017
President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Ashiana Annexe, comprising of 12 low cost dwelling units in
Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It has been constructed to accommodate officers and staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan
during Presidential visits to the Retreat at Ashiana.
Key Facts
These 12 dwelling units at the Ashiana Annexe were constructed using the Habitech-NivaraTantra
Onsite Sanitation Integrated Community Housing Technology Innovations developed at the Asian
Institute of Technology (AIT). The technology is sustainable, cost effective, green and environment friendly
with provision of disaster resilient features.
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The dwelling units were constructed using compacted intermeshing blocks, made from local soil. The
production of these blocks was on site in entirely green process. These blocks have novel cavities for
horizontal and vertical reinforcement using steel bars which eliminates use of the conventional beams,
columns and concrete lintel. The cavities also enable natural air curtain against temperature, water
penetration and noise pollution.
The Ashiana Annexe also has facilities for scientific treatment of sanitation waste. Treated waste water from
the dwelling is safely discharged for irrigation and non-drinking usage which ensure good health and well-
being of residents.
Ashiana
The Ashiana situated on Rajpur Road of Dehradun. It was built originally as bungalow of the Commandant
of the Presidents Bodyguard. It was revived recently by the President after long years of disuse. The main
building of the renovated Rashtrapati Ashiana was inaugurated by the President in September 2016.
Karnataka Government constitutes committee to study legalities for separate
State flag
July 11, 2017
Karnataka Government has constituted a nine-member committee to study the possibility of designing a
separate state flag and providing it a statutory standing.
It will be headed by Principal Secretary, Department of Kannada and Culture. It shall submit report to the
state Government after looking into required possibilities.
Background
The committee was constituted following representation of social activists from the state urged the
government to design a separate flag for Kannada naadu and accord statutory standing for it.
Constitutional and legal position of State having its own flag
There is no prohibition in the Constitution for the State to have its own flag. Even there is no separate
central or state law dealing with issue. So, legally it can be said that state flag is not unauthorised. Jammu and
Kashmir is only state having separate flag of its own due to special status granted by Article 370 of the
Constitution.
At present, the national flag code specifically authorises use of other flags subject to the regulation by the
court. It does not mention anything about separate state flag. However, it clearly mentions that the manner
in which the other flag is hoisted should not dishonour the national flag. It has to be always below the
national flag. Thus, if states have separate flag, it should be hoisted in such a way that it does not dishonour
the national flag.
Over Rs 57,000 crore saved through DBT: Government
July 11, 2017
The Union Government has saved around Rs 57,000 crore in 2016-17 through Direct Benefit Transfer
(DBT) scheme under which subsidies are given directly to beneficiaries.
In 2017-18, the beneficiary base rose from 10.71 crore in 2013-14 to 35.62 crore. A total of 485 schemes have
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been identified from 60 ministries for the DBT.

Key Facts
According to government data, of the Rs 57,029 crore saved under DBT in 2016-17, the LPG subsidy
scheme Pahal alone accounted for Rs 29,769 crore savings. Besides, about Rs 14,000 crore were saved in
providing subsidies directly to beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MNREGA) Scheme saved Rs 11,741 crore.
Rs 399 crore were saved in DBT transfers for the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), which
deals with old age and widow pensions and among other things.
About Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme
The DBT Scheme, a major reform initiative to check graft in welfare funds was launched by then UPA
Government on 1 January 2013. It aims at transferring benefits of various central government-run social
welfare schemes directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries.
Its objective is to reform Government delivery system by re-engineering the existing process in welfare
schemes for simpler and faster flow of funds/information and ensure accurate targeting of the beneficiaries,
reduce duplication and fraud.
DBT functions under the Cabinet Secretariat and its implementation is directly monitored by the Prime
Ministers Office (PMO). JAM Trinity i.e. Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile are DBT enablers. However,
Aadhaar is not mandatory in DBT schemes. DBT scheme has been high priority and focus area of the
government to bring efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and accountability in the Government system
and infuse confidence of citizen in the governance.
July 12, 2017
BCCI appoints Ravi Shastri as new head coach of Indian cricket team
July 12, 2017
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named former Indian all-rounder and captain Ravi
Shastri as the new chief coach of the Indian cricket team till ICC World Cup 2019. He will succeed Anil
Kumble who had resigned from the post after the ICCChampions Trophy 2017.
The decision was announced after the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) zeroed in on his name ahead of
other strong contenders, including Virender Sehwag and Tom Moody.
Besides, BCCI also appointed former fast bowler Zaheer Khan as bowling coach for a period of two years.
Former Indian Captain Rahul Dravid was also appointed as batting consultant for specific overseas tours.
Ravi Shastri is a veteran of 80 Tests and 150 ODIs. He had played for the India national cricket team between
1981 and 1992. He was team Indias manager during their Bangladesh tour in 2007. Most recently, he was
Indian crickets team director from their tour of England in 2014 to the 2016 ICC World T20, where India
lost to eventual champions West Indies in the semi-final.
Rajasthan: First State to fix minimum education qualification for cooperative
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body poll
July 12, 2017
Rajasthan has become the first State in the country to lay down the minimum educational qualifications for
contesting elections to village cooperative societies and various other cooperative bodies.
In this regard, state government has amended State Cooperative Societies Rules, 2003. The new rules would
benefit about 10,000 cooperative and agricultural credit societies. Moreover, the benefit of education will
accrue to the societies as their management will go to expert hands.
Key Facts
The minimum educational qualification will be compulsory for the members of the Directorate of Board of
the cooperatives to ensure the management is assigned to skilled hands. The required educational
qualifications will range from Class V to Class VIII for election as members of governing boards of various
cooperative societies.
The minimum qualifications for the primary committee members will be class VIII, for district-level
committees, it will be class X and graduation for the state level committee. The elections to various posts in
the societies after a certain level would be conducted through the State Cooperative Election Authority.
Rajasthan will be also the first state in the country to establish Recruitment Board by the Cooperative
Committees, which will recruit personnel for the cooperative committees. This move will ensure more
employment in the field of cooperatives. It will also ensure competent and talented personnel are selected in
a transparent way.
Background
In October 2016, Rajasthan Government had enforced the Rajasthan Cooperative Society (Amendment) Act,
2016 for making minimum educational qualification mandatory for election of the cooperative committees
in the state. The act mandated to frame rules to define minimum qualification. Prior to enforcing this act,
state government had made minimum educational qualification mandatory in panchayat polls.
India to become largest milk producer in 2026: OECD-FAO report
July 12, 2017
According to recently released OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2017-2026, India will be the worlds
largest milk producer by 2026 and will account for the biggest increase in wheat production globally.
Key Highlights of Report
Population Growth
Over the ten-year outlook period, worlds population will increase from 7.3 to 8.2 billion, with India and
Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 56% of total growth. Given their strong population growth, India and
Sub-Saharan Africa will also drive a large share of global food demand. Indias population will grow to 1.5
billion from 1.3 billion, an increase of almost 150 million. India will overtake China to be the most populous
country in the world by 2026.
Calories and protein consumption
Additional calories and protein consumption over the outlook period are expected to come mainly from
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sugar, vegetable oil and dairy products. By 2026, average calorie availability is projected to exceed 3000 kcal
per person per day in other developing countries and reach 2450 kcal in least developed countries. Food
insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms will remain persistent global problem that will require a
coordinated international approach. Growth in demand for meat is projected to slow, with no new sources
of demand.
Global food commodity prices
The global food commodity prices are projected to remain low over the outlook period as demand growth in
a number of emerging economies is expected to slow down. Real prices are expected to remain flat or decline
for most of the commodities. Agricultural trade is also expected to grow more slowly, but remain less
sensitive to weak economic conditions than other sectors.
Milk production
Over the first quarter of the 21st century, milk production in India will be nearly tripled. Over the course of
the outlook period, milk production in India will grow 49% and in 2026, India will become the worlds
largest milk producer, with an output one-third above European Union, second largest producer.
Wheat Production
Global production of wheat is projected to increase by 11% over the outlook period, while the wheat area
will increases only by 1.8%. The increase in wheat production is expected to occur through higher yields,
most notably in Asia and Pacific, which will account for 46% of additional wheat production. Within the
region and globally, India (15 million metric tonnes) will account for the biggest increase in production.
Pakistan (6 Mt) and China (5.5 Mt) are also expected to have significant gains. The European Union will
account for 13% of the production increase.
Rice production
Rice production is expected to grow by 66 Mt and will be exclusively driven by yield growth, which will
account for 93% of additional production. The global area dedicated to rice production is expected to
increase by only a 1% from the base period, while global yields will increase by 12%. Major production gains
are projected for India, Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam with yields expected to increase by over
15%.
FAO: It is Rome based specialised agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat
hunger across the world.
OECD (The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development): It is Paris based an
intergovernmental economic organisation with 35 member countries, founded in 1960 to stimulate
economic progress and world trade.
5 States, 1 UT ink MoU with Centre on Government e-Marketplace
July 12, 2017
5 States and a Union Territory (UT) have formally adopted the Centres Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
initiative. They are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh and Puducherry (UT).
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In this regard, these states/UT have signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) to join GeM initiative.
Four more states including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand and Haryana, will ink such MoU soon.
About Government e-Marketplace (GeM) initiative
GeM is an Online Market platform to facilitate procurement of goods and services by various Ministries and
agencies of the Government. It aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement of
goods and services and eliminate corruption. It functions under Directorate General of Supplies and
Disposals (DGS&D), Union Ministry of Commerce and Industries.
GeM is a completely paperless, cashless and system driven e-market place that enables procurement of
common use goods and services with minimal human interface. Presently more than 40000 products in
about 150 categories and hiring of transport service are available on GeM POC portal.
Benefits of GeM
Transparency: GeM to a great extent eliminates human interface in order placement, vendor registration
and payment processing. It is open platform and does not offer no entry barriers to bonafide suppliers who
wish to do business with the Government. For procurements of higher value, GeM has bidding facility.
Efficiency: GeM allows direct purchase on it in a matter of minutes. The entire process in online, end to
end integrated. It has online tools for assessing price reasonability.
Secure and safe: GeM platform is a completely secure. The antecedents of the suppliers are verified online
and automatically through Aadhar, PAN databases. Besides, all the documents on GeM are e-signed at
various stages by the buyers and sellers.
Support to Make in India: GeM has filters which are Preferential Market Access (PMA) compliant for
selecting goods which are manufactured by Small Scale Industries (SSI). Thus, it will enable Government
buyers to easily procure Make in India and SSI goods.
Savings to the Government: Transparency, efficiency under GeM initiative will result in a substantial
reduction in prices of procuring goods, in comparison to the direct purchase rates and purchases by tender
and rate contract.
NGT bans nylon, synthetic manja
July 12, 2017
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed nationwide blanket ban on the use of kite strings (manja),
made of nylon or any synthetic material on the grounds that it poses a threat to animals and humans.
The judgement of Tribunal came on a plea filed by animal rights body People for Ethical Treatment of
Animals (PETA) and others.
Petition
The petition filed by PETA and others had contended that manja poses a grave threat to humans and
animals as a number of deaths are caused by it every year. It has also alleged that sometimes these strings
coated with sharp metals, traps and kill migratory birds. It also claimed that minor children were engaged by
the cottage industry for the manufacture of manja, which caused respiratory problems as they inhaled
harmful substances which were detrimental to their health.
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NGT Judgement
The Tribunal has directed all state governments to prohibit the manufacture, sale, storage, purchase and use
of synthetic manja or nylon threads and all other synthetic strings used for flying kites with immediate effect.
It also ordered the authorities across the country to ban import of any synthetic manja or nylon thread or
other similar threads coated with synthetic substances.
About National Green Tribunal (NGT)
The NGT was established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 for effective and expeditious
disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural
resources.
It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving
multi-disciplinary issues. It also includes enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving
relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith.
It adjudicates matters relating to Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; Air (Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Public Liability Insurance Act,
1991; Forest Conservation Act and Biological Diversity Act.
The NGT is guided by principles of natural justice and not bound by the procedure laid down under the
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. It is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals
finally within 6 months of filing. New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting NGT. Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and
Chennai are other regional sitting of the Tribunal.
NASAs Juno spacecraft completes flyby over Jupiters Great Red Spot
July 12, 2017
NASAs unmanned spacecraft Juno has successfully peered into the Jupiters giant storm known as the Great
Red Spot. It became first space probe to complete flyby of Jupiters Great Red Spot.
Jupiters Great Red Spot
The Great Red Spot on Jupiter is a massive storm (cyclone) measuring about 16,000 km in diameter. It is
largest known storm in the solar system. It has been monitored since 1830 and has possibly existed for more
than 350 years.
The winds in the storm are clocked at hundreds of km an hour around its outer edges. Little is known about
the forces driving it. The spot appears as a deep, red orb surrounded by layers of pale yellow, orange and
white. The storm is believed to have been shrinking in recent years.
About Juno spacecraft
NASA had launched unmanned spacecraft Juno on August 5, 2011 from Cape Canaveral, Florida as part of
its New Frontiers program. It has been orbiting Jupiter, solar systems largest planet from July 2016.
The spacecraft has been named from Greco-Roman mythology. It is orbiting Jupiter from pole to pole, 5,000
kilometers above planets cloud tops. It has mission life istill February 2018.
Its mission is to understand the origin and evolution of Jupiter, investigate the existence of a solid planetary
Jupiters core, map Jupiters intense magnetic field, measure the amount of water and ammonia in the deep
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atmosphere and observe Jupiters aurora.
Union Cabinet approves JIN pact between India and Bangladesh

July 12, 2017
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the Joint Interpretative Notes (JIN) on the Agreement
between India and Bangladesh for the Promotion and Protection of Investments.
Decision in this regard was taken at the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
in New Delhi.
Purpose of JIN
In general, JIN plays an important supplementary role in strengthening the investment treaty regime.
Looking at increasing trend in Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) disputes, issuance of such statements is
likely to have strong persuasive value for resolving disputes before arbitration tribunals. Moreover, such
pro-active approach by states also can foster more predictable and coherent reading of treaty terms by
tribunals.
Approval of JIN
The approval JIN by the Union Cabinet will impart clarity to the interpretation of the existing agreements
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between India and Bangladesh for the Promotion and Protection of Investments (BIPA). The JIN between
India and Bangladesh includes interpretative notes to be jointly adopted for many clauses, including, the
definition of investor, investment, exclusion of taxation measures, National Treatment (NT), Fair and
Equitable Treatment (FET) and Most Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment, essential security interests,
expropriation and Settlement of Disputes between an Investor and Contracting Party.
Union Cabinet approves establishment of International Rice Research Institute in
Varanasi
July 12, 2017
The Union Cabinet has approved establishment of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) set up a
regional centre International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), a global rice research institute.
It will be named as IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) and will be set up at campus of National Seed
Research and Training Centre (NSRTC) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Key Facts
For setting up of the Centre, a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) will be signed between Department of
Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare (DACFW) and IRRI, Philippines. This Centre will be the
first of its kind international Centre in the eastern India.
Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) will be also established in Varanasi. It will include a
modern and sophisticated laboratory with capacity to determine quality and status of heavy metals in grain
and straw. It will also undertake capacity building exercises for stakeholders across rice value chain.
Benefits from ISARC
The ISARC will help in utilizing the rich biodiversity of India to develop special rice varieties. It will help
India to achieve higher per hectare yields and improved nutritional contents. Further it will help to address
Indias food and nutritional security issues.
It will play a major role in harnessing and sustaining rice production in the region. It is also expected to be a
boon for food production and skill development in the eastern India and similar ecologies in other South
Asian and African countries.
The Centre will support in adopting value chain based production system in the country. Thus, help to
reduce wastage, add value to produce and generate higher income for the farmers. The farmers in Eastern
India will be main beneficiaries, besides those in South Asian and African countries.
About International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
It is an international agricultural research and training organization with headquarters in Los Baos,
Philippines. It is also the largest non-profit agricultural research centre in Asia.
It was established in 1960 and has offices in 17 countries. It aims to reduce poverty and hunger, improve the
health of rice farmers and consumers, and ensure environmental sustainability of rice farming.
IRRI is known for its work in developing high yeilding rice varieties that contributed to the Green
Revolution in the 1960s. It advances its mission through collaborative research, partnerships, and the
strengthening of the national agricultural research and extension systems of the countries IRRI works in.
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Indias Mithali Raj becomes first to score 6000 runs in womens ODI cricket
July 12, 2017
Indian captain Mithali Raj (34) scripted history by becoming first player in the history of womens ODI
cricket to score more than 6000 career runs. She also became all-time leading run-getter in womens ODI.
She achieved the record feat against Australia in the ICC Womens World Cup 2017 match at Bristol. She
broke previous record of Charlotte Edwards (5992) in 164 innings 16 less than Charlotte.
Mithali Raj
Mithali had made her ODI debut at the age of 16 against Ireland in June 1999 at Milton Keynes and scored
unbeaten 114 runs. So far, Mithali has scored 6028 runs with the help of 5 centuries and 49 half-centuries.
During the 2017 Womens Cricket World Cup, she had created record of scoring seven consecutive fifties in
womens ODIs. Apart from this, she has also scored 49 ODI half-centuries, highest by any woman cricketer.
She is often called the Sachin Tendulkar of Indian womens cricket.
July 13, 2017
CCEA approves SASEC Road Connectivity Investment Program Tranche 2
July 13, 2017
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for upgradation and widening
of 65 kms of Imphal-Moreh Section of NH-39 in Manipur.
The Imphal-Moreh Section is a vital link in providing road connectivity up to Thailand and Malaysia. It will
boost trade, commerce and tourism in the region.
Key Facts
The project is being developed with Asian Development Banks (ADB) loan assistance under the South Asian
Sub-Regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Road Connectivity Investment Program. It aims at upgradation of
road infrastructure in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and India (BBIN) in order to improve the regional
connectivity.
The project corridor is also a part of the Asian Highway No. 01 (AH01). It will fulfil Indias Look East
Policy and acts as Indias Gateway to the East. Thus, it will promote and enhance trade link with South East
Asia. The project will also improve connectivity between Imphal with the eastern part of Manipur which is
a landlocked state with almost 90% of the area under difficult terrain.
SASEC Road Connectivity Investment Program (SRCIP)
SRCIP is a strategic initiative that aims to achieve regional integration among the members of the SASEC
group by improving road connectivity within the North Bengal-North Eastern Region in India. The
members of SASEC group are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal.
Government empowers Army to procure weapons systems for short intense wars
July 13, 2017
The Union Government has empowered the Army to directly procure critical weapons systems and military
platforms to maintain combat readiness for short duration intense wars.
The purpose of this new scheme is to maintain an optimum level to fight short intense wars following
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critical voids in capabilities of Army.

Need
The Army faces severe shortage in ammunition, mainly for artillery guns, air defence, tanks and certain
infantry weapons. This shortage may make it very difficult for Army to fight a short intense war that lasts
for 10 to 15 days. To overcome this issue, Army was pressing the government for ensuring speedy
procurement of key military platforms citing evolving security challenges.
Key Facts
Under the new scheme, Vice Chief of Army has been given the full financial powers to procure
ammunitions. Army has been empowered on a routine basis to review the optimum holding state and
maintaining it on a recurring manner.
The new procedure will be part of revenue procurement of the Army for in-service equipment and weapons.
As part of it, the Army has been allowed to procure 46 types of ammunition and spares for 10 different types
of weapons systems.
The new revenue route for procurement of in-service equipment will not require going through numerous
procurement stages which often cause inordinate delays. Earlier it was necessary to take permission from
Defence Acquisition Council (headed by defence minister) or the Cabinet Committee on Security (headed by
Prime Minister), for procuring such critical equipment. Thus, new scheme will ensure that the time taken in
procuring such equipment is reduced.
Indian Railways launches RailCloud to optimise server management, resources
July 13, 2017
The Indian Railways has launched RailCloud, a virtual server with an inbuilt security system that will enable
faster connectivity at a reduced cost. Rail Cloud works on popular Cloud Computing system.
Cloud computing is an emerging technology for faster and on demand commensurate deployment of server
resources which results in reduced cost.
Key Facts
RailCloud has been developed by rail PSU RailTel as part of Railways strategic IT initiative, IROneICT. It
is aimed at optimising server the resources and its management. Its technology enables maximising the usage
of available server and storage. It can accommodate bigger data and more applications within same server
space.
RailCloud technology will pave the way for swifter deployment of application. Moreover, cloud hardware
and environment can provide rigorous testing of the new applications. It subsumes existing infrastructure
and resources available with railway for ensuring that expenditure is minimized in acquiring new resources.
RailCloud technology allows server and storage space to scale up and down as per the demand. This makes
the system suitable to meet the higher demand at peak hours with less expenditure. It is also equipped with
security features as per the latest Government guidelines. Moreover, these features can be updated in one go
for all the applications hosted on the cloud.
RailCloud server resources are constantly scaled up or down as per the number of users logged on to the
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system and it ensures a better user experience. It covers all management related and other services like
human resources, signal assets, freight and logistics, health and hospital and energy among others.
Nivaran-Grievance Portal
Nivaran-Grievance Portal was also launched. It is the first IT application on the RailCloud. It serves as a
platform for resolution of service-related grievances and of serving and former railway employees. The
existing application hosted on a conventional server was migrated on RailCloud. It will save significant
revenue and improve user experience at same time.
Indigenously developed S-band Doppler Weather Radar commissioned in Kochi
July 13, 2017
A state-of-the-art, indigenously developed S-band doppler weather radar (DWR) of India Meteorological
Department (IMD) was commissioned at Palluruthy in West Kochi, Kerala.
It has been manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) based on the indigenous technology provided
by ISRO. It joins the latest in a chain of 27 such advanced radars already installed in various parts of the
country.
The S-band DWR is capable of predicting weather events such as storms and cyclones, other severe weather
conditions occurring in 500-km radius from Kochi with increased accuracy.
Doppler weather radar
Doppler weather radar is an observational tool for monitoring and predicting severe weather events such as
hailstorms, thunder storms, cyclones and tornados. It uses the Doppler effect by bouncing a microwave signal
off a desired target to produce velocity data. This data helps in analyzing objects motion by altered the
frequency of the returned signal. It mainly gives information about wind velocity and also about
precipitation.
DWR can provide area specific rain and storm warnings which are beneficial for disaster management and
emergency response, aviation and related services. It can be used for wind speed measurements during
cyclones and thunderstorms which is not possible in conventional weather radar. Thus, it helps in providing
improved warning and better weather forecasts.
Doppler effect: It is an increase (or decrease) in the frequency of sound, light, or other waves as the source
and observer move towards (or away from) each other.
Scientists discover smallest star known in the universe
July 13, 2017
Scientists from University of Cambridge, UK have discovered the smallest star in the universe. It has been
named as EBLM J0555-57Ab.
The star was identified by SuperWASP, a planet-finding experiment run by several universities. It was
detected when it passed in front of its larger parent star, forming an eclipsing stellar binary system.
Key Facts
EBLM J0555-57Ab is located about 600 light years away. It is slightly larger than Saturn in size and may
possibly have Earth-sized planets with liquid water in its orbit. It is likely as small as stars can possibly
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become, as it has just enough mass to enable the fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium at its centre .
The gravitational pull at EBLM J0555-57As stellar surface is about 300 times stronger than on Earth. It is
likely colder than many of the gas giant exo-planets that have so far been identified. The discovery of EBLM
J0555-57A also makes the best possible candidate for detecting Earth-sized planets which can have liquid
water on their surfaces, such as TRAPPIST-1, an ultracool dwarf surrounded by seven temperate Earth-sized
worlds.
About SuperWASP
SuperWASP is the UKs leading extra-solar planet detection programme. It is run by a consortium of eight
academic institutions. It consists of two robotic observatories that operate continuously all year around, to
cover both hemispheres of the sky.
The first robotic observatory, SuperWASP-North is located on La Palma Island (in Atlantic Ocean) amongst
the Isaac Newton Group of telescopes (ING). The second observatory, SuperWASP-South is located at the site
of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), Sutherland, South Africa.
The observatories each consist of eight wide-angle cameras that simultaneously monitor the sky for
planetary transit events. These cameras can monitor millions of stars simultaneously to detect the rare
transit events.
NGT declares 100m from edge of Ganga as No-development Zone
July 13, 2017
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has passed a slew of directions, measures, fines, and strict deadlines to
rejuvenate River Ganga.
It declared No-Development Zone along an area of 100 metres from the edge of the river in the stretch
between Haridwar in Uttarakhand and Unnao in Uttar Pradesh. This zone must be turned into green belts.
NGT directions
The NGT has banned dumping of waste of any kind within 500 metres from the edge of River Ganga. Rs.
50,000 environment compensation will be imposed on anyone who dumps waste in the river. The apex
environment regulator also directed all authorities concerned to complete various projects including setting
up of a sewage treatment plant and cleaning drains within two years.
The NGT also directed Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh governments to formulate guidelines for regulating
religious activities on the ghats of Ganga River or its tributaries. It also ordered to stop indiscriminate
extraction of groundwater from all industrial units falling in the catchment area of Ganga River.
The NGT also directed Uttar Pradesh government to be duty-bound to shift tanneries within six weeks,
from Jajmau in Kanpur to leather parks in Unnao or any other appropriate place.
It also appointed a supervisory committee, headed by the secretary of the Union Water Resources Ministry
and comprising IIT professors and officials from UP government to oversee implementation of the
directions passed in its verdict. It also asked the committee to submit reports at regular intervals.
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DIPP to set up Indias first TISC in Punjab

July 13, 2017
The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) will establish Indias first Technology and
Innovation Support Center (TISC) at Patent Information Centre, Punjab.
In this regard, DIPP has signed an Institutional agreement with the Punjab State Council of Science and
Technology. The TISC will be set up under the World Intellectual Property Organizations (WIPO) TISC
program.
Key Facts
Objective of TISC: Stimulate a dynamic, vibrant and balanced Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) system in
India to foster creativity and innovation. It will play an important role in promoting entrepreneurship and
enhancing social, economic and cultural development by establishing a network of TISCs in India.
National Focal Point (NFP): The Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) has been designated
as the NFP for the TISC national network. CIPAM will identify potential host institutions, assess their
capacities and support them in joining the TISC program. It will also act as the main intermediary between
WIPO and TISC host institutions and coordinate all the activities of the national TISC network.
Services offered by TISC will include: Access to online patent and non-patent (scientific and technical)
resources and IP-related publications; Training in database search; On-demand searches (state-of-the-art,
novelty and infringement); Assistance in searching and retrieving technology information; Monitoring
technology and competitors; technology commercialization and marketing, and basic information on
industrial property laws, management and strategy.
About WIPOs TISC program
WIPOs TISC program provides innovators in developing countries with access to locally based, high quality
technology information and related services. It helps them to exploit their innovative potential and to create,
protect, and manage their IPRs. Over 500 TISCs operate worldwide. Establishing TISC in India will give the
host institutions an access to the global network.
Government sets up new wing to provide intelligence inputs
July 13, 2017
The Union Government has set up Directorate General of Analytics and Risk Management (DGARM), a
new wing to provide intelligence inputs taking action against tax evaders.
It has been has been set up will be under the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC). It will also do big
data analytics for taxmen for better policy formulation.
Key Facts
The DGARM was set up on 1 July 2017, coinciding with rollout of Goods and Services Tax (GST). It will
function as an apex body of CBEC for data analytics and risk management and will report to the chairman of
CBEC. It will utilize internal and external data sources for detailed data mining and analysis to generate
outputs for focused and targeted action by field formations and investigation wings of the CBEC.
The field formations of CBEC are also expected to gainfully and effectively utilise the data and other inputs
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shared by the DGARM. The data analytics and processing coupled with intelligence inputs by DGRAM will
provide the CBEC the national and sub-national perspective for policy formulation.
Chinas Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo passes away
July 13, 2017
Chinas most famous political prisoner, the Nobel laureate and democracy icon Liu Xiaobo passed away in
custody following a battle with cancer. He was 61.
Liu was awarded the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human
rights in China.
About Liu Xiaobo
Liu was a Chinese literary critic, writer, human rights activist who called for political reforms and end of
communist single-party rule. He is also known for his role in 1989 Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing.
Liu was arrested in 2008 after co-writing Charter 08, a bold petition that called for the protection of basic
human rights and reform of Chinas political system. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison in December
2009 on the charges of subversion.
During his fourth prison term, he was awarded 2010 Nobel Peace Prize for his long and non-violent struggle
for fundamental human rights in China. He was first Chinese citizen to be awarded a Nobel Prize of any kind
while residing in China. At the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony held in Oslo in 2010 he was represented by an
empty chair.
Note: Liu is the third person to have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize while in prison or detention, after
Germanys Carl von Ossietzky (1935) and Burmas Aung San Suu Kyi (1991). He was also the second Nobel
Peace laureate died in custody (first being Ossietzky who died in a Nazi concentration camp).
July 14, 2017
President gives assent to Maharashtra Social Boycott Bill
July 14, 2017
President Pranab Mukherjee has given his assent to Maharashtra Prohibition of People from Social Boycott
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2016.
Maharashtra is the first state in the country to formulate a law to punish social boycott. The presidential
assent paves the way for the state to strictly enforce the law to deal with the scourge of social boycott with an
iron hand.
Background
In a progressive state like Maharashtra, which has a glorious legacy of social reforms in recent times had
witnessed an increasing number of incidents of social boycott and violence at the orders of caste panchayats.
To overcome legal lacunae and ineffectiveness of earlier laws, state legislature had passed Maharashtra
Prohibition of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2016 in April 2016.
The purpose of new law is to root out oppression carried out in name of social boycott by parallel justice
delivery system (kangaroo court) by citing age old traditions, caste and religious practices.
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Salient features of the Bill

The Bill terms social boycott as a crime and says anybody indulging in it would face imprisonment maximum
upto 3 years and a fine of 1 lakh rupees or both. It disallows social boycott of any individual or groups by
caste panchayats or groups of individuals or gavki or by its members or by social or economically influential
persons.
Persons involved in practice of social boycott for reasons like rituals of worship, inter-caste marriage, any
connection to lifestyle, dress or vocation will face stringent punishment. The offence registered under the act
will be congnizable and bailable. It will be tried by a judicial magistrate of the first class.
The victim of social boycott or any member of the victims family can file a complaint either to police or
directly to the magistrate. The bill has indicated speedy trial within six months of filing chargesheet in such
cases in order to ensure time-bound results.
The Bill mandates state government to recruit social boycott prohibition officers to ensure monitoring and
to detect offences and assist the magistrate and police officers in tackling such cases.
India to host 8th International Theatre Olympics in 2018
July 14, 2017
India for the first time will host 8th International Theatre Olympics, the greatest carnival of theatre in the
world in 2018. The 51-day carnival of theatre will begin on February 17, 2018.
The mega international event will be organised by the National School of Drama (NSD) in coordination
with the Union Culture Ministry.
The 2018 Theatre Olympics will showcase best of the theatre productions from around the world. Besides, it
will provide India an opportunity to showcase the richness and diversity of its culture to the world. It will
host about 500 shows from across the world in 15 different cities across India including Delhi, Mumbai,
Bengaluru, Kolkata and Chennai.
About The Theatre Olympics
The Theatre Olympics is an international festival that brings together finest productions of well-known
theatre practitioners from around the world. It was established in 1993 in Delphi, Greece as an initiative of
noted Greek theatre director Theodorus Terzopoulus. Greece was the first country to host the Theatre
Olympics in 1995. Since then it was held in Japan (1999), Russia (2001), Turkey (2006), South Korea (2010)
and China (2014) . The 7th edition of mega carnival of theatre was held in Poland in 2016.
Saraswati: Indian scientists discover supercluster of galaxies
July 14, 2017
A team of Indian astronomers have identified previously unknown, extremely large supercluster of galaxies
located in the direction of constellation Pisces. It has been named Saraswati.
It was discovered by astronomers from Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)
and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), both in Pune, Maharashtra.
What is Supercluster?
A supercluster is a chain of galaxies and galaxy clusters. It bound by gravity consisting of tens of thousands of
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galaxies. It often stretches several hundred times the size of clusters of galaxies. Thus, it can be said, galaxies
are made of billions of stars and planets and grouped into clusters. These clusters of galaxies, in turn, are
grouped together to form superclusters. The Milky Way, the galaxy in which earth is located is part of a
supercluster called the Laniakea Supercluster.
About Saraswati supercluster
Saraswati supercluster is one of the largest known structures in the nearby universe. It is 4 billion light years
away from Earth and may contain the mass equivalent of over 20 million billion suns.
It has 43 galaxies that may contain thousands of suns, besides having billions of stars, planets, other bodies,
gases and dark matter. It is estimated to be stretched over 650 million light years in distance.
The discovery of Saraswati supercluster will help astronomers in understanding galaxy formation and
evolution, effect of superclusters on environment of the galaxies.
India ranks 116 out of 157 nations on 2017 SDG index
July 14, 2017
India has been ranked low 116 out of 157 nations on the 2017 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Index
and Dashboard report released by Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and Bertelsmann
Stiftung.
The index assesses the performance of countries towards achieving the ambitious SDGs. It ranks countries
based on their performance across the 17 SDGs.
Key Highlights of 2017 SDG Index and Dashboard report
Top Countries in 2017 SDG Index: Sweden (1st), Denmark (2nd), Finland (3rd), Norway (4th), Czech
Republic (5th), Germany (6th), Austria (7th), Switzerland (8th) and Slovenia (9th).United States was ranked
42nd on the Index, Russia and China ranked 62nd and 71st
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respectively.
It shows that the countries which are closest to fulfilling the objectives of the goals are not the biggest
economies but comparably small, developed countries.
Indias performance: India with a score of 58.1 was ranked 116th on the index, behind countries such as
Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and China. Pakistan was ranked 122. In 2016, India was ranked 110th.
Global Scenario: Rising trend of nationalism and protectionism is impeding the implementation of the
goals and industrialised countries are not serving as role model in the implementation of the goals. Many of
the richest countries in the world are nowhere near achieving objectives of goals but also deteriorating the
implementation process for poorer countries because of negative spillover effects.
Need for urgent action: The report calls for urgent need for action on the part of G20 countries in making
sustainable development goals a reality both within and beyond their borders. All countries must take up the
goals as part of their national development strategies if the SDGs are to be achieved globally.
About Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The SDGs are the set of 17 non-binding goals featuring 169 targets to be implemented from 2015 to 2030.
They were adopted by member countries of United Nations at the 2015 UN Sustainable Development
Summit held in New York. These goals intend to achieve sustainable development and are more
comprehensive than earlier Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
India contributes additional $1 million to India-UN Development Partnership
Fund
July 14, 2017
India has contributed an additional $1 million to India-UN Development Partnership Fund launched to
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support sustainable development projects across the developing world.

Earlier, India had made an initial contribution of $1 million when the fund was created. The amount was
allocated for the implementation of a project benefiting seven Small Island Developing States in South
Pacific Ocean.
India-UN Development Partnership Fund
The fund was set up in 9 June 2017 (on occasion of the World Oceans Day) as a partnership between India
and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). It is managed by UNOSSC. The
fund will be utilized to carry out country-level projects that would be catalytic towards achieving the 17
sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda.
The fund prioritises projects reducing poverty and hunger, improving health, education and equality, and
expanding access to clean water and energy and livelihoods. It mainly focuses on transformational
sustainable development projects in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States.
The projects under the fund are implemented by UN agencies in close collaboration with partnering
governments.
United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC)
The UNOSSC was established with an objective to promote, coordinate and support South-South and
triangular cooperation across the world within the UN system. It has its genesis in 1974 when the United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had endorsed the establishment of a special unit to promote technical
cooperation among developing countries within the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In
2012, the special unit was given the name UNOSSC by the UNGA through a resolution. UNOSSC receives
policy directives and guidance from the UNGA.
Scientists for first time store small movie clip in DNA of living bacteria
July 14, 2017
Scientists from Harvard Medical School for first time have encoded a small movie clip in the DNA of living
bacterial cells and then played it back.
They had used the CRISPR gene-editing technique to encode and retrieve reconstructed frames of a
classic 1870s racehorse in motion sequence of photos into the genome of common gut bacteria E. coli.
Scientists have found out that despite the genetic modification, the bacteria thrived and multiplied. The film
stored in the DNA of bacteria was also well preserved and was intact even in new generation of bacteria.
How DNA store information?
The information in the DNA is stored in strings i.e. in the form four-letter DNA code. It is basically
sequences of four building blocks (nuclear strands) abbreviated as A (Adenine), C (Cytosine), T (Thymine)
and G (Guanine) found in DNA molecule. Specific sequences of these blocks give the body directions for
creating particular proteins.
Basically digital devices store information in binary format (1s and 0s) i.e. in a two-letter code that produces
strings of 1s and 0s. For ex. capital A stored as 01000001 in binary format. In case of converting and storing
digital information in DNA involves translating between the two sequences or codes of four building blocks.
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For ex. capital A converted and stored as AATATG.

The DNA digital data storage technology uses artificial DNA made using oligonucleotide synthesis machines
for storage and DNA sequencing machines for retrieval of stored data. Using this technology strings of DNA
can be custom-made that can carry the new code, and store information that code contains.
DNA digital data storage technology has very long durability i.e. scientists can store digital information in
DNA sequences for thousands of years. Information stored in DNA consumes very little space. However,
making this technology practical and much cheaper using current technology is hugely expensive.
CRISPR gene-editing technique
CRISPR is short form of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. It allows to selectively
edit genome parts and replace them with new DNA stretches. Cas9 is an enzyme that can edit DNA,
allowing the alteration of genetic patterns by genome modification. CRISPR is a collection of DNA
sequences that direct Cas9 where to cut and paste. CRISPR-Cas9 technology has the potential to
revolutionise the treatment of blood diseases, tumours and other genetic diseases.
Indias first solar powered DEMU train launched
July 14, 2017
Indian Railways has launched Indias first solar powered diesel multiple unit (DEMU) broad gauge train. It is
1600 Horse Power (HP) train with all solar powered coaches.
The train will run from Sarai Rohilla in Delhi to Farukh Nagar in Haryana. It will replace an existing non-
solar powered rake on the same route.
Key Facts
The solar powered DEMU train has six trailer coaches, with 16 solar panels of 300 watts fitted in each of
them. These solar panels have been manufactured under Make in India initiative. The energy generated by
these solar panels will be stored in batteries and will be used during the night.
Benefits
The solar energy system fitted in the DEMU train would result in the saving of 5.25 lakh litres of diesel per
train over a life time of 25 years. It will also help in reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) of almost 9 tonnes per
coach, per annum and 1350 tons of CO2 per train over a life time of 25 years.
July 15, 2017
15 July: World Youth Skills Day
July 15, 2017
The World Youth Skills Day is observed globally on 15 July every year to raise awareness about the
importance of investing in youth skills development. Observance of the day aims to create more awareness
on training and the development of skills for the youth of today and also create better employment
opportunities for the youth.
2017 Theme is Skills for All. It is aimed at creating awareness that everyone should have the opportunity
to discover and develop their talents. It also spreads message of creating a more prosperous future through
skills.
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On the occasion, United Nations along with WorldSkills.org have organised campaigns #SkillsForAll and
#WYSD. These campaigns aim to raise awareness about the importance of youth developing skills.
Background
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had established World Youth Skills Day in November 2014
to raise awareness about the importance of investing in youth skills development.
India ranks third in global index of countries with most confidence in their
government: OCED Report
July 15, 2017
India ranked third in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Developments (OECD) Government
at a Glance 2017 report. It states that Narendra Modi led NDA coalition has secured 73% trust of people,
third highest in the world after Indonesia and Switzerland.
OECDs Government at a Glance report presents an index of countries that trust their governments the
most. It determines governments trust levels by whether or not people consider their government stable and
reliable, if its able to protect its citizens from risk and whether it can effectively deliver public services. The
report cites data collected by Gallup World Poll (GWP), which collects evidence from perception surveys to
measure the level of trust on an annual basis for OECD countries
Key Highlights
The 2017 edition of the report based on Gallup World Poll for 2016 states that, Indonesia and Switzerland
with 80% people having trust in their government rank first and second respectively. Whereas 73% of
Indians trust their central government.
The report also states that the number of people who trust the government in India has fallen by 9% points
between 2007 and 2016. The figure for India in 2007 was 82%, 73% in 2014, 55% in 2012, 70% in 2009.
Globally on an average, only 42% of citizens have confidence in their government, down from 45% in 2007.
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About Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

OCED is an international economic organisation of 34 countries to stimulate economic progress and world
trade Founded: 1961. It defines itself as a forum of countries committed to democracy and the market
economy. It provides common platform for members to compare policy experiences, seek answers to
common problems, identify good practices etc. Most OECD members are regarded as developed countries
i.e. high-income economies with very high Human Development Index (HDI). Its headquarter is in Paris,
France.
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India, European Union establish Investment Facilitation Mechanism

July 15, 2017
India and European Union (EU) have established Investment Facilitation Mechanism (IFM) for EU
Investments in India. The mechanism will allow for a close coordination between EU and India with an aim
to promote and facilitate EU investment in India.
Background
Trade and Investment are key elements of the EU-India Strategic Partnership launched in 2004. The EU is
the Indias first trade partner in goods and services and also largest foreign investor with a stock exceeding
US$ 81.52 billion as of March 2017. There are more than 6,000 EU companies currently present in India,
providing direct and indirect employment to over 6 million people. The IFM builds on the Joint Statement
of the 13th EU-India Summit held in Brussels in March 2016, where the EU had welcomed Indias readiness
to establish such a mechanism.
Key Facts
The key objective of IFM is to pave the way for identifying and solving problems faced by EU companies and
investors with regard to their operations in India. It will cover both new investors as well as those already
present in India. It will also serve as a common platform for discussing general suggestions from the point of
view of EU investors and companies with regard to ease of doing business in India.
Invest India, the official Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of India, will also be part of the
mechanism. It will create a single-window entry point for EU companies that need assistance for their
investments at the central/state level. The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Union
Ministry of Commerce & Industry will also facilitate participation of other relevant ministries and
authorities on a case-to-case basis.
Under it, the EU Delegation to India and DIPP will hold regular high level meetings to assess and facilitate
ease of doing business for EU investors in India. It will also include identifying and putting in place
solutions to procedural impediments faced by EU companies and investors in establishing or running their
operations in India.
Significance
The establishment of the IFM is considered as a right step in the direction of strengthening the trade and
investment ties between the EU and India. This initiative will help ensuring a more robust, effective and
predictable business environment for the EU investors.
Raipur Airport ranked first in Customer Satisfaction Index Survey
July 15, 2017
Raipurs Swami Vivekananda Airport was ranked first in Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Survey among
49 airports in the country. It has achieved 4.84 score on a five point scale index.
It was followed by Udaipur (2nd), Amritsar (3rd) and Dehradun (4th) airports which have scored 4.75, 4.74
and 4.73 respectively. This is third consecutive time in the past two years, Raipur airport has received this
recognition.
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CSI survey
Customer Satisfaction is one of the key performance objectives of Airport Authority of India (AAI) which is
evaluated through CSI survey conducted by an independent agency commissioned by AAI. The survey
covers a wide range of parameters like transportation, passenger facilities, cleanliness and parking etc. The
latest CSI survey was conducted for the period of January-June 2017.
Swami Vivekananda Airport
Raipurs Swami Vivekananda Airport is located at Mana between Raipur and Naya Raipur. It is the primary
airport in Chhattisgarh. Its integrated terminal building was inaugurated in 2012. It is the 28th busiest
airport in India in terms of passenger traffic and 31st busiest by aircraft movement. The airport was renamed
from Raipur Airport to present name in 2012 as tribute to Swami Vivekananda who spent 2 years of his
teenage in Raipur.
Indias Sundar Singh Gurjar wins gold medal at World Para Athletics
July 15, 2017
Indias Sundar Singh Gurjar (21) won gold medal in the mens javelin throw event at World Para Athletics
Championships held in London, United Kingdom.
In the F46 category, Sundar recorded his personal best effort of 60.36m ahead of Dinesh Priyantha Herath
(Sri Lanka) who emerged second with 57.93m, followed by defending champion Guo Chunliang (China)
with 56.14m.
Sundar Singh Gurjar
Sundar Singh Gurjar hails from the Karauli district in Rajasthan. Till November 2015, he was competing in
General Category. But he had lost his left hand in an accident. After accident, he started participating in
para-athlete competitions.
Sundar was not able to participate in the F46 javelin throw category at the 2016 Rio Paralympics after he was
disqualified. But at the same event, Indias Devendra Jhajharia had won the gold medal. In February 2017, at
8th Fazza IPC Athletics Grand Prix held in Dubai, Sundar had won three gold medals, one each in javelin
throw, shot put and discus throw.
US House of Representatives passes Bill on defence co-operation with India
July 15, 2017
The United States House of Representatives has passed an amendment to National Defense
Authorisation Act (NDAA), 2018, a $621.5 billion defence expenditure bill to advance defence cooperation
with India.
India related amendment in the bill was adopted by a voice vote in the House by 344-81. Now, NDAA needs
to be passed by the US Senate before it can be sent to US President Donald Trump to sign into law.
Key Facts
The India-related amendment in NDAA 2018, requires the US Secretary of Defence, in consultation with the
Secretary of State to develop a strategy for advancing defence cooperation between US and India.
The amendment asks the State Department and Pentagon to develop a strategy to addresses common
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security challenges, the role of US partners and allies in India-US defence relationship, and role of the
defence technology and trade initiative. It also asks them to address issues to advance communications
interoperability and security memorandum of agreement and the basic exchange and cooperation agreement
for geospatial cooperation.
National Defense Authorisation Act
The NDAA is a United States federal law specifying the budget and expenditures of the United States
Department of Defence. Each years NDAA also includes other provisions. The US Congress oversees the
defence budget primarily through two yearly bills: the NDAA and Defense appropriations bills.
They are authorization bill that determines the US agencies responsible for defence, establishes funding
levels and sets the policies under which money will be spent. The NDAA-2017 had designated India as a
major defence partner of US. This designation had brought India at par with closest partners of US in
terms of defence trade and technology transfer.
July 16-17, 2017
Indias Harinder Pal Sandhu wins Victorian Open squash tournament
July 17, 2017
Indias Harinder Pal Sandhu (28) won the Victorian Open squash tournament held in Melbourne, Australia.
In the final he defeated Rex Hedrick of Australia by 12-14, 11-3, 11-4 score.
It was Sandhus ninth title at the PSA level and the fourth of this season after winning two in Malaysia. It
was his second title in two weeks after he had won South Australian Open by defeating Rhys Dowling of
Australia by 11-8 12-10 11-4 score.
Harinder Pal Sandhu
Harinder Pal Sandhu is a professional squash player. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No.
56 in September 2015. He was a part of the Indian team, which had won the gold medal at the 2014 Asian
Games held at Incheon.
Roger Federer wins record 8th Wimbledon title
July 17, 2017
Switzerlands Roger Federer won 2017 Wimbledon title in the mens single category. In the final match he
defeated Marin Cilic of Croatia by 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 score.
It was Federers record eighth Wimbledon title and overall 19th Grand Slam. With this victory, 36-year old
Federer also became Wimbledons oldest champion, succeeding Arthur Ashe, who was 32 when he won in
1976.
Federer claimed his 19th Grand Slam title beating Cilic 6-3, 6-1, 6-4. The 36-year old Federer is also
Wimbledons oldest mens winner of the modern era, succeeding Arthur Ashe, who was almost 32 when he
won in 1976. He also became the first player since Bjorn Borg in 1976 to win Wimbledon without dropping
a set in the entire tournament.
Other Category winners
Womens single
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Garbie Muguruza (Spain) defeated Venus Williams (United States) by 75, 60 score to win her first
Wimbledon title in the womens single category.
Mens Doubles
ukasz Kubot (Poland) and Marcelo Melo (Brazil) pair defeated Oliver Marach (Austria) and Mate Pavi
(Croatia) pair to win 2017 Wimbledon title in Mens Doubles category.
Womens Doubles
Russian pair Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina defeated Chan Hao-ching (Chinese Taipei) and Monica
Niculescu (Romania) to win 2017 Wimbledon title in Womens Doubles category.
Mixed Doubles
Jamie Murray (United Kingdom) and Martina Hingis (Switzerland) defeated Henri Kontinen (Finland) and
Heather Watson (United Kingdom) to win 2017 Wimbledon title in mixed Doubles category.
IBBI notifies rules for bankruptcy probe
July 17, 2017
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has notified regulations for inspection and
investigation of service providers registered with it.
Under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) implemented by IBBI, service providers are insolvency
professional agencies, entities, professionals and information utilities.
New regulations
The investigation authority has to serve a notice intimating the entity concerned about the probe at least 10
days in advance. However, this requirement can be done away with on grounds such as apprehensions that
the records of the particular service provider might have been destroyed before the probe starts.
About Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
IBBI is the regulator for overseeing insolvency proceedings of service providers like Insolvency Professional
Agencies (IPA), Insolvency Professionals (IP) and Information Utilities (IU) in India. It was given statutory
powers through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. It functions under Ministry of Commerce.
The Code provides for a market-determined and time-bound resolution of insolvency proceedings. It
became operational in December 2016. It covers Individuals, Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships and
Partnership firms. It attempts to simplify the process of insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings and speed up
the resolution process for stressed assets in the country.
Union Government clears three export infrastructure plans under TIES
July 17, 2017
The Union Government for the first time has given approval three infrastructure proposals to address the
infrastructure problem under the Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES).
Decision in this regard was taken at the Inter-Ministerial Empowered Committee (EC) meeting on TIES,
chaired by Commerce Secretary.
These three proposals include Integrated Cargo Terminal (ICT) at the Imphal International Airport, Modernisation
of infrastructure facility for marine exports in Karnataka and construction of a new Standard Design Factory
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building at Cochin Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Background
According to Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce March 2016 report,
deficient infrastructure severely hurting the competitiveness of Indias exports. Moreover, the manner in
which infrastructure is being operated in the country is also obstacles to ensure competitiveness in
manufacturing of goods and exports.
It is estimated that the logistic cost in India is about 14% of the GDP whereas in advanced economies like
United States and European Union, it is 8% and 10% of the GDP respectively. Besides, certain sectors
dependent on logistics lose as much as 2% on sales return due to sub-optimal logistic capability.
An ASSOCHAM study also shows that due to deficient infrastructure, India runs against a disadvantage of
about 11% of its trade. It noted that India can save up to $50 billion if logistics costs are brought down from
14% to 9% of countrys GDP which will also make domestic goods more competitive in global markets.
About Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES)
The scheme replaces Assistance to States for creating Infrastructure for the Development and growth of
Exports (ASIDE), a centrally sponsored scheme to address the needs of the exporters. Its objective is to
enhance export competitiveness by bridging the gap in export infrastructure, create focused export
infrastructure and first-mile and last-mile connectivity. It is being implemented from FY18 till FY20 with
budgetary allocation of Rs. 600 crore.
The beneficiaries of the scheme will be all central and state agencies including Commodities Boards, Export
Promotion Councils, SEZ authorities and Apex Trade Bodies recognised under EXIM policy of Central
Government are eligible for financial support.
Under the scheme, the cost of projects will be equally shared by the Centre and the states in form of grant-
in-aid. In normal cases centre will borne 50% of the total equity in the project. For projects located in north-
eastern and the Himalayan region states, Centre may bear 80% of the cost
It will provide assistance for setting up and up-gradation of infrastructure projects with export linkages like
Land customs stations, quality testing and certification labs, Border Haats, cold chains, trade promotion
centres, dry ports, export warehousing and packaging, SEZs and ports/airports cargo terminuses.
GSI discovers millions of tonnes of precious metals and minerals in Indian
waters
July 17, 2017
Scientists from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have discovered the presence of millions of tonnes of
precious metals and minerals deep under the waters within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of
peninsular India.
They have confirmed the presence large amount of lime mud, phosphate-rich and calcareous sediments,
hydrocarbons, metalliferous deposits and micronodules. They believe that deeper and more extensive
exploration could lead to a larger treasure trove.
The presence of lime mud, phosphate-rich sediments was discovered off Karwar, Mangaluru and Chennai
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coasts, gas hydrate in the channel-levee system of Mannar Basin off the Tamil Nadu coast, icro-manganese
nodules around Lakshadweep Sea and cobalt-bearing ferro-manganese crust from the Andaman Sea.
Background
GSI for first time had identified huge presence of marine resources off Mangaluru, Mannar Basin, Chennai,
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
and around Lakshadweep in early 2014. After three years of exploration, it had
generated 181,025 square kilometres of high-resolution seabed morphological
data and established the occurrence of more than 10,000 million tonnes of lime
mud within the EEZ of India.
GST had carried out the High Resolution Seabed Mapping and Natural Resource Evaluation using three
state-of-the-art research vessels Samudra Ratnakar, Samudra Kaustabh and Samudra Saudikama. The
main objective of the survey was to identify potential zones of favourable mineralisation and evaluate marine
mineral resources.
About Geological Survey of India (GSI)
The GSI is a government organisation in India, attached to the Ministry of Mines for conducting geological
surveys and studies. It is one of the premier organisations of earth science survey and research in the world.
The GSI was established in 1851 and is one of the oldest of such organisations in the world and the second
oldest survey institution in the country. It is the prime provider of basic earth science information to the
government, industry and the general public. Its main functions is related to creation and updation of
national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment.
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Scientists develop super-flexible and strong artificial silk

July 17, 2017
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed super-stretchy and strong artificial (synthetic)
spider silk, almost entirely composed of water.
The synthetic spider silk mimics properties of spider silk, one of natures strongest materials for a range of
applications such as making eco-friendly textiles and sensors.
Composition
The fibres of the synthetic spider silk are spun from hydrogel, a soupy material which is 98% water. The
remaining 2% of the hydrogel is made of naturally available silica and cellulose. These materials are held
together in a network by barrel-shaped molecular handcuffs known as cucurbiturils. The chemical
interactions between the different components enable to pull long fibres from the gel. The water from
hydrogel evaporates after it is stretched for 30 seconds, leaving a strong fibre which is both strong and
stretchy.
Properties
The fibres of the synthetic spider silk are extremely thin threads and are of few millionths of a metre in
diameter. They resemble miniature bungee cords and can absorb large amounts of energy. They are
sustainable, non-toxic, less energy-intensive and can be made at room temperature.
The fibres are capable of self-assembly at room temperature, and are held together by supramolecular host,
where atoms share electrons. They can support stresses in the range of 100 to 150 megapascals, which is
similar to other synthetic and natural silks.
Fact box: National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination
July 17, 2017
The Union Health Ministry and Family Welfare for first time has unveiled National Strategic Plan (NSP) for
Malaria Elimination (2017-22). It has set malaria elimination deadline as 2027, three years ahead of the
global deadline.
The NSP is based on 2016 National Framework for Malaria Elimination framed with support of WHOs
Global Technical Strategy for Malaria, 2016-2030.
Features of the Plan
The NSP is a year-wise roadmap for malaria elimination across the country. The plan aims to achieve
universal case detection and treatment services in malaria endemic districts to ensure 100% diagnosis of all
suspected cases, and full treatment of all confirmed cases. It seeks to maintain a malaria-free status for areas
where transmission has been interrupted.
Categorisation of Districts: The plan divides country into four categories, from 0 to 3 based on their
annual parasite incidence (API). The first category, Zero has 75 districts having of API of malaria for the last
three years. The Category 1 covers 448 districts, in which the API is less than 1 per 1,000 population.
The Category 2 covers 48 districts, in which API is one and above, but less than 2 per 1,000 population. The
Category 3 covers 107 districts, in which API of two and above per 1,000 population.
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Targets: The plan aims to eliminate malaria (zero indigenous cases) in all Category 1 and 2 districts by 2022.
In Category 3, the target is bring remaining districts under a pre-elimination and elimination programme by
2022.
Four components, based on recommendations WHO: Diagnosis and case management; surveillance and
epidemic response; prevention integrated vector management; cross-cutting interventions, which include
communication, advocacy, R&D and other initiatives.
Funding: The resources required for the elimination of malaria is around Rs 10,653.16 crore over a period
of five years (2017-2022). These resources will be managed from government sources, international donors,
and the corporate sector as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Significance: This is for the first time, the Union Health Ministry has come up with a roadmap for
elimination of malaria in the country. Prior to it, effort was to control malaria under the National Vector
Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDC). The NSP lays down detailed strategy with operational
guidelines for all states towards set targets. It has also given a detailed breakdown of annual budgetary
requirements over five years.
Background
Malaria is a vector borne disease caused by parasitic protozoans belonging to the Plasmodium type. It is most
commonly transmitted by an infected female Anopheles mosquito. According to the World Malaria Report
2016, India accounts for 89% of the incidence of malaria in the South-East Asia region.
In India, malaria is caused by the parasites Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), found more in the forest areas and
Plasmodium Vivax (Pv), more common in the plains. Most malaria cases are mainly concentrated in tribal
and remote areas of the country.
The majority of malaria reporting districts are in Indias eastern and central parts. Six states Odisha (40%),
Jharkhand (20%), Chhattisgarh (20%), Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram (5-7%) report most of
the malaria cases in India. These states, along with tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra account
for 90% of Indias malaria burden.
SOHUM: Indigenously developed low-cost hearing screening device for
newborns launched
July 17, 2017
The Union Ministry of Science and Technology has launched SOHUM, an indigenously developed low-cost
hearing screening device for newborns.
The innovative medical device has been developed by the School of International Biodesign (SIB) startup
Sohum Innovation Labs India Pvt Ltd under Department of Biotechnology (DBT) supported (SIB).
Features of SOHUM
The Sohum aims to make this battery-operated non-invasive screening device available across the country
to minimise or reverse the hearing loss damage. It is a low cost portable device which uses brain-stem
auditory evoked response, a best screening choice recommended by the American Association of
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Pediatrics and National Health Services of UK.

It measures auditory brain waves via three electrodes placed on the babys head. When stimulated, electrodes
detect electrical responses generated by the brains auditory system. If there is no response, it indicates child
cannot hear. Once it is detected at quite an early age, measures can be taken to prevent other problems such
as impaired communication skills and even possible mental illness.
It is battery operated device and is non-invasive, it doesnt require babies to be sedated, which is risky,
testing in process at present. It has in-built algorithm that filters out ambient noise from the test signal. This
is important because health clinics can be crowded and noisy.
School of International Biodesign
SIB is a flagship Program of the DBT aimed to develop innovative and affordable medical devices as per
Indias unmet clinical needs and to train the next generation of medical technology innovators in India. It is
implemented jointly at All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and IIT Delhi in collaboration with
International partners. Biotech Consortium India Limited manages techno-legal activities of the Program. It
serves as a valuable contribution to the Make in India campaign of the Government.
July 18, 2017
Reliance Industries market capitalisation hits Rs 5 lakh crore mark
July 18, 2017
Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) for the first time in its trading history has crossed Rs
5 lakh crore in market capitalisation. The market cap of RIL stood at Rs 5,04,458.09 on BSE (Bombay Stock
Exchange.
RIL is second firm to cross Rs 5 lakh crore in market capitalisation. It is also RILs highest market cap in its
lifetime and also currently it is the most valued company on the bourses.
Tata Consultancy Service (TCS) was first company to hit Rs 5 lakh crore in market capitalisation milestone
in July 2014. Later in November 2014, its market capitalisation had surged to 5.43 lakh crore. Now, it is the
second most valuable company in terms of market-capitalisation.
About Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
RIL is an Indian conglomerate engaged in energy, petrochemicals, textiles, natural resources, retail, and
telecommunications. It is the third most profitable company in India. It is the second largest company in
India in terms of revenue after the government-controlled Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). It was ranked
215th on the Fortune Global 500 list of the worlds biggest corporations as of 2016. It was also ranked 8th
among the Top 250 Global Energy Companies by Platts as of 2016.
Scientists develop 3D-printed soft silicone heart
July 18, 2017
Scientists from ETH Zurich in Switzerland have developed a 3D-printed soft silicone heart that closely
resembles and functions like the human organ.
It is not exact biological replica of the actual, but can help to save lives of people who suffer from cardiac
failure. It can be also used as an artificial heart in cases when patient is awaiting a heart transplant.
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Key Facts
The 3D-printed soft artificial heart is a silicone monoblock with complex inner structure. It weighs 390
grams and has a volume of 679 cubic centimetres. It is made of silicone using a 3D printed mold. It
represents one of the most advanced replicas yet created of one of humans most important organs.
The artificial heart has a right and a left ventricle which are not separated by a septum but by an additional
chamber. This chamber is inflated and deflated by pressurised air required to pump fluid from the blood
chambers.
This current model is not yet stable enough to be used in an actual patient. At present, it can only work for
several thousand beats, lasting around 30 to 45 minutes. Researchers are planning to develop an advanced
model which could conceivably work over a period of years.
3D Printing Technology
3D printing is a process of making 3-D (three dimensional) solid objects from a digital file with extreme
precision. This technology is also termed additive manufacturing as the 3D printed object is created us
additive processes i.e. by laying down successive layers of manufacturing material on each other until the
entire object is created. This technology has limitless possibilities and can create almost anything with just
raw material and a computer generated model.
Tata Motors unveils Indias first Bio-CNG bus
July 18, 2017
Indias largest Commercial Vehicles manufacturer Tata Motors has unveiled countrys first Bio-CNG (bio-
methane) bus.
The bus was rolled out at the Urja Utsav, bio-energy programme, organised by the Union Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Key Facts
In the Urja Utsav, Tata Motors showcased its designed and developed bio-methane engines (5.7 SGI & 3.8
SGI) for LCV, ICV & MCV buses. It also displayed three engines, along with the lead model viz. Tata LPO
1613 with 5.7 SGI NA BS-IV IOBD-II compliant bus.
The first of its kind bio-methane bus will provide an alternate fuel technology to cater the need for a greener
country. Its use will also contribute in a positive manner to the Smart Cities Mission. It will also serve as a
good option for wet garbage management.
Biomethane
Biomethane is a naturally occurring gas which is produced by anaerobic digestion of organic matter such as
dead animal and plant material, manure, sewage, organic waste, etc. This gas gets produced out of natural
degradation process, escapes into the atmosphere unused. If it is trapped and used in automobile engines, it
reduces the net impact on environment and at the same time produces useful power.
SBI launches SBI Realty portal for home buyers
July 18, 2017
Indias largest commercial bank State Bank of India (SBI) launched SBI Realty, a dedicated portal that will
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help home buyers to choose flats from its 3,000 approved projects across the country.
SBI Realty will be a one stop integrated website for home buyers. It will help customers to choose their
dream home from 3,000 SBI approved projects, which are spread across 13 states/UTs covering 30 cities.
Key Facts
The SBI Realty portal has been developed by SBICAP Securities in association with PropEquity in terms of
data support, project information, etc. At present, the website has 9.5 lakh home units available on it.
Using the portal, customers can compare current and past trends of prices for properties in various localities
in the city. It will also assist customers in calculating appropriate loan amount a customer should borrow
based on income and credit profile.
About State Bank of India (SBI)
SBI is the largest commercial bank in India in terms of assets, deposits, branches, profits, customers and
employees. It has a deposit base of Rs 25.85 lakh crore. It has an extensive network, with over 24 thousand
branches in India and 194 overseas offices in 35 other countries.
UKs first woman Sikh MP Preet Kaur Gill elected to Home Affairs Select
Committee
July 18, 2017
Britains first woman Sikh MP Preet Kaur Gill was elected to Home Affairs Select Committee in the UK
Parliament. She will be one of 11 MPs on the cross-party home affairs committee.
The Home Affairs Select Committee is an influential cross-party panel in the UK Parliament that examines
the workings of the Home Office. It investigates the spending, policy and administration of the ministerial
department.
The committee chooses its own subjects of inquiry within the remit of the home office. Previous inquiries
have looked at extremism, immigration, hate crime, asylum, drugs, human trafficking, prostitution,
extradition, counter-terrorism and the police. It publishes reports and the Government must respond to its
recommendations.
Labour party MP Yvette Cooper was recently elected unopposed as chairman of the committee. Earlier it
was chaired by Keith Vaz, Britains longest-serving Indian-origin MP, who had stepped down in September
2016.
Preet Kaur Gill had won the Edgbaston seat for the Labour party in the June 2017 snap general election. She
also has been chosen to lead the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs, which promotes
the interests of Sikhs in Britain. Gills whose family is from Jamsher, in Jalandhar, Punjab. Her father, Daljit
Singh, had moved and settled in the UK in 1962.
July 19, 2017
US imposes new sanctions against Iran over ballistic missile program
July 19, 2017
The United States has imposed new economic sanctions against Iran over its ballistic missile programme and
for contributing to regional tensions.
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Under the new sanctions, the US Department of Treasury targeted 16 entities and individuals from Iran
citing them as illicit Iranian actors or transnational criminal activity. Those sanctioned mainly targets Iran
for developing drones and military equipment, producing and maintaining boats, and procuring electronic
components.
The sanctions were imposed day after US certified that Iran is complying with the 2015 Nuclear Deal and it
will continue to receive nuclear-related sanctions relief. This was the second time, Trump administration
certified Irans compliance to 2015 Nuclear Deal.
About 2015 Nuclear Deal
The 2015 Nuclear Deal was a preliminary framework agreement signed between Iran and P5+1 countries
(United States, United Kingdom, Russia, France, China- plus Germany) and the European Union in July
2015. The deal is also called as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) or Vienna agreement.
The deal aims to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon in return for lifting international oil and
financial sanctions. Under it, Iran has agreed to give up its most advanced centrifuges and use only its oldest
models. But it still allows Iran to continue enrichment in lower quantities for civilian purposes such as
power plants.
As part of the deal Iran has agreed to reduce its stockpile of uranium by 98%. Under this deal, Iran could keep
300 kg enriched uranium for the next 15 years and it will get rid of extra uranium by shipping it to Russia.
The deal also sets up a comprehensive inspections regime that gives inspectors from the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) extraordinary and robust access to Iranian nuclear facilities.
Under this deal, global economic sanctions imposed over Iran nuclear programme will be removed.
However sanctions related to other aspects of Irans behaviour, such as ballistic-missile programme, human-
rights issues, support of terrorism and its will not be affected.
Supreme Court allows Centre to replace MCI oversight committee
July 19, 2017
The Supreme Court has allowed the Union Government to replace the oversight committee set up to
supervise the functioning of the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a fresh panel of five eminent doctors.
The Supreme Court also gave the Government liberty to replace any doctor in the list with another if he
does not wish to be a part of the oversight committee.
Earlier, Government had proposed the names of five eminent doctors to replace the earlier members of the
oversight committee whose term had just expired.
Background
The Supreme Court using its rare and extraordinary powers under the Article 142 of the Constitution had
set up the oversight committee court in May 2016 to oversee the MCIs functioning for a period of one year
or till a suitable mechanism was brought in by the Government to substitute it. The committee was led by
former Chief Justice of India R.M. Lodha.
About Medical Council of India (MCI)
MCI is a statutory body for establishing uniform and high standards of medical education in India. It grants
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recognition of medical qualifications, gives accreditation to medical schools, grants registration to medical
practitioners, and monitors medical practice in India.
US Navy tests worlds first Laser Weapons System
July 19, 2017
United States Navy successfully tested the worlds first-ever active Laser Weapons System (LaWS).
In the test, the LaWS deployed aboard the USS Ponce amphibious transport ship was able to destroy a drone
in flight and moving targets on the Persian Gulf. USS Ponce is first ship in the world to be deployed with
such advanced weapons system.
Key Facts
LaWS operates within an invisible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is absolutely silent and incredibly
effective. It strikes are extremely accurate, silent and invisible. It is primarily intended to take on drones,
aircraft, and small vessels that could be used in an attack.
The system has special materials that release photons at the speed of light. It silently hits the target, burning
it to a temperature of thousands of degrees. It can even target a single component of an enemy target and
disable or destroy it as necessary. Each strike of the system travels 50,000 times the speed of an incoming
ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile).
It is a very versatile weapon that can be used against a variety of targets in air or surface targets or ground-
based targets. Its precise nature can also limit collateral damage in wartime. Its cost per use is approximately
$1 per shot. The system requires electrical power and a three-man team.
US is also developing second generation LaWS system which is believed to be intended to take on faster
targets such as incoming missiles.
Underwater ghost nets posing threat to marine ecosystem: Study
July 19, 2017
According to recent study, ghost nets (abandoned, lost or dumped fishing nets) have emerged as the greatest
killers of the marine ecosystem off Kerala coast.
These ghost notes may have long-term implications for marine life if no proper correctives are taken to deal
with them. It may become major threat to the natural habitat and breeding ground of underwater fish.
Problem
Ghost nets have destroyed or threatened many of the underwater reefs identified with flourishing fish stock
because of its stifling cover. Globally, it is estimated that at least 10% of the reduced fish catch can be blamed
on ghost nets, some of which have survived deep underwater for decades together.
Key Facts
There are four types of ghost nets that infest the bottom of the seas. The first are the large fishing vessels
that stray into the territorial waters and deploy large nets. These nets get caught in underwater reefs, forcing
the fishing vessel to abandon them before leaving the territorial waters.
The second type of ghost nets are smaller and are used by fishermen, but are cut off by a passing vessel. They
too drift at the bottom of the ocean floor and get attached to the rough features there. The third type of
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ghost nets are those that get caught in violent currents and swivel down to the ocean floor, where they get
stuck. The fourth type are ghost nets are those which get abandoned at sea after three or four uses. These
nets remain under water for decades if not centuries.
TR Zeliang sworn in as 19th Chief Minister of Nagaland
July 19, 2017
Senior Naga Peoples Front (NPF) legislator TR Zeliang (65) was sworn in as the 19th chief minister of
Nagaland. He was administered oath to office and secrecy by Governor P.B. Acharya.
Earlier Governor had dismissed the Shurhozelie Liezietsu government under Clause (I) of Article 164 of the
Constitution after he failed to prove majority on the floor of the Assembly. Prior to it, Zeliang had staked
claim to form government in Nagaland with a majority support of 47 members in the 60 member Legislative
Assembly.
TR Zeliang will now have to prove his majority on the floor of the House. This is his second stint as chief
minister in a little more than three years.
Background
Earlier in February 2016, Zeliang was forced out of office following large scale protests over holding of
urban local bodies election with 33% reservation for women. After his resignation NPF had made party
chairman Shurhozelie (80) as the CM. But recently, he faced rebellion from his party MLAs. The Governor
had asked the Speaker to summon an emergent special session of the state assembly for the ousted CM
Shurhozelie Liezietsu to seek the confidence vote.
UIDAI launches mAadhaar app for Aadhaar data on phone
July 19, 2017
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched mAadhaar, a new mobile application
for syncing Aadhaar data on mobile phones.
The app allows users to carry their unique Aadhaar information including name, date of birth, gender,
address, and the linked photograph, on their smartphones. The app also allows users to lock or unlock
biometrics data.
Features of mAadhaar
The application allows users to have their Aadhaar profile on their mobile as a quick and convenient
identification proof. It also lets users lock/unlock their biometric data thats linked to Aadhaar via the app to
secure their personal data.
It also allows viewing and sharing updated Aadhaar profile via QR (Quick Response) code and sharing eKYC
(electronic Know Your Customer) details with service providers such as telecommunications companies. It
also has a Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) feature that can be used instead of SMS (short
messaging service)-based OTP (one-time password).
About UIDAI
UIDAI is nodal statutory organization behind the Aadhaar, a 12 digit unique number. It was granted
statutory status by Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act,
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2016. Aadhaar number is linked with an individuals demographic and biometric information, which serves
as an authentication tool throughout India. Using Aadhaar, Union and State Governments are trying to link
many of their major development and subsidy schemes to reduce leakages and duplication.
Cabinet approves MOC in respect of tax matters between India and BRICS
countries
July 19, 2017
The Union Cabinet has approved signing of Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) in respect of tax matters
between India and the BRICS countries namely, Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa
Decision in this regard was taken at the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
in New Delhi.
Key Facts
The MoC aims to promote cooperation amongst BRICS Revenue administrations on common areas of
interest in tax matters and capacity building and knowledge sharing. It envisages regular interaction amongst
the heads of Revenue administration of BRICS countries to continue discussion on common areas of
interest.
It also strive towards convergence of views and meeting of the experts on tax matters to discuss the
contemporary issues in areas of international tax. MoC will also accord confidentiality and protection to
information exchanged under it.
The MoC will stimulate effective cooperation in tax matters. Moreover, the collective stand of BRICS
countries can prove to be beneficial not only to member countries but also to other developing countries in
long run in tax matters steered by the G20.
Background
The Heads of Revenue of BRICS countries have been meeting regularly to discuss potential areas of
cooperation in tax matters. They are also exchanging their opinions and views based on existing
commitment to openness, solidarity, equality, mutual understanding, inclusiveness and mutually beneficial
cooperation in tax matters. It was also affirmed in the 2016 Goa Declaration of BRICS.
The BRICS countries also had identified four areas of mutual interest on which understanding and
cooperation can be further strengthened. The heads of Revenue of BRICS countries in their meeting held on
sidelines of FTA plenary at Beijing, China in May, 2016 also had decided to sign MoC outlining areas of
cooperation in tax matters.
Union Cabinet approves draft bills to replace GST ordinances for J&K
July 19, 2017
The Union Cabinet approved promulgation of the Central Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu &
Kashmir) Ordinance, 2017 and Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu & Kashmir)
Ordinance, 2017.
Both ordinances replace Ordinance by the Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and
Ordinance by the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2017 respectively.
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The ordinances extend the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 referred to as (CGST
Act) and Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 referred to as (IGST Act) to Jammu & Kashmir to
complete rolling out GST regime the Himalayan State.
Background
The Central government earlier had promulgated ordinances to make the Central GST and Integrated GST
(IGST), which deals with inter-state commerce, applicable to all states. However, provisions of these Central
laws were not applicable to J&K unlike the rest of India, as the state is having a special constitutional status.
Under this different procedure, President Pranab Mukherjee had promulgated two ordinances regarding the
introduction of the GST in J&K.
July 20, 2017
Union Cabinet nod for IWAI bond issue
July 20, 2017
The Union Cabinet gave its nod to Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to raise Rs.660 crore in
bonds for extra budgetary resources (EBRs) in 2017-18.
The proceeds from the bonds will be utilised by IWAI for development and maintenance of National
Waterways (NWs) under National Waterways Act, 2016. Moreover, the funds received will be used
exclusively for capital expenditure to improve infrastructure funding.
Modalities
The principal and interest in respect of the EBRs will be financed by the Union Government by making
suitable budgetary provisions in the demand of the Union Ministry of Shipping. The interest payment on
the bonds will be on semi-annual basis and the principal on maturity. The whole exercise would be
undertaken by IWAI through appointment of lead managers and coordination with SEBI.
Background
Gross budgetary support from the Union Government and external financial support for funding
development and maintenance of 106 new National Waterways under National Waterway Act, 2016, is
grossly inadequate. So far, the World Bank has sanctioned a loan of $ 375 million (around Rs 2,421 crore)
for Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) along with other sources. But still there is funding gap which may be
bridged by raising bonds.
About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
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.
Lok Sabha passes Indian Institutes of Information Technology (PPP) Bill, 2017
July 20, 2017
The Lok Sabha passed the Indian Institute of Information Technology Public Private Partnership (IIIT-PPP)
Bill, 2017 to allow 15 IIITs established on a PPP model to grant degrees and get statutory status.
The bill also seeks to grant institute of national importance status to IIITs on the lines of the Indian Institutes of
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Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs).

Background
The Union Government had initiated the opening of 20 IIITs with private partnership of which 15 are
already operational. These engineering and tech schools were established at a cost of Rs. 128 crore each. The
centre had contributed 50% of the amount, states 35% and private partners remaining 15% (i.e. 50:35:15
ratio). However, these institutes were not been eligible to grant degrees.
Salient Features of the Bill
Definition of PPP: The bill define PPP as a partnership under a scheme of the centre for establishment of
institutes through collaboration between the centre, the state government and industry partners such as
individuals, trusts, companies or societies.
Establishment of an institute: State government will identify at least one industry partner for
collaboration to establish an institute and submit a proposal to the centre. The centre will examine the
proposal based on certain criterias. The centre may reject or accept the proposal with modifications. Upon
such acceptance, the centre will enter into a MoU with the concerned state government and industry
partners to establish proposed institute.
Role of the industry partner: It will have powers for co-creating programs as per the requirements of the
industry; actively participating in the governance of the institutes; and funding and mentoring startups in
the institutions.
Board of Governors: It will be the principal policy making and executive body of the institute. The Board
of each institute will comprise upto 15 members including Chairman nominated on the recommendation of
the centre.
Senate: It will be the principal academic body of each institute. It will specify the criteria and procedure for
admission to courses of study; recommend to the Board, creation of teaching and other academic posts; and
specify academic content of programmes and courses of study.
Coordination Forum: It will deliberate on matters of common interest to all the institutes. It will advise
the centre to include or exclude an institution from the schedule of the Bill.
Funds of the institute: Each institute will maintain a fund consisting of funds from the government and
other sources including grants, fees and donations. Further, each institute will create corpus fund of the net
income of the institute and donations for its long term sustainability.
Environment Ministry approves Projects in 3 States under NAFCC
July 20, 2017
The Union Environment Ministry approved three projects for climate change adaptation in three states viz.
Rajasthan, Gujarat and Sikkim for funding under the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change
(NAFCC).
In this regard, the National Steering Committee on Climate Change (NSCCC) headed by Environment
Secretary has approved the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) submitted by these three state governments.
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Projects approved
Sikkim: The investment aims to address the issue of water security which are directly
identified as climate resilience building interventions under the SAPCC.
Rajasthan: It aims to bolster water security in villages under the Mukhya Mantri Jal
Swavlamban Abhiyan. It aims to enhance the adaptive capacity of villages by making them
self-reliant in terms of water requirement.
Gujarat: The project seeks enhance the adaptive capacity of natural resource dependent
communities to climate change in targeted villages of Kachchh district.
About National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC)
NAFCC is a flagship Scheme of Union Government launched in 2015 to provide 100% central grant to the
State Governments for implementing climate change adaptation projects. The Scheme has been designed to
fulfill the objectives of National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and operationalize the State
Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs).
The objective of the fund is to assist states/UTs that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of
climate change in meeting the cost of adaptation. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD) is the National Implementing Entity (NIE) responsible for implementation of adaptation
projects under the NAFCC.
Under this scheme, Union Government encourages States to come up with innovative and scalable projects
to develop resilience against climate change and mainstream it in the planning processes.
IISER Kolkata Researchers develop flame-proof, rust-resistant material
July 20, 2017
Researchers from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata have developed an
organic-inorganic molecular hybrid material which is fire and rust resistant.
The hybrid material was synthesised by combining polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and
diphenylalanine. Both POSS and diphenylalanine are naturally water repelling, and when they are combined
together the hydrophobic nature further gets enhanced. The POSS has unique properties such as high
thermal stability and fire retarding ability.
Key Highlights
The hybrid material is colourless and does not react with metal. It also inhibits bacterial growth and make
coated material such as wood or paper fire and flame proof. It also increases the mechanical strength of the
coated paper 1.5 times
Nails coated with the material can resist corrosion even when treated with highly corrosive aqueous solution
of sodium chloride, sodium bromide, potassium chloride and hydrochloric acid. Paper or other materials
coated with it can behave similar to the lotus leaf and keep the surface clean and completely water-proof.
The hydrophobic nature of the hybrid material can protect artefacts from corrosion and environmental
pollution. Moreover, its fire-resistant property can prevent plenty of fire accidents.
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Union Cabinet approves Phase II of BharatNet project

July 20, 2017
The Union Cabinet has extended the second phase of the BharatNet project that forms the backbone for the
Union governments Digital India initiative. The second phase aims at covering the remaining 1.50 lakh
Gram Panchayats (GPS).
The approval entails a total estimated expenditure of Rs.42,068 crore for the implementation of project
bankrolled from the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
Moreover, the Union Cabinet also has approved a modified implementation strategy of BharatNet project
for providing broadband connectivity to all GPs by March 2019.
Background
The Centre is still working on completing the phase I of the project for which the deadline was March 2017.
It was able to lay optical fibre in nearly one-lakh GPs, however, only about 22,000 GPs (22%) were provided
Internet connectivity due to equipment procurement issues.
Key Facts
Compared with use of only underground optic fibre cable to establish connectivity in the phase I, in the
phase II a mix of underground fibre, aerial fibre, radio and satellite media would be utilised to connect the
remaining GPS.
The modified implementation strategy of BharatNet project will enable effective and faster implementation
of various mission mode e-governance projects of the Union and state governments. It will facilitate
electronic delivery of services to citizens of various e-commerce, e-governance, e-health services and e-
education etc. thereby facilitating inclusive growth.
BharatNet project
The Bharat Net Project is the new brand name of National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) which was
launched in October, 2011 to provide broadband connectivity to all 2.5 Lakh gram panchayats (GPs) through
optical fibre. It was renamed Bharatnet in 2015. Bharat Net is being funded through Universal Service
Obligation Fund (USOF).
Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)
USOF was formed by the Central Government to help fund projects to boost connectivity in rural areas. The
money for this fund comes through a Universal Access Levy, charged from the telecom operators as a
percentage of various licenses fees being paid by them.
Ram Nath Kovind elected as Indias 14th President
July 20, 2017
Former governor Ram Nath Kovind was elected as Indias 14th President. He will be only the second Dalit
leader after K R Narayanan since Independence to occupy Indias highest ceremonial post.
In the final vote count, NDA nominee Kovind received 65.6% votes translating into 702,044 electoral college
votes, while UPA candidate Meira Kumar managed to get 34.35% (367,314 votes). 522 MPs voted for
Kovind, while 225 parliamentarians voted for Meira Kumar. In the last Presidential polls held in 2012,
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Pranab Mukherjee had defeated PA Sangma by over 69% votes.

About Ram Nath Kovind
Ram Nath Kovind was born on October 1, 1945, in Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh. He was an advocate by
profession and had practiced in Supreme Court and Delhi High Court.
Prior to started practising the law, he had cleared Civil Services Examination in third attempt but did not
join as he was selected for allied services. He had entered in active politics in 1994 when he became member
of Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. He had served as an MP for two consecutive terms till 2006.
He also had served as national spokesperson of BJP. He was also former President of the BJP Dalit Morcha
(1998-2002) and also President of the All-India Koli Samaj as well as the SC/ST representative at IIM-
Calcutta. He also had represented India in United Nations in New York and addressed United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA) in October 2002. He also had worked as the private secretary of then Prime
Minister Morarji Desai in 1977.
Kovind also had served as a member of the Board of Management of Dr. BR Ambedkar University,
Lucknow. He was also a member of the Board of Governors of Indian Institute of Management (IIM),
Kolkata. In August 2015, he was appointed governor of Bihar.
July 21, 2017
Indian Navys second LCU Mark IV L52 ship launched by GRSE
July 21, 2017
Indian Navys second LCU (landing craft utility) Mark IV L52 ship built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and
Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata, was formally launched in Kolkata, West Bengal.
The LCU Mark-IV vessels are designed for multipurpose amphibious operations jointly carried out Indian
Navy and Indian Army to ensure maritime security of Andamans and Lakshadweep islands. LCU L52 ship is
the second in series of the eight Mark IV LCU vessels built by GRSE for Navy. The first ship of the series
was commissioned in 2016.
Key Facts
LCU L52 ship is 62.8 meters long and 11 metres wide. It has 90% indigenous content. It has endurance of
around 1,500 nautical miles at 12 knots. It is fitted with 2 x CRN-91 indigenous 30mm Guns.
It is capable of carrying two tanks or four special vehicles and 160 troops for landing at remote beach heads.
It can be deployed for multiple activities like operations for landing troops ashore, humanitarian aid and
disaster relief operations and evacuation of personnel from distant islands.
During sea trials, L52 had registered a speed of 15 knots. It also has successfully completed Weapon & Sensor
trials prior delivery to the Navy. It has also been delivered with zero shipbuilders liabilities.
Government releases National Trade Facilitation Action Plan
July 21, 2017
The Union Government released the 76 point National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (NTFAP). It was
released by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi.
The NTFAP has been adopted by the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF), reflecting
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Governments commitment to implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

Key Facts
Aims of the action plan: Transform cross border clearance ecosystem through efficient, transparent, risk
based, co-ordinated, digital, seamless and technology driven procedures supported by state-of-the-art sea
ports, airports and land borders.
Objectives of the action plan: Achieve improvement in ease of doing business by reduction in cargo
release time and cost, transparent and predictable legal regime, move towards paperless regulatory
environment and improved investment climate through better infrastructure.
Activities listed in the Action Plan: It lists out specific activities which would be carried out by all
regulatory agencies like Customs, Drug Controller, Plant Quarantine, FSSAI, DGFT etc. in time bound
manner. The co-ordination among all the stakeholders is the key to achieve the objective of Trade
facilitation.
It not only covers the activities coming under the TFA but also goes beyond the ambit of TFA, defined as
TFA Plus category. It covers many activities in the areas of infrastructure augmentation, particularly the
road and rail infrastructures leading to ports, airports, Land Customs stations, ICDs that cuts across all
stakeholders for which various ministries like Civil Aviation, Shipping, Railways, Home Affairs, Road
transport and Highways, Finance, Commerce etc have been assigned specified targets. All actions falling
under the plan have been categorised by prioritising the activities into short term, mid-term and long-term
activities.
Monitoring of the plan: The plan will be monitored by the Steering Committee (the operational arm of
the NCTF) chaired by the Revenue Secretary and the Commerce Secretary. Further it will be reviewed by
the Cabinet Secretary.
Background
Earlier in August 2016, the Union Government had constituted NCTF headed by the Cabinet Secretary in
accordance with Article 23.2 of the WTO-TFA. It comprises stakeholders from the Government and the
private sectors including trade community. It is headed by Cabinet Secretary.
India, Japan civil nuclear deal comes into force
July 21, 2017
The landmark India-Japan civil nuclear agreement came into force. In this regard, Foreign Secretary S.
Jaishankar exchanged the diplomatic notes with the Japanese envoy to India to formalise the completion of
the process.
The deal would enable Japan to export nuclear power plant technology as well as provide finance for nuclear
power plants in India. It will also assist India in nuclear waste management and could undertake joint
manufacture of nuclear power plant components under the Make in India initiative.
Background
The India-Japan Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy was signed in Tokyo
during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan in November 2016. Subsequently, the Japanese
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government also got approval from the Diet (Japanese Parliament) for the nuclear deal with India. India is
the only non-Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) signatory country with which Japan has entered into
a civil nuclear deal, giving recognition for Indias impeccable non-proliferation record. Till now, India has
also signed civil nuclear deal with 10 other countries viz. Russia, United States, France, South Korea,
Mongolia, Namibia, Argentina, Canada, Kazakhstan and Australia.
Comment
The India-Japan civil nuclear agreement reflects of the strategic partnership between India and Japan and
will pave the way for enhanced cooperation in energy security and clean energy. It will also promote full
cooperation between the two countries in the development and uses of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes
on a stable, reliable and predictable basis.
SEBI inks pact with ESMA for information exchange on CCPs
July 21, 2017
Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has entered into a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).
The MoU was signed for exchange of information concerning Central Counterparties (CCPs) under the
European Markets Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR). CCPs are entities that help facilitate clearing and
settlement activities.
Key Facts
The MoU establishes cooperation arrangements, including exchange of information regarding CCPs which
are established and authorised or recognised in India by SEBI and which have applied for EU recognition
under EMIR.
EMIR provides for signing of a cooperation arrangement between ESMA and relevant non-EU authorities,
whose legal and supervisory framework for CCPs have been deemed equivalent to EMIR by the European
Commission. Signing of MoU is one of the conditions for recognition of third country CCPs by ESMA
under EMIR.
About Central Counterparty (CCP)
CCP is a corporate entity that exists in various European countries to help facilitate trading done in
European derivatives and equities markets. It reduces counterparty, operational, settlement, market, legal
and default risk for traders. It provides efficiency and stability to the financial markets in which they operate.
CCP bear most of the credit risk of buyers and sellers when clearing and settling market transactions.
First meeting of Integrated Monitoring and Advisory Council held in New Delhi
July 21, 2017
The first meeting of the newly formed Integrated Monitoring and Advisory Council (IMAC) was held in
New Delhi. It was chaired by Union Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra
Pradhan.
IMAC is an inter-ministry monitoring and advisory body for policy formulation and implementation of
Roadmap to achieve target of 10% reduction in import dependency in oil and gas by 2021-22.
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Key Highlights of 1st IMAC meeting

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas highlighted major policy initiatives undertaken in recent past to
enhance domestic production of oil and gas. It includes measures like resource re-assessment, Open Acreage
Licensing Policy (OALP), National Data Repository (NDR), Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy
(HELP), Discovered Small Field Policy, tapping unconventional sources such as Shale Gas and Coal Bed
Methane (CBM), enhancing production of bio-diesel and increased use of PNG and LPG.
Officials of other ministries also explained policies, schemes and projects taken towards augmenting the
supply of energy, energy saving and demand substitution/reduction through alternate modes. Ministry of
Road, Transport and Highway highlighted measures undertaken such as e-tolling to cut waiting time at toll
plazas and notification of fuel efficiency norms for LCV. Ministry of Rural Development stressed upon its
bio-fuel scheme for rural sector.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) elaborated on energy generation through renewable
sources such as solar and wind power and their future strategy in this regard. Bureau of Energy Efficiency
(BEE) pointed out measures for industrial and transport sectors.
It stressed on the importance of concerted and coordinated efforts for promoting conservation and energy
efficiency, exploring opportunities for oil demand substitution and tapping the potential of bio-fuels in more
aggressive and synchronised manner.
About IMAC
IMAC has been envisaged to facilitate better coordination and comprehensive strategy for all energy
resources by focusing on supply and demand side management. It consists of Secretary, Petroleum and
Natural Gas and officers from ministries of new and renewable energy (MRNE), road and transport,
agriculture, urban development, power, rural development and finance.
Note: The target to cut Indias reliance on imports for meeting its oil needs by 10% to 67% by 2022 was set
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2015 during Urja Sangam.
Astrosat, Chandra and Hubble jointly detect massive cosmic explosion on
Proxima Centauri
July 21, 2017
Indias first dedicated space observatory AstroSat along with other space and earth-based observatories have
detected a massive coronal explosion on Proxima Centauri, suns closest star neighbour.
The explosion was detected as part of joint multi-wavelength simultaneous observational campaign
undertaken by three space-based observatories, Astrosat, Chandra and Hubble Space Telescope and the
ground-based High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS) observatory.
Proxima Centauri
It is group of stars which hosts an Earth-like habitable planet Proxima Centaur b orbiting within
(Proxima Centauri) its habitable zone. It is a cool dwarf star located around 4.25 light years away from the
Earth. It was discovered in 2016.
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Key Facts
The massive coronal explosion has sent out powerful solar flare having energy of 10-raised-to-30 ergs, about
100 times a typical solar flare. Such powerful flaring may have produced large radiations and particles which
may significantly influence the atmosphere of the Proxima Centauri b and affect its habitability.
The habitability of Proxima Centauri especially its ability to sustain its atmosphere and in particular to
sustain water in liquid form may get affected due to abnormal planetary atmosphere heating due absorption
of the high-energy photons like the ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray photons released by the coronal explosion.
If such a massive flare occurs in our Sun, it might have a devastating effect on power grids, interrupt
broadcasts and electricity, affect electronic instruments, and cause excess UV radiation in space.
Coronal explosion: is an unusually large release of plasma and magnetic field from the solar corona. They
often follow solar flares and are normally present during a solar prominence eruption. The plasma is released
into the solar wind, and can be observed in coronagraph imagery.
Indian Army inks MoU with DRDO to raise MRSAM defence system regiment
July 21, 2017
The Indian Army has signed MoU with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to raise
one regiment of the advanced Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles (MRSAM) defence system.
Background
The Indian Army is planning to have a total of five regiments of MRSAM defence system, which will be
deployed opposite to China and Pakistan. Each regiment consists of four launchers with three missiles each.
So five regiments will have total 60 missiles. Earlier the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by
PM Narendra Modi had approved proposal for procuring MRSAM system for the army.
About MRSAM
The MRSAM is an advanced, all weather, mobile, land-based air defence system. It can shoot down enemy
ballistic missiles, aircraft, helicopters, drones, surveillance aircraft and AWACS aircraft. It is capable of
engaging multiple aerial targets at ranges of more than 50 km.
MRSAM is a land-based variant of the long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) or Barak-8 naval air
defence system, which is designed to operate from naval vessels. Each MRSAM system comprises a
command-and-control system, mobile launchers, tracking radar and missiles.
The system will be jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and DRDO with the involvement
of DPSUs and private sectors. It has majority indigenous content, giving boost to the Make-in-India
initiative.
In July 2016, the IAI and DRDO successfully had conducted three flight tests of the MRSAM at the
integrated test range off the Odisha Coast. The missile had successfully intercepted moving aerial targets in
all three tests.
President inaugurates Bicentenary Celebration of Paika Rebellion
July 21, 2017
President Pranab Mukharjee inaugurated the bicentenary (200th) celebration of Paika Rebellion (1817) of
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Odisha organised by the Union Ministry of Culture in New Delhi.

Paika rebellion predates the 1857 Revolt i.e. first war of independence. Many scholars, researchers and
historians have opined that the Paika Rebellion of 1817 was Indias first organized armed rebellion against
British Raj (then British East India Company rule).
About Paika Bidroha (rebellion)
Paiks were the traditional landed militia of Odisha, used to perform policing functions. They owned rent-
free land that was given to them for their military service to Kingdom of Khurda. However they were
forcefully usurped their land rendering them landless by the policies of British East India Company.
They were also subjected to repressive land revenue policies and humiliation by the British. At that critical
juncture, Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar, the military chief of the King of Khurda, led army of Paikas
forcing the East India Company forces to retreat.
During the rebellion, the Paikas had attacked British symbols of power, setting ablaze policestations,
administrative offices and treasury during their march towards Khurda, from where the British fled. The
Paikas were supported by the rajas of Kujang, Kanika, Nayagarh and Ghumusar and zamindars, village heads
and ordinary peasants.
The British were initially taken aback and then tried to regain lost ground from the rebelling Paikas. Many a
battle ensued with some victories to the rebel Paiks but the British finally managed to defeat them within
three months. Widespread suppression followed with killing and imprisonment of many Paiks.
Some Paik rebels fought a guerilla war till 1819 but were captured and killed. Baxi Jagabandhu was finally
arrested in 1825 and died in captivity in 1829. At present, Paika Bidroha enjoys a cult status in Odisha but
unfortunately it has received less attention at the national level than it should have got.
Karamjyoti Dala wins bronze medal at World Para Athletics
July 22, 2017
Indias Karamjyoti Dalal has won bronze medal at the World Para Athletics Championships 2017 in the
discus-throw. In the womens F55 category of discus-throw, she managed a throw of 19.02 m.
Earlier, Sundar Singh Gurjar had opened Indias account at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships
by winning gold medal in the mens javelin throw event. Later, Amit Saroha won silver medal in the club
throw event in the F-51 category.
Karamjyoti Dala
Karamjyoti Dala was originally a part of the national Kabaddi setup. But she had to give up the sport after
she took a fall from her terrace, that resulted in her losing her motor sensations for a year. But she took up
discus throw in 2014. Since then her performance has gone from being unranked in the top-10 in the world.
Currently she is ranked World No.8. She had secured a fourth-place finish at the IPC Para-athletics
championships in 2015. She had won two bronze medals at the 2014 Asian Games held in Beijing, China.
About World Para Athletics Championships
The World Para Athletics Championships are a biennial Paralympic athletics event organized by World Para
Athletics, a subcommittee of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Prior to 2017, it was known as
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the IPC Athletics World Championships. It features athletics events contested by athletes with physical and
intellectual disabilities. The first IPC Athletics World Championships were held in Berlin, Germany in 1994.
Government launches Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana for senior citizens
July 22, 2017
The Union Finance Ministry has launched Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY), a pension
scheme exclusively for senior citizens aged 60 years and above.
Under this scheme, senior citizens will get a guaranteed interest of 8% for 10 years depending upon the
investment made by them.
Features of PMVVY
This PMVVY scheme will be available from May 4, 2017 to May 3, 2018. Life Insurance Corporation of
India (LIC) has been given the sole privilege to operate the scheme. It can be purchased offline as well as
online through LIC.
This scheme provides an assured return of 8% per annum payable monthly for 10 years on single lumpsum
premium ranging from Rs. 150000 (minimum) to Rs.750000 (maximum). Pension (minimum: Rs.1000/
month; maximum: Rs.5000) will be payable at the end of each period, during the policy term of 10 years, as
per the frequency of monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly as chosen by the pensioner at the time of
purchase.
It is exempted from goods and services (GST) tax. It will offer senior citizens more avenues to earn steady
regular income at a time of falling interest rates. On survival of the pensioner to the end of the policy term of
10 years, the purchase price of the scheme along with the final pension instalment will be payable.
The scheme also offers loan up to 75% of the purchase price after 3 policy years (to meet the liquidity needs).
Loan interest will be recovered from the pension instalments and loan will be recovered from claim
proceeds.
The scheme allows for premature exit for the treatment of any critical terminal illness of self or spouse. On
such premature exit, 98% of the purchase price would be refunded. On death of the pensioner during the
policy term of 10 years, the purchase price should be paid to the beneficiary.
Lok Sabha passes The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education
(Amendment) Bill, 2017
July 22, 2017
The Lok Sabha has passed The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill,
2017. The Bill amends the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE), 2009 to extend
the deadline for teachers to acquire the prescribed minimum qualifications for appointment.
Through the amending measure inadequately qualified teachers as on March 31, 2015, working after
enactment of the RTE Act, 2009 are being given last chance to acquire minimum qualifications within a
period of four years i.e. by March 31, 2019 to hold their jobs as teachers.
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Key Facts
The amendments to RTE Act, 2009 will enable the in-service untrained elementary teachers to complete
their training and ensure that all teachers at the elementary level have certain minimum standard of
qualifications. It will ensure that all teachers attain minimum qualifications as considered necessary to
maintain the standard of teaching quality. It will ultimately result in improvement in overall quality of
teachers, teaching processes and learning outcomes of children. It will reinforce Governments emphasis on
improvement of quality of elementary education.
Background
The RTE Act, 2009 envisages free and compulsory elementary education to every child in the age group of
6-14 years. The section 23(2) of the Act specifies that all teachers at elementary level at commencement of
this law if did not possess minimum qualifications under it need to acquire these within a period of five years
i.e. by March 2015. However, several state governments have reported that 11.00 lakh teachers at the
elementary level are still untrained out of a total number of 66.41 lakh teachers.
Government to launch Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana
July 22, 2017
The Union Ministry of Rural Development will launch Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY), a sub-
scheme under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
AGEY aims to provide an alternative source of livelihood to members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) by
facilitating them to operate public transport services in backward rural areas.
Key Features of AGEY
AGEY will provide safe, affordable and community monitored rural transport services like e-rickshaws, 3
and 4 wheeler motorised transport vehicles to connect remote villages. These transport vehicles will connect
villages with key services and amenities including access to markets, education and health for the overall
economic development of the area.
The scheme will be implemented in 250 blocks in the country on a pilot basis for a period of 3 years from
2017-18 to 2019-20. Under it, Community Based Organisation (CBO) is proposed to provide interest free
loan from its own corpus to SHG member for purchase of the vehicle.
About DAY-NRLM
DAY-NRLM is a poverty alleviation scheme implemented by Union Ministry of Rural Development. It was
launched as NRLM in 2011 but was succeeded by Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana in 2016. The scheme aims
at promoting self-employment and organization of rural poor.
The basic idea behind this programme is to organize the poor into SHG (Self Help Groups) groups and make
them capable for self-employment. It has a special focus on women empowerment including a dedicated
component for promoting farm and non-farm based livelihoods for women farmers in rural areas.
The scheme helps rural poor to set up self-employment ventures by ensuring easy access to credit. It is
implemented across the country in all States and Union Territories (except Delhi and Chandigarh). It is one
of the worlds largest initiatives to improve the livelihood of poor. It is supported by World Bank.
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Castor plant can reduce soil pollution: Study

July 22, 2017
According to study conducted by researchers from University of Hyderabad, Castor bean plants can prove
useful in fighting soil pollution. It was found that these plants can absorb toxic heavy metals from soil from
these polluted areas due to industrial pollution.
The roots, leaves and stem of these plants from the polluted areas contain heavy metals such as lead. It was
also observed that these plants accelerate the remediation of polluted soils due to presence of some chemicals
in them known as chelators which enhances the capability of the plant to accumulate heavy metals.
Key Facts
Castor seed plants are generally known to be one of the sturdiest plants that can grow in areas where the soil
is highly polluted, including in areas where mining is carried out. Traditionally, Castor oil (also known as
Arandi ka tel in Hindi) has been an age old home remedy for a variety of ailments in India.
Significance
This study highlights how castor plants which are having medical properties can also prove a boon in
remediation in soil pollution. Government bodies can take a cue out of this study for natural remediation of
soil pollution.
India to host 2017 Global Conference on Cyber Space
July 22, 2017
India will host Global Conference on Cyber Space (GCCS) 2017, the worlds largest conference on cyber
space and related issues in New Delhi in November 2017.
This is for the first time GCCS is taking place outside Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD) nations. It will be the fifth edition the conference.
The theme for the GCCS 2017 is Cyber4All: An Inclusive, Sustainable, Developmental, Safe and Secure Cyberspace.
The cyber security will be one of the major focus areas in GCCS 2017. It will serve as a platform for the
exchange of ideas with global think thanks and promote closer co-operation among the international
community.
About Global Conference on Cyber Space (GCCS)
The GCCS is a prestigious international conference that aims at encouraging dialogue among stakeholders of
cyberspace. It was incepted in 2011 in London.
It brings together governments, private sector and civil society gathers to discuss and promote practical
cooperation in cyberspace, to discuss norms for responsible behaviour in cyberspace and to enhance cyber
capacity building.
The conference is built on the themes such as economic growth and development, social and cultural
benefits, a safe and secure cyberspace, cybercrime and international security. It has helped in setting up rules
and guidelines for the editions to follow.
July 23, 24, 2017
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England wins 2017 ICC Womens World Cup

July 24, 2017
Englands womens cricket team won 2017 ICC World Cup title by defeating India by 9 runs at Lords
Cricket Ground in London. It was Englands fourth Womens World Cup title. Besides the inaugural edition
in 1973, England had won the World Cup in 1993 and 2009 as well.
In this edition of World Cup, Tammy Beaumont of England was awarded Player of the Series title. She had
made most runs (410) in the tournament. Dane van Niekerk of South Africa took most wickets (15) in the
tournament.
The 2017 Womens Cricket World Cup was the eleventh edition of the Cup since 1973, and the third to be
held in England after 1973 and 1993 tournaments. Notably, it was Indias second appearance in the Womens
World Cup final, having lost to Australia in 2005.
About ICC Womens World Cup
The Womens Cricket World Cup is the oldest and most prestigious international womens cricket
tournament currently organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The first edition was held in
England in 1973. To date, eleven World Cups have been played in five different countries, with India and
England having hosted the for record three times. Australia has won the womens cricket world Cup for
record six times (1978, 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005, 2013) followed by England (four titles- 1973, 1993, 2009,
2017) and New Zealand (one title- 2000).
USS Gerald R Ford: Worlds largest aircraft carrier inducted by US
July 24, 2017
The United States (US) Navy officially inducted USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78), the worlds largest nuclear-
powered aircraft carrier at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. It is the most advanced aircraft carrier in the
world.
USS Gerald Ford is first in the series of three of the futuristic ships of the Ford-class carriers ordered by US
Navy. Its operational deployment will be in 2021 after undergoing final outfitting and testing.
About USS Gerald R Ford
The ship is named after the 38th President of the US Gerald Ford to pay tribute to his lifetime of service to
the nation in the US Navy and the US government. Construction on the USS Gerald R Ford started in 2009
and was to be completed by September 2015 at a cost of $10.5 billion.
USS Gerald R Ford weighs 1 lakh tonnes and is 1,106-feet long equivalent to size of about three football
fields. It has two nuclear reactors on board that can operate for up to 20 years without refuelling. Compared
to earlier Nimitz class aircraft carriers, it rigged with state-of-the-art technology and can carry more aircraft
and weapons.
It has electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), replaceing the steam system used on earlier
carriers and new electric motor-based Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system for faster and more efficient
aircraft take-offs and landings. It is also outfitted with touchscreen navigation display in place of a traditional
throttle.
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It has 2,600 sailors carrying capacity, 600 less crew members compared to earlier carriers due to its double
electrical capacity and more automated equipment. It also features new advanced reactor plant, propulsion
system, electric plant, machinery control, Dual Band Radar and integrated warfare systems. It has more than
20 new or modified systems compared previous Nimitz class vessels.
Ford-class aircraft carriers
Ford-class carriers are part of the new advanced US aircraft carrier design developed in 40 years, succeeding
earlier Nimitz-class class. The second ship in the series USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is under
construction and work on the third carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 80) has begun.
H S Prannoy wins US Open Grand Prix Gold badminton title
July 24, 2017
Ace Indian Shuttler H S Prannoy won the 2017 Yonex US Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament
title. It was his third grand prix gold title of badminton.
In the final match held at Anaheim, California, Prannoy defeated his compatriot Parupalli Kashyap by 21-15,
20-22, 21-12. In the womens singles category of the tournament, Aya Ohori of Japan won the final by
defeating Michelle Li of Canada.
It was the second time in this season that two Indians fought for title at international badminton. Earlier in
April 2017, K Srikanth and B Sai Praneeth had played against each other in finals of Singapore Open with Sai
Praneeth winning his maiden Super Series title.
The 2017 US Open Grand Prix Gold, was the eleventh Grand Prixs badminton tournament of the 2017
BWF Grand Prix and overall eight Grand Prix Gold title of 2017 BWF Grand Prix Gold badminton
tournament.
Spanish scientists discover novobiocin compound as anti-Zika drug
July 24, 2017
Researchers San Antonio Catholic University of Murcia, Spain have discovered novobiocin compound that
could be used as a potential drug to fight the effects of a Zika virus infection.
The novobiocin molecule (compound) was previously used in antibiotic drug to fend off nosocomial
infections (those acquired inside a hospital). However, the drug was withdrawn from the market because it
had lost its potency as an antibiotic.
Novobiocin compound
Researchers have found that this compound can counter the symptoms of the mosquito-borne Zika disease.
It has shown phenomenal recovery results in mice with 100-percent cure rate. However, researchers are still
figuring out the exact dose needed for humans to achieve the same successful outcome. They also have
patented the molecule for anti-Zika treatment.
About Zika virus
Zika virus is vector borne disease transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the same mosquito
that transmits dengue. It is also found that, sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible. The Zika
virus has been named after Zika forest in Uganda where it was first isolated in 1947.
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The Zika disease had seen swift expansion between early 2015 and January 2016 throughout South America
and Caribbean where babies with abnormally smaller heads due to Microcephaly were born. World Health
Organization (WHO) had declared the disease as epidemic and global health emergency but later revoked it
after the outbreak was brought under control.
Former ISRO Chairman U R Rao passes away
July 24, 2017
Internationally-renowned space scientist and former chairman of ISRO (Indian Space Research
Organization), Udupi Ramachandra Rao passed away in Bengaluru. He was 85.
Prof Rao is credited with having played an instrumental role in building up Indian satellite programmes
right from nations first satellite Aryabhatta.
About U R Rao
He was born on 10 March 1932 in Adamaru, Karnataka. He is alumni of Madras University, Gujarat
University, Banaras Hindu University.
He had served as Chairman of ISRO from 1984 to 1994. Under his guidance, ISRO had designed more than
20 satellites including Indias first satellite Aryabhatta. Under his leadership, India had initiated the
development of the geostationary launch vehicle GSLV and the development of cryogenic technology in
1991.
He was also responsible for successful launch of INSAT satellites during his stint at ISRO. He had played
pivotal role in promoting the use of space technology for broadcasting, education, meteorology, disaster
warning and remote sensing. He also had served as the first Chairman of Antrix Corporation, the
commercial arm of the ISRO.
He has published more than 350 scientific and technical papers in various journals covering topics like
cosmic rays, high energy astronomy, interplanetary physics, space applications and satellite and rocket
technology and also authored many books.
He was serving many reputed scientific research institutions and Universities as a member of their academic
councils and panels. He was chancellor of Indian Institute for Space Science and Technology (IIST) at
Thiruvananthapuram, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Physical Research Laboratory at
Ahmedabad and Nehru Planetarium at Bengaluru.
For his contribution to Indian space technology, he was awarded Padma Bhushan (1976) and Padma
Vibhushan (2017). He is the first Indian space scientist to be inducted into the prestigious Satellite Hall of
Fame in Washington DC in 2013 and also first in International Astronautics Federation (IAF) Hall of
Fame in Mexicos Guadalajara in May 2016.
Iran, Iraq ink pact on military cooperation
July 24, 2017
Iran and Iraq signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to step up military cooperation and the fight
against terrorism and extremism.
The MoU encourages promotion of interaction and share of experiences in the fight against terrorism and
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extremism, border security, training and logistical, technical and military support between both countries.
Comment
Iran and Iraq are hoping that the agreement would result in deeper and more serious military cooperation
between the two countries. Moreover Iran is going to continue to provide full support to establish
sustainable security and stability. However, this military deal likely to trigger concerns in the United States as
it has voiced concern over growing Iranian influence in conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Iraq, where it is
aligned with rebel Shia fighters.
Background
Iran and Iraq had fought a bloody war for eight years from 1980 to 88 during the reign of Iraqi dictator
Saddam Hussein. But bilateral ties both countries have improved after Saddam Hussein was ousted in 2003
and a government led by Shia Muslims took power in Baghdad. Iran is a predominately Shia nation. After
the US withdrew its troops from Iraq in 2011, it became increasingly dependent on Iran on various avenues,
from trade to security. Iran also is providing military advisory assistance to Iraq in its counter-terrorism
campaign against Islamic State (IS), an anti-Shia Sunni terrorist group.
India witnessed third highest terror attacks in 2016: US

July 24, 2017
According to the Country Report on Terrorism released by the US State Department, India witnessed
third highest number of terrorist attacks in 2016, more than Pakistan.
The six countries that faced highest number of terrorist attacks in 2016 are Iraq (2,965 terrorist attacks),
Afghanistan (1,340), India (927), Pakistan (734), Philippines (482), Nigeria (466).
Key Highlights from report
Several countries that have routinely experienced large numbers of terrorist attacks in recent years observed
considerable decreases in total attacks in 2016, compared to 2015. In 2015, Iraq (2418 attacks) and
Afghanistan (1708) were ranked first and second respectively, while Pakistan took the third spot (1009
attacks).
The number of terrorist attacks in India in 2016 has increased by 16% and total number of deaths also has
increased by 17%. More than half of the terrorist attacks in India in 2016 took place in four states: Jammu
and Kashmir (19%), Chhattisgarh (18%), Manipur (12%) and Jharkhand (10%).
This geographic pattern of attacks was relatively stable compared to 2015, with the exception of J&K which
experienced an increase of 93% in attacks in 2016. Though India ranked 3rd, the lethality of these terrorists
attacks were relatively low compared to other countries that have experienced great deal of terror violence.
On average, terror attacks in India led to 0.4 deaths per attack in 2016, compared to 2.4 deaths per attack
worldwide. Nearly three-quarters of attacks at 73% were non-lethal in India in 2016. The majority of attacks
in India either involved explosions/bombings at 47% or armed assaults at 18%.
In addition, kidnappings at 15% of all attacks were particularly prevalent in India, compared to 10%
worldwide, while facility/infrastructure attacks were at 12% of all attacks, compared to 6% worldwide. The
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deadliest attack in India in 2016 took place in July 2016, when the Communist Party of India Maoist (left
wing extremists) detonated explosives and opened fire on CRPF personnel in Bihar, killing 16 people
including six assailants.
CCEA approves selling 51% stake in HPCL to ONGC
July 24, 2017
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved sale of governments 51.11% stake
along with management control in HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum) to ONGC. HPCL will continue as PSU
after the acquisition.
HPCL will add 23.8 million tonnes of annual oil refining capacity to ONGCs portfolio, making it the third-
largest refiner in the country after Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Reliance Industries.
Prior to the merger, HPCL will take over Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) to bring all
the refining assets of ONGC under one unit. ONGC currently owns 71.63% of MRPL while HPCL has
16.96% stake in it. MRPL will be the third refinery of HPCL, which already has units at Mumbai and
Visakhapatnam
Background
There are only six major PSUs in the oil sector, ONGC and Oil India Ltd being the oil producers, IOC, HPCL
and BPCL are in refinery business and GAIL is in midstream gas transportation business. The rest, such as
ONGC Videsh, Numaligarh Refinery Ltd, Chennai Petroleum Corp (CPCL) and MRPL are subsidiaries of
one of these six PSUs.
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his 2017-18 Budget had talked about creating an integrated oil
behemoth. After that oil companies were asked to give their options. ONGC had evaluated options of
acquiring either HPCL or BPCL, the two downstream oil refining and fuel marketing companies. It had
found that acquisition of BPCL, countrys second-biggest fuel retailer is too expensive. On the other hand,
HPCLs acquisition easier as its market cap is of Rs 58,485.55 crore and buying governments entire 51.11%
stake would entail an outgo of Rs 29,900 crore.
Comment
Acquisition of HPCL by ONGC will help the government meet 40% of its disinvestment target of raising Rs
72,500 crore in the current fiscal. More deals in the oil sector including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) buying
out explorer Oil India Ltd or Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) merges with GAIL may be in the offing.
July 25, 2017
Government launches Aarambh mobile app for road maintenance
July 25, 2017
The Union Ministry of Rural Development launched Aarambh mobile app for performance based
maintenance contracting and community contracting for maintenance of rural roads.
It was launched jointly launched by Union Minister for Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Drinking Water
& Sanitation Narendra Singh Tomar and visiting ILO Deputy Director General (Policy) Deborah Greenfield.
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Aarambh mobile app

Aarambh mobile app aims at use of Geographic Information System (GIS) based mapping for making road
inventories, condition surveys and producing cost estimates and other relevant data for preparation and
monitoring of annual road maintenance plans. Its usage will help to enhance the service delivery of the state
level institutions in planning and implementing performance based rural roads maintenance contracts.
Concept and Guidance Note for Mobilizing Funds for Maintenance of Rural Road
In addition, the Ministry also launched a Concept Note and Guidance Note for Mobilizing Funds for
Maintenance of Rural Road. The note outlines innovative ways, that can be adopted by State Governments
for mobilizing additional funds for road maintenance and also adopt international best practices worldwide.
It will help states to overcome challenge of resource mobilization for rural roads maintenance.
Renowned academic Professor Yash Pal passes away
July 25, 2017
Globally renowned physicist, academic and higher education reformer Professor Yash Pal passed away in
Noida, Uttar Pradesh. He was 90.
He was known for his contributions to the study of cosmic rays, as well as for being an institution-builder.
He was also one of the leading science communicators in India.
About Yash Pal
Yash Pal was born in 1926 in Jhang in then British India (now in Pakistan). He had graduated with a masters
degree in physics from Panjab University in 1949 and earned PhD degree in Physics from the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology in 1958.
He had started his academic career at Mumbais Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). He had
served as the first Director of the newly set up Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad, in 1973.
He was a member of the cosmic rays group. He was appointed by the government to several school and
higher education reform committees. Government had also roped him as chair of National Council of
Educational Research and Training after it had started work on the National Curriculum Framework.
He also had served as chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) from 1986 to 1991. In 2009,
the Union Ministry of Human Resources Development had set up a committee on higher education (known
as Yash Pal Committee) chaired by Yash Pal to look into reforming higher education in the country.
He was awarded the Padma Bhusan (1976), Padma Vibhushan (2013). He also has received the Kalinga Prize
(2009,), awarded by UNESCO for the popularisation of science.
Parliament passes The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime
Claims) Bill, 2016
July 25, 2017
Parliament has passed The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2016. Admiralty
laws deal with cases of accidents in navigable waters or involve contracts related to commerce on such
waters.
The Bill seeks to upgrade existing laws related to civil matters of admiralty jurisdiction of courts, maritime
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claims, arrest and detention of ships. It repeals laws such as the Admiralty Court Act, 1861, Colonial Courts
of Admiralty Act, 1890.
Features of the Bill
The bill confers admiralty jurisdiction on High Courts located in coastal states of India, thus extending their
upto territorial waters. It empowers central government to extend the jurisdiction of these High Courts.
Under the earlier laws enacted during the colonial era, the admiralty was only by the High Courts of
Bombay, Calcutta and Madras.
The bill now extends the provisions of admiralty jurisdiction to every vessel irrespective of place of domicile
or residence of owner. It does not apply to naval auxiliary, warships and vessels used for non-commercial
purposes.
It empowers High Courts to exercise jurisdiction on maritime claims arising out of conditions such as
disputes regarding ownership of a vessel, mortgage on a vessel, construction, repair, or conversion of the
vessel, disputes between co-owners of a vessel regarding employment or earnings of the vessel, disputes
arising out of the sale of a vessel, and environmental damage caused by the vessel, etc.
Background
India is a leading maritime nation and maritime transportation caters to about 95% of its merchandise trade
volume. However, the admiralty jurisdiction of Indian courts under the present statutory framework flow
from laws enacted in the British era. The repealing of five archaic admiralty statutes is in line with the Union
Governments commitment to do away with archaic laws which are hindering efficient governance.
FSSAI bans stapler pins in tea bags from January 2018
July 25, 2017
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned the use of stapler pins in tea bags
from January 2018. FSSAI ban order issued under Section (15) FSS Act, 2006 has deemed that any loose
staple pin consumed inadvertently with tea may cause a serious health hazard.
Key Facts
Currently, tea bags are either stapled or knotted. According to industry estimates, the tea bag segment
contributes 3-4% by value of total tea sales but it is one of the fastest growing segments at 50-60% year-on-
year.
The FSSAI order directs the concerned food business operators to discontinue the manufacture, storage,
distribution, sale and import of stapled tea bags by 1 January 2018. It also directs all food safety
commissioners to take action to prevent the use of unsafe packaging materials by companies and take up
measures for enforcement of its order.
About FSSAI
FSSAI is a nodal statutory agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health in India through
the regulation and supervision of food safety. FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards
Act, 2006 and operates under aegis of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
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Worlds first wind farm being built off Scotland coast

July 25, 2017
The worlds first fullscale floating wind farm is being built off the coast of Scotland in the North Sea. The
wind farm, known as Hywind is a trial project which aims to bring power to 20,000 homes.
The floating wind farm technology will allow wind power to be harvested in waters that are too deep for the
existing bottomstanding turbines particularly installed in shallow waters.
Significance
Unlike normal turbines, floating turbines are not attached to the seabed by foundations. Rather, they are
attached by long mooring tethers, allowing them to be placed in deep water. Traditional fixed turbines work
best at a depth of 20-50m on stationary base.
Key Facts
The park will be around four square kilometers in size in deep sea. Each turbine in the park will be floating
at a depth of between 95 and 120 metres. Each turbine tower, including the blades in the floating wind park
is 175m high and weighs 11,500 tonnes. It uses a large buoy filled with iron ore to weight the base to keep it
upright. The turbines also make use of new blade technology, which twits the blades in order to lessen the
impact of wind, waves and currents to hold turbine tower upright.
Benefits
The turbines in the floating wind farm can operate in water up to a kilometre deep. The power output is also
larger than power generation from current stationary turbines. This revolutionary tech development project
will demonstrate workability of floating wind farm technology in open sea conditions and also help to bring
costs down.
Ram Nath Kovind sworn in as 14th President of India
July 25, 2017
Ram Nath Kovind (71) sworn in as the 14th President of India. He was administered oath to the office by
Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar in Parliaments Central Hall.
With this, he became the second Dalit President of India after late President K.R. Narayanan. He is also the
first person from Uttar Pradesh to hold the office of President since Independence.
Ram Nath Kovind
Mr Kovind was born on 1st October 1945 in Paraukh village in the Kanpur Dehat district, Uttar Pradesh. He
had completed graduation in law from a Kanpur college. Before starting his career as a lawyer, he cleared the
civil services examination but did not join as he was selected for an allied. He had joined the BJP in 1991. He
was President of the BJP Dalit Morcha between 1998 and 2002. He also served as Member of Rajya Sabha
from 1994 to 2006. Prior to getting elected as President, Mr. Kovind had served as the 35th Governor of
Bihar.
President of India
President of India is top constitutional post as he is head of the Indian state, first citizen of India and supreme
commander of the Indian armed forces. He is elected indirectly for a term of 5 years by an electoral college
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consisting of elected members of parliament (MPs from Lok Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha) and elected
members of State legislative members, including that if NCT of Delhi and Pondicherry. He is eligible to re-
elect for the same office for unlimited times.
Oath or affirmation by the President
According to Article 60 of the Constitution of India, every President and every person acting as President or
discharging the functions of the President before entering upon office shall make and subscribe oath to the
office. The oath inter alia includes the oath to preserve, protect and defend the constitution. In this sense,
President takes oath as guardian of Indian Constitution. The oath is administered by Chief Justice of India or in
his absence by the senior-most Judge of the Supreme Court available.
Human antibodies produced in lab for first time
July 25, 2017
Scientists for the first time have produced human antibodies in the laboratory. They have developed
revolutionary technique which can help in rapid development of new vaccines to treat a wide range of
infectious diseases.
Antibodies
Antibodies mainly function in the humoral adaptive immune system by secreting antibodies to fight off
infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other invasive pathogens. They are produced by bodys B cells (B
lymphocytes). When an individual B cell recognises a specific pathogen-derived antigen molecule, it
proliferates and develops into plasma cells that secrete large amounts of antibody capable of binding to the
antigen and fending off the infection.
Key Facts
To develop revolutionary technique, researchers had replicated the process of natural production of
antibodies from B cells isolated from patient blood samples in the laboratory to produce specific antibodies.
They had found that B cells need a second signal to start proliferating and developing into plasma cells apart
encountering a specific antigen at first instance.
For the second signal they used short DNA fragments called CpG oligonucleotides, which activate a protein
named TLR9 inside B cells. However, they found that treating patient-derived B cells with CpG
oligonucleotides stimulates every B cell, not just the tiny fraction capable of producing a particular antibody.
So to overcome the problem they treated patient-derived B cells with tiny nanoparticles coated with both
CpG oligonucleotides and an antigen. With this technique, CpG oligonucleotides were only internalised into
B cells recognising the specific antigen. These cells were only ones in which TLR9 is activated to induce
their proliferation and development into antibody-secreting plasma cells.
Significance
Researchers successfully demonstrated their approach using various bacterial and viral antigens, including
the tetanus toxoid and proteins from several strains of influenza A. In each case, they were able to produce
specific, high-affinity antibodies in just a few days. In some of the anti-influenza antibodies generated by the
technique were able to neutralise multiple strains of the virus. They were able to generate anti-HIV
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antibodies from B cells isolated from HIV-free patients. This approach may help researchers to rapidly
generate therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of infectious diseases and other conditions such as cancer.
July 26, 2017
Government approves first housing project on private land under Pradhan Mantri
Awas Yojana
July 26, 2017
The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has approved construction of 30,000 affordable
houses in Maharashtras Sholapur district for the urban poor on private land under Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana (Urban).
It was approved by an Inter-ministerial Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC), chaired by
HUA Secretary. It is first such project to be taken up on private land under PMAY(U). Earlier the approved
projects for affordable housing projects were built on lands belonging to the state government or municipal
corporations.
The approval of this first housing project on private land is expected to trigger more such projects on private
lands under the Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) component of PMAY(U). The State Level
Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (SLSMC), set up under PMAY(U), will oversee the implementation
of the project.
Background
Raynagar Cooperative Housing Federation, Sholapur had submitted the project proposal to build 30,000
houses for its members comprising beedi and textile workers and other urban poor belonging to the
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) under PMAY(U). State Government due examination had accepted
the project proposal and forwarded it to the Centre.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)
PMAY(U) provide houses to all poor by 2022. Its objective is to construct two crore houses across the
nation. It covers the entire urban area consisting of 4041 statutory towns with initial focus on 500 Class I
cities. Intended beneficiaries of the scheme are Poor people (BPL) and People living under EWS and LIG
(Low income Group) categories in urban establishments of the country. It also targets people living under
MIG (middle income Group).
Reliance Defence launches first two Navy ships Shachi and Shruti
July 26, 2017
Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (RDEL) launched the first two Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels
(NOPVs) Shachi and Shruti at their shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat.
These two NOPVs are the first warships to be launched by a private sector shipyard in India. These ships are
part of a five-ships being constructed for the Indian Navy under the P-21 project.
About NOPVs
The NOPVs are primarily patrol ships to undertake surveillance of the countrys vast Exclusive Economic
Zone (EEZ). They also undertake operational tasks such as anti-piracy patrols, maritime security of offshore
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assets, fleet support operations, coastal security operations, and protection of shipping lanes.
The five NOPVs constructed by RDEL are armed with a 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) system
along with two 30 mm AK-630 guns, which provide medium range and short range offensive and defensive
capabilities.
The armaments of these vessels are remotely controlled through an electronic fire control system. They are
also fitted with 20,000 KW diesel engine-driven propulsion systems and can deliver speeds up to 25 knots.
Background
RDEL, subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure is the first private shipyard in India to obtain defence
production licence and sign a contract for defence ships in 2011. It is also engaged in construction of one
training ship and 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard.
Previously, RDEL also had built ships for varied clients including offshore support vessels for ONGC, ice
bulk carriers for a Norwegian company and offshore deck cargo barges for NPCC-UAE. It also has repaired
and retrofitted commercial and defence ships as well as mobile oil drilling platforms for international clients.
18th Kargil Vijay Diwas observed
July 26, 2017
The 18th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas was celebrated across India to commemorate the success of
Operation Vijay and remember brave sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the 1999 India-Pakistan Kargil War.
India-Pakistan Kargil War
The war took place between May and July of 1999 in Jammu and Kashmirs Kargil district. It began with the
infiltration of both Pakistani troops and terrorists deep inside Indian territory in strategic positions that
overlooked the only road link between Srinagar and Leh.
The conflict is believed to have been orchestrated by the then Pakistan army chief General Pervez Musharraf
without the knowledge of the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Based on information from local
shepherds, Indian Army was able to ascertain the points of incursion and launch Operation Vijay.
The Army declared the mission successful on July 26, 1999. Since then the day has been celebrated annually
as Vijay Diwas. The victory came at a high price. The official death toll on the Indian side was 527, while
that on the Pakistani side was between 357 and 453.
IMF retains India 2017 GDP growth forecast at 7.2%
July 26, 2017
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its July World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update has retained Indias
projected GDP growth rate at 7.2% for 2017-18, slightly up from 7.1% in the previous year.
However, update projects that Indias growth would accelerate to 7.7% in 2018-19. Indias economic growth
slowed down to 7.1% in 2016-17, sharply lower than 8% in 2015-16 due to the effect of demonetisation.
Key Highlights of WEO Updates
Global Scenario: The global economic growth rate will be 3.5% in 2017 and 3.6% in 2018. The economic
activity in both advanced and emerging and developing economies is accelerating. Moreover, inflation in
advanced economies remains subdued and generally below target and also declining in several emerging
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economies.
United States growth projections are lower than in April WEO update, primarily reflecting that its fiscal
policy will be less expansionary going forward than previously anticipated. The growth also has been revised
up for Japan and especially the Euro area, indicating solid momentum in activity in late 2016 and early 2017.
Growth in the ASEAN-5 economies is projected to remain robust at around 5 % with increase in global trade
and strengthening domestic demand.
Indian Economy: It will be fastest growing major economy in the world and in Asia. According to
government estimate, Indian economy is expected to grow 7.5% in the current financial year as abundant
monsoon as rains are expected to boost rural income and overall growth.
Chinas economy: It is projected to grow by 6.7% in 2017, up 0.1% points from the April 2017 forecast, and
6.4% in 2018, up by 0.2% points from earlier forecasts by the IMF. Despite Chinas rise in growth
projections, Indias economy will still be the fastest growing among large economies.
About World Economic Outlook (WEO)
The WEO is a survey conducted and published by the IMF. It is published biannually and partly updated two
times a year. It portrays the world economy in the near and medium context, with growth projections for up
to four years into the future. WEO forecasts include key macroeconomic indicators, such as GDP, inflation,
fiscal balance and current account of more than 180 countries around the globe. It also deals with major
economic policy issues.
Former freedom fighter K.E. Mammen passes away
July 26, 2017
Freedom fighter K.E. Mammen passed away due to age-related diseases in Neyyatinkara, Kerala. He was 96.
He was a pacifist and adherent follower of Mahatma Gandhi
About K.E. Mammen
He was born into the renowned Kandathil family on July 31, 1921, in Thiruvananthapuram. He was a
staunch believer of Gandhian principles and led an austere life. From an early age, he had lent his support for
the freedom struggle. He became active in the freedom movement as a college student.
He was first jailed for taking an open stand against Sir C.P Ramaswamy Iyer, the then Dewan of the
erstwhile Travancore state. Later he participated in the Quit India Struggle. In recent years, he was an active
social worker, forefront in the anti-liquor campaign in Kerala.
Cabinet apprised JDI on Indo German-Centre for Sustainability
July 26, 2017
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has apprised Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI)
between on Indo German-Centre for Sustainability (IGCS).
The JDI was concluded in May, 2017 during the fourth Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) between
India and Germany in Berlin.
Key Facts
The objective of JDI on IGCS is to promote cooperation between German and Indian scientists on
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fundamental and applied scientific research. It includes areas such as policy support, training, teaching and
dissemination of information in the area of climate change and sustainable development through inter-
disciplinary research.
The IGCS will nurture future collaboration by widening the network with other Institutes, Universities and
industries in both countries. On the Indian side, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras will act as the
host institution for IGCS.
Under this JDI, the required institutional framework will be developed to provide fund support to the IGCS
at IIT, Madras by Department of Science and Technology (DST) and BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education
and Research), Germany.
DST will provide grant-in-aid support to IGCS for undertaking research in the areas of climate change for
sustainable development. Besides, both agencies will jointly support the IGCS for a period of 5 years starting
from January 2018.
Parliament passes Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Bill, 2017
July 26, 2017
The parliament has passed The Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Bill, 2017 after it was approved by the
Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha has passed it earlier.
The bill aims at amending the Collection of Statistics Bill, 2008, which facilitates the collection of statistics
related to social, economic, demographic, scientific and environmental aspects, by central, state and local
governments. It also allows the appointment of statistics officers to collect information and contains
provisions to ensure security of information.
Salient features of bill
Jurisdiction of the 2008 Act: The Bill extends jurisdiction of the parent act to the state Jammu and
Kashmir for the collection of statistics pertaining to subjects under the Union (List-I) or the Concurrent list
(List-II) of the Constitution. These subjects include citizenship, banking, education, labour and forests as
applicable to J&K.
Nodal officer: It adds provisions for the appointment of a nodal officer by the Union or state government.
The function of nodal officer is to coordinate and supervise statistical activities under the government which
has appointed him. Further, the Union government can also determine the powers and duties of the nodal
officer.
Use of information: The Bill removes provision from parent act dealing with information collected under
it only is used for statistical purposes. It also allows the Union government to determine the manner in
which such information collected will be used for statistical purposes.
Cabinet approves revision of guidelines of Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme
July 26, 2017
The Union Cabinet has approved revision of guidelines of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB) Scheme with a view
to achieve its intended objectives.
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Need for Changes

The Union Government had launched SGB Scheme to develop a financial asset as an alternative to
purchasing metal gold. The target of the scheme was to shift part of the estimated 300 tons of physical bars
and coins purchased every year for Investment into demat gold bonds.
The mobilisation target under the scheme was Rs. 15,000 crore in 2015-16 and at Rs.10,000 crore in
2016-17. However, the amount so far credited in Government account is Rs. 4,769 crore. The above changes
were made in view of less than expected response of the investors to the scheme and considering its bearing
on CAD and consequently on overall macro-economic health of the country. Government has approved two
sets of changes in the scheme. They are
Specific changes in the attributes of the scheme: It aims to make it more attractive, mobilise finances as
per the target and reduce the economic strains caused by imports of gold and reduce Current Account Deficit
(CAD).
Flexibility to design and introduce variants of SGBs: Ministry of Finance (the issuer) has been given
flexibility to design and introduce variants of SGBs with different interest rates and risk protection that will
offer investment alternatives to different category of investors. Finance Ministry has been delegated this
power to amend (or add new features) of the Scheme to reduce the time lag between finalizing the attributes
of a particular tranche and its notification. Such flexibility will help to address the elements of competition
with new products of investment and deal with very dynamic or volatile market, macro-economic and other
conditions.
Specific approved changes
The investment limit under the scheme per fiscal year has been increased to 4 kg for individuals, 4 Kg for
Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) and 20 Kg for Trusts and similar entities notified by the Government. The
ceiling will be counted on financial year basis and will include the SGBs purchased during the trading in the
secondary market.
The ceiling will not include the holdings as collateral by Banks and Financial institutions. Ministry of
Finance will finalise On Tap sale features of SGBs based on the consultation with NSE, BSE, Banks and
Department of Post. Moreover, appropriate market making initiatives will be devised to improve liquidity
and tradability of SGBs.
Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar Chief Minister
July 26, 2017
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar resigned from his post by submitting his resignation to Governor Keshri
Nath Tripathi. Governor has accepted his resignation and asked him to continue as caretaker CM.
The sudden development throws the politics of Bihar into chaos with no party having a majority in the 243-
member Assembly. JD(U) has 71 seats, while RJD headed by father Lalu Prasad has 80. The opposition BJP
has 53.
It also has big blow to the ruling Bihar Mahagathbandhan comprising JD(U), RJD and Congress. It will also
have a big repercussion on the national politics.
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Background
In the 2015 Bihar state assembly elections, Grand Alliance or Mahagathbandhan comprising of RJD, JDU
and Congress (INC) had emerged victorious in by winning 178 seats of total 243 assembly seats. Nitish
Kumar was chosen as the Chief Minister of the coalition government. However, the his recent irreconcilable
differences with ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on the issue of corruption charges against his deputy CM
Tejashwi Prasad Yadav led to collapse of the coalition.
About Nitish Kumar
He was born on 1st March 1951 in Bakhtiarpur District of Bihar. He had started his political career by taking
part in the mass movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan between 1974 and 1977. Kumar was elected to Bihar
legislative assembly for first time in 1985.
He was elected to Lok Sabha for 4 consecutive times, first in 1989 than in 1991, 1996 and 1998. In 1990, for a
brief stint he had served as Union Minister of Agriculture. In 1998-99, he had served as Union Minister for
Railways and Surface Transport and Minister for Agriculture. He also had served as Union Cabinet Minister
for Railways in the NDA Government led Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 2001-2004.
In 2000, he was made CM of Bihar for first time but had resigned within 7 days. In 2005 for second time he
was sworn in as the CM of Bihar and for third time in 2010. For fourth time he was sworn-in as CM in
February 2015 till November 2015 state Assembly election. He was again elected for fifth term and was in
office from February 2015 to July 2017.
July 27, 2017
Scientists discover glow-in-the-dark shark in Pacific
July 27, 2017
Scientists have discovered new species of glow-in-the-dark shark living 1,000 feet below the Pacific Ocean
off the coast of the northwestern Hawaiian islands.
It has been named Etmopterus lailae and belongs to lanternshark family. It has an unusually large nose, weighs
a little less than a kilo and measures less than a foot. This unique features and characteristics make it
different form other lanternsharks.
Key Facts
Etmopterus lailae has a strange head shape which is large and bulgy snout where its nostrils and olfactory
organs are located. It dwells in a deep sea environment with almost no light so it has big sniffer to find food.
It has flank markings that go forward and backward on their bellies and a naked patch without scales on the
underside of its snout. Like other lanternsharks, it is also bio-luminescent. Its flanks on the bottom of its
belly glow in the dark. The markings on its belly and tail also are specific to it.
This species is understudied because of its size and the fact that it lives in very deep water. It is not easily
visible or accessible like so many other sharks.
NASA jets for first time will chase solar eclipse
July 27, 2017
Scientists from NASA for first time are planning to chase the shadow of the moon using two of NASAs
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WB-57F research jets during the upcoming total solar eclipse in US. The purpose of the chase is to capture
the clearest ever images of the Suns outer atmosphere.
The research jets (planes) will have twin telescopes mounted on the noses of the planes to capture clearest
images of Suns corona to date. They will also undertake first-ever thermal images of Mercury to reveal how
temperature varies across the planets surface.
Need for research
The corona of sun (gaseous envelope surrounding sun) is heated to millions of degrees, but the lower
atmospheric layers like the photosphere are only heated to a few thousand degrees. So far, scientists are not
sure how this inversion happens. One theory proposes micro explosions, termed nanoflares (too small and
frequent to detect individually) with a large collective effect might be releasing enarmous heat into the
corona.
Key Facts
The total solar eclipse will provide rare opportunity for scientists to study the sun, particularly its
atmosphere. During this eclipse, moon will completely cover the sun and perfectly blocking its light so that
faint corona is easily seen against the dark sky.
The two research planes will observe the total eclipse for about three and a half minutes each. The vantage
point on planes will provide distinct advantages over ground-based observations as no one has yet directly
seen nanoflares. Moreover, the high-resolution and high-speed images to be taken from the WB-57F jets
might also reveal their effects on the corona.
The planes will also take observations of Mercury 30 minutes before and after sky is still relatively dark.
These images will be taken in the infrared and will be the first attempt to map the variation of temperature
across the surface of the planet.
The planes will be flying high in the stratosphere to avoid Earths atmosphere for improving image quality.
The sky will be also 2030 times darker at the altitude where planes will be flying than as seen from the
ground. There is also much less atmospheric turbulence, that will allow fine structures and motions in suns
corona to be visible.
CAC adopts Codex standards for three spices
July 27, 2017
The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has adopted three Codex standards for black, white and green
pepper, cumin and thyme. It is for first time pepper, cumin and thyme, spices will have such universal
standards.
These standards were adopted at 40th session of CAC held in Geneva. The adoption of Codex standards
paves the way for universal agreement on identifying quality spices in various countries. It also set reference
points and benchmarks for member-nations to align their national standards for spices with Codex.
Background
With the approval of the Central government, the Spices Board India (SBI) had submitted a proposal to
CAC for harmonizing the standards for spices and culinary herbs. SBI is the flagship organization of the
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Commerce Ministry for export and promotion of spices from the country.
Significance
The adoption of Codex standards for the three spices will help evolve a common standardisation process for
their global trade and availability. It will bring harmony to the global spice trade and ensure availability of
high quality, clean and safe spices to the world. It is also considered as major recognition of Indias efforts to
benchmark global spices trade.
About Codex Alimentarius
The Codex Alimentarius (Food Code) is a collection of standards, guidelines and codes of practice adopted
by the CAC. The Commission is the central part of the joint FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of
the United Nations)/WHO (World Health Organisation) Food Standards Programme. Its mandate is to
prepare an international codex alimentations, based on principles outlined by itself.
Purpose of the Codex Alimentarius
The Codex alimentarius is a collection of internationally adopted food standards presented in a uniform
manner. These food standards aim at protecting consumers health and ensuring fair practices in the food
trade. It includes standards for all the principal foods, whether processed, semi-processed or raw for
distribution to the consumer. It is also include standardised provisions in respect of food additives,
contaminants, pesticides residues, labelling and presentation, methods of analysis and sampling.
Cabinet approves new wage code bill to ensure minimum wage across all sectors
July 27, 2017
The Union Cabinet has approved the Labour Code on Wages Bill which will ensure a minimum wage across
all sectors by integrating existing labour related laws.
The Labour Code on Wages Bill consolidates the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the Payment of Bonus Act,
1965, the Payment of Wages Act, 1936 and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.
Background
At present, laws on wages do not cover workers getting monthly wage of more than Rs 18,000. Moreover,
these laws are only applicable for scheduled industries or establishments. Even there are about half a dozen
definitions of wages in various acts across the Centre and states, which employers have to grapple with. The
Second National Commission on Labour has recommended that the existing labour laws should be broadly
grouped into four or five labour codes on Wages; Industrial Relations; Social Security & Welfare and Safety
and Working Conditions on functional basis.
Key Facts
Under the Labour Code on Wages Bill, the Union Labour Ministry is planning to streamline the definition
of wages by amalgamating four wage-related statutes. The code empowers the Centre to set a minimum
wage across sectors, and states will have to maintain that. However, states will be able to provide higher
minimum wage in their jurisdiction than fixed by the Centre since labour is subject in the concurrent list.
The Labour Code on Wages Bill also marks the first major initiative of Union Government in amalgamating
labour laws for improving the ease of doing business as well as ensuring universal minimum wage to all. The
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minimum wage will be applicable on all classes of workers, even workers getting monthly pay of higher than
Rs 18,000 will be legally entitled to a minimum wage. The proposed legislation is expected to benefit over 4
crore employees across the country.
2017 BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers meeting held in Chongqing
July 27, 2017
BRICS countries-Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa have agreed to work together to ensure stable
employment and better quality of life for their people.
Decision in this regard was taken at the 2017 Labour and Employment Ministers meeting held in
Chongqing, China. The meeting comes ahead of 2017 BRICS Summit to be held in Xiamen, China in
September 2017.
Key Highlights of meeting
Labour and Employment Ministers from BRICS counters discussed topics ranging from skills-driven
development to a universally sustainable social security system. They passed BRICS Labour and
Employment Ministerial Declaration. It covers a variety of areas that are of critical importance to all
BRICS countries including India and called upon strengthening collaboration and cooperation on these
through appropriate institutionalisation.
These areas covered under the declaration consist of Governance in the Future of Work, Universal and
sustainable social security systems, Skills for development in BRICS, BRICS Social Security Cooperation
Framework, BRICS Network of Labour Research Institutions and BRICS entrepreneurship research.
They also presented four documents, including one on common ground in labour market governance and an
action plan on skills-driven poverty alleviation. They also held that they should work together to boost
employment and inclusive growth, enhancing the skills of professionals to alleviate poverty.
BIRCS
BRICS is the acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India,
China and South Africa. The BRICS members are all developing or newly industrialised countries and all
five are G-20 members. They are distinguished by their large, fast-growing economies and significant
influence on regional and global affairs.
It was established in 2009. The BRIC idea was first conceived by Jim ONeill of Goldman Sachs. In 2011,
South Africa joined this informal group and BRIC became BRICS. So far, eight BRICS summits have taken
place. The first formal summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia in 2009.
NABARD inks AMA with Green Climate Fund
July 27, 2017
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has signed an Accreditation Master
Agreement (AMA) with the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
With this, NABARD becomes the first Indian organisation to get Direct Access Entity status of the GCF. It
is also considered as the first step for the NABARD to access GCF resources.
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Background
India has laid down ambitious mitigating goals under the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions
(INDC) submitted in the Paris Climate agreement signed in 2015. But these goals are contingent upon
receiving low-cost finance from sources like the GCF. Till now, only one project, Installation of
Groundwater Recharge System in Odisha amounting to $34 million is underway using funds from GCF.
Several projects have been proposed and are in the pipeline.
About Green Climate Fund (GCF)
The GCF is a fund within the framework of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change) to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate
change. It was formally established by a UNFCCC decision in Durban, South Africa in December 2011. It
was intended to be the centrepiece of efforts to raise Climate Finance of $100 billion a year by 2020.
It is a mechanism to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate
change by redistributing money contributed by the developed countries. It supports projects, programmes,
policies and other activities in developing country Parties using thematic funding windows. The GCF is
based in the new Songdo district of Incheon, South Korea. It is governed by a Board of 24 members and
initially supported by a Secretariat. GCF was central to the Paris climate agreement signed in 2015.
Scientists develop new software that can crate 3D models from 2D photographs
July 27, 2017
Scientists including one of Indian origin have developed new artificial intelligence (AI) software called
SurfNet that can create three dimensional (3D) models from 2D photographs.
When fully developed SurfNet could have significant applications in the fields of 3D searches on the internet
researchers. In an advance version it can allow future robots to navigate in the real world.
Key Facts
SurfNet software using hundreds of thousands of 2D shapes of objects can reconstruct it model in 3D. It
utilizes machine learning to analyze 2D shapes and convert them into projected 3D forms. In addition to
transforming 2D shapes, the technology can also merge two shapes into one another. The technology
becomes more refined over time as the AI learns more about the shapes.
Future potential application: It can be used in robotics, object recognition and even self-driving cars.
SurfNet will give them ability to understand the 3D environment around them using standard 2D cameras. It
can also be used to create 3D content for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) by simply using
standard 2D photos.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is the branch of computer science concerned with making computers behave like
humans. In contrast to normal hardware and software, AI enables a machine to perceive and respond to its
changing environment.
July 28, 2017
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Ajay Singh wins bronze medal in Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting
Championships
July 28, 2017
Indias Ajay Singh has won bronze medal in the 2017 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships
held at Kathmandu, Nepal. He got third place in 77 kgs mens junior category by lifting 143 kgs in snatch and
172 kgs in clean and jerk.
His win takes Indias medal tally to three in the championship. Earlier, S. Nirpupama Devi had won bronze
in 69 kgs women youth category. Konsam Ormila Devi from Manipur had won gold medal in 44kg weight
category.
Weightlifting
Weightlifting is an athletic discipline in the modern Olympic programme in which the athlete attempts a
maximum-weight single lift of a barbell loaded with weight plates. The two competition lifts in order are the
snatch and the clean and jerk.
Each weightlifter receives three attempts in each, and the combined total of the highest two successful lifts
determines the overall result within a bodyweight category. Bodyweight categories are different for male and
female competitors
BRICS nations sign Taxation Cooperation Memorandum
July 28, 2017
Tax authorities of the BRICS- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have signed BRICS Taxation
Cooperation Memorandum to establish a mechanism for taxation cooperation.
The landmark document is the blocs first document that elevates taxation cooperation to the institutional
level. It was signed at the fifth meeting of BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities.
Key Facts
The BRICS countries are home to 42% of the worlds population. Their total share in the global economy has
risen from 12% to 23% in the past decade, while contributing more than half of global growth.
The meeting of tax authorities comes ahead of the 2017 BRICS Summit to be held in Xiamen, Fujian
province of China in September 2017. In this meeting, tax authorities from member countires also agreed to
cooperate on taxation information exchange, boost taxation capacities, improve consultation procedures
efficiency and plan paths for coordination of taxation policies and tax collection.
NITI Aayog clears six proposals for high-tech public transport
July 28, 2017
The NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog has approved 6 transport proposals of the
transport ministry exploring options to improve public transport. It includes high-tech mass rapid
transportation technologies such as metrino, hyperloop, pod taxis, stadler buses, hybrid buses and freight rail
road.
The proposals of the transport ministry were approved with a condition that the transport ministry
conducts trial run of all these technologies and puts in place safety measures before starting operations
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commercially.
Following the go-ahead from NITI Aayog, the transport ministry has formed a six member committee,
headed by former top official of Railways, to study safety parameters associated with these technologies and
their best global practices.
Background
The ministry of road transport and highways had sought the approval of NITI Aayog to experiment and
introduce six latest mass rapid transportation technologies. The new technologies are being explored by the
Government as current public transportation is unable to resolve the increasing traffic crisis in the country.
Significance
These new technologies are path breaking and can alter the way of intercity travel in the country. The new
technologies are being explored as current public transportation is unable to resolve the increasing traffic
crisis in the country. Besides, some of them are more cost effective than the existing ones.
Hyperloop transportation mechanism: It is a pod-like vehicle is propelled through a near-vacuum tube
connecting cities at speeds matching that of an aircraft.
Freight rail road: Under it elevated corridors will be built with rail lines where freight trucks can be placed
and then they would move on rails at high speed, increasing freight quantity and reducing freight time.
Supreme Court puts end to immediate arrests in dowry cases

July 28, 2017
The Supreme Court has ruled that the police cannot arrest the accused without conducting a preliminary
inquiry under dowry harassment cases. The ruling was made by a SC bench of Justices A K Goel and UU
Lalit.
With this, apex court put an end to immediate arrest of the husband and his family members in the dowry
harassment cases filed under Section 498A of Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The Supreme Court passed the order keeping in view the fact of suspected misuse of the anti-dowry
harassment law framed in 1983.
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Highlights of SC order
Now cases under Section 498A of IPC will be referred to Family Welfare Committees (FWC) must be
constituted at every district and no arrest will be effected till the committees report is received. Such report
may be then considered by the investigating officer or the magistrate on its own merit.
FWC must comprise 3 members who may be social workers, retired persons, para-legal volunteers, wives of
working officers and other citizens who are found suitable and willing. However, these committee members
will not be considered as witnesses.
There must be adequate material to show that the arrest is necessary to prevent the accused from
committing any further offence. Moreover, designated police officer should be appointed to deal with such
complaints.
These directions will not apply to the offences involving tangible physical injuries or death. There will be
also no routine impounding of passports or issuance of Red Corner Notice for the accused NRI. The
personal appearance of all family members and particularly outstation members will be also not be required.
Scientists for first time edit genes of human embryos
July 28, 2017
Scientists from Oregon Health and Science University, US for first time have successfully edited genes of
human embryos to correct defective DNA that cause inherited diseases.
They had used the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology to alter human DNA in single-cell embryos,
which allows specific sections of DNA to be altered or replaced.
Key Facts
In this experiment, scientists had used sperm donated from men who carried inherited disease mutations to
demonstrate that the genes can be corrected. The one-celled embryos were created in the experiment, were
never intended to be implanted into a womb and were only allowed to develop for a few days.
They had used a process called germline engineering in which genetically modified organisms pass changes
to their offspring to eradicate inherited disease. It allowed so-called permanent germline changes to pass
down to any offspring.
The research holds great potential to avoid many genetic diseases, but has raised fears of designer babies. It
is also considered as a milestone in journey for giving birth to the first genetically modified humans.
CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology
CRISPR short form of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. It allows scientists to
selectively edit genome parts and replace them with new DNA stretches. CRISPR is a collection of DNA
sequences that direct Cas9 where to cut and paste. Cas9 is an enzyme that can edit DNA, allowing the
alteration of genetic patterns by genome modification. CRISPR-Cas9 technology has the potential to
revolutionise the treatment of blood diseases, tumours and other genetic diseases.
28 July: World Hepatitis Day
July 28, 2017
The World Hepatitis Day is being observed every year on July 28 around the world by World Health
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Organisation (WHO) to spread awareness about viral hepatitis. This year the theme of the Day is
Eliminate Hepatitis.
The observance of the day seeks to encourage diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Hepatitis. Provide a
single global platform to raise awareness about hepatitis and influence real change in disease prevention,
testing and treatment
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a viral infection which causes inflammation in the liver. It is a group of infectious diseases
known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. According to WHO, Hepatitis affects hundreds of millions of people
worldwide, causing acute and chronic disease and killing close to 1.4 million people every year.
About World Hepatitis Day
The day is being observed since 2010. It is one of the 8 official global public health campaigns marked by the
WHO. It was established by resolution of WHO passed in in May 2010. The date 28 July was chosen to mark
the birth anniversary of Professor Baruch Blumberg who had discovered hepatitis B virus. He was awarded
with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1976) for this discovery.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif resigns
July 28, 2017
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has resigned from his post after the Supreme Court disqualified him
in the Panama Papers case. This is the third time Nawaz Sharif has been unable to complete his term in the
chief executives office.
In a landmark judgment, a five Judge bench of Pakistan Supreme Court unanimously ruled to register a case
against Nawaz Sharif and his family guilty of money laundering.
Pakistan SC Ruling
Prime Minister had been dishonest to Parliament and the courts, in not disclosing his employment in a
Dubai-based company in his 2013 nomination papers, and thus, could not be deemed fit for his office.
It ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to file a reference in an accountability court in six
weeks and the case must be completed within six months. It also directed the Election Commission of
Pakistan to issue a notification declaring the Prime Ministers disqualification.
Background
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and two sons were engulfed by corruption charges as
pointed in Panama Paper leaks. The scandal had revealed that Nawaz Sharifs sons, Hassan Nawaz and
Hussain Nawaz and his daughter Maryam Nawaz owned offshore companies illegally which managed their
familys properties.
Panama Paper leaks
The Panama Papers are an unprecedented leak of 11.5 million files from the database of the worlds fourth
biggest offshore law firm, Mossack Fonseca based in Panama. The records were obtained from an
anonymous source by the German newspaper Sddeutsche Zeitung, which shared them with the
International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).
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The documents had leaked the myriad ways in which the rich can exploit secretive offshore tax regimes. The
leaks disclosed 12 national leaders among 143 politicians, their families and close associates from around the
world known using these offshore tax havens.
Key Facts
No democratically-elected Prime Minister of Pakistan has managed to complete a full term in office in the
nations 70-year history. Only one Pakistani government has completed its full term, but it had two prime
ministers. Besides, Pakistan also has witnessed three successful coups and spent more than half of its time
under military rule.
Government launches India Quake app for earthquake parameter dissemination
July 28, 2017
The Union Ministry of Earth Science has launched India Quake application on the occasion of its foundation
day.
The mobile app has been developed by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) for automatic
dissemination of earthquake parameter (location, time and magnitude) after the occurrence of earthquakes
Key Features of India Quake app
The App facilitates information dissemination faster with no restrictions on the number of recipients. It will
provide real time earthquake location information on mobile of the user. It also will help in reducing panic
amongst people during an earthquake.
The app will notify two categories of events scrutinized and unscrutinized. Unscrutinized earthquake events
are those whose parameters have been estimated automatically by the software using the incoming
waveform data from remote stations. In the case of scrutinized events category, the unscrutinized will be
scrutinized and confirmed by the NCS.
Background
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) under the Ministry of Earth Science operates national
seismological network with 84 stations. These stations are connected to NCS headquarter for real time data
communication through VSAT.
In case of an earthquake, NCS locate these stations using data from its network and disseminate earthquake
parameters to all concerned government departments and other stake holders through email, SMS and fax.
However this causes some delay in dissemination and also restricts the number of recipients. India Quake
app will overcome this problem.
Lok Sabha passes Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2017
July 28, 2017
The Lok Sabha passed the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Bill, 2017 by voice vote. The Bill declares
the IIMs as institutions of national importance.
The bill seeks to empower these institutions to attain standards of global excellence in management,
management research and allied areas of knowledge. It also promises to grant administrative, academic and
financial autonomy to these B-Schools and allow them to grant degrees.
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Key Highlights of Bill

The bill allows IIMs to grant degrees to their students. It also grants them complete autonomy, combined
with adequate accountability. It establishes coordination Forum of IIMs as an advisory body. It empowers
board of an IIM to drive the management of the institution. It will select Chairperson and Director of IIM.
The board will have greater participation of experts and alumni. It will also include women and members
from Scheduled Castes/Tribes. Besides, it adds provisions for periodic review of the performance of IIM by
independent agencies and their results will be placed in public domain. Besides, it also has provision to place
the Annual Report of the IIMs in the Parliament and CAG (Comptroller and auditor general of India)
auditing their accounts.
Background
IIMs are the countrys premier institutions imparting best quality education in management and are
recognized as world-class management Institutions and Centres of Excellence. India has 20 IIMs now. All
IIMs are separate autonomous bodies registered under the Societies Act. Earlier they were not authorized to
award degrees. These awards were treated as equivalent to MBAs and Ph.D, respectively, but their
equivalence was not universally acceptable, especially for the Fellow Programme.
July 29, 2017
Former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar conferred with Japanese honour
July 29, 2017
Former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar was conferred with the Japans imperial decoration Order of the
Rising Sun award for his contribution to fostering Japan-India ties.
Kumar had served as Special Envoy of then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Japan during the visit of the
Emperor and Empress of Japan to India in December 2013, and contributed to the success of the visit.
About Ashwani Kumar
Ashwani Kumar is politician and attorney who formerly had served as Member of Rajya Sabha. He formerly
had served as Union Minister of Law and Justice and Minister of State (MoS) in the Department of
Industrial Policy and Promotion and Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
He was Accompanying Minister to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when he visited India in 2007. He was
Chairman of the FICCI India-Japan Forum of Parliamentarians established during the visit of former Prime
Minister Junichiro Koizumi to India in 2005.
Kumar also has contributed in promoting of Japan-India relations in the field of Science and Technology, as
Council member of the STS Forum.
The Order of the Rising Sun
It is the highest category of decoration of Japan. It was established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. It is awarded to
those who have made distinguished achievements in the following fields: international relations, promotion
of Japanese culture, development in welfare, advancements in their field or preservation of the
environment. Ratan Tata was also conferred the decoration in the past.
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Sagar Vani: An Integrated Information Dissemination System launched

July 29, 2017
The Union Ministry of Earth Science has launched Sagar Vani, an integrated information dissemination
system on the occasion of its foundation Day.
Sagar Vani is an integrated information dissemination system that will serve the coastal community,
especially the fishermen community with the advisories and alerts towards their livelihood as well as their
safety at Sea.
Key Facts
Sagar Vani has been developed by ESSO-Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
through the Industry M/s. Gaian Solutions Pvt. Ltd. It is a software platform where various dissemination
modes will be integrated on a single central server.
It includes Multi Lingual SMS, Voice Call/Audio Advisory, Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), Mobile
Apps (User/Admin modules), email, Fax, GTS, Digital Display Boards, IVRS, Radio/Television broadcast
units, Cloud Channels, etc.
The system also has facility to provide access to various stakeholders (State Fishery Departments, Disaster
Management Authorities, NGOs etc.) so that they will be able to further disseminate these ocean
information and alerts to the user community.
This Sagar Vani system compares with the most advanced countries services in terms of speed of delivery,
diverseness of services and omni channel capabilities. It can disseminate services in local languages using
advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities.
NPCI gets RBI nod to operate Bharat Bill Payment System
July 29, 2017
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has received final nod from the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) to function as the Bharat Bill Payment Central Unit (BBPCU) and operate the Bharat Bill Payment
System (BBPS).
The final clearance from RBI comes almost a year after NPCI launched the BBPS pilot project to make
payment of utility bills easier. The pilot started in August 2016 with eight BBPS operating units that had
received in-principle approval from RBI.
The total number of Bharat Bill Payment Operating Units certified by NPCI now stands at 24. The certified
units include 10 private sector banks, 3 public sector banks (Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India and Indian
Overseas Bank), five cooperative banks and six non-bank biller aggregators.
About Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)
BBPS is an integrated bill payment system offering interoperable and accessible bill payment service to
customers through a network of agents, enabling multiple payment modes and providing instant
confirmation of payment. The BBPS initiative aims to provide a major push to digital payments as it is a big
step forward in formalizing the bill payment system in the country.
Under the BBPS framework, a customer will be able to pay several bills such as electricity, telephone, water,
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gas, and DTH television at a single locationphysical or electronicand receive instant confirmation once
the payment is made. Nearly 45 crore bills are permitted under BBPS.
Payments through BBPS can be made using cash, transfer cheques and electronic modes. Bill aggregators and
banks, who will function as operating units, will carry out these transactions for the customers. At present
the bulk of transactions on BBPS are of electricity bills. It contributes to about 180 million bills per month
out of which only 10% is digital.
29 July: International Tiger Day
July 29, 2017
The International Tiger Day (also known as Global Tiger Day) is celebrated every year on 29 July to raise
awareness for tiger conservation. The goal of observance of the day is to promote the protection and
expansion of the wild tigers habitats and to gain support through awareness for tiger conservation.
On this occasion, special programmes are being organized all over the globe by many international
organisations including the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), the IFAW (International Fund for
Animal Welfare) etc. organized events.
Background
The International Tiger Day was founded in 2010 at the St. Petersburg Tiger Summit. The summit had
issued St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation with an aim to double the big cat population
by 2022. The tiger is the largest of the worlds big cats with its distinctive orange and black stripes and
beautifully marked face.
It is has been founded that in the last century 97% of all wild tigers had disappeared due to many factors
including habitat loss, hunting and poaching, climate change. According to WWF, only 3,890 tigers are left
in the world, of them, India with more than 2500 tigers has the highest number.
Delhi Metro becomes worlds first completely green Metro system
July 29, 2017
The Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) has become the worlds first completely green Metro
system for adhering to green building norms for its residential colonies.
In this regard, Delhi Metro has secured the platinum rating for adherence to green building norms for its 10
residential colonies from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
About Delhi Metro
The Delhi Metro is a metro system serving Delhi and its satellite cities of Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and
Ghaziabad in National Capital Region (NCR). It is the worlds 12th longest metro system in length and 16th
largest in ridership.
It is built and operated by DMRC, a state-owned company with equal equity participation from Union
Government and Government of Delhi. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has financed 60% of
the project cost in the form of soft loan under Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
Other Achievements
In 2008, DMRC was the first railway project in the world to be registered by the United Nations under the
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CDM, enabling it to claim carbon credits. In 2015, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) had registered DMRC as the worlds first transport sector project under the Program of
Activities (PoA), making it the managing entity for all other Metros of India.
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)
The IGBC is part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) formed in 2001. It offers a wide array of
services including developing new green building rating programmes, green building training programmes
and certification services. It also organises Green Building Congress, its annual flagship event on green
buildings. It closely works with several State Governments, Central Government, World Green Building
Council, bilateral multi-lateral agencies in promoting green building concepts in the country.
Operational Guidelines for Planning and Implementation of Family Participatory
Care released
July 29, 2017
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released Operational Guidelines for Planning and
Implementation of Family Participatory Care (FPC) for improving newborn health.
The guidelines are for all stakeholders involved in the process of planning and delivering newborn care.
They will serve as a guiding document for those intending to introduce FPC in their facility as an integral
part of facility based newborn care.
Family Participatory Care (FPC)
FPC has emerged as an important concept of health care as it provides partnership between health care staff
and families in care of sick newborns admitted in the Special Newborn Care Units (SNCU). Under it, the
capacities of parents-attendants are built in newborn care through a structured training programme
(training guide and audio-visual module).
Need for FPC
Sick and newborn are highly vulnerable and require careful nurturing in order to survive the neonatal
period and first year of life. Under National Health Mission (NHM), more than 700 state of the art SNCU
have been established across the country to provide 24 X 7 comprehensive care to the newborns by
dedicated trained staff.
In the recent years, it was realized that if parents are trained, during the stay of their babies in the hospital, to
provide supportive care to their newborns, it will help in not only to improve survival of the babies after
discharge but also cater psycho-social and developmental needs of the newborn.
Key Operational Guidelines
The Operational Guidelines provides details of infrastructure, training, role of health care providers and
steps in the operationalization of FPC in the newborn care unit. It also addresses various aspects of attitudes,
infrastructural modifications and practice that will help in establishing FPC at SNCU.
It also includes sensitization of State and District Managers on FPC, prioritization of SNCUs for initiating
FPC, making required infrastructural enhancement in SNCU, creating family participatory care
environment in SNCU. It also seeks to ensure availability of supplies for parents-attendants, role of
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healthcare providers for FPC implementation, training of SNCU staff for SNCU and institutional support
for FPC.
The guidelines will be shared with the states for implementation to further improve the quality of care
provided in the SNCUs across the country.
China successfully produces gas from flammable ice under South China Sea
July 29, 2017
China has successfully produced natural gas from methane hydrate, also known as flammable ice, in an
experimental project in the South China Sea (SCS).
As part of the experiment, a drilling platform had produced a total of 309,000 cubic metres of natural gas
from gas hydrate in 60 days.
Methane hydrate has been identified as a potential new gas source for China, with the South China Sea
thought to contain some of the worlds most promising flammable ice deposits. India, Canada and US are
also believed to be looking at hydrates as an alternative energy source.
Flammable ice
Flammable ice (also known as methane hydrate or methane clathrates) consists of methane trapped within
water crystals. It is the worlds largest natural gas resource is trapped beneath permafrost and ocean sediment
where low temperature and moderate pressure combine to trap methane in this specific way.
The methane hydrate is highly flammable and energy-intensive fuel as one cubic metre of the compound can
releases about 160 cubic metres of gas. It can break down into water and methane after temperature is raised
or pressure is lowered.
It is likely to be the worlds last great source of carbon-based fuel and has potential to be a revolutionary
energy source that could cater future energy needs. Its vast deposits exist underneath all oceans around the
globe, especially on the edge of continental shelves.
Muntra: Indias first unmanned tank rolled out by DRDO
July 29, 2017
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has rolled out Muntra, Indias first
unmanned, remotely operated tank at its Chennai lab.
It has been launched in three variants Muntra-S, Muntra-M and Muntra-N for surveillance, mine
detection and reconnaissance in areas with nuclear and biological threats. It is also likely to be used in Naxal-
hit areas.
Key Facts
Muntra-S is the countrys first tracked unmanned ground vehicle (tank) developed for unmanned
surveillance missions. Muntra-M is for detecting mines and Muntra-N is for operation in areas where there
is nuclear radiation or biological weapon risk.
The Muntra variants have surveillance radar, an integrated camera along with laser range finder which can
be used to spy on ground target 15km away heavy vehicles or crawling men. This unmanned, remotely
tele-operated tank has been successfully tested and validated at Mahajan field firing range in Rajasthan under
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dusty desert conditions.

July 30-31, 2017
Sri Lanka, China sign $1.1 billion Hambantota port deal
July 30, 2017
Sri Lanka has signed a US $1.1 billion deal to sell a 70% stake of the strategic Hambantota deep-sea port to
China. Hambantota port is a deep-water port in the southern tip of Sri Lanka. It sits close to busy east-west
shipping lanes connecting Europe and Asia.
The deal was signed between Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and China Merchants Port Holding Co.
(CMPort). Under the 99-year lease agreement, CMPort will invest up to US $1.1 billion in the port and
marine-related activities. CMPort will be only responsible for commercial operations, while the SLPA will
handle ports operations, security and services.
Comment
The port is expected to play a key role in Chinas Belt and Road initiative (BRI), which will link ports and
roads between China and
Europe. It is also considered that, this deal gives an advantage to China in the bunkering business, which
provides fuel to ships.
Indias Concern
India is apprehensive that the port is part of Chinese string of pearls with an objective to surround India
and dock its military vessels. The String of pearls is a geopolitical theory on potential Chinese intentions in
the Indian Ocean region. It refers to the network of Chinese military and commercial facilities and
relationships along its sea lines of communication extending from the Chinese mainland to Port Sudan.
These sea lines run through several major maritime choke points such as the Strait of Mandeb, Strait of
Hormuz, Strait of Malacca and the Lombok Strait as well as other strategic maritime centres in Pakistan,
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Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Somalia.

India is worlds third-biggest beef exporter: OECD-FAO report
July 30, 2017
According to recently released OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2017-2026 report, India is the worlds
third-biggest exporter of beef. Brazil was ranked as the worlds top beef exporter followed by Australia.
The report was released jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Organisation for
Economic Cooperation (OECD).
Key Highlights of Report
India exported 1.56 million tonnes of beef in 2016. It is expected to maintain its position as the third-largest
beef exporter, accounting for 16% of global exports in 2026 by exporting 1.93 tonnes that year. India
imported 363,000 tonnes of beef in 2016 and the amount was projected to stay the same over the decade.
The type of beef exported was not specified, but the exported meat appears to be mostly from buffaloes as
the report has specified the animal for imports by Myanmar from India. It needs to be clarified whether the
report classifies even buffalo meat as beef.
The total world beef exports was 10.95 million tonnes in 2016 and it is expected to increase to 12.43 million
tonnes by 2026. Till 2015, India was the worlds largest exporter of beef and had extended its lead over the
next highest exporter, Brazil.
IISER Scientists develop Gelator to remove oil from spills
July 31, 2017
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram have
developed gelator that can suck up oil and congeal it.
The gelator is hydrophobic material that has property of oleilophilic (oil-loving) and takes up oil when it
comes in contact with it. It can be used to recover marine oil spills with a simple, efficient and cost-effective
method.
Key Facts
The gelator is developed using a cheap raw material mannitol and cellulose pulp through a one-step process.
In this process the mannitol gets adsorbed on the cellulose fibre through hydrogen bonding. The adsorption
process changes the cellulose matrix from being very hydrophilic (water-loving) to hydrophobic (water
repelling).
The property of gelator to self-assemble to form micro fibres makes congealing of oil possible and the oil
loses its fluidity and gets trapped within the entangled fibrous network to form a rigid gel. Gelation
essentially turns the liquid oil into semi-solid and this allows congealed oil to be simply scooped out using a
scoop or a sieve.
During the studies, it was found that the gelator was able to absorb and congeal 16 times its own weight of
oil. Even, the absorbed oil can be recovered by applying pressure or fractionated by a simple distillation
process.
Applications: Gelator can also serve as a more efficient, quick and cost-effective way for absorption of
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crude oil from the sea following marine spill. Unlike other alternatives, the gelator can be easily applied over
oil-water mixture and no solvent is needed for spraying it thus making it environment friendly.
July 30: World Day against Trafficking in Persons
July 31, 2017
The United Nations (UN) World Day against Trafficking in Persons is observed every year on July 30 to
raise awareness of the plight of human trafficking victims, and promote and protect their rights.
Human trafficking is the trade of humans, most commonly for the purpose of forced labour, commercial
sexual exploitation or sexual slavery for the trafficker or others.
The 2017 theme of the day is Act to Protect and Assist Trafficked Persons. It highlights the large mixed
migration movements of refugees and migrants. It also puts the spotlight on the significant impact of conflict
and natural disasters, as well as the resultant, multiple risks of human trafficking that many people face.
It also seeks to addresses the key issue concerning trafficking responses i.e. most people are never identified
as trafficking victims and therefore cannot access most of the assistance or protection provided.
Background
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had designated July 30 as the World Day against Trafficking
in Persons by adopting resolution A/RES/68/192 in 2013,. The resolution had declared that the observance
of the day is necessary to raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the
promotion and protection of their rights.
Haryana government bans use of liquid nitrogen in food and drink
July 31, 2017
The Haryana food and drugs administration department has banned flushing/mixing of liquid nitrogen with
any drink or food article. The ban was imposed under section 34 of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS),
2006.
The ban comes after a cocktail accident (due mixing of liquid nitrogen in cocktail) at Gurgaon pub in April
2016 that burnt a hole in a mans stomach.
Under this ban, any eatery found using liquid nitrogen with any drink or food will be booked under section
34 (i) and (ii) of the FSS Act, 2006. The eatery may also face closure and/or a penalty.
Liquid nitrogen
Liquid nitrogen is a colourless liquid having a boiling point of -195.79 C. It is used to instantly freeze food
and drinks. It is used in bars to quickly freeze ingredients, chill glasses and provide a smoky effect to drinks
and also in molecular gastronomy. It is also used to cool computers and in cryogenic medical procedures like
removing cancerous tissues and warts by freezing them.
Harmful effects of liquid nitrogen
According to medical experts, any drink or food article whose preparation involves flushing/mixing of liquid
nitrogen is harmful for humans. It releases a large volume of gas as it evaporates, which can burst the
stomach if consumed in a sufficiently large quantity.
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Scientists develop Bio-glue for wound healing

July 31, 2017
Scientists have developed a super strong, flexible Bio-glue for wound healing without causing toxicity. It has
been inspired by an adhesive material (glue) secreted by slugs that sticks to biological tissues
Slugs naturally secrete a special kind of mucus (adhesive material) in its place when threatened, making it
difficult for a predator to pry it off its surface.
Key Facts
The bio-glue is double-layered hydrogel consisting of an alginate-polyacrylamide matrix supporting an
adhesive layer that has positively-charged polymers protruding from its surface. It bonds to biological tissues
via three mechanisms electrostatic attraction to covalent bonds between neighbouring atoms, negatively
charged cell surfaces and physical interpenetration.
This bond makes the adhesive super strong. It is the combination of a very strong adhesive force and has
ability to transfer and dissipate stress. It can bind to tissues with strength comparable to the bodys own
resilient cartilage.
Applications: The bio-glue has numerous potential applications in the medical field, either as a patch that
can be cut to desired sizes and applied to tissue surfaces or can be also used as an injectable solution for
deeper injuries.
Factbox: Breakthrough Starshot successfully launch worlds smallest
spacecrafts
July 31, 2017
Scientists have announced that the worlds smallest spacecrafts dubbed as Sprites ever launched are
successfully travelling in low Earth orbit and communicating with systems on Earth.
The six prototypes of Sprites were launched in June 2017 as part of the Breakthrough Starshot project
designed to test technologies that would eventually be used for interstellar missions. They are smallest
spacecraft that have managed to establish contact with ground stations.
Sprites
Sprites have been developed by researchers at Cornell University. Each of the mini Sprite spacecrafts are
built on a single 3.5*3.5 centimeter circuit board. They weigh just four grams each. They are equipped with
tiny solar panels and two antennas, plus a tiny radio, computer, magnetometer (to orient to Earths magnetic
field) and gyroscope (to move and stabilize the craft).
Mission Purpose
The mission was designed to test the performance of the Sprites electronics when in orbit. It will also
demonstrates their novel radio communication architecture. It will also explore the concept of solar sail
propulsion in which spacecraft can be powered using only the suns radiation. These tiny satellites also mark
the next step in the field of spacecraft miniaturization that can contribute to the development of centimetre
and gram-scale StarChips envisioned under the Breakthrough Starshot project.
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About Breakthrough Starshot

Breakthrough Starshot is a comprehensive space program launched under the US $100 million
Breakthrough Initiatives, announced by Yuri Milner and Stephen Hawking to develop and launch practical
interstellar space missions. The program aims to demonstrate proof of concept for light-propelled spacecraft
that could fly at 20 per cent of light speed. Its main objective is to send one-gram chips to star systems
beyond the solar system in search of extraterrestrial intelligence.
Government launches Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-2 in Mumbai
July 31, 2017
The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has launched Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-2 in Mumbai, Maharashtra
under the Jiyo Parsi scheme.
The Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-2 aims at containing the declining trend of population of the Parsi community
and reverses it to bring their population above the threshold level.
About Jiyo Parsi scheme
Jiyo Parsi scheme is a Central Sector Scheme for containing population decline of Parsis in India. Its main
objective is to reverse the declining trend of Parsi population by adopting a scientific protocol and structured
interventions. It aims to stabilize and increase the population of Parsis in India. It has two components:
Medical Assistance and Advocacy (Counselling). The first phase of the scheme was launched initiated in
2013.
National Mission for Clean Ganga approves 7 projects
July 31, 2017
The Executive Committee of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in its 4th meeting has approved
seven projects in the sector of sewage infrastructure, ghat development and research.
Three projects each were approved in sewage sector in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Central Government will
provide operation and maintenance cost for 15 years to all these six projects along with 100% central
assistance
Besides, a research study to understand the non-putrefying properties of river Ganga in both water and
sediment was also approved. The study will be an extension of a research carried out by National
Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to identify the special properties of rivers waters.
About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
NMCG is the implementation wing of National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of
River Ganga (referred as National Ganga Council). It was established in 2011 as a registered society under
Societies Registration Act, 1860.
It has a two tier management structure and comprises of Governing Council and Executive Committee. Both
of them are headed by Director General (DG), NMCG. Executive Committee is authorized to approve
projects under mission up to Rs.1000 crore.
Similar to structure at national level, State Programme Management Groups (SPMGs) acts as implementing
arm of State Ganga Committees. This structure attempts to bring all stakeholders on one platform to take a
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holistic approach towards the task of Ganga cleaning and rejuvenation.

Note: In October 2016, National Ganga Council has replaced National Ganga River Basin
Authority(NGRBA) which was constituted under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act
(EPA), 1986.
CBDT inks 9 Advance Pricing Agreements
July 31, 2017
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has entered into 9 Unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements
(UAPAs) with Indian taxpayers in July, 2017. With this, total number of APAs signed till date stands at 171
(Bilateral-12 and Unilateral-159).
The nine APAs signed pertain to diverse sectors of the economy including Oil & Gas exploration, education,
banking, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and IT. They also cover international transactions and provision of
software development services, ITES , engineering design services, distribution, contract manufacturing, etc.
About Advance Pricing Agreements (APA)
The APA Scheme was introduced in the Income-tax (IT) Act. It endeavours to provide certainty to taxpayers
in the domain of transfer pricing by specifying the methods of pricing and determining the Arms Length Price
of international transactions in advance. It aims to strengthen the Governments commitment to foster a
non-adversarial tax regime. Further, the taxpayer has the option to roll back the APA. The roll back
provisions under the scheme were introduced in 2014. APA provides total of nine years of tax certainty
including four year term of rollback.
About Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
CBDT is nodal policy-making body of the Income Tax (IT) department under the Union Finance Ministry.
It is a statutory authority established under The Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963. It is supreme body in
India for framing policies related to direct taxes. The composition of CBDT includes Chairman and six
members.
Compendium of Multiple Choice Questions
Below 250 Questions were published in GKTodays Current Aairs Quiz Section in July, 2017.
1. India has recently donated how much amount to UN Peace Building Fund
(PBF)?
[A] $4 Lakh
[B] $5 Lakh
[C] $6 Lakh
[D] $8 Lakh
Correct Answer: B [$5 Lakh]
Answer Explanation:
India has recently contributed $500,000 to the UN Peace building Fund (PBF) to
boost eorts of United Nations for building and sustaining peace across the world.
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India has been a Member of the UN Peace Building Commission (PBC) since its
inception in December 2005 and has so far contributed $5 million to the
Peacebuilding Fund. The fresh contribution of $5 Lakh to the fund will be eected
over the coming days. The UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) is an
intergovernmental advisory body that supports peace eorts in conict aected
countries and is a key addition to the capacity of the International Community in
the broad peace agenda.
2. Who has been appointed as the new Attorney General of India?
[A] P J Thomas
[B] M N Krishnamani
[C] K K Venugopal
[D] Rohington Nariman
Correct Answer: C [K K Venugopal]
Answer Explanation:
Kottayan Katankot Venugopal (86), a noted constitutional expert and senior
advocate, has been appointed as the new Attorney General of India with eect
from June 30, 2017 and shall have a tenure of 3 years. He succeeded Mukul
Rohatgi. Venugopal has become a law ocer for the 2nd time after being an
Additional Solicitor General during the Morarji Desai government during the
seventies. He is the recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan. The
Attorney General for India is the Indian governments chief legal advisor and its
primary lawyer in the Supreme Court of India. He is appointed by the President of
India under Article 76(1) of the Constitution and holds oce during the pleasure
of the President.
3. Which of the following Indian American personalities will be honoured with the
2017 Great Immigrants: The Pride of America award?
[A] Shantanu Narayen and Vivek Murthy
[B] Sunder Pichai and Hari Sreenivasan
[C] Bharati Mukherjee and Vikram Malhotra
[D] Satya Narayan and Vikram Murthy
Correct Answer: A [Shantanu Narayen and Vivek Murthy]
Answer Explanation:
Two Indian-Americans, Adobe Chief Shantanu Narayen and former US Surgeon
General Vivek Murthy will be honoured with the prestigious 2017 Great
Immigrants: The Pride of America award on USs Independence Day on July 4,
2017. They are among 38 immigrants to be honoured this year for their role in
helping advance the countrys society, culture and economy. Among other
honorees include Canadian-origin social entrepreneur Je Skoll, who has been
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awarded the 2017 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, PayPal cofounder of Ukrainian

origin Max Levchin, Iranian-origin philanthropist and entrepreneur Hushang
Ansary.
4. Who has been appointed as the new Economic Relations Secretary in the
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)?
[A] Vinesh Rathore
[B] Madhu Tamble
[C] Kirti Singh
[D] Vijay Gokhale
Correct Answer: D [Vijay Gokhale]
Answer Explanation:
Vijay Gokhale, a 1981 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) ocer, has been
appointed as the new Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External
Aairs (MEA). Currently, he is Indian Ambassador to China. Beside this, Gokhale
has served as Ambassador of India to Germany and also in Indian missions in
Hong Kong, Hanoi, Beijing and New York.
5. Who has taken charge as the new Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border
Police (ITBP)?
[A] Rajiv Jain
[B] RK Pachnanda
[C] Dineshwar Sharma
[D] Krishna Chaudhary
Correct Answer: B [RK Pachnanda]
Answer Explanation:
RK Pachnanda, the 1983 batch IPS ocer of the West Bengal cadre, has taken
charge as the new Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and will
have tenure with ITBP till October 31, 2018. He succeeded ITBP DG Krishna
Chaudhary, who retired from service on June 30, 2017. Prior to this appointment,
Pachnanda was serving as Director General of the National Disaster Response
Force (NDRF).
6. Minaketan Das, the noted film actor has passed away. He was associated with
which film industry?
[A] Odia
[B] Tamil
[C] Telugu
[D] Bengali
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Correct Answer: A [Odia]

Answer Explanation:
Minaketan Das (56), the noted Odia actor, has passed away in Bhubaneswar,
Odisha. The actor was well-known in the states lm and television industry for his
negative roles. Das was known for his acting in a number of Odia lms including
Balunga Toka, Jianta Bhuta and Most Wanted.
7. Simone Veil, the iconic European feminist politician passed away. She hailed
from which country?
[A] Germany
[B] France
[C] Italy
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: B [France]
Answer Explanation:
Simone Veil (89), the iconic European feminist politician, has passed away on June
30, 2017 in Paris, France. Veil played a leading role in legalizing contraception
and abortion in France. She was the rst female President of the European
parliament since the Parliament was created in 1952.
8. Who has been conferred with the 2017 Best astrologer of the world award?
[A] P K L Sarnath
[B] Ganesha Bejan Daruwalla
[C] T S Vneeth
[D] Viktor Kondrashin
Correct Answer: C [T S Vneeth]
Answer Explanation:
The Hyderabad-based astrologer and numerologist TS Vineeth Bhatt has been
conferred with the Best astrologer of the world award at the Russian-Indian
economic dialogue round-table meet held in Moscow. The event was organized by
Peacemakers International, a charity that works for advancement of conict
resolution through mediation services and training.
9. Who of the following has been awarded the 2017 USIBC Global Leadership
Awards?
[A] Mukesh Ambani
[B] Azim Premji
[C] Aditya Birla
[D] Adi Godrej
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Correct Answer: D [Adi Godrej]

Answer Explanation:
Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej and Dow Chemical CEO Andrew Liveries have
been awarded the 2017 Global Leadership Awards of the US-India Business
Council (USIBC) at the USIBC 42nd Anniversary Leadership Summit in Washington
DC for their role in integrating India in the global supply chain. Both were
honoured for creating inclusive business environments, integrating India into the
global supply chain and advancing core values such as manufacturing, innovation
and scale in tough market conditions. Beside this, USIBC has also presented its
rst-ever Artistic Achievement Award to Yashwant Shirwadkar, a visionary and
master in impressionistic landscape painting inspired by scenic cities in India.
10. What is the theme of the 2017 International Co-operative Day (IDC)?
[A] Peace-building through Co-operatives
[B] Co-operative enterprise empowers women
[C] Choose co-operatives, choose equality
[D] Co-operatives ensure no one is left behind
Correct Answer: D [Co-operatives ensure no one is left behind]
Answer Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) International Co-operative Day (IDC) is observed every
year on the rst Saturday of to recognize and rearms the role of cooperatives in
economic, social and cultural development and in the achievement of social policy
objectives. This year, in 2017, the day is observed on July 1 under the theme Co-
operatives ensure no one is left behind. The 2017 IDC theme complements the
priority theme of the 2017 High-level Political Forum for Sustainable
Development: Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world.
11. Which country is hosting the 41st annual UNESCO World Heritage
Committee conference?
[A] Poland
[B] United States
[C] India
[D] Germany
Correct Answer: A [Poland]
Answer Explanation:
The 41st session of UNESCO World Heritage Committee has started in Krakow,
Poland from July 2 to 12, 2017. During the session, the Committee will notably
consider requests for the inscription of new sites on UNESCOs World Heritage List
and examine the state of conservation of sites already inscribed on the List as
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well as many other issues concerning the implementation of the World Heritage
Convention. The World Heritage Committee consists of representatives from 21 of
the States Parties to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World
Cultural and Natural Heritage, elected by the General Assembly of States Parties
to the Convention.
12. Sabita Chowdhury, the noted singer has passed away. She hailed from which
state?
[A] Odisha
[B] West Bengal
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B [West Bengal]
Answer Explanation:
Sabita Chowdhury (72), the well-known singer, has passed away in Kolkata, West
Bengal on June 29, 2017. She was wife of legendary composer Salil Chowdhury.
Some of her famous songs are Oi jhilmil jhauer boney, Jaare jaa jaa mono paakhi,
Jhilmil jhilmil opaarero monjil and Du chokhey aashaar nodi chhalachhal.
13. Which football team has won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup?
[A] Mexico
[B] Chile
[C] Germany
[D] Portugal
Correct Answer: C [Germany ]
Answer Explanation:
Germany has won the 10th edition of FIFA Confederation Cup Football-2017 title
by defeating Copa America Champion Chile by 1-0 goals in the nal at St
Petersburg, Russia. With this, Germany has won the title for the rst time after
Lars Stindl scored the only goal in the 20th minute when Chile midelder Marcelo
Diaz gave the ball away on the edge of his own area.
14. Which Indian personality has been bestowed with the 2017 Trafficking in
Persons (TIP) Report Heroes Award?
[A] R K Chowdhury
[B] Debojyoti Misra
[C] K S Mishra
[D] Mahesh Bhagwat
Correct Answer: D [Mahesh Bhagwat]
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Answer Explanation:
Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat, an IPS ocer from Telangana, has been bestowed
with the 2017 Tracking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes Award by the Unites
States Department of State for his vital role in elevating human tracking as a
government priority and his innovative approach to investigating cases and
dismantling tracking operations. Currently, he is serving as the rst
Commissioner of Police of Rachakonda.
15. The 2017 National Doctors Day (NDD) is celebrated on which date in India?
[A] July 4
[B] July 2
[C] July 3
[D] July 1
Correct Answer: D [July 1 ]
Answer Explanation:
The National Doctors Day (NDD) is celebrated every year in India on July 1 to
honour the legendary physician and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr
Bidhan Chandra Roy. The day is an attempt to emphasize on the value of doctors
in our lives and to oer them our respects by commemorating one of their
greatest representatives.
16. Indias biggest Global Skill Park will be set up in which city?
[A] Bhopal
[B] Lucknow
[C] Guwahati
[D] Rajkot
Correct Answer: A [Bhopal]
Answer Explanation:
Shivraj Singh Chouhan (the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh) and Rajeev Pratap
Rudy (the Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship) has
laid the foundation stone of the Indias biggest Global Skill Park in Bhopal, Madhya
Pradesh on July 3, 2017. As per reports, 37 acre land has been allotted in Narela
Shankari area of Bhopal for the Global Skill Park. The park will be constructed at a
cost of Rs 645 crore. Training will be imparted to 1000 students every year by
trainers of international standard. Trained students will be given placement in
India and outside India at international level. The park will function on the spirit of
With Industry -For Industry.
17. Who has become the first female Chief Executive of Hong Kong?
[A] Woo Kwok Tsang
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[B] Lili Voga

[C] Carrie Lam
[D] Chang Yuet-ngor
Correct Answer: C [Carrie Lam ]
Answer Explanation:
Carrie Lam has become the rst woman chief executive of Hong Kong on July 1,
2017 after winning the 2017 Chief Executive election. She is known as a tough
and eective enforcer. The Chief Executive of Hong Kong (CE) is the highest oce
of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Hong Kong is a special
administration region of China, which rules it under the one country, two
systems principle. Under the system, Hong Kong enjoys a degree of autonomy
and rights not seen in the mainland.
18. Indias tallest Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower will be operational at which
airport?
[A] Srinagar International Airport
[B] Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport
[C] Indira Gandhi International Airport
[D] Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
Correct Answer: C [Indira Gandhi International Airport]
Answer Explanation:
Indias tallest Air Trac Control (ATC) tower has installed at Indira?Gandhi
International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi. The new 101.9m ATC tower has built at a cost
of Rs 350 and is likely to start operations by December 2017. Once ready, it will
be the 7th tallest ATC tower in the world. The new ATC tower will have 21
controller positions with a 360 degree view at the visual control room and 12
ground controllers at the operational level. Also, this is for the rst time in the
country that Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) technology will be used to increase the
comfort of occupants and reduce building sway.
19. What is the Indias economic growth rate in terms of Gross Value Added
(GVA) in 2017-18, as per RBIs Financial Stability Report (FSR) June 2017?
[A] 7.1%
[B] 7.3%
[C] 7.5%
[D] 7.6%
Correct Answer: B [7.3%]
Answer Explanation:
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According to RBIs Financial Stability Report (FSR) June 2017, Indias economic
growth rate has forecasted at 7.3% in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA) in the
current scal year FY 2017-18. The report projected CPI ination to be in the
range of 2-3.5% in the rst half of the year and 3.5-4.5% in the second half. It
stated that Retail ination, excluding food and fuel that remained sticky during H2
of FY17 at around 4.9%, dipped to 4.3% in April and 4.2% in May 2017, largely
reecting the impact of decline in global crude oil prices on transport and
communication and moderate price pressures in services. The FSR reects the
overall assessment on the stability of Indias nancial system and its resilience to
risks emanating from global and domestic factors.
20. The World Sports Journalist Day (WSJD) is observed on which date?
[A] July 1
[B] July 3
[C] July 4
[D] July 2
Correct Answer: D [July 2]
Answer Explanation:
The World Sports Journalists Day (WSJD) is observed every year on July 2 to mark
the services of sports journalists for the promotion of sports. The purpose of the
day is to encouraged sports journalists to strive for excellence in their work and to
set an example to the world not only to the world of sport, but to the world at
large.
21. India has signed how much amount of loan agreement with ADB for
improving road connectivity and efficiency in Rajasthan?
[A] $220 million
[B] $470 million
[C] $350 million
[D] $185 million
Correct Answer: A [$220 million]
Answer Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) has signed a $220 million loan agreement with
Asian Development Bank (ADB) for improving road connectivity as well as
transport eciency and safety on state highways of Rajasthan. The loan is the
rst tranche of the 500 million dollar Rajasthan State Highways Investment
Program, approved by ADB Board in May 2017. The rst tranche loan will improve
about 1,000km of State Highways and major district roads. It will have a 25-year
term, including a grace period of 8 years, and carry an annual interest rate
determined in accordance with ADBs London interbank oered rate-based
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(LIBOR) lending facility. The total cost of the project is $1.415 billion, with the
government contributing $465 million and $450 million coming from the private
sector and other concessionaries.
22. The 2017 International Plastic Bag Free Day (IPBFD) is observed on which
date?
[A] July 2
[B] July 3
[C] July 4
[D] July 5
Correct Answer: B [July 3]
Answer Explanation:
The International Plastic Bag Free Day (IPBFD) is observed every year on July 3 to
highlight the need to phase-out plastic bags and to promote organic reusable
bags. The day signies the ability for the world to come together and create an
environment that is plastic free and educating individuals about current
alternatives to plastics and other wastes.
23. Who has become the first female Prime Minister of Serbia?
[A] Xavier Bettel
[B] Elio Di Rupo
[C] Calsi Vucic
[D] Ana Brnabic
Correct Answer: D [Ana Brnabic]
Answer Explanation:
Ana Brnabic, an independent politician, has become the rst openly gay person
and the rst female Prime Minister of Serbia. She succeeded Ivica Dacic on June
29, 2017. The role of the Prime Minister in Serbia is to direct the work of the
Government, and to submit to the National Assembly the Governments Program,
including a list of proposed ministers. The resignation of the Prime Minister will
cause the fall of the Government.
24. Who has become the first Indian to win in the FIA Formula 3
European?Championship?
[A] Narain Karthikeyan
[B] Ashwin Sundar
[C] Jehan Daruvala
[D] Karun Chandhok
Correct Answer: C [Jehan Daruvala]
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Answer Explanation:
Jehan Daruvala of Sahara Force India Academy has become the rst Indian driver
to win in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship in Race 3 at the Nuremberg
circuit on July 2, 2017. Jehans victory in race 3 comes 18 years after Narain
Karthikeyan won in the British F3 Championship. The 2.3-km Norisring is an
extremely fast and owing layout for a street circuit and mistakes are punished
by the concrete walls instead of tyre barriers. FIA Formula 3 is the toughest junior
racing category in the world.
25. What is the Indias rank in money hoarded in Swiss banks in 2016, as per
analysis by the Swiss National Bank (SNB)?
[A] 88th
[B] 75th
[C] 108th
[D] 96th
Correct Answer: A [88th]
Answer Explanation:
India has ranked 88th with 676 million Swiss francs (about Rs 4,500 crore) in
terms of money parked by its citizens with Swiss banks, according to an analysis
by the Swiss National Bank (SNB) for 2016-end. As per latest gures, the money
ocially held by Indians with banks in Switzerland now accounts for a meagre
0.04% of the total funds kept by all foreign clients in the Swiss banking system.
The SNBs ocial gures havent include the money that Indians, NRIs or others
might have in Swiss banks in the names of entities from dierent countries. The
United Kingdom (UK) has topped the list, followef by United States (US), West
Indies, France, Bahamas, Germany, Guernsey, ect.
26. Which Indian commodity exchange will merge with Indian Commodity
Exchange (ICEX)?
[A] Universal Commodity Exchange
[B] National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange
[C] National Multi-Commodity Exchange of India Ltd
[D] Multi Commodity Exchange
Correct Answer: C [National Multi-Commodity Exchange of India Ltd]
Answer Explanation:
The National Multi Commodity Exchange (NMCE) will merge with Indian
Commodity Exchange (ICEX) to create Indias third largest commodities
exchange. The merger, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be
completed by December 2017. ICEXs shareholders will hold a 62.8% stake in the
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merged entity while the balance will be held by shareholders of NMCE. The
proposed merger will oer a range of contracts including bullion, oil, rubber and
other agri-commodities. The exchange will also oer the worlds rst diamond
futures contract, which has already received in-principle approval from the
regulator. The NMCE is the Indias rst demutualised online national multi-
commodities exchange.
27. Which state government has launched G-Ride, a digital ride sharing app for
techies?
[A] Assam
[B] Kerala
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Answer Explanation:
Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala, has launched G-Ride, a digital ride
sharing app for techies. The app is specially designed and deployed for the IT
industry by the Group of Technology Companies (Gtech), the industry body of IT
companies in the state. The G-Ride app automatically matches co-workers and
neighbours and help them travel together to work. It is available in Android and
iOS versions.
28. Which Indian NGO has won the 2017 UNDP Equator Prize for sustainable
farming model?
[A] Save Life Foundation (SLF)
[B] Akanksha Public Charitable Trust (APCT)
[C] Child Rights and You (CRY)
[D] Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP)
Correct Answer: D [Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP)]
Answer Explanation:
Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP), a Pune-based NGO, has won the 2017 United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP)s Equator Prize for its women led
climate resilient agro-ecological farming model and innovative solutions in climate
resilient farming in the Marathwada region of India. The SSP is one of the 15
winners of Equator Prize 2017 by UNDP. The SSP has empowered 72,000 women
in the drought-prone state of Maharashtra to act as agricultural decision-makers,
improving their health, food security, and economic well-being.
29. Which city is hosting the 9th edition of Delhi Dialogue?
[A] New Delhi
164
[B] Jaipur
[C] Bhopal
[D] Agra
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Answer Explanation:
The 9th edition of Delhi Dialogue has started with theme ASEAN-India Relations:
Charting the Course for the Next 25 Years in New Delhi on July 4, 2017. It has
inaugurated and addressed by the Union External Aairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
In the two day dialogue, political leaders, policy makers, senior ocials,
diplomats, business leaders, think tanks and academicians from India and ASEAN
countries will participate in the discussions. It is a premier event to discuss
politico-security, economic and socio-cultural engagement between ASEAN and
India. This Dialogue has been held annually since 2009.
30. The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Goa
Correct Answer: C [Maharashtra ]
Answer Explanation:
The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is located at the Chandrapur district of
Maharashtra state. It is notable as Maharashtras oldest and largest national park.
The reserve is home to Bengal Tiger, Indian leopards, sloth bears, gaur, nilgai,
orange-headed thrush, Indian pitta, crested treeswift, etc. The TATR is one of
Indias 50 Project Tiger tiger reserves.
31. Which union minister has launched a month-long plantation drive to mark Van
Mahotsav-2017?
[A] Prakash Javadekar
[B] D. V. Sadananda Gowda
[C] Nitin Gadkari
[D] Harsh Vardhan
Correct Answer: D [Harsh Vardhan]
Answer Explanation:
Dr Harsh Vardhan, the union minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change,
has launched a month-long plantation drive to mark Van Mahotsav on July 5,
2017. Van Mahotsav is an annual tree-planting movement in India, which began in
1950. It is usually observed in the rst week of July every year and is celebrated
165
on dierent days in dierent parts of India. The purpose of the festival is to raise
the awareness of trees among people and to highlight the need for planting and
tending of trees as one of the best ways to prevent global warming and reduce
pollution.
32. Who has been appointed as the new Chairman of Indian Institute of
Management (IIM) Amritsar?
[A] Parimal Rai
[B] Santosh Kumar
[C] Sanjay Gupta
[D] V P Singh Badnore
Correct Answer: C [Sanjay Gupta]
Answer Explanation:
Sanjay Gupta, the CEO of Jagran Prakashan Ltd, has been appointed as the new
Chairman of the society and Board of Governors of the Indian Institute of
Management (IIM) Amritsar for a period of ve years w.e.f. June 23, 2017. He is
the Editor in Chief of Dainik Jagran since 2014 and has been associated with the
Jagran Group for more than two decades. Earlier, he also served as a member on
the board of governors of IIM Lucknow and of Motilal Nehru Institute of
Technology, Allahabad. He is also a member of the Shri Piran Chand Gupta
Samarak Trust which runs several colleges and schools across the country.
33. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved how much
amount of loan to build roads in Gujarat?
[A] $365 million
[B] $329 million
[C] $422 million
[D] $666 million
Correct Answer: B [$329 million ]
Answer Explanation:
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has recently approved $329
million loan to build access roads to 4,000 villages in all 33 districts of Gujarat.
This project will construct and upgrade district and farm-to-market roads for the
villagers and provide approaches to educational institutions, schools and
hospitals. The upgraded road access is expected to have a positive impact on
women and girls by improving school attendance rates as the latter drop out due
to lack of access to all weather roads. The project will also better integrate rural
population, tribal villages, business and industries with the national and state
economy through better transport connectivity. This is a standalone project by
166
AIIB and part of phase one of the multi-phase Gujarats Chief Ministers Rural
Roads Programme that complements the Centres Prime Ministers Rural Roads
Programme. To monitor the projects progress, the AIIB will pilot a software tool
specically developed for this. The AIIB is a multilateral development bank,
headquartered in Beijing, which commenced its operation in January 2016 and
has now grown to 80 approved members from around the world.
34. The 2017 Save Public Sector Banks Day (SPSBD) will be celebrated on which
date in India?
[A] July 19
[B] July 8
[C] July 15
[D] July 11
Correct Answer: A [July 19]
Answer Explanation:
The rst-ever Save Public Sector Banks Day (SPSBD) will be celebrated by the
United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) on July 19, 2017, the 48th anniversary of
nationalization of major banks in India. All members will wear a commemorative
badge on the day, display posters in front of all branches, distribute leaets and
hold rallies/demonstrations at all centers across the country. The Government of
India (GoI) issued an ordinance and nationalized the 14 largest commercial banks
with eect from the midnight of July 19, 1969.
35. Which state government has launched Elevate 100 scheme to identify and
nurture innovative start-ups?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Assam
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka ]
Answer Explanation:
The Karnataka Government has recently launched the Elevate 100 scheme to
identify and nurture innovative start-ups. The purpose of the scheme is to identify
100 most innovative start-ups in the state to elevate them to the next level of
success. The Elevate scheme is the brainchild of the start-up cell, Karnataka
Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS), to help start-ups
across the state succeed by providing them with access to mentors, networking
opportunities, and in-depth sessions for start-ups on accounting, and emerging
technologies.
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36. Who has been appointed as the new chief of the National Disaster Response
Force (NDRF)?
[A] P C Thakur
[B] RK Pachnanda
[C] Sanjay Kumar
[D] Kirti Shekhar
Correct Answer: C [Sanjay Kumar]
Answer Explanation:
Sanjay Kumar, the 1985-batch IPS ocer of Himachal Pradesh cadre, has been
appointed as the new Director General (DG) of National Disaster Response Force
(NDRF). He will succeed R K Pachnanda, who was has taken charge as DG the
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Prior to this appointment, he was director
general of police (DGP) in Himachal Pradesh. The NDRF has 12 battalions with a
strength of over 13,000 personnel. It is mandated to undertake special disaster
response and combat roles independently and also assist local authorities in
launching a quick rescue and response operation to save life and property.
37. The 2017 Indo-Thai joint military exercise Maitree has started in which
Indian state?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: A [Himachal Pradesh]
Answer Explanation:
The 15-day long annual joint military training exercise Ex-Maitree-2017 between
the Indian and Thai army has started from July 3, 2017 at Bakloh in Himachal
Pradesh. The aim of the joint military exercise is to build and promote bilateral
Army-to-Army relations and enhance inter-operability between the two armies.
Exercise Maitree 2017 is a continuation of a series of joint exercises between the
Indian Army and the Royal Thailand Army. The previous edition of the exercise
was held at Krabi in Thailand in 2016.
38. Which union misiter has launched MERIT app and e-bidding portal for
providing e-Bidding solution to States to select Independent Power Producers
(IPPs)?
[A] Jagat Prakash Nadda
[B] Piyush Goyal
[C] Kiren Rijiju
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[D] Anupriya Patel

Correct Answer: B [Piyush Goyal]
Answer Explanation:
Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable
Energy and Mines, has launched the Merit Order Despatch of Electricity for
Rejuvenation of Income and Transparency (MERIT) app and e-bidding portal for
providing e-Bidding solution to States to select Independent Power Producers
(IPPs) for procurement of power by transferring their domestic coal under the
scheme of exibility in utilization of domestic coal. This system will bring
transparency in states power distribution and sales and save Rs 20 thousand
crore in next 5 to 7 years.
39. The 2017 Dree festival has recently celebrated in which state of India?
[A] Tripura
[B] Manipur
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Mizoram
Correct Answer: C [Arunachal Pradesh]
Answer Explanation:
In Arunachal Pradesh, the most popular Dree festival of Apatani community has
celebrated across the State with traditional pomp and gaiety on July 5, 2017.
Through this festival, the Apatanis pray their traditional Gods to bring in a
bountiful harvest season along with defeat of destructive forces in the society.
The festival is marked by grand ritual and community feasts. Traditional songs
and dances are part of main attraction of the Dree.
40. The Wilpattu National Park (WNP) is located in which country?
[A] India
[B] Bhutan
[C] Maldives
[D] Sri Lanka
Correct Answer: D [Sri Lanka]
Answer Explanation:
The Wilpattu National Park (WNP) is the largest and one of the oldest National
Parks in Sri Lanka. The unique feature of this park is the existence of Willus
(Natural lakes) Natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that ll with
rainwater. The park is 1,317 square kilometers (131, 693 hectares) and ranges
from 0 to 152 meters above sea level. It is home to elephant, sloth bear, leopard,
water bualo, etc. The most common reptiles found in the park are the monitor
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lizard, mugger crocodile, common cobra, rat snake, Indian python, pond turtle,
etc. The best time to visit Wilpattu is during the months of February and October.
41. Which Indian city is hosting the International conference on sports CII
ScoreCard 2017?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Pune
[C] Jaipur
[D] Lucknow
Answer Explanation:
The 3rd edition of International conference on sports CII ScoreCard 2017 has
started at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi on July 6-7, 2017, which is organized by
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Sports. The CII SCORECARD 2017 oers a
unique platform for corporates and entrepreneurs to come together to network
and form collaborations with management organizations, educational institutes,
infrastructure companies, marketing, advertising, brand managers and
manufacturers in sports domain. The focus areas of the conference are sports
education, channeling CSR funds, building robust sports ecosystem, enhancing
business opportunities and career & livelihood opportunities in sports.
42. Which Indian athlete was the flag bearer for the Indian contingent in the
22nd Asian Athletics Championship (AAC)-2017?
[A] Jitu Rai
[B] Tintu Luka
[C] Srabani Nanda
[D] Dipa Karmakar
Correct Answer: B [Tintu Luka]
Answer Explanation:
The 22nd edition of Asian Athletics Championships (AAC) has started at Kalinga
Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on July 6, 2017 and will continue till July 9, 2017.
Athlete Tintu Luka was the ag bearer for the Indian contingent which received a
rousing welcome from the crowd. Odia athlete Srabani Nanda had the honour of
taking the oath on behalf of athletes at the inaugural ceremony. Over 1,200
athletes and ocials from 43 countries in Asia witnessed the largest sporting
event. The ocial mascot of the Championship is Olly Turtle that represents the
famous Olive Ridley sea turtle.
43. Which state government has signed an Expression of Intent (EOI) with IAAF
and Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to establish a High Performance
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Academy?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Punjab
[C] Odisha
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: C [Odisha ]
Answer Explanation:
The Odisha government has signed an Expression of Intent (EOI) with the
International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Athletics Federation
of India (AFI) to establish a High Performance Academy in Bhubaneswar on July 6,
2017. The EOI was signed by Sports Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev and AFI
president Adille Sumariwala and IAAF president Lord Sebastian Coe in the
presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. As per the agreement, the Union
Sports Ministry will provide coaching, integrated support services and education
to athletes. The State Sports and Youth Services Department will provide funds
and make sure availability of necessary infrastructure and support services,
including an outdoor stadium. Besides, the IAAF will assist in educating elite
coaches and provide specialists.
44. Which countrys team has won the 2017 Asian Team Snooker Championship?
[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Malaysia
Correct Answer: C [India]
Answer Explanation:
Indias leading cueist Pankaj Advani teamed up with Laxman Rawat to demolish
Pakistan in the nal of the Asian Team Snooker Championship by 3-0 in Bishskek,
Kyrgyszstan on July 5, 2017. With the title and the win in the nal, Advani
remained the only player not to lose a single individual match in the team event.
This title brings up Advanis second Asian title this season and 8th overall while it
was a rst major rst international title for Rawat.
45. Who is the newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)?
[A] V S Sampath
[B] Om Prakash Rawat
[C] H S Brahma
[D] Achal Kumar Jyoti
Correct Answer: D [Achal Kumar Jyoti]
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Answer Explanation:
Achal Kumar Jyoti (64), a retired 1975 IAS Ocer batch of Gujarat Cadre, is the
newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), who took over as the head of
the Election Commission in New Delhi on today. He succeeded Dr Nasim Zaidi.
Jyoti will continue as the Chief Election Commissioner till January 17, 2018. Prior
to this appointment, he was Election Commissioner of India. A CEC or an EC can
have a tenure of six years or hold oce till the age of 65 years, whichever is
earlier.
46. Which city is hosting the 12th edition of G-20 Summit 2017?
[A] Hamburg
[B] Berlin
[C] Frankfurt
[D] Stuttgart
Correct Answer: A [Hamburg]
Answer Explanation:
The 12th edition of G20 summit will be held at Hamburg in Germany on July 7,
2017 with theme Shaping an interconnected world. In the 2-day summit, from
India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the Indian Delegation at the G20
meet with a rm message on the global menace of terrorism. The G20 countries
account for more than four-fths of Gross world product and three-quarters of
global trade. They are home to almost two-thirds of the worlds population. In that
context expectations are always high from a G20 summit. The G20 is an
international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 20
major economies with the aim of studying, reviewing and promoting high-level
discussion of policy issues pertaining to the promotion of international nancial
stability.
47. Who will become the new Ambassador of India to the Republic of Indonesia?
[A] Hemalata C. Bhagirath
[B] Gurjit Singh
[C] Gautam Mukhopadhaya
[D] Pradeep Kumar Rawat
Correct Answer: D [Pradeep Kumar Rawat]
Answer Explanation:
Pradeep Kumar Rawat, the IFS ocer of 1990 batch, has been appointed as the
new Ambassador of India to Indonesia. Presently, he is the joint secretary in the
Ministry of External Aairs (MEA). He will succeed Nengcha Lhouvum
Mukhopadhaya.
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48. Which country is hosting the 7th edition of BRICS Health Ministers
Meeting-2017?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] South Africa
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: A [China]
Answer Explanation:
The 7th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Health Ministers
Meeting has started in Tianjin, China on July 6, 2017 with focus on international
cooperation on the development of traditional medicine. From India, Jagat Prakash
Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, has highlighted the
achievements of India in the health sector and spoke on the theme Strengthen
Health System and Achieve Health-Related SDGs in the meeting. In the 2-day
meet, About 300 delegates, including health ministers of BRICS nations ,
international organizations, etc., are participating.
49. The Guindy National Park (GNP) is located in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Answer Explanation:
The Guindy National Park (GNP) is the 8th smallest National Park of India, located
at Chennai in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the very few national parks situated inside a
city. The park has a role in both ex-situ and in-situ conservation and is home to
400 blackbucks, 2,000 spotted deers, 24 jackals, a wide variety of snakes, geckos,
tortoises and over 130 species of birds, 14 species of mammals, over 60 species
of butteries and spiders each, a wealth of dierent invertebratesgrasshoppers,
ants, termites, crabs, snails, slugs, scorpions, mites, earthworms, millipedes, and
the like. These are free-ranging fauna and live with the minimal of interference
from human beings.
50. Which Indian Institute has been ranked 2nd in the 2016 ICCG Top Climate
Think Tanks in the Rest of the World Absolute Ranking?
[A] All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH)
[B] Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS)
[C] Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM)
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[D] The Energy Resources Institute (TERI)

Correct Answer: D [The Energy Resources Institute (TERI)]
Answer Explanation:
The Energy Resources Institute (TERI) has been ranked 2nd among best climate
think tank in the world. The rankings were released by the International Centre for
Climate Governance (ICCG), which focuses on the design of climate policy and
related governance issues. The New Delhi-based think tank TERI was ranked
under the category 2016 Top Climate Think Tanks in the Rest of the World
Absolute Global Rankings during ICCGs 23rd annual conference of the European
Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (EAERE) in Athens in
Greece. TERI conducts research for the sustainable development of India. The
ICCG ranking helps highlight the scale and magnitude of work done by the think
tanks working in the eld of climate change.
51. What is the Indias rank in the 2017 Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI)?
[A] 31st
[B] 11th
[C] 42nd
[D] 23rd
Correct Answer: D [23rd]
Answer Explanation:
India has been ranked 23rd out of 165 nations in the 2017 Global Cybersecurity
Index (GCI), which is released by the UN telecommunications agency International
Telecommunication Union (ITU). The index measures the commitment of nations
across the globe to ensuring cybersecurity to their digital systems. India is ranked
23rd on the index with a score of 0.683 and has been listed in the maturing
category, which refers to 77 countries that have developed complex
commitments to cybersecurity and engage in cybersecurity programmes and
initiatives. The index has been topped by Singapore with a 0.925 score. The top
10 most committed countries to cybersecurity are Singapore, United States,
Malaysia, Oman, Estonia, Mauritius, Australia, Georgia, France and Canada. Russia
is ranked 11th.
52. Govindan Laxman, who has won gold at the 2017 Asian Athletics
Championships (AAC), is associated with which sports?
[A] Javelin throw
[B] Discuss throw
[C] Sprint
[D] Shotput
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Correct Answer: C [Sprint]

Answer Explanation:
The host nation India bagged 7 medals including two gold to sit atop the medal
tally on the day one of the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships at Kalinga
Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on July 6, 2017. Long distance runner Govindan
Laxman has won gold in mens 5000m race, while Manpreet Kaur won gold medal
with a career second best throw of 18.28m in the womens shotput event. V
Neena and Nayan James bagged a silver and bronze in womens long jump while
Vikas Gowda, Sanjivini Yadav, Annu Rani added a bronze each in the mens discus
throw, womens 5000m race and javelin throw respectively. The Asian
Championships winner gets automatic berth for the World Championships to be
held in London in August 2017.
53. Who is the newly appointed Chairman of IIT-Kharagpur?
[A] Dipanwita Roy Chowdhury
[B] Sanjiv Goenka
[C] Jai Pal Mittal
[D] N Balakrishnan
Correct Answer: B [Sanjiv Goenka]
Answer Explanation:
Sanjiv Goenka, the Chairman of RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, has been selected as
the Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT-Kharagpur. He will be Chairman for
three years. The Board of Governors is the highest administrative body
comprising eminent panel of external representatives that include Arundhati
Bhattacharya, Chairperson, State Bank of India; Sudha N Murty, Chairperson,
Infosys Foundation; N Balakrishnan, IISc Bangalore and Jai Pal Mittal, M N Saha
Distinguished Professor (NASI).
54. The student scientist connect program Jigyasa has officially launched in
which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Lucknow
[C] Guwahati
[D] Kolkata
Answer Explanation:
The Union Government has ocially launched a student- scientist connect
programme Jigyasa in New Delhi to develop interest among students to pursue
science. The Council of Scientic and Industrial Research (CSIR) has joined hands
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with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) to implement this programme. The

programme is expected to connect 1151 Kendriya Vidyalayas with 38 National
Laboratories of CSIR targeting 100,000 students and nearly 1000 teachers
annually. It will also enable the students and teachers to practically live the
theoretical concepts taught in science by visiting CSIR laboratories and by
participating in mini-science projects. The model of engagement includes student
residential programmes, scientists as teachers and teachers as scientists, popular
lecture series/demonstration programme at Schools and student apprenticeship
programmes among others.
55. Indias first university only for Dalit students will come up in which city?
[A] Kochi
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Udaipur
[D] Bhopal
Correct Answer: B [Hyderabad ]
Answer Explanation:
Indias rst university only for Dalit students will come up in Hyderabad by 2018
as part of the Telangana governments policy of free education to students from
weaker sections from kindergarten to post-graduation (KG to PG) level. The
proposal was mooted by a government arm, Telangana Social Welfare Residential
Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS), which runs nearly 268 residential
institutions for Dalit students from class 5 to under-graduate level. The purpose of
establishing an exclusive university for Dalit students is to provide them a
comprehensive education, so that they would come out as complete and
knowledgeable citizens.
56. What is the Indias GDP growth forecast for FY 18, as per latest report by
BMI Research?
[A] 7.1%
[B] 7.6%
[C] 6.9%
[D] 7.0%
Correct Answer: C [6.9%]
Answer Explanation:
According to the latest report of BMI Research, Indias Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) growth is expected to grow at 6.9% for FY 18 (2017-18). As per report,
Indias growth is expected to pick up following the negative ramications from the
demonetisation drive in November 2016, but weak public banks will likely cap the
recovery. The Fitch Group company noted that the negative eects from the
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demonetisation measure is already wearing o, and the Indian economy will likely
benet from positive demographic trends, greater external stability (due to
improved terms of trade from lower oil prices), and continued reforms that should
help to improve the countrys admittedly poor business environment. However,
the report noted that the public banking sector is still weak and plagued with
mounting non-performing assets and it is likely to weigh on Indias growth
potential.
57. Indus OS has partnered with which Indian Bank to launch an OS-integrated
UPI payment platform?
[A] Dena Bank
[B] State Bank of India (SBI)
[C] Punjab National Bank (PNB)
[D] YES Bank
Correct Answer: D [YES Bank]
Answer Explanation:
Indus OS, the domestic android-based mobile operating system, has partnered
with YES Bank to launch an OS-integrated UPI payment platform in India. Through
this partnership, Indian users with Indus OS will be able to use this UPI payment
platform on SMS/ messaging, dialler interface and on third party apps like
WhatsApp. The platform is expected to launch in this quarter.
58. The 2017 Malabar trilateral naval exercise has started between India and
which of the following countries?
[A] Japan and Russia
[B] United States and Japan
[C] United States and Russia
[D] Russia and Germany
Correct Answer: B [United States and Japan ]
Answer Explanation:
The 2017 Malabar trilateral naval exercise has started between India, United
States and Japan in the Bay of Bengal from July 7-17, 2017 to address the variety
of shared threats to maritime security in the Indo-Asia Pacic. The exercise will
feature both ashore and at-sea training. The at-sea portions will be conducted in
the Bay of Bengal and are designed to advance participating nations military-to-
military coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations in a
multinational environment. The Ashore training will include exchanges on carrier
strike group operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, surface
and anti-submarine warfare, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and visit, board,
177
search and seizure (VBSS) operations in Chennai.

59. Who lead the Indian delegation in the 5th edition of BRICS Education
Ministers Meeting-2017?
[A] Prakash Javadekar
[B] Narendra Modi
[C] Sushma Swaraj
[D] Arun Jaitley
Correct Answer: A [Prakash Javadekar]
Answer Explanation:
The 5th edition of BRICS Education Ministers Meeting-2017 was held on July 5,
2017 at Beijing, China. The Indian delegation was led by Prakash Javadekar, the
Union Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD). Minister Javadekar
specically spoke about the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF),
SWAYAM platform which has already hosted over 480 courses online, research
initiative IMPRINT and Smart India Hackathon. The delegation of all the ve BRICS
countries participated in the two-day deliberations.
60. The Karian Shola National Park (KSNP) is located in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Odisha
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: D [Tamil Nadu]
Answer Explanation:
The Karian Shola National Park (KSNP) is is located at the southern end of the
Western Ghats, in the Anaimalai Hills in Tamil Nadu. The park consists of areas of
stunted, mossy rainforests known as shola forests interspersed with rolling
montane grassland with towering rocky clis, making it a biologically unique
ecosystem. It is home to about 560 to 680 species of animal such as Nilgiri tahr,
Asian elephant, deer, wild boar, tiger, leopard , etc.
61. Which Indian city has been declared as a World Heritage City (WHC) by
UNESCO?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Ahmedabad
[C] New Delhi
[D] Kolkata
Correct Answer: B [Ahmedabad ]
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Answer Explanation:
The Ahmedabad city has been declared as a World Heritage City (WHC) at the
41st session of UNESCOs world heritage committee at Krakow in Poland. With
this, the 606-year-old walled city of Ahmedabad, which was founded by Sultan
Ahmed Shah, has become Indias rst World Heritage City. The city was also the
center for Indias non-violent freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi. The
walled city has 26 ASI-protected structures, hundreds of pols that capture the
essence of community living and numerous sites associated with Mahatma
Gandhi who lived here from 1915 to 1930. The Ahmedabad city has also stood for
unity with its elegant carvings in its Hindu and Jain temples as well as standing as
one of the nest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture and Hindu Muslim art.
Now, Ahmedabad will join the world heritage cities like Paris, Cairo and Edinburgh.
Out of total 287 world heritage cities across the globe, there were only two cities
in the Indian subcontinent- Bhaktpur in Nepal and Galle in Sri Lanka. The UNESCO
tag will add immense value to Ahmedabad city which will also boost tourism.
62. Which Indian music composer has been shortlisted for the 2017 World
Soundtrack Awards a public choice award?
[A] Ismail Darbar
[B] Hridaynath Mangeshkar
[C] Ilaiyaraaja
[D] A R Rahman
Correct Answer: D [A R Rahman]
Answer Explanation:
A.R.Rahman, the Oscar winning Indian music composer, has been shortlisted for
the 2017 World Soundtrack Awards a public choice award for his music in the
lm Viceroys House. Gurinder Chadha, a British lmmaker of Sikh origin has
directed Viceroys House. The lm features Huma Qureshi, Downton Abbey star
Hugh Bonneville, Gillian Anderson and late actor Om Puri. It will release in India on
August 18, 2018. For this award, all soundtrack and lm music fans globally can
cast their vote for what they nd the nest soundtrack in the past one year. The
soundtrack that gets the highest number of votes will be given the World
Soundtrack Public Choice Award 2017.
63. Which Indian-origin personality has been honoured with the highest civilian
award Order of Australia in Australia for community work?
[A] Gurinder Chadha
[B] Uttam Singh
[C] Guruswamy Jayraman
[D] Tej K Bhatia
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Correct Answer: C [Guruswamy Jayraman]

Answer Explanation:
Guruswamy Jayraman, a 69-year-old Indian-origin Glenwood resident, has been
honoured with the highest civilian award Order of Australia in Australia for
community work, the highest civilian award in Australia. He works as a senior
accountant with Woollahra Municipal Council for a living and has been devoting
most of his spare time in community work for the last 25 years. He has
represented various community organisations like Auburn Diversity Services,
Hindu Council of Australia, Sri Om Adi Sakhi Ashram, Sewa International Australia,
etc. Jayraman migrated from Delhi to Australia in 1991.
64. Which city hosted the first edition of WINGS 2017 Sab Uden, Sab Juden to
expand regional connectivity?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Kanpur
[C] Indore
[D] Agartala
Answer Explanation:
The First edition of WINGS 2017 Sab Uden, Sab Juden- Expanding Regional
Connectivity was hosted in New Delhi on July 7, 2017 by the Ministry of Civil
Aviation. The event saw participation from 28 States and Union Territories and out
of this 19 states and Union Territory made presentation emphasizing the
incentives or special packages to the airlines other than the support oered by
Government of India under RCS- UDAN. This event brought together the key
stakeholders of the Aviation Sector such as States, Tourism Departments and
Tour Operators as a Group representing airline consumers to facilitate interaction
with various airlines, airport operators, cargo operators and other ecosystem
players at a common forum.
65. Which city to host the 2017 World Food India (WFI)?
[A] Kochi
[B] New Delhi
[C] Chandigarh
[D] Surat
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Answer Explanation:
The global food fair World Food India 2017 will be organised by the Union Food
Processing ministry in New Delhi on November 3-5, 2017 to boost food sector. For
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the global food fair, the Union ministry of Food Processing has organised a
roadshow in Chandigarh to provide a platform to Indian farmers and
manufacturers to showcase their products and explore partnerships with foreign
companies. More than 10 states and all leading giants from India and abroad in
food processing, food technology, technology and equipment players, cold chains,
food retailers will be present at World Food India.
66. Saima Wazed Hossain has been appointed as WHO goodwill ambassador for
Autism in South-East Asia Region. She hails from which country?
[A] Pakistan
[B] Israel
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Iran
Correct Answer: C [Bangladesh]
Answer Explanation:
Saima Wazed Hossain, a globally renowned Bangladeshi champion for the cause
of autism spectrum disorder, has been appointed as WHO Goodwill Ambassador
for Autism in South-East Asia Region for two-years. As a WHO Goodwill
Ambassador, she will create awareness and generating action to address and
elevate suerings of people aected by autism in the region. Ms Saima is the
daughter of Bangladeshs Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She is a member of World
Health Organizations 25-member Expert Advisory Panel on mental health.
Globally, autism prevalence rates are estimated to be 160 cases in a population of
10 000. In low-and middle-income countries, children with autism do not get the
medical attention and care they need. Their life is a struggle, marred by stigma
and discrimination.
67. Which country to host 2017 World Petroleum Congress (WPC) International
Conference?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Brazil
[D] Turkey
Correct Answer: D [Turkey ]
Answer Explanation:
The 22nd World Petroleum Congress (WPC) International Conference will takes
place in Istanbul, Turkey from July 10 12, 2017. Dharmendra Pradhan Minister of
State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, will represent India in the conference.
The tri-annual WPC Conference is widely recognized as the `Olympics` of the oil
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and gas industry. It attracts Ministers, CEOs of Oil and Gas MNCs, experts and
academics from the hydrocarbon sectors and provides an ideal forum to showcase
potential of Indias hydrocarbon sector, highlight the recent policy reforms to
international investors and interact with policy makers, technologists, scientists,
planners and management experts, entrepreneurs, service providers and vendors
in order to attract foreign investments into Indias growing oil and gas sector.
68. Who has clinched the 2017 South Australian Open Squash tournament?
[A] Saurav Ghosal
[B] Piedro Schweertman
[C] Rhys Dowling
[D] Harinder Pal Sandhu
Correct Answer: D [Harinder Pal Sandhu]
Answer Explanation:
Harinder Pal Sandhu from India has won the South Australian Open squash title by
defeating Rhys Dowling in the nal by 11-8, 12-10, 11-4 at Adelaide, Australia. It
is Sandhus eighth career title at the PSA level.
69. Mohammad Anas, who has won gold at the 2017 Asian Athletics
Championships (AAC), is associated with which sports?
[A] Sprint
[B] Shotput
[C] Discuss throw
[D] Javelin throw
Correct Answer: A [Sprint]
Answer Explanation:
Indian athletes, Mohammad Anas and Nirmala Sheoran have won the gold medal
in the mens and womens 400 metres athletics event on the second day of the
2017 Asian Athletics Championships at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
In the 1500 m race, it was Chitra PU?and Ajay Kumar Saroj who bagged the other
two gold medals for India. The other medal winners on the second day included
Rajiv Arokia (silver), Jisna Mathew (bronze), Tejinder Pal Singh Toor (silver) and
Dutee Chand (bronze).
70. Which union minister has launched GST Rates Finder app to verify accurate
tax rate under GST regime?
[A] Ravi Shankar Prasad
[B] Narendra Modi
[C] Arun Jaitley
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[D] M Venkaiah Naidu

Correct Answer: C [Arun Jaitley]
Answer Explanation:
The Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has launched an app GST Rates Finder in
New Delhi to verify the accurate tax rate on commodity and services under the
Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. Through this app, user can determine GST
rate by entering the name of the commodity or service. The search result will list
all the Goods and Services containing the name which was typed in the search
box. A taxpayer can search for applicable CGST, SGST, UTGST rate and
Compensation Cess on a supply. This mobile app can be downloaded on any
smart phone and can work in oine mode, once downloaded. The application has
been launched on Android platform, and will soon be available on iOS platform.
The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has also provided a GST rate
nder on its portal cbec-gst.gov.in to help taxpayers know applicable GST rate
on their supplies
71. Which city is hosting the National Conference of NITI Aayog?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Ahmedabad
[C] Kanpur
[D] Indore
Answer Explanation:
The day-long National Conference of Chief Secretaries of States and Union
Territories organised by NITI Aayog has started in New Delhi on July 10, 2017 to
further the spirit of cooperative and competitive federalism. The focus of the
conference is on best practices in social and economic sectors across states.
Various developmental indicators developed by NITI Aayog, in areas like health,
education, water management and digital transformation are being discussed.
The idea is to measure performance and progress of states and rank them
appropriately to instill healthy competition among them. In addition several
interactive sessions on issues including agriculture and health are also on the
agenda.
72. Who has become first Indian to finish toughest cycle race Race Across
America (RAAM) in solo category?
[A] Varun Singh Bhati
[B] Srinivas Gokulnath
[C] Mariyappan Thangavelu
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[D] Deepa Malik

Correct Answer: B [Srinivas Gokulnath]
Answer Explanation:
Lt Col Srinivas Gokulnath has the rst Indian to complete the 4,900 kilometre
Race Across America (RAAM) in solo category, which is the toughest cycle race in
the world. He completed the race in eleven days, 18 hours and 45 minutes, which
begin from California. Lt Gokulnath stated that his postings at Siachen Base Camp
and at 15,000 feet on the Uri mountains helped him achieve the feat of nishing
the race. A solo rider has 12 days to nish the race and has to ride over 400
kilometres a day to nish it in given time. Sleep is for under 3-hours a day.
73. Who has been appointed as the head of the Indian consulate in New York?
[A] Devendra Jhajharia
[B] Geeta Malik
[C] Sandeep Chakravorty
[D] Riva Ganguly Das
Correct Answer: C [Sandeep Chakravorty]
Answer Explanation:
Sandeep Chakravorty, the 1976-batch IFS ocer, has been appointed as the head
of the Indian consulate in New York. He will succeed Riva Ganguly Das as Consul
General in one of the busiest Indian diplomatic missions overseas. Currently, he is
Ambassador to Peru and Bolivia.
74. Who is the newly elected President of Mongolia?
[A] Sainkhuugiin Ganbaatar
[B] Miyeegombyn Enkhbold
[C] Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj
[D] Khaltmaagiin Battulga
Correct Answer: D [Khaltmaagiin Battulga]
Answer Explanation:
Khaltmaagiin Battulga, the leader of Democratic Party (DP), has won the 2017
Mongolian presidential election by 50.6% votes & has taken oce on July 10,
2017. Mongolia is a semi-presidential representative democratic republic, where
the President is directly elected. The government is run by a prime minister, but
the president has powers to veto legislation and make judicial appointments. The
President of Mongolia is elected using the two-round system. Here, the Judiciary is
independent of the executive and the legislature.
75. Sumita Sanyal, who passed away recently, was associated to which field?
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[A] Journalism
[B] Politics
[C] Law
[D] Film Industry
Correct Answer: D [Film Industry]
Answer Explanation:
Sumita Sanyal (71), the veteran Bengali actress, has passed away at her
residence in Kolkata, West Bengal. She has worked in around 50 Bengali lms and
was also part of Hindi lms like Guddi, Mili, Aashirwad and Mere Apne. Apart from
her brilliant contribution to Bengali cinema, she is best known for co-starring with
with Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna in 1970 movie Anand. She also
worked with Dilip Kumar in Sagina Mahato (Bengali lm) and with Biswajit and
Sandhya Roy in Kuheli (Bengali lm).
76. Which steel firm has won the Prime Ministers trophy for Best Performing
Integrated Steel Plant in 2015-16?
[A] Bhilai Steel Plant of SAIL
[B] Tata Steel Ltd
[C] Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd
[D] JSW Steel Ltd
Correct Answer: B [Tata Steel Ltd]
Answer Explanation:
Tata Steel Ltd. (TISCO) has won the Prime Ministers trophy for Best Performing
Integrated Steel Plant in India during 2014-2015 and 2015- 16. This makes it the
third consecutive-year for the rm to be honoured with this coveted award. Tata
Steel has been recognised as the best integrated steel plant for 12 times and has
won the PMs Trophy 10 times. The Tata Steel Group is among the top 10 global
steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 27.5 million tonnes per
annum (MTPA) as on March 31, 2017. It is the worlds second-most geographically
diversied steel producer, with operations in 26 countries and a commercial
presence in over 50 countries.
77. Who is the newly appointed director-general of the Directorate of Revenue
Intelligence (DRI)?
[A] Girraj Singh
[B] Nitin Veer Das
[C] Debi Prasad Dash
[D] J J Mohan Lal
Correct Answer: C [Debi Prasad Dash]
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Answer Explanation:
Debi Prasad Dash, a 1985-batch Indian Revenue Service (customs) ocer, has
taken over as director-general of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the
premier agency that tackles smuggling and black money. Dash was the acting DRI
chief for the past 5-months. Earlier, he has worked in the UN Security Council,
Commonwealth Secretariat and the CBI. The DRI is the major intelligence agency
that works to secure Indias national and economic security by preventing the
outright smuggling of contraband such as rearms, gold, narcotics, Fake Indian
Currency notes, antiques, wildlife and environmental products. Furthermore, it
also works to prevent the proliferation of black money, commercial frauds and
trade based money laundering. The headquarters of DRI is located in New Delhi.
78. Which IIT institute hosted the 2017 International Conference on Financial
Markets and Corporate Finance?
[A] IIT Bombay
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Indore
[D] IIT Kharagpur
Correct Answer: D [IIT Kharagpur ]
Answer Explanation:
The 2017 International Conference on Financial Markets and Corporate Finance
was held at Vinod Gupta School of Management in IIT Kharagpur on July 7, 2017.
The 2-day was Conference was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for
Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman. The purpose of the annual
conference is to provide a forum to showcase cutting edge research in the areas
of nancial markets and corporate nance. This conference saw submission of
some 75 research papers and brought together researchers from academia,
industry and regulatory organizations to deliberate on theoretical work, empirical
ndings and policy implications related to nancial market microstructure and
challenges in corporate nance.
79. Sudha Singh, who has won gold at the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships
(AAC), is associated with which sports?
[A] Shotput
[B] Javelin throw
[C] Steeplechase
[D] Hammer throw
Correct Answer: C [Steeplechase]
Answer Explanation:
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Sudha Singh has won gold in the womens 3000 metres steeplechase with a time
of 9 minutes and 59.47 seconds at the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships in
Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Apart from her, Purnima Hembram from Odisha won gold
in the womens Heptathlon shot put, while world junior record holder javelin
thrower Neeraj Chopra clinched the gold with a nal throw of 85.23 metres. On
the nal day of competitions, India clinched ve gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze. With
that, India ended the championships on top with a haul of 29 medals which
included 12 gold, 5 silver and 12 bronze. Therefore, India topped medal tally for
rst time in Asian Athletics Championships history. Earlier, Indias best came way
back in the 1985 Jakarta edition where they had won 22 medals which included 10
gold, 5 silver, seven bronze.
80. Who is the newly elected president of the National Rifle Association of India
(NRAI)?
[A] DV Seetharama Rao
[B] Karan Kumar
[C] Shyam Singh Yadav
[D] Raninder Singh
Correct Answer: D [Raninder Singh]
Answer Explanation:
Raninder Singh, an active trap shooter, has been re-elected as president of the
National Rie Association of India (NRAI) for a four-year term in Mohali. He is the
son of Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. The NRAI is associated with
International Shooting Sports Federation, Asian Shooting Confederation,
Commonwealth Shooting Federation, South Asian Shooting Confederation and
Indian Olympic Association.
81. Which country is hosting the 2017 SAARC Ministers of Law and Order
(Interior/ Home Affairs) meeting?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Bangladesh
[C] India
[D] Nepal
Correct Answer: A [Sri Lanka]
Answer Explanation:
The 8th edition of the SAARC Ministers of Law and Order (Interior/ Home Aairs)
has started in Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 11, 2017. The 3-day meeting will focus
on the issue of tackling terrorism apart from discussing liberalization of visa,
illegal tracking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and small arms.
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Indian side is being led by a senior ocial in Ministry of Home aairs (MHA).
82. Which union minister has launched a new tax payer service module Aaykar
Setu?
[A] Sushma Swaraj
[B] Arun Jaitley
[C] Nitin Gadkari
[D] Ravi Shankar Prasad
Correct Answer: B [Arun Jaitley]
Answer Explanation:
Arun Jaitley, the Union Finance Minister, has launched a new tax payer service
module Aaykar Setu in New Delhi on July 10, 2017 that compiles various tax
tools, live chat facility, dynamic updates and important links to various processes
within the Income Tax Department in a single module. This e-initiative would not
only provide better taxpayer services but would also help in reducing the direct
physical interface between assesses and tax assessing authorities.
83. Which state government has signed MoU with Union Ministry of Health to set
up Centre of Excellence in Transfusion Medicine?
[A] Kerala
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] West Bengal
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: C [West Bengal]
Answer Explanation:
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Government of West Bengal to formalize its support to
set up a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Transfusion Medicine, also known
as Metro Blood Bank, at Kolkata. The Centre has approved an outlay of about Rs
200 crores for this venture towards equipment, manpower and running costs. The
land for this initiative will be provided free of cost by the State government. The
move intends to strengthen the blood transfusion services in the State and the
surrounding region. The Metro Blood Bank Project is conceived to be a Central
Sector Scheme of the Health Ministry to set up state-of-the-art Centres of
Excellence in transfusion medicine in the four metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai,
Chennai and Kolkata. These centres are high volume blood collection centres
where there is state-of-the-art technology in transfusion medicine for component
separation, processing of blood and quality systems. Under the rst phase, these
facilities would come up in Chennai and Kolkata and the Centre has given its
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approval.
84. Mangesh Tendulkar, the renowned cartoonist has passed away. He hailed
from which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: D [Maharashtra]
Answer Explanation:
Mangesh Tendulkar (82), the renowned cartoonist, has passed away in Pune,
Maharashtra. His cartoons especially about government oces and on trac rules
were famous. He often used satire in his cartoons to give social messages and
even called himself a satirist (vyang chitrakar). He was conferred with the
presidents medal in 1980, Marathi Natya Parishad Award in 1993 and Pulotsav
award in 2003 among several other honours.
85. What is the theme of the 2017 World Population Day (WPD)?
[A] Be counted: say what you need
[B] Investing in teenage girls
[C] Vulnerable populations in emergencies
[D] Family Planning- Empowering People, Developing Nations
Correct Answer: D [Family Planning- Empowering People, Developing Nations]
Answer Explanation:
The World Population Day (WPD) is observed every year on July 11 to increase the
awareness of the people towards the worldwide population issues. The 2017
theme is Family Planning- Empowering People, Developing Nations. Family
planning allows people to attain their desired number of children and determine
the spacing of pregnancies. The world population has grown tremendously over
the past years. It should be noted that China has the highest population in the
world and India stood at second.
86. Which company has been conferred with the Golden Peacock Environment
Management Award (GPEMA)?
[A] Danfoss India
[B] Vedanta Limited
[C] Wipro Ltd
[D] Bharti Airtel
Correct Answer: A [Danfoss India]
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Answer Explanation:
Danfoss India, the Climate and energy eciency solutions company, has been
conferred with the Golden Peacock Award for Environment Management at the
19th World Congress on Environment Management in Hyderabad. The company
has been recognized for its LEED Platinum rated constructed manufacturing
facility in Chennai. Recently, the Danfoss manufacturing facility at Oragadam near
Chennai was conferred with a LEED Platinum rated certication for its green and
sustainable setup, which includes a 1 MW solar power plant, a bio-gas plant, Zero
Liquid Discharge Waste Water Treatment plant, Rain Water Harvesting Pond,
energy ecient xtures, carbon foot print reduction initiatives, extensive green
cover at Campus among others.
87. Which country is hosting the 2017 Family Planning Summit (FPS)?
[A] India
[B] United Kingdom
[C] Japan
[D] China
Correct Answer: B [United Kingdom]
Answer Explanation:
The 2017 Family Planning Summit (FPS) has started in London, United Kingdom
(UK) on July 11, 2017 to discuss eorts to reach Family Planning 2020 goals and
ensure that more women and girls around the world are able to plan their families
and their futures. The summit has been organized by the UNFPA, the United
Kingdom and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It is taking place on 11 July,
which is World Population Day (WPD), a day to focus attention on population
issues, including family planning. The event will focus on four key issues:
innovative nancing models for procuring and delivering high-quality
contraceptives; strengthening supply chains and expanding the range of
contraceptives available to women; empowering young people with access to
family planning information and care; and reaching the hardest to reach, such as
women in humanitarian crises or facing cultural barriers.
88. Who has been appointed as new Director General of Goods and Services Tax
Intelligence (DG GSTI)?
[A] Debi Prasad Dash
[B] R K Mahajan
[C] John Joseph
[D] K L Khan
Correct Answer: C [John Joseph]
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Answer Explanation:
Dr John Joseph, a 1983 batch ocer of Indian Revenue Service (Customs and
Central Excise), has been appointed Director General of Goods and Services Tax
Intelligence (DG GSTI). He is at present posted in Mumbai and expected to take
the new charge soon. The post of chief of central excise intelligence (now GST
intelligence) was lying vacant for over a month after R K Mahajan took charge as
Member, Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC). Mahajan has been given
the additional charge of the DG GSTI till the joining of the new chief.
89. Which state government to host the 2017 International conference on
Reclaiming Social Justice, Revisiting Ambedkar?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Assam
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: D [Karnataka ]
Answer Explanation:
The Karnataka government will organize the 2017 International conference
Reclaiming Social Justice, Revisiting Ambedkar from July 21 at the University of
Agricultural Sciences (UAS) in Bengaluru to mark the 126th birth anniversary of Dr
B R Ambedkar. The 3-day event will see delegates deliberate on universal
principles of democracy and importance of social justice in the current global
environment. The conference will come out with a Bengaluru declaration
outlining a new deal for India who are & who we can be. This conference is an
invitation to substantially re-think current social, political and economic
paradigms motivated by Dr. B.R. Ambedkars imaginative and creative work.
Approx, 2000 delegates from across the globe are expected to participate.
90. Who has won the 2017 Formula One Austrian Grand Prix tournament?
[A] Valtteri Bottas
[B] Sebastian Vettel
[C] Daniel Ricciardo
[D] Lewis Hamilton
Correct Answer: A [Valtteri Bottas]
Answer Explanation:
Valtteri Bottas, a Finnish racing driver currently competing in Formula One with
Mercedes, has won the 2017 Formula One Austrian Grand Prix tournament at Red
Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria.
91. Which state has become the Indias first state to launch free injectable
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contraceptive for women?

[A] Assam
[B] Odisha
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: C [Maharashtra]
Answer Explanation:
Maharashtra has become the rst Indian state to provide women an injectable
contraceptive for free. The states public health department launched a
programme Antara on July 10, 2017 to cover Pune, Mumbai, Raigad, Nandurbar,
Ahmednagar, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Sangli, Ratnagiri, and Beed. The programme
will be launched in 23 district hospitals, 20 medical colleges and 12 womens
hospitals. The new method under government-funded contraceptives, called
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA), will add to existing contraception options for
women, such as intrauterine devices, pills, and permanent sterilisation
procedure tubectomy. The contraceptive injections will deter pregnancy for
three months and allow conception seven months after the injection is stopped.
The injection will be given intramuscularly to women in age bracket of 18-45
years.
92. Which Indian bank has tied up with Inter-American Investment Corporation
(IIC) to boost trade with Latin America?
[A] Uco Bank
[B] ICICI Bank
[C] HDFC Bank
[D] Axis Bank
Correct Answer: D [Axis Bank]
Answer Explanation:
Axis Bank has tied up with Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) to
facilitate trade with Latin America and the Caribbean. It is the rst Indian bank to
participate in the Trade Finance Facilitation Programme as a conrming bank. IIC,
a member of the Inter-American Development Bank Group, is a multilateral
development bank committed to supporting the private sector in Latin America
and the Caribbean.
93. Who has taken charge as new secretary of the Department of Economic
Affairs (DEA) in the finance ministry?
[A] Subhash Garg
[B] Tapan Ray
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[C] Krishna Iyer

[D] Niranjan Das
Correct Answer: A [Subhash Garg]
Answer Explanation:
Subhash C. Garg, a 1983 batch lAS ocer of Rajasthan cadre, has taken charge
as the new secretary of the Department of Economic Aairs (DEA) in the nance
ministry. The post fell vacant after Shaktikanta Das retired on May 31, 2017. As
the secretary in the DEA, Garg will oversee capital markets, Budget preparation
as well as infrastructure nancing and decide on borrowing, along with RBI. He
will also decide on funding by multilateral institutions. Prior to this post, Garg was
Executive Director at World Bank for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka.
94. Which state government has recently launched Livelihood Intervention and
Facilitation of Entrepreneurship (LIFE)?
[A] Mizoram
[B] Meghalaya
[C] Manipur
[D] Tripura
Correct Answer: B [Meghalaya]
Answer Explanation:
Dr Mukul Sangma, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, has recently launched a
agship programme Livelihood Intervention and Facilitation of Entrepreneurship
(LIFE) at Songsak in East Garo Hills for the state on July 11, 2017. LIFE is a
programme of the State Rural Livelihood Society, an agency of the Community
and Rural Development Department, which is implementing the Centres agship
programme National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). NRLM promotes
livelihood through women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their Federations. The
programme oers thrust on improving the livelihood of rural poor in a sustainable
manner through the process of SHGs, Village organisation and Producers Groups.
95. Which country is hosting the 22nd World Petroleum Congress (WPC)
International Conference?
[A] Malaysia
[B] Iran
[C] Israel
[D] Turkey
Correct Answer: D [Turkey ]
Answer Explanation:
The 22nd edition of World Petroleum Congress (WPC) International Conference
193
has started in Istanbul, Turkey from July 10 12, 2017 under the theme Bridges
to Our Energy Future. The WPCs 65 member countries represent over 96% of
the worlds oil and gas consumption and production. The purpose of the
conference is to promote the management and sustainable use of oil, gas and
other energy resources worldwide for the benet of all. Dharmendra Pradhan, the
Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, is representing India in the
conference. The tri-annual WPC Conference is widely recognized as the
`Olympics` of the oil and gas industry.
96. Which state has become the first Indian state to fix minimum education
qualification for cooperative body poll?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Punjab
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Haryana
Correct Answer: C [Rajasthan ]
Answer Explanation:
Rajasthan has become the Indias rst State to lay down the minimum
educational qualications for contesting elections to village cooperative societies
and various other cooperative bodies. For this purpose, the State Cooperative
Societies Rules, 2003, were amended and notied. The new rules would benet
about 10,000 cooperative and agricultural credit societies. The educational
qualications will range from Class V to Class VIII for election as members of
governing boards of dairy societies, farming societies, consumer societies,
weavers societies, housing construction societies, urban banks, primary land
development banks, credit societies, salary earners societies and cooperative
union.
97. Which state government has formed committee to study legalities for
separate state flag?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] West Bengal
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka ]
Answer Explanation:
The Karnataka Government has constituted a 9-member committee to study and
submit a report to the government on the possibility of designing a separate ag
for Karnataka and providing it a statutory standing. The committee will be headed
194
by Principal Secretary, Department of Kannada and Culture. It must be noted that

there is no prohibition in the Constitution for the State to have its own ag. As per
S.R. Bommai v/s Union of India (Supreme Court 1994) case, the Supreme Court
has declared that federalism is a basic feature of the Constitution and States are
supreme in their sphere. This being the Constitutional position, however, the
manner in which the State ag is hoisted should not dishonour the national ag. It
has to be always below the national ag. The national ag code specically
authorises use of other ags subject to the regulation by the court. So, State ag
is not unauthorized.
98. Which Indian sportsperson has been honoured with the Maruti Suzuki Living
Legend of the Year award 2017?
[A] Leander Paes
[B] Milkha Singh
[C] Sachin Tendulkar
[D] Mary Kom
Correct Answer: B [Milkha Singh]
Answer Explanation:
Milkha Singh, also known as The Flying Sikh, has been honoured with the 2017
Maruti Suzuki Living Legend of the Year award at the 6th edition of Maruti Suzuki
Sportsperson of the Year Charity Gala Awards on July 6, 2017 at ITC Grand
Central in, Mumbai, Maharashtra. However, Milkha could not attend the function.
Beside this, Rio Olympics silver medallist P V Sindhu was bestowed with the
Sportsperson of the Year award while Indian cricketer KL Rahul was presented
with Gamechanger of the year award. The 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award was
bestowed to Abhinav Bindra. The Coach of the Year award 2017 was given to
Pullela Gopichand for mentoring a host of shuttlers like Sindhu, Saina Nehwal,
Kidambi Srikanth, B Sai Praneeth, HS Prannoy, and many others to do well on the
international circuit over the last few years.
99. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Nagaland
[C] Karnataka
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka]
Answer Explanation:
The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Uttara Kannada District in Karnataka.
The sanctuary is a birdwatchers paradise, housing nearly 200 species of birds,
most famous for the great Indian hornbill and the Malabar pied hornbill. It is also
195
the only known tiger reserve in India to report frequent sightings of the elusive
black panther. It is also known to house the Indian sloth bear, the Indian pangolin,
the giant Malabar squirrel, dhole, the Indian jackal and the muntjac (barking
deer). The king cobra and the mugger crocodile (Indian crocodile) are the prime
reptilians in the sanctuary.
100. IROAF has won the 2017 Golden Peacock Award for Eco Innovation. What
does IROAF stands for?
[A] Indian Railways Organization for Alternate Fuel (IROAF)
[B] Indian Railways Organization for Advanced Fuel (IROAF)
[C] Indian Railways Organization for Alter Fuel (IROAF)
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: A [Indian Railways Organization for Alternate Fuel (IROAF)]
Answer Explanation:
Rcently, the Indian Railways Organization for Alternate Fuel (IROAF) has won the
2017 Golden Peacock Award for Eco-Innovation for introducing eco-friendly and
cost-saving Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) based Dual Fuel 1400 HP Diesel
engines on Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains. This innovation will reduce
emissions considerably by bringing down NOx by 16%, CO2 by 6% and Particulate
Matter by 18% besides achieving economy in fuel cost by 8%. So far, 19 Engines
of DEMUs have been successfully converted into CNG based dual fuel engines
with this technology. The IROAF is a unique organization in the Government space
which was established by Ministry of Railways to explore new environment
friendly fuels/ renewable energy and eco- friendly technologies like substitution of
diesel with CNG/LNG in train sets, etc.
101. Which country will become the worlds largest milk producer by 2026, as per
latest OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2017-2026 report?
[A] Vietnam
[B] Thailand
[C] India
[D] Brazil
Correct Answer: C [India]
Answer Explanation:
According to latest report by the UN and OECD, India will become the worlds
largest milk producer by 2026 and will account for the biggest increase in wheat
production globally. As per report title OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook
2017-2026, the worlds population will increase from 7.3 to 8.2 billion over the
course of the next decade with India and Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 56%
196
of total population growth. Indias population will grow from 1.3 billion to 1.5
billion, an increase of almost 150 million. India will overtake China and is
projected to be the most populous country in the world by 2026.
102. Which country has been selected by IUCN for the construction of the worlds
first saola breeding centre?
[A] Vietnam
[B] India
[C] South Africa
[D] Malaysia
Correct Answer: A [Vietnam]
Answer Explanation:
The worlds rst centre for breeding Saola, a critically endangered hoofed
mammal, will be constructed at Bach Ma National Park in Thua Thien Hue
province, Vietnam. The centre is scheduled to be inaugurated in 2018 as a joint
eort by the Saola World Working Group (SWWG) and the International Union for
the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which will help tackle the ungulate endemic.
Saola is recognised by two parallel horns with sharp ends, which can reach 51cm
in length and are found on both males and females.
103. Indias first Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) will be set up
in which state?
[A] Punjab
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: A [Punjab]
Answer Explanation:
Indias rst Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) will be set up at
Patent Information Centre in Punjab under the World Intellectual Property
Organizations (WIPO) TISC program. For this, the Department of Industrial Policy
and Promotion (DIPP) has signed an institutional agreement with the Punjab State
Council of Science and Technology in New Delhi. The objective of the TISC is to
stimulate a dynamic, vibrant and balanced Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)
system in India to foster creativity and innovation, thereby promoting
entrepreneurship and enhancing social, economic and cultural development by
establishing a network of TISCs in India.
104. Which state hosted the National conference on crowd management?
[A] Karnataka
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[B] Tripura
[C] West Bengal
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: D [Kerala ]
Answer Explanation:
The National conference on crowd management has successfully held at
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on July 12, 2017 by setting the stage for adoption of
best practices and use of technology to reduce risks at mass gathering events
across the country. The conference was organised by the National Disaster
Management Authority (NDMA) jointly with the Kerala State Disaster Management
Authority (KSDMA).
105. Who has become the first woman cricketer to score 6000 runs in womens
ODI cricket?
[A] Vellaswamy Vanitha
[B] Jhulan Goswami
[C] Mithali Raj
[D] Thirush Kamini
Correct Answer: C [Mithali Raj]
Answer Explanation:
Indian skipper Mithali Raj has become the rst player in the history of womens
ODI cricket to have crossed 6000 career runs. She reached the milestone in
Indias ICC Womens World Cup 2017 match against Australia on July 12, 2017. So
far, Mithali has scored 6028 runs with the help of ve centuries and 49 half-
centuries. Now, she is the all-time highest run-scorer in womens cricket,
surpassing the record previously held by Englands Charlotte Edwards (5992).
106. Ray Phiri, the Jazz legend has passed away. He hailed from which country?
[A] South Africa
[B] Ireland
[C] Israel
[D] Brazil
Correct Answer: A [South Africa]
Answer Explanation:
Raymond Chikapa Enock Phiri (70), the legendary South African jazz musician, has
passed away in Nelspruit, South Africa on July 12, 2017. Internationally, Phiri was
known primarily for his contributions to Paul Simons Graceland album and
ensuing tours.
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107. The National Gandhi Museum (NGM) is located in which city?

[A] Mumbai
[B] Ahmedabad
[C] New Delhi
[D] Gandhinagar
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]
Answer Explanation:
The National Gandhi Museum (NGM) is located in New Delhi i.e. showcasing the
life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi. The museum rst opened in Mumbai,
shortly after Gandhi was assassinated in 1948. The museum relocated several
times before moving to Rajghat, New Delhi in 1961, next to the Samadhi of
Mahatma Gandhi. The museum is in news because Dr. Y P Anand, the former
Director of National Gandhi Museum (NGM), has authored the book Historical
Background to the Imposition of Salt Tax under the British Rule in India
(1757-1947) and Mahatma Gandhi s Salt Satyagraha (1930-31) against the British
Rule Background. The book is recently launched by the Dr. Mahesh Sharma,
Minister of State (I/C) for Culture and Tourism, at Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi on
July 13, 2017. This book is extremely important for India, especially in the present
times, wherein there is a need for humanity in the world.
108. Which country to host 8th Edition of Theatre Olympics The Biggest Theatre
Celebration of the World?
[A] Poland
[B] India
[C] Japan
[D] China
Correct Answer: B [India]
Answer Explanation:
The 8th edition of Theatre Olympics The Biggest Theatre Celebration of the
World will be hosted by India from February 17 April 08, 2018, which is being
organised by National School of Drama, under the aegis of Ministry of Culture. The
Theatre Olympics 2018 will feature maximum number of Indian & International
theatre groups, invitee eminent theatre personalities along with their
performances. In addition, there will be ambience performances with allied
activities like exhibitions, seminars, symposia, interactive discussions and
workshops with well-known academicians, authors, actors, designers and
directors. Its rst time that the Theatre Olympics will be held in India. In 2016,
the 7th Theatre Olympics were held in Wroclaw, Poland.
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109. The Indian Railways has launched which virtual server to optimise server
usage and faster connectivity?
[A] RailSagar
[B] RailCloud
[C] RailSilver
[D] RailBharat
Correct Answer: B [RailCloud]
Answer Explanation:
The Indian Railways has recently launched a virtual server RailCloud with an
inbuilt security system to optimise server usage and faster connectivity. The
technology is developed by rail PSU RailTel at an estimated cost of approx Rs 53
crore. The RailCloud technology enables maximising the usage of available server
and storage resulting in accommodation of bigger data and more applications
within same server space. It will cover all management related to various services
like human resources, health and hospital, signal assets, freight and logistics and
energy among others. Beside this, the rst IT application on RailCloud Nivaran-
Grievance Portal was also launched. Nivaran is a platform for resolution of
service-related grievances of serving and former railway employees.
110. The Murlen National Park is located in which state?
[A] Nagaland
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Mizoram
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: C [Mizoram ]
Answer Explanation:
The Murlen National Park is located at Champhai district in Mizoram and covern
an area of 200 km2. It is home to tiger, leopard, sambar, barking deer, Malayan
giant squirrel, Himalayan black bear, serow, hoolock gibbon, etc. About 15 species
of mammals, 150 species of birds, 35 species of Medicinal plants, 2 species of
bamboos, and 4 species of orchids so far have been recorded in this Park. At
present, 36 people are involved in conservation work of Murlen National Park.
111. What is the Indias rank in the 2017 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
Index?
[A] 116th
[B] 125th
[C] 108th
[D] 95th
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Correct Answer: A [116th]

Answer Explanation:
India has been ranked 116th out of 157 nations with a score of 58.1 at the 2017
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) index and Dashboards Report that
assesses the performance of countries towards achieving the ambitious SDGs.
Sweden has topped the list, followed by Denmark and Finland. The 2017 SDG
Index and Dashboards Report, released by Sustainable Development Solutions
Network (SDSN) and the Bertelsmann Stiftung, shows that world leaders need to
strengthen their joint eorts to realize the 17 global goals. The SDG Index ranks
countries based on their performance across the 17 SDGs, including economic
development, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, underpinned by good
governance. The index collected available data for 157 countries to assess where
each country stands in 2017 with regard to achieving the SDGs. It helps countries
identify priorities for early actions and shows that every country faces major
challenges in achieving these ambitious goals.
112. Indias first high-speed rail training centre will set up in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat ]
Answer Explanation:
Indias rst high-speed rail training centre will set up in Gandhinagar, Gujarat at a
cost of Rs 600 crore, and is expected to start operating by 2020. The center will
provide advanced training modules on cutting edge technologies. The
construction will begin shortly after the foundation-laying ceremony is held in
September 2017. It also has a sample bullet train track for testing. Over 4,000 rail
engineers are expected to be trained by 2020.
113. Who has been appointed as the new Chairperson of Broadcasting Content
Complaints Council (BCCC)?
[A] Aroon Purie
[B] Punit Goenka
[C] Vikramajit Sen
[D] Mukul Mudgal
Correct Answer: C [Vikramajit Sen]
Answer Explanation:
Justice Vikramajit Sen, the former Supreme Court Judge, has been appointed as
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the new Chairperson of Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) for three
years. Justice Sen succeeded Justice Mukul Mudgal. The BCCC is an independent
self-regulatory body set up by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) in June
2011 to look into complaints pertaining to all non-news general entertainment
channels in India.
114. Liu Xiaobo, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate has passed away. He hailed from
which country?
[A] Japan
[B] Taiwan
[C] Indonesia
[D] China
Correct Answer: D [China]
Answer Explanation:
Liu Xiaobo (61), the Chinese Nobel Peace Prize laureate and democracy
campaigner, has died of multiple organ failure while under guard at a hospital in
Shenyang, China on July 13, 2017. Liu had been serving an 11-year jail sentence
for demanding an end to one-party rule and for introduction of multi-party
democracy. He was the most prominent human rights and democracy advocate of
China. Now, Xiaobo became the rst Nobel Peace Prize laureate to die in custody
since Carl von Ossietzky, the German pacist and foe of Nazism who won the
prize in 1935 and died under guard in 1938 after years of maltreatment.
115. Who has been conferred the 2017 Personality of the Year award by Skoch
Consultancy Services (SCS)?
[A] Kishore Sansi
[B] Nandan Nilekani
[C] Dilip Parekh
[D] C Rangarajan
Correct Answer: A [Kishore Sansi]
Answer Explanation:
Dr. Kishore Sansi, the managing director and CEO of Vijaya Bank, has been
conferred the 2017 Personality of the Year award by Skoch Consultancy Services
(SCS). The award is part of the Skoch Banking and Financial Leadership series.
Past recipients of the award include C Rangarajan, Dilip Parekh and Nandan
Nilekani.
116. Which state has become the first Indian state to make social boycott a
crime?
[A] Punjab
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[B] Maharashtra
[C] Kerala
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra ]
Answer Explanation:
Maharashtra has become the rst Indian state to make social boycott a crime
after President Pranab Mukherjee cleared the legislation. The Maharashtra
Prohibition of People from Social Boycott (Prevention Prohibition and Redressal)
Act prescribes a maximum punishment of 3 year in jail and a ne of Rs 1 lakh. It
aims to prevent atrocities carried out by extra-judicial courts and caste
panchayats. The Act also provides for compensation to victims. The nes imposed
on violators will be used to compensate them. The Act also has a provision to
withdraw cases with the consent of victims and permission from a court. In case
of a withdrawal, the accused will have to perform community service.
117. Which state government will set up modern ornamental fish hatchery in the
state?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Odisha
[D] Haryana
Correct Answer: D [Haryana]
Answer Explanation:
The Haryana government has decided to set up a hi-tech and ultra-modern
ornamental sh hatchery that would be the rst-of-its-kind project in India. The
sh hatchery would be set up in district Jhajjar at a cost of Rs.13.68 crore. At
present, Haryana is at second position in the country with sh production of 7,200
per kilogram per hectare per year in the year 2016-17. The sh production is
aimed to be increased to 10,000 per kilogram per hectare per year in 2017-18.
118. Which country hosted the 2017 Everest International Model United Nations
(EIMUN) Regional Conference?
[A] China
[B] Bhutan
[C] India
[D] Nepal
Correct Answer: D [Nepal]
Answer Explanation:
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The fourth edition of Everest International Model United Nations (EIMUN) Regional
Conference was held in Kathmandu, Nepal from July 10-14, 2017. The event is
organised by the US Embassy in partnership with the Youth Thinkers Society
(YTS). Youths from 12 South and Central Asian countries including India
participated in 5-day conference. The basic aim of the EIMUN was to provide a
platform to young minds to channelize energy and resources for a more
prosperous and peaceful world. The conference simulate four UN committees-
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Economic and Financial
Committee (ECOFIN), United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and United Nations
Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
119. Who is the author of the book Narendra Modi: The Making of a Legend?
[A] Sanjay Mathur
[B] Bindeshwar Pathak
[C] Aditya Sen
[D] Mohan Chauhan
Correct Answer: B [Bindeshwar Pathak]
Answer Explanation:
The book Narendra Modi: The Making of a Legend has been authored by
Bindeshwar Pathak, the Sulabh International founder and a Padma Bhushan
recipient. The book is recently launched by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat in New
Delhi. The coee table book is all about PM Modi and the inspiring journey of his
life. It has images and text depicting Modis journey, his struggles and several
initiatives taken by him since he took oath as countrys prime minister in 2014.
120. The Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS) is located in which state?
[A] Mizoram
[B] Nagaland
[C] Sikkim
[D] Tripura
Correct Answer: C [Sikkim]
Answer Explanation:
The Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS) is located in the East Sikkim district of
the state of Sikkim. The total notied area of the park is around 124 square
kilometres while inside the wildlife sanctuary there are a few hamlets: Aritar,
Lingtam, Phadamchen, Zuluk, Gnathang valley and Kupup. This wildlife sanctuary
is linked to the forests of Bhutan and Neora Valley National Park of West Bengal. It
is home many birds such as kalij pheasant, Oriental honey buzzard, blood
pheasant, white-crested laughingthrush, striated laughingthrush, etc. It is also
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home for some rarities like the speckled wood pigeon and bay woodpecker.
121. Which country has renamed part of the South China Sea as the North
Natuna Sea?
[A] Malaysia
[B] Philippines
[C] Indonesia
[D] Brunei
Correct Answer: C [Indonesia ]
Answer Explanation:
Indonesia has renamed the northern reaches of its exclusive economic zone in the
South China Sea as the North Natuna Sea on July 14, 2017. It is the latest act of
resistance by Southeast Asian nations to Chinas territorial ambitions in the
maritime region. The part of the renamed sea is claimed by China under its
contentious maritime boundary, known as the nine-dash line, that encompasses
most of the resource-rich sea. It should be noted that the South China Sea is a
crucial shipping route and believed to be rich in natural resources, such as oil and
gas.
122. Indian Railways has launched an integrated mobile app Rail Saarthi for
railway passengers. What does Saarthi stands for?
[A] Synergised Advanced Application Rail Travel Help and Information
[B] Synchronic Advanced Application Rail Travel Help and Information
[C] Synchronous Advanced Application Rail Travel Help and Information
[D] Synergic Advanced Application Rail Travel Help and Information
Correct Answer: A [Synergised Advanced Application Rail Travel Help and Information]
Answer Explanation:
Indian Railways has launched an integrated mobile app Rail Saarthi to cater to
all kinds of passenger requirements, which includes ticket booking, inquiry,
onboard cleaning and ordering a meal on a single platform. The acronym of Rail
Saarthi stands for Synergised Advanced Application Rail Travel Help and
Information. The app has various features such as women safety feature,
compliant facility and suggestion for improvement. One can also book unreserved
seat tickets and platform tickets besides reserved seat tickets.
123. Who has been appointed the new brand ambassador of the Srinagar
Municipal Corporation (SMC)?
[A] Shafqat Kha
[B] Bilal Dar
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[C] Altaf Bukhari

[D] Choudhary Sukhandan
Correct Answer: B [Bilal Dar]
Answer Explanation:
Bilal Dar (18), an 18-year-old ragpicker of Laharwarpora in Bandipora district, has
been appointed the new brand ambassador of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation
(SMC). He has been earning his livelihood by cleaning the Wular Lake and
removing garbage, used bottles and shoes among other things for almost 5 years
now and is an inspiration for everybody. Dar will get a special uniform and vehicle
to go and meet people and sensitize them about environmental issues,
cleanliness and garbage disposal.
124. Which Indian-origin personality has been appointed as the new UNICEFs
Global Goodwill Ambassador?
[A] Ishani Duttagupta
[B] Jasleen Laghari
[C] Shand Panesar
[D] Lilly Singh
Correct Answer: D [Lilly Singh]
Answer Explanation:
Lilly Singh, an Indian-origin Canadian YouTube star, has been appointed as the
new UNICEFs Global Goodwill Ambassador at a special event in New Delhi. As the
UNICEF ambassador Lilly will use her channel to showcase the organisations work
and urge millions of her followers to work for childrens rights.
125. Indias first solar-powered 1600 HP DEMU train has launched from which
railway station?
[A] Farukhnagar railway station
[B] Safdarjung railway station
[C] Habibganj railway station
[D] Mumbai Central railway station
Correct Answer: B [Safdarjung railway station]
Answer Explanation:
Indias rst solar-powered 1600 HP Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) broad
gauge train has launched from Safdarjung railway station to promote clean and
renewable energy. The train will run from Sarai Rohilla in Delhi to Farukh Nagar in
Haryana. The solar power DEMU train has six trailer coaches and is expected to
save about 21,000 litres of diesel and ensure a cost saving of Rs 12 lakh per year.
The coaches are equipped with a battery bank which will optimize solar energy to
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full load and provide power at night. There will also be a reduction of 1350 tons of
carbon dioxide per train over the same time period.
126. What is the theme of 2017 World Youth Skills Day (WYSD)?
[A] Skills for Youth
[B] Skills Development for Peace
[C] Skills Development to Improve Youth Employment
[D] Skills for the Future of Work
Correct Answer: D [Skills for the Future of Work]
Answer Explanation:
The World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) is observed every year on July 15 to raise
awareness about the importance of investing in youth skills development. The
2017 theme is Skills for the Future of Work.
127. Sundar Singh, who has won gold at the 2017 World Para Athletics
Championships, is associated with which sports?
[A] Sprint
[B] Steeple Chase
[C] Javelin throw
[D] Shot Put
Correct Answer: C [Javelin throw ]
Answer Explanation:
Sundar Singh Gurjar from India has won gold in the mens javelin throw with a
personal best of 60.36 metre at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships in
London, United Kingdom (UK). Sri Lankas Dinesh Priyantha Herath came second
with 57.93 metre, while defending champion Guo Chunliang of China was third
with a seasons best 56.14 metre.
128. Who has won the 2017 womens singles Wimbledon tennis tournament?
[A] Karolina Pliskova
[B] Simona Halep
[C] Garbine Muguruza
[D] Angelique Kerber
Correct Answer: C [Garbine Muguruza]
Answer Explanation:
Garbine Muguruza Blanco, a Spanish-Venezuelan professional tennis player, has
won the 2017 womens singles Wimbledon Tennis tournament by defeating Venus
Williams in the nal by 7-5, 6-0 at All England Club in London, United Kingdom
(UK). This was Muguruzas second Grand Slam singles title and she became the
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second Spanish woman to win Wimbledon after Conchita Martnez in 1994.

Muguruza also became the rst player to defeat both Williams sisters in Grand
Slams singles nals.
129. Who is the author of the book Presidents Lady (Pranaber Preyosi)?
[A] Chinu Modi
[B] Sangeeta Ghosh
[C] Neehar Mishra
[D] Ravinder Gupta
Correct Answer: B [Sangeeta Ghosh]
Answer Explanation:
The book Presidents Lady (Pranaber Preyosi) has been authored by Sangeeta
Ghosh, which is recently released at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New
Delhi. The book is on Late Suvra Mukherjee, the wife of honourable President of
India Pranab Mukherjee. Ms. Mukherjee was essentially a private person with a
strong interest in music (particularly Tagore music) and paintings. She restricted
herself to music, painting and writing and she tried to take Tagore music to a non-
Bengali audience.
130. The Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary (RWS) is located in which state?
[A] Nagaland
[B] Sikkim
[C] Mizoram
[D] Tripura
Correct Answer: D [Tripura]
Answer Explanation:
The Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary (RWS) is located in north Tripura district and covers
an area of only 0.86 square km. It is home to 150 species of birds, wild beasts and
primates. It is the most ideal destination for the tourists, who are more inclined
towards eco-tourism. The forest is rich with a large number of economic plants
such as medicinal & aromatic, treat fodders, fruit producing trees, oil-seed
producing trees, spices & orchids and other ornamental plants.
131. Who has been sworn-in as the new Chief Justice of Nepal?
[A] Kalyan Shrestha
[B] Bhanubhakta Dhakal
[C] Hari Prasad Pradhan
[D] Gopal Prasad Parajuli
Correct Answer: D [Gopal Prasad Parajuli]
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Answer Explanation:
Justice Gopal Prasad Parajuli has been sworn-in as the new Chief Justice of Nepal
on July 17, 2017 and will head the judiciary till April 28, 2018. Prior to this post,
Justice Parajuli was the acting Chief Justice after the retirement of Chief Justice
Sushila Karki on June 6, 2017.The Chief Justice is the highest judicial ocer in the
country and acts as a chief administrative ocer for all the judicial system.
132. The 2017 United Nations Peacekeeping Course for African Partners
(UNPCAP-02) has started in which Indian city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Kolkata
[C] Mumbai
[D] Chennai
Answer Explanation:
The second edition of United Nations Peacekeeping Course for African Partners
(UNPCAP-02) has started at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi from July 17 and will
continue till Aug 04, 2017. The purpose of the course is to build and enhance the
capacity of the African Troop Contributing Countries to the UN and to further train
the trainers from these countries. The course is one of the many steps that India
has initiated towards active contribution to peace support activities. The course is
being attended by ocers from 19 countries including India. The students include
ocers who are currently employed in their respective peacekeeping training
centres in African peacekeeping training institutions. The Centre for United
Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) is conducting the UNPCAP-02 jointly with the
United States.
133. Maryam Mirzakhani, the renowned mathematician passed away. She hails
from which country?
[A] Iraq
[B] Iran
[C] Israel
[D] Ireland
Correct Answer: B [Iran]
Answer Explanation:
Maryam Mirzakhani (40), an Iranian- born mathematician and a professor of
mathematics at Stanford University, has died of cancer in a US hospital on July 14,
2017. Mirzakhani was the rst woman and the rst Iranian to win the coveted
Fields Medal in 2014, the most prestigious award in mathematics. The award
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recognized her sophisticated and highly original contributions to the elds of

geometry and dynamical systems, particularly in understanding the symmetry of
curved surfaces such as spheres. Her research topics include Teichmller theory,
hyperbolic geometry, ergodic theory, and symplectic geometry.
134. Who has won the 2017 mens singles Wimbledon tennis tournament?
[A] Garbine Muguruza
[B] Simona Halep
[C] Roger Federer
[D] Marin Cilic
Correct Answer: C [Roger Federer]
Answer Explanation:
Roger Federer, a Swiss professional tennis player , has won the 2017 mens
singles Wimbledon Tennis tournament by defeating Marin Cilic in the nal by 6-3,
6-1, 6-4 at All England Club in London, United Kingdom (UK). With this win,
Federer has won a record 8th Wimbledon title and became the Wimbledons
oldest mens winner of the modern era, succeeding Arthur Ashe, who was almost
32 when he won in 1976. This was Swiss superstars 11th Wimbledon nal and
29th title at the majors. With this victory, Federer also became the rst player
since Bjorn Borg in 1976 to win Wimbledon without dropping a set in the entire
tournament.
135. Who has won the 2017 Formula One British Grand Prix tournament?
[A] Daniel Ricciardo
[B] Sebastian Vettel
[C] Max Verstappen
[D] Lewis Hamilton
Correct Answer: D [Lewis Hamilton]
Answer Explanation:
Lewis Hamilton, a British Formula One racing driver, has won the 2017 Formula
One British Grand Prix tournament at Silverstone, United Kingdom. The result also
marked Hamiltons fth career Grand Slam. Additionally, he equalled the record
for most British Grand Prix wins jointly held by Alain Prost and Jim Clark.
136. Damneet Singh, who has won silver at the 2017 IAFF World U-18 Athletics
Championship, is associated with which sports?
[A] Javelin throw
[B] Hammer throw
[C] Shot put
[D] Sprint
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Correct Answer: B [Hammer throw]

Answer Explanation:
Damneet Singh from India has won silver in the boys hammer throw at the 2017
IAFF World U-18 Athletics Championship in Nairobi, Kenya. Damneet sent the 5kg
chain and iron ball to a best distance of 74.20m, which he came up in his rst
attempt. This was his personal best eort. Mykhaylo Kokhan of Ukraine won the
gold with a best throw of 82.31m while Raphael Winkelvoss of Germany took the
bronze by clearing a distance of 71.78m.
137. Nar Bahadur Bhandari, who passed away recently, was the former Chief
Minister of which Indian state?
[A] Nagaland
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Sikkim
[D] Manipur
Correct Answer: C [Sikkim ]
Answer Explanation:
Nar Bahadur Bhandari (76), the former Chief Minister of Sikkim, has passed away
in New Delhi on July 16, 2017. He was the founder leader of Sikkim Sangram
Parishad, who governed Sikkim from 1979 to 1994.
138. Who has won the 2017 Victorian Open Squash tournament?
[A] Saurav Ghosal
[B] Nitesh Poonia
[C] Rex Hedrick
[D] Harinder Pal Sandhu
Correct Answer: D [Harinder Pal Sandhu]
Answer Explanation:
Harinder Pal Sandhu from India has won the 2017 Victorian Open Squash
tournament by defeating top-seed Rex Hedrick of Australia in the nal by 12-14,
11-3, 11-4, 11-7 in Melbourne on July 16, 2017.
139. Who has won the first-ever National Masters snooker tournament-2017?
[A] Alok Kumar
[B] I H Manudev
[C] Rafath Habib
[D] Naveen Katoor
Correct Answer: B [I H Manudev ]
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Answer Explanation:
I H Manudev has won the rst National Masters snooker tournament title by
defeating Alok Kumar, a former national mens champion, in the nal by 68-42,
60-22, 65-59, 17-66, 63-33 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
140. The Kalesar National Park (KNP) is located in which state?
[A] Haryana
[B] Assam
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: A [Haryana ]
Answer Explanation:
The Kalesar National Park (KNP) is located in the eastern district of Haryana and
covers 13,000 acres. It is home to the red jungle fowl among other birds and a
popular destination for Leopard and bird-watching. It is home to wild boars,
sambhars, hares, red junglefowl, porcupine, monkeys, chitals, red jungle fowl, etc.
Whereas khair, sal, shisham, sain, jhingan, chhal are the trees found in the forest.
It is probably the only forest in Haryana with a natural Sal tree belt.
141. Who has been given additional charge of Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting (I&B)?
[A] Narendra Singh Tomar
[B] Smriti Irani
[C] Arun Jaitley
[D] Prakash Javadekar
Correct Answer: B [Smriti Irani]
Answer Explanation:
Textile minister Smriti Zubin Irani has been given the additional charge of
Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry, while Rural Development Minister
Narendra Singh Tomar has been given additional charge of Urban Development
Ministry. Both the posts fell vacant after Senior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu
resigned to contest Vice presidential election as NDA candidate. Naidu was
holding the portfolio since July 2016 in addition to urban development, housing
and poverty alleviation ministry.
142. Who has won the 2017 under-15 girls Dutch Open Junior Squash
Championship?
[A] Yoshna Singh
[B] Aishwarya Khubchandani
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[C] Ananya Dabke

[D] Neha Chaudhary
Correct Answer: C [Ananya Dabke]
Answer Explanation:
Ananya Dabke from India has won the under-15 girl title at the Dutch Open Junior
Squash Championship by defeating Serena Daniel of the US in the nal by 11-7,
11-4, 12-10 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Apart from this, the top seeded Neel Joshi
bagged the under-15 boys title in the tournament by defeating 5/8 seed Khalil
Alhassan of England in the nal by 9-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-6.
143. The 2017 World Day for International Justice (WDIJ) is observed on which
day?
[A] July 18
[B] July 16
[C] July 15
[D] July 17
Correct Answer: D [July 17]
Answer Explanation:
The World Day for International Justice (WDIJ) is observed every year on July 17 to
promote international criminal justice and focus on human rights. This is a day to
reect upon the victims of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes
and to celebrate the international communitys continued eorts to create a more
just and peaceful world. The day is also referred as the International Criminal
Justice Day (ICJD) or International Justice Day (IJD). This year, in 2017, also
marked the 15th anniversary of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the only
permanent international court for the prosecution of individuals accused of mass
atrocity crimes.
144. Which railway station has become the Indias first station to run by all
women staff?
[A] Matunga railway station
[B] Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station
[C] Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station
[D] Kolkata railway station
Correct Answer: A [Matunga railway station]
Answer Explanation:
The Matunga railway station has become the Indias rst station to be run by all
women sta. It is a railway station on the Central line of the Mumbai Suburban
Railway network. A total of 30 women staers, including 11 booking clerks, 5
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Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and seven ticket checkers are working
under station manager Mamta Kulkarni, who was the rst female station master in
Central Railways Mumbai division. With this, Matunga station has become the
rst such ladies special station.
145. Which Bollywood actress has won the 2017 IIFA Women of the Year award?
[A] Alia Bhatt
[B] Disha Patani
[C] Sonam Kapoor
[D] Tapsee Pannu
Correct Answer: D [Tapsee Pannu]
Answer Explanation:
Tapsee Pannu has won the 2017 IIFA Woman Of The Year for her role in Pink at
the 18th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in New
York City, United States. Beside this, Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt won the Best
Actors award for their remarkable work in Udta Punjab. The best director award
goes to Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury for his movie Pink. The best lm award went
to Neerja movie that is based on the real life incident in which the air hostess
Neerja Bhanot lost her life while saving others on a hijacked ight at Karachi.
While Anupam Kher has got the best performance in a Supporting Role-Male
category award for the movie M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story and the actress Disha
Patani got the best debutant Female award for the same movie.
146. The 2017 Nelson Mandela International Day (NMID) is observed on which
day?
[A] July 19
[B] July 18
[C] July 20
[D] July 17
Answer Explanation:
The Nelson Mandela International Day (NMID) is observed every year on July 18 to
mark birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela, the former South African President &
Nobel Peace Prize winner, for his tireless struggle against apartheid. The day is an
opportunity to reect on the life and work of a legend who embodied the highest
values of the United Nations. Mandela was South Africas rst black president,
who spent 27 years in three dierent prisons and was an anti-Apartheid icon who
led a memorable life. His negotiations in the early 1990s with South African
President F.W. de Klerk led to the end of the countrys apartheid system of racial
segregation. For their eorts, both of them jointly received the Nobel Prize for
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Peace in 1993.
147. Which portal has been launched by the State Bank of India (SBI) for home
buyers?
[A] SBI Realty
[B] SBI DreamHome
[C] SBI RealState
[D] SBI Home
Correct Answer: A [SBI Realty]
Answer Explanation:
The State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a dedicated portal SBI Realty that will
help home buyers to choose ats from its 3,000 approved projects across the
country. The portal will help customers to choose their dream home from 3,000
SBI approved projects, which are spread across 13 states and Union Territories
covering 30 cities. At present, there are 9.5 lakh home units available on the
website. Customers can compare current and past trends of prices for the
properties in various localities in the city. The portal will assist customers in
calculating appropriate loan amount a customer should borrow based on income
and credit prole. The SBI Realty website www.sbirealty.in has been developed
by SBICAP Securities in association with PropEquity in terms of data support,
project information, etc.
148. Indias first bio-methane bus has been manufactured by which Indian
company?
[A] Tata Motors Ltd.
[B] Bajaj Auto Ltd.
[C] Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd.
[D] Hyundai Motors Ltd.
Correct Answer: A [Tata Motors Ltd.]
Answer Explanation:
Tata Motors Ltd. has manufactured Indias rst bioCNG (biomethane) bus,
which was unveiled recently at a bio-energy programme Urja Utsav in Pune,
Maharashtra. The event was organized by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and
Natural Gas. The auto-rm has designed and developed bio-methane engines (5.7
SGI & 3.8 SGI) for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV), Intermediate Commercial
Vehicles (ICV) and Medium Commercial Vehicles (MCV) buses. The company
displayed three models, including the lead model Tata LPO 1613 with 5.7 SGI NA
BSIV IOBDII compliant bus. Bio-methane is produced out of biodegradable
materials like kitchen waste. The gas, which gets produced by way of natural
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degradation process, escapes into the atmosphere unused.

149. Thangjam Tababi Devi has won gold at the 2017 Asian Cadet Judo
Championship (ACJC). She hails from which Indian state?
[A] Mizoram
[C] Tripura
[D] Manipur
Correct Answer: D [Manipur ]
Answer Explanation:
India has bagged three medals at the recently concluded 2017 Asian Cadet Judo
Championship (ACJC) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. In it, Thangjam Tababi Devi of
Manipur won gold for India in the girls below 44kg weight category, while
Haryanas Simran clinched a bronze in the girls below 40kg division and
Paramjeet of Haryana bagged bronze medal in the boys below 90kg category.
150. The Dachigam National Park (DNP) is located in which state?
[B] Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)
[C] Sikkim
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)]
Answer Explanation:
The Dachigam National Park (DNP) is located at Umaria district in Jammu and
Kashmir (J&K) and covers an area of 141 km2. The main animal species that
Dachigam is known for is the hangul (or the Kashmir stag). Other species include
Musk deer, Leopard, Himalayan serow, Himalayan grey langur, Leopard cat,
Himalayan black bear, etc.
151. Who is the head of the 9-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court
(SC) to determine whether privacy is a fundamental right or not under the
Constitution?
[A] Abhay Manohar Sapre
[B] J S Khehar
[C] Sanjay Kishan Kaul
[D] Fali Nariman
Correct Answer: B [J S Khehar]
Answer Explanation:
The 9-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court (SC) headed by Chief Justice
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J S Khehar will determine whether the right to privacy is a fundamental right or

not under the Constitution. The nine-judge bench also comprises Justices J
Chelameswar, S A Bobde, R K Agrawal, Rohinton Fali Nariman, Abhay Manohar
Sapre, D Y Chandrachud, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and S Abdul Nazeer. The bench is
dealing with the limited issue of right to privacy and matters challenging the
Aadhaar scheme would be referred back to a smaller bench. The hearing is in
progress.
152. Who has been sworn-in as the new chief minister of Nagaland?
[A] TR Zeliang
[B] Shurhozelie Liezietsu
[C] Hokishe Sema
[D] Vizol Angami
Correct Answer: A [TR Zeliang]
Answer Explanation:
TR Zeliang, a leader of the Nagaland Peoples Front, has been sworn-in as the new
chief minister of Nagaland by the Governor PB Acharya on July 19, 2017. With
this, the Naga Peoples Front led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland Government in
the State will have the fourth Chief Minister within its ve years term of ruling the
State. Zeliang has to prove his majority on the oor of the House on or before July
22, 2017. He succeeded Shurhozelie Liezietsu, who did not turn up to face a oor
test with his MLAs at a special session of the state assembly on July 19, 2017.
153. The Government of India (GoI) has launched which low-cost screening
device to detect congenital hearing loss in newborns?
[A] Sohorn
[B] Sonhum
[C] Sohum
[D] Songhum
Correct Answer: C [Sohum]
Answer Explanation:
The Ministry of Science and Technology (S&T) has launched a low-cost indigenous
newborn hearing screening device Sohum in New Delhi to detect a congenital
hearing loss in newborns. The device has been developed by School of
International Biodesign (SIB) startup M/s Sohum Innovation Labs India Pvt. Ltd.
The portable Sohum hearing screening device measures auditory brain waves via
three electrodes placed on the babys head. When stimulated, they detect
electrical responses generated by the brains auditory system. If there is no
response, the child cannot hear. The battery-operated device is non-invasive,
which means babies do not need to be sedated, which is the current and risky,
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testing in process at present. It must be noted that 800,000 hearing impaired

babies are born annually across the world, of which nearly 100,000 are in India.
154. Amit Saroha, who has won silver at the 2017 World Para Athletics
Championship, is associated with which sports?
[A] Archery
[B] Rowing
[C] Judo
[D] Club throw
Correct Answer: D [Club throw]
Answer Explanation:
Amit Saroha of India has won silver in the club throw event in the F-51 category
(below waist paraplegic category) at the 2017 World Para Athletics
Championships in London, United Kingdom (UK). The event is the equivalent of
the hammer throw, only para athletes throw a wooden club. Saroha is the former
national-level hockey player, who has been wheelchair-bound, after a horric a
road accident in 2007.
155. Which country to host the 2022 World Short Course Swimming
Championships?
[A] UAE
[B] China
[C] Hungary
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: D [Russia]
Answer Explanation:
The International Swimming Federation (FINA) has recently selected the Russian
city of Kazan and Budapest (the capital of Hungary) to host the 2022 and 2024
World Short Course Swimming Championships, respectively. The 25-meter pool
championships are staged every two years in December and include hosting the
FINA World Aquatics Convention. Apart from this Hangzhou in China in 2018 and
Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2020 are due to host the World
Short Course Championships and Convention.
156. Who has been conferred with a fellowship by the Department of Culture,
Government of India (GoI)?
[A] Yasmin Singh
[B] Pali Chandra
[C] Nandakishore Kapote
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[D] Birju Maharaj

Correct Answer: C [Nandakishore Kapote]
Answer Explanation:
Internationally-acclaimed senior kathak dancer Dr. Pandit Nandakishore Kapote
has recently conferred with a fellowship by the Department of Culture,
Government of India (GoI). Kapote is the only male senior kathak dancer in the
country to receive the honour. Through this fellowship, Kapote will carry out a
detailed study on Hand Gestures and Kathak Dance in Abhinaydarpan. Earlier,
Kapote was awarded with scholarships by the central government, cultural
department of Maharashtra, Dr Ambedkar Dalit Mitra Award, Balgandharva Award
by PMC, Nehru Award, among others.
157. Antim Yadav has won bronze at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games
(CYG). He hails from which Indian state?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Manipur
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Answer Explanation:
Recently, Indian junior judokas won a gold and three bronze medals in the
ongoing 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games being held in Nassau, Bahamas.
Antim Yadav of Madhya Pradesh won a bronze in the below 48Kg weight category,
surpassing Russelll Jasmine of Bahamas in Repechage bout. Soni from Haryana
won the gold medal in the below 73Kg Weight Category, after beating Nikolic Uros
of Australia in the nal bout, while Ashish won a bronze in the below 60Kg weight
category, defeating Zain Prosser Harry of England in bronze medal bout.
Manipurs Rebina Devi Chanam also won a bronze medal in the below 57Kg
Weight category after getting the better of Saskia of Australia. The Organising
Committee of the Games that would conclude on July 24, 2017 had allowed the
participation of only four weight categories Judo players (2 Boys & 2 Girls) from
each country, and all the Indians won medals.
158. Which mobile app has been launched by UIDAI to carry unique identification
profile on mobile?
[A] mAadhaar app
[B] myAadhaar app
[C] dAadhaar app
[D] uAadhaar app
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Correct Answer: A [mAadhaar app]

Answer Explanation:
The Unique Identication Authority of India (UIDAI) has recently launched
mAadhaar app for mobile users that will allow users to carry unique identication
prole on mobile. A user can download Aadhaar number prole through their
smartphones and will therefore not require hard copies of the card, wherever
applicable. It allow users to carry their Aadhaar demographic information, i.e.
name, date of birth, gender, address and the photograph linked with their
Aadhaar number, on their smartphones. Currently, the app is available for Android
users and will soon be available for iOS users. A user can not only carry Aadhaar
data on their mobiles as an identication proof, but one can also lock/ unlock their
biometric details linked to Aadhaar to secure their personal data. Besides this,
mAadhaar app users can also update their prole via QR code and share eKYC
details with service providers such as telecommunications companies.
159. Who has topped a poll of the most powerful Arab women in government
2017, according to latest Forbes Middle East report?
[A] Hind Subaih Barrak Al-Subaih
[B] Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi
[C] Iman Houda Feraoun
[D] Sahar Nasr
Correct Answer: B [Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi]
Answer Explanation:
Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, the UAE Minister of State for Tolerance, has topped a
poll of the most powerful Arab women in government 2017, according to latest
Forbes Middle East report. Ms Qasimi was followed by Sahar Nasr, Ghada Wali,
Hind Subaih Barrak Al-Subaih, Iman Houda Feraoun and Iman Houda Feraoun.
Forbes has also released a list of the top 100 most powerful Arab businesswomen
for 2017, and the UAE represents the highest number of women, with 18, followed
by Egypt, with 16. As per the report, women in the Arab world were pioneering in
the banking sector and women in this industry represents 28% of the 2017
businesswoman list. The rankings were compiled by taking into account scope of
the role or ministry, years of experience and company revenues, or GDP in the
case of government.
160. The Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary (NWS) is located in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Assam
[C] Haryana
[D] Kerala
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Correct Answer: C [Haryana ]

Answer Explanation:
The Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary (NWS) is located at Rewari district in Haryana State
and spread over an area of 211.35 hectares. It is home to neelgai, geedar, langur,
blue peafowl (mor), rufous treepie, greater coucal, Indian grey hornbill,
coppersmith barbet, etc.
161. The Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to IRDAI IAIS pact for
information exchange. What does IAIS stands for?
[A] International Association of Insurance Supervisors
[B] International Authority of Insurance Supervisors
[C] International Associate of Insurance Supervisors
[D] International Accounting of Insurance Supervisors
Correct Answer: A [International Association of Insurance Supervisors]
Answer Explanation:
The Union Cabinet has recently given ex-post facto approval for insurance
regulator IRDAIs admission as a signatory to IAIS Multilateral Memorandum of
Understanding (MMoU) due to increasing integration of nancial markets. The
MMoU is a statement of its signatories intent to cooperate in the eld of
information exchange as well as procedure for handling information requests. The
MMoU provides a formal basis for cooperation and information exchange between
the signatory authorities regarding the supervision of insurance companies where
cross- border aspects arise. The International Association of Insurance Supervisors
(IAIS) is a global framework of cooperation and information exchange between
insurance supervisors. The MoU provides a formal basis for cooperation and
information exchange between the signatory authorities regarding the supervision
of insurance companies where cross- border aspects arise.
162. Who has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement (LTA) award for his
contributions as a Lok Sabha member?
[A] Murli Manohar Joshi
[B] LK Advani
[C] Atal Bihari Vajpayee
[D] Mallikarjun Kharge
Correct Answer: B [LK Advani]
Answer Explanation:
Veteran BJP leader LK Advani has received the Lifetime Achievement (LTA) award
for his contributions as a parliamentarian in the Lok Sabha (LS). JD(U) leader
Sharad Yadav got the Lifetime Achievement Award as a Rajya Sabha MP. The
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award was given by the Vice President Hamid Ansari at a function organised by
the Lokmat Media Group. The other awardees from the Lok Sabha included
Revolutionary Socialist Party MP N.K. Premachandran (Best Parliamentarian),
Congress leader Kumari Sushmita Dev (Best Woman Parliamentarian) and BJP
leader Meenakshi Lekhi (Best Debut Woman Parliamentarian). The awardees from
the Rajya Sabha included CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury (Best Parliamentarian),
Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan (Best Woman Parliamentarian) and Congress
MP Rajni Patil (Best Debut Woman Parliamentarian). The awardees were selected
by a jury, headed by former Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil.
163. Which state government has launched Janahitha to receive complaints
from public?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Telangana
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: C [Telangana ]
Answer Explanation:
The Telangana government has launched an innovative programme Janahitha
to receive complaints from public through a special portal. The programme has
kick started in Suryapet district on pilot basis and will be implemented across the
state in a phased manner. The aim of the programme is to facilitate the public to
submit their complaints on line and get speedy redressal. Besides submitting their
grievances, the public can also apply for various welfare schemes through this
facility. The public, instead of visiting oces, can lodge their grievance through
dierent means like portal, e-mail, WhatsApp or dialling the call centre from their
homes. In addition, they can also track the status of their complaints. Ocials at
the district headquarters and Secretariat in Hyderabad will monitor the redressal
of complaints and send SMS to the citizens on their status. Negative marks will be
given to the ocials if they fail to redress the grievances in stipulated time.
164. The Union Government has approved climate change projects for which
three states under NAFCC?
[A] Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana
[B] Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat
[C] Karnataka, Sikkim and Assam
[D] Rajasthan, Gujarat and Sikkim
Correct Answer: D [Rajasthan, Gujarat and Sikkim]
Answer Explanation:
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The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has recently
approved the proposals for climate adaptation projects submitted by Rajasthan,
Gujarat and Sikkim. The three projects approved by the National Steering
Committee on Climate Change (NSCCC), under the Chairmanship of Secretary
MoEF&CCm Ajay Narayan Jha, will receive funds under the National Adaptation
Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC). The current projects address a range of climate
change vulnerabilities in the states, which are not addressed under the ongoing
schemes of the Central and State governments. The projects in Rajasthan and
Sikkim are targeted at water security, while in Gujarat, the project will focus on
increasing the adaptive capacity of communities dependent on natural resources
in the Kachchh district. The NAFCC is a agship Scheme of Government of India,
which provides 100% grant to the State Governments for implementing climate
change adaptation projects
165. What is the Indias projected growth rate for 2017, as per supplement of
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Outlook 2017?
[A] 7.4%
[B] 7.6%
[C] 7.2%
[D] 7.5%
Correct Answer: A [7.4%]
Answer Explanation:
According to the supplement of Asian Development Bank (ADB) Outlook 2017,
India is expected to achieve the projected growth rate of 7.4% in 2017 and 7.6%
in 2018 on strong consumption demand. According to the report, South Asia will
be the fastest growing of all sub-regions in Asia and the Pacic, with growth on
track to meet original projections of 7% in 2017 and 7.2% in 2018. In the
supplement, ADB has upgraded its growth outlook in the Asian region to 5.9% in
2017 from 5.7% and to 5.8% for 2018 from 5.7%.
166. Odishas longest road bridge Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Setu has built
over which tributary of the Mahanadi River?
[A] Manas river
[B] Subansiri river
[C] Kathajodi river
[D] Kameng river
Correct Answer: C [Kathajodi river]
Answer Explanation:
Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha, has recently dedicated the states
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longest road bridge Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Setu to the nation. The 2.88
km bridge is built on river Kathajodi (a tributary of Mahanadi) at an approximate
cost Rs 114 crore. The Netaji Setu will not only lessen the distance between
Bhubaneswar and Cuttack by 12 km, it will also help divert trac and ease
commute.
167. Fanaceso Totti, the legendary footballer has announced his retirement. He
hails from which country?
[A] Germany
[B] Italy
[C] France
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: B [Italy]
Answer Explanation:
Fanaceso Totti, the legendary Italian footballer, has nally conrmed his
retirement from professional football on July 17, 2017 and announced that he had
accepted an oer from his former team Roma to become a club director. Totti is
regarded as one of the most talented Italian players of all time for his vision,
technique, and goalscoring ability. He is the second-highest scorer of all time in
Italian league history with 250 goals; he also holds the record for the most goals
scored in Serie A while playing for a single club.
168. Which state will be the focus state at the 2017 World Food India (WFI)?
[A] Kerala
[B] Assam
[C] Mizoram
[D] West Bengal
Correct Answer: D [West Bengal]
Answer Explanation:
The global food fair World Food India 2017 will be held in New Delhi on
November 3-5, 2017 to boost food sector. The fair will be organized by the Union
Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). In it, West Bengal will be the focus
state and will showcase its innovative food processing methods in the food fair.
The WFI will also provide global businesses with a platform to explore Indian
market across the value chain in food processing and allied industries as well as
in food retail.
169. The 1817 Paika rebellion was held in which Indian state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Odisha
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[C] Assam
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Answer Explanation:
The 1817 Paika rebellion (Paika Bidroh) was an armed rebellion against the British
East India Companys rule in Odisha under the leadership of Bakshi Jagabandhu.
The rebellion quickly spread across most of Odisha before being ruthlessly put
down by the companys forces. It is in news because President Pranab Mukherjee
has inaugurated a function in New Delhi to commemorate 200th year celebration
of heroic Paika Rebellion of Odisha on July 20, 2017 to pay tribute to the martyrs.
The President is scheduled to felicitate 150 Paika descendants at the function to
be held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The function was organized by the Union
Ministry of Culture.
170. The Nameri National Park (NNP) is located in which state?
[C] Assam
[D] Sikkim
Correct Answer: C [Assam]
Answer Explanation:
The Nameri National Park (NNP) is located in the foothills of the eastern
Himalayas in the Sonitpur District of Assam that covers an area of 200km2. The
forest has over 600 species. Some notable species are Gmelina arborea, Michelia
champaca, Amari, Chukrasia tabularis, etc. It is an ideal habitat for a host of
Indian elephant including the tiger, leopard, sambar, dhole, pygmy hog, Indian
wild bison, etc. The park is also a birdwatchers paradise with over 300 species
such as white winged wood duck, great pied hornbill, wreathed hornbill, rufous
necked hornbill, etc.
171. Which new pension scheme has been launched by the Union Government for
the senior citizens?
[A] Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)
[B] Pradhan Mantri Vaya Varun Yojana (PMVVY)
[C] Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vradh Yojana (PMVVY)
[D] Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vaman Yojana (PMVVY)
Correct Answer: A [Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)]
Answer Explanation:
The Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has launched a new pension scheme
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Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) for the senior citizens in New Delhi
on July 21, 2017. The scheme can be purchased oine as well as online through
LIC and is exempted from Service Tax or GST. The PMVVY scheme will be
available till 3rd of May next year and will provide an assured return of 8% per
annum payable monthly for 10 years. Loan upto 75% of purchase price will be
allowed after 3 policy years to meet the liquidity needs. The scheme also allows
for premature exit for the treatment of any critical or terminal illness of self or
spouse. On such premature exit, 98% of the Purchase Price shall be refunded. On
death of the pensioner during the policy term of 10 years, the purchase price will
be paid to the beneciary.
172. Which State Civil Secretariat has become the Indias first secretariat to be
fully under wireless coverage?
[A] Kerala
[C] Assam
[D] Sikkim
Correct Answer: B [Arunachal Pradesh]
Answer Explanation:
The Arunachal Pradesh State Civil Secretariat has become the Indias rst
secretariat to be fully under wireless coverage enabling end-to-end wireless
connectivity. Chief Minister Pema Khandu has recently inaugurated the Wi-Fi Local
Area Network (LAN) at the State Civil Secretariat in Itanagar.
173. Which state to host the 5th North East Connectivity Summit-2018?
[A] Mizoram
[B] Tripura
[D] Meghalaya
Answer Explanation:
The 5th North East Connectivity Summit- 2018 will be held in Arunachal Pradesh.
This was informed by Ranjit Barthakur, the Chairman of North East Advisory
Council (NEAC) of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
(FICCI). The summit organised by the FICCI is one of the most important forums
for action oriented deliberations on sub-regional economic integration and
connectivity between North East India and South East Asia. The 4th North East
Connectivity Summit will be held in Nagaland in the month of September 2017.
174. Which country to host 5th Global Conference on Cyber Space (GCCS)-2017?
226
[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] South Korea
[D] India
Correct Answer: D [India]
Answer Explanation:
The 5th Global Conference on Cyber Space (GCCS) will be held in New Delhi from
November 23-24, 2017. The GCCS is one of the worlds Largest conference on
Cyber Space and related issues. The theme of the conference will be Cyber for
all: An Inclusive, Sustainable, Developmental, Safe and Secure Cyberspace. The
GCCS is a prestigious international conference that aims at encouraging dialogue
among stakeholders of cyberspace, which has been taking place since 2011. India
is the 2nd Asian country, after South Korea, who will be organizing such
conference.
175. Who has been appointed as secretary to President-elect Ram Nath Kovind?
[A] Sanjay Kothari
[B] Pankaj Kumar
[C] Ashok Malik
[D] Gopal Mudaliar
Correct Answer: A [Sanjay Kothari]
Answer Explanation:
Sanjay Kothari, a 1978 batch IAS of Haryana cadre, has been appointed as
Secretary to President elect Ram Nath Kovind. Currently, he is the Chairman of
Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB). Beside this, Bharat Lal, a forest service
ocer, has been appointed as Joint Secretary to the President. Ashok Malik, the
senior journalist and distinguished fellow at Observer Research Foundation (ORF),
will be Press Secretary to the President.
176. Who has been appointed as the first female President of the Supreme Court
(SC) in United Kingdom (UK)?
[A] Mary Wortley Montagu
[B] Nell Gwyn
[C] Brenda Marjorie Hale
[D] Jane Austen
Correct Answer: C [Brenda Marjorie Hale]
Answer Explanation:
Brenda Marjorie Hale, the senior-most judge of United Kngdom (UK) has been
227
appointed as the rst female President of the Supreme Court (SC). She will take
charge as the head of Britains top judging panel in September following the
retirement of current President, Lord Neuberger. She has served as Neubergers
deputy since 2013. Three new justices have also been appointed to the Supreme
Court Lady Justice Black, Lord Justice Lloyd Jones and Lord Justice Brigg who
will take up the role when Lady Hale is sworn in ocially as President on 2nd
October. The Supreme Court is the nal court of appeal for civil cases in the UK,
and criminal cases from England, Northern Ireland and Wales which means it
considers cases where an order had already been made in a lower court and is
being challenged.
177. Which state to host 5th South India Writers Ensemble (SIWE) literary
festival?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Karnataka
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: D [Kerala]
Answer Explanation:
The 5th edition of South India Writers Ensemble (SIWE) will be held at Chengannur
in coastal Alappuza district, Kerala from July 24, 2017 with Tolerance as the core
theme. The 3-day annual literary will be organised by People for Performing Arts
and More, an art-cum-cultural outt. The purpose of the SIWE is to bring about an
enriching interaction between writers from dierent languages and regions. This
year, Hindi has been selected as the main language and related creative writers,
journalists, theatre and lm personalities and other personalities would take part
in it.
178. Karamjyoti Dalal, who has won bronze medal at the 2017 World Para
Athletics Championships, is associated with which sports?
[A] Sprint
[B] Club throw
[C] Javelin throw
[D] Discus-throw
Correct Answer: D [Discus-throw]
Answer Explanation:
Karamjyoti Dalal from India has won bronze in the womens F55 category of
discus-throw at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships. She won the medal
in the F55 category, with her best throw of 19.02m outscoring Baharains Alomari
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Roba, who managed a throw of 19.01m. Dalal belongs to Haryana and was an
active member of Indian national kabaddi team before she was forced to leave
the sport due to a mishap when she fell from her terrace.
179. Which state will have Indias first Eco-friendly bridges for the movement of
tigers?
[A] Telangana
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Odisha
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: A [Telangana]
Answer Explanation:
In a rst of its kind, Telangana State will have eco-friendly bridges over a canal
cutting across the tiger corridor linking the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)
in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra with the forests in Telanganas Kumram
Bheem Asifabad district. It requires the laying of fertile soil to grow grass and
plants over the structure, so that fragmentation of the reserve forest is
camouaged. The eco-bridges will be constructed at key spots along the 72 km-
long, and at some places over a kilometre wide, right ank canal of the Pranahita
barrage in the Bejjur and Dahegaon mandals.
180. The Mouling National Park (MNP) is located in which state?
[B] Uttarakhand
[D] Jharkhand
Answer Explanation:
The Mouling National Park (MNP) is a national park spread over the Upper Siang
district and parts of the West Siang and East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh
and covers an area of about 483 km. It is home to takin, goral, Indian leopard,
Bengal tiger, barking deer, serow and red panda.
181. Which union ministry has launched an online complaint system sexual
harassment e-box at workplace?
[A] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Law and Justice
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Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Women and Child Development ]

Answer Explanation:
Maneka Gandhi, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, has
launched an online complaint system Sexual Harassment e-box (SHe-Box) for
registering sexual harassment complaints at workplace in New Delhi on July 24,
2017. Initially, this online portal is open for central government women employees
only and later on, complaints from private sector will be entertained eectively.
The complaint management system has been developed to ensure the eective
implementation of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (SH Act). This portal will provide a platform
to women working or visiting any oce of Central Government to le complaints
related to sexual harassment at workplace under the SH Act. Beside this, the
Ministry will soon conduct a national level survey to examine the magnitude of
sexual harassment at workplace.
182. Which oil company will operate Indias first petroleum R&D facility for
testing high-end BS-VI quality fuel emissions?
[A] Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL)
[B] Indian Oil Corp (IOC)
[C] Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
[D] Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL)
Correct Answer: B [Indian Oil Corp (IOC)]
Answer Explanation:
Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Petroleum Minister, has launched the Indias rst
petroleum Research & Development (R&D) facility for testing high-end BS-VI
quality fuel emissions in Faridabad in the National Capital Region (NCR). The R &
D facility will be operated by state-run Indian Oil Corp (IOC) and is designed to
test all types of fuel including petrol, diesel, ethanol-blended petrol, bio-diesel,
CNG, LNG, hydrogen-CNG and 2G-ethanol blends to ensure they meet the
superior BS-VI norms that are to be implemented across the country by April
2020. In addition to generating emission data, the facility will also evaluate the
fuel blends for energy-eciency and engine durability.
183. India has recently signed pact which country to connect both the countries
by waterways?
[A] Myanmar
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Thailand
[D] Sri Lanka
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Correct Answer: B [Bangladesh ]

Answer Explanation:
India and Bangladesh have signed a pact to connect both the countries by
waterways. The waterways will facilitate movement of passengers and goods
between Indias northeast and West Bengal with Bangladesh. Union Minister of
State for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya has stated
that infrastructure for the services would be set up along the major rivers in
Bangladesh, West Bengal and Brahmaputra in Assam. The services are expected
to start by the end of year 2017.
184. Which country is hosting the 2017 Asian Youth & Junior Weightlifting
Championships?
[A] India
[B] Japan
[C] Nepal
[D] China
Correct Answer: C [Nepal]
Answer Explanation:
The 2017 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships have started at the
Nepal Army Sports Complex in Kathmandu, Nepal on July 23, 2017. The delegates
from 38 countries including India are taking part in the weeklong event. More than
300 weightlifters will compete for total 96 medals, 48 each in mens and womens
categories. In the championship, players from 13 to 17 years of age group taking
part in youth category and 15 to 20 years in junior category. All four categories
have eight weight divisions. The competitions have started from July 24 and will
continue till July 29.
185. Who has clinched the 2017 Mens singles US Open Grand Prix Gold
badminton tournament?
[A] Parupalli Kashyap
[B] B Sai Praneeth
[C] B. Sumeeth Reddy
[D] H S Prannoy
Correct Answer: D [H S Prannoy]
Answer Explanation:
Indian Shuttler H S Prannoy has won the 2017 US Open Grand Prix Gold
badminton tournament title by defeating his compatriot Parupalli Kashyap at
Anaheim, California. He beat Kashyap in the nal by 21-15, 20-22, 21-12. Prannoy
had found place in the nal defeating Vietnams Tien Minh Nguyen while Kashyap
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overcame Korean Kwang Hee Heo in the semi-nals. In the womens singles of the
tournament, Japanese Aya Ohori won the nal beating Michelle Li of Canada.
186. The 2017 National Broadcasting Day (NBD) is celebrated on which date in
India?
[A] July 23
[B] July 24
[C] July 22
[D] July 21
Correct Answer: A [July 23]
Answer Explanation:
The National Broadcasting Day (NBD) is celebrated every year on July 23 because
on this day, in 1927, the radio broadcasting was started in India. The rst ever
radio broadcast in India went on air from the Bombay Station on July 23, 1927
under a private company, the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC). It was by the
British Viceroy of India Lord Irwin. On June 8, 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting
Service became All India Radio (AIR). Today, in 2017, the radio broadcast has
completed 90 years in country. The All India Radio (AIR), now under Prasar
Bharati, has the distinction of being one of the major broadcasting organizations
in the world. The News Services Division of All India Radio disseminates news and
comments to listeners in India and abroad. Today, AIRs home service comprises
420 stations located across the country, reaching nearly 92%t of the countrys
area and 99.19% of the total population. AIR originates programming in 23
languages and 146 dialects.
187. Dr. U R Rao, the internationally acclaimed scientist has passed away. He
was the former chairman of which organisation?
[A] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[B] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[C] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
[D] Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
Correct Answer: B [Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]
Answer Explanation:
Dr. Udupi Ramachandra Rao (85), the internationally acclaimed space scientist
and former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, has passed
away in Bengaluru, Karnataka on July 24, 2017. He is credited for contributions to
the development of space technology in India and its extensive application to
communications and remote sensing of natural resources. Prof. Rao served as the
Chairman of ISRO for ten years from 1984-1994. He was the rst Indian to be
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inducted into the Satellite Hall of Fame, Washington and in International

Astronautics Federation (IAF). In his career, he published over 350 scientic and
technical papers covering wide range of topics including cosmic rays,
interplanetary physics, high energy astronomy, space applications and satellite
and rocket technology. He also wrote several books on subjects related to space
research.
188. Who will be new spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)?
[A] Vinay Mohan Kwatra
[B] Vikas Swarup
[C] Raveesh Kumar
[D] Gopal Baglay
Correct Answer: C [Raveesh Kumar]
Answer Explanation:
Raveesh Kumar, a 1995-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) ocer, has been
appointed as the new spokesperson of Ministry of External Aairs (MEA).
Currently, he is posted in Frankfurt as Consul General of India and will succeed
Gopal Baglay, who has been appointed as the joint secretary in the Prime
Ministers Oce (PMO). The MEA which is also known as the Foreign Ministry is
the responsible for the conduct of foreign relations of India. The Ministry comes
under Government of India (GoI) and is responsible for the countrys
representation in the United Nations. It also advises other Ministries and State
Governments when the latter have dealings with foreign governments or
institutions.
189. Varun Bhati, who won bronze at the 2017 World Para Athletics
[A] Sprint
[B] Club throw
[C] Steeplechase
[D] High Jump
Correct Answer: D [High Jump]
Answer Explanation:
India bagged two medals in the high jump at the 2017 World Para Athletics
Championships in London on July 22, 2017. In it, Varun Bhati bagged bronze
medal in the T42 event by successfully jumping in the nal at 1.77 metre. While
Sharad Kumar won a silver medal by recording his career-best performance with a
jump of 1.84 metre. Earlier, Sundar Singh Gurjar from India clinched gold in the
mens javelin throw event, Amit Saroha won silver medal in the club throw event
in the F-51 category. And, Indias discus thrower Karamjyoti Dalal claimed a
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bronze medal in the Womens F55 category. With that, India have increased their
medal tally to ve in the Championships.
190. Which union minister has inaugurated RIWATCH Museum in Arunachal
Pradesh?
[A] Nitin Gadkari
[B] Ashok Gajapathi Raju
[C] Kiren Rijiju
[D] Prakash Javadekar
Correct Answer: C [Kiren Rijiju]
Answer Explanation:
Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister of State for Home Aairs, has inaugurated the
Research Institution of World Ancient, Traditional, Culture & Heritage (RIWATCH)
Museum at Roing in Arunachal Pradesh on July 22, 2017. The museum will serve
as a place of exchange of cultural values of various tribes of the state and the
North East. The MoS also pressed for documentation and research to preserve
age-old culture and traditions of the state and exhorted people to shoulder the
responsibility to pass on traditional and cultural values to the next generation.
According to UNESCO report, there are 32 languages in Arunachal Pradesh that
are on the verge of extinction and the state government is initiating programmes
and policies to nd out and to revive those minor and major tribal languages.
Beside this, Rijiju also inaugurated the 235-meter long Chimari Bridge, which
would serve as a life line between the National Highway 52 of Roing-Tezu. The
bridge has been constructed by BRO.
191. Which country to host the mens World Boxing Championship in 2021?
[A] India
[B] Russia
[C] Turkey
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: A [India]
Answer Explanation: India will host the mens World Boxing Championship for
the rst time in 2021 besides womens World Boxing Championship in 2018. It is
recently announced by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) in the
executive committee meeting in Moscow, Russia. India has never conducted the
mens World Championship but has played host to the 2006 womens mega-
event. The major mens boxing events hosted by India have been the 1990 World
Cup in Mumbai and the 2010 Commonwealth Championships in New Delhi. Beside
this, the AIBA Executive Committee has unanimously awarded the 2019 womens
World Championships to Trabzon, Turkey and the AIBA Mens World
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Championships 2019 to Sochi, Russia. The AIBA 2018 Congress was awarded to
the Russian capital city of Moscow.
192. What is the Indias rank in the new global Commitment to Reducing
Inequality (CRI) index?
[A] 123rd
[B] 132nd
[C] 116th
[D] 111th
Correct Answer: B [132nd]
Answer Explanation: India has been ranked 132nd among 152 nations in a new
global Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) index, which was prepared by
international NGO Oxfam and Development Finance International (DFI). The new
global ranking of governments is based on what they are doing to tackle the gap
between rich and poor. The report highlights Indias less-than adequate spending
on welfare measures on account of its low tax to Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
ratio compared to that of some other nations as well as the disparity between
wages of men and women for the same work. India collects just 16.7% of GDP as
taxes, while South Africa manages to collect over 27%, pointed out the report.
The CRI index ranks nations on the basis of their welfare spending, the
progressive nature of their tax system and prevailing wage inequality in the
labour market. The list is topped by Sweden, followed by Belgium, Denmark,
Norway, Germany and Finland.
193. Mervyn Rose, the well-known tennis player passed away. He hailed from
which country?
[A] France
[B] United States
[C] Switzerland
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: D [Australia]
Answer Explanation: Mervyn Rose (87), an Australian tennis player, has passed
away in Australia on July 23, 2017. He won 7 Grand Slam titles (singles, doubles
and mixed doubles) in his tennis career and represented Australia in the Davis
Cup from 1951 to 1957. He coached numerous female and male players, including
Billie Jean King, Margaret Court, Ernie Ewart, Michael Fancutt, Brett Prentice and
Arantxa Snchez Vicario. Rose is remembered for his unique character and for
great coaching and mentoring to both amateur and professional players.
194. Which mobile app has been launched by the Union Government for road
235
maintenance?
[A] RoadBHIM
[B] Kartavya
[C] Aarambh
[D] Prarambh
Correct Answer: C [Aarambh]
Answer Explanation: The Union Government has launched the mobile phone
app Aarambh to simplify the maintenance management of rural roads. The
purpose of the app is to use of Geographic Information System (GIS) based
mapping for making road inventories, condition surveys and producing cost
estimates and other relevant data for preparation and monitoring of annual road
maintenance plans. Its usage would greatly enhance the service delivery of the
state level institutions in planning and implementing performance based rural
roads maintenance contracts. The app was launched jointly by the Union Minister
for Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Drinking Water & Sanitation Narendra
Singh Tomar and ILO Deputy Director General (Policy) Ms. Deborah Greeneld on
July 24, 2017. Apart from this, the Ministry has also launched a concept note and
guidance note Mobilizing Funds for Maintenance of Rural Road to outline
innovative ways which can be adopted by the state Governments for mobilizing
additional funds for road maintenance and presents some international best
practices worldwide.
195. Which metro will become the Indias first metro to have its own FM radio
station?
[A] Kolkata Metro
[B] Lucknow Metro
[C] Delhi Metro
[D] Nagpur Metro
Correct Answer: B [Lucknow Metro]
Answer Explanation: The Lucknow Metro will become the Indias rst metro to
have its own FM radio station along with a collaboration with private radio station
to provide information regarding metro safety as well as on and o board
entertainment. This service aims for infotainment and monetary purpose. It will
oer free WiFi service for all the Go Smart Card holders, which holds various
other benets as well. Beside this, Lucknow metro will also become the rst metro
in India to provide Commuters with free puried and chilled drinking water along
with free toilet services at all of its stations.
196. Sachin Siwach, who won gold at the 2017 World Para Athletics
236

[A] Swimming
[B] Judo
[C] Boxing
[D] Cycling
Correct Answer: C [Boxing]
Answer Explanation: India nished at 7th position in the 6th edition of
Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG-2017) at Nassau in Bahamas after winning 11
medals. India won four gold, one silver and six bronze medals in the six-day multi-
sporting event which concluded on July 24, 2017. In boxing, India bagged four
medals with World Youth champion Sachin Siwach clinched the gold in light
yweight in 49kg category and Muhammed Etash Khan won a bronze in boys
bantamweight (56kg) division. Among the girls boxers, Jony clinched a silver
medal in lightweight in 60kg category where as Ekta took a bronze medal in the
yweight 51kg category. In tennis, Zeel Desai and Siddhant Banthia claimed three
medals across all three categories in singles and mixed doubles. Desai won her
girls singles nal against Eliza Omirou of Cyprus 6-3 7-6, while Banthia clinched
the bronze with a win over Cypriot Eleftherios Neos 6-2, 6-0. The duo of Banthia
and Desai took India to a 6-4, 6-3 victory in the mixed doubles nals against Neos
and Omirou of Cyprus. The Indian contingent had comprised 28 participants
across six disciplines that are athletics, cycling, swimming, judo, boxing and
tennis.
197. Who has been chosen as the captain of the ICC Womens World Cup 2017
team?
[A] Mithali Raj
[B] Tamsin Beaumont
[C] Anya Shrubsole
[D] Marizanne Kapp
Correct Answer: A [Mithali Raj]
Answer Explanation: India skipper Mithali Raj has been chosen as the captain of
the ICC Womens World Cup 2017 team by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
She was selected as captain after she led India to the nal in the 2017 ICC
Womens World Cup, which was won by England Women Team. Mithali led by
example, scoring 409 runs during the 30- day tournament. There are four
members of the England womens team in the Womens World Cup XI, including
Tamsin Beaumont, who was declared Player of the Tournament, and seamer Anya
Shrubsole, who captured six wickets in the nal to shatter Indian hopes of
claiming a maiden title. South Africa also has three members that included opener
237
Laura Wolvaardt and bowlers Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk.
198. Prof. Yash Pal, who passed away recently, was the famous scientist from
which field?
[A] Chemistry
[B] Medicine
[C] Biology
[D] Physics
Correct Answer: D [Physics]
Answer Explanation: Prof Yash Pal (90), the internationally acclaimed physicist
and higher education reformer, has passed away in Noida in Uttar Pradesh on July
25, 2017. He was born in 1926 in Jhang district of British India that is now in
Pakistan. He gained recognition due to his contribution in the study of cosmic
rays. Professor Yash Pal was lappointed as the Chief Consultant of the Planning
Commission. He acted as the Secretary of Department of Science and Technology
from 1984 to 1986. He was appointed as the Chairman of University Grants
Commission where he served a full single-term of ve years and also served as
the Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University. He served as a member of UN
Advisory Committee on Science and Technology for Development. He is also
known for his appearances on the science programme, Turning Point on
Doordarshan and explaining scientic concepts in laymans language. Pal was
honoured with Padma Bhushan in 1976 and Padma Vibhushan in 2013 for his
contribution to Science.
199. Konsam Ormila Devi is associated with which sports?
[A] Weightlifting
[B] High Jump
[C] Judo
[D] Sprint
Correct Answer: A [Weightlifting ]
Answer Explanation: Indian weightlifter Konsam Ormila Devi has bagged a gold
medal at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Kathmandu,
Nepal. According to the Indian Weightlifting Federation, the weightlifter from
Manipur lifted 56kg in snatch and 70kg in clean & jerk for a total eort of 126kg in
the 44kg weight category to nish on the top of the podium.
200. The Sri Venkateshwara National Park is located in which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
238
[D] Tamil Nadu

Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Answer Explanation: The Sri Venkateshwara National Park (SVNP) is a national
park and biosphere reserve located in Andhra Pradesh, India and covers an area
of 353 km2. The park is known for its many waterfalls including the Talakona,
Gundalakona and Gunjana. It is home to hyena, golden jackal, Indian fox, small
Indian civet, jungle cat, etc. The key threats that national park is facing are
construction and quarrying.
201. The 18th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas has celebrated on which day in
India?
[A] July 25
[B] July 24
[C] July 26
[D] July 22
Correct Answer: C [July 26]
Answer Explanation: The 18th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas has
celebrated across the country on July 26, 2017 to commemorates Indias
emphatic victory against Pakistan and honours the war heroes. On the occasion,
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and three Chiefs of Services laid oral tribute at
Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate. On this day in 1999, the Indian Army successfully
took control of posts at a treacherous high altitude and glaciated terrain across
the Himalayas in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, after ghting for 60
days. More than 500 soldiers from Indian Armed Forces sacriced their lives
during the war. Four Param Vir Chakras, nine Maha Vir Chakras, 53 Vir Chakras
and other medals had been awarded to felicitate the Kargil War heroes.
202. Which country is hosting the 2017 BRICS Youth Forum (BYF)?
[A] India
[B] South Africa
[C] Brazil
[D] China
Correct Answer: D [China]
Answer Explanation: The 2017 BRICS Youth Forum (BYF) has started in Beijing,
China on July 25, 2017 to discuss the development of the youth in the countries of
the grouping. The theme of 3-day forum is Enhance BRICS Partnership, Promote
Youth Development. The forum gathered 50 youth representatives working as
civil servants, scholars, entrepreneurs, artists and journalists from BRICS
countries. The representatives will hold discussions on issues concerning youth
239
policies and entrepreneurship, as well as the roles of BRICS youth in global

governance, before formulating an action plan for the forum. The ve BRICS
countries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa rst came up with the
idea of establishing a dialogue mechanism for BRICS youth in 2014 during a
meeting between BRICS leaders in South Africa.
203. Which country has recently declared total independence from IMF and
World Bank (WB)?
[A] Bolivia
[B] Iran
[C] North Korea
[D] Vietnam
Correct Answer: A [Bolivia]
Answer Explanation: Evo Morales, the President of Bolivia, has recently
declared his governments full independence from the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) and World Bank, after announcing last year that Bolivia will no longer
respond to their demands. Most of the protests in Bolivia have targeted the
policies of the international money lending organizations that have focused on
privatisation and austerity measures to combat corruption in the country
204. The United Nations has selected which city as data hub for Middle East
North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region?
[A] Karachi
[B] Dubai
[C] New Delhi
[D] Kabul
Correct Answer: B [Dubai]
Answer Explanation: The United Nations (UN) has selected Dubai as the data
hub for the Middle East North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region for the citys
integrated initiatives to mine and manage its data. The designation will be part of
a portfolio of local and regional data portals, analytics and reports to engage
stakeholders and help accelerate progress. It will also serve as a dedicated
platform for city-to-city learning and solutions transfer across metropolitan,
national and global contexts.
205. Which state government has signed MoU with Airport Authority of India
(AAI) for aviation development?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Andhra Pradesh
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[C] Tamil Nadu

[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: A [Uttarakhand]
Answer Explanation: The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has signed MoU with
Govt. of Uttarakhand for development for aviation sector in the state. The scope
of the MoU is to identify relevant factors inuencing the development of civil
aviation infrastructure in Uttarakhand, assessing commercial potential of various
airports of the state, identifying technical considerations for airport operations in
the state, evaluating site related technical and engineering parameters for
development of projects, making estimate of the capital outlay for the future
projects and development of master plan for existing and future civil aviation
infrastructure in the state. AAI will also assist UCADA in obtaining necessary
clearances for airport operations starting with the upgraded airport at Pithoragarh
and later at Chiniyalisaur.
206. Which union minister has chaired the first-ever meeting of the newly
constituted Islands Development Agency (IDA)?
[A] Narendra Modi
[B] Nirmala Sitharaman
[C] Rajnath Singh
[D] Arun Jaitley
Correct Answer: C [Rajnath Singh]
Answer Explanation: The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the rst
meeting of the newly constituted Islands Development Agency (IDA) on July 24,
2017. After detailed consultations, ten islands namely Smith, Ross, Aves, Long
and Little Andaman in Andaman & Nicobar and Minicoy, Bangaram, Suheli,
Cherium and Tinnakara in Lakshadweep have been identied for holistic
development in the rst phase. The IDA was set up on June 1, 2017 following the
Prime Ministers review meeting for the development of islands.
207. Who has been appointed as Indias alternate Governor on the Board of
Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)?
[A] Kaushik Basu
[B] Subhash Chandra Garg
[C] Rajiv Mehrishi
[D] Shaktikanta Das
Correct Answer: B [Subhash Chandra Garg]
Answer Explanation: Subhash Chandra Garg, the secretary of Department of
Economic Aairs (DEA), has been appointed as Indias Alternate Governor on the
241
Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Manila, Philippines

with eect from July 12, 2017. He succeeded Shaktikanta Das, the former
secretary of DEA.
208. Kylie Masse, who won womens 100m backstroke gold at the 2017 World
Aquatics Championships, is associated with which country?
[A] Canada
[B] South Africa
[C] Australia
[D] France
Correct Answer: A [Canada]
Answer Explanation: Kylie Masse, a Canadian swimmer, has won gold in the
womens 100-metre backstroke with a world-record time of 58.10 seconds at the
2017 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. With this
achievement, she became the rst Canadian woman to become a world champion
and rst Canadian to win a title since Brent Hayden.
209. Who has been honoured with the 2017 Mahanayak Samman?
[A] Moon Moon Sen
[B] Debashree Roy
[C] Shakuntala Barua
[D] Mamata Shankar
Correct Answer: C [Shakuntala Barua]
Answer Explanation: The veteran actress Shakuntala Barua has been honoured
with the 2017 Mahanayak Samman at Nazrul Mancha in Kolkata for her
contribution to the world of cinema. Awards were also presented to Prosenjit
Chatterjee, Nusrat Jahan, Arindam Sil, Bickram Ghosh, Soumik Halder and
Padmanabha Dasgupta in various categories. Suparnokanti Karati for Bisarjan and
Shiboprasad Mukhopadhyay of Windows Productions for Praktan were among
awardees for the Best Film and Best Producer categories. The Mahanayak
Samman is the highest lm award given by the West Bengal government. The
awards were instituted in the year 2012 in the memory of the legendary actor
Mahanayak Uttam Kumar.
210. The Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?
[A] Mizoram
[B] Nagaland
[C] Tripura
[D] Assam
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Correct Answer: B [Nagaland ]

Answer Explanation: The Fakim wildlife sanctuary is located in the eastern part
of Nagaland under Kipheri district bordering Myanmar. The sanctuary lies in the
Pungro circle headquarters and is spread over an area of 642 hectares. It receives
high rainfall and is home to rare species. The area is covered with hills, high
ridges, deep gorges and narrow valleys. Because of this variation in altitude,
vegetation is equally varied. It is home to tiger, hoolock gibbon, panther, jungle
cat, Himalayan bear, bison, sambar, barking deer, etc.
211. Which country is hosting the 2017 BRICS National Security Advisors (NSAs)
meeting?
[A] Brazil
[B] South Africa
[C] China
[D] India
Correct Answer: C [China]
Answer Explanation: The BRICS NSAs meeting has started in Beijing, China on
July 27, 2017, which will be attended by Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor
(NSA) of India. The visit comes in the backdrop of ongoing stando between India
and China in the Doklam region. Doval is expected to hold separate talks with
Chinas State Councilor Yang Jiechi on the stando issue on the sidelines of the
meeting. Mr Doval and Mr Yang are Special Representatives of the India-China
border mechanism. Besides Doval and Yang, Minister of State Security David
Mahlobo of South Africa, Minister Sergio Etchegoyen of the Oce of Institutional
Security of the Presidency of Brazil, Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev
of the Russian Federation will also attend the NSAs meeting.
212. Which high court has made National song Vande Mataram mandatory in
Tamil Nadu schools?
[A] Madras High Court
[B] Delhi High Court
[C] Bombay High Court
[D] Kerala High Court
Correct Answer: A [Madras High Court]
Answer Explanation: The Madras High Court has ruled that the national song
Vande Mataram be made compulsory in all educational institutions and
government or private organisations in Tamil Nadu. As per ruling, the national
song be played and sung in all schools, colleges and universities at least once a
week, preferably on Monday or Friday and in government oces, private
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companies, factories and industries at least once a month. The issue pertains to a
case led by K Veeramani who lost the state recruitment board exam by a mark
as he answered Bengali for the question on the language of Vande Mataram
while the answer key said that it was written in Sanskrit. Opposing his submission,
Veeramani approached the Madras High Court and sought clarity on whether
Vande Mataram was written in Sanskrit or Bengali. As per ruling, it is the duty of
every citizen to abide by the ideals ingrained in the Constitution and as such show
respect to the National Anthem and the National Flag.
213. Dharam Singh, who passed away recently, was the former Chief Minister of
which state?
[B] Karnataka
[C] Assam
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Answer Explanation: N. Dharam Singh (80), the former Karnataka Chief Minister
and veteran Congress leader, has recently passed away in Bengaluru 80. He was
the 17th Chief Minister of Karnataka and was continuously elected as MLA for 7
times from the Jevargi constituency. Mr Singh was elected to the Lok Sabha from
the Bidar constituency in 2009 general election.
214. Where is the headquarters of Dredging Corporation of India Limited?
[A] Pune
[B] New Delhi
[C] Chennai
[D] Visakhapatnam
Correct Answer: D [Visakhapatnam]
Answer Explanation: The Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCI) is a
Miniratna Indian public sector unit engaged in the business of dredging. DCI is
headquartered at Visakhapatnam and it reports to the Ministry of Shipping.
Recently, it is in news because a proposal for disinvestment of DCI is under
consideration of the Government of India (GoI). The proposal is aimed at
upgrading technology, improving capability, infusing capital to buy necessary
dredgers and equipments and instilling experienced professional management to
optimize the operations of DCI. This information was given by the Minister of State
for Shipping and Road Transport and Highways Pon. Radhakrishnan in a written
reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on July 27, 2017.
215. Which Indian organisation has designed and build the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
244
memorial?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
[C] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[D] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
Correct Answer: C [Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]
Answer Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently inaugurated
the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam memorial at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu on July 27, 2017.
The event coincides with the second death anniversary of Dr Kalam. The
memorial has been designed and established by the Defence Research and
Development Organization (DRDO) and has been built at a cost of about 20 crore
rupees. The memorial will reect Indias diversity and various cultures and will
pay homage to Kalams life, displaying replicas of rockets and missiles that the
late ace scientist worked on. On this occasion, Prime Minister Modi has agged o
the mobile science exhibition bus Kalam Sandesh Vahini which shall travel
across various States of the country and reach Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi
on October 15, which marks the birth anniversary of the former President.
216. Who has been sworn-in as the new Chief Minister of Bihar?
[A] Sushil Kumar Modi
[B] Nitish Kumar
[C] Lalu Prasad Yadav
[D] CP Joshi
Correct Answer: B [Nitish Kumar]
Answer Explanation: Nitish Kumar, the President of Janata Dal(United), has
been sworn-in as the new Chief Minister of Bihar for the sixth time and BJP leader
Sushil Kumar Modi was sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister. Governor Keshari
Nath Tripathi administered him the oath of oce and secrecy at Raj Bhavan in
Patna on July 27, 2017. Earlier, on July 26, 2017, Nitish Kumar had resigned as the
Chief Minister citing irreconcilable dierences with RJD on corruption charges
against Lalu Prasads son and former Deputy CM Tejaswi Prasad Yadav. Then, the
JDU President joined hands with the BJP to form a new government in the state.
217. Who has led Indian delegation at the 2017 BRICS Labour & Employment
Ministers Meet?
[A] Narendra Singh Tomar
[B] Bandaru Dattatreya
[C] Kalraj Mishra
[D] Ram Vilas Paswan
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Correct Answer: B [Bandaru Dattatreya]

Answer Explanation: Indian delegation led by Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister
of State (Independent Charge) for Labour & Employment, participated in the
BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers Meet, held on July 26-27, 2017 at
Chonqging, China. China is the chair for the BRICS Labour & Employment
Ministers Meet for the year 2017. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the
BRICS Labour and Employment Ministerial Declaration by the BRICS Labour and
Employment Ministers. The declaration covered a variety of areas that are of
critical importance to all BRICS countries including India and called upon
strengthening collaboration and cooperation on these through appropriate
institutionalisation . These areas consisted of : Governance in the Future of
Work, Skills for development in BRICS, Universal and sustainable social
security systems, BRICS Network of Labour Research Institutions, BRICS Social
Security Cooperation Framework and BRICS entrepreneurship research.
218. The GST council has formed which committee to select members of National
Anti-profiteering Authority (NAPA) under GST?
[A] Pradeep Kumar Sinha
[B] Rajeev Topno
[C] Dharam Vir
[D] Nripendra Mishra
Correct Answer: A [Pradeep Kumar Sinha]
Answer Explanation: The Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council has formed a
selection committee under the chairmanship of cabinet secretary Pradeep Kumar
Sinha to identify and recommend eligible persons for appointment as the
chairman and members of the National Anti-proteering Authority under GST. The
standing committee is empowered to refer cases requiring detailed enquiry to the
Director General of Safeguards, Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) for
consideration of the NAPA. The National Anti-proteering Authority (NAPA) is
tasked with ensuring the full benets of a reduction in tax on the supply of goods
or services ow to the consumers. As per provisions of law, the Authority will be
headed by a senior ocer of the level of a secretary to the Government of India
and shall have four technical members from the Centre and/or the states. The
NAPA will have the power to cancel registration of any entity or business if it fails
to pass on to consumers the benet of lower taxes under the GST regime.
219. Who has been honoured with the Life Time Excellence Award at the 2017
National Earth System Sciences (NESS) awards?
[A] K. Krishnamoorthy
[B] P. N. Vinayachandran
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[C] K. Gopalan
[D] K. S. Krishna
Correct Answer: C [K. Gopalan]
Answer Explanation: Professor K. Gopalan has been honoured with the Life
Time Excellence Award at the 2017 National Earth System Sciences (NESS)
awards for his signicant contribution in the eld of isotope geo-science. The
awards are presented on the Foundation Day of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
i.e. July 27, 2017. The National Awards for Ocean Science & technology,
Atmospheric Science & technology and Geoscience & technology has been
presented to Prof. P. N. Vinayachandran, Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy and Professsor K.
S. Krishna respectively. The Young Researcher Awards have been bestowed to Dr.
Dhanya C. T. and Dr. Vikram Vishal for their outstanding work in Earth Science &
Technology. The Life Time Excellence Award carry an award money of
Rs.5,00,000/-; National Awards carry an award money of Rs.1,00,000/- each and
Young Researcher Award carry an award of Rs.50,000/- each.
220. The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Bihar
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: D [Karnataka]
Answer Explanation: The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) is a protected area
and a Project Tiger, tiger reserve located 38 km northwest of Chikkamagaluru
town in Karnataka. It has a wide range of ora and fauna and is a popular place
for day outings. The 1,875 m above MSL Hebbe Giri is the highest peak in the
sanctuary. It is home to tiger, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, wild boar, black leopard,
jungle cat, jackal, wild dog, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, etc.
221. Indias first bullet train project MAHSR will be built with the help of which
country?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] Germany
[D] France
Correct Answer: B [Japan]
Answer Explanation: Indias rst bullet train project MumbaiAhmedabad High-
Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor will be launched during the visit of Japanese Prime
Minister Shinzo Abe in September 12-14, 2017. Abe and Prime Minister Narendra
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Modi will jointly inaugurate the bullet train project with the laying of foundation
stone and a ground breaking ceremony. This is expected to take place in
Ahmedabad or Gandhinagar (Gujarat). This is Rs 1 lakh crore project which
involves construction of a 505-km line using Japanese Shinkansen technology.
For this, Japan will provide a soft loan worth $12 billion, at a cost of 0.1%, for a
50-year period including a 15-year moratorium. The Japanese government will be
bearing 80% of the total project cost and the increase in cost estimate has to be
borne by both India and Japan.
222. Which metro will launch Indias first mobile ticketing system?
[A] Kolkata Metro
[B] Mumbai Metro
[C] Chennai Metro
[D] Lucknow Metro
Correct Answer: B [Mumbai Metro]
Answer Explanation: Mumbai Metro One will launch the Indias rst Mobile
Ticketing System OnGo which will help commuters pass the Automated Fare
Collection (AFC) gates using their mobile phones. The system is in the nal
advanced stage of testing and will be implemented by mid-August. The
commuters will be able to buy tickets or monthly passes using the Mumbai Metro
app on their smartphone. Once they make the payment using their mobile wallet
or e-wallet, a QR code will be generated. The gates sensor will then scan this
code and let them access the platform. The OnGo will be particularly convenient
for those commuters wanting to book their journey through tokens or passes at
their own convenience even from outside the Metro stations and avoid queues
before ticketing windows.
223. Which Indian bank has acquired Snapdeal-owned mobile wallet FreeCharge?
[A] ICICI Bank
[B] HDFC Bank
[C] Axis Bank
[D] State Bank of India
Correct Answer: C [Axis Bank ]
Answer Explanation: Axis bank has acquired Snapdeal-owned mobile wallet
FreeCharge in an all-cash deal worth Rs 385 crore to strengthen its position in the
payments space. This acquisition is expected to help the bank take a signicant
step towards digital distribution of nancial products. The platform provides
access to agile customer-facing technology, which will help the bank to serve its
existing customers better and approach new digitally native customers in an
248
ecient manner.
224. Ajay Singh, who has won bronze at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting
Championships, is associated with which mens junior category?
[A] 69kg category
[B] 44kg category
[C] 55kg category
[D] 77kg category
Correct Answer: D [77kg category]
Answer Explanation: Ajay Singh from India has won bronze medal in 77 kgs
mens junior category at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships
at Kathmandu, Nepal. With this, India medals tally goes to three. Apart from him,
S. Nirpupama Devi had won bronze in 69 kgs women youth category and Konsam
Ormila Devi had won gold in 44kg weight category.
225. Which technological giant has launched Kaizala a productivity app to
empower Indian organizations?
[A] Microsoft
[B] Wipro
[C] Infosys
[D] Reliance
Correct Answer: A [Microsoft]
Answer Explanation: Microsoft India has ocially launched Kaizala a Made for
India app for businesses and organizations, which is powered by Azure Cloud
platform. It is designed for large group communications and work management,
and works even on 2G networks. The app would help organisations communicate,
collaborate and complete tasks and bring together desktop users and mobile-only
users who may be within or outside their organisations.
226. Where is the headquarters of the Small Industries Development Bank of
India (SIDBI)?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Kochi
[C] Patna
[D] Lucknow
Correct Answer: D [Lucknow]
Answer Explanation: Recently, the Small Industries Development Bank of India
(SIDBI) has started a full-edged merchant banking operations to help Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) utilise capital markets for their funding
249
requirements. The purpose of the initiative is to enhance the access of MSMEs to

the capital markets, including the SME Trading Platform and Institutional Trading
Platform. This move will prove benecial to the SME exchange as well as investors
seeking liquidity or exit from their investment. The bank has supported over 125
venture capital funds and thus can provide help for listing the investee companies
on SME exchanges via its merchant banking operations. The headquarters of
SIDBI is located at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
227. Which of the following Indian cities are in the 2017 Dell Global Women
Entrepreneur Cities (WE Cities) Index?
[A] Mumbai and Kochi
[B] Bengaluru and Delhi
[C] Kolkata and Delhi
[D] Chennai and Bengaluru
Correct Answer: B [Bengaluru and Delhi]
Answer Explanation: According to 2017 Dell Women Entrepreneur Cities (WE
Cities) index, Bengaluru (40th) and Delhi (49th) are the only Indian cities among
the top 50 global cities that foster high-potential women entrepreneurs. The list is
topped by New York, followed by Bay Area, London, Boston, Stockholm and Los
Angeles. The index ranks cities in terms of its ability to attract and foster growth
of women-owned rms. It provides a diagnostic tool to advise entrepreneurs and
policy-makers on how to improve conditions to enable businesses founded by
women to thrive. The index also ranked cities based on the impact of local
policies, programmes and characteristics in addition to national laws and
customs.
228. What is the theme of the 2017 World Hepatitis Day (WHD)?
[A] Hepatitis: Think to Cure
[B] Eliminate Hepatitis
[C] Hepatitis: Aware Yourself
[D] Elimination
Correct Answer: B [Eliminate Hepatitis ]
Answer Explanation: The World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is observed every year on
July 28 to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to inuence
real change. The 2017 theme is Eliminate Hepatitis. Hepatitis is a viral infection
which causes inammation in the liver. It is a group of infectious diseases known
as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The 2017 WHO Global hepatitis report indicates
that a large majority of these people lack access to life-saving testing and
treatment. As a result, millions face risk of chronic liver disease, cancer, and
death. As per estimates of World Health Organisation (WHO), 4 crore people in
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India live with chronic Hepatitis B and an additional six lakh with Hepatitis C,
which accounts for 40% and 20% of Hepatitis B and C infections in south-east
Asia. Thus, hepatitis aects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, causing
acute and chronic disease and killing close to 1.4 million people every year.
229. The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has launched which app for
dissemination of earthquake parameters?
[A] India Quake
[B] Bharat Wake
[C] Quake Shell
[D] Sagar Pani
Correct Answer: A [India Quake]
Answer Explanation: The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has launched
two Mobile apps India Quake and Sagar Vani to send alerts on earthquake
parameters and oceanic disturbances. The India Quake will automatically
disseminate earthquake parameters like location, time and magnitude, after the
occurrence of earthquakes. The app will make information dissemination faster
with no restrictions on the number of recipients. Any citizen can download this
App and get the real time earthquake location information on his/her mobile.
While, the Sagar Vani will disseminate ocean related information and alerts like
high waves and Tsunami early warnings, to the user community in timely manner
for their safety. The apps are developed by the National Centre for Seismology
(NCS). The NCS is an oce of the MoES and is tasked with providing earthquake
monitoring and hazard reports to governmental agencies.
230. The Rajaji National Park (RNP) is located in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Manipur
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: C [Uttarakhand]
Answer Explanation: The Rajaji National Park (RNP) is an Indian national park
and tiger reserve located in the three districts of Uttarakhand: Haridwar,
Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal and covers an area of over 820 km2. It is home to
Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, Leopard, Jungle cat, Striped hyena, Goral, Indian
hare, Sloth bear, etc. The park was named after C. Rajagopalachari, a prominent
leader of the Freedom Struggle, the second and last Governor-General of
independent India and one of the rst recipients of Indias highest civilian award
Bharat Ratna (in 1954).
251
231. Which state government has launched its flagship health scheme Care
Companion Programme (CCP)?
[A] Punjab
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Kerala
[D] Manipur
Correct Answer: A [Punjab]
Answer Explanation: The Punjab government has launched its agship health
scheme Care Companion Programme (CCP) to educate family members of
patient about taking better care of patients. The CCP scheme is targeted to
improve patients outcome by implementing better family engagement. For this,
the state department of health and family welfare has signed a MOU with Noora
Health India Trust for implementation of the CCP. The purpose of the programme
is to reduce the number of baby deaths after discharge from hospitals due to
infections or any other reason. The innovative programme includes teaching the
family of patients high-impact medical skills to take care of the patients in the
hospital and at home.
232. Which state prisons department has proposed to accommodate prisoners
from overcrowded prisons in India?
[A] Assam
[B] Telangana
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: B [Telangana]
Answer Explanation: The Telangana prisons department has come up with rst
of its kind oer to rent out its jails to other states to lodge their convicts from
2018. The department has proposed to accommodate prisoners from
overcrowded prisons in India at a monthly rent of Rs 10,000 per person that
includes food, accommodation, security, mulakhat (meeting family members of
visitors) and also skill development trainings. Currently, accommodation is
available for 800 prisoners. However, the prisons will lodge convicts in non-
grievous and non-serious oences but not under trials and hardcore criminals.
Once the Telangana prisons departments proposal gets the state government
nod; Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh which have overcrowded
jails, are expected to be its potential client. Presently, Norway is the only country
that is shutting down its jails or leasing them out to other countries to lodge their
prisoners.
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233. Which country is not taking part in the 7th edition of SAARC Artists Camp
and Exhibition of Paintings?
[A] Nepal
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] India
[D] Afghanistan
Correct Answer: D [Afghanistan]
Answer Explanation: The 7th edition of South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC) Artists Camp and Exhibition of Paintings has started at
Kathmandu, Nepal on July 28, 2017. Around 40 artists from SAARC member
countries except Afghanistan taking part in the 4 day camp.
The purpose of the event is to bring art and culture of member countries together.
The event is organised by Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal
and SAARC Cultural Centre, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
234. Lovepreet Singh, who has won bronze at the Asian Youth and Junior
Weightlifting Championships, is associated with which mens junior category?
[A] 44kg category
[B] 69kg category
[C] 105kg category
[D] 77kg category
Correct Answer: C [105kg category]
Answer Explanation: Lovepreet Singh from India has won bronze medal in 105
kg men junior category at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships
at Kathmandu, Nepal. Lovepreet lifted 151 kgs in snatch and 180 kgs in clean and
jerk to get the bronze. He lifted total 331 kgs. This is Indias fourth medal in the
championships. Apart from him, Konsam Ormila Devi won gold in the 44kg weight
category. While, Ajay Singh and S. Nirpupama Devi have won bronze medal in 77
kgs mens junior category and in 69 kgs women youth category, respectively.
235. The Canara Bank has launched its first digital banking branch CANDI in
which city?
[A] Bengaluru
[B] Kolkata
[C] Kochi
[D] Gandhinagar
Correct Answer: A [Bengaluru ]
Answer Explanation: The Canara Bank has launched its rst digital banking
253
branch CANDI at Spencer Towers in MG Road, Bengaluru to provide an end-to-

end digital experience to customers. As a part of its digital campaign, the bank
has introduced customer-friendly mobile apps which help customers get most of
the information related to their accounts from the app without the need to visit
the branch. The most attractive feature of the Digital Branch is a humanoid robot
that addresses basic queries of customers on banking products and services. This
is a rst-of-its kind initiative by a public sector bank in the country.
236. Which country to host the 2018 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-19
championship?
[A] India
[B] Indonesia
[C] Malaysia
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: B [Indonesia]
Answer Explanation: The 2018 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-19
championship will be hosted by Indonesia, which is scheduled to be held from
October 18 to November 4, 2018. It is ocially awarded by the AFC Competition
Committee. A total of 16 teams will play in the tournament. The top four teams of
the tournament will qualify for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup as the AFC
representatives.
237. Which Indian metro has become the worlds first completely green metro
system?
[A] Lucknow Metro
[B] Mumbai Metro
[C] Delhi Metro
[D] Kolkata Metro
Correct Answer: C [Delhi Metro]
Answer Explanation: The Delhi Metro has become the worlds rst completely
green Metro system for adhering to green building norms for its residential
colonies. Delhi Metro has secured the platinum rating for adherence to green
building norms for its 10 residential colonies from the Indian Green Building
Council (IGBC).
238. The 2017 Global Tiger Day (GTD) is observed on which date?
[A] July 28
[B] July 29
[C] July 27
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[D] July 30
Answer Explanation: The International Tiger Day (ITD) is observed every year
on July 29 to raise awareness for tiger conservation. The day is also known as
Global Tiger Day (GTD). The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has stated that only 3,890
tigers are left in the world. Of them, India has the highest number. Till July 2016,
there were 2,500 tigers in the country.
239. Which country has successfully launched satellite-carrying rocket Simorgh
into space?
[A] Germany
[B] France
[C] Japan
[D] Iran
Correct Answer: D [Iran]
Answer Explanation: Iran has successfully launched an advanced satellite-
carrying rocket Simorgh into space from the Imam Khomeini National Space
Station in Semnan on July 27, 2017. The rocket is capable of carrying a satellite
weighing 250 kilograms (550 pounds).
240. The Mrugavani National Park (MNP) is located in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Telangana
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: C [Telangana ]
Answer Explanation: The Mrugavani National Park (MNP) is located in
Hyderabad, Telangana and covers an area of 3.6Km2. It is home to a 600 dierent
types of plant life. The animals include: Indian hare, forest cat, civet, Indian rat
snake, Russells viper, cheetal and the ower pecker.
241. The Union government has recently launched Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-2
scheme in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Gujarat
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra]
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Answer Explanation: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, the Union Minister of State

(Independent Charge) for Minority Aairs & Parliamentary Aairs, has launched
Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-2 in Mumbai, Maharashtra under the Jiyo Parsi scheme.
The main purpose of the Jiyo Parsi scheme (or Central Sector Scheme) is to
reverse the declining trend of Parsi population by adopting a scientic protocol
and structured interventions, stabilize their population and increase the
population of Parsis in India.
242. Who has been appointed as the part-time member of the board of Insurance
Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA)?
[A] Sriram Taranikanti
[B] Ravi Mittal
[C] Maruthi Tangirala
[D] N S Rao
Correct Answer: B [Ravi Mittal]
Answer Explanation: Ravi Mittal, additional secretary in the Ministry of Finance,
has been appointed as the part-time member of the board of Insurance
Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA). He succeeded N S Rao at
IRDAI, who is a joint secretary level ocer. Former nance secretary Sushma Nath
is another part-time member on the IRDAI board. Besides, Maruthi Prasad
Tangirala, a 1990-batch IP&TA&FS ocer, has been appointed as Executive
Director (ED) at IRDAI and his position will be equivalent to a joint secretary.
Tangirala has replaced Sriram Taranikanti, who is a 1992 -batch IAS ocer.
243. Which Indian sportsperson has won bronze in the Under-7 rapid
championship at the 2017 Asian Schools Chess Championship (ASCC)?
[A] Kuldeep Lohia
[B] T S Mani
[C] Aditya Patil
[D] Kiaan Agarwal
Correct Answer: C [Aditya Patil]
Answer Explanation: Aditya Patil and Suhaani Lohia have clinched bronze
medals at the 13th edition of Asian Schools Chess Championship (ASCC) 2017 in
Panjin, China. Aditya won bronze in the Under-7 rapid championship, while
Suhaani Lohia won the bronze in the Under-9 girls blitz championships. Both these
prodigious talents are products of the South Mumbai Chess Academy (SMCA).
244. Which country is the worlds largest exporter of beef, as per recenlty
released OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2017-2026 report?
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[A] India
[B] Australia
[C] Pakistan
[D] Brazil
Correct Answer: D [Brazil]
Answer Explanation: According to the recently released OECD-FAO Agricultural
Outlook 2017-2026 report, Brazil is the worlds largest exporter of beef, followed
by Australia and India. As per report, India exported 1.56 million tonnes of beef in
2016. It is expected to maintain its position as the third-largest exporter of the
meat till 2026 by exporting 1.93 tonnes that year. According to the Organisation
for Economic Cooperation (OECD database, India imported 363,000 tonnes of beef
in 2016 and the amount was projected to stay the same over the decade.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the total world beef
exports in 2016 was 10.95 million tonnes and was expected to increase to 12.43
million tonnes by 2026. The type of beef exported was not specied, but the
exported meat appears to be mostly from bualoes as the report has specied
the animal for imports by Myanmar from India.
245. Which government agency has developed Indias first unmanned tank
Muntra?
[A] Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[C] Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)
[D] National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO)
Correct Answer: B [Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]
Answer Explanation: The Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) has recently developed Indias rst unmanned tank Muntra that can
remotely operate. The agency has developed the tank in three dierent variants
to tackle any kind of situation Muntra S for surveillance missons, Muntra M for
mine detection and a third variant Muntra N for reconnaissance in areas with
nuclear and bio threats. The Muntra variants have surveillance radar, an
integrated camera along with laser range nder which can be used to spy on
ground target 15km away may be a crawling men or heavy vehicles.
246. K E Mammen, the noted Gandhian and freedom fighter has passed away. He
hailed from which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Kerala
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[D] Tamil Nadu

Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Answer Explanation: K. E. Mammen (96), the noted Gandhian and freedom
ghter, has recently passed away in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He was a
follower of Mahatma Gandhi and is often referred to as the Kerala Gandhi. He
became active in the freedom movement as a college student. He was rst jailed
for taking an open stand against C.P Ramaswamy Iyer, the then Dewan of the
erstwhile Travancore state. After being denied an opportunity at continued
studies here, he shifted to Madras Christian College in 1940. He was ousted from
there too, following his participation in the Quit India Movement. He was also
actively involved in anti-liquour campaigns across the state of Kerala till his death.
247. Which state government has recenltly banned use Of Liquid Nitrogen in
Drinks & food items?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Odisha
[C] Kerala
[D] Haryana
Correct Answer: D [Haryana]
Answer Explanation: The Haryana government has ocially prohibited
ushing/mixing of liquid nitrogen with any drink or food article. The ban has been
issued under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (Central
Act 34 of 2006). As per ocials, the state food department will now conduct
surprise checks in restaurants and bars, especially those in Gurgaon, to check
whether the ban was being outed. According to expert medical opinion, any
drink or food article whose preparation involves ushing/mixing of liquid nitrogen
is harmful for humans. Liquid nitrogen is a colourless liquid having a boiling point
of -195.79 C and is used to instantly freeze food and drinks. It is used in bars to
quickly chill glasses, freeze ingredients, and provide a smoky eect to drinks and
in molecular gastronomy. It releases a large volume of gas as it evaporates, which
can burst the stomach if consumed in a suciently large quantity. It is also used
to cool computers and in cryogenic medical procedures like removing warts and
cancerous tissues by freezing them.
248. Gaurav Bidhuri is associated with which sports?
[A] Chess
[B] Boxing
[C] Swimming
[D] Judo
258
Correct Answer: B [Boxing]

Answer Explanation: Recently, Indian boxers has won ve gold, two silver and
one bronze medal at the 48th Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem in the Czech Republic,
clinching ve gold, two silver and one bronze medal at the event in the Czech
Republic. Shiva Thapa (60 kg), Manoj Kumar (69 kg), Amit Phangal (52 kg),
Gaurav Bidhuri (56 kg) and Satish Kumar (+91 kg) category has recently claimed
gold medals after winning their respective summit clashes on July 30, 2017.
Kavinder Bisht in 52 kg and Manish Panwar in 81 kg settled for silver medals.
Earlier, Sumit Sangwan had claimed a bronze in 91 kg category after going down
in the seminals.
249. What is the theme of the 2017 World Day against Trafficking in Persons?
[A] Protect rights of human trafficking victims
[B] Eliminate human trafficking
[C] Unite to eradicate human trafficking
[D] Act to protect and assist trafficked persons
Correct Answer: D [Act to protect and assist trafficked persons]
Answer Explanation: The United Nations (UN) World Day against Tracking in
Persons is observed every year on July 30 to raise awareness of the plight of
human tracking victims, and promote and protect their rights. The 2017 theme
Act to Protect and Assist Tracked Persons highlights the large mixed migration
movements of refugees and migrants. The theme puts the spotlight on the
signicant impact of conict and natural disasters, as well as the resultant,
multiple risks of human tracking that many people face. It addresses the key
issue concerning tracking responses: that most people are never identied as
tracking victims and therefore cannot access most of the assistance or
protection provided.
250. The Indravati National Park (INP) is located in which state?
[A] Chhattisgarh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Punjab
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: A [Chhattisgarh ]
Answer Explanation: The Indravati National Park (INP) is located in Bijapur
district of Chhattisgarh and covers an area of approximately 2799.08 km2. It is
home to one of the last populations of rare wild bualo. The ora in the Indravati
National Park is mainly comprises tropical moist and dry deciduous type with
predominance of the sal, teak and bamboo trees. It is also home to tigers,
259
leopards, Indian bison, nilgai, blackbuck, chausingha , sambar, chital, Indian

muntjac, Indian spotted chevrotain, etc.
260

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General Knowledge Today

Current Affairs: July, 2017 [Date-wise

Published Date: August 9, 2017

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OCI card ..................................................................................................................................................... 45

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Vietnam renews Indian Oil Deal ............................................................................................................ 54

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DIPP to set up Indias rst TISC in Punjab ......................................................................................... 82

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Swami Vivekananda Airport ................................................................................................................... 92

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About State Bank of India (SBI) ........................................................................................................... 101

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Ram Nath Kovind elected as Indias 14th President ........................................................................ 109

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India to host 2017 Global Conference on Cyber Space .................................................................. 118

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Oath or afrmation by the President .................................................................................................. 127

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About Advance Pricing Agreements (APA) ...................................................................................... 153

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Month Highlights: July, 2017

unable to complete his term in the chief executives office.

Persons in news: Died

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Worlds sharpest laser

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Events & Observances

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National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (NTFAP)

for State Government officials.

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Miscellaneous Terms and Facts

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KK Venugopal appointed as Attorney General of India

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Present mechanism to resolve border issue

WHO declares end of Ebola outbreak in Congo

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Indias defence commitment to Bhutan

region rose to CHF 50 billion.

Fact Box: Vice Presidential Election

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Service) Act, 1991. This act has fixed the following:

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