535compendium Aug 17 PDF

Compendium- August, 2017
National
International
Economics & Financial Awareness
Defence & Security - National/International
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National
CCEA approves renaming SAMPADA Scheme as PM Kisan Sampada Yojana

 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved renaming of SAMPADA
(Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) as
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).
 The SAMPADA scheme was approved by the CCEA in May 2017 for the
period of 2016-20 coterminous with the 14th Finance Commission
cycle. The objective of the scheme is to supplement agriculture,
modernize processing and decrease agricultural-waste.
 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)
 PMKSY is an umbrella scheme which incorporates all ongoing schemes
of the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). It includes MoFPI’s schemes
such as Mega Food Parks, Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure, Integrated
Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure, etc. It also includes new schemes like
Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages, Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters,
Creation/Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities.
 Financial Allocation
 PMKSY will have budgetary allocation of Rs. 6000 and is expected to leverage investment of
Rs. 31,400 crore, handling of 334 lakh MT agro-produce valuing Rs. 1 lakh 4 thousand 125
crore. It will benefit 2 million farmers and generate over 5 lakh 30 thousand direct or
indirect employment in the country by the year 2019-20.
 Significance
 The implementation of PMKSY will result in creation of modern infrastructure with
efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet. It will provide a big boost
to the growth of food processing sector in the country which is important segment of the
Indian economy in terms of its contribution to GDP, employment and investment.
 It will help in providing better prices to farmers and is a big step towards doubling of
farmers’ income.
 It will create huge employment opportunities especially in the rural areas and also help in
reducing wastage of agricultural produce, increasing availability of safe and convenient
processed foods at affordable price to consumers and enhancing the export of the
processed foods.
India can construct Kishanganga, Ratle Hydro Power Plants: World Bank
 World Bank has allowed India to construct Kishanganga, Ratle hydroelectric power
facilities on tributaries of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers with certain
restrictions under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
 The World Bank’s comments came as officials from India and Pakistan
concluded the secretary-level talks on the technical issues of the IWT in
Washington, US.
Key Facts
 Pakistan had opposed the construction of the Kishanganga (Jhelum
River) and Ratle (Chenab River) hydroelectric power plants built by India in Jammu and
Kashmir. Both countries had disagreed over the technical design features of the two
hydroelectric plants, as these two rivers are part of “Western Rivers” along with Indus
River under. IWT has given Pakistan full control over these three western rivers for
unrestricted use. Besides, it also allows India to construct hydroelectric power facilities on
these rivers along with other uses, subject to constraints specified in annexures to the
treaty.
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Government constitutes task force on artificial intelligence

 The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has constituted a Task Force on Artificial
Intelligence (AI) for India’s Economic Transformation.
 The 18-member panel will be headed by Dr. V. Kamakoti of IIT
Madras. It will comprise of experts, academics, researchers and
industry leaders.
 Key Facts
 The Task force will explore the possibilities to leverage AI for
development across various fields. It will submit concrete and
implementable recommendations for government, industry and
research institutions.
 In addition to regular members, official participation from the following organizations such
as NITI Aayog, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Science
& Technology, UIDAI and DRDO will be also requested.
 Background
 With rapid development in the fields of information technology and hardware, the world is
about to witness a fourth industrial revolution. It will be driven by the power of big data,
high computing capacity, artificial intelligence and analytics. It is going to digitise the
manufacturing sector.
India’s first space observatory Astrosat to complete 10,000th orbit

 According to ISRO, India's first dedicated space observatory Astrosat will complete its
10,000th orbit.
 Astrosat circles the Earth close to 15 times per day.
 Astrosat was injected into a 650km near-earth equatorial orbit
by a PSLV on September 28, 2015.
 It has been in orbit for the last 676 days and has observed more
than 360 celestial sources. The observatory has an expected
lifetime is five years.
 Astrosat was expected to help study universe's deepest secrets
including the black holes, neutron stars, birth of stars and also
conduct a survey of the universe.
 The multi-wavelength observatory can observe the universe in the visible, ultraviolet, low
and high energy x-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum simultaneously.
 In comparison, observatories from Europe, Japan and the US have highly sensitive
telescopes but they have a narrow wavelength.
 The Rs 175crore Astrosat was launched 11 years after the government had cleared the
project.
West Bengal’s Gobindobhog rice gets geographical indication status

 The Geographical Indications Registry (GIR) has granted geographical
indication (GI) status to Gobindobhog rice, a speciality from Burdwan
district of West Bengal. The state government had applied for GI status
for Gobindobhog rice in August 2015.
 Gobindobhog rice
 Gobindobhog variety of rice is a short grain, white, aromatic, sticky rice
having a sweet buttery flavor. It derives its name from principal
ingredient usage in preparation of offerings to Govindajiu, the family deity of Setts of
Kolkata.
 It is primarily cultivated in east Burdwan district – in southern basin of Damodar River in
Raina 1, Raina 2 and Khandaghosh blocks. Burdwan region (now divided into districts of
east and west Burdwan) is known as the rice bowl of Bengal. The south Damodar belt is
traditional area of Gobindobhog rice cultivation.
 The rice variety has several advantages. It is cultivated late and therefore not much affected
by rains. Its productivity per area is high and so farmers get better prices for Gobindobhog
rice. It is less prone to pests as well.
 Significance
 As a result of getting the GI tag, rice produced from other regions or rice of other varieties
cannot be branded as ‘Gobindobhog’. It will also strengthen marketability of this rice in the
local, national and international markets.
Delhi Metro becomes world's first 100% 'green' metro

 The Delhi metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) has become the world's first completely
green metro by adhering to the green building norms
for its residential colonies.
 The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) awarded the
Delhi metro the platinum rating for adhering to the
green building norms for its 10 residential colonies.
 The DMRC had earlier received the green certificates
for its Phase-3 stations, depots, and sub-stations said a
statement.
 Energy consumption has increased by 700 % in the last
four decades in the country and this will increase
further three times by 2030.
 One of the major users of energy is the transport
sector, that also, urban transport.
 DMRC also announced it is now generating 20 megawatts (MW) of solar power, after
adding new solar power facilities that produce 2.6 MW across the Metro network.
 Delhi Metro is a world class Mass Rapid Transport system that offers comfortable, air
conditioned and eco-friendly services to the commuters and serves Delhi and its satellite
cities of Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad in National Capital Region (NCR)
 It is the world's 12th longest metro system in length and 16th largest in ridership
Mughalsarai railway station to be rename as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya

 The Centre has approved a proposal to rename the
iconic Mughalsarai railway station in Uttar Pradesh
after RSS ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.
 The proposal was given by the BJP government in
Uttar Pradesh, in a bid to revive the legacy of
Upadhyaya, who died in 1968 in the junction itself.
 The move led to an uproar in Parliament after several
MPs including Samajwadi Party's Naresh Agarwal
protested against the Centre's decision to give nod to renaming the junction after
Upadhyay.
 The junction is the fourth busiest railway station in the country.
 It is located on the main Howrah-Delhi Grand Chord line.
Aadhaar Card now required for death certificates too

 The integration of Aadhaar Card has been unprecedented in almost everything related to
identification. Now you'll be needing it after death too.
 Starting October 1, Aadhaar number will be required for registration of a person's death to
prevent identity fraud.
 Announced by the Registrar General of India (RGI), this step will be quite an effective way
to weed out any irregularities in identities.
 Aadhaar number will be required for obtaining a death certificate to ensure accuracy in the
records
 This will come into effect from September 1, 2017
SC strikes down instant Triple Talaq

 The Supreme Court of Indian has declared Islamic practice of instant
divorce through triple talaq as unconstitutional, illegal and void and not
protected by Article 25 (freedom of religion) of the Constitution.
 The verdict was given by the 5 member multi-religion constitutional
bench of the SC. Justice Kurian Joseph (Christian), Justice U.U Lalit
(Hindu) and Justice Rohington F, Nariman (Parsi) gave majority
judgment. Chief Justice J.S. Khehar (Sikh) and Justice S. Abdul Nazeer
(Muslim) dissented against majority judgment.
SC Judgement
 In a 3:2 majority judgment, the SC held that triple talaq (referred as Talaq-e-Biddat) is
against the basic tenets of Quran and hence, is unacceptable.
 The three majority judges held that triple talaq is manifestly arbitrary and violative of the
constitution and fundamental right under Article 14 (equality before law) so it must be
struck down. Two dissenting judges were in favour of putting the practice on hold for six
months and asking the government to come out with a law.
August 15 to be celebrated as 'Sankalp Parva' by Indian Government

 The Centre has decided to observe the 70th Independence Day i.e. August 15 to be
celebrated as the 'Sankalp Parva'.
 The government has asked people to take a pledge to create a new India that is strong,
prosperous and inclusive.
 The Quit India Movement or 'August Kranti' began on August
9, 1942.
 Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, people across India,
in every village, city, transcending all barriers came together
with a common mission to uproot imperialism.
 As the nation would be observing 75th anniversary of the
Quit India Movement this year, five years from now i.e. in
August 2022, govt. will complete 75 years as an independent
nation.
 This five-year period, from 2017-2022, gives an unique opportunity of 'Sankalp' to 'Siddhi'
towards a new India.
Rural India have access Over 62% households to toilets: Survey

 According to latest survey , more than 62 %
households in rural India have access to toilets while
their usage stands at 91 %, till June.
 The Quality Council of India (QCI) on the directions of
the Union Rural Development Ministry conducted a
national third-party verification survey of the mission
to evaluate the progress made under the Swachh
Bharat Mission (Gramin).
 The overall access to toilets was 62.45 % in rural households and 91.29 % of them were
using it, till June this year.
 Whereas, as per official data the overall access to toilets was 63.73 %.
 The government was confident that it would achieve its target of making the entire country
open defecation free (ODF) by October 2, 2019.
 According to the survey, 89 % households in rural areas across the country had no litter
around their premises while 93 % households had no stagnant waste.
 QCI conducted survey in 1.4 lakh households in 4,626 villages across the country.
 The surveyors also visited 4,289 anganwadis and 1,670 public health centres.
 According to the survey, 65 % of anganwadis and 76 % of public health centres (PHC) have
access to toilet.
 It is noted that the” Swachh Bharat Mission” was launched by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on October 2, 2014 with the goal of achieving ODF and clean India by October 2, 2019.
Swachh Survekshan Gramin - 2017: The Swachh Bharat Mission in rural India
 The Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has come up with the Swachh
Survekshan Gramin 2017.
 It is third party survey report by the Quality Council of India (QCI) noting on the
effectiveness of Swachh Bharat Mission in rural India.
 The survey was undertaken between May and June 2017 taking into account the rural
sanitation across 4626 villages in all states and union territories.
 The Quality Council of India (QCI) was set up in the 1997 to asses and accredit bodies in
the field of health, education and quality promotion.
 The Union Government jointly with Indian Industry made QCI an autonomous body.
 According to the QCI report, 62.45 % of the households have access to a toilet in the rural
areas and out of the people with had access to a toilet, 91.29 % of the people used it
 Going into the number of toilets, over 4.54 crore household toilets have been constructed
since the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission
 2,20,104 villages, 160 districts and 5 States have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF)
 Sanitation Coverage has increased from 39 % in October 2016 to 66 % in August 2017
 The top performers in hygiene includes Northeastern States of Sikkim, Nagaland and
Manipur with 95 per cent rural households having toilets
 Other top performing states were Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand where toilet
coverage in the rural houses was 90%.
 Almost all rural households in Kerala, Tamil Nadu Haryana and Gujarat have been lauded to
have a high access to a toilet
 The worst performing states in terms of rural sanitation includes Bihar with a 30 %
coverage, Uttar Pradesh with 37 % coverage and Jharkhand with 37 % coverage of toilets.
India’s first calf born to surrogate cow in Pune

 India’s first calf delivered by a surrogate or recipient cow through In Vitro Fertilisation
(IVF) technology carried out in a mobile laboratory was born in
Indapur, Pune (Maharashtra). It has been named as Vijay.
 This is for first time IVF procedure was successfully implemented at
farm level with the help of mobile laboratory. Earlier similar experiment
was carried out by the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) at the
lab-level.
 Key Facts
 The purpose of producing surrogate calf was to protect indigenous cow breeds in its
original form which have been destroyed due to cross-breeding. The experiment was
successfully under taken by the JK Trust, an organisation which works at improving cattle
breed.
 In Vijay’s case, the donor cow belonged to the indigenous Gir breed, whose population
across the country is around one lakh (unevenly spread across Gujarat, Rajasthan and
Maharashtra).
 In this experiment, the oocytes collected from the mother cow were kept in a special
incubator. Using the IVF technology, these oocytes were fertilised inside the incubator with
semen was collected from a Gir bull. After the oocytes developed into an embryo, they were
transferred to the recipient cow.
 In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) technology
 IVF or assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a process of fertilisation. In it, an egg is
combined with sperm outside the body, in vitro (in glass or laboratory dish) to produce
embryo. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus with the intention of establishing a
successful pregnancy.
Govt. launches national anthem video in sign language

 The Union Government has launched an Indian National
Anthem video in sign language, featuring differently-abled
and partially differently-abled children.
 It was launched by Union Minister of State for HRD
Mahendra Nath Pandey.
 Directed by filmmaker Govind Nihalani, the three-minute
video features Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan along
with physically challenged children performing the anthem
in sign language with the Red Fort in the background.
 The video was also launched in Goa, Bhopal, Chandigarh and Kolhapur.
 United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan Director Derek Segaar and BJP
national spokesperson Sudesh Verma were also present at the occasion.
Centre announces Rs.85-crore children’s diseases research centre at Gorakhpur

 The Union government has approved the setting up of
a regional medical centre at a cost of Rs.85 crore in
Gorakhpur for in-depth research into children’s
diseases.
 The announcement comes in the backdrop of the
deaths of 30 children over 48 hours since August 9,
2017 midnight at a government hospital in Gorakhpur.
 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath used to
raise the issue of Japanese Encephalitis during every
session of Parliament.
 This institute will conduct research into the infections of children and their possible
reasons.
 Earlier at the conference, Mr. Adityanath made a strong pitch for establishing a full-fledged
virus research centre in Gorakhpur.
 The Government of India is extending all possible support to the State government.
 The Centre has taken initiatives for U.P. as well as for Gorakhpur, whether it is the
establishment of an AIIMS or an ICMR centre.
“Gaj Yatra”: A countrywide campaign launched by Wildlife Trust of India

 The Wildlife Trust of India has launched an ambitious countrywide campaign to raise
awareness about the shrinking space for wild elephants in India,
called as “Gaj Yatra”.
 “Gaj Yatra” is the name given to a new pan-India campaign launched
in a bid to raise awareness about the shrinking space for wild
elephants in the country.
 The campaign was launched from Mumbai on 12 August 2017 by an
NGO, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).
 The campaign will take the form of a roadshow that will move
through 12 elephant range states over the next 15 months.
 It will feature elephant-sized artworks created by local artists and craftsmen as the
centerpiece.
 The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is partnering this campaign.
“Right to Privacy” is a fundamental right under the Constitution of India

 In a landmark and unanimous decision, the 9-member
constitutional bench of the Supreme Court on 24 August
2017 declared that privacy is a fundamental right under
the Constitution of India.
 In its two earlier rulings M.P Sharma vs. Satish Chandra
(1954) and Kharak Singh vs. State of Uttar Pradesh
(1961), the Supreme Court had ruled that right to privacy
cannot be defined as a fundamental right.
 The 9-member Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court
,led by Chief Justice J.S. Khehar overruled these earlier judgments and said – “Privacy is
intrinsic to the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution and will
be included under schedule III of the Constitution.”
 This Constitutional Bench was set up on 18 July 2017 and heard arguments over three days
each week by lawyers for the central government, states and petitioners who contended
that the collection of personal details under the Aadhaar infringed on the right to privacy.
 The right to privacy will now find place under Schedule III of the Constitution along with
other fundamental rights: right to equality before law, right to various freedoms such as
speech and expression/to move freely, right against exploitation, right to freedom of
religion, cultural and educational rights and right to constitutional remedies.
Narendra Modi inaugurates ‘hanging bridge’ in Kota

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi threw open to traffic Rajasthan’s first six-lane cable stayed
(CS) bridge in Kota via video conferencing from Udaipur
 The bridge, over Chambal River, has the longest main span
of 350 metre in the country and will also act as a bypass to
Kota City.
 Meanwhile, large LED screens had been put at the bridge to
broadcast the PM’s speech from Udaipur and a large
number of people arrived at the bridge to witness the
ceremony.
 This bridge will reduce commuting time by 60 minutes through National Highway no 27
(Kota-Chittor National Highway) and National Highway no 12 (Kota-Jhalawar NH).
NGT bans use of non-biodegradable plastic bags in Delhi

 The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed an interim ban on use of
non-biodegradable plastic bags which are less than 50 microns in the
entire national capital Delhi.
 It also slapped a fine of Rs 5,000 on anyone found in possession of non-
biodegradable plastic bags less than 50 microns, which is the thickness
of a human hair.
 NGT order
 NGT ordered Delhi government to seize entire stock of the banned plastic bags within a
week. Besides, it asked Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Delhi Government to
file an affidavit on steps taken to implement the ban. It also imposed an environment
compensation of Rs. 10,000 on vegetable vendors and slaughter houses for throwing
garbage in public places.
Six States are chosen by NITI Aayog for transformative change in health and education
 NITI Aayog has selected Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Karnataka to
improve healthcare delivery and key outcomes in these States.
 In Education, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand have
been selected for support to better learning outcomes.
 The six States have been chosen after a rigorous competitive
process based on comprehensive metrics to determine potential
for impact and likelihood of success.
 This announcement was made on 8 August 2017.
 The selections were made after presentations by the states in respective sectors.
 The states highlighted the initiatives undertaken by them thus far, their willingness to
accelerate improvement and justified why they should be selected for the institutional
support being offered by NITI Aayog.
India became the 80th country to accept the second commitment period of the Kyoto
Protocol
 Recently, India ratified the second commitment period
of the Kyoto Protocol that commits countries to
contain the emission of greenhouse gases.
 India’s Representative to the UN was Syed
Akbaruddin.
 He announced that India has deposited its Instrument
of Acceptance of the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto
Protocol under the UN Convention on Climate Change.
 Now, India became the 80th country to accept the
amendment relating to the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, the
international emissions reduction treaty.
 The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
 It commits its Parties by setting internationally binding emission reduction targets. It was
adopted in Kyoto, Japan, in December 1997 and entered into force in February 2005.
 The first commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol was from 2008-2012.
 The Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Qatar in December 2012.
India To Host World's Largest March Against Child Trafficking

 India will host the world's largest march against the human trafficking and sexual abuse of
children.
 Over 10 million people from across India are expected to
take part during the month-long march.
 It will start from India's southern-most tip Kanyakumari
in Tamil Nadu state on Sept. 11, and end in New Delhi on
Oct. 16.
 At present, children face multiple challenges ranging
from threats such as trafficking, sexual violence and
early marriage to a lack of access to quality education
and healthcare.
 More than 9,000 children were trafficked into 2016 i.e. 27 % rise from the previous year.
 Most are from poor rural areas and are lured to cities by traffickers who promise good jobs,
but sell them into slavery.
 Some end up as domestic workers, or forced to work in small manufacturing units, farming
or are even pushed into sexual slavery in brothels.
 In many cases, they are not paid or are held in debt bondage. Some are found, but many
remain missing.
 According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) , almost 15,000 children were
victims of sexual violence such as rape, molestation and exploitation for pornography in
2015 - up 67 % from the previous year.
Itanagar to be included in Centre's Smart City Mission

 Arunachal Pradesh capital Itanagar to be included in Union
government's Smart City Mission.
 This was declared by the Union ministry of urban development that
Itanagar would be included as a special case in the Centre's Smart
City Mission.
 Itanagar has all the potential to become a Smart City along with a
tourist and education hub.
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 The Smart City Itanagar consultant to answer queries raised by the Smart City Mission team
so that the final proposal could be submitted to the ministry at an early date.
Sushma Swaraj inaugrates first Videsh Bhavan in Mumbai

 The purpose is to all Regional Passport Offices under one roof.
 External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj inaugurated the country's first Videsh Bhavan in
financial capital Mumbai.
 The face of the Ministry of External Affairs has changed
ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014.
 The ministry has managed to open a number of
passport centers all over the country.
 There were 77 passport centres in the country till
2014.
 The government has managed to open up 235 centres in the past six months.
 The ministry has managed to get rid of a number of rules that created inconvenience among
the ones, who applied for a passport.
 Earlier, orphans who didn't have a birth certificate weren't allowed to issue passports.
 The country's first Videsh Bhavan assimilates all Regional Passport Offices under one roof.
 As a first pilot project, four offices of the MEA - Regional Passport Office (RPO), Protector of
Emigrants (PoE) office, Branch Secretariat and Regional Office of the ICCR - have been
assimilated and brought under one roof at the state-of-art office.
 Rajnath Singh inaugurates "YUVA - Skill Development Programme". YUVA is an initiative by

Delhi Police under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.
 Union Government to launch Deep Ocean Mission. The proposed inter-ministerial and
interdisciplinary project also seeks to create jobs and business opportunities in ocean
science.
 PM Narendra Modi announces 'Cleanliness is Service' campaign. PM Modi asked people to
undertake the 'Cleanliness is Service' or 'Swachchta Hi Seva' campaign to promote the
creation of an environment of cleanliness while marking the third anniversary 'Swachch
Bharat' programme.
 Amit Shah, Smriti Irani sworn in as Rajya Sabha members. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
president Amit Shah and Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Irani have taken oath as Rajya
Sabha members.
 Union Government finalises new cadre policy for IAS, IPS, IFoS officers. The Union
Government has finalised a new policy for cadre allocation of IAS, IPS and other officers
with the aim of ensuring national integration in the country's top bureaucracy.
 NITI Aayog to launch Mentor India Campaign. Mentor India Campaign is a strategic nation
building initiative to engage leaders who can guide and mentor students at more than 900
Atal Tinkering Labs.
 Government to replace physical police verification of passport with online verification.
Soon passport applicants will be free of the tiresome procedure of physical police
verification, as the Union Government is planning to connect the procedure with the
national database of crimes and criminals.
 Union Government imposes anti-dumping duty on tempered glass from China. The Union
Government has imposed anti-dumping duty on certain “textured toughened (tempered)
glass” imported from China.
 Union Government launches Digital Police Portal under CCTNS project. The minister went
on to state that the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) will be a useful resource
for all stakeholders including the policy makers.
 Union Government plans 40% reservation for girls at Navodaya schools. Naqvi stated that
the government is mulling to open the 100 Navodaya-type schools in minority concentrated
areas of India.
 NHAI launches mobile App MyFASTag and FASTag Partner. Moreover, NHAI has also
started Online sale of FASTags and offline sale through Common Services Centre (CSC) near
toll plazas.
 Union Environment Ministry launches Harit Diwali, Swasth Diwali Campaign. The campaign
is aimed at enlightening the children about harmful fire crackers.
 Union Cabinet approves completion of North Koel Reservoir Project. The project is situated
on North Koel river which is a tributary of Sone river that joins the river Ganga.
 Union Cabinet approves new Metro Rail Policy. The policy enables private investments
across a range of metro operations making Public-Private Partnership (PPP) component
mandatory for availing central assistance for new metro projects.
 Union Cabinet approves creation of non-lapsable Madhyamik and Uchchtar Shiksha Kosh.
The funds arising from the MUSK will be utilized for schemes in the education sector which
would be available for the benefit of students of secondary and higher education.
 India’s first Partition Museum opens after 70 years of Independence. This is the first time
that a venue is created to mark India's independence and to focus on the stories of
survivors of the chaotic and bloody history of India.
 LED bulbs, tubelights, fans to go on sale at petrol pumps across India. The Energy Efficiency
Services Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with three state-owned oil
marketing companies for the distribution of energy-efficient appliances through petrol
pumps across India.
 Parliament passes Banking Amendment Bill empowering RBI to deal with wilful defaulters.
Parliament has passed the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2017 with the Rajya
Sabha approving it on 10 August 2017; the Lok Sabha has already passed it.
 Lok Sabha passes State Banks (Repeal and Amendment) Bill, 2017. The Bill was passed to
repeal the SBI (Subsidiary Banks) Act 1959, State Bank of Hyderabad Act 1956 and to
further amend the State Bank of India Act, 1955, following the merger of five associates
with the parent SBI.
 SC to five states: What is status of High Security Registration Plates?. In 2012, the Supreme
Court asked several states and Union Territories to ensure High Security Registration
Plates (HSRP) for all vehicles or face contempt of court proceedings.
 Muslim clerics urge UN to take action against Hafiz Saeed for anti-India activities. Over one
thousand Muslim clerics and imams today urged the United Nations to take action against
the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack Hafiz Saeed for his "anti-India" activities.
 Second round of National Deworming Day programme covers 11 Cr children. The second
round of National Deworming Day (NDD) was held across the nation to tackle worm
infections targeting more than 11 Cr children.
 Google, NSDC launch programme to improve Mobile Developer Ecosystem. The programme
is aimed at imparting mobile development training on the Android and Web platform and
improving the quality of mobile app development ecosystem in India.
 Government forms panel to enhance affordability, availability of drugs. The Union

government has formed a new committee to enhance the affordability, availability and
accessibility of drugs for the citizens of the country.
 Mosque can be built at a distance from disputed site in Ayodhya: Shia Waqf Board to SC.
The Waqf Board has sought time from the Supreme Court for setting up of a committee for
exploring an amicable resolution of the issue.
 NITI Aayog selects 6 States for transformative change in Health & Education sectors. NITI
Aayog has shortlisted Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka under its 'Sustainable Action for
Transforming Human Capital', SATH initiative to transform their health sector.
 India celebrates 75th anniversary of Quit India Movement. The 75th anniversary of Quit
India Movement, also known as August Kranti Andolan, was celebrated across India on 9
August 2017.
 National Handloom Day observed across India to promote welfare of weavers. The 3rd
National Handloom Day was observed across India on 7 August in order to promote
indigenous creations and honour the skill and dedication of handloom weavers of the
country.
 Book Tatkal Train Tickets now and Pay Later: Indian Railways. The book now and pay later
mode enables customers to book tatkal e-ticket and pay the fare within a period of 15 days.
 Lok Sabha passes Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill for resolution of non-performing
assets. After being enacted, the bill will empower RBI to direct banks to resolve specific
stressed assets under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC).
 Lok Sabha passes NABARD (Amendment) Bill, 2017. The Bill also seeks to amend certain
clauses in the light of reference of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
Development Act, 2006 in the proposed legislation.
 EC rejects opposition’s demand to remove NOTA in Gujarat Rajya Sabha polls. The Election
Commission has rejected the demands of the political parties to remove the None of the
Above (NOTA) option in the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat.
 Union Cabinet clears proposal to extend proxy voting for NRIs. The Union Cabinet has
cleared a proposal to extend the facility of voting by electronic means and proxy to Non-
resident by amending electoral laws.
 Rajya Sabha passes Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill,
2017. The Bill extends the deadline for teachers to acquire the prescribed minimum
qualifications for appointment by 4 years.
 Union Government launches e-RaKAM portal for selling agricultural produce. The platform
is a digital initiative that aims to bring together the farmers, PSUs, civil supplies and buyers
on a single platform to ease the selling and buying process of agricultural products.
 Supreme Court bans use of five harmful metals in firecrackers. The Supreme Court of India
has imposed a ban on the use of five metals including lithium, mercury, arsenic, antimony
and lead in firecrackers, deeming them as harmful for the environment.
 The Supreme Court has appointed a committee of social workers and a lawyer to suggest
measures to be taken for rehabilitation of widows abandoned by their family members and
to deliberate on framing a policy to promote widow remarriage in the country.
International
Versius: world’s smallest surgical robot developed by UK scientists

 Scientists in the United Kingdom (UK) have developed the world’s smallest surgical robot
called Versius. It was developed using low-cost technology used in mobile phones and
space industries.
 The robot can mimic human arm and can be used to carry out a wide
range of surgical procedures. It can be controlled by a surgeon using a
console guided by a 3D screen in the operating theatre.
 Key Facts
 Versius can make series of small incisions that will circumvent the
need for traditional open surgery. These include colorectal operations,
hernia repairs, as well as prostate, ear, nose and throat surgery. It is much easier to use
than existing systems, and requires about a third of the space of current machines.
 It works like a human arm and contains technology that detects resistance to make sure the
right amount of force is used when the instruments are inside the patient. It can help to
reduce complications and pain after surgery and speed up recovery time for patients.
Air pollution causes 60,000 deaths in 2030

 According to the study, hotter temperatures speed up the chemical reactions which create
air pollutants like ozone and fine particulate matters, impact public health.
 It is expected , increase air pollution-related deaths by nearly 60,000 in 2030 and 2,60,000
in 2100 globally.
 Locations that get drier may also have worse air pollution because of less removal by rain
and increased fires and windblown dust.
 As trees respond to higher temperatures, they will also emit more organic pollutants.
 As climate change affects air pollutant concentrations, it can have a significant impact on
health worldwide, adding to the millions of people who die from air pollution each year.
 The team used an ensemble of several global climate models to determine the number of
premature deaths that would occur due to ozone and particulate matter in 2030 and 2100.
 For each model, the team assessed the projected changes in ground-level air pollution that
could be attributed to future climate change.
 Five out of eight models predicted there will be more premature deaths in 2030, and seven
of nine models in 2100.
 In addition to exacerbating air pollution-related deaths, climate change is expected to affect
health through changes in heat stress, access to clean water and food, severe storms and
the spread of infectious diseases.
Philippines declares first ever H5 bird flu outbreak

 The Philippines declared its first ever outbreak of the H5 strain of bird flu, but there had
been no cases of humans infected.
 An immediate cull was ordered for all chicken, ducks and quail within a kilometre (0.6
miles) of the infected poultry in San Luis town, north of Manila.
 The health department was meanwhile monitoring the health of farm workers exposed to
the infected birds, he added.
 The infected birds tested positive for avian influenza Type A, sub-type H5.
 The avian flu strains that have been known to jump to humans are the H5N1 and H5N7
subtypes, said Celia Carlos, director of the health department's Research Institute for
Tropical Medicine.
Academic Ranking of World Universities: Harvard ranked top spot

 According to the independent Shanghai Ranking Consultancy, US university Harvard
staying number one for the 15th straight year.
 Stanford held on to the second spot in the "Academic Ranking of World Universities".
 Shanghai Ranking Consultancy is an annual Chinese ranking of the world`s top academic
institutions.
 Shanghai Ranking Consultancy has ranked the top 500 institutions each year since 2003.
 The rankings are based on a range of indicators including alumni and staff winning Nobel
Prizes and Fields Medals, and papers published in the journals "Nature" and "Science".
 The University of Cambridge and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) each
moved up a slot to take third and fourth as the University of California at Berkeley dropped
two rungs to fifth position.
 Princeton, Oxford, Columbia, the California Institute of Technology, and the University of
Chicago rounded out the top 10.
 China`s prestigious Tsinghua University was one of the biggest upward movers, climbing 10
spots to number 48, entering the top 50 for the first time.
 The highest-ranked Asian institution remained Tokyo University at 24th, though it was
down four spots as other schools moved up, such as Washington University of St. Louis,
which moved to 20th, its highest showing yet.
 The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich remained the highest-ranked entry
from continental Europe, holding on to 19th place, while the University of Copenhagen in
Denmark moved up one slot to 30th.
Nobel-laureate Malala Yousafzai to study at Oxford

 Malala Yousafzai, has won a place to study at Oxford University.
 The 20-year-old Pakistani education activist will study philosophy, politics and economics
at the prestigious university.
 Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai has gained a place at the University of Oxford.
 Yousafzai won international renown in 2012 after she was shot by a Taliban gunman in
Pakistan for speaking out for the right of girls to go to school.
 After being treated at a hospital in Birmingham she continued her education in the city and
won the Nobel Peace Prize.
 Earlier this year that she had been offered a university place contingent on her exam results
but did not reveal the institution.
Melbourne tops in 2017 EIU Liveability index

 According to the 2017 Global Liveability Report compiled by the
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Australian city Melbourne is the
most liveable city in the world.
 The EIU Liveability index scores 140 major cities of the world on the
scale ranging from 0 (least liveable city) to 100 (most liveable city)
based on healthcare, education, stability, culture, environment and
infrastructure parameters. No Indian city was ranked in the top ten or
bottom ten.
 Key Facts
 10 most liveable cities’ list includes Vienna (2nd), Vancouver (3rd),
Toronto (4th), Calgary (5th), Adelaide (6th), Perth (7th),
Auckland (8th), Helsinki (9th) and Hamburg (10th). The rankings of
top five cities remain unchanged as compare to previous year.
 For the seventh consecutive year, Melbourne has topped the list.
Three Canadian cities made it into the top five: Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary.
 The survey lists Damascus (140th) as the least liveable city, followed by Lagos (139th),
Tripoli (138th), Dhaka (137th), Port Moresby (136th), Algiers (135th), Karachi (134th),
Harare (133rd), Douala (132nd) and Kiev (131st). Iraq, Libya, Syria and Turkey remain the
subject of high-profile civil unrest and armed conflicts.
China launches first cyber court in e-commerce hub

 China launched its first cyber court specialising in handling
Internet-related cases in the e-commerce hub of Hangzhou
amid a spike in the number of online disputes.
 The Hangzhou Internet Court in Hangzhou, capital of east
China’s Zhejiang Province will handle cases such as online
trade disputes and copyright lawsuits.
 The cases handled by the court will be tried online, state-run
Xinhua news agency reported.
 The Hangzhou municipal legislature appointed the president,
vice-presidents and judges of the court.
 Hangzhou is home to many Internet companies, including e-commerce giant Alibaba.
 The latest report from the China Internet Network Information Center showed that China
had about 751 million netizens and 724 million mobile Internet users as of the end of June.
Taiwan Launches First Homegrown Satellite From US Air Base

 Taiwan has launched Formosat-5, the first homegrown observation satellite, from an air
base in the USA.
 The octagonal satellite - 2 metres high and 1.2 metres in diameter - cost some 3 billion
Taiwanese dollars ($100 million) and made contact with a station in Norway.
 The satellite is equipped with Complementary Metal-oxide-semiconductor sensors to
observe the Earth.
 The launch is a great leap that demonstrates Taiwan's technological progress.
US designates Hizbul Mujahideen as Foreign Terrorist Organisation

 The United States has named Pakistan based Kashmiri terrorist outfit Hizbul Mujahideen as
a “Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO)”. The designation slaps a
series of US sanctions on the outfit.
 With this, Hizb Mujahideen joins the other terrorist outfits Jaish-e-
Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) on the US list of FTO
designated in 2001. Moreover, two other anti-India groups, al-Qaeda
in the Indian Subcontinent (2016) and Indian Mujahideen (2011) are
also in the list.
 What does it means?
 Such designations expose and isolate terrorist groups and individuals, and deny them
access to the US financial system. It also assists the law enforcement activities of US
agencies and other governments. It blocks all of Hizbul Mujahideen’s property and interests
in property subject to US jurisdiction. It also prohibits US citizens from engaging in any
transactions with the group. It purpose is to deny Hizbul Mujahideen the resources it needs
to carry out terrorist attacks.
Kenya just imposed the world's toughest law against plastic bags
 East African nation Kenya, recently imposed the world's toughest law against plastic bags.
 Kenyans producing, selling or even using plastic bags will risk imprisonment of up to four
years or fines of $40,000.
 It is the world's toughest law aimed at reducing plastic pollution came into effect.
 Now, Kenya joins more than 40 other countries that have banned, partly banned or taxed
single use plastic bags, including China, France, Rwanda, and
Italy.
 Many bags drift into the ocean, strangling turtles, suffocating
seabirds and filling the stomachs of dolphins and whales with
waste until they die of starvation.
 Kenya's law allows police to go after anyone even carrying a plastic bag.
IAEA, the U.N. nuclear watchdog opens uranium bank in Kazakhstan

 The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. global nuclear watchdog, opened
a uranium bank in Kazakhstan.
 It is a $150-million facility designed to discourage new
nations from enriching the nuclear fuel.
 The Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) Bank in the city of
Oskemen, in eastern Kazakhstan.
 It will store up to 90 tonnes of the fuel, enough to power a
large city for three years, and sell it to IAEA members if
they are unable to procure it elsewhere.
 The LEU Bank will serve as a last-resort mechanism to provide confidence to countries that
they will be able to obtain LEU for the manufacture of fuel for nuclear power plants in the
event of an unforeseen, non-commercial disruption to their supplies
 Russia has operated a similar bank since 2010 but the one in Kazakhstan will be the first
one fully owned and operated by the global nuclear watchdog.
Malpelo plate: New tectonic microplate discovered off the coast of Ecuador
 Researchers from US-based Rice University have found new tectonic
mircoplate off Ecuador’s coast in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It has been
named Malpelo plate, after a Colombian island and an oceanic ridge it
contains.
 It is overall 57th tectonic mircoplate to be discovered so far and the first
in nearly a decade. Microplates are tectonic plates with an area less than 1
million km2.
Yingluck Shinawatra, Former Thai PM Yingluck flees abroad

 Ousted Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has fled the country ahead of a verdict
against her in a negligence trial brought by the junta that overthrew her.
 The 50 year old Ms. Yingluck’s family has dominated Thai
politics for more than 15 years.
 Now, she failed to show up at court for judgment in a case
centred on the multi-billion dollar losses incurred by a rice
subsidy scheme for farmers.
 She had overthrown in 2014 in Thailand’s politics.
 Ms. Yingluck had faced up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.
 Recently, her former commerce minister was jailed in a related case for 42 years.
 She is belongs to Puea Thai Party.
 Ms. Yingluck’s brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, who heads the political clan, was overthrown
in a 2006 coup and fled into exile to escape a corruption conviction.
 The struggle between that movement and a Bangkok-centered royalist and pro-military
elite has been at the heart of years of turmoil in Thailand.
 The verdict against Ms. Yingluck could have reignited tension, though the Army has largely
snuffed out open opposition.
Earths Largest volcanic region found in Antarctica

 Researchers from the University of Edinburgh in Britain have discovered
the largest volcanic region on Earth, two km below the surface of the vast
ice sheet in west Antarctica.
 They have found 91 previously unknown active volcanoes in the region
known as the West Antarctic rift system,adding to the exiting 47
volcanoes that were discovered earlier. This makes it largest volcanic
region on the Earth.
15th BIMSTEC Ministerial meeting begins in Kathmandu

 The 15th edition of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation (BIMSTEC) ministerial meeting was held in Kathmandu, Nepal.
 The two-day meet was inaugurated by Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba and
will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign
Affairs Krishna Bahadur Mahara. India was represented by External
Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
 Key Facts
 The meeting will review the progress and achievements in the
identified areas of cooperation and discuss the ways to accelerate the
partnership under the BIMSTEC process. The key areas expected to be
focused in the meeting are trade, investment, energy, transport, tourism, poverty
alleviation and counter-terrorism.
 The main agenda of this edition of the meeting is to finalise a free trade agreement among
the BIMSTEC member countries. It will also include negotiations on market access for
professionals and reducing the duty on trading goods.
 Joint Proposal by India & China in WTO on Aggregate Measurement of Support. India and
China have submitted a joint proposal to the WTO on the elimination of $160 billion of
trade-distorting farm subsidies in the US and EU.
 EU, India agrees to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation. During the dialogue, the two
sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and underscored the need
for deepening cooperation to combat terrorism in a long term.
 North Korea fires ballistic missile over Japan, tensions escalate. Tensions are expected to
escalate between Japan and North Korea after the latter fired a ballistic missile over Japan’s
northern Hokkaido Island into the sea.
 Canada to allow gender-neutral passports to promote equality. Citizens of Canada would
soon be able to mark "X" in space of gender on their passports and other identity
documents.
 Brazil opens Amazon national reserve for mining. The government went on to state that
nine conservation and indigenous land areas within it would, however, continue to be
legally protected.
 Qatar restores its diplomatic relation with Iran despite demands by Arab nations. Qatar,
who denied all allegations of Arab bloc, has weathered the boycott and established
diplomatic relations with Iran.
 India-Nepal signed 8 agreements to boost the bilateral relations. The visit will provide an
opportunity to both the sides for holding wide-ranging discussions on issues of mutual
interest, and advancing age old, and ties of friendship.
 Saudi Arabia's King orders border to be reopened for Qatari pilgrims. Saudi Arabia’s King
Salman orders reopening of the border with Qatar to give Qatari pilgrims an easy pass to
carry out their annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
 Britain seeks invisible border for Northern Ireland in Brexit negotiations. The British
government seeks to have a seamless and frictionless border, without any physical border
infrastructure and border posts between Ireland and the British province of Northern
Ireland after Brexit.
 India to host next steering committee meeting of TAPI gas pipeline. The decision was taken
during the sixth joint Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) meeting on trade, economic,
scientific and technological cooperation.
 Iran responds to US sanctions by voting to boost military defence. Iran's parliament has
voted in favour of boosting investment in its missile defence and foreign operations
programmes by more than $500 million, in response latest US sanctions.
 World Health Organisation declares Somalia free of polio. Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan
are the remaining countries where polio is still being recorded.
 Venezuela’s new Constituent Assembly declares itself superior to all other government
bodies. In addition, the order prohibits the opposition-held National Assembly and other
government bodies from taking any action that would interfere with the constituent
assembly's laws.
 Chhaupadi, a Hindu custom linked to menstruating women, criminalized in Nepal. During
Chhaupadi, women are banished from the home - barred from touching food, religious
icons, cattle and men - and forced to sleep in basic huts known as Chhau Goth.
 Citizens of 80 countries including India can now enter Qatar without visa. Qatar has become
the most open country by allowing citizens belonging to 80 countries including India,
Canada, US and UK to enter the nation without the need of applying for a visa.
 North Korea vows to retaliate against the US over UN sanctions. The rebellious nuclear-
armed state, North Korea has vowed to retaliate against the United States for drafting fresh
UN sanctions over its banned nuclear weapons programme.
 Venus: First environmental research satellite launched by Israel. Venus is considered the
smallest satellite of its kind in the world. It is crafted to survey and monitor large areas to
study soil, vegetation, forests, agriculture, water and air quality and other aspects of the
environment.
 UNSC adopts resolution to prevent terrorists' access to weapons. It encouraged the Member
States to prevent and disrupt procurement networks for weapons, systems and
components between and among such groups and entities.
 India and Somalia sign agreement on transfer of sentenced persons. The Foreign Minister of
the Federal Republic of Somalia Yusuf-Garaad Omar arrived in New Delhi on 31 July 2017
on a five-day visit at the invitation of Sushma Swaraj. This is his first visit to India since he
assumed office earlier in 2017.
 Switzerland breaks all record, launches world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. The
Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge has broken all the record with its length of 1621 feet
and height of 279 feet that makes it the longest in the world.
 West Asian country Qatar is poised to be the first country in the Gulf region to grant
permanent residency to some of the foreigners as a landmark legislation was approved by
this country’s Parliament.
Economics & Financial Awareness
India is world's third-largest beef exporter: FAO

 According to a recently released report by Food and
Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the organization
for Economic Co-operation (OECD),India is the world's
third-biggest beef exporter and accounts for 16 per
cent of the global exports.
 Brazil is the largest exporter of beef in the world
according to OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2017
report.
 At the top of the beef export list is Brazil followed by
Australia, according to IANS.
 India exported 1.56 million tonnes of beef last year and was expected to maintain "its
position as the third-largest beef exporter ( 16 % ) of global exports in 2026" by exporting
1.93 tonnes that year
 The type of beef exported was not specified, but the meat exported appeared to be mostly
from buffaloes as the report specified the animal for imports by Myanmar from India
 According to the OECD database, India imported 363,000 tonnes of beef last year and the
amount was projected to stay the same over the decade
 The total world beef exports in 2016 was 10.95 million tonnes and was expected to
increase to 12.43 million tonnes by 2026, according to the FAO.
Govt. has set up a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) comprising 22 scrips

 According to the information disclosed by the Union Government, it has set up a new
exchange-traded fund (ETF) comprising 22 scrips
including ONGC, IOC, SBI and Axis Bank.
 It is the second ETF from the government after CPSE
ETF.
 The name of the new exchange-traded fund (ETF) is
Bharat-22.
 It is established by the Union Government that comprises of 22 blue-chip public sector
units, state-owned banks and some holdings in SUUTI.
 It has a diversified portfolio of six sectors, including energy, FMCG, finance, basic material
and industrial and utilities.
 Shares of nine PSUs, including Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (5.3% stake), Coal India Ltd
(3.3%), and Indian Oil (4.4%), and four state-owned banks including State Bank of India
(8.6%), will comprise the ETF. Besides, SUUTI holdings in Axis Bank (7.7%), ITC (15.2%)
and Larsen and Toubro (17.1%) will also be part of the fund.
 Other entities in Bharat-22 are BPCL, Nalco, Bharat Electronics Limited, Engineers India,
NBCC, NTPC, Indian Bank, Bank of Baroda, NHPC, SJVNL, GAIL, PGCIL, REC, PFC and NLC
India.
 The first CPSE ETF consisted of scrips of 10 PSUs - ONGC, Coal India, IOC, GAIL (India), Oil
India, PFC, Bharat Electronics, REC, Engineers India and Container Corporation of India.
Gujarat state become the first in India to implement the policy of coal utilization
 Gujarat has become the first state in India to come up with the policy of coal utilization
between power units based on fuel-efficiency.
 During August 2017, the Gujarat Government issued a tender for power developers to
receive cheap coal marked for the state in return for selling coal-based power at less than
Rs 2.82 a unit.
 Through the auction, Gujarat will transfer the coal allocated to power generating stations
owned by Gujarat State Electricity Corporation (GSECL) to more fuel-efficient private
power plants.
 The reverse auction would be held in September 2017 for procuring 1,000 megawatt (Mw)
of power.
 The successful power plant would be selling electricity to the state from 1 October 2017 to
30 June 2018.
 The move is in line with the initiatives of the Central Government to ensure fuel availability
to stressed power plants.
 The aim is to reduce the cost of fuel for financially ailing distribution companies and ensure
effective distribution of domestic coal.
Govt disinvestment 15 % stake in National Fertilizers Ltd (NFL)

 The government will sell 15 % stake in National Fertilizers Ltd (NFL).
 The sale of 7.35 crore shares or 15 % stake would fetch about Rs 530 crore to the
exchequer.
 The offer for sale (OFS) would open for institutional investors on Wednesday, while retail
investors can put in their bids on July 27,2017.
 Government currently holds 89.71 % stake in NFL.
 So far in the current fiscal, the government has raised about Rs 7,000 crore through share
sale in four companies.
 Of this, Rs 1,207 crore came from initial public offering of HUDCO in May, Rs 1,192 crore
through NALCO OFS in April and Rs 203 crore through RCF OFS in June.
 Besides, around Rs 4,200 crore have been raised through stake sale in L&T held through
Specified Undertaking of Unit Trust of India (SUUTI) last month.
 The government has budgeted to raise Rs 72,500 crore through stake sale in PSUs.
Malaysia's Petronas to invest $150 mn to boost India lubricants business

 Malaysia’s state energy firm Petroliam Nasional Berhad, or Petronas, will invest $150
million in India over the next five years to strengthen
its lubricants business.
 The investment includes a $50 million lubricant
blending plant will be completed by the first quarter
of 2018.
 The company is aiming to triple our market share in
India’s lubricant market by 2022.
 The Malaysian firm is keen on more collaborations in
India with current and existing partners.
 Petronas was looking to sell more liquefied natural gas (LNG) in India.
 Presently, Petronas is world’s third biggest LNG supplier.
 It has been trying to tap new markets for LNG at a time when global supply has exceeded
demand.
National capital Delhi is Asia’s fastest growing city

 According Oxford Economics Study, Delhi is Asia's fastest Growing City and has ranked
Asia’s 30 largest cities.
 Indian cities are set to expand the most across the Asian region, with growth speeding up
from the past five years.
 The study ranked Asia's 30 largest cities.
 India's national capital will become 50% larger in its economy size in 2021 compared to
what it was at the end of the year 2016.
 Companies like Amazon and Japan's Muji are eyeing for a major expansion in India.
 Amazon is looking forward to invest in a food supply chain and take advantage of
government moves to make rules easier for foreign
retailers, the report adds.
 Despite a growth rate of 6%, China's expansion is
likely to come down.
 Its growth is expected at an average rate of 4.2% per
year over the next five years up to 2021, compared to
4.5% in 2012-2016.
 The report also says that Japanese cities will remain at
the bottom of the growth table.
 India will be the world's fastest growing economy during the next five years while
underlining that Pakistan, unable to match India's economic prowess, will seek "other
methods" to maintain even a semblance of balance.
E-commerce company Flipkart world’s 3rd most funded Pvt. co.

 Flipkart has become the third most funded private company globally.
 The home-grown e-commerce company has to date raised almost $7 billion in capital.
 It just received $2.4 billion from Japanese technology and telecom giant SoftBank.
 It is higher than that raised by global behemoths like online
house rental aggregator Airbnb ($3.3 billion) and mobile
phone maker Xiaomi ($1.4 billion).
 The top two are both ride hailing platforms – China-based
Didi Chuxing and US based Uber.
 In April, Didi Chuxing raised $5 billion and increased its
total fund raise to $15 billion, overtaking Uber that has
raised $12.9 billion.
 In the top 10, four are ride-hailing platforms, the other two
being Silicon Valley-based Lyft and India's Ola.
 Flipkart is the only e-commerce company in the top 10.
 The Flipkart funding reaffirms the faith of global players like SoftBank, Tiger Global, eBay,
and Microsoft in Indian companies.
 However, K Vaitheeswaran, co-founder of India's first e-commerce company Fabmart (later
IndiaPlaza), thinks more funding need not necessarily be a positive sign.
 This will run for two-three years. SoftBank has obviously given the money to Flipkart not
for being prudent, but for splurging to take out Amazon.
 In valuation, Flipkart stands at the ninth position with about $15 billion.
 Uber is the most valued company at $68 billion, followed by Didi Chuxing at $50 billion, and
Xiaomi at $46 billion.
Sahara Group’s luxurious Aamby Valley to be auction

 Supreme Court has ordered the Sahara Group’s Aamby
Valley resort.
 The auction process for embattled Sahara Group’s
luxurious Aamby Valley resort town began on 14
August 2017.
 The reserve price for town that went for auction in a
Supreme Court-ordered auction process is Rs. 37,392
crore.
 The official liquidator invited bids at a reserve price of
Rs. 37,392 crore.
 It is worth mentioning that Sahara has pegged the project’s market valuation at over Rs. 1
trillion (Rs. 1 lakh crore).
 Aamby Valley is an integrated hill city township spread over 6,761.6 acres near Lonavala in
Pune district and has two land parcels measuring over 1,700 acres.
 Sahara has been engaged in a long-running battle with the capital market regulator
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
Government bans import of gold, silver items from South Korea

 The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in the Union Commerce Ministry has
banned duty free imports of gold, silver items from South Korea.
 These restrictions were imposed against the backdrop of sudden surge
in imports of precious metals from South Korea, with which India has a
free trade agreement (FTA) since January 2010. Now, importers will
now have to obtain a license from the DGFT for importing gold and
silver from South Korea.
Sudden surge
 Under the India-South Korea FTA, India has allowed duty free import of gold and silver
items. However, 12.5% countervailing duty was imposed to offset equal level of excise duty
on gold and silver jewellery items produced domestically.
 After goods and services tax (GST) regime was implemented from 1 July 2017,
countervailing duty was abolished as it subsumed excise duty and only 3% GST was
imposed on gold. This created a situation where importing gold via South Korea became
profitable due to its duty free status with India even as government continued to impose
10% basic customs duty on gold imports from other countries. Between 1 July and 3 August
2017, gold imports from South Korea surged to $339 million against import of only $70.5
million in 2016-17.
Government sets up high-powered panel for strategic disinvestment

 The Cabinet has decided to set up a high-powered committee of Union ministers to expedite
strategic disinvestment of state-owned companies.
 The committee is including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
 The Cabinet gave its nod for setting up an Alternative Mechanism (AM) consisting of
Finance Minister, Road Transport and Highways Minister, and Minister of Administrative
Department, to decide on the matters relating to strategic disinvestment.
 The Cabinet meet which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 The panel will decide on matters relating to terms and conditions of the sale from the stage
of inviting of expressions of interest (Eols) till inviting of financial bid.
 Further, the Core Group of Secretaries will be empowered to take policy decisions with
regard to procedural issues and to consider deviations as necessary from time to time for
effective implementation of decisions of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
(CCEA).
 The revision in procedure and mechanism for strategic sale of PSUs will help in speedy
completion of strategic disinvestment transactions.
 The government has budgeted to raise Rs 72,500 crore through stake sale in PSUs.
 This includes Rs 46,500 crore from minority stake sale, Rs 15,000 crore from strategic
disinvestment and Rs 11,000 crore from listing of PSUs insurance companies.
India’s Food grain production pegged at 275.68 MT in 2016-17

 The government has raised its previous figures for food grain production upward by 2.3
million tons for 2016-17.
 This is 4% higher than 2013-14,India’s best recorded year for food grain production.
 The fourth estimate for the year 2016-17 pegged at 275.68 MT. The earlier projection of
273.38 million tonnes for the same period.
 In 2015-15, the total production was 251.57 MT.
 Record output has been achieved in rice, wheat,
coarse cereals and pulses on the back of good rains.
 The previous record of 265.04 million tonnes was
achieved in 2013-14 crop year.
 About 2.3 million tonnes of increase in food grain
output has mainly come from record production in
rice, wheat, coarse cereals and pulses, the latest data
showed.
 As per the data, rice output is estimated to be a record 110.15 million tonnes in 2016-17 as
against 104.41 million tonnes in the previous year. Previous record was 106.65 million
tonnes in 2013-14.
 Wheat output is projected to have been a record 98.38 million tonnes in 2016-17 as against
92.29 million tonnes last year. The previous high was 95.85 million tonnes in 2013-14.
 Coarse cereals output is pegged at a record 44.19 million tonnes in 2016-17 against 38.52
million tonnes in 2015-16, while the previous record of 43.39 million tonnes was in 2013 -
14.
 Among coarse cereals, maize output is record 26.26 million tonne in 2016-17.
 Pulses production is also projected to be a record 22.95 million tonnes in 2016-17 as
against 16.35 million tonnes last year, but the previous high stood at 19.25 million tonnes
in 2013-14.
 Oilseeds output increased to 32.10 million tonnes in 2016 -17 from 25.25 million tonnes
last year.
Government extends tax exemption till March 2027 for industries in North-East and
Himalayan states
 Industries in the north eastern and Himalayan states will continue to get tax exemption till
March 2027, albeit as refund, under the current GST regime which was rolled out on July 1,
2017.
 Within the framework of the GST Act each industry will be entitled to its own refund
mechanism during this particular period (March 31, 2027).
 Industries in the north eastern and Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal
Pradesh and Uttarakhand under the previous excise regime used to get 10-year exemption.
 As per the scheme, industries which commenced operations during the period got excise
tax holiday for 10 years.
 adding that there is a separate residuary period for every industry because of
commencement of production and their consequent entitlement of 10 year exemption.
 Under the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, there is no provision for exemption
but there is one section under the Act which permits refunds.
 Therefore, refund would be permitted through DBT.
 The sunset clause of these exemption has been extended to 2027.
 4,284 industrial establishment will entitled to this benefit. Budgetary provision for this Rs
27,413 crore.
NITI Aayog Achieve 100GW Clean Energy By 2019-20

 India's think-tank Niti Aayog has set for the government an ambitious goal of 100 GW of
clean energy by 2019-20 and a target of 175 GW target by 2022 .
 It wants financial provision for generation and infrastructure rather than just capacity
creation.
 The financial support for renewable sector will be aimed at promoting generation and
infrastructure creation rather than mere capacity
creation.
 According to the Central Electricity Authority monthly
report for July, India has 58.3 GW of renewable energy
capacity, including 32.5 GW wind power, 13.1 GW
solar power, 4.3 GW small hydro and 8.1 GW biomass.
 The state-owned Solar Energy Corporation of India
(SECI) should develop storage solutions within next
three years to help bring down prices through
demand aggregation of both household and grid scale
batteries.
 On strengthening the renewable purchase obligations (RPO) system, it favoured creation of
a robust market for renewable power by 2019-20 through effective implementation of
RPOs, especially in light of uniform targets.
 It also called for encouraging renewable rich states to sell power to those with a deficit.
ICEX launches world's first diamond futures contracts

 The Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX) launched the world's first diamond futures
contracts on Monday to provide exporters with a
hedging tool.
 India is a global diamond polishing hub where 14 out
of every 15 rough diamonds in the world are polished.
 At the launch, the first diamond contract for delivery
in November was traded at Rs 3,279/cent. One cent is
the one-hundredth of a carat (ct).
 ICEX has launched 1 ct diamond futures contract for
delivery in November and followed by contracts with monthly settlements.
 50 cents and 30 cents contracts will be introduced after making the initial contract
successful.
 The 1-carat contract for expiry in November, December and January will have delivery
centre at Surat.
 The merger of Ahmedabad-based National Multi Commodity Exchange (NMCE) into ICEX
was also announced.
 ICEX will soon approach the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Ahmedabad, to
initiate the merger procedure.
 After merger clearance, ICEX would automatically get approval for the launch of some
agricultural commodities like rubber, coffee.
 ICEX will offer HVS2 quality diamond certified by the International Institute of Diamond
Grading & Research (IIDGR).
U.S.A imposes first economic sanctions against Venezuela

 Recently, the world super power USA has imposed the first economic sanctions against on
the South- American nation Venezuela.
 The Trump administration restricted Venezuela’s
ability to borrow money from American creditors.
 It is a prohibition intended to starve President Nicolás
Maduro’s troubled government of much-needed cash.
 The Treasury Department banned debt trades for
bonds issued by the Venezuelan government and its
state-owned oil company.
 The U.S. debt ban could push Venezuela closer to financial default.
U.N. have banned $1 billion in North Korea's exports

 Recently, in a warfooting step of UNO, it has banned $1 billion North Korea’s exports.
 According to the Security Council presidency, a vote on the draft resolution has been
scheduled.
 A proposed new U.N. sanctions resolution would
significantly increase economic pressure on North
Korea to return to negotiations on its nuclear and
missile programs by banning mineral and seafood
exports worth over $1 billion a third of its total
exports last year.
 The draft resolution, obtained by The Associated
Press, would also ban countries from giving any
additional permits to North Korean labourers another source of money for Kim Jong Un’s
regime.
 It would prohibit all new joint ventures with North Korean companies, and ban new foreign
investment in existing joint ventures.
 Currently, Egypt holds the Security Council presidency.
 The proposed new sanctions follow North Korea’s first successful tests of intercontinental
ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States on July 3 and July 27.
 The Security Council has already imposed six rounds of sanctions that have failed to halt
North Korea’s drive to improve its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons capabilities.
 Union Government divested 5.5% of its stake in which public sector entity through the offer
for sale (OFS) route on 2 and 3 August 2017 – Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL). The Union
Government raised Rs. 327 crore by divesting 5.5% of its stake in Hindustan Copper
Limited (HCL) through the offer for sale (OFS) route.
 The Union Government (Department of Investment and Public Asset Management) has
approved a 100% disinvestment through strategic sale along with transfer of management
control of Central Electronics Ltd. (CEL).
 The government proposes to impose anti- dumping duty of up to $120.14 per tonne on a
chemical used in sectors such as dyes and pharmaceuticals from Canada, China and the
European Union (EU). The duty aims at guarding domestic players from cheap imports.
 The Central Government has raised the income limit defining ‘creamy layer’ for OBC
reservation by Rs two lakh per annum. The government has hiked the creamy layer ceiling
for the Other Backward Classes (OBC) to Rs 8 lakh per annum from the existing Rs 6 lakh
for central government jobs.
 3 years of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: Going Stronger and Better. The Pradhan Mantri
Jan Dhan Yojana started on the eve of Independence day in 2014. Since then this project has
linked 30 crore families with the banking network and has deposited more than 65000
crore rupees in their accounts. In three years, Jan Dhan scheme unleashed JAM revolution
which includes PMJDY, AADHAR and mobile.It is that effort which resulted into linking of
73.62 crore accounts with about 52.4 crore unique Aadhaar numbers in India.
 99 per cent of demonetised notes returned: RBI report. The high-value currency notes of Rs
500 and Rs 1000 were banned by Union Government in November 2016 as a means to
combat counterfeiting, black money and the financing of terrorist activities.
 RBI issues new Rs 200, Rs 50 banknotes. The Reserve Bank of India has introduced two
new denomination banknotes of Rs 200 and Rs 50 in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series,
bearing the signature of RBI Governor Urjit Patel.
 Australian Trade Minister to lead 'Business Week' in India. ABWI 2017 will focus on
strengthening collaboration in agri-business and food, higher education and research as
well as smart cities and infrastructures.
 Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approves closure of Bharat Wagon and Engineering
Company. In view of the continues poor physical and financial performance of the company
for more than 10 years, in spite of financial assistance and other support provided by the
Ministry of Railways combined with low probability of its revival in future, the BWEL is
being wound up.
 Cabinet approves raising Rs 9020 Cr for Long Term Irrigation Fund. The Union Cabinet has
given its approval for raising Extra Budgetary Resources (EBR) of up to Rs 9020 Cr for Long
Term Irrigation Fund as per the requirement during 2017-18.
 Union Government releases 4th Advance Estimate of production of major crops for 2016-
17. The total food grain production in the country is estimated at 275.68 million tonnes,
which is higher by 10.64 million tonnes (4.01%) than the previous record production of
food grain achieved during 2013-14.
 RBI makes Aadhar linkage mandatory for farmers to avail short-term crop loans in 2017-
18. To ensure the concessional crop loan reaches to genuine farmers, RBI has advised banks
to ensure proper documentation including the recording of land details even when the
farmer avails gold loans for such purposes.
 Economic Survey Volume II admits achieving 7.5% growth target for this fiscal as tough.
Volume 2 of the Survey noticed a rekindled optimism on structural reforms in Indian
economy riding on various factors such as Positive impacts of demonetization, Launch of
the GST among others.
 SEBI launches online registration for custodians of securities. Custodian of securities holds
shares and other assets in electronic or physical form.
 PM Modi announces Rs 100cr corpus to study & find permanent solution to flood problem
in North-East. PM Modi has announced Rs 2000 crore as an immediate aid for flood-hit
Assam, Arunachal, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.
 Union Government orders LPG prices to be hiked by Rs 4 per month. Earlier, the
government asked Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum to raise rates of
subsidised domestic LPG by Rs 2 per 14.2-kg cylinder per month.
Defence & Security - National/International
India Navy to induct world's stealthiest submarine INS Kalvari

 The Indian Navy is reportedly all set to commission one of world’s deadliest fighting tools,
the INS Kalvari into its fleet later this month that comes amid heightened tensions with
China.
 The submarine's commissioning is a “milestone” in India’s endeavor to rebuild its
underwater fighting force.
 The INS Kalvari is a Scorpene class attack submarine and named after a deep-sea tiger
shark.
 It is expected to significantly boost the Navy's underwater prowess.
 This is the first of six such submarines the Navy has ordered.
 Currently, it has just 15 submarines in its fleet compared to 60 with China.
 The government had ordered for six French-made Scorpene submarines in 2005 at a cost of
236 billion rupees.
 The submarines are being built by the state-owned defence shipyard Mazagon Dock
Shipbuilders Ltd. in collaboration with France’s Naval Group.
 According to the report, the government has also initiated a program to build six more
diesel submarines.
 It has, meanwhile, sent information requests to six different manufacturers in Germany,
France and Russia, among others.
 The project is reportedly worth about 500 billion rupees.
DRDO signed a Rs. 17,000 crore deal with the IAI for the ambitious project
 The Indian Army will finally get an advanced medium-
range surface to air missile (MRSAM) system by 2020.
 It will be able to shoot down ballistic missiles, fighter
jets and attack helicopters from a range of around 70
km.
 The missile system will be produced by premier
defence research organisation DRDO in collaboration
with the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
 The MRSAM system will be capable of shooting down
enemy ballistic missiles, aircraft, helicopters, drones, surveillance aircraft and AWACS
(Airborne Warning and Control Systems) aircraft.
 The current version of MRSAM is operational with the Indian Air Force and the Navy.
 The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed a Rs. 17,000 crore
deal with the IAI for the ambitious project.
 The MR-SAM, a land-based version of the long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) for the
Navy.
 It will have a strike range of up 70 km.
 The deal envisages 40 firing units and around 200 missiles.
 The MRSAM for Army's Air Defence is an advanced all weather, 360 degree mobile land
based theatre air defence system capable of providing air defence to critical areas against a
wide variety of threats in a combat zone.
 The first set of missile system will be ready in the next three years.
 The Army has been pressing the government to enhance its aerial attack capability
considering the evolving security challenges.
 In May, the Army successfully test fired an advanced version of the Brahmos land-attack
cruise missile in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
 The Indian Army became the first land force in the world to deploy the Brahmos in 2007
and has raised several regiments of this formidable weapon.
 In May 2015, the Army had inducted the indigenously- developed supersonic surface-to-air
missile Akash which is capable of targeting enemy helicopters, aircraft and UAVs from a
range of 25 km.
Hyderabad airport gets India's first express security check facility

 Hyderabad airport to be India’s first express security check facility for domestic passengers.
 The Director General of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) OP Singh has launched at
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad.
 Now domestic passengers boarding flights from Hyderabad will be able to virtually walk in
through the security check without facing any hassles.
 The new facility will come in handy for passengers travelling without check-in baggage.
 The facility gives a frequent flyer, carrying only hand baggage, a direct excess to security
check without going to usual boarding counter.
 The Airport has installed several e-ticket kiosk, from where a passenger can avail his
boarding pass as well as can choose his or her sitting options.
 Separate security gate has also been installed for such passengers at the airport making
their flight boarding less complicated and time consuming to clear the security check faster.
 CISF is fully prepared to tackle any kind of security threats as first responders.
Launch of navigation satellite IRNSS-1H unsuccessful: ISRO

 The launch of IRSO’s eight navigation satellite IRNSS-1H onbaord of
PSLV-C39 from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh was unsuccessful. The
heat shield did not separate as a result of which satellite did not
complete the 4th stage.
 The IRNSS-1H was being sent to space to back up and replace the
functions of India’s first navigation satellite IRNSS-1A (launched in July
2013) as its three rubidium atomic clocks on board had stopped
functioning.
 The rubidium atomic clocks on board of IRNSS-1A that stopped working were imported
from European aerospace manufacturer Astrium. The atomic clocks are used to find
satellite’s position with an accuracy of 0.5 metre.
 IRNSS-1H
 IRNSS-1H was India’s first satellite actively built by consortium of private firms led by
Bengaluru-based Alpha Design Technologies. The consortium had completed 25%
development work of IRNSS-1H, under the guidance of ISRO scientists. Prior to
development of this satellite, private sector’s role was only limited to supplying
components to ISRO.
SC issues notice to Centre on special status to J&K under Article 370

 India’s apex court Supreme Court (SC) sought a response from
the Centre on a plea challenging the special status granted to
Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370.
 Supreme Court issues notice to the Centre Government on
plea challenging the special status to J&K under article 370.
 The top court's order came on a petition filed last month by a
Delhi-based NGO, "We the Citizens" . It demanded that Article
35A be repealed because of its "unconstitutional" character.
 Article 35A offers special privileges to state subjects of J&K in matters to do with
employment, the acquisition of immovable property, settlements and scholarships that are
related to Article 370 of the Constitution.
 In an earlier hearing last month, attorney general K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre,
told court that given the "sensitive" nature of the Article 35A issue, the Centre wanted a
"larger debate" on it.
 The matter be referred to a larger bench given the constitutional issues involved.
 The court agreed to set up a three-judge bench would hear the matter in six weeks.
Central Government plans to connect the procedure CCTNS

 The physical police verification for getting a passport may soon be dispensed with as the
Centre plans to connect the procedure with Crime and
Criminal Tracking Network and Systems Project
(CCTNS).
 It is a project first conceptualised by the UPA
government in 2009.
 The CCTNS, an exhaustive national database of crimes
and criminals that will check the antecedents of
applicants at the click of a mouse.
 It was expected to be linked with the passport service
of the External Affairs Ministry.
 Police in some states are already using CCTNS for passport credentials.
 Police will be given handheld devices to go to an applicant’s address and his or her details
will be uploaded on the network.
 It will minimise contact of an individual with police and reduce time (for getting passport).
 Home Minister Rajnath Singh launched the CCTNS project, which aims to connect the
country’s all 15,398 police stations.
 The mandate of the CCTNS had been expanded by incorporating citizen-centric services
such as tenant verification.
Indian Navy’s second LCU Mark IV L52 ship commissioned at Port Blair
 Indian Navy’s second CU (landing craft utility) Mark IV L52 ship was
commissioned at Port Blair, capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
 LCU L52 is the second LCU Mk-IV class ship to be inducted into the
Indian Navy. It has been indigenously designed and built by Garden
Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
 Key Facts
 LCU L52 ship is an amphibious ship with the primary role to transport
and deploy Main Battle Tanks (MTBs), Armoured Vehicles, troops and
equipment from ship to shore. It is 62.8 meters long and 11 metres wide. It has 90%
indigenous content.
 The ship has endurance of around 1,500 nautical miles at 12 knots. It is fitted with state-of-
the-art equipment and advanced systems like Integrated Platform Management System
(IPMS) and Integrated Bridge System (IBS).
 LCU MK-IV will be based in the Andaman and Nicobar Command. It can be deployed for
multirole activities like beaching operations, search and rescue, disaster relief operations,
supply and replenishment and evacuation from distant islands. It will contribute to the
nation’s maritime security needs.
India’s first private missile production facility unveiled in Hyderabad

 India’s first private sector missile sub-systems manufacturing
facility Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS) plant was
inaugurated near Hyderabad, capital of Telangana.
 It is 51:49 joint venture between India’s Kalyani Group and Israel’s
Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd. It has been established line with
the ‘Make in India’ initiative and Government’s policy to encourage
private sector participation in defence production.
ISRO, NASA working towards realisation of NISAR Mission by 2021

 ISRO and NASA are jointly working on the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)
mission to co-develop and launch a dual frequency synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
satellite by 2021.
 The satellite will be the world’s most expensive earth-imaging satellite till date, costing
around $1.5 billion. It aims to study global environmental change and natural disasters.
 Salient Features
 NISAR is a dual frequency (L & S Band) Radar Imaging Satellite. It
will be the first radar imaging satellite to use dual frequency.
 In this joint mission, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JLP) will be
responsible for design and development of L-band SAR, GPS system,
12m unfurlable antenna and data recorder.
 ISRO will be responsible for design and development of S-band SAR,
Spacecraft Bus,data transmission system, spacecraft integration & testing, launch using
GSLV and on-orbit operations.
 Mission Life: It is expected to be launched in year 2021. It will have mission life of 3 years.
 India-China Doklam border standoff end; Troops being Withdrawn. Delhi that entered into
the standoff on the issue says the road in Doklam plateau would be a threat to Siliguri
corridor that links India to its northeastern states.
 US military to install radar system in Palau, island nation south-west of Guam. The United
States has announced plans to install radar systems in Palau, an independent nation south-
west of Guam, the US territory that North Korea has threatened to target with its inter-
continental Ballistic Missiles.
 Lost WWII wreckage of warship USS Indianapolis found in Pacific after 72 Years. USS
Indianapolis went missing after a Japanese submarine drowned it in the final days of World
War II.
 Union Government inaugurates production of Light Combat Helicopter at HAL. HAL has
custom-designed the 5.8-tonne LCH to provide fire support to the army at mountainous
deployment areas on the northern borders, which can be as high as 6000 metres.
 Indian Navy inducts second ship of Landing Craft Utility MK-IV. The ship is commanded by
Commander Kaushik Chatterjee and has a complement of 05 officers, 46 sailors and is
capable of carrying 160 troops in addition.
 Union Ministry of Defence approves delegation of Powers to Border Roads Organisation.
The Union Ministry of Defence intends to bring transformational changes in the BRO in
order to improve the pace of execution of works and to achieve the desired outcomes
according to the requirement of the Armed Forces.
 Defence Ministry clears proposal to procure 6 Apache attack helicopters for Army. 6
Apache attack helicopters will be purchased at an expense of around 4168 crore rupees.
 Indian Coast Guard Ship Shaurya commissioned in Goa. ICGS Shaurya is the fifth in the
series of six 105-metre offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).
 Iran responds to US sanctions by voting to boost military defence. Iran's parliament has
voted in favour of boosting investment in its missile defence and foreign operations
programmes by more than $500 million, in response latest US sanctions.
 Indian Army develops app, Humraaz, for soldiers to track promotions, postings. To be
launched in the second week of August 2017, the mobile app Humraaz will enable prompt
communication of information to junior commissioner officers and other personnel.
Appointments-National/International
Venkaiah Naidu has elected as 13th Vice-President of India

 M Venkaiah Naidu, the candidate of the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, has
been India's 13th Vice President.
 Mr Naidu received 516 votes defeating the opposition's candidate, Gopalkrishna Gandhi,
who got 244 votes.
 A total of 771 out of 785 parliamentarians voted in the election.
 Naidu, a BJP veteran and its best known leader from southern
India.
 His links began in childhood when he chanced upon a
'shakha' while playing. Within some decades, he rose to
become the BJP's President and was considered close to
Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 He was a key member of Prime Minister Modi's cabinet.
 The 68-year-old cut his political teeth during the Emergency
of 1975-77 when he went underground against the government of Indira Gandhi and
eventually got jailed.
 He was born on July 1, 1949 in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.
 Naidu was President of the Students Union, V.R. College, Nellore.
 In 1973-74, he was president of the Students Union of Andhra University Colleges.
 Naidu pursued law and was involved in the movement launched by Jayaprakash Narayan.
 He was President of the youth wing of the Janata Party in Andhra Pradesh from 1977 to
1980.
 After Emergency, he was elected to the Andhra Pradesh assembly in 1978 and was a
legislator till 1985.
Darshan Lal became the first Hindu inducted as a minister in the Cabinet of Pakistan
 Darshan Lal became the first Hindu to become a minister in the
Cabinet of Pakistan.
 After a span of 20 years, a Hindu politician, is set to take the role of a
cabinet minister in Pakistan.
 The decision was announced on 4 August 2017 as the new Prime
Minister Shahaid Khaqan Abbasi formulated his cabinet.
 Lal has been allotted the responsibility of overseeing co-ordination
between the four provinces of Pakistan: Punjab, Sindh, Khyber-
Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
 He was elected to the national assembly for the second time in 2013 on a Pakistan Muslim
League (N) ticket under the minority quota.
 Pakistan has had a two Hindu Cabinet ministers in the past.
 While Jogendra Nath Mandal, a Scheduled Caste legislator from Bengal, was Pakistan’s first
law minister, Rana Chander Singh, a veteran leader from Umerkot, a Hindu-dominated
district in Sindh, served as a Cabinet minister under Benazir Bhutto.
 He was the last Hindu minister in Pakistan.
Economist Rajiv Kumar is NITI's new VC

 The Centre has appointed economist Rajiv Kumar as new vice-chairman of Niti Aayog .
 Niti Aayog is a technocrat to run the government's top policy think tank.
 He will take over from Arvind Panagariya, who is returning to Columbia University at the
end of the month.
 Rajiv Kumar a senior fellow at the Centre for Policy Research.

 Kumar is also chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Economics and Politics in Pune and the
founding director of Pahle India Foundation, a nonprofit
research organisation specialising in policy-oriented
research and analysis.
 Mr. Kumar has been involved in the selection of financial
sector regulators, such as the RBI governor and SEBI chief,
and is seen to be in tune with BJP's economic ideology.
 A section in the government was keen on someone who
understands the nuances of political economy .
 He holds a D Phil in economics from Oxford and a PhD from Lucknow University.
 He has also worked in the finance and industry ministries in the past.
S Aparna appointed Executive Director in the World Bank

 Senior bureaucrat S Aparna was appointed Executive Director in
the World Bank for three years on 6 August 2017.
 She is presently Principal Secretary to Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay
Rupani.
 She is a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre.
 As the Executive Director, she will represent the constituency of
India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka in the World Bank.
 She is replacing S.C. Garg, who has recently taken over as Secretary, Department of
Economic Affairs, in the Union Finance Ministry.
 The headquarter of World Bank located in Washington D.C, USA.
Justice Dipak Misra appointed as 45th Chief Justice of India

 Justice Dipak Misra has been appointed the 45th Chief Justice of India.
 The 63-year-old led the bench that awarded death sentence to
Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon and the Nirbhaya killers.
 Justice Misra, presently the senior-most SC judge and a native of
Odisha, will take over from Chief Justice JS Khehar who retires on
August 27.
 last month CJI Khehar had nominated him for the top judicial post.
Milkha Singh appointed WHO's ambassador for physical activity

 Sprint legend Milkha Singh has been appointed as the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s
goodwill ambassador for physical activity in South-East Asia
Region (SEAR)
 Singh is also known as 'the Flying Sikh' of India.
 He will promote WHO SEAR's non-communicable diseases
(NCDs) prevention and control action plan which seeks to reduce
the level of insufficient physical activity by 10 % and NCDs by 25
% by 2025.
 Presently, Poonam Khetrapal Singh is Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia.
 An estimated 8.5 million people die due to non-communicable diseases every year in WHO
South-East Asia Region and many of these deaths are premature and nearly all are lifestyle
related.
Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta wins second term as President

 The incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta won a second term as president of Kenya in the
presidential election.
 Kenyatta prevailed over perennial opposition standard-bearer Raila Odinga with 54.27 %t
of the vote while the opposition got 44.74 % of the ballots.
 Longtime rival and opposition leader Raila Odinga garnered 44.7%, but his coalition
continued to dispute the results, claiming mass fraud.
 President Kenyatta won with 8.2 million votes
compared to 6.8 million votes for his closest rival
Raila Odinga of the National Super Alliance (Nasa).
 Mr Kenyatta, riding on a well-oiled campaign
machinery, prevailed despite persistent
dissatisfaction with the economy and a hard-fought
challenge by Mr Odinga.
 Kenya's economy has clocked average growth of 5.3%
over the past five years, compared with 3.6% for sub-Saharan Africa, solidifying its position
as a leading investment hub on the continent.
 Kenyan politics continue to be split along largely tribal lines, giving Mr. Kenyatta's Kikuyu
tribe and its allies an electoral advantage. A disputed election in 2007, which Mr. Odinga
also lost, triggered widespread tribal violence that left 1,100 people dead and hundreds of
thousands displaced from their homes.
 Mr. Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, were charged with crimes against humanity by
the International Criminal Court following the 2007 violence, but charges were later
withdrawn. Both denied the charges.
 Kenya's Supreme Court rejected the challenge Odinga brought after he lost the 2013
election to Kenyatta.
Sohail Mahmood Takes Charge as Pak’s High Commissioner to India

 Pakistan's High Commissioner-designate Sohail Mahmood arrived in India on Wednesday
and took charge at the Indian High Commission.
 He succeeds career diplomat Abdul Basit, who served as the country's envoy for four years.
 He has wide experience in the diplomatic service having served in various Pakistan
missions abroad including Washington and New York.
 Mahmood served as the Ambassador of Pakistan to Thailand from 2009-2013.
Vladimir Putin Appoints Nikolay Kudashev As Russia's New Envoy To India

 Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed career diplomat Nikolay Kudashev as Russia's
new ambassador to India.
 Mr Kudashev is a specialist in South East Asia.
 He is currently the Deputy Director General Secretariat of the Ministry of foreign Affairs of
Russia.
 The appointment of Mr Kudashev comes nearly seven months after the death of Russia's
previous ambassador to India Alexander Kadakin.
 Mr Kadakin was a fluent Hindi-speaking career diplomat considered a great friend of India,
passed away on January 26 at a hospital after a brief illness.
 Mr Kudashev was the Russian Ambassador to Micronesia and the Marshall Islands in 2014-
2015.
Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani appointed new Railway Board chairman
 Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Air India Ashwani Lohani named as the new
chairman of the Railway Board following the resignation of AK Mittal.
 Mr. Lohani is an IRSME (Indian Railways Service of Mechanical Engineers) officer.
 Earlier, Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu offered to resign from his post over the
recent train accidents in Uttar Pradesh.
 Prabhu offered to resign hours after 10 coaches and engine of the Delhi-bound Kaifiyat
Express derailed in Auraiya district of Uttar Pradesh.
 As many as 74 passengers were injured in the train
accident.
 On the evening of August 19, at least 23 people were killed
and over 40 others injured when 14 coaches of Puri-
Haridwar-Kalinga Utkal Express derailed, with one of them
crashing into a house adjacent to the track, in Khatauli in
Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district.
Nachiket Madhusudan Mor nominated to central board of RBI

 Nachiket Madhusudan Mor was re-appointed as a member of the Eastern local board of the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
 The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved
his re-appointment and nominated him to the central board
of the RBI.
 The RBI's affairs are governed by the central board of
directors.
 The board is appointed by the government.
 There are five official directors -- the RBI Governor and not more than four deputy
governors.
 Besides, the government nominates 16 non-official directors to the board.
 Ten are nominated from different fields, two are government officials and one director each
from the four local boards.
Nandan Nilekani appointed the new Chairman of the Infosys board

 One of the co-founders of software major Infosys, Nandan
Nilekani,was appointed the new Chairman of the company board
even as 5 members resigned from the Board on 24 August 2017.
 Nilekani had served as Infosys CEO from 2002 to 2007.
 His appointment is being seen as significant victory for co-founder
N.R. Narayana Murthy in his fight against the board of Infosys
after the dramatic resignation of CEO Vishal Sikka.
 As he was appointed the company Chairman, non-executive
chairman R. Seshasaye, co-chairman Ravi Venkatesan, executive
vice-chairman Vishal Sikka and directors Jeffrey Lehman and John Etchemendy resigned
from the board.
Sunil Arora appointed Election Commissioner

 Former bureaucrat Sunil Arora was appointed as election commissioner after the
retirement of former Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi
in July.
 Arora's appointment has restored EC's status to a full
Commission, with A K Joti as CEC and O P Rawat as the other
Election Commissioner.
 Arora is a 1980 batch IAS officer belonging to Rajasthan cadre.
 He had served as information and broadcasting secretary
before he retired last year.
 He had also held charge as secretary in the ministry of skill development and
entrepreneurship.
 Arora has worked in ministries and departments such as finance, textiles and Planning
Commission.
 He also served joint secretary in the ministry of civil aviation during 1999-2002 and as
CMD, Indian Airlines for five years.
 In Rajasthan, he was secretary to the chief minister during 1993-1998 and Principal
Secretary to CM between 2005 and 2008.
Rajiv Mehrishi appointed Comptroller and Auditor General

 Former Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi appointed as new Comptroller and Auditor General
of India.
 Mehrishi is a 1978-batch Rajasthan cadre IAS officer.
 He will replace SK Sharma, who is retiring on September 24.
 Mehrishi retired from the post of Home Secretary after serving a period of two years.
 Rajiv Mehrishi is a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of 1978 batch
belonging to Rajasthan cadre. Rajiv Mehrishi holds a degree in business administration
from Strathclyde Business School, Glasgow.
 His earlier degrees of BA (History) and MA (History) were from the St. Stephen's College.
Mehrishi was appointed as the Secretary (Economic Affairs) by the Appointments
Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
 As he was the senior-most Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, he was designated as
Finance Secretary.
Prasoon Joshi appointed as new chairman of CBFC

 The Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry has appointed Prasoon Joshi as the new
Chairman of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). He will replace
Pahlaj Nihalani and shall have tenure of three years.
 Besides, the ministry by exercising its powers conferred by sub-section
(1) of section 3 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Cinematograph
(Certification) Rules, 1983 also reconstituted the existing CBFC Board
for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The new board will be headed by Prasoon Joshi.
Prasoon Joshi
 Prasoon Joshi is renowned songwriter-poet known for his contribution to various films and
for designing successful ad campaigns. He has been honoured with Padma Shri.
 He has penned the theme song for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
and other campaigns.
 IAS officer Rajiv Gauba takes charge as Union Home Secretary. Senior IAS officer Rajiv
Gauba has taken charge as the new Union Home Secretary, succeeding Rajiv Mehrishi, a
1978 batch IAS officer who retired from the service on 30 August.
 Union Government names Rajiv Bansal as CMD of Air India. The decision came a day after
the previous Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani was appointed as the Chairman of the Railway
Board.
 Mamta Suri takes charge as Executive Director of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board. Prior
to this appointment, Suri was serving as the Chief General Manager of the Insurance
Regulatory Development Authority of India.
 Indian-American Dilip Chauhan appointed as Deputy Comptroller for Minority Affairs in
New York. Chauhan had joined the Comptroller’s office in 2015 as Director for Community
Affairs, South and East Asia.
 US Senate confirms appointment of three Indian Americans. Three Indian-Americans

picked by President Donald Trump have been confirmed by the US Senate to key
governmental posts.
 Air Marshal Hemant Narayan Bhagwat appointed Air Officer-in-charge Administration of
Indian Air Force. Air Marshal Bhagwat, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vayu Sena
Medal (VM) awardee, was commissioned in Administrative branch of the Indian Air Force
in June 1981.
 Mohammad Mustafa appointed as CMD of SIDBI. His appointment was approved by the
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for a period of three years.
 Sanjaya Baru appointed as Secretary General of FICCI. Baru served as media advisor and
chief spokesperson of Manmohan Singh from May 2004 until August 2008.
 US Senate confirms Christopher Wray as FBI Director. Wray, a former high-ranking official
in President George W Bush's Justice Department, oversaw investigations into corporate
fraud.
 Lt Gen Abhay Krishna appointed as Chief of Eastern Command. The appointment of Krishna
comes at a time when India is facing a stand-off with Chinese troops along the Sikkim
sector.
 Shahid Khaqan Abbasi succeeded Nawaz Sharif as Prime Minister of Pakistan. The party
will have to propose a name for interim Prime Minister, to fill the 45 day vacuum until
Shehbaz Sharif gets elected to the Parliament.
Person Resigned/Retired
Arvind Panagariya resigns as NITI Aayog Vice Chairman

 Arvind Panagariya has resigned as vice chairman of government think tank NITI Aayog.
 Mr. Panagariya will be returning to the United States to rejoin academia.
 His last day in office will be August 31.
 He has submitted a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
requesting to be relieved by the end of this month as he was
not getting an extension of leave from the Columbia
University.
 Last year, another renowed economist, Raghuram Rajan,
returned to academics without seeking a second term as the
Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
 Mr Panagariya, an Indian-born, US-educated economist, was named as the first chief of the
rejigged plan panel in 2015.
 The Niti Aayog, the brainchild of PM Modi, had replaced the Planning Commission formed
by India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1950, which used to draw up Soviet-
style five-year economic plans.
 Mr Panagariya did not have a fixed term at the government think tank. Going by the
convention followed by the Planning Commission, his term was to coincide with that of the
Prime Minister.
 Before he took up the Niti Aayog assignment, Mr Panagariya was a professor at Columbia
University and the chief economist at the Asian Development Bank.
 A protege of economist Jagdish Bhagwati, Mr Panagariya has also worked for the World
Bank, the International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organisation, and the UN Conference
on Trade and Development.
 Mr Panagariya was appointed to the post in January 2015.
IAAF World Championships: Usain Bolt finished the race at third place
 Jamaican legend Usain Bolt was unable to end his career on a
high as he was beaten in the men’s 100 final at the IAAF World
Championships in London on 5 August 2017.
 Justin Gatlin of USA won this most-awaited final.
 Veteran American athlete Justin Gatlin came all guns blazing
in the men’s 100m finals at the 2017 IAAF World
Championships in London on 5 August 2017.
 He won the race in 9.90 seconds. Another American Christian
Coleman was second in 9.94 seconds.
 Bolt finished the race at third place with timing of 9.95 seconds.
 Justin Gatlin first became the men’s 100m world champion in 2005.
 Now 35, he was handed two drug bans in his career.
 With this curtains came down on his showcase event (100m sprint).
 This race was bolt’s last 100m final before retiring.
 His last race, however, will be on 12 August 2017, where he will look to bring gold for his
country in the 4x100m relay event.
Pahlaj Nihalani Sacked As Censor Board Chief

 Pahlaj Nihalani has been sacked from Censor Board’s chief as chairman.
 His successor is famous lyricist-adman Prasoon Joshi.
 Actress Vidya Balan also joins the board as a member.
 He had turned the censor board into a precinct of serial controversy.

 Colleagues of Mr Nihalani had accused him of treating the Central Board of Film
Certification (CBFC) like his personal fiefdom, while
filmmakers and critics accused him of demanding irrational
cuts and moral policing.
 Recent scandals involved a demand for multiple cuts in
Madhur Bhandarkar's "Indu Sarkar" which depicts the
Emergency and his refusal to certify "Lipstick Under My
Burkha" which explores female sexuality.
 A CBFC member had described it as "lady-oriented",
complaining of sexual scenes, abusive words, audio pornography (phone sex) and implied
the film might offend Muslims.
 Director Alankrita Shrivastava won her case after challenging the censor board at an
appeals tribunal.
 Pahlaj Nihalani was appointed to head the board in January 2015 and was entangled in
controversy right through his tenure.
Lee Jae-yong Samsung chairman sentenced by South Korean court in bribery case
 A South Korean court has sentenced the billionaire Samsung
heir Lee Jae-yong to five years in prison after finding him
guilty of offering bribes to the country's former president
and other crimes.
 Lee was also guilty of embezzlement, hiding assets overseas,
concealing profit from criminal acts and perjury.
 Revelations of Lee's attempt to bribe South Korea's
president to further his business ambitions fed public anger
that led to the ouster of Park Geun-hye as the country's leader.
 Lee, princeling of South Korea's richest family and its biggest company.
 He is accused of offering $38 million in bribes to four entities controlled by a friend of Park
in exchange for government help with a merger that strengthened Lee's control over
Samsung at a crucial time.
 The court is reading out verdicts for several accused before announcing sentences.
 Prosecutors had earlier sought a 12-year prison term for the 49-year-old Lee Jae-yong.
 Park, who was embroiled in a tumultuous series of scandals, was removed from office in
March and is being tried separately.
 Her friend Choi Soon-sil also is on trial.
 Lee has denied the allegations against him.
Vishal Sikka Resigns As Managing Director And CEO Of Infosys

 Vishal Sikka has resigned as MD and CEO of Infosys.
 The board has accepted his resignation with immediate effect, Infosys said in a statement.
 Mr Sikka will remain with Infosys as executive vice-chairman.
 Infosys has appointed chief operating officer UB Pravin Rao as interim managing director
and CEO.
Sports
Government announces National Sports Awards 2017

 The Union Government bestows National Sports Awards every year to recognize and
reward excellence in sports in India.
 These awards include Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Dronacharya Award, Arjuna Award,
Dhyan Chand Award, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy and
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar .
2017 Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award
 It is India’s highest sporting award given for the spectacular and most
outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over
a period of four years.
 Recipients are: Devendra (Para Athletics), Sardar Singh (Hockey).
2017 Dronacharya Award
 It bestowed upon coaches for producing medal winners at prestigious international sports
events.
 Recipients are: Dr. R. Gandhi (Athletics), Heera Nand Kataria (Kabaddi), G.S.S.V. Prasad
(Badminton), Brij Bhushan Mohanty (Boxing), P.A. Raphel (Hockey), Sanjoy Chakraverthy
(Shooting) and Roshan Lal (Wrestling).
2017 Arjuna Award
 It is India’s second highest sporting award bestowed upon sportsperson for consistently
outstanding performance for four years.
 Recipients are: V.J. Surekha (Archery), Khushbir Kaur (Athletics), Arokia Rajiv (Athletics),
Prasanthi Singh (Basketball), LaishramDebendro Singh (Boxing), Cheteshwar Pujara
(Cricket), Harmanpreet Kaur (Cricket), OinamBembem Devi (Football), S.S.P. Chawrasia
(Golf), S.V. Sunil (Hockey), Jasvir Singh (Kabaddi), P. N. Prakash (Shooting), A. Amalraj
(Table Tennis), Saketh Myneni (Tennis), SatyawartKadian (Wrestling), Mariyappan (Para-
Athletics) and Varun Singh Bhati (Para-Athletics).
2017 Dhyan Chand Award
 It is bestowed upon sportspersons for life time contribution to sports development.
 Recipients are: Bhupender Singh (Athletics), Syed Shahid Hakim (Football), Sumarai Tete
(Hockey).
Indian boxer Vijender Singh defeated Chinese boxer Zulpikar Maimaitiali

 Indian boxer Vijender Singh defeated Chinese
boxer Zulpikar Maimaitiali to win professional bout
on 5 August 2017.
 The Indian professional boxer Vijender Singh won his
second title and ninth consecutive professional bout
on points by a unanimous decision in a close fight in
Mumbai.
 He won the WBO Oriental super middleweight title by
winning this bout.
 The judges scored the fight 96-93, 95-94, 95-94 in favour of the Indian boxer.
 Vijender already holds the WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight title, which he won
beating Australian Kerry Hope in July 2016.
World Athletics Championships: Davinder Singh Kang becomes first Indian to qualify for
Javelin finals
 Davinder Singh Kang has become the first Indian to qualify for the final round of the javelin
throw World Championships in London.
 His fancied compatriot Neeraj Chopra crashed out in the qualification round.
 Kang was carrying a shoulder injury, cleared the automatic qualification mark of 83m in his
third and final throw as he sent the iron spear to a distance of 84.22m.
 He had a 82.22m in his opening throw and then came up with 82.14m in his second.
 The 26-year-old athlete from Punjab was under pressure to touch the 83m in his final
attempt and he was the last man to take the throw.
 Kang's best effort of 84.22m put him in the seventh position among the final round
qualifiers.
 His final round qualification was all the more noteworthy as he was carrying an injury since
the Indian Grand Prix in New Delhi in May.
 Till now, no Indian has ever qualified in the men's javelin throw final round in any world
championship.
 Earlier, Kang was tested positive for marijuana in June but was named in the 25-member
Indian team as the banned substance was in the specified list of the WADA Code and does
not attract automatic suspension.
 The 19-year-old world junior record holder then fouled his second attempt before clearing
only 80.54m in his third and final throw to finish seventh in his group and overall 15th at
the Olympic Stadium here.
 The Indian has three 85m throws this season and his two Diamond League appearances in
Paris and Monaca last month where he had finished fifth and seventh respectively.
PV Sindhu wins silver medal at 2017 World Badminton Championship

 Indian ace shuttler and 2017 Rio Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu
won the silver medal in 2017 World Badminton Championship held at
Glasgow, Scotland (United Kingdom).
 In the final match, Sindhu lost to Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara by 19-21, 22-
20, 20-22 score. Earlier, in Saina Nehwal had won bronze medal. This is
for first time, Indian shuttlers have won two medals in the
Championship.
 It was overall Sindhu’s third medal at the World Championships as she earlier had won
bronze medals in 2013 and 2014 editions.
KL Rahul equals world record for most consecutive Test fifties

 Rahul join an elite list of cricketers who jointly hold
the world record for most consecutive half-centuries.
 India opener Lokesh Rahul stamped his class in Test
cricket with yet another half-century and joined an
elite list of cricketers to hit most consecutive half-
centuries.
 Rahul struck his seventh fifty in succession to give
India another dominating start against Sri Lanka in
the third and final Test at Colombo.
 Sir Everton Weekes, Andy Flower, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Kumar Sangakkara and Chris
Rogers are the others to do so.
 Rahul and Dhawan were also involved in a century-plus stand for the first wicket away
from home, India's first since June 2015.
 India's last hundred-plus opening stand away from home came at Fatullah in Bangladesh,
when Murali Vijay and Dhawan put on 283.
India wins 321 medals at World Police and Fire games in LA

 Indian para-military and police personnel have won a record 321 medals, including 151
gold and 99 silver, at the World Police and Fire games
held in Los Angeles from August 7-16.
 Richa Mishra of CRPF and Mandar Anand Rao Divase of
BSF led the individual tally with 10 medals each in
swimming.
 The 101 participants drawn from Central armed police
forces like CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, Assam Rifles and SSB as
well as various state police together won 147 medals in
athletics (including 61 golds), 61 in shooting, 44 in swimming, 28 in archery, 24 in
wrestling, 10 in boxing and 7 in judo.
 Apart from Richa and Divase, who shone with 8 and 5 individual golds in swimming, many
won multiple medals across all events.
 Kulwinder Kaur (Punjab police/triple jump) and Wahida Rahaman (CRPF/race, relay and
steeplechase) were at the top of the medals tally in athletics with 8 and 7 golds respectively.
 The 2017 medal count has more than doubled when compared to 2015.
 In athletics, Meva Singh of Punjab police won gold in the 100 m run and silver in 200 m and
Chandrahas Singh of UP Police bagged three golds in javelin throw event.
 Shooters also excelled with Shamsher Singh of BSF winning 6 medals including 3 golds and
Lajja Gauswami of Gujarat police also winning 6 medals including 3 golds.
 The World Police and Fire Games attract approximately 10,000 entrants, slightly fewer
than the Summer Olympic Games, and exceeding the third position holder, the
Commonwealth Games.
Pakistan qualifies for 2018 Hockey World Cup

 According to the Federation of International Hockey (FIH) ,the
Pakistan men’s hockey team has become the 13th team to qualify
for the World Cup 2018.
 Currently, Pakistan ranked 14th in the FIH rankings.
 Pakistan had finished seventh in the Hockey World League Semi-
Final in London earlier this year, meaning they did not immediately
qualify for the upcoming world cup in India.
 Pakistan is joining hosts India, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, Germany,
Ireland, Malaysia, Netherlands, Spain and New Zealand.
 Pakistan, which failed to qualify for the event in 2014, has won four world cups, more than
any other nation.
 The 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup will be the 14th edition of the Hockey World Cup field
hockey tournament.
 It is scheduled to be held from November 24 to December 16, 2018, at the Kalinga Stadium
in Bhubaneswar (Odisha), India.
Government to establish first National Sports Museum in New Delhi

 The Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs is going to establish National Sports
Museum at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. It will be first of its kind sports museum
in India.
 The aim of the sports museum is to popularise the sports as a way of life within the country.
It will showcase the India’s achievements in sports and also focus on the traditional sports
within the country.
 Sri Lankan Selectors stepped down after humiliating defeat. Sri Lankan head for cricket
team selection Sanath Jayasurya has resigned from his post along with other members
following defeat against India in both test and ODI series.
 SC rejects Subramanian Swamy’s plea to direct BCCI to e-auction IPL rights. The Supreme
Court has rejected BJP leader Subramanian Swamy’s plea that the ongoing tendering
process for awarding media rights for the IPL events be stayed and e-auctioning directed.
 Vice President Venkaiah Naidu launches ‘National Sports Talent Search Portal’. Vice-
President Venkaiah Naidu has officially launched the Sports Ministry’s much-awaited
‘National Sports Talent Search Portal’ that will help spot, groom, support and encourage
young Indians from across the country, especially from the rural region.
 Cristiano Ronaldo wins UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award. Ronaldo picked up the
trophy for the second consecutive season and third time in total, having also received the
accolade in 2013-14.
 India wins South Asian Football Federation Under-15 Championship. Bangladesh and
Bhutan captured third and fourth place in the tournament, respectively.
 Lewis Hamilton wins 2017 Belgian Grand Prix. It is one of the most popular races on the
Formula One calendar, due to the scenic and historical Spa-Francorchamps circuit being a
favourite of drivers and fans.
 England to host 2018 International Table Tennis Federation Team World Cup. The 2018
Team World Cup will be staged at the iconic Copper Box Arena in London’s Queen Elizabeth
Olympic Park from 22 February to 25 February 2018.
 England striker Wayne Rooney retires from international football. Rooney has played much
of his career as a forward, and he has also been used in various midfield roles.
 Australia beats Iran to clinch 2017 FIBA Asia Cup. The 2017 FIBA Asia Cup was the 29th
continental basketball championship in Asia.
 Arabian cap-shaped World Cup stadium to be built in Qatar for FIFA 2022. Qatar, the host
nation of 2022 FIFA World Cup, is going to build a stadium shaped like an Arabian skull cap
for the World Cup quarter-final match.
 Real Madrid beats Barcelona to win 2017 Spanish Super Cup. The 2017 Spanish Super Cup
was the 31st edition of the tournament.
 Alexander Zverev beats Roger Federer to win 2017 Rogers Cup. By claiming the 2017
Rogers Cup, Zverev became the first player outside the Big Four to win multiple Masters
1000 titles in a season since David Nalbandian in 2007.
 Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt retires, his last race marred by injury. Usain Bolt has said a
goodbye to his gigantic athletics career by rejecting a wheelchair offered by concerned
officials, rolling up his shorts and hobbling in pain across the finish line with his Jamaican
4x100m teammates in support.
 Real Madrid beats Manchester United to win 2017 UEFA Super Cup. The match was played
at the Philip II Arena in Skopje, Macedonia. It was the first UEFA final staged in the country.
Honours / Awards
Kirti Chakra Award presented to CRPF commandants Cheeta, Pramod Kumar

 CRPF commandants Pramod Kumar and Chetan Cheeta have been awarded Kirti Chakra on
the eve of Independence Day for their brave exploits
against terrorists in Kashmir.
 Kirti Chakra is India’s second highest peacetime
gallantry medal.
 Pramod Kumar was a commanding officer (CO) of the
Srinagar-based 49th battalion of the paramilitary
force.
 He has been decorated with the military medal
posthumously.
 He was killed in an encounter with terrorists at
Nowhatta Chowk in Srinagar soon after he unfurled
the national flag at his camp on August 15 last year and rushed to help his troops who were
engaged by two armed, foreign militants.
 Forty-four-year-old Kumar suffered a fatal bullet injury in his skull and succumbed to it, not
before inflicting severe injuries on the militants.
 Cheeta, CO of the 45th CRPF battalion, was shot nine times during an operation against
militants in the Hajin area of Kashmir Valley on February 14 this year.
 He made a "miraculous" recovery after suffering such fatal injuries.
 Cheeta was hails from Rajasthan, bore the initial brunt of the militants when a joint team of
the Army, CRPF and state police had laid siege following intelligence inputs that two foreign
terrorists were hiding in the area.
 The brave officer was initially taken to the base hospital in Srinagar where he was operated
upon and given primary treatment, after which he was flown to the AIIMS Trauma Centre
here.
 Assistant Commandant Chandan Kumar and Constable Amarnath Mishra have been
awarded the Shaurya Chakra, the third highest peacetime gallantry medal.
Serena Williams become Highest-paid female Athlete of 2017

 According to the Forbes Magazine, Serena Williams become the highest-paid female
athletes is right at the top and leads by a significant margin.
 Between June 2016 and June 2017, Williams earned $27 million (R361,19 million), Forbes
reports. T
 his is more than double any other female athlete in the world this year.
 While she’s earned a lot from prize money, much of Williams’ revenue comes from her
multitude of endorsements.
 These include deals with Nike, Intel, Beats by Dre and JPMorgan Chase
 Here’s the top 5 list of the highest-paid female athletes in the world:
 Serena Williams (tennis) – $27 million (R361,19 million)
 Angelique Kerber (tennis) – $12,6 million (R168,55 million)
 Danica Patrick (motor racing) – $12,2 million (R163,2 million)
 Ronda Rousey (UFC) – $11 million (R147,15 million)
 Venus Williams (tennis ) – $10,5 million (R140,46 million)
Emma Stone named 2017's highest-paid female actor with $26m

 According to the Forbes’ annual list of top earners, Emma Stone has been named
Hollywood’s best-paid female actor .
 The 28-year-old made $26m in the last 12 months, the majority of which was earned from
her Oscar-winning performance in the musical romance La La Land.
 The film made over $445m worldwide.
 Jennifer Aniston comes in a close second, earning $25.5m in the last 12 months.
 Former top-ranked Jennifer Lawrence comes in at No. 3
Konkani writer Mahabaleshwar Sail receives 2016 Saraswati Samman

 Eminent Konkani writer Mahabaleshwar Sail (74) was bestowed with
prestigious Saraswati Samman 2016. He was awarded for his novel
“Hawthan ( )” that captures cultural lives of traditional potter
community in Goa.
 He was presented the award, comprising plaque and a cash purse of
Rs.15 lakh by Union minister for commerce and industry Nirmala
Sitharaman at event held in New Delhi.
Mahabaleshwar Sail
 Mahabaleshwar Sail is bilingual writer based in Goa. He has written four Marathi dramas
and seven Konkani novels. He has also written five short stories and novel in Marathi.
 He is best known for his work ‘Paltadcho Munis’, which had inspired film by same name.
Most of his short stories and novels are translated into English and Hindi.
 His work ‘Hawtham’ was published in 2009. He has received Sahitya Akadami Award in
Konkani language for his short story collection ‘Taranga’ in 1993
Mark Wahlberg named as World’s highest-paid actor-2017: Forbes Magazine

 According to the Forbes magazine,Mark Wahlberg soared to the top of the world’s highest
paid actors among film stars.
 The 46 year old Wahlberg has earned an estimated $68 million
in 2017.
 He is famous for his pay days movies “Daddy’s Home 2” and
“Transformers: The Last Knight”.
 The rapper-turned-actor knocked 2016 leader Dwayne “The
Rock” Johnson into second place, with estimated 2017 earnings
of $65 million.
 Forbes estimates earnings, before taxes and management fees,
from movies, TV and commercial endorsements.
 The Forbes list again highlighted Hollywood’s gender pay gap.
 Last week, the magazine named “La La Land” Oscar winner Emma Stone as the world’s
highest paid actress with an estimated 2017 take of $26 million.
 The 10 highest-paid leading men earned a combined $488.5 million before tax in its June
2016-June 2017 scoring period, nearly three times more than the $172.5 million earned by
the top 10 scoring women.
 Forbes attributed the disparity to the prevalence of superhero and action blockbusters that
earn big at the box office for Hollywood studios but tend to have fewer leading roles for
women.
 “Pirates of the Caribbean” star Johnny Depp, who for years has been among the top five
paid actors, did not make the top 20 this year.
 Depp is currently embroiled in a bitter lawsuit with his former business managers who
have detailed what they describe as his lavish spending habits.
 Three of Bollywood’s biggest stars - Shah Rukh Khan ($38 million), Salman Khan ($37
million) and Akshay Kumar ($35.5 million) - took the 8th, 9th and 10th places on the
Forbes list, respectively.
First-ever transgender beauty pageant held in Gurugram

 The first edition of Miss Transqueen India, a beauty
pageant for transgenders, held in Gurugram
 As many as 16 contestants from Delhi, Maharashtra,
Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Karnataka and other states
will compete to win the Miss Transqueen India title
in the final event.
 Nitasha was named the first Miss Transqueen India, a
trans woman who hails from Kolkata.
 Loiloi from Manipur bagged the first runner-up
position and Ragasya from Chennai was crowned the second runner-up.
 The winner will go to Thailand for Miss International Queen, the first runner-up will
compete at Miss Transsexual Australia.
 US army medic conferred Medal of Honour by President Trump 48 years later. US President
Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honour to veteran army medic James McCloughan for
risking his life to treat and save wounded soldiers during the Vietnam War.
 K Chandrashekhar Rao selected for Global Agriculture Leadership Award 2017. Rao
launched various initiatives for the welfare of farmers in the state such as providing free
power to farmers, waiving off 1 lakh loan of every farmer, supplying fertilizers in time and
announced to credit 4000 per acre per crop to every farmer.
 Actor Dev Patel honoured with Asian Game Changer Award 2017. As per the Asia Society,
Dev Patel's roles in 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'Lion' challenge the audiences to view India's
poor as individuals instilled with hopes, dreams and opportunities.
Obituaries
ABMSU President Shot Dead In Kokrajhar In Assam

 The All Bodo Minority Students' Union (ABMSU) president Lafikul Islam Ahmed was shot
dead in Kokrajhar by unidentified assailants in Assam's Kokrajhar district.
 He was killed by two motorcycle-borne assailants
opened fire from an AK-47 rifle at Ahmed on the way
to market.
 Security in all the districts of Lower Assam has been
intensified following the killing.
 A massive hunt has been launched to nab the killers
and further investigations were on.
 Lafikul Islam was founded the ABMSU after the
government created the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) in 2003.
 It was instrumental in building up a movement to protect the rights of migrant Muslims in
the four Bodoland districts.
 He had taken over as the ABMSU president in 2016 after functioning as the general
secretary for the past few years.
Eminent scientist Pushpa Mittra Bhargava passes away in Hyderabad

 Eminent scientist Pushpa Mittra Bhargava passes away in Hyderabad
after a brief illness at the age of 89.
 He was one of India`s top scientists and founder-director of the Centre
for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).
 He was born in Ajmer on February 22, 1928.
 Bhargava did his Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry from Lucknow
University.
 His pioneering vision and efforts led to the founding of CCMB in 1977 as
an institution for research in basic biology and for seeking its
application for benefit of society.
 He was an internationally recognised molecular biologist, thinker, and institution builder.
 Bhargava also served vice chairman of National Knowledge Commission constituted in
2005.
 He was conferred Padma Bhushan, the nation`s third highest civilian award in 1986.
 In 2015, he had announced that he would return the award as he was worried about India`s
future.
 Bhargava had expressed concern over "RSS people" attending a meeting of Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs.
 He had warned that if the present trend continued, India would cease to be a democracy
and become a theocratic country like Pakistan.
 He had also found fault with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for stating at Indian Science
Congress that India had known technique of organ transplantation long ago.
Veteran entertainer Sir Bruce Forsyth dies at 89

 TV entertainer and showbiz legend, Sir Bruce Forsyth has died at 89 after a lengthy illness.
 Sir Bruce was born in Edmonton, London, in 1928 and had a career in showbiz which
spanned 75 years.
 He was the host of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, which he co-presented alongside Tess Daly from
2004-2014.
 Sir Bruce was hospitalised in March and spent five nights in intensive care at St Peter’s
Hospital in Surrey after developing a severe chest infection.
 He underwent surgery in 2015 after he suffered two aneurysms, which were discovered
when tests were carried out following a fall at his Surrey home.
New Zealand's oldest cricketer, Tom Pritchard, dies aged 100

 Tom Pritchard, the former fast bowler from New Zealand and
Warwickshire stalwart during the 1940s and 1950s, has died.
 Pritchard claimed 818 wickets 23.30 across 200 first-class
games - including 695 during a decade of service at Edgbaston.
 He is arguably one of the finest bowlers never to have played
Test cricket.
 He came close to a call-up at the age of 20 in 1937, but a combination of the Second World
War, which coincided with his mid-20s pomp.
 He opted out of selection for New Zealand's Test tour of England in 1949, and the call did
not come again.
 Instead, he ploughed his fortunes into his Warwickshire career, claiming 100 wickets a
season every year from 1948 to 1951, having completed a season of qualification in the
second XI in 1946.
 He eventually returned to New Zealand in 1986 after 41 years later than originally
intended.
 His mother's side emigrated from Germany in 1875.
Comedy legend, famed entertainer Jerry Lewis dies at 91

 Famed comedian, actor and legendary entertainer Jerry Lewis passed away peacefully of
natural causes at 91 at his home in Las Vegas.
 Lewis, who rose to fame as goofy foil to suave partner
Dean Martin and was a comic icon in France.
 His last movie was , "Max Rose," came out in 2013.
 Lewis became a star in the early 1950s as Martin's
comic sidekick in nightclubs, on television and in 16
movies.
 He was zany and manic, forever squealing, grimacing
and flailing his way through situations beyond his control.
 He starred in more than 45 films in a career spanning five decades.
 His cross-eyed antics often drew scorn from critics but he was for a time a box-office hit
who commanded one of the biggest salaries in Hollywood.
 Lewis was wildly popular in France, where he was hailed as "le Roi du Crazy" (the king of
crazy).
 He has inducted into the Legion of Honour, France's highest award, in 1984.
 He received a similar honour in 2006.
Legendary footballer and Olympian Ahmed Khan dead at 90

 Ahmed Khan, a member of India's gold winning football team at the first Asian Games in
1951, passed away at the age of 91 after prolonged illness.
 He was a prolific striker and represented India in two Olympic Games in 1948 , London and
1952 in Helsinki apart from two Asian Games in Delhi and 1954 in Manila.
 Khan has played as a striker represented India in 11 matches and made his debut against
France in the London Olympics.
 He scored 3 goals including one against Yugoslavia in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.
 Former Manipur CM Rishang Keishing passes away. He retired from the Rajya Sabha as its
oldest member in 2014 after serving two terms since being elected to the upper house in
2002.
 Polish-US writer Janusz Glowacki passes away. His dark and absurd humour was also
helpful in protecting his works from censors like the 1970 movie 'The Cruise' that in
intricately showed the absurdities of life under communism in Poland.
 Veteran photographer S Paul dies at 88. The photographer who defined photography in his
own style was a winner of almost every major international prize associated with the
profession.
 Veteran poet Vijay Nambisan passes away. A graduate from IIT-Madras, Nambisan co-
authored his first poetry book 'Gemini' with Jeet Thayil and Dom Moraes.
 Actor Sitaram Panchal of ‘Peepli Live' fame passes away. Acclaimed Bollywood actor
Sitaram Panchal passed away at the age of 54 after a long battle with kidney and lung
cancer.
 Former West Bengal Minister Gyan Singh Sohanpal dies. Fondly called 'Chacha' by all,
Sohanpal began his political life by joining the Congress during the 1942 Quit India
movement.
 Former Union minister and BJP MP Sanwar Lal Jat passes away. Former Union minister and
BJP MP from Ajmer, Sanwar Lal Jat passed away in New Delhi, after suffering from a cardiac
arrest during a meeting with BJP Party President Amit Shah.
 Marian Diamond, known for studies of Einstein's brain, passes away. She was the first
woman science instructor at Cornell University where she taught human biology and
comparative anatomy.
Important Day with Theme
 August 1 : World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August)

 Theme of 2017 : “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together”
 August 6 : Anti Nuclear Day, Hiroshima Day
 Theme of 2017 : -
 August 8 : World Senior Citizen's Day
 Theme of 2017 : -
 August 9 : Nagasaki Day
 Theme of 2017 : -
 August 9 : Kranti Diwas (Quit India Movement)
 Theme of 2017 : Sankalp se Siddhi (the attainment through resolve)
 August 9 : International Day of the World's Indigenous People
 Theme of 2017 : 10th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples
 August 12 : International Youth Day
 Theme of 2017 : Youth Building Peace
 August 14 : Pakistan's Independence Day
 Theme of 2017 : -
 August 15 : Indian Independence Day
 Theme of 2017 : -
 August 19 : World Humanitarian Day
 Theme of 2017 : WHD Campaign: Not a Target
 August 20 : Sadbhavna Divas (birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi)
 Theme of 2017 : -
 August 29 : National Sports Day (Dhyanchand's Birth Day)
 Theme of 2017 : -
 August 30 : Small Industry Day
 Theme of 2017 : -
Foreign Visits / Foreign Visitors
 State Visit of Prime Minister of Nepal Mr. Sher Bahadur Deubato India in between August
23-27, 2017.
 Visit of President of the Swiss Confederation Mrs. Doris Leuthard to India in between 30
August - 02 September 2017.
Source of Information
 http://pib.nic.in
 http://india.gov.in
 http://www.ibef.org
 http://thehindu.com
 http://jagranjosh.com
 http://gktoday.in

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Compendium- August, 2017

CCEA approves renaming SAMPADA Scheme as PM Kisan Sampada Yojana

Government constitutes task force on artificial intelligence

India’s first space observatory Astrosat to complete 10,000th orbit

West Bengal’s Gobindobhog rice gets geographical indication status

Delhi Metro becomes world's first 100% 'green' metro

Mughalsarai railway station to be rename as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya

Aadhaar Card now required for death certificates too

SC strikes down instant Triple Talaq

August 15 to be celebrated as 'Sankalp Parva' by Indian Government

Rural India have access Over 62% households to toilets: Survey

India’s first calf born to surrogate cow in Pune

Govt. launches national anthem video in sign language

Centre announces Rs.85-crore children’s diseases research centre at Gorakhpur

“Gaj Yatra”: A countrywide campaign launched by Wildlife Trust of India

“Right to Privacy” is a fundamental right under the Constitution of India

Narendra Modi inaugurates ‘hanging bridge’ in Kota

NGT bans use of non-biodegradable plastic bags in Delhi

India To Host World's Largest March Against Child Trafficking

Itanagar to be included in Centre's Smart City Mission

Sushma Swaraj inaugrates first Videsh Bhavan in Mumbai

 Rajnath Singh inaugurates "YUVA - Skill Development Programme". YUVA is an initiative by

 Government forms panel to enhance affordability, availability of drugs. The Union

Versius: world’s smallest surgical robot developed by UK scientists

Air pollution causes 60,000 deaths in 2030

Philippines declares first ever H5 bird flu outbreak

Academic Ranking of World Universities: Harvard ranked top spot

Nobel-laureate Malala Yousafzai to study at Oxford

Melbourne tops in 2017 EIU Liveability index

China launches first cyber court in e-commerce hub

Taiwan Launches First Homegrown Satellite From US Air Base

US designates Hizbul Mujahideen as Foreign Terrorist Organisation

IAEA, the U.N. nuclear watchdog opens uranium bank in Kazakhstan

Yingluck Shinawatra, Former Thai PM Yingluck flees abroad

Earths Largest volcanic region found in Antarctica

15th BIMSTEC Ministerial meeting begins in Kathmandu

Economics & Financial Awareness

India is world's third-largest beef exporter: FAO

Govt. has set up a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) comprising 22 scrips

Govt disinvestment 15 % stake in National Fertilizers Ltd (NFL)

Malaysia's Petronas to invest $150 mn to boost India lubricants business

National capital Delhi is Asia’s fastest growing city

E-commerce company Flipkart world’s 3rd most funded Pvt. co.

Sahara Group’s luxurious Aamby Valley to be auction

Government bans import of gold, silver items from South Korea

Government sets up high-powered panel for strategic disinvestment

India’s Food grain production pegged at 275.68 MT in 2016-17

NITI Aayog Achieve 100GW Clean Energy By 2019-20

ICEX launches world's first diamond futures contracts

U.S.A imposes first economic sanctions against Venezuela

U.N. have banned $1 billion in North Korea's exports

Defence & Security - National/International

India Navy to induct world's stealthiest submarine INS Kalvari

Hyderabad airport gets India's first express security check facility

Launch of navigation satellite IRNSS-1H unsuccessful: ISRO

SC issues notice to Centre on special status to J&K under Article 370

Central Government plans to connect the procedure CCTNS

India’s first private missile production facility unveiled in Hyderabad

ISRO, NASA working towards realisation of NISAR Mission by 2021

Venkaiah Naidu has elected as 13th Vice-President of India

Economist Rajiv Kumar is NITI's new VC

 Rajiv Kumar a senior fellow at the Centre for Policy Research.

S Aparna appointed Executive Director in the World Bank