Important Current Affairs 10th November 2017

Current Affairs 10th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

President of India addressed Sadguru Kabir Mahotsav 

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, graced and addressed the Sadguru Kabir Mahotsav in Bhopal today (November 10, 2017).
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President praised the Government of Madhya Pradesh for instituting the ‘Rashtriya Kabir Samman’. 
●    He stated that this honour encourages poets who pursue the philosophical tradition of Saint Kabir. 
●    He also congratulated the award winners and appreciated their contributions.
●    The President said that Sadhguru Kabir was not only a great spiritual leader but also a social reformer. 
●    He fought against social evils that prevailed in society at the time and made efforts to eradicate them. 
●    The President said that the path of equality and harmony shown by Saint Kabir remains an inspiration for our society.
●    The President also received the first copy of the book ‘Madhya Pradesh Mein Kabir’ on the occasion.
 

Cabinet approves continuation and Restructuring of National Rural Drinking Water Programme

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has accorded its approval for continuation and restructuring of National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) to make it outcome-based, competitive and better monitored with increased focus on sustainability (functionality) of schemes to ensure good quality service delivery to the rural population. 
●    A sum of Rs. 23,050 crore has been approved for the programme for the Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC) period 2017-18 to 2019-20.  
●    The programme will cover all the Rural Population across the country. 
●    The restructuring will make the programme flexible, result-oriented, competitive, and will enable the Ministry towards to reach the goal of increasing coverage of sustainable Piped Water Supply.
●    The NWQSM aims to cover all rural population in Arsenic/Fluoride affected habitations with clean drinking water on a sustainable basis by March 2021. 
●    States have been given more flexibility in utilization of NRDWP funds by reducing the number of components under the programme.
●    As per the Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) of the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, about 77% of rural habitations in India have achieved a fully covered (FC) status (40 litres per capita per day) and 56% of the rural population have access to tap water through public stand posts within which 16.7% have household connections.

Cabinet approves Creation of National Testing Agency (NTA) to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational institutions 

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved creation of National Testing Agency (NTA) as a Society registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860, and as an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational institutions.
●    The NTA would initially conduct those entrance examinations which are currently being conducted by the CBSE.
●    Other examinations will be taken up gradually after NTA is fully geared up.
●    The entrance examinations will be conducted in online mode at least twice a year, thereby giving adequate opportunity to candidates to bring out their best.
●    In order to serve the requirements of the rural students, it would locate the centres at sub-district/district level and as far as possible would undertake hands-on training to the students.
●    NTA will be chaired by an eminent educationist appointed by MHRD.

Cabinet approves MoU between India and Philippines on agriculture and related fields 

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Philippines in the field of agriculture and related fields. 
●    The MoU will improve bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture and will be mutually beneficial to both countries. 
●    It will promote understanding of best agricultural practices in the two countries and will help in better productivity as well as improved global market access. 
●    This MoU provides for cooperation in the fields of rice production and processing, multi cropping system, dryland farming systems, bio-organic farming, solid and water conservation and management, soil fertility, sericulture, agro forestry, livestock improvement etc. 
●    The MoU provides for constitution of Joint Working Group composed of equal number of representatives. 
●    The Joint Working Group shall meet once every two years alternatively in the Philippines and India. 

Cabinet approves Development of Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre at Dwarka, New Delhi 

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the following proposals of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion:
●    Development of Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (ECC), Dwarka and allied infrastructure in PPP and non-PPP Mode (including Exhibition & Convention spaces, arena, trunk-infrastructure, Metro/NHAI connectivity, hotels, office and retail spaces etc.) at an estimated cost of Rs. 25,703 crore by year 2025.
●    Incorporation of a new Government company as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the implementation and development of the project with 100% equity from Government through Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. 
●    Government of India will provide budgetary support of Rs. 2037.39 crore to the SPV as equity over a period of 3 years to fund trunk infrastructure, a part of Exhibition centre, Foyer, Convention Centre, Metro connectivity, NHAI road connectivity including cost of land to be paid to DDA, water & Sewerage infrastructure, Railway land for Metro Connectivity and expenses towards other Non-PPP components.
●    Mobilization of Rs.1,381 crore from the market as Government guaranteed loan and utilization of Rs. 4,000 crore by way of monetization of Government-owned land and annual project revenue by the SPV. 
●    The proceeds from land monetization and annual returns accrued by the SPV will be utilized for funding the non-PPP components of the Project.

Biannual talks between DGs of BSF and Pakistan Rangers conclude 

The three-day biennial talks between Directors General of Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers concluded here today. 
●    The 23 member Indian delegation was led by Shri K K Sharma, DG BSF. Major General Muhammad Saeed, Director General, Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) led a 19 member Pakistani delegation to India.
●    Both the delegations also had representatives from respective Home and Foreign Ministries along with officers from Narcotics Control and Survey Departments.
●    The Indian side firmly and strongly took up specific issues of concern including incidents of unprovoked cross border firing, smuggling of narcotics, infiltration attempts, tunneling and defence construction activities. 
●    The issue of inadvertent crossing over by the border population and ways to facilitate their return on both the sides was also discussed. 
●    It was agreed upon in deliberations that utmost caution and care should be exercised in dealing with the civilians.
●    The need for timely exchange of information, at the field level with increased frequency of field commanders level meetings, simultaneous coordinated patrolling etc. were also discussed.

Current Affairs 10th November 2017: APPOINTMENT

Cabinet approves appointment of Second National Judicial Pay Commission for Subordinate Judiciary in the country 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved appointment of Second National Judicial Pay Commission (SNJPC) for Subordinate Judiciary in the country.
●    The Commission is to be headed by Shri Justice (Retd.J P.Venkatarama Reddi, former Judge of Supreme Court of India. Shri R. Basant, a former Judge of the Kerala High Court is the Member of the Commission.
●    The Commission will make its recommendations to the State Governments preferably within a period of 18 months.
●    It will examine the present structure of emoluments and conditions of service of Judicial Officers in the States and UTs. 
●    The Commission aims to evolve the principles which would govern pay structure and other emoluments of Judicial Officers belonging to the Subordinate Judiciary of the country. 
●    It will examine the work methods and work environment as also the variety of allowance and benefits in kind that are available to Judicial Officers in addition to pay and to suggest rationalization and simplification thereof.
●    The Commission will devise its own procedures and formulate modalities necessary for accomplishing the task. 
●    The Commission also aims at making the pay scales and conditions of service of Judicial Officers uniform throughout the country.
 

Current Affairs 10th November 2017: DEFENCE

Ninth Gorkha Rifles Bi-Centenary Celebrations 

The Ninth Gorkha Rifles, one of the oldest and highly decorated Regiment of the Indian Army commemorated it’s 200 years of selfless service and sacrifice to the Nation with Bicentenary Celebrations held from 08 to 11 November 2017 at 39 Gorkha Training Centre, Varanasi Cantonment. 
●    A series of events were conducted on the occasion with pomp and gaiety attended by large number of serving and retired Officers, Veterans and Veer Naris.
●    Chief of Army Staff and the President Gorkha Brigade General Bipin Rawat graced the occasion by his benign presence on 09 to 10 November 2017, alongwith his wife Mrs Madhulika Rawat, President AWWA. 
●    A galaxy of senior officers both serving and retired, along with over 500 Veterans mainly from far flung areas in Nepal attended the celebration along with their families. 
●    During the event the General interacted extensively with Veterans and laid a wreath at the war memorial to pay homage to martyrs of the Regiment. 
●    He also released the First Day Cover to mark the occasion.
●    A magnificent parade followed by felicitation of Veer Naris was conducted on the occasion. 

Important Current Affairs 9th November 2017

Current Affairs 9th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Radha Mohan Singh inaugurates the Organic World Congress 2017 

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh said India is one of the oldest organic agricultural nations of the world and a large part of the country still practices traditional organic farming. 
●    Shri Singh said it today at the inauguration of Organic World Congress 2017 at India Expo Centre in Greater Noida. 
●    The event, organized by International Federation of Organic Farming Movements (IFOAM) and OAFI, will see the participation of 1,400 representatives from 110 countries, and 2000 Indian delegates.
●    Shri Radha Mohan Singh said currently, 22.5 lakh hectares have been brought under organic farming and 3,60,400 farmers have been benefited by Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana. Now, the aim is to bring 50,000-hectare area under organic farming in the northeast region. 
●    So far 45,863 hectares have been brought under organic farming, 2,406 Farmers Interest Group (FIG) have been created and 44,064 farmers have been linked to the scheme against the target of 2,500 FIG.
●    Shri Singh said that in Uttar Pradesh, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana was launched in 2015-16 and so far 28,750 farmers have been benefited from 28750 acres of land.
●    For the marketing of organic products, the government is allocating Rs.5 lakh per district for the setting up of sales outlet.
●    Union Agriculture Minister said some international scientists call such farming “default organic”, however, it is important to understand that often farmers, who continue with these methods, are organic farmers by choice. 

President of India launches Bihar Krishi roadmap 2017-2022 

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, launched the Bihar Krishi Road Map 2017-2022 in Patna today (November 9, 2017). 
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President said it was a moving and emotional experience for him to come to Bihar for the first time as President of India. 
●    He would always remember the regard and affection received from people of all sections and regions of the State during his tenure as the Governor of Bihar. 
●    The President stated that the centenary year of the Champaran Satyagraha is being commemorated from April 2017. 
●    As such this was the best time to introduce the new 'Agricultural Road Map' in the interests of farmers. 
●    Mahatma Gandhi had emphasised through the Satyagraha that farmers are at the centre of Indian life and policy making. 
●    And this remains true even today. 
●    The President said that the Government of Bihar had launched the first ‘Agricultural Road Map’ in 2008 after consulting farmers, agricultural scientists and other stakeholders. 

Kiren Rijiju inaugurates the ‘India Disaster Response Summit’ 

The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju has said that India need to prepare itself for moving towards Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) from an approach of traditional Disaster Management. 
●    He emphasised that Disaster Mitigation Strategy should be areas of priority for addressing Disaster Risk Management. 
●    Shri Rijiju was inaugurating the ‘India Disaster Response Summit’, organised jointly by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Facebook, here today on how best to leverage social media platforms to 'prepare, respond and recover' for, during and after a disaster. 
●    Calling it a great example of execution on the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ten-point agenda on Disaster Management, which has clearly listed harnessing technological innovations to create a culture of disaster resilience in the country, Shri Rijiju said, the world is moving towards partnerships, where people are proactively partnering with the Government in responding to disasters. 
●    This partnership is a benchmark and first of its kind – we are the first Government to partner with Facebook on disaster response, he added. 
●    Shri Rijiju also invited other technology companies to create tailored solutions for disaster-related challenges. 

Skywalk & FOB at ITO among 5 projects approved for funding of Rs. 643.58 crore through Urban development Fund: Hardeep S Puri. 

Sh Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of state (I/c) for Housing and Urban Affairs has said that the Skywalk and FOB at ITO is among the 5 projects approved for funding of Rs 643.58 crore through the Urban Development Fund by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs. 
●    The other projects involving construction of flyovers, underpasses etc are coming up at Mahipalpur, Narela, ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Rani Jhansi Road. 
●    The project has been mooted for one of the busiest crossings in Delhi. 
●    It is an intersection point, with a metro station, the Tilak Bridge railway station and seven major arterial roads. 
●    This leads to inter-crossing of pedestrian with the vehicular traffic, posing a potentially dangerous situation to the pedestrians.
●    Speaking at the Foundation laying ceremony held in New Delhi here today, Shri Puri stated that the Skywalk and Foot Over Bridge (FoB) will provide safe and comfortable passage to a large number of pedestrians, who come to this area. 
●    At present, vehicular peak hour traffic volume is around 16,000 to 20,000 PCU on ITO Chowk and 12,000 PCU on ‘W’ Point. 

Health Ministry issues pollution advisory for citizens 

The Union Health Ministry has issued a health advisory in view of the severe air pollution in the city. 
●    People have been advised the following:
●    Remain indoors if you have breathing difficulty and try to keep children indoors as much as possible.
●    Avoid morning walk or any other strenuous outdoor activity that increases breathing rate
●    Drink plenty of water and fluid
●    Avoid smoking.
●    Minimize the use of deodorants and room sprays as much as possible.
●    Avoid the areas with smoke or heavy dust.
●    If you have any heart ailments or chronic respiratory disease or asthma, continue your medication as advised by physician
●    In case of any difficulty in breathing, increase in breathing rate, palpitations or severe bout of coughing and/or sneezing consult for medical assistance.

FSSAI issued rules for organic food

Food Regulatory FSSAI today released unified rules for organic food to ensure that these foods are really organic.
●    Indian Food Safety and Standards Authority in the Organic World Congress in Greater Noida: FSSAI: Unveiled a Common Logo for Reality and Vyas for Organic Foods.
●    FSSAI said in a statement that Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh offered food security and standard: Organic Food: Act of 2017 along with the logo of the organic India and the Indian Integrity Integrity Database Portal in the event.
●    Developed by FSSAI with Epida and PGS India, this portal will help consumers to reinforce the need for organic food.

Facebook launches 'Disaster Maps' feature in India

Following natural calamities in India to help in improving community and rapid reconstruction, Facebook launched new measures in the country on 'Disaster Maps' feature Thursday.
●    Facebook will create a data from Disaster Maps and make available the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Permanent Environment and Ecological Development Society (Seeds).
●    Seeds is a non-profit organization engaged in disaster relief work.
●    Disaster maps were introduced at the global level in June.
●    This feature gathers information about the problems encountered during natural calamities and facilitates the data collected by Facebook, with help from organizations engaged in relief work.
●    Ritesh Mehta, President of the program in India, South and Central Asia, Facebook said that during the disaster our forum is a valuable source of information.
●    In which security check feature you can tell your friends and family that you are safe.
●    Along with this, people are also using Facebook to donate in relief work.

Current Affairs 9th November 2017: ECONOMY 

Banking facility will be available to the elderly and the people over 70 years old at home

Older and more than 70 years old people will get banking facilities at their home soon.
●    Reserve Bank of India on Thursday ordered the banks to provide general banking facilities to the elderly and physically challenged persons over 70 years of their house.
●    Banks have been asked to apply it till December 31.
●    Banks have been ordered to provide facilities such as cash transactions, checkbooks and demand draft to such people at home.
●    While issuing the notification, the RBI said, "It has been observed that many times senior citizens and divinities are discouraged or returned in bank branches.
●    Keeping these difficulties in mind, banks are advised to work jointly to give them basic banking facilities.
●    This order of RBI is also for the small financial and payment banks except for the banks.

Important Current Affairs 8th November 2017

Current Affairs 8th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Shri Radha Mohan Singh to inaugurate the three-day Organic World Congress – 2017 in Greater Noida 

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh will inaugurate the three-day Organic World Congress – 2017 being organized at India Expo Centre in Greater Noida. 
●    It will see the participation of 1,400 representatives from 110 countries, and 2000 delegates from India. 
●    The Organic World Congress (OWC) is organized once every three years in a different country and this time it is being organised in India. 
●    The last edition of the Organic World Congress took place in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2014. 
●    The International Federation of Organic Farming Movements (IFOAM) and OAFI are organizing the event where 55 seeds group from 15 Indian states will showcase 4,000 varieties of seeds.
●    The goal is to move from organic India to the organic world. 
●    Shri Singh said it is important to understand that India is one of the oldest organic agricultural nations of the world. 
●    Even today, large areas and regions of the country practice traditional organic farming. 
●    One of the highlights of the event is the exhibition of carefully preserved diverse indigenous seed varieties over generations.

IDA approves holistic development of 9 islands 

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the second meeting of Island Development Agency (IDA) here today. 
●    The Island Development Agency reviewed the concept development plans and detailed master plans for holistic development of 09 islands (four in A&N Islands i.e. Smith, Ross, Long, Avis) and (five in Lakshadweep i.e. Minicoy, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Cheriyam, Suheli).  
●    The project being steered by NITI Aayog aims at promoting and implementing development based on sustainable approach to building a thriving maritime economy of the project islands. 
●    The Union Home Minister expressed satisfaction at the progress made since its last meeting held on July 24, 2017, when directions were given to identify and execute infrastructure and connectivity projects together with provisioning of water and electricity.  
●    It was noted that site development potential reports have clearly mapped and delineated environmentally sensitive zones in the project islands and considering the unique maritime and territorial biodiversity of the islands, enhanced connectivity has been recommended as one of the key priorities.  
●    Accordingly, it was decided that the Naval air station at Shibpur near Diglipur in northern Andaman & Nicobar Islands would be co-used as Joint User Airport.  

Experts Discussed Employment Generation Strategies in India 

 Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Labour & Employment, while he addressed the experts in a brainstorming session on employment generation strategies organized by VV Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI) in Noida. 
●    He said our Ministry do not directly creates employment but creates suitable environment to facilitate employers and employees. 
●    He further added that our government and Ministry are moving in right direction on the path to skill development and employment generation. 
●    He also referred to the historic decision of Demonetisation which has yielded lot of good results during the last one year. 
●    Shri Gangwar said beneficiaries of EPFO and ESIC have increased to one crore in the last one year. 
●    At the occasion Shri Gangwar also released four publications published by VVGNLI and inaugurated the renovated seminar block of the institute.
●    Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Smt. M. Sathiyavathy said that 10 million youngsters are added every year in the race to search a job. 

She-Box Online Complaint Management System for working women to lodge complaints of sexual harassment at workplace launched by Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi 

WCD Minister Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi today launched a comprehensive She-Box online complaint Management System for women working in both public and private organizations to lodge complaints of sexual harassment at workplace. 
●    The SHe-Box was launched in New Delhi today to ensure the effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (the SH Act), 2013.
●    The new SHe-Box portal offers the facility of making online complaints of sexual harassment at workplace to all women employees in the country including government and private employees. 
●    Those who have already filed a written complaint with the concerned Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) or Local Complaint Committee (LCC) constituted under the SH Act are also eligible to file their complaint through this portal.
●    Launching the online facility, the WCD Minister, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi said that this is a historic step since it is probably the first ever time that the government of any country has launched an online portal to receive complaints of sexual harassment at workplace. 
●    The government is completely committed to provide a safe and fair environment to working women. 
●    It is for this reason that the WCD Ministry has made efforts to make the setting up of Internal Complaint Committees mandatory at all workplaces, the Minister explained. 
 

Preparation of Assam and two new plants in India by Prabhat Dairy

Prabhat Dairy, a dairy-based milk producing company based in Maharashtra, said today that it is in the process of setting up new plants at two places including Assam.
●    The company plans to increase its sales by 40 percent by the year 2020.
●    Prabhat Dairy Chief Marketing Officer and Business Head Nidhi Nirmal told , "We are in talks with the government to set up a plant in Assam."
●    We are also talking to some private companies to outsource production work for post-production.
●    He said that the talks are in its initial phase.
●    Nirmal said, "We are talking to some people for the establishment of a plant in Umar India.
●    These new plants will depend on the size of the market and the top management will make a final decision about this.
●    At present, the company has two plants in Maharashtra, which have a daily processing capacity of 10 lakh liters of milk and 30 tonnes is produced from here.
●    Nirmal said, "We aim to achieve a business of Rs 2,000 by 2020, which was Rs 1,400 crore in the last year.
 

Current Affairs 8th November 2017: ECONOMIC

India Signs Loan Agreement with World Bank for US$ 119 Million for “Odisha Higher Education Programme for Excellence and Equity (OHEPEE) Project 

A Financing Agreement for IBRD loan of US$ 119 million (equivalent) for the “Odisha Higher Education Programme for Excellence & Equity (OHEPEE) Project” was signed with the World Bank here today. 
●    The Financing Agreement was signed by Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare (Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs) on behalf of Government of India and Mr. Hisham A. Abdo Kahin, Acting Country Director, World Bank (India) on behalf of the World Bank. 
●    A Project Agreement was also signed by Mr. G.V.V. Sarma, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of Odisha and Mr. Hisham A. Abdo Kahin, Acting Country Director, World Bank.
●    The Objective of the project is to improve the quality of 'students’ equitable access to selected institutions and enhance governance of the higher education system in Odisha.
●    Project Component : Result Areas are (I) Improved quality of and students’ equitable access to selected institutions of higher education : Institutional Development Plan (IDP) Grants (performance –based Financing (II) Enhanced governance of the higher education system: (i)Improvement of governance in colleges (ii)Improvement of financial and procurement management and accounting in all government and government-aided colleges.
●    The closing date for the project is 30th November, 2022.

Third Protocol to the Convention between Government of India and New Zealand notified. 

The Third Protocol for amendment of the Convention between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of New Zealand for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income was signed by both countries on 26th October 2016. 
●    The Protocol entered into force in India on 7th September 2017.
●    And it has been notified in the Official Gazette on 2nd November 2017. 
●    The Protocol updates the existing framework of exchange of tax related information to latest international standard.
●    It  will help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance between the two countries and will also enable mutual assistance in collection of taxes.
 

Current Affairs 8th November 2017: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 

India’s Second Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) Established at Anna University, Chennai 

The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has signed an Institutional agreement with Anna University to establish India’s second Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) at the Centre for Intellectual Property Rights (CIPR), Anna University, Chennai, under the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) TISC program. 
●    WIPO’s Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) program provides innovators in developing countries with access to locally based, high quality technology information and related services, helping them to exploit their innovative potential and to create, protect, and manage their Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). 
●    CIPR has an experience of filing more than 185 Patents, 29 Trademarks, 39 Copyrights, 25 Industrial Design and has also assisted in filing 12 International Patent Applications. 
●    Anna University has been accredited with 6th rank among Universities, 8th rank among Engineering Colleges and 13th rank in the overall category in India, by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking of the Ministry of Human Resource Development. 
●    CIPR has also organized IPR awareness programs as well as six certificate courses on IPR related subjects. 

Important Current Affairs 7th November 2017

Current Affairs 7th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Coal India’s New App “Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran App” for the benefit of customers lifting coal through road mode. 

Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Railways & Coal has launched ‘Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran App’ benefitting customers of Coal India Limited (CIL) lifting coal through road mode.
●    The customer friendly app, launched recently in Kolkata on CIL’s Foundation Day, helps achieve transparency in despatch operations, as a tool to monitor, whether the despatches are made on the fair principle of ‘First in First Out’ and keeps track of all the activities from issuance of Sale Order to physical delivery of coal by road.
●    The main benefits of the App for the customers, against the Sale Orders issued, include easy accessibility of the information at the click of the button, apart from transparency in the system of loading programme and despatch. 
●    The app also helps in logistics planning for lifting of coal in tune with the loading programmes. 
●    It further helps in improved planning of procurement, production and stock management by the customers.
●    The main features of the app are that it provides date-wise, truck-wise quantity of coal delivered against the Sale Orders and information related to Scheme-wise, Colliery-wise, Grade-wise, customer-wise details of Sale Orders issued during a period.
●    In terms of loading it provides allotment verses lifting status in details from different sources truck by truck and summary of the despatch.

Affordable tariff structure for rural and remote areas to promote Digital India 

BharatNet, a flagship project of the Government of India to provide Broadband services in rural and remote areas has entered in service provisioning phase. 
●    As on 05.11.2017, Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) connectivity has been achieved in 1,03,275 GPs by laying fibre for 2,38,677 km. 
●    Due to several measures initiated to accelerate the end-to-end connectivity, GPON equipment has been installed in 85,506 GPs and 75,082 GPs are Services Ready.
●    Digital India, to provide Digital Services in rural and remote areas, is one of the priority areas of the Government. 
●    In order to provide affordable broadband services in rural India under the dynamic leadership of our Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, a new attractive and affordable tariff structure has been decided with the principle of more you use, less you pay. 
●    This tariff structure is expected to be reflected in the tariffs to be charged from the consumers by the service providers.
●    For asymmetrical bandwidth between block to GPs the charges per annum varies from Rs.700/- per Mbps for up to 10Mbps and Rs. 200/- per Mbps for 1 Gbps. 

Two-Day Controllers Conference – 2017 Begins 

Defence Accounts Department under Ministry of Defence (Finance) is organising a two-day ‘Controllers Conference – 2017’ beginning here today.
●    Inaugurating the conference, Chief of Army Staff lauded the initiatives of Defence Accounts Department like defence travel system, E-PPO’s, National compilation system and its benefits to the Indian Army. 
●    He stressed upon the timelines in procurements so that the Defence services can reap full benefit of budget placed at their disposal. 
●    He complimented the department for its efforts of automation which helped in transparency and effective functions, expertise in accounts, audit and finance matters. 
●    The need of uniformity in disbursement by various agencies was stressed upon.  
●    He also highlighted the importance of fraud detection and prevention as an integral internal control mechanism and thanked the department for all its efforts in strengthening the same.
●    The theme of the conference is ‘Strengthening Systems and Controls: the Way Forward’. 
●    Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Shri Sunil Kohli highlighted independence, credibility and timeliness as the core values of the department. 

NDMA conducts brainstorming session on use of UAVs in Disaster Management 

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) today conducted a one-day national-level brainstorming session on "Application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Disaster Management". 
●    The event aimed to build and improve the capacity of stakeholders to use UAVs and related technologies for better disaster preparedness and response.
●    Underlining the importance of UAV technology for disaster management, Shri R. K. Jain, Member, NDMA, said that all stakeholders should strive to leverage existing technologies for quick and efficient disaster response. 
●    Shri Jain expressed hope that this event would encourage various stakeholders to collaboratively work towards research and development of UAV technology for Disaster Risk Reduction.
●    "UAVs can be effectively used in different phases of disaster management - they can help us identify areas affected by disasters.
●    They can also aid disaster response," said Dr. D. N. Sharma, Member, NDMA.

Government to start second phase of promotion of digital payments in January

In order to encourage digital payments, the government is in the process of starting the second phase from January to January.
●    Under the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP), a committee is working on the promotion of digital payments from January.
●    He said that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the IT Ministry are also involved in the finalization of the scheme.
●    Its logo and jingle are being designed. 
●    The next meeting of the DAVP committee will be held in a week in which the scheme will be handed over.
●    The proposal is that each ministry should come forward with its plan to encourage digital payments.
●    Since the ban in November last year, the government is trying to create a low-cash economy, which can increase the scope of the tax.
●    Due to the involvement of private sector companies, digital payments had accelerated.
●    According to RBI data, between November 2016 and September 2017, there were 933 crore transactions of Rs 12.13 lakh crore.
●    In December 2016, Digital Transactions reached 95.75 million which is the highest.

Current Affairs 7th November 2017: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CZT Imager of AstroSat measures first phase resolved X-ray polarisation of Crab pulsar 

AstroSat, India’s multi-wavelength space telescope, has successfully accomplished the extremely difficult task of measuring X-ray polarisation. 
●    In a paper published in ‘Nature Astronomy’, the team has documented the results of their eighteen-month study of the Crab pulsar in the Taurus Constellation.
●    They have also  measured the variations of polarisation as this highly magnetised object spins around 30 times every second. 
●    This landmark measurement puts up a strong challenge to prevailing theories of high energy X-ray emission from pulsars.

Current Affairs 7th November 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Ola joined hands with Microsoft to prepare Connected Biik Platform

Ola, who provided the CAB booking service through the app, announced a global partnership with Microsoft, the leading technology company.
●    Under this, a state-of-the-art connected mobile platform will be developed for car makers from around the world.
●    Ola will use Microsoft's Microsoft Cloud, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Productivity Tools to improve customer experience and improve the car's maintenance.
●    Both companies will also offer their offer to the car manufacturers globally.
●    Ola's co-founder and CEO Prabhash Agarwal said in a program here that working together in such a way that both the companies can get future mobilization in India and other countries.
●    He tweeted, "I am very excited about the partnership with Microsoft and Satya Nadella to create future connected virtual platforms.
 

Current Affairs 7th November 2017: DEFENSE

DRDO Conducts Successful Flight Trial of 'NIRBHAY' Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile 

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved yet another feat today with the successful test flight of ‘NIRBHAY’ - India’s first indigenously designed and developed Long Range Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile which can be deployed from multiple platforms. 
●    It was successfully test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. 
●    The missile has the capability to loiter and cruise at 0.7 Mach, at altitudes as low as 100 m. 
●    The flight test achieved all the mission objectives completely from lift-off till the final splash, boosting the confidence of all scientists associated with the trial. 
●    The missile took-off in the programmed manner and all critical operations viz. launch phase, booster deployment, engine start, wing deployment and other operational parameters demonstrated through autonomous waypoint navigation. 
●    The guidance, control and navigation system of the missile is configured around the indigenously designed Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG) and MEMS based Inertial Navigation System (INS) along with GPS system. 
●    The missile majestically cruised for a total time duration of 50 minutes, achieving the range of 647 km.

Important Current Affairs 6th November 2017

Current Affairs 6th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Surat received the Best Urban Bus Service Award of the Government of India

Surat Municipal Corporation has been selected by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry for 'Best Urban Bus Service Award'.
●    Keeping in mind the remarkable success of attracting 87 per cent private vehicles and auto-rickshaw users to use the urban bus service, Surat Municipal Corporation has been selected for this award.
●    Similarly, Mysore has received the 'Best Non-Motor Driven Transport Award' for sharing public bicycles.
●    On the other hand, the selection of Kochi (Kerala) has been done for the 'Best Urban Transport Initiative Award' to complete the metro rail project and integrate metro with other means of transportation.
●    The awards for 'Best Urban Transport Vidyas' by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Transport were announced today at the conclusion of the three-day urban mobility conference-cum-exhibition in Hyderabad.
●    These awards will be given to the winning cities during the concluding session today.
●    Hyderabad's Integrated Management Initiative 'H-Trims' has been selected for the 'Praisable Initiative Award' under the 'Most Intelligent Transportation Project' category.
●    On the other hand, Chittoor has been selected for the 'Praisable Initiative Award' keeping in mind the initiative of urban police to improve road safety.
 

New equipment landing system was installed at Chennai International Airport

The Airports Authority of India has replaced the existing Equipment Landing System (ILS) in the runway 07 at Chennai International Airport at a cost of five crore rupees.
●    The ILS provides the necessary guidance for the pilots during the landing on the runway.
●    Landing of the airplanes at Chennai airport can be easily done even during the rain, mist etc. from the new ILS.
●    In the new ILS, a highly directional antenna system - 'wide aperture log periodic antenna array (LPDA)' system has been used.
●    This antenna system has ended coverage limits of the old ILS and now it can provide guidance to the aircraft at very low altitude with better precision.
●    This ensures better safety of aircraft during landing.
●    This sophisticated equipment has been built by M / s Indra Navia AS, Norway.
●    Work relating to the installation,alignment, testing, flight inspection of new ILS has been done internally by AIA's CNS technical experts.

Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar inaugurated 'Chintan Camp'

Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar inaugurated the two-day 'Chintan Camp' organized by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development, New Delhi in New Delhi today.
●    The main objective of the workshop is to provide relevant overall education for the 21st century India and to unify the various NGO's, the main stakeholders of the private sector and individuals to discuss the important issues of the education sector.
●    On this occasion, HRD Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar congratulated the officials of the Ministry for organizing the workshop and said that through this we can learn each other's best practices.
●    He said that the workshop focuses mainly on five subjects- Digital Education, Life Skills Education, Experimental Studies, Physical Education and Moral Education.
●    He informed that in the coming years, 'Operation Digital Board' will be started in schools across the country.
●    He said that various organizations working in the government and education sector should collaborate in providing material for providing digital education to all students of the country and create a common digital platform.

Moody improved the rating of Bank of India, Union Bank, OBC

Moody's Investors Service today said it has stabilized the scenario ratings of three public sector banks - Bank of India, Union Bank and the oriental Bank of Commerce OBC - from negative to negative.
●    This announcement of Moody's improving the landscape ratings of these banks has come out after the announcement of capital infusion of 2.1 lakh crore in public sector banks during the next two years.
●    Moody's said in a statement released today, Moody's has changed landscape rating for Bank of India and its London and Jersey branch.
●    Similarly, the scenario rating of Union Bank and its Hong Kong branch and the oriental Bank of Commerce has also been stabilized by changing from negative.
●    This rating agency of the US has also told the local and foreign currency bank deposit ratings of these three banks as strong.

RCom will sell its DTH unit, Weikon Media and Television

Reliance Communications, led by Anil Ambani, today said that he has made an explanation for selling his DTH unit to WeCon Media and Television.
●    The company will reduce its debt through this transaction.
●    This deal is part of the company's debt payment plan announced on October 30.
●    In this scheme, the company has promised to raise Rs 17,000 crore by selling spectrum, tower and fiber etc. The company is burdened with burden of Rs 44,300 crore.
●    Reliance Communications has said in a statement that RCom has signed binding consent agreement with Vicon Media and Television Ltd for the sale of his subsidiary Reliance Big TV Ltd today.
●    His subsidiary is working in the Direct-To-Home business across the country.
●    However, the company did not disclose the value of the deal.
●    Weakon will buy this deal with all existing business liabilities on the basis of where Reliance BIG TV is located.
●    Both companies have signed a memorandum of understanding regarding this.
●    Under this agreement, around 500 employees of RBTV will maintain the Week Con.
 

Current Affairs 6th November 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Delegation level talks of Mr Kiren Rijiju with the British Minister of State (Immigration) Mr. Brendan Lewis

A delegation led by the Minister of State for Immigration, Mr Brendan Lewis, had meeting with the Minister of State for Home, Mr. Kiren Rijiju.
●    In the meantime, issues related to social security of Indian workers, who were involved in immigration, extremism, extradition, cybercrime, sharing criminal data and returning from Britain were discussed.
●    Mr. Kiren Rijiju explained in detail about the Indian Government's stand on the issue of migration between India and Britain and sought cooperation from the British on a more favorable visa for Indians, especially Indian students.
●    Seeking the UK government's help in urgent action on extradition requests from India, the Minister of State of Maharashtra assured full cooperation from the Indian Government for the extradition of Mohammed Abdul Shakoor, desired in Britain on the charge of murder.
●    During this time Mr. Rijiju expressed concern over anti-India propaganda by Kashmiri and Sikh militants in Britain.
●    Mr. Lewis expressed satisfaction over the decision to discuss between the two Ministers every six months and hoped that this will strengthen bilateral relations.
 

Current Affairs 6th November 2017: DEFENSE

Visit to France Staff and Chief of the Navy Chief, President Admiral Sunil Lamba

Staff Committee Chief and Naval Chief, Chairman Admiral Sunil Lamba will be on the bilateral visit to France from November 5 to 10, 2017.
●    The purpose of his visit is to strengthen cooperation between the Armed Forces of India and France and to explore new opportunities for defense cooperation.
●    During his visit, Chairman, Staff Committee Chief and Naval Chief, His Excellency Ms. Florence Parlie, Defense Minister of France, General Francois Lacontrere, Defense Staff Chief, Admiral Christophe Pajuk, France Navy Chief, General Jol, Director General Armed Forces and Vice Admiral Harvard Bonaventour, bilateral talks with the Director General of International Relations and Strategy.
●    In addition to the important bilateral talks, Admiral will visit Maritime Parque Actors in Brest and Cherbourg and operate at My Time Operations Center.
●    He will also visit the French airport in Ladysmith, where he will be given information on the operational operation of the Raphael Air by the French Air Force.
●    He will also see the French submarine facilities in Chair Blog.
●    India and France have played close and friendly relations traditionally.
●    Both of them have strategic partnership in the year 1998, due to which there has been a significant increase in bilateral cooperation in strategic areas like defense, atomic energy and space.
●    Defense relations, mutual trust and confidence between the two countries has increased.
 

Important Current Affairs 5th November 2017

Current Affairs 5th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

MHRD to organize National Workshop on School Education 

In a first of its kind event the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) is organizing a two-day National Workshop on School Education from 6th November, 2017 to 7th November, 2017 to bring together key stakeholders from various NGOs, private sector and individuals to deliberate on key themes in the education sector. 
●    The National Workshop will be graced by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Union Human Resource Development Minister, Shri Upendra Kushwaha, the Minister of State for School Education & Literacy, and Dr. Satya Pal Singh, Minister of State for Higher Education. 
●    Besides the three ministers, the workshop will also have other eminent dignitaries in the Secretary and Special Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy & other Senior Officers of MHRD as well Principal Secretaries/Secretaries of States. 
●    The workshop will focus on the five themes of Digital Education, Physical Education, Value Education, Life Skills Education and Experiential Learning. 
●    Over the course of two days a total of 157 organizations/experts will be making their point via presentations.

With the investment of 4 lakh crores in 15 years, 100 new airports will be made: Jayant Sinha

India wants to make 100 new airports in 15 years with an investment of Rs 4 lakh crore to fulfill the future demand.
●    This information was given by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha.
●    70 out of 100 airports will be located in places where this facility is not currently available.
●    There will be 30 second airports, which means that they will be able to handle the existing airfields to handle commercial flights.
●    Sinha said in an interview, "The plans that were made for the first airport were operated on full capacities till the development work was completed."
●    He said, "We have to think about the future and have to do this work with a long term perspective.
●    We need 100 new airports because the aviation sector is fast in the country.
●    Currently 100 airports are operational in India.
●    This is the world's fastest growing market in terms of Damage Passenger Growth.
●    In order to take advantage of this, 100 small planes besides indigo and spicejet single aisle aircraft are being added to their fleet.

Air India will buy 3 boing aircraft

Public sector airliner Air India is looking at 53.5 million dollars for the purchase of three Boeing planes.
●    Two of these planes will be used for VVIP people.
●    A senior company official told this today.
●    However, the company has reduced loan amount of $ 200 million within three weeks of the tender withdrawal.
●    Earlier, he had expressed his desire for a loan of $ 555 million for the purchase of three planes.
●    The supply of three B777-300ER planes is scheduled to be completed by February next year.
●    Two of these are expected to be supplied in January.
●    The official said that after the necessary changes, two planes will be included in the fleet used to transport the President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister.
 

Amway plans to increase organic farming in India

The direct selling company Amway plans to expand organic farming in the country so that it can produce the source material needed for its food supplements brand nutrilite.
●    This will help him in both his Indian and Wiki operations.
●    The company's regional president, Europe, India and Africa, Samir Behl, gave this information in a conversation with PTI-language.
●    At present, the company is negotiating with some state governments in this regard.
●    So that he can promote organic farming of fast, turmeric, millet, Boswellia, pomegranate and ginger.
●    The company has organic farms spread over 6000 acres owned by the company.
●    It is in Brazil, Mexico and America.
●    In India, the company collects content from nine third-party owned farms which have been certified under the NutriStar program.
●    Bahal said, "We have nine farm farms in India, which provide us lots of material for not only India but for Wiki production.
●    We want to increase the source material from India for our products and for this, we would like to increase the level of organic farming.

Current Affairs 5th November 2017: SPORTS

Shiv Kapoor wins Panasonic India title

India's Shiv Kapoor won the Panasonic Open Golf Tournament with three shots here on Sunday with a score of four under-68 in the fourth and final round of the Delhi Golf Club, which is his first Asian Tour title in India.
●    This is Kapoor's second Asian tour title for this season.
●    He did five birdies in the last round but also a bogey.
●    The fellow Indian players were three shots ahead of Ajeetesh Sandhu (65), Sudhir Sharma (69) and Chirag Kumar (64).
●    Chirag has 9 boards and a bogey in the last round while Sandhu has 8 birdies and a bogey.
●    Kapoor also won the Ying Dar Heritage title in April, while in the current season he was also runner-up in the Thailand Open.
●    He won his first Asian Tour title in 2005 as the Volvo Masters of Asia.
●    Seven golfer remained in second place with a total score of 14 under 274, in which the top ten have dominated the Indian players.
●    Paul Pearson of America also remained joint second.

India wins women's Asia Cup title by defeating China

Indian women's hockey team performed brilliantly in the Asia Cup, defeating China 5-4 in the final to win the title.
●    With this win the Indian team has also qualified for the World Cup 2018.
●    The title of the title was decided by the shootout.
●    Before the match was over, the two teams were equal to 1-1.
●    This is the second Asia Cup title of the Indian women team.
●    Earlier, India had named this prestigious title in 2004 when it defeated Japan 1-0.
●    With this victory, the Indian team also retaliated with the defeat of China in the tournament title in 2009.
●    In the final, India and China had a thorn in the competition.
●    The score was equal to 1-1 at the final time.
●    The match reached the shootout for the result.
●    Indian women, with a good combination and right strategy, won the title by registering a 5-4 win.

Current Affairs 5th November 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Paradise Papers: Big Disclosures with 1.34 Million Documents

Shortly before the anniversary celebrations were celebrated as the Antique Black Money Day, there was a great revealing of Black Money.
●    This is disclosed by the same newspaper, Jittai Zeitung of Germany who unveiled Panama Papers 18 months ago.
●    Along with 96 media organizations, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists investigated documents called 'Paradise Papers'.
●    'Paradise Papers' contains 1.34 crore documents.
●    Through this disclosure, it has been told about the firms and fictitious companies that help the rich and powerful people send money abroad abroad.
●    The names of many Indian politicians, actors and businessmen have emerged in Paradise Papers leak like Panama.
●    According to Indian Institute of Media Research, Indian Express, ICIJ, this list includes the names of 714 Indians in total.
●    In the world, there are 180 countries in this list.
●    India is at number 19 in this list. 
●    The documents that have been scrutinized are mostly from Bermuda's law firm, Appleby.

Current Affairs 5th November 2017: ENVIRONMENT 

Dharmendra Pradhan gets involved in cyclathon given to Green Ride

Union Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan promoted Green Ride by participating in Cyclanthation today.
●    In this event, about five thousand people including actor Farhan Akhtar and many players took part.
●    According to an official statement, this event, promoting Green Ride through bicycles, was started from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
●    The objective of this program was to spread social environmental awareness among the people so that the foreign currency spent on oil imports could be saved.
●    In the statement, the head said that the advantage of cycling is not limited to environmental protection or oil savings, but also brings health and fitness to great advantage.

Important Current Affairs 4th November 2017

Current Affairs 4th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Jitendra Singh conducts conference on the discovery of good food in the World Food India in 2017

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India's North-Eastern region is indeed the land discovered for the well-being.
●    He said that we have to move forward and decide how to proceed.
●    The Minister said that balanced development of all areas is essential for overall development of the country.
●    Highlighting the facilities of the North-East, the Minister said that there are 50 categories of bamboo near the North-Eastern region, 14 varieties of Banana and 14 varieties of Grapefruit fruits.
●    In the North-Eastern region, pineapple and orange yields are abundant.
●    He said that if these products do not get support in the export, then this production is wasted.
●    He said that the present government has given special attention to rail and road connectivity.
●    The Minister said that there are 3 mega food parks in the North-Eastern region of Assam, Tripura and Mizoram states.
●    The state of Sikkim has been declared as the first biological state of India.

Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, will attend the World Youth Conference organized in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt

Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge), Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, has left today to participate in the World Youth Meet held in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt.
●    Colonel Rathore has been appointed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for representing India in this meeting.
●    The President of Egypt, Mr. Abdel-Fattah al-CC, will inaugurate this five-day seminar.
●    In this summit clause, the heads of state government heads, youth affairs minister and representative of United Nations, Arab League and Africa Union of 14 countries are likely to participate.
●    The purpose of this seminar is to connect the youth with the main global policymakers from all over the world.
●    Apart from other things, in addition to other things, the role of youth in the business, innovative methods, challenges, gender equality and women's empowerment will be involved in the creation of future leaders.

Laws Regarding Bankruptcy Solutions for Firms, Individual Enterprises By December 2017
New rules for firms and individual enterprises will be prepared soon after new insolvency and loan redressal regulations.

●    An IBBI officer of the Indian Bankruptcy and Credit Refinance Board said this today.
●    Ranjita Dubey, Deputy Manager, IBBI, said in a discussion with the Merchant Chamber of Commerce here that in the case of individuals and companies, the rules and guidelines for the first phase of bankruptcy regulations will be released by December this year.
●    The draft rules for the bankruptcy solution process for individual entrepreneurs and firms were put on the website for public comment.
●    For this, the last date for October 31 was laid.
●    IBBI, however, will continue its discussion on the draft of the rules and in the meantime it will also consider the suggestions that will be received by November 10.

Reliance Communications will stop voice calls from December 1

Customers of RCom can port their numbers to other networks by the end of this year i.e. 31 December 2017.
●    Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), a rule making body for the telecom sector, gave this information.
●    TRAI said in the instructions issued to telecom operator on October 31, "RCL (Reliance Communications Ltd) will make available only 4G data services to its customers. Consequently, on December 1, 2017, subscribers will not get voice services.
●    RCom told TRAI that it gives 2G and 4G services in eight telecom circles, such as Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Western Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.
●    Anil Ambani's company told TRAI that the company will upgrade the CDMA network of Systema Shyam Teleservices, which has merged into it so that in Delhi, Rajasthan, UP West, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal, Gujarat and Kolkata etc. in Service Areas 4G services could be provided.

For the first time Apple will turn to Indian Engineering Colleges for campus placement 

This will be the first time that Apple will come to campus placement in any Indian college.
●    Apple Indian Institute of Information Technology (Triple IT) is to come to Hyderabad.
●    Students are very excited about the company's arrival.
●    "We are very excited about Apple's coming in the campus placement," said TV V. Devi Prasad, the placement head of the college.
●    Although we do not know what job company is coming for, but it is a great opportunity for our students to show their talents.
●    He said that Triple IT for Apple Plans will go to Hyderabad and Bangalore campus.
●    Apart from Apple, other world famous technology companies Google, Microsoft and Philips are also coming to college.
●    About 350 students have registered with different branches and courses for campus placement in December.

Poverty-free India will be ready by 2022: Policy Commission

Niti Aayog, in its presentation, said that by 2022, the country will be prepared to redress the six problems - poverty, dirt, corruption, terrorism, casteism and communalism.
●    Niti Aayog Deputy Chairman Rajiv Kumar presented the New India A2022 document in the Governor's conference last month.
●    It was published today on the Policy Commission's website.
●    Kumar said that there is an emphasis on creating a mass movement for development so that by 2022, India can get this six types of freedom (freedom from poverty, dirt, corruption, terrorism, casteism and communalism).
●    In Kumar's presentation, a new India has been talked about by 2022, which will be free from poverty, dirt, corruption, terrorism, casteism and communalism.
●    It has not been clarified in the document that the Policy Commission is talking about laying the foundation for resolving these six problems till 2022.
●    However, Rajiv Kumar clarified that he meant to prepare such land till 2022, in which to get rid of these six problems.

SEBI court sent Ketan Parekh to judicial custody

The special court hearing the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has sent former stock broker Ketan Parekh to judicial custody for not being present in the court despite a summons in the Indian case.
●    Ketan Parekh is the main name for people nominated in the 2001 Securities Scam associated with Madhavpura Mercantile Cooperative Bank.
●    SEBI has filed a lawsuit against him in various crimes, including rigging the market.
●    On Friday, when Parekh reached court to appear.
●    At the same time special court judge MG Deshpande sent him in judicial custody.
●    An SEBI official said, Parekh was taken into judicial custody immediately after appearing in front of special SEBI court.
●    In the case of non-observance of SEBI orders, the court order against Parekh was issued last month.
●    Ketan Parekh was convicted in 2008 for manipulation of shares.

Current Affairs 4th November 2017: REPORSTS AND RANKING 

India will be a high middle economy by 2047: World Bank CEO

Ease of Doing Business, the World Bank, which gives India a 30-point jump in 2018, believes that India will become a high middle income economy in the next 30 years.
●    The World Bank said on Saturday that GST and other reforms would increase the level of India's economy.
●    World Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kristalina Georgieva said that being a fourfold increase in per capita income in India is an extraordinary achievement.
●    He credited this with the last three decades of reforms in the country.
●    He also praised India for achieving 100th position in the Business Facilitation Report.
●    He said that there was no such jump in the ranking that started 15 years ago.
●    He said, "When we look at the huge size of India, this achievement becomes particularly rarer even more.
●    I can understand that putting a century for cricket lovers this country is a very important achievement. '
●    In the India's Business Reform program organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Delhi, he said, "For success, it is necessary for them to adopt and move forward at a higher level.
●    We have learned that patience requires patience.
●    We believe in India that these successes of today will work as more energy for future reforms.

Important Current Affairs 3rd November 2017

Current Affairs 3rd November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Hyderabad will host a three-day conference to discuss urban traffic challenges and their solution

Nearly 1000 policymakers, including the Mayors and the Municipal Councilors from five southern states, from tomorrow in cities , during the three-day conference in 20 states and administrators of 25 countries, experts, urban planners, researchers and technology and service providers, in Hitec City, Hyderabad. 
●    Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu will inaugurate the 'Urban Dynamics India Conference & Exhibition' tomorrow.
●    The Chief Minister of Telangana Shri K. Chandrasekhar Rao and Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri will also address the inaugural session.
●    When Mr. M. Venkaiah Naidu was the Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation at the Center, last year he had selected Hyderabad for the 10th UMI Conference and the exhibition.
●    Hyderabad is hosting this conference for the first time since the launch of UMI Conference in 2008.
●    The conference is being organized jointly by Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Telangana Government and France's Transport Institute 'Kodatu'.
●    The objective of the UMI Conference is to provide information on traffic, mobility topics and traffic conditions in different cities of the whole world and exchange ideas.
●    During the conference, various aspects of traffic related to 86 cities of India including 36 foreign cities will be discussed in detail.

Meeting with Radha Mohan Singh and Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, Germany Mr. Peter Blazer

Welcoming Mr. Peter Blaser, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Germany, Shri Radha Mohan Singh,  said that India’s relations with Germany have always been close and friendly.
●    These relations are based on common democratic values, fundamental rights and mutual trust.
●    Shri Singh said that he is particularly happy that cooperation between agriculture and allied sectors is progressing rapidly between the two countries.
●    Shri Singh said that 6 meetings of the Joint Working Group have been held since 2008; The Indian Agricultural Skills Council (ASCI) and the German Agricultural Trade Alliance (GAA) have agreed on mutually agreeing to set up a center of excellence in the field of agriculture.
●    Shri Singh said that the cooperation being done in the Seed area is particularly remarkable.
●    As the project implementation agreement for the next phase (January 2017 to December 2018) was signed in May 2017.
●    The Union Agriculture Minister said that while briefing about the various initiatives taken by the government in the agriculture sector, he said that the current level of bilateral trade can be further extended in agricultural products.
●    Mr. Singh urged the Minister of Germany to use his post to resolve promptly the Tricyclazole (TCA) issue related to Indian rice exported to Germany and other countries of the European Union.

Prime Minister launches investment portal 'Investment Bandhu'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the World Food Bharat-India in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today.
●    This three-day event has been organized by the Ministry of Food Processing, under the guidance of Union Food Processing Minister Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
●    Armenia President H. S. Srpson, Latvia Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Peter Blaser, Deputy Minister for Economic Development of Italy, Mr. Peter Blaser of Italy, Mr. Asben Lunde Larsen, Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture of Germany and the Environment and Food Minister of Denmark were also present.
●    For the first time in India, World Food Conference has been organized. On this historic occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Investment Bandhu' portal or investor friend.
●    This Portal will contain information about the policies of Central and State Governments and the concessions given under the Food Processing Zone.
●    It will be a common platform for businessmen, farmers, traders, processing people and logistic operators.
●    This portal has included publications with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, which will help investors to make decisions.
●    The Prime Minister released a memorial ticket and a coffee table book on Indian cuisine.

Successful test of guided bombs

The successful light-weight guided bomb 'Saw' (SAAW, Smart NT Airfield Weapon) developed in indigenously, successfully tested from IAF aircraft in the ITR range in Chandipur, Odisha.
●    Guided bombs coming out of the aircraft, with precision, achieved the target, located 70 kilometers away using the micro-navigation system.
●    Keeping in mind the different conditions and distances, three tests were conducted and all were successful.
●    This guided bomb has been developed by the DRDO Research Center Building (RCI) with the help of other departments of DRDO and Indian Air Force.
●    Defense Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated the Indian Air Force and DRDO scientists for these successful trials.
●    Dr. S.Christopher, President of DRDO and Defense R & D Department congratulated the team and said that Saawe will soon be included in the Armed Forces.
●    Dr. G. Satish Reddy, Director General of Missile and Strategic Systems said that guided bombs are a milestone in indigenous capacity development.

JWGCTC's fourth meeting was organized in India

Under the Indo-US Defense Trade and Technical Initiative, the fourth meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWGCTC) on Aircraft Carrier Technical Cooperation was held from 29 October to 03 November in India.
●    A 13-member US delegation led by Rear Admiral Brian Antonio, Chief of Aircraft Career Program, visited the testing facility center located on the coast of Goa, Naval Center at Karwar, INS Vikramaditya in the sea, visiting the headquarters of Mazagon Dock Limited and the Western Naval Command. 
●    The concluding meeting of the Joint Working Group was held in New Delhi on November 03, 2017, headed by Rear Admiral Brian Antonio, Chief Admiral D.M. Deshpande, Chief of the Aircraft Carrier Program, and the controlling warship production and acquisition.
●    At the meeting, both sides discussed the achievements of the Joint Working Group and in the future agreed on mutual cooperation on different dimensions of aircraft carrier technology such as design, construction, testing process and project management.
●    A joint statement was signed on 03 November 2017.
●    This meeting reflects the growing mutual cooperation between the two countries in the aircraft carrier technology. 
●    Both sides agreed to hold a meeting in the United States next year.

Launch of Deendayal 'touch' scheme to encourage stamp collection

Communications Minister Mr. Manoj Sinha today launched Deendayal Touch Scheme to promote postal stamp collection.
●    This is a scholarship scheme for school children across India.
●    Under the 'touch' scheme, class VI to IX will be given scholarships annually to those children who have good academic results and who have chosen the postal stamp collection as an interest.
●    Based on a competitive process to be held in all the post circles, students interested in postage stamp collection will be selected.
●    After introducing the scheme, giving information to the media, Mr. Sinha said that under the scheme, there is a proposal to provide 920 scholarships.
●    Each postal circle will select a maximum of 40 students.
●    In class VI, VII, VIII, and IX, 10 students will each be selected.
●    The amount of scholarship is Rs 500 per month (Rs 6000 per annum).
●    The Minister said that in order to get scholarship, the child should be a student of the registered school, the school should have a stamp collecting club and the child should be a member of this club.

Current Affairs 3rd November 2017: INTERNATIONAL RELATION

Armenia President meets President

Armenia President Serge Sargsyan met President Ramnath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today (03 November, 2017).
●    Welcoming President of Armenia on his first visit to India, congratulated Armenia on successfully guiding President of the Presidential system in the parliamentary system.
●    The President thanked Mr. Sargsyan for his presence at World Food India Festival.
●    The President said that India and Armenia share a very special relationship.
●    The roots of our warmth and friendly relations are rooted in history. Our citizens have been associated with each other for centuries.
●    In other cities of Kolkata, Chennai and India, citizens of Armenia are lovingly living with Indian citizens.
●    We feel very proud about this shared legacy.
●    The President said that our bilateral relations are strong.
●    Health sector is a potential area of bilateral cooperation.
●    He expressed confidence that this visit would give a new impetus to India-Armenia relations.

Current Affairs 3rd November 2017: DAYS AND DATES

Bureau of Indian Standards celebrates 48th World Standard Day

The Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan has said that the Department of Consumer Affairs is working on bringing the certification regulations under the new BIS Act 2016.
●    Mr. Paswan appreciated the amendment of standards on gold ornaments with only three sections, namely, 14, 18 and 22 carats under the certification.
●    Mr. Paswan today expressed his gratitude while inaugurating the seminar on 'Making cities and smart' organized by the Bureau of Indian Standards on the occasion of 48th World Standard Day in New Delhi.
●    Shri Paswan gave special emphasis on consumer protection, which will be promoted through new consumer protection and BIS act.
●    Shri Ram Vilas Paswan released a pre-standardization report for the integrated, safe and flexible method for smart cities.
●    Mr. Paswan said that building a smart city is a very complex obligation, which has its own challenges and the standard is the only integrated separator, which can simplify this obligation.
●    National standards make the work related to Smart City safe and easy.

Important Current Affairs 2nd November 2017

Current Affairs 2nd November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

President inaugurates 21st World Mental Health Conference

President Shri Ramnath Kovind inaugurated the 21st World Mental Health Conference in New Delhi today (November 2, 2017).
●    This conference was organized by the World Federation for Mental Health in collaboration with the Conference Career Foundation and other organizations.
●    In his address on this occasion the President said that for the first time in India, the World Mental Health Conference is being organized.
●    The number of cases related to mental health is increasing in our country.
●    According to the National Mental Health Survey 2016, 14 percent of India's total population is suffering from mental health problems.
●    The President said that the people living in metros and the risk of mental illness in the youth are the highest.
●    65% of India's population is under 35 years of age.
●    The rapid urbanization of our society is taking place, in this way the risk of possible mental health pandemic has also increased.
 

Prime Minister will inaugurate the World Food India Festival - 2017

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the World Food Bharat Festival (WFI) - 2017 in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on November 03, 2017.
●    WFI is the most expected International Mega Food Festival.
●    India will welcome the biggest gathering of global investors and industrialists of big companies of food sector in New Delhi during November 3-5, 2017.
●    The purpose of the World Food Festival organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries under the leadership of the Union Minister Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal is to transform the food economy and to establish India as a preferred investment destination and sourcing hub for the global food processing industry. 
●    For the first time, India is hosting such a function for the food processing sector.
●    The World Food India Forum will strengthen India's position as a global food factory and it is a positive step towards the country's food security.
●    During the next three years in India, it is expected to attract investment of ten billion dollars in the food processing sector and create one million jobs.

For the first time in India, a 220 KV voltage level sub-station was constructed at an altitude of 11,500 ft

Powergrid successfully completed the work of 220 KV Sustaining (Srinagar) -Help Transmission Line 220 KV S / C Leh-Khalasi line section with 220/66 KV GIS sub-station in Leh and Khalasi on October 31, 2017. 
●    For the first time in India, 220 KV voltage level sub-station has been constructed at an altitude of 11,500 ft.
●    This prestigious project of the Government of India linking the Leh-Ladakh region with the grid in Jammu and Kashmir.
●    The strategic importance of this project was laid on 12 August 2014 by the Prime Minister.
●    The implementation of Srinagar-Leh transmission system has been handed over to Power Grid Corporation of India (Powergrid).
●    On the launch of these facilities, the facility of power supply from the Hydroelectric power station of Neemo Bajo (3x15 MW) in the Leh-Ladakh region will be facilitated.
●    The work of the remaining section of the project ie Khalasi-Kargil-Dras-Alsteng (Srinagar) section is in progress.
●    On completion of this, with reliability in all seasons, the facility of transmission of electricity in the Ladakh region can be provided directly from the Northern Grid.

Nitin Gadkari reviewed PMKSY project in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Karnataka

Central Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Conservation Minister, Shri Nitin Gadkari reviewed the Prime Minister's Agricultural Irrigation Scheme (PMKSY) projects in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Karnataka states at a high level meeting in New Delhi yesterday.
●    Expressing satisfaction over the progress of various PMKSY projects in these states, Shri Gadkari asked the officers to implement the pending projects without any delay as per the prescribed time limit.
●    The Minister said that one of the eight PMKSY projects in Andhra Pradesh has been completed and six will be completed during the current financial year.
●    He said that the remaining one project will be completed during the next financial year.
●    Regarding Odisha, the Minister said that out of eight PMKSY projects, two have been completed and three will be completed during the current financial year.
●    He said that the remaining three projects will be completed during the next financial year.
●    On the AIBP projects of Karnataka, the Minister informed that a project has been completed and the remaining four will be completed during the next financial year.
●    The Central Water Resources Ministry and senior officials of the three states participated in the meeting.

Current Affairs 2nd November 2017: DEFENSE

Civil Aviation Rule (CAR) Draft Act declaration for citizen use of drones

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced yesterday the draft rules for civilian use of remote piloted aircraft system ie drone.
●    Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mr. Jayant Sinha gave information to the media.
●    According to the pilotless aircraft system draft, the drone is classified according to the maximum weight being taken as follows:
●    Nano - less than or equal to 250 grams
●    Micro - Over 250 grams and less than or equal to 2 kg
●    Mini - more than 2 kg and less than or equal to 25 kg
●    Small - More than 25kg and less than 150 or less
●    Large - Over 150 kg
●    According to the format of the draft, all types of drones can be displayed in the visual line and only in the day, whose height does not exceed 200 feet.
●    The drone is not allowed to carry or carry any dangerous material, animal or human.

Minister of State for Defense inaugurated a seminar on "Challenges of tunneling for highways in the Himalayan region"

The Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Subhash Bhamre inaugurated a two-day seminar organized on 'Challenges to design, investigate, design and manufacture tunnels for highways in the Himalaya region'.
●    This seminar has been organized by the Border Roads Organization (BRO).
●    Addressing the program, Dr. Bhamre said that road infrastructure plays an important role in attracting foreign investment and attracting foreign countries to the mainland, creating the country's development, employment generation.
●    The infrastructure of roads in the Himalayas has special significance, because it is the only means of transport and development of the residents of this region.
●    From the point of view of security, the role of roads used in all seasons becomes even more important.
●    Dr. Bhamre said that many challenges have to be faced in the construction of road network in upper-Himalayan regions.
●    The only solution in many areas is to build a tunnel.
●    Therefore, construction of tunnels for road and rail networks in the Himalayan region is of particular importance, although initially it seems highly expensive.
●    Dr. Subhash Bhamre further said that the country is progressing rapidly in the field of tunnel construction for roads and railways.

Integrated Quarter Master Package (IQMP) software application released for Indian Army

Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Sharat Chand released Integrated Quarter Master Package (IQMP) software application for the Indian Army in a program held on 2 November 2017 in South Block.
●    IQMP is web based software developed by the Army Software Development Center in collaboration with M / s TCS Limited.
●    This application is related to the logistics requirements of a military unit.
●    This application will replace applications like 'Clothing' and 'Quarter Master Package'.
●    There are 13 modules in this package, which will meet the military unit level logistic requirements at the level of automation.
●    Various types of military units can be changed according to this application and data and other information can be shared.
●    The purpose of developing the software is to bring speed, stability and transparency in the logistics context at the military unit level.
●    This will help in effective logistics management and decision making and thus help the military units to get ready for the war.

Current Affairs 2nd November 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Dharmendra Pradhan will attend the Round Table Meeting of 7th Asian Energy Ministers

The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today concluded a two-day visit to Bangkok where he participated in the Round Table Meeting of 7th Asian Energy Ministers organized by the International Energy Forum (IEF).
●    India is currently the Chairman of the IEF, which is the largest intergovernmental organization in the oil and gas sector of 72 member countries where 90 per cent of global supply and demand of oil and gas is met.
●    Member countries include developing, developing, OPEC, non-OPEC and G-20 countries.
●    18 countries of G20 countries are members of the IEF.
●    During his visit Shri Pradhan met the Ministers of Petroleum and Natural Gas from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Thailand, Bahrain, Brunei, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Kuwait, Yemen and other countries.
●    Addressing a full session on natural gas, he outlined the importance of recovering from market and policy barriers and moving towards a flexible, transparent and non-discriminatory global LNG business system.
●    He also underlined the efforts of the government to move towards a gas based economy and in terms of opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the construction of infrastructure for gas including LNG Terminal, Pipeline, CGD etc.