Important Current Affairs 2nd August 2017

Current Affairs 2nd August 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Cabinet approves MoU between India and BRICs countries to set up BRICS Agriculture Research Platform 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed among India and various BRICs countries for establishment of the BRICS Agriculture Research Platform.
●    During the 7th BRICS Summit held on 9thJuly 2015 at Ufa in Russia, Prime Minister Shri Modi proposed to establish BRICS Agriculture Research Centre which will be a gift to the entire world. 
●    The Centre will promote sustainable agricultural development and poverty alleviation through strategic cooperation in agriculture to provide food security in the BRICS member countries. 
●    In order to further intensify cooperation among BRICS countries in agricultural research policy, science and technology, innovation and capacity building, including technologies for small¬holder farming in the BRICS countries, an MoU on establishment of the Agricultural Research Platform was signed by the foreign Ministers of BRICS countries in the 8th BRICS Summit held on 16th October, 2016 at Goa.

Cabinet approves construction of doubling of line with electrification between Thiruvananthapuram and Kanniyakumari 

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of double line with electrification between Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.
●    The total length of the line will be 86.56 km.  The estimated cost of the Project will be Rs.1431.90 crore and completion cost of Rs.1552.94 crore with 5% escalation per annum.
●    The project is likely to be completed in four years by 2020-21.  
●    The project will generate direct employment during construction for 20.77 lakh mandays.
●    The project would not only speed up the operation of goods and coaching trains, but also provide additional capacity for meeting the increase in traffic in future.

Jammu and Kashmir passes bill to implement GST in the state

GST became a fully national tax after the Jammu and Kashmir state assembly and legislative council passed the bill, even though the opposition expressed apprehension about the new tax regime. 
●    The state would send the bill to the President for concurrence and the 101 st amendment would be extended to J&K. 
●    Finance minister Haseeb Drabu assured that the state government would ensure enough safeguards and GST would not compromise on Article 370 and Section 5 of J&K constitution in any way. 
●    “If that happens, I will not return to this house,” Drabu said. 
●    Till now Article 370 was used only as an obstruction for whatever purpose, Drabu said and asserted on the need to use it as tool for empowering people of the state and not just as a defensive strategy. 
●    “Article 370 is being used as a tool to whip up political passions and draw political mileage. 
●    It is being used for creating fake controversies,” said Drabu, adding that J&K had acceded to India and India had not acceded to J&K.

Rajya Sabha passes Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017

The Rajya Sabha on 1 August 2017 passed the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017 that amends Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
●    The Bill extends the deadline for teachers to acquire the prescribed minimum qualifications for appointment by 4 years.
●    The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on 22 July 2017.
●    The Bill states that the teachers who do not possess the minimum qualifications as on 31 March 2015 will acquire the minimum qualifications within a period of four years, that is, by 31 March 2019.
●    The teachers can get the prescribed qualification using the Swayam portal.
●    Teachers will also be provided practical experience by the respective states.

Indian Army develops app, Humraaz

The Indian Army has developed a mobile application named Humraaz. The app will allow serving soldiers to track details like postings and promotions.
●    Through the app 'Humraaz', soldiers can also view their monthly salary slips and the Form 16 and also download them.
●    The mobile app has been developed in-house by the Army and will be launched in the second week of August 2017. 
●    The app will allow prompt communication of information to junior commissioned officers and other personnel.
●    For security reasons, the installation of the application has been linked to verification of Aadhaar details.
●    The Aadhaar details will be verified with the Army database over National Information Centre cloud and Army personnel will get a one-time-password on their registered mobile number.

Current Affairs 2nd August 2017: SPORTS

Swimmer-Dressel grabs seventh gold to equal Phelps record

U.S. swimmer Caeleb Dressel equalled compatriot Michael Phelps's record of seven gold medals at a single world championships on Sunday.
●    Dressel secured his record-equalling feat as the United States won gold in the men's 4x100 metres medley relay, in which he swam the butterfly leg.
●    The 20-year-old had previously won individual gold medals in the men's 50m and 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly, as well as in the men's 4x100m freestyle, 4x100m mixed freestyle and 4x100m mixed medley relays.
●    Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, won seven gold medals at the world championships in Melbourne 10 years ago.

Dhanraj Pillay conferred with Bharat Gaurav by East Bengal Football Club

Former India hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay was on 1 August 2017 honoured with the 'Bharat Gaurav' by East Bengal Football Club on its foundation day. Bharat Gaurav is the highest award of the club.
●    On the other hand, the club presented lifetime achievement awards to Subhash Bhowmick, a member of the 1970 Asian Games bronze medal-winning national football team and Syed Naeemuddin, former national team coach.
●    Meanwhile, Gurwinder Singh bagged the Footballer of the Year award while Boddupalli Amit was adjudged as the Cricketer of the Year.
●    Pillay played a huge role in reviving the Indian Hockey team and performed brilliantly during his 15-year career.
●    He played a total of 339 matches for India, scoring 170 goals.

Important Current Affairs 1st August 2017

Current Affairs 1st August 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Jutice Krishna to head expert group on Data Protection Framework for India 

Recognising the importance of data protection and keeping personal data of citizens secure and protected, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India has, on 31st July 2017, constituted a Committee of Experts.
●    It will work under the Chairmanship of Justice B N Srikrishna, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India.
●    It will be comprising of members from Government, Academia and Industry to study and identify key data protection issues.
●    It will also recommend methods for addressing them. 
●    The committee will also suggest a draft Data Protection Bill. 
●    Protection of Data is expected to provide big boost to Digital economy of the country.

Inauguration of Technical Secretariat of National Education Policy Committee to draft National Education Policy, 2017 

Eminent Space Scientist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. K. Kasturirangan inaugurated the new office of the Technical Secretariat of the Committee to draft National Education Policy 2017 at the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Campus, Bengaluru today. 
●    The committee has been constituted by Human Resource Developement Ministry, Government of India under the Chairmanship of Dr K. Kasturirangan comprising eminent experts from across the Country to draft National Education Policy, 2017. 
●    The Technical Secretariat has been housed in the premises of NAAC with UGC being the nodal agency.
●    Addressing the gathering at the inauguration, Dr. Kasturirangan, Chairman of Committee to Draft National Education Policy, 2017, said the New Education Policy will be precise, rigorous and will have an overarching perspective aimed towards overall National Development. 
●    “India has inherently provided powerful knowledge centres like ‘Takshashila’ & ‘Nalanda’ to the world. 
●    However there has been a strong disconnect in today’s scenario which needs to be bridged to bring Indian Higher Education into the higher pedestals of Global Education today.

Dr Subhash Bhamre Inaugurates 75th  Raising Day of AFHQ Civilian Services

Minister of State for Defence, Dr Subhash Bhamre inaugurated 75th raising day function of the Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) Civilian Services here today. 
●    Speaking on the occasion, Dr Bhamre said that AFHQ civilian personnel have been standing firmly with the Armed Forces, providing them with the essential support and working for the safety of the nation with dedication and commitment, both in times of peace and war.
●    He appreciated the administrative acumen and work culture of the cadre who have been working shoulder to shoulder with Service personnel and providing them with the logistical support in manpower, quartering, material management, administration and human resources development.
●    The service cadre came to existence when the office of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) was constituted in the Ministry of Defence on August 1, 1942 and all the civilians were brought under one Cadre Controlling Authority.

Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Minister of Railways & Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra lays foundation stone to develop Cold Storage Warehouse for onion at Lasalgaon near Nashik

Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Minister of Railways & Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra laid the  foundation stone for the cold storage on 30th July, 2017 at Lasalgaon near Nashik in Maharashtra. 
●    Indian Railways’ PSU CONCOR (Container Corporation of India ltd.) is developing a cold store at Lasalgaon near Nashik for storage of onions and other perishable produce.  
●    This cold storage will have a total capacity of 2500 MT out of which 1500 MT will be exclusively utilised for onion storage and remaining for other perishable commodities such as fruits & vegetables like Onion, Pomegranate, Grapes, Banana, Tomato, Citrus. 
●    Indian Railways has now steered into the areas of providing storage facility to the farmers and the cold storage at Lasalgaon will be a boon to the farmers of not only Nashik & Lasalgaon, but also of nearby areas of Jalgaon, Manmad, Dhule,etc.
●    The cold storage is being set up on CSR model by CONCOR at a cost of Rs. 5 crores.  
●    The cold storage will be maintained by M/s Lasalgaon Vibhag Sahakari Kharedi Vikri Sangh Ltd. Railways is a major transporter for onion and plays a key role in timely transportation of onion to various consumer market from producer states.  
●    To reduce the spoilages, Indian Railways allots the rakes/ wagons on priority basis wherever possible for carriage of onion.

Health Ministry to launch Intensified Mission Indradhanush

With the aim to accelerating the full immunization coverage and provide greater focus on urban areas and other pockets of low immunization coverage, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has drawn up an aggressive action plan to achieve the target by 2018. 
●    According to the plan, States will conduct Intensified Mission Indradhanush drives for 7 working days from 7th day of every month starting from 7th October 2017 for four consecutive months excluding Sundays, holidays and Routine Immunization days. 
●    A total of 118 districts, 17 urban areas and 52 districts of North East states will be targeted under Intensified Mission Indradhanush.
●    Under Intensified Mission Indradhanush, greater focus will be given on urban areas which were one of the gaps of Mission Indradhanush. 
●    This will be done through mapping of all underserved population in urban areas and need-based deployment of ANMs for providing vaccination services in these areas. 
●    Mobility support to field staff for deployment to such areas in urban as well as rural areas will be provided.

RBI slaps Rs 3 crore penalty on Union Bank

●    The RBI on Monday said it has imposed Rs3 crore penalty on state-owned Union Bank of India for "non- compliance" with the directions on Know Your Customer (KYC) norms in two separate cases.
●    While in one case a penalty of Rs 2 crore has been imposed, Rs1 crore has been slapped in another case. 
●    Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that based on media reports related to a fraud in a bank, it conducted an examination of certain accounts in Union Bank of India, which had substantial transactions.
●    "Upon examination of the documents obtained in this regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed for non- compliance with directions issued by RBI," the central bank said in a statement.
●    The second case related to a complaint regarding "huge cash withdrawals in certain accounts".

Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman, Arvind Panagariya resigns

Arvind Panagariya, Vice-Chairman of Niti Aayog announced his resignation from the post on 1 August 2017.
●    Panagariya revealed that he would be returning to the field of academics in the US.
●    His last working day in office would be 31 August 2017.
●    The 64-year-old was the first one to hold the post of Vice- Chairman in Niti Aayog. 
●    He was appointed to the position in January 2015. 
●    His resignation now brings an end to his two and a half year-long stint with the Government of India’s policy think-tank.
●    Panagariya is an Indian-American economist. 
●    He is known for his market-friendly views and is a close associate of the well-known trade economist, Jagdish Bhagwati.

LPG gas price subsidy to go

The government had previously asked Indian Oil (IOC), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) to raise rates of subsidised domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) by Rs 2 per 14.2-kg cylinder per month. 
●    The government has ordered state-run oil companies to raise subsidised cooking gas (LPG) prices by Rs 4 per cylinder every month to eliminate all the subsidies by March next year, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said today. 
●    The government had previously asked Indian Oil (IOC), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) to raise rates of subsidised domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) by Rs 2 per 14.2-kg cylinder per month.
●    Now, the quantum has been doubled so as to bring down the subsidy to nil, he said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here. 
●    Every household is entitled to 12 cylinders of 14.2-kg each at subsidised rates in a year. 
●    Any requirement beyond that is to be purchased at market price.

Important Current Affairs 31st July 2017

Current Affairs 31st July 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

BPR&D to organise two-day National Conference for Young SPs of States/UTs and Commandants of CAPFs beginning tomorrow

The Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) is organizing a two day National Conference for Young Superintendents of Police of States/UTs and Commandants of CAPFs, beginning here tomorrow. 
●    The Union Minister of Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad will inaugurate the conference.
●    Briefing the media, Ms. Anupama Nilekar Chandra, IG (Modernization), BPR&D said that during the DGs/IGs Annual Conference in December, 2015 at Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in his address, said that the young officers need to be exposed to the latest technological aids available. 
●    Keeping this in view, BPR&D is organising this two-day National Conference with the theme ‘Technological Empowerment for Impactful Policing’. 
●    She said that the participants will include 5 SPs and 5 Commandant rank officers of CAPFs from each State and one SP rank officer from each UT.
●    The two-day conference will include various sessions on topics like Technology for Police, Operations and Technology, Police-Media Interface, Delivery of Citizen Centric Services and Syndicate Group discussion & presentation.

BSF and NSDC sign MoU on Skill Development 

The Border Security Force (BSF) signed an MoU with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) here today in the presence of MoS (Independent Charge) Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju. 
●    The MoU will enable NSDC to provide “Skill training to retired and retiring BSF personnel, as well as to the population residing in the border areas. 
●    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rudy said Skill Development remained an ignored aspect until the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi created the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship two and a half years ago, soon after the NDA Government came to power. 
●    Suffering from colonial legacy, Skill Development remained a neglected sector while the Human Resource Development focus remained confined to imparting academic education, Shri Rudy said. 
●    Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) came to be regulated by the National Council for Vocational Training, an advisory body set up by the Government of India in the year 1956, and today the ITIs cater to around 23 lakh students at any point of time, he said.
●    But this alone is not sufficient and there is much more demand for skilled workforce that the NSDC aims to bridge, he added.

Projects worth Rs 425 crore approved by NMCG

The Executive Committee of National Mission for Clean Ganga in its 4th meeting held here today approved seven projects worth Rs 425 crore in the sector of sewage infrastructure, Ghat development and research.
●    In sewage sector, three projects each in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been approved. 
●    For Uttar Pradesh, interception, diversion and STP projects for Unnao, Shuklaganj and Ramnagar have been approved. 
●    These three projects aim at creation of sewage treatment capacity of 29 MLD (Unnao- 13 MLD, Shuklaganj- six MLD and Ramnagar- ten MLD) at a total cost of Rs 238.64 crore.
●    While in Bihar, three projects at Sultanganj, Naugachia and Mokama with total estimated cost of Rs 175 crore have been approved. 
●    These three projects will create additional sewage treatment capacity of 27 MLD (Sultanganj- ten MLD, Mokama- eight MLD and Naugachia- nine MLD).
●    All the six projects will be provided with Operation and Maintenance cost for 15 years by Central government and 100 percent central assistance. 
●    It is also important to mention that Unnao and Sultanganj projects will be taken up under Hybrid Annuity based PPP model in which 60 per cent of the capital cost will be paid to the contractor who has constructed the STP, over a period of 15 years, on the basis of his work performance on the achievement of desired norms of treated wastewater.

Centenary Anniversary of Champaran Satyagrah

The Government has decided to commemorate centenary of Champaran Satyagraha during April 2017 to April 2018. A National Implementation Committee (NIC) has been constituted under the Chairmanship of the Home Minister. 
●    Inaugural function for the commemoration was organised in Delhi on 10th April, 2017.
●    Development of Gandhi Circuit in Bihar is one of the projects identified for development under the Special Package for Bihar announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in 2015. 
●    A project for “Development of Gandhi Circuit: Bhitiharwa-Chandrahia-Turkaulia under Rural Circuit theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme” has been sanctioned in Bihar with Central Financial Assistance of Rs. 4465.02 lakh. 
●    A sum of Rs. 893.00 lakh, as first instalment, has been released by Ministry of Tourism.
●    This information was given by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Current Affairs 31st July 2017: REPORT AND RANKING

India is world’s third-biggest beef exporter: FAO report

India is the world’s third-biggest exporter of beef and is projected to hold on to that position over the next decade, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation (OECD).
●    OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2017-2026 report released here this week, said that India exported 1.56 million tonnes of beef last year and was expected to maintain “its position as the third-largest beef exporter, accounting for 16 per cent 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.

Current Affairs 31st July 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Russia asks 755 US diplomats to leave country following American sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin on 30 July 2017 asked 755 US diplomats to leave the country. 
●    The action was taken three days after the US Congress approved sanctions against Russia.
●    Earlier, the US Senate approved a bill to toughen sanctions on Russia for allegedly meddling in the 2016 US Presidential election and for its annexation of Crimea in 2014.
●    Putin in an interview to a Russian TV channel said, more than 1000 people are working at the US embassy and consulates in Russia. 
●    He said 755 of them should stop their activities and return.
●    While announcing his decision, Putin said Russia had run out of patience waiting for relations with the United States to improve.
●    In addition, the Russian Foreign Ministry on 28 July 2017 demanded that Washington should cut its diplomatic presence in Russia to 455 by September; the same number Moscow has in the US.
●    The Russian President also said that an upturn in Moscow's relations with Washington could not be expected anytime soon.

Current Affairs 31st July 2017: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India, Pakistan to hold talks on hydropower projects under Indus Waters Treaty

India and Pakistan will hold talks on two hydropower projects, namely Kishenganga and Ratle, under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) at the World Bank headquarters in Washington on 31 July 2017.
●    Union Water Resources Secretary Amarjit Singh is leading the Indian delegation during the talks. The delegation will include officials from ministries of external affairs and water resources.
●    World Bank Vice President for South Asia region Annette Dixon - in a letter to in a letter to the Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Sarna - has welcomed the participation of both the countries in the dialogue. 
●    She also assured neutrality and impartiality of the international body in helping both the nations to find an amicable way forward. 
●    The meet at Washington is being held as part of efforts by the World Bank to resolve the issues raised by Pakistan over India’s hydroelectricity projects.

Current Affairs 31st July 2017: SPORTS

Sebastian Vettel wins 2017 Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel of Germany and the Ferrari driver on 30 July 2017 won the Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix at the Hungaroring in Mogyoród.
●    The second and third place was taken by Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas of Finland respectively.
●    The 2017 Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix was the eleventh round of the 2017 Formula One season and the 32nd running of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
●    Born on 3 July 1987, Sebastian Vettel is a German racing driver.
●    He is currently driving in Formula One for Scuderia Ferrari.
●    He is a four-time Formula One World Champion, having won the championship in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 with Red Bull Racing.
●    He is among the most successful F1 drivers of all time, as he is one of only four drivers to have won four or more drivers' titles.
●    He is contracted to remain as a Formula One driver with Scuderia Ferrari until at least the end of 2017.
●    Vettel started his career in Formula One as a test driver for BMW Sauber.

Important Current Affairs 30th July 2017

Current Affairs 30th July 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

PM Modi inaugurates Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial in Rameswaram

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on 27 July 2017 inaugurated the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam memorial at Pei Karumbu, Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu.
●    The PM unveiled the statue of Dr. Kalam, and offered floral tributes at Kalam Sthal.
●    In addition, the Prime Minister flagged off the Kalam Sandesh Vahini, an exhibition bus which shall travel across various States of the country and reach Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 15 October 2017, which marks the birth anniversary of the former President.
●    Born on 15 October 1931, Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
●    Born and raised in Rameswaram, Kalam studied physics and aerospace engineering.
●    He spent the next four decades as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Jute-ICARE -- An Initiative of The Government to Double the income of Jute Farmers

Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise for Jute (Jute – ICARE) was launched in 2015 to popularize/introduce some of the better agronomic practices and recently developed microbial-assisted retting among farmers intensively in a few blocks in West Bengal and Assam on pilot basis. 
●    The improved agronomic practices include: line sowing of jute using seed drill to increase yield by 10-15%; weed management in jute by wheel hoeing/nail weeder instead of hand weeding for reducing the cost of weeding; and distribution of quality certified seeds at 50% subsidy.
●    Central Research Institute for Research in Jute and Allied Fibres (CRIJAF) developed a microbial consortium called SONA, to enhance the quantity of fibre yield by 20% as well as its quality in terms of grade by at least 1 ½ grades. 
●    Also, under the project, regular SMSes are sent in regional languages on improved practices in jute cultivation, to registered farmers. 
●    On an average over 50 SMS-es are sent to each farmer at various intervals during the project. 
●    Supply of Seed drills and Nail weeders is undertaken for demonstration purpose.

Axis Bank to buy FreeCharge 

Axis Bank, India's seventh-biggest lender by assets, on Thursday announced that it has agreed to buy mobile payments wallet provider FreeCharge from e-commerce company Snapdeal for Rs 385 crore ($60.04 million).
●    "Digital payments in India are surging. Government policies are driving a less-cash economy," Axis Bank finance chief Jairam Sridharan told a news conference after announcing the deal. 
●    He said the acquisition will double the customer base of the bank and leapfrog its digital journey by multiple years. Axis Bank expects regulatory clearances to the deal in two months. Following this, the bank could consider merging their wallet businesses.
●    The cut-price deal marks a significant erosion of value for FreeCharge which was acquired for $400 million or Rs 2,500 crore (at current exchange rate). 
●    back in 2015 by the Gurgaon-based online marketplace to shore up its online payments play. 
●    At the time, it was touted as the largest deal in the then nascent start-up ecosystem in India.

Govt hikes gold bond investment limit to 4 kg per fiscal

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday raised the annual investment limit in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) to 4 kg per individual from 500 gm and relaxed other norms to make them more attractive to buyers.
●    The ceiling will be counted on financial year basis and will include the SGBs purchased during trading in the secondary market, an official statement said after the Cabinet meeting here.
●    According to the statement, the investment limit per fiscal year has been increased to 4 kg for individuals, 4 kg for Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) and 20 kg for trusts and similar entities notified by the government from time to time.
●    The ceiling on investment will not include the holdings kept as collateral by banks and financial institutions.
●    “SGBs will be available ‘on tap’. Based on the consultation with NSE, BSE, banks and Department of Post, features of product to emulate ‘on tap’ sale would be finalised by finance ministry,” it said.

Current Affairs 30th July 2017: PERSON

Somdev Devvarman to head Centre of Excellence at DLTA

Somdev Devvarman, former professional Indian tennis player has been roped in to lead a Centre of Excellence at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA).
●    The centre aims to provide coaching to budding players. The search has already begun for coaches, sports psychologist and physios who will work in coordination with each other at the Academy.
●    A comprehensive plan for the same has been submitted by the All India Tennis Association (AITA) to the Sports Ministry for approval under the supervision of Devvarman, India's former number one singles player.
●    Coaching would be provided according to the age group. A foreign coach would also be brought in.
●    Qualified physios and sports psychologist will be hired for all round development of the players.
●    A sports science centre is also being planned at the Academy.
●    Overall, the Academy would be able to accommodate about 300 kids for coaching, among which at least 100 would be able to get accommodation there after relocating from their respective states.
 

Current Affairs 30th July 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Successfully tested intercontinental ballistic missile: North Korea

North Korea said on Tuesday it successfully test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the first time, which flew a trajectory that experts said could allow a weapon to hit the U.S. state of Alaska.
●    The launch came days before leaders from the Group of 20 nations were due to discuss steps to rein in North Korea's weapons programme, which it has pursued in defiance of U.N. Security Council sanctions.
●    The launch, which North Korea's state media said was ordered and supervised by leader Kim Jong Un, sent the rocket 933 km (580 miles) reaching an altitude of 2,802 km over a flight time of 39 minutes.
●    North Korea has said it wants to develop a missile mounted with a nuclear warhead capable of striking the U.S. mainland

Current Affairs 30th July 2017: DAYS AND DATES

United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2017 observed

The United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2017 was observed across the world on 30 July 2017.
●    This year, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) selected ‘Act to Protect and Assist Trafficked Persons’ as the focus of the Day. 
●    The theme emphasizes one of the most pressing issues of the large mixed migration movements of refugees and migrants. 
●    The theme puts focus on the significant impact of conflict and natural disasters, as well as the resultant, multiple risks of human trafficking that many people face. 
●    In addition, it addresses the key issue concerning trafficking responses: that most people are never identified as trafficking victims and therefore cannot access most of the assistance or protection provided.
●    The day aims at raising awareness of the plight of human trafficking victims, and promoting and protecting their rights.
 

Important Current Affairs 29th July 2017

Current Affairs 29th July 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi launches “Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-2” in Mumbai

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said here that the NDA Government has been working with commitment to “inclusive growth” and “Antyodaya” to ensure prosperity, security and dignity of the last person of the society.
●    Addressing a large number of people from Parsi community and renowned personalities from various fields at the launch of “Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-2” at Mumbai, Shri Naqvi said that Parsi community has immense contribution in nation building and Parsi community has been a “role model” for other communities for its culture and traditions. 
●    The Parsi community has given so many great people who have been “architects of nation building”.
●    Shri Naqvi said that even though the Parsi community is a very small minority community in India, there is no doubt that the Parsi community is one of the most liberal, aware towards education and an example of “peace and harmony”.

Supreme Court ordered to establish family welfare court in every district

The Apex Court has issued a new set of guidelines with the objective of curtailing the misuse of Section 498A of Indian Penal Code. Section 498A was introduced to protect wives from cruelty at the hands of their husbands or his relatives.
●    A two- judge bench comprising of Justice A.K. Goel and UU Lalit has issued the following guidelines-
●    In every district one or more Family Welfare Committees be constituted by the District Legal Services Authorities preferably comprising of three members. The constitution and working of such committees may be reviewed from time to time and at least once in a year by the District and Sessions Judge of the district who is also the Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority.
●    The Committees may be constituted out of para legal volunteers/social workers/retired persons/wives of working officers/other citizens who may be found suitable and willing.
●    The Committee members will not be called as witnesses.
●    Every complaint under Section 498A received by the police or the Magistrate be referred to and looked into by such committee. Such committee may have interaction with the parties personally or by means of telephone or any other mode of communication including electronic communication.
●    Report of such committee be given to the Authority by whom the complaint is referred to it latest within one month from the date of receipt of complaint.
●    The committee may give its brief report about the factual aspects and its opinion in the matter.

Cabinet approves new wage code bill

The Union Cabinet on 26 July 2017 approved the new wage code bill that will ensure a minimum wage across all sectors by integrating four labour related laws.
●    The new Labour Code on Wages Bill will be consolidating the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976. 
●    The bill was approved by the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
●    The proposed legislation is expected to benefit over 4 Cr employees across the country.
●    The new bill seeks to empower the Centre to set a minimum wage across all sectors in the country, which would have to be maintained by the states as well.
●    However, states will be able to provide for a higher minimum wage in their jurisdiction in place of the amount fixed by the central government.
 

Current Affairs 29th July 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

US to start installing chip in human body

Three Square Market — a developer of software used in vending machines — is offering all of its employees the option to get a microchip implanted between the thumb and forefinger. 
●    It’s quick, painless and the company will even pick up the $300 fee.  There’s no GPS tracking capability yet.
●    The company is expecting 50 of its employees to voluntarily sign up for the implants.
●    The RFID (Radio Frequency ID) chips would allow those employees who volunteer to participate in the program to open doors, pay for purchases, share business cards, store medical information, pay for stuff at other RFID terminals and login to their computers … all with a wave of the hand.
●    The program is also meant to be a real-life opportunity for Westby’s company to test and expand the technology for its own products. 
●    “We see this as another payment and identification option that not only can be used in our markets but our other self-checkout and self-service applications that we are now deploying, which include convenience stores and fitness centers,” another company executive said.
●    Three Square Market claims it will be the first company in the United States to implant chips in its employees.

Current Affairs 29th July 2017: SPORTS

Adam Peaty sets two 50m breaststroke world records in one extraordinary day

Adam Peaty surprised even himself after improving his own 50 metres breaststroke world record by almost half a second in one day at the world championships in Budapest on Tuesday.
●    The Olympic champion won 100m breaststroke gold on Monday’s second day and vowed there would be “something special” over one length on Tuesday. 
●    But even the 22-year-old did not expect what happened – a 0.47sec improvement on the world record of 26.42sec he set in winning the 50m title in Kazan, Russia in 2015.
●    Peaty clocked 26.10 in the morning heat, 0.44 ahead of his nearest rival, and improved his mark to 25.95 in the evening semi-final, 0.73sec clear of the field.
 

Current Affairs 29th July 2017: OBITUARY

N Dharam Singh, former Chief Minister of Karnataka, passes away

N. Dharam Singh, former Chief Minister of Karnataka, passed away on 27 July 2017 Bengaluru following a heart attack. He was 80.
●    Singh had served as the 17th Chief Minister of Karnataka. 
●    He headed the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition government from May 2004 to February 2006.
●    Born on 25 December 1936, Dharam Singh Narayan Singh was an Indian politician.
●    He was a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for seven consecutive terms and a Member of Parliament representing Bidar in the 14th Lok Sabha.
●    He began his long innings in politics as an Independent Corporator in the Kalaburagi district City Municipal Council by contesting against his own brother.

Current Affairs 29th July 2017: DAYS AND DATES

International Tiger Day 2017 observed

The 2017 International Tiger Day was observed on 29 July 2017. The day is held annually on 29th July to give worldwide attention to the reservation of tigers.
●    In 2017, the International Tiger Day would be celebrated with the slogan Fresh Ecology For Tigers’ Protection.
●    The goal of the day is to promote a global system for protecting the natural habitats of tigers and to raise public awareness and support for tiger conservation issues.
●    The day was founded in 2010 at the St. Petersburg Tiger Summit, with the aim to double the big cat population by 2022.
●    The seventh annual Global Tiger Day was celebrated in various ways around the world. Local events have been organized in Bangladesh, Nepal, and India as well as non-tiger-range countries such as England and the United States.
●    The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) continued its promotion of the "Double Tigers" campaign through investing in rangers.

Important Current Affairs 28th July 2017

Current Affairs 28th July 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Ministry of Health releases Operational Guidelines for Planning and Implementation of Family Participatory Care 

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recently released Operational Guidelines for Planning and Implementation of Family Participatory Care (FPC) for improving newborn health. 
●    The guidelines will serve as a guiding document for those intending to introduce FPC in their facility as an integral part of facility based newborn care.
●    The document also provides details of infrastructure, training, role of health care providers and steps in the operationalization of FPC in the newborn care unit. 
●    The operational guidelines of FPC are for all stakeholders involved in the process of planning and delivering newborn care. 
●    The guidelines also addresses various aspects of attitudes, infrastructural modifications and practice that will help in establishing FPC at Special Newborn Care Units (SNCU) such as sensitization of State and District Managers on FPC, prioritization of SNCUs for initiating FPC, making required infrastructural enhancement in SNCU, creating family participatory care environment in SNCU, ensuring availability of supplies for parents-attendants, training of SNCU staff for SNCU, role of healthcare providers for FPC implementation and institutional support for FPC.

Niti Aayog clears six proposals for high-tech public transport

Mass rapid transportation technologies such as hyperloop, metrino and pod taxis could soon be a reality in India after Niti Aayog cleared half-a-dozen proposals of the transport ministry exploring options to improve public transport. 
●    Following the go-ahead, the transport ministry has formed a six member committee, headed by a former top official of Railways, to study safety parameters associated with these technologies and global practices. 
●    A senior government official at Niti Aayog told ET, the think tank approved the proposals of the transport ministry with a condition that the ministry conducts trial run of all these technologies and puts in place safety measures before starting commercially operation.

No immediate arrest under dowry harassment law: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on 27 July 2017 ruled that the police cannot arrest the accused without conducting a preliminary inquiry under dowry harassment cases.
●    With this, the court puts an end to immediate arrests in dowry harassment cases, under Section 498A of Indian Penal Code (IPC).
●    The ruling was made by a bench of Justices A K Goel and UU Lalit.
●    The court held that arrests in dowry harassment cases, where the maximum punishment is up to 7 years in jail, cannot be made on a belief that the accused may have committed the offence.
●    There has to be adequate material to show that the arrest was necessary to prevent the accused from committing any further offence.
●    However, the bench made it clear that its directions will not extend to cases of tangible injury or death.
●    The court directed states to set up a Family Welfare Committees (FWC) comprising 3 members in every district across the country to keep an eye on the uprightness of each complaint.

Current Affairs 28th July 2017: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) in respect of tax matters identifying areas of cooperation signed by the BRICS Heads of Revenue at the Meeting held at Hangzhou,China

India's GST reform has been hailed by the BRICS countries in a meeting of Revenue Heads in China recently. 
●    In the meeting of the BRICS Heads of Revenue and Tax Experts held at Hangzhou, China from the 25th to 27th of July, 2017, India's GST reforms were appreciated and hailed by the BRICS countries. 
●    The Indian delegation was led by Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, Revenue Secretary of India. 
●    The leaders and representatives from BRICS countries were inquisitive about GST Reforms introduced in India and appreciated efforts of India in bringing about this major reform. 
●    During the Press Conference held after the meeting, the media also enquired about the GST reforms introduced in India. The salient features and advantages of the reform were explained to the media. 
●    During this meeting, the BRICS Heads of Revenue and Tax Experts deliberated upon contemporary International Tax issues. A joint communiqué was issued at the end of the meeting. 
●    A Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) in respect of tax matters identifying areas of cooperation, namely, coordination in International Forums, Capacity building, Experience sharing and regular interaction was also signed by the BRICS Heads of Revenue.
 

Current Affairs 28th July 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Nawaz Sharif Resigns as Pakistan Prime Minister

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday resigned from his post, his office said, hours after the country’s Supreme Court disqualified him over corruption claims against his family.
●    The Supreme Court said Sharif is not fit to hold office and ordered a criminal investigation into him and his family. The court also disqualified finance minister Ishaq Dar.
●    The prime minister’s office said in a statement that Sharif has “stepped down” despite having “serious reservations” about the judicial process.
●    Pakistan’s top court on Friday disqualified Sharif from office after a damning corruption probe into his family wealth, cutting short his third stint in power.
●    The Supreme Court dismissed Sharif after an investigative panel alleged his family could not account for its vast wealth. Domestic media reported a criminal investigation would also be launched against the premier and his family.

Current Affairs 28th July 2017: OBITUARY

Bollywood Actor Inder Kumar died

Bollywood actor Inder Kumar, who starred in Salman Khan's film 'Wanted', died due to a massive heart attack on Friday, July 28.
●    According to family sources, the actor suffered a heart attack at around 12:30 am while he was at his residence in Four Bungalows, Andheri.
●    Inder worked in several films and starred alongside Salman in 'Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye', 'Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge' and 'Wanted'. 
●    He had also appeared in Ekta Kapoor's long-running TV soap 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' as Mihir Virani. 
●    Currently, he was working on a film titled, "Phati Padi Hai Yaar".
●    Actress Raveena Tandon, who worked with Inder in 1996 film 'Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi', took to Twitter to condole his death.
 

Current Affairs 28th July 2017: APPOINTMENT

Google CEO Sundar Pichai appointed to the board of parent Alphabet

Google CEO Sundar Pichai just got appointed as a board member of Google’s parent company, Alphabet. According to Alphabet’s announcement, Pichai’s appointment to its Board of Directors was effective from July 19. 
●    Chennai-born Pichai joined Google in 2004 and after a major restructuring in 2015; he was elevated to the position of Google’s CEO.
●    Commenting on Pichai’s arrival, Larry Page, CEO of Alphabet and co-founder of Google said, “Sundar has been doing a great job as Google’s CEO, driving strong growth, partnerships, and tremendous product innovation. 
●    I really enjoy working with him and I’m excited that he is joining the Alphabet board.
●    Pichai’s journey in Google which began in 2004 started with helping lead the development of key consumer products. 
●    He then led various departments in Google like product, engineering and research efforts for its products and platforms. 
●    In 2015, Google’s co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin created a new company, Alphabet which serves as the parent company of Google and others like Calico, DeepMind, Google Fiber and CapitalG. As Recode reports, Pichai would be the 13th member of Alphabet’s Board of Directors. 
●    He is also the second to join from Google, the first being Diane Greene who heads the search giant’s cloud division.

Current Affairs 28th July 2017: DAYS AND DATES

World Hepatitis Day 2017 observed globally

The World Hepatitis Day was observed globally on 28 July 2017 with the theme "Eliminate Hepatitis" to mobilize intensified action towards the health targets in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
●    This year's theme is aimed at achieving elimination of hepatitis, greater awareness, increased diagnosis including universal vaccination, blood and injection safety, harm reduction and treatment.
●    The Day aims to bring the world together under a single theme to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change.
●    11 countries carry almost 50 per cent of the global burden of chronic hepatitis- Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Uganda, Vietnam.
●    17 countries have high prevalence and account for 70 per cent of the global burden of Hepatitis - Cambodia, Cameroon, Colombia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe.

Important Current Affairs 27th July 2017

Current Affairs 27th July 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Ministry of Earth Sciences Celebrates its 11th Foundation Day 

Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forests & Climate Change Dr. Harshvardhan inaugurated the 11th Foundation Day of Ministry of Earth Sciences in New Delhi today. 
●    Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Harshvardhan said that the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is mandated to provide the nation with the best possible services in forecasting the monsoons and other weather/climate parameters, ocean state, earthquakes, tsunamis and other phenomena related to earth systems, for the Public Safety and socio-economic benefits. 
●    The Ministry also deals with science and technology for exploration and exploitation of ocean resources (living and non-living), and play nodal role for Antarctic/Arctic/Himalayas and Southern Ocean research. 

Harshvardhan launches “Sagar Vani” - An Integrated Information Dissemination System

Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Dr. Harshvardhan launched an app “Sagar Vani” on the occasion of Foundation Day of Ministry of Earth Sciences in New Delhi today. 
●    ESSO-Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) under Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) provides ocean information services for the benefit of various user communities in the country. 
●    The services are more fruitfully utilized when the advisories reaches the end user in timely manner and in user readable format. 
●    Now-a-days ICT facilities in the country are accessible to large population of the country and that plays a major role in effective dissemination of information to the end user. 
●    ESSO-INCOIS has adopted the state-of-the-art technologies and tools available in the country for the timely dissemination of Ocean Information and Advisory Services that includes Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories, Ocean State Forecast (OSF), High Wave Alerts and Tsunami early warnings.

National Centre for Seismology launches ‘India Quake’ – An App for Earthquake Parameter Dissemination

Union Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Dr. Harshvardhan launched an app “India Quake” on the occasion of Foundation Day of Ministry of Earth Sciences in New Delhi today. 
●    National Centre for Seismology (NCS) operates national seismological network with 84 stations. 
●    These stations are connected to NCS headquarter through VSAT for real time data communication. In the event of an earthquake NCS locates them using data from its network and disseminate earthquake parameters to all the concerned government department and other stake holders through SMS, email and fax. 
●    However this causes some delay in dissemination and also restricts the number of recipients. 
●    To overcome this, a Mobile App has been developed by the NCS for automatic dissemination of earthquake parameter (location, time and magnitude) after the occurrence of earthquakes. 
●    The App will make information dissemination faster with no restrictions on the number of recipients. 
●    Any citizen can download this App and get the real time earthquake location information on his/her mobile. 
●    Other than scientific and administrative benefits of the App, it will help in reducing panic amongst people during an earthquake. 

Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir

The Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir is being implemented since 2011. 
●    The scheme aims to encourage the youth from Jammu & Kashmir to pursue higher education in educational institutions outside the state.
●    The Government has taken several initiatives to ensure that the benefits of the scheme is availed by all deserving students.
●    As a result of various initiatives, including creation of ten supernumerary quota in Engineering Colleges, more number of students are taking admission in professional courses.
●    The scheme envisages to provide 5000 fresh scholarships every year (4500 for General, 250 for Engineering and 250 for Medical studies).  
●    There is a provision of inter-changeability of slots, subject to shortfall in the number of General degree courses and in the process, allocating a higher number of students for certain professional courses.

Vijay Goel and Rajyavardhan Rathore inaugurate newly created 10-mts Rifle and Pistol Mini Range at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, Tughlakabad, New Delhi

Union Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore(Retd.) here today inaugurated 10-meter Rifle and Pistol Shooting Range at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, Tughlakabad, New Delhi.
●    Speaking on the occasion Shri Vijay Goel said that more utilization of stadiums and other infrastructure for the promotion of sports is aim of his ministry. 
●    He said, the newly created 10 M Mini range is primarily for the purpose to train the basics of shooting to the new comers of any age who want to pursue competitive shooting sports. 
●    He said now after introduction of this new manual electronic 05 point target system, they will be able to attain the bench mark level and thereafter can be shifted to computerized electronic target system meant for elite shooting training/competitions as per ISSF norms.
●    The Minister said this will not only increase the number of trainees manifold but also make the shooting event popular among the aspiring shooters. 
●    This new introductory training at to Mini Range will open the gate for grass root shooters who want to achieve excellence in competitive sports.
●    Col. Rathore congratulating Sports minister said it is a great initiative to popularize the game of shooting. He said this will help youngsters to take up shooting and boost India’s Olympic prospects.

Bandaru Dattatreya attends the BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meet in China

Indian delegation led by Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour & Employment participated in the BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meet, held on 26-27th, July, 2017 at Chonqging, China. China is the chair for the BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meet for the year 2017. 
●    The delegation included M Sathiyavathy, Secretary (Labour and Employment), Manish Gupta, Joint Secretary, Anuja Bapat, Director and Prof Sasikumar, Sr. Fellow, VVGNLI.
●    The meeting concluded with the adoption of the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministerial Declaration by the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers on 27th July 2017 in Chongqing, China. 
●    The Declaration covered a variety of areas that are of critical importance to all BRICS countries including India and called upon strengthening collaboration and cooperation on these through appropriate institutionalisation . 
●    These areas consisted of : “Governance in the Future of Work”, “Skills for development in BRICS”, “Universal and sustainable social security systems”, “BRICS Network of Labour Research Institutions”, “BRICS Social Security Cooperation Framework” and “BRICS entrepreneurship research”.

Current Affairs 27th July 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Bolivian President declares ‘Total Independence’ from World Bank and IMF

Bolivia declares Total Independence from World Bank and IMFBolivia’s President Eva Morales in July 2017 declared that his nation has achieved “total independence” from the IMF and the World Bank.
●    President Morales declared the news on his official twitter account.
●    The socialist leader published his comments following a meeting with his peers at a gathering in Argentina of the Mercosur, a sub-regional economic bloc.
●    "A day like today in 1944 ended Bretton Woods Economic Conference (USA), in which the IMF and WB were established. These organizations dictated the economic fate of Bolivia and the world. Today we can say that we have total independence of them."
●    On the other hand, President Morales accused world powers of intervening in oil rich nations such as Libya, Iraq, and Venezuela to “appropriate resources”. “As Mercosur countries or organizations of America, we can be complicit in a U.S. intervention in Venezuela,” he tweeted.
●    The President’s comments came as Bolivia begins its process of becoming a full member of the Mercosur, also called the Southern Common Market, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Current Affairs 27th July 2017: PERSON

Amazon's Jeff Bezos briefly overtakes Gates to become world’s richest person

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon became the world’s richest man on 27 July 2017, dethroning Microsoft founder Bill Gates from the position briefly.
●    With a jump in the share price of the US tech giant, Bezos's net worth topped $90.5 billion on the morning of 27 July, ahead of Bill Gates’ estimated worth of $90 billion, according to Forbes and Bloomberg.
●    However, a dip in Amazon's stock price in the afternoon made him slip back to $88.8 billion, behind Gates whose net worth is estimated to be $89.8 billion.
●    Gates has been the world’s richest person since 2013 on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
●    The vast majority of the Bezos’ fortune is tied up in Amazon stock, of which he owns nearly 17%.
●    Amazon, which started off initially as an online retailer, has now entered into various other fields including cloud computing, online video, computer hardware and artificial intelligence.
●    Bezos’ stake alone in the diversified tech firm is worth $83 billion.
●    Such a high value of the stake also means that his net worth value could fall as quickly as it rises, should Amazon's stock decline or Microsoft's value rise.
●    Overall, in the past four months, Amazon shares have risen by almost 24 percent, adding some $17 billion to the net worth of the 53-year-old Bezos.
●    According to Forbes, Gates has been the richest person in the magazine's annual rankings in March for the past four years and for 18 of the last 22 years.
●    Mexican telecom magnate Carlos Slim is the only person to have overtaken Gates for the period of 4 years from 2010 to 2013.

Important Current Affairs 26th July 2017

Current Affairs 26th July 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Cabinet approves revision of cost of Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal of Department of Rural Development for revision of cost of Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC 2011). It provides for:
●    Revising the cost of SECC 2011 to Rs. 4893.60 crore from the approved estimated expenditure of Rs.3,543.29 crore within the indicative cost of Rs.4,000 crore as approved by the Government. 
●    Approval of time and cost overrun and consequential revision in the upper limit of cost per record to the consortium of Central Public Sector Undertakings. 
●    The SECC -2011 project has been concluded on 31.3.2016. The cost has already been committed and the project has met all its milestones.

Cabinet approves revision of guidelines of Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given approval for revision of guidelines of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB) Scheme with a view to achieve its intended objectives. 
●    Two sets of changes have been made in the scheme: 
●    Specific changes have been made in the attributes of the scheme to make it more attractive, mobilise finances as per the target and reduce the economic strains caused by imports of gold and reduce the Current Account Deficit (CAD). 
●    Flexibility has been given to Ministry of Finance to design and introduce variants of SGBs with different interest rates and risk protection / pay-offs that would offer investment alternatives to different category of investors. 
●    Ministry of Finance (the issuer) has been delegated this power to amend / add to the features of the Scheme with approval of the Finance Minister to reduce the time lag between finalizing the attributes of a particular tranche and its notification. 
●    Such flexibility will be effective in addressing the elements of competition with new products of investment, to deal with very dynamic and sometimes volatile market, macro-economic and other conditions such as gold price.

Inauguration of CBRN Workshop by the COAS

The 5th Workshop on Medical Management of CBRN Casualties for Medical Officer is being held under the aegis of HQ Integrated Defence Staff (Medical) from 25 Jul 2017 to 28 Jul 2017. 
●    Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff, was the Chief Guest at the inaugural session.
●    The Chief of Army Staff, highlighted the need to work towards equipping and training doctors and paramedical staff in the Armed Forces to deal with all types of CBRN emergencies. 
●    The Chief of the Army Staff congratulated the organizers and expressed confidence that the endeavor in conducting this workshop will greatly impact the medical preparedness in tackling CBRN emergencies in future.
●    Lt Gen MK Unni, DGAFMS & Sr Col Comdt highlighted the heightened threat perception of CBRN weapons by rogue states and terrorist outfits in the currently prevailing international security environment.  
●    The use of such agents is likely to result in thousands of causalities, thereby overwhelming local health and medical resources and AFMS should be prepared to tackle this challenge.

Gadkari announces Rs 200 crore assistance to Assam for repair of rain ravaged National Highways

The Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari has announced a financial assistance of Rs. 200 crore as the first instalment for the immediate repairs of National Highways damaged due to the heavy rains in Assam. 
●    The announcement was made after the Assam Chief Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal called on Shri Gadkari for a review of the situation in Assam where heavy rains have led to National Highways being damaged. 
●    Meanwhile, an expert team of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials has been despatched for on the spot assessment of the damage. 
●    If needed, further financial assistance will be provided based on the NHAI team's report. The NHAI team is expected to submit its report within a week.
●    Another Rs 400 crore has been sanctioned for dredging work in Brahmaputra river. 
●    The work will start from September using six dredgers. 
●    Dredging will increase the depth of the river and prevent it from flooding. 
●    A total of seven bridges are to be built on Brahmaputra river during the next five years for better road connectivity with the NE region. 
●    Work on two bridges is underway. DPR for three more bridges is to be prepared by the state govt.

PM Modi gives Rs 500 cr immediate relief to flood-hit Gujarat

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi rushed to Gujarat on Tuesday evening to take stock of the situation arising after heavy rains and flooding of rivers in the districts of North Gujarat. 
●    After visiting the worst-affected district of Banaskantha, Prime Minister Modi announced immediate Central assistance of Rs 500 crore to the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF).
●    The Prime Minister announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 to those seriously injured in the floods. 
●    According to State government data, at least 61 lives have been lost in the rain-related incidents so far in the state.
●    On his arrival at the Ahmedabad Airport, the Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting to review flood relief and rescue operations. 
●    The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel besides senior minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama and former chief minister Anandiben Patel.

Current Affairs 26th July 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Sri Lanka clears revised deal for Hambantota port

Sri Lanka’s Cabinet on Tuesday cleared a revised deal for the Chinese-built port in Hambantota, the government said. 
●    The modified agreement, the government added, was more profitable to Sri Lanka and also addressed security concerns raised by other countries.
●    Speaking to reporters here, Ports Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said the Cabinet gave final approval to sell 70% stake in the southern port to the state-run China Merchants Port Holdings for $1.12 billion. 
●    “Some [diplomatic] missions here were worried that the port would be used as a military naval base. As per the revised agreement Sri Lanka will manage the port security,” he said.
●    While the Chinese would manage port operations, “no naval ship, including Chinese ones, can call at Hambantota without our permission”, Mr. Samarasinghe said.

Codex Alimentarius Commission meeting in Geneva adopts three Codex standards for spices 

In a major recognition of India’s efforts to benchmark global spices trade, the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has adopted three Codex standards for black, white and green pepper, cumin and thyme, paving the way for universal agreement on identifying quality spices in various countries. 
●    The member-countries of CAC, the international food standards-setting body which met in Geneva for its 40th session during July 17-22, unanimously approved the adoption of Codex standards for the three spices, which would facilitate evolving a common standardization process for their global trade and availability.
●    The Codex standards were adopted in the wake of India conducting three sessions of Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) at Kochi (2014), Goa (2015) and Chennai (2017). 
●    The Chennai session succeeded in achieving this consensus. Subsequently, these drafts were placed before the CAC, and it was adopted by consensus with an overwhelming support from the member-countries.

Important Current Affairs 25th July 2017

Current Affairs 25th July 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Union Finance Minister, releases a Case Study on the Birth of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India – “The GST Saga: A Story of Extraordinary National Ambition” 

A Case Study on the birth of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India – “The GST Saga: A Story of Extraordinary National Ambition” was released here today by the Union Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley in his office in North Block in the national  capital. 
●    In view of the successful roll-out of the GST on 1 July 2017, it was felt that there was a need for the public to know of the story of how GST evolved, its timeline, the different stakeholders involved and how it eventually culminated in its inauguration in the Central Hall of the Parliament of India on the midnight of 30th June,2017 and 1st July, 2017 by the President and Prime Minister of India. 
●    This case study accordingly captures the entire journey of GST right from its ideation in the Kelkar Task Force Report in 2003. 
●    Other salient features such as the dates on which the SGST Laws were enacted in the 31 States, peculiarity of the Indian GST model, how the fitment of rates was done and the IT backbone of GST have also been addressed in the case study, thus, making it a concise yet comprehensive repository of the GST story.

Foundation Day of Ministry of Earth Sciences

The Foundation Day of Ministry of Earth Sciences is celebrated on 27th July every year.  The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is mandated to provide the nation with the best possible services in forecasting the monsoons and other weather/climate parameters, ocean state, earthquakes, tsunamis and other phenomena related to earth systems, for the Public Safety and socio-economic benefits. 
●    The Ministry also deals with science and technology for exploration and exploitation of ocean resources (living and non-living), and play nodal role for Antarctic/Arctic/Himalayas and Southern Ocean research.
●    This year too, the Foundation Day is being celebrated on 27th July 2017 at the Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.  
●    The Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsha Vardhan and the Minister of State of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Y. S. Chowdary will be the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively. 
●    The foundation day lecture will be given by Dr. Michael McPhaden an eminent scientist from USA.
●    In order to provide due recognition and platform to major scientific contributions made by eminent scientists/engineers in various fields of Earth System Science and also considering the need to encourage young researchers for coming into the mainstream of Earth System Science, the ESSO has instituted the Lifetime Excellence Award and National Earth System Sciences Awards.

First Two NOPVs Shachi and Shruti Launched by RDEL at Pipavav, Gujarat

Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (RDEL) today launched the first two Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPVs) at their shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat. 
●    The ships are part of a five ship project being constructed for the Indian Navy. The two NOPVs, Shachi and Shruti were launched by Smt. Preeti Luthra, wife of Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC; the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command at the RDEL Shipyard Pipavav, Gujarat.
●    The primary role of NOPVs is to undertake surveillance of the country’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) besides operational tasks such as anti-piracy patrols, fleet support operations, maritime security of offshore assets, coastal security operations, and protection of shipping lanes. 
●    The NOPVs would increase the ocean surveillance and patrolling capabilities of the Indian Navy.
●    The NOPVs being constructed at RDEL are patrol ships and are armed with 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) system along with two 30mm AK-630M guns which provide medium range and short range offensive and defensive capabilities. 
●    The armament is remotely controlled through an electronic Fire Control System. The ships are fitted with diesel engine driven propulsion systems and can deliver speeds up to 25 knots. 
●    All ship operations are controlled by an intelligent Integrated Platform Management System which has interfaces for all operational activities onboard the ship.

Madhya Pradesh Government constitutes Food Commission

The state government of Madhya Pradesh on 21 July 2017 appointed a four-member food commission headed by IAS (retd.) Rajkishore Swain. 
●    The commission was appointed in accordance with the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013.
●    The commission will be responsible for monitoring implementation of the provisions of the National Food Security Act 2013 in the state. It will be responsible for monitoring
●    Distribution of the food grains under Public Distribution System (PDS).
●    Implementation of the Midday Meal Scheme and Integrated Child Development Services scheme in the state.
●    For distribution of food items that are provided under maternity entitlements to women.

Union Government launches mobile app Aarambh for road maintenance

The Union Government on 24 July 2017 introduced a mobile app Aarambh for road maintenance.
●    The app was launched by Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Drinking Water & Sanitation, and Deborah Greenfield, Deputy Director General (Policy) of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
●    In addition, Tomar and Greenfield also launched a Concept Note and Guidance Note for Mobilizing Funds for Maintenance of Rural Road. 
●    The Concept Note outlines innovative ways, which can be adopted by the State Governments for mobilizing additional funds for road maintenance and presents some international best practices worldwide.

Rajya Sabha passes Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2017

The Rajya Sabha on 24 July 2017 passed the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2017. 
●    The Bill was presented by the Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Mansukh L Mandaviya.
●    The Bill repeals laws such as the Admiralty Court Act, 1861 and the Colonial Courts of Admiralty Act, 1890.
●    The bill was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha in March 2017.
●    The Bill provides for prioritization of maritime claims and maritime liens while providing protection to owners, charterers, operators, crew members and seafarers at the same time.
●    The Bill seeks to consolidate the laws relating to admiralty jurisdiction, legal proceedings in connection with vessels, their arrest, detention, sale and other related matters.
●    While earlier only the High Courts of Bombay, Calcutta and Madras could take up maritime cases, the Bill extends the power to the High Courts of all the coastal states like Karnataka, Kerala, Hyderabad, Orissa and Gujarat.

Current Affairs 25th July 2017: SPORTS

India finishes 7th in Youth Commonwealth Games with 11 medals

The Indian contingent finished an impressive seventh in the recently-concluded 6th Youth Commonwealth Games at the Bahamas with a total tally of 11 medals including four gold, one silver and six bronze medals.
●    Speaking on the occasion, Rajeev Mehta, Secretary General, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) stated, "I would like to congratulate all our young medal winners for their wonderful performance in the Commonwealth Youth Games. 
●    They have done a wonderful job, in making our country proud. 
●    I am sure such performances will boost their morale for future events and I wish them success in future".
●    The six-day event was kick-started on 18 July with India grabbing four medals in Judo.
●    While Soni picked up India’s first gold medal by beating Australia’s Uros Nikolic in the 73kg category event, Ashish followed it up with a bronze medal in the 60kg category after defeating England’s Harry Zane-Prosser.
 

Important Current Affairs 24th July 2017

Current Affairs 24th July 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Dr Jitendra Singh lays foundation stone of Barak Hostel at JNU campus 

The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone of Barak Hostel in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus here today. 
●    During the occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that it has been a long wait for today’s event to take place. 
●    He highlighted that JNU has more than 8,000 students, out of which there are more students from Northeast than any other State outside NE region. 
●    He said that last year, the Foundation Stone of a Hostel exclusively for Northeast girl students was also laid in Bangalore University. 
●    Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the focus of the Government is to bring rest of India closer to North East India. 
●    He said that the Ministry of DoNER has created “Venture Capital Fund” for the young Start-Ups and entrepreneurs, who decide to initiate an enterprise in NE region. 
●    He said that this initiative is in addition to all the incentives available for Northeast. 
●    He also emphasized upon the literacy rate of Northeast region and said that the State of Mizoram has a high literacy rate, next to Kerala.

Airport Authority of India signs MoU with Govt. of Uttarakhand for development for aviation sector in the State

Going ahead with its commitment towards the responsibility of creating, upgrading, maintaining and managing civil aviation infrastructure in the country, Airports Authority of India (AAI) signed an MoU with Government of Uttarakhand last week and joined hands with Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) to develop the civil aviation sector in the state. 
●    The scope of the MoU is to identify relevant factors influencing the development of civil aviation infrastructure in Uttarakhand, assessing commercial potential of various airports of the state, identifying technical considerations for airport operations in the state, evaluating site related technical and engineering parameters for development of projects, making estimate of the capital outlay for the future projects and development of master plan for existing and future civil aviation infrastructure in the state. 
●    AAI will also assist UCADA in obtaining necessary clearances for airport operations starting with the upgraded airport at Pithoragarh and later at Chiniyalisaur. 
●    The MoU was signed by Shri. S. Ramaswamy, Chief Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand and Shri. Anil Gupta, General Manager (Business Development). Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary, GoUK said that the Government of Uttarakhand is determined to fulfill the long pending requirement of operational airports within the state. 
●    These airports would also be part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme and will boost tourism and air connectivity for the local public.

Lok Sabha Amends Free, Compulsory Education Bill

The Lok Sabha on Friday gave its approval to a bill amending the law on free and compulsory education to extend the deadline for teachers to acquire the prescribed minimum qualifications for appointment. 
●    Replying to a brief debate on the The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javedakar said that some states have adopted innovative ways to tackle with the problem of proxy teachers.
●    He said one of the ways was of putting up photographs of teachers in the school and another was a technology application that registers attendance when students and teachers are in 50 feet radius of the school.
●    Responding to points raised by members, he said learning outcomes were important and the government was planning to bring a bill to boost academic performances.

UP Government announces to launch all-women 'Pink' AC buses with CCTV cameras

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Government on 24 July 2017 announced to launch 'Pink' air-conditioned buses installed with CCTV cameras exclusively for women. 
●    The staff, including the conductor in these buses, will be women only. The 'Pink' buses will have panic buttons installed for emergencies.
●    A presentation in this regard was made before the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development on 21 July 2017 by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) authorities.
●    Following this, the Union Ministry sanctioned funds for the 50 buses from its 'Nirbhaya Fund' for the 'Pink' buses in UP. 
●    The ministry permitted the state government to buy the buses and install CCTV cameras in the other 12500 buses owned by the UPSRTC.
●    The Union Government created the Rs 1000 crore Nirbhaya Fund in 2013 after the 2012 gangrape case, in which a girl named Nirbhaya was brutally raped. 
●    These funds were created to support gender sensitisation and to ensure safety of women.

India to host Global Conference on Cyber Space 2017

Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice in July 2017 announced that the 5th Global Conference on Cyber Space (GCCS), one of the world’s largest conferences on Cyber Space and related issues, will be hosted by India.
●    The Conference will take place on 23 and 24 November 2017 in New Delhi.
●    The 5th Global Conference on Cyber Space will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.
●    It is the first time ever that the Global Conference on Cyber Space is taking place outside Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations.
 

Current Affairs 24th July 2017: APPOINTMENTS

Gopal Baglay appointed as Joint Secretary in PMO

Gopal Baglay, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, was on 21 July 2017 appointed as the Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). 
●    His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for a period of three years.
●    Baglay succeeds Vinay Mohan Kwatra, who is now appointed as India's Ambassador to France.
●    Baglay's appointment as the Joint Secretary came less than five months after he took charge as Head of the ministry's external publicity division. 
●    He is likely to be succeeded by Raveesh Kumar, Consul General of India in Frankfurt.
●    Baglay is a 1992 batch Indian Foreign Service officer.
●    He has handled media at the embassy in Kathmandu as a counsellor from 2008 to 2010.
●    Baglay has served as Deputy High Commissioner to Islamabad from 2011 to 2014.
 

Current Affairs 24th July 2017: SPORTS

England beats India by 9 runs to lift ICC Women's World Cup 2017

●    The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup is the oldest and most prestigious international women's cricket tournament.
●    It is currently organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
●    Until 2005, it was administered by a separate body, the International Women's Cricket Council (IWCC).
●    The first World Cup was held in England in 1973, two years before the inaugural men's tournament.
●    The eleven World Cups played to date have been held in five different countries, with India and England having hosted the event three times.
 

Current Affairs 24th July 2017: OBITUARY

Senior Congress Leader Shivajirao Giridhar Patil passes away

Shivajirao Girdhar Patil, senior Congress leader, freedom fighter and former Maharashtra Minister passed away at a private hospital in Mumbai on 22 July 2017. He was 92.
●    The father of late National Award winning actress Smita Patil, he began his social activism at an early age when he took part in the Indian independence movement. 
●    Patil like his daughter had always displayed a staunch commitment to social causes across sectors with unwavering resolve and contribution in the fields of education and agriculture through the cooperative sector.
●    He was married to Vidyatai Patil, a social worker, who passed away in March 2015 after 77 years of marriage. He is survived by two daughters, Anita Deshmukh and Manya Seth and actor grandson, Prateik Babbar, the son of Smita who had died during childbirth in December 1986.
●    Senior Congress Leader and Freedom Fighter Shivajirao Giridhar Patil passes away 
●    He served as an active politician since a very young age and had been associated with several political parties including CPI, Congress, Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party.
●    He began his career as a radical and a freedom fighter and was attracted to the Communist movement as a teenager.