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Important Current Affairs 23rd June 2017

Important Current Affairs 23rd June 2017

Current Affairs 23rd June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

A commemorative postage stamp released on completion of 50 years of Passport Act. 

The Minister for Communications Shri Manoj Sinha said that the Passport Seva Project (PSP) has been a watershed in the history of passport issuance in India with its successful implementation in the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. 
●    The entire process of citizen service delivery has been re-engineered, standardized and automated. 
●    Speaking after releasing a commemorative postage stamp on completion of 50 years of “The Passports Act, 1967”, he said that services are delivered through a country-wide networked environment - integrating all Passport Issuing Authorities, around 91 Passport Seva Kendras, as well as providing access to a number of external stakeholders viz. Immigration, Police, India Post, India Security Press and Embassies/ Consulates abroad.
●    Shri Sinha said that 24th June 1967 marked an important milestone in the history of passport issuance in India as it was on this day that the President gave assent to the Passports Act 1967. 
●    The Passports Act provided a robust legal framework for the issue of passports and travel documents and regulation of the departure from India of Indian citizens.

IAF Mountaineering Expedition Flagged in by the CAS

An IAF team of mountaineers successfully summited Mt Dhaulagiri on 20 May 2017.  
●    The team was flagged in by The CAS, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC on 21 Jun 2017.
●    Having been flagged off on 12 Apr 2017, the team lead by Group Captain   RC Tripathi reached Dhaulagiri base camp on 26 Apr 2017.  
●    Having established themselves at the Base Camp, the team climbed till Camp-2 during the acclimatisation phase.  
●    The team members finally submitted the peak and hoisted the IAF Flag atop on 20 May 2017.
●    Mt Dhaulagiri happens to be the 7th highest and the fourth toughest peak for climbers. 

External Affairs Ministry Celebrates the Completion of 50 Years of the Passport Act 1967 as Passport Seva Divas and Conference of Regional Passport Officers


The Ministry of External affairs celebrated the completion of 50 years of the Passport Act 1967 as the 5th Passport Seva Divas and a Conference of the Regional Passport Officers in New Delhi on 22nd and 23rd June 2017. 
●    It was on 24th June, 1967 that the Passport Act came into effect. 
●    The External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of State for Communications (Independent Charge) Shri Manoj Sinha as well as Ministers of State for External Affairs, Gen V K Singh and Shri M J Akbar addressed the officers and released a Special Commemorative Stamp on this special event. 
●    Senior officials of the ministry of External Affairs and other government departments beside 38 Passport officers and officials of service provider TCS attended the function where awards of excellence were presented to the best performing Passport Officers and Police Officers for best passport and verification services. 
●    Speaking at the event marking the completion of 50 years of Passport Act, 1967 The External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj gave this message to Passport Issuing Authorities in India: 
●    “It is a matter of immense pleasure for me to felicitate all our Passport Issuing Authorities in India and abroad on the occasion of the Fifth Passport Seva Divas on 24 June, 2017. 
●    This year we are celebrating the completion of 50 Years of the enactment of the Passports Act, 1967. 
●    The Ministry of External Affairs and its subordinate office - the Central Passport Organisation - have good reasons to celebrate as well as mark the event with renewed commitment to provide better passport services in a timely, assured, and efficient manner.

Auction for Sale (Re-issue) of Government of India Floating Rate Bonds

Government of India has announced the Sale (re-issue) of (i) “Government of India Floating Rate Bonds 2024” for a notified amount of  Rs. 3000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, (ii) “6.79 per cent Government Stock, 2027” for a notified amount of Rs. 8,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, (iii) “7.73 per cent Government Stock  2034” for a notified amount of Rs. 2,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, (iv) “7.06 per cent Government Stock, 2046” for a notified amount of  Rs. 2,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction. 
●    The auctions will be conducted using multiple price method. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on June 30, 2017 (Friday).
●    Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the stocks will be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
●    Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) system on June 30, 2017. 
●    The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 10.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. and the competitive bids should be submitted between 10.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon.  


Quality of life in 116 major cities to be assessed; City Liveability Index launched 

In yet another major initiative, the Ministry of Urban Development today launched the ‘City Liveability Index’ for measuring the quality of life in 116 major cities including smart cities, capital cities and cities with a population of above one million each.
●    The Index, a Common Minimum Reference Framework to enable the cities know where they stand in terms of quality of life and the interventions required to improve the same was today launched by the Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu here today at a National Workshop on Urban Transformation.
●    Stating that cities are now moving on a well thought out course of infrastructure development under new urban missions launched during the last three years, Shri Naidu said “ Time has now come to measure life quality in cities and rank them accordingly”.


30 more smart cities announced; takes the total to 90 so far 

Central government today announced another list of 30 cities for development as smart cities taking the total cities picked up so far to 90 under Smart City Mission launched on June 25, 2015.
●    Announcing the new batch of smart cities at a National Workshop on Urban Transformation here today, Minister of Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu said that 45 cities contested for 40 available smart city slots but only 30 were selected to ensure feasible and workable plans that match the aspirations of the citizens as directed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi while launching the mission.
●    Shri Naidu informed that the 30 cities announced today proposed a total investment of Rs.57,393 cr under respective smart city plans. 
●    This includes Rs.46,879 cr for ensuring core infrastructure in the areas identified by citizens for area based development and Rs.10,514 cr for technology based solutions for improving governance , service delivery and utilization of infrastructure. 
●    With this the total investment approved under the smart city plans of 90 cities has gone up to Rs.1,91,155 cr.
●    The Minister said that 20 cities will be contesting for the remaining 10 slots under smart city mission. 
●    These are; Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), Biharsharif (Bihar), Diu (Daman & Diu), Silvassa (Dadra and Nagar Haveli), Kavaratti (Lakshadweep), Navi Mumbai, Greater Mumbai and Amaravati (Maharashtra), Imphal (Manipur), Shillong (Meghalaya), Dindigul and Erode(Tamil Nadu), Bidhannagar, Durgapur and Haldia (West Bengal), Meerut,Rai  Bareilly, Ghaziabad, Saharanpur and Rampur (UP).


 

Cyber crimes against children can now be reported at the POCSO e-Box 

Child victims of cyber crimes can now lodge their complaints at National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)’s POCSO e-box. 
●    Considering the growing menace of cyber crimes targeting children, NCPCR has now enhanced the scope of POCSO e-box to handle cyber bullying, cyber stalking, morphing of images and child pornography.
●    Child victims themselves or their friends, parents, relatives or guardians can report cyber crimes by pressing the e-box button available at the Commission’s website, www.ncpcr.gov.in They can also register their complaints on email id: pocsoebox-ncpcr@gov.in or mobile no.: 9868235077.
●    Child abuse is finding new forms and channels through mobile and digital technologies. 
●    In India about 134 million children have access to mobile phones and the number is growing very fast with even faster access to internet. 
●    While this provides opportunities for accessing useful material for learning purposes, lack of digital literacy and online safety measures expose children to hazards of cyber crime.

Current Affairs 23rd June 2017: SPACE SCIENCE

PSLV-C38 Successfully Launches 31 Satellites in a Single Flight 


ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C38 successfully launched the 712 kg Cartosat-2 Series Satellite along with 30 co-passenger satellites today from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota. 


●    This is the thirty ninth consecutively successful mission of PSLV. 
●    PSLV-C38 lifted off at 0929 hrs (9:29 am) IST, as planned, from the First Launch Pad. 
●    After a flight of about 16 minutes, the satellites achieved a polar Sun Synchronous Orbit of 505 km inclined at an angle of 97.44 degree to the equator (very close to the intended orbit) and in the succeeding seven and a half minutes, all the 31 satellites successfully separated from the PSLV in a predetermined sequence beginning with Cartosat-2 series satellite, followed by NIUSAT and 29 customer satellites. 
●    The total number of Indian satellites launched by PSLV now stands at 48. 

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Important Current Affairs 22nd June 2017

Important Current Affairs 22nd June 2017

Current Affairs 22nd June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Uttarakhand and Haryana declared 4th and 5th ODF States in the country 

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G), rural Uttarakhand and rural Haryana have declared themselves as the 4th and 5th Open Defecation Free (ODF) States of India. 
●    The two today joined the league of Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, which were the first three states to be declared ODF. 
●    Nationally, the sanitation coverage has increased from 42% to over 64% in just two and a half years since the launch of SBM. 
●    Uttarakhand has 13 districts, 95 blocks, 7256 gram panchayats and 15751 villages while Haryana has 21 districts, 124 blocks, and 6083 gram panchayats - all of which have declared themselves as ODF in formal declarations in Dehradun and Chandigarh, respectively.

India Signs Loan Agreement of World Bank for USD 240 million and USD 160 Million from AIIB 

A Loan Agreement for part funding of USD 240 million from the World Bank (IBRD) and USD 160 Million from AIIB (60:40 ratio) for “24X7 Power for All in Andhra Pradesh Project” was signed here today by Shri Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary (MI), Department of Economic Affairs,Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of India, Mr. Hisham Abdo, Operations Manager and Acting Country Director, World Bank (India) on behalf of the World Bank and Mr. D.J. Pandian Vice-President & Chief Investment Officer, AIIB. 
●    The Program Implementing Entity Agreement was signed by Mr. K. Ranganatham, Adviser (Energy), Department of Energy, Government of Andhra Pradesh on behalf of Government of AP, the Country Director (India) on behalf of the World Bank and the Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, AIIB on behalf of the AIIB.
●    Total Cost of the project is USD 570 million, out of which USD 240 million is from World Bank (IBRD) and USD 160 million from AIIB. The rest will be counterpart funding from GoAP.
●    The objective of the project is to increase the delivery of electricity to customers and to improve the operational efficiency and system reliability in distribution of electricity in selected areas in Andhra Pradesh.


 

EPFO signs MoU with HUDCO under new Housing Scheme of EPF & MP Act-1952 

Dr. V.P. Joy, Central Provident Fund Commissioner and Dr. M. Ravi Kanth, CMD HUDCO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the august presence of Union Minister of Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu and the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Labour & Employment, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya for facilitating “Housing for All by 2022” here today.
●    By taking one step forward to achieve Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Housing for all by 2022, EPFO has amended EPF Scheme 1952 vide Gazette notification No. G.S.R. 351(E) dated 12th April, 2017 to provide assistance in acquiring affordable houses to the EPF members by allowing withdrawal from the provident fund to the extent of 90% of the total PF accumulation and also facilitating payment of installment of housing loan. 
●    The major objective of this scheme is to assist in building houses for workers integrating with housing programmes of the Central and State Governments.

Ministry of Mines Invites Science and Technology Project Proposals 

●    Projects are invited from Academic Institutions, Universities, National Institutes and R&D Institution recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India, for upto 3 years duration in the following thrust areas which have direct bearing on mineral sector, applied and sustainable aspect of mining and industrial applications:
●    The broad thrust areas for supporting Research in Mining are given below:
●    Prospecting/exploration for strategic rare and rare earth minerals.
●    Development of new technology for mineral exploration and mining on land and deep sea to locate and exploit new mineral resources.
●    Research in mining methods. This includes rock mechanics, mine designing, mining equipments, energy conservation, environmental protection and mine safety.
●    Improve efficiency in process, operations, recovery of by-products and reduction in specification and consumption norms.
●    Research in metallurgy and mineral beneficiation techniques to utilize lower grade and finer size ores.
●    Extraction of value added products from mine waste, plant tailings etc.
●    Development of new alloys and metal related products, etc.

Jitendra Singh launches Online Software for Departmental Proceedings

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh launched the online Software for Departmental Proceedings, here today.
●    Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh complemented the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), CVC and other departments for their collective efforts in this direction. 
●    He said that the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been working on the principles of ‘maximum governance, minimum government’, transparency with accountability & citizen centricity and zero tolerance against corruption. 
●    The Minister said that the aim of the software is to see that the proceedings are done against corrupt officers and the honest officers are not put to harm due to inordinate delays. 
●    He said that the bureaucracy is the tool of governance and the aim of the government is to provide work-friendly environment to the officers. 
●    He said that the software will check that the honest officers are not intimidated and it will encourage the transparent functioning in the Government. 
●    It will ensure that the malpractices are not spared and the good practices are not punished, he added. 
●    He said that the efforts have been made to complete the disciplinary enquiry within 2 years. 
●    He said that reducing the timeline in completion of disciplinary proceedings will give faster relief to the honest officers.

Central Government issues commemorative postage stamps on 250th anniversary of 'Survey of India'

Survey of India strives to keep India among the best surveyed countries in the world-Manoj Sinha Commemorative postage stamp released on 250th anniversary of Survey of India
●    Minister of Communications Shri Manoj Sinha today said that Survey of India has has met the challenges of surveying the indomitable Himalaya, blazing deserts and animal infested jungles. 
●    The Department is continuously striving to keep abreast of modern technology and has successfully entered the era of Digital Mapping and Geographic Information Systems. 
●    Shri Sinha was speaking here after releasing a set of two commemorative postage stamps and a miniature sheet on Survey of India" on the occasion of its 250th anniversary. 
●    He said that the Survey of India, fondly called the Department by its members is built on solid foundations, strong traditions and deep roots, keeps striving to keep India among the best surveyed countries in the world, adopting the latest technologies to meet new challenges and always living up to its motto: A Setu Himachalam i.e. 'From Setu to the Himalaya' (covering entire India). 
●    Shri Sinha said that the Department of Posts issues Commemorative postage stamps on Institutions that have a national or International stature or have made national/international contribution. 
●    He said that the origin of Survey of India can be traced back to Year 1767, when Major James Rennell was appointed as the Surveyor General of Bengal. 
●    It is the oldest scientific department in India and one of the oldest survey establishments in the world. Survey of India also has the distinct honour of printing the first Postage Stamp of India and the first copy of the Constitution of India. 
●    The Minister said that the officers and staff of the Survey of India have to pioneer untrodden lands for others to follow and build upon.


 

Presidential election: Meira Kumar is Opposition candidate

The Opposition unanimously selected former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on Thursday as its candidate for the presidential election next month.
●    If the decision to challenge the BJP nominee, Ram Nath Kovind, sprang from a desire to jointly fight “an ideological battle” against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in the lead-up to 2019, the fact that Ms. Kumar is from Bihar played a role in her selection.
●    With the defection of the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) to the BJP camp, a sore point with the Opposition leaders who gathered at the Parliament Library, there was a clear sense — though not stated — that the presence of Ms. Meira Kumar in the fray might embarrass the JD(U). Especially as the Bihar Chief Minister had stressed he was backing the Uttar Pradesh-born R.N. Kovind as he was Governor of Bihar. 
●    RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav later said he would ask Mr. Nitish Kumar to change his mind and back the daughter of Bihar.
●    Ms. Kumar, as senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad pointed out, is the daughter of freedom fighter, former Union Minister and Dalit icon Jagjivan Ram, and has an impressive CV — she has been a five-time Lok Sabha member, Lok Sabha Speaker, Union Cabinet Minister and has had a stint in the Indian Foreign Service.

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Important Current Affairs 21st June 2017

Important Current Affairs 21st June 2017

Current Affairs 21st June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launched website

In order to ensure preparedness for GST implementation from 1st of July 2017, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology has launched a dedicated Webpage for facilitating taxpayers with regard to addressing issues related to Information Technology Services & Electronics goods.
●    The Webpage can be accessed through Ministry’s Web Portal http://meity.gov.in/ .
●    Individuals, Companies and Entrepreneurs in IT & Electronics sector can visit the webpage for sector-specific information.
●    The web page also enables filing of grievances in relation to implementation of GST.

Ministry of Tourism releases ‘Compendium on guidelines for Ayush facilities’ 


The Ministry of Tourism has released the ‘Compendium on Guidelines for Ayush Facilities’ here today. 
●    The National Medical & Wellness Tourism Board under the chairmanship of Minister for Tourism Dr. Mahesh Sharma has been repeatedly stressing on the need for benchmarking of facilities offered by the various service providers in the field of Medical and Wellness Tourism on the basis of globally accepted standards. 
●    The constant endeavour of the Ministry of Tourism has been to promote institutions and processes that have achieved such standards in order to provide excellence in service quality. 
●    The compendium includes accreditation available for the following facilities:
●    Ayurveda Hospitals
●    Yoga and Naturopathy Hospitals
●    Unani Hospitals
●    Sidha Hospitals
●    Homeopathy Hospitals
●    Panchkarma Clinics
●    Wellness Centres


NCERT’s National Yoga Olympiad- 2017 Concludes 


A 3-day National Yoga Olympiad concluded at Talkatora stadium, New Delhi yesterday, with distribution of Prizes to the children of winner states by the Chief Guest Shri Upendra Kushwaha, MoS, Ministry of HRD. 
●    The Guest of Honour on the occasion was Dr. H.R Nagendra, Chancellor of S VYASA University, Bangalore.
●    The awards were given in four categories –
●    Upper Primary (Girls) – The Gold medal was bagged by the Gujarat team, the Silver medal by the Delhi team and Bronze medal by the Haryana team.
●    Upper Primary (Boys) – The Gold medal was bagged by the Delhi team, the Silver medal by the Gujarat team and Bronze medal by the Tamil Nadu team.
●    Secondary (Girls) – The Gold medal was bagged by the Delhi team, the Silver medal by the Gujarat team and the Bronze medal by the Karnataka team.
●    Secondary (Boys) – The Gold medal was bagged by the Haryana team, the Silver medal by the Delhi team and the Bronze medal by the Manipur team.


Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel and tennis legend Vijay Amritraj take part in curtain raiser for second edition of Slum Daud

Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel here today led the curtain raiser of the second edition of the Slum Daud. 
●    Chief Guest for the event was tennis legend Vijay Amritraj. 
●    The first edition of the Slum Daud was held on 26 May in which 5000 youngsters from various slums in Delhi participated wholeheartedly. 
●    The Slum Yuva Daud is part of the Adopt Slum Campaign initiated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan. 
●    Interacting with the media Shri Goel said, “This would enable us to gather the youth and know about their skills and ideas. 
●    We would organize mini-fests in slums with the themes of Swachhta, Digital India, Beti Bachao Beti Padao etc.” 
●    “We will aim at creating model slums and create groups of youth who will work as agents of change to work for the development of their respective slums/areas”, Goel added.

Current Affairs 21st June 2017: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

10th Anniversary Celebrations of Indo-Russian Partnership in Science and Technology

A MOU on the India-Russia unified technology assessment and accelerated commercialization programme, was concluded in Moscow in 20th June 2017, by the Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST) Professor Ashutosh Sharma and Director General, Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises (FASIE), Russia Dr. Sergey Polyakov. 
●    The MOU aims at facilitating support enterprises to improve their global competitiveness through international cooperation, innovative activities and technology transfer. 
●    The two agencies (DST and FASIE) will link the Indian and Russian organisations and institutions to develop user-friendly and easy mechanisms for assisting companies and research entities to jointly develop technology collaboration and joint projects. 

INDIA PAVILION at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) International Convention & Exhibition San Diego, USA 

The Indian Pavilion at BIO International Convention & Exhibition 2017, San Diego was inaugurated by the Minister of State for S&T and Earth Sciences, Mr. Y S Chowdary.
●    The MAKE IN INDIA theme has been emphasized in the Indian Pavilion. 
●    Inaugurating the Pavilion, the Minister stated that the positive discussions during BIO will lead to a lot of new opportunities for Indian start-up companies in Science & Technology and will also boost the confidence of international stakeholders in India’s biotech sector. 
●    More than 30 start-ups, companies, state governments, biotech parks and research institutes are exhibiting at the India Pavilion.
●    BIO has attracted over 15000 attendees from over 60 countries and provides a global opportunity at a single location.
●    The Minister also released a 60-page India Biotech Handbook 2017, showcasing the strengths of India’s fast-growing $42 billion Bio-Economy. 

Qatar Airways announced World's Best Airline at 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards

Qatar Airways on 20 June 2017 was announced the World’s Best Airline at the SKYTRAX 2017 World Airline Awards.
●    Qatar Airways was voted Best Airline by travellers across the world in the annual passenger survey.
●    The Doha based carrier has now won the prestigious Airline of the Year title for a fourth time.
●    Qatar Airways also won the World’s Best Business Class, the World’s Best First Class Lounge and the Best Airline in the Middle East awards.
●    On the other hand, Air Asia won awards for being the Best Low-Cost Airline in Asia for a month year in the row, and also as World's Best Low-Cost Airline Premium Cabin 2017.
●    World's Best Low-Cost Airline: AirAsia
●    Best Low-Cost Airline in Asia: AirAsia
●    Best Airline in Central Asia / India: Air Astana
●    Best Regional Airline in Asia: Bangkok Airways
●    Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia / India: Indigo
●    Best Airline in Asia: Singapore Airlines

China launched train with virtual track

China has unveiled world’s first train that runs on a virtual track making use of sensor technology instead of metal rails.
●    The new trains are non-polluting as they are battery powered.
●    The train is capable of reaching a top speed of 70 kmph and can travel a distance of 25 km by just charging for 10 minutes.
●    The train which is only about 32 metres long can carry up to 307 passengers.
●    The new trains are fitted with sensors which are capable of detecting the dimensions of the road permitting it to follow the routes without the need for metal rails. 
●    So it can run without the presence of tracks. The new trains will make use of rubber wheels on a plastic core and can be automatically guided without rails. 
●    This new technology has been copyrighted by the Chinese rail corporation.
●    The train will be rolled out for public use in 2018. It will be launched in the Chinese city of Zhuzhou in a bid to help to deal with traffic in the area.
●    The new train is expected to have a lifespan of around 25 years.

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Important Current Affairs 20th June 2017

Important Current Affairs 20th June 2017

Current Affairs 20th June 2017: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Afghan president inaugurates first air corridor with India, bypassing Pakistan

President Ashraf Ghani has inaugurated the first Afghanistan-India air corridor during a ceremony at the Kabul international airport – a direct route that bypasses Pakistan and is meant to improve commerce.
●    Ghani, who thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the air corridor, said the aim of the route is to create more opportunities and make Afghanistan an exporter country. “India is a big market for Afghan goods,” he said.
●    The president’s adviser, Sediqullah Mujadedi, said Afghan agricultural products will for the first time head to India on cargo planes. Mujadedi said the first India-bound flight on Monday included 60 tons of medicinal plants and a second flight will carry 40 tons of dry fruits from the southern Kandahar province.
●    Afghanistan is a mountainous landlocked country and all imports and exports depend on neighbouring countries. Even before relations between Kabul and Islamabad became strained over accusations of harbouring militants, Pakistan has stymied Afghanistan’s efforts to trade with India.

Australia announces online visa applications for Indians from 1 July

The Australian High Commission and Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection announced on 16 June 2017 that from 1 July 2017, all Indian nationals will be able to apply for visitor visa online. 
●    Speaking on the development, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Alex Hawke, said that the online application option would make applying for the country’s visitor visa easier for Indians and thus enhance their overall experience. 
●    According to an official statement by the Australian government, there has been a significant increase in demand for Australian visas in India with the rising popularity of Australia as a holiday destination.
 

Current Affairs 20th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

India becomes 71st country to ratify UN TIR Convention

India has become the 71st country to ratify the United Nations International Convention on Road Transports (TIR) that will help boost trade and regional integration across South Asia and beyond, fast-tracking the region’s potential to become a strategic trade hub.
●    TIR is the global standard for goods customs transit managed and developed by IRU, International Road Transport Union.
●    Speaking on India’s acceptance of the body, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said that he is delighted to welcome India into the TIR family of nations and it is a significant step in harmonising standards and boosting transport, trade and development across South Asia.
●    The accession to the TIR Convention is part of India’s multi-modal transport strategy that aims to integrate the economy with global and regional production networks through better connectivity. 
●    The last country to ratify the convention before India was China, which did so on 6 July 2016.


Aadhaar mandatory for opening bank account, transactions


In a fresh development, Government has made Aadhaar mandatory for opening a bank account. 
●    It has also made it mandatory for financial transactions of Rs 50,000 and above. 
●    All the existing account holders have been asked to submit Aadhaar to banks by December 31, 2017, failing which accounts will become invalid.
●    It has come a week after the Supreme Court upheld the government’s decision to link Aadhaar to one’s PAN card but refused to make it compulsory for those who don’t have an Aadhaar card or who have not yet applied for one, till a Constitutional Bench decides on the privacy question pending before it.
●    The tax provision by the Centre, said that those who file income tax returns without an Aadhaar-linked PAN card would have their PAN declared invalid.


100 years of Sabarmati Ashram: Gandhi Darshan tourist train flagged off

It was more aastha (spiritual immersion) than an acquaintance with Gandhian ethics and values that spurred several of the 623 people to take the inaugural journey of the ‘Aastha Special Tourist Train (Gandhi Darshan)’ on Saturday morning from Sabarmati station here. 
●    Besides places related to Mahatma Gandhi’s freedom struggle like Sevagram Ashram (Wardha), Champaran Satyagraha Memorial at Bettiah and Motihari, the train will connect cities such as Varanasi, Gaya and Allahabad — popular pilgrimage destinations.
●    The special train was flagged off by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in the morning with Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu, who joined in via video conferencing from Bandra. 
●    Ahmedabad based businessman Ramesh Dhanwani (58), said that his keenness to visit the places on the itinerary made him book his tickets. 
●    “I am particularly interested in visiting places like Sangam in Allahabad and Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and Buddhist temples in Bodhgaya,” he said.


Lockheed signs pact with Tata to make F-16 planes in India

Weeks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. aircraft major Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) signed an agreement to make the F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft in India to meet the IAF’s single-engine jet requirement.
●    The IAF is about to initiate the process for selection of a single-engine fighter aircraft to replace the Russian MiGs under the Strategic Partnership model of the Defence Procurement Procedure. 
●    The announcement from Paris Air Show, where among those present was Ratan Tata, came ahead of Mr. Modi’s meeting with Trump later this month.
●    “This agreement builds on the already established joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Tata and underscores the relationship and commitment between the two companies,” said N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons.
●    The Strategic Partnership model has four segments — submarines, single-engine fighter aircraft, helicopters and armoured carriers/main battle tanks — and specifically intends to open up defence manufacturing to the private sector. 
●    The deal for 100- plus fighter aircraft is estimated to be worth over ₹60,000 crore.
●    The contenders for the deal are F-16 of Lockheed Martin and Gripen of SAAB. The likely Indian private sector players in the race are TASL and Mahindra group, both of which have a footprint in the aerospace sector.

Dalit Face of NDA government as Presidential candidate

Amit Shah in New Delhi after BJP Parliamentary Board meeting, where the name for the leader for the upcoming Presidential election was discussed. 
●    Amit Shah said that Kovind has worked hard for the Dalits and backwards section of society.
●    Kovind, a Dalit leader and a politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is the present Governor of Bihar. 
●    He was appointed as the governor of the state by President Pranab Mukherjee on 8 August 2015.
●    Born on 1 October 1945, Kovind was elected to Rajya Sabha from the state of Uttar Pradesh during the two terms of 1994-2000 and 2000-2006.

Current Affairs 20th June 2017: SPORTS

Kidambi Srikanth beats Kazumasa Sakai to win Indonesia Open Super Series Premier title

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth on 18 June 2017 clinched the Indonesia Open Men's Singles trophy with a straight-game victory over Japanese qualifier Kazumasa Sakai in the final.
●    The 2017 Indonesia Open Super Series Premier title is Srikanth’s third Super Series title.
●    The 2017 Indonesia Super Series Premier was the fifth Super Series tournament of the 2017 BWF Super Series.
●    The tournament was held in Jakarta, Indonesia and has a total purse of $1000000.
●    The Women’s Singles title of the tournament was won by Japan’s Sayaka Sato.
●    Kidambi Srikanth beats Kazumasa Sakai to win Indonesia Open Super Series Premier title.

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Important Current Affairs 19th June 2017

Important Current Affairs 19th June 2017

Current Affairs 19th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Jitendra Singh chairs a meeting on GST rollout in Northeast 

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that GST will bring down tax on several goods and contrary to a perception held in certain quarters, the rollout of GST from 1st of July will bring a huge relief to the poor and lower middle class by resulting in a tax rate lower than the present tax rate. 
●    He was addressing a meeting to discuss the various aspects of GST rollout with the officials of the Ministry of DoNER and Delhi-based Resident Commissioners of eight North-Eastern States here today. 
●    Dr Jitendra Singh disclosed that a wide range of items including milk powder, curd, lassi, buttermilk, cheese, spices, tea, wheat, rice, flower, soybean oil, mustard oil, palmyra jaggery, mineral water, ice, coal, domestic LPG, tooth paste/tooth powder, soap as well as medical items like Insulin, X-ray films and spectacle lenses/glasses will actually have a lower tax rate after July 1st, following the GST roll-out as compared to the tax which is being currently imposed on these items. 
●    He explained that in case of some items, where visibly it appears that the tax rate has gone higher, the matter of the fact is that earlier, these items had embedded taxes which were not visible even though the overall tax range amounted almost to the same. On the other hand, there are also certain goods where GST imposes ‘zero’ tax, he said.


CBDT Notifies Rule 10CB for Secondary Adjustments under Section 92CE of IT Act, 1961.

Rule 10CB for operationalising the provisions of secondary adjustment has been notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes on 15th June, 2017. 
●    It prescribes the time limit for repatriation of excess money and the rate of interest to be applied for computing the income in case of failure to repatriate the excess money within the prescribed time limit. 
●    Separate rates of interest have been provided for international transactions denominated in Indian currency and in foreign currency. The rates of interest are applicable on an annual basis.
●    The time limit of 90 days for repatriation of excess money shall begin only when the primary adjustments exceeding Rupees One Crore made in respect of Assessment Year 2017-18 or later, attains finality. 
●    Where the transfer pricing order is appealed against by the taxpayer, the time limit for repatriation shall commence only after the appeal is finalised by the appellate authority.
●    The Finance Act, 2017 inserted section 92CE in the Income-tax Act, 1961 with effect from 1st April, 2018 to provide for secondary adjustment by attributing income to the excess money lying in the hands of the associated enterprise, in order to make the actual allocation of funds consistent with that of the primary transfer pricing adjustment.  


144 Awards given for effective initiatives in Rural Development

The Ministry of Rural Development organized an Award function on 19th June, 2017.  The Programme showcased achievements under different programmes implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.  
●    States, Institutions and Government Functionaries, who have done commendable work under different schemes were awarded in the function.  
●    Short films on Water Conservation under Geo-MGNREGA, Construction of houses under Pradhan Mantri Aawaas Yojana of Jadia Bai, a 100 year old tribal women of Madhya Pradesh and an audio visual song on PMGSY which was sung by Shan were also shown.  
●    A Citizen centric mobile application on  MGNREGA capable of providing information on different aspects of GNREGA Programme was launched by the Minister for Rural Development.  
●    The Department of Rural Development extensively uses Information and Space Technology in its programme management and the “Jan-MGNREGA” App is a third such citizen centric initiative of the department after “Meri Sadak” and “Aawas” mobile app.


Mahesh sharma Chairs 3rd meeting of National Medical and wellness Tourism Board

The Third Meeting of the National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board was held today under the chairmanship of Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Culture here today. 
●    The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Smt. Rashmi Verma, other senior government officials and members of the Board comprising of stakeholders in the travel and hospitality industry and experts in the field of Medical and Wellness Tourism as well as other systems of Indian Medicine.
●    In the Second Meeting of the Board held on 28th March, 2017, it was announced that comprehensive framework and roadmap on Medical and Wellness Tourism would be prepared and presented before the nation in time for the International Yoga Day on June 21st 2017. 
●    Following this decision of the Board, a Committee was formed under the chairmanship of Dr H R Nagendra, President Shri Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bengaluru to formulate a comprehensive framework and roadmap on Medical and Wellness Tourism. 
●    The Committee presented its report for adoption by the Board in which a standard framework for assessment and accreditation of all AYUSH facilities that cater to Tourism has been created. 
●    The institutions can apply online for self-assessment which would then be reviewed for accreditation. 

Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Minister of Railways, inaugurates various Railway related services in Odisha and Assam 

Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu inaugurated following services in Odisha and Assam through video conferencing from Rail Bhawan today i.e 19-06-2017.  
●    Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas (Independent Charge), Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Member of Parliament(Lok Sabha) Shri Dr. (Prof.) Prasanna Kumar Patasani, were specially present to grace the occasion. Chairman, Railway Board, Shri A. K. Mital, Member Traffic Railway Board, Shri Mohd Jamshed, other Railway Board Members and Senior Officials were also present on the occasion.
●    New railway line between Bolagarh Road and Nayagarh Town.
●    The work for provision of new line between Khurda Road and Bolangir for a total length of 289 km was sanctioned in the year of 1994-95 at a total cost of Rs 801.78 crores.
●    The work for commissioning of new line between Bolagarh Road and Nayagarh town (12 km) has been completed. The total length of rail line completed is about 65 Kms.


Harshvardhan Launches Mobile App “Celebrating Yoga” to connect people through Yoga for scientific healthy living 


Minister for Science & Technology Dr. Harshvardhan launched a Mobile App “Celebrating Yoga” developed by Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology in New Delhi today.  
●    The Mobile App has been developed by DST on the occasion of International  Yoga Day 2017.  
●    The  purpose of the APP is to  popularise Yoga and encourage people to participate in it for a scientifically healthy living.
●    Healthy life of citizens improves productivity and economy of the country as a whole. 
●    Practicing Yoga is a means of maintaining a healthy society in harmony with nature and fulfil developmental aspirations.
●    This aspect of quality of life is aligned with the National Mission “Swasth Bharat” of the Government of India. 
●    The Department of Science & Technology has launched a research programme “Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM)” under its Cognitive Science Research Initiative (CSRI). 
●    As Yoga and Meditation are interdisciplinary endeavors that interface with Neuroscience, Medicine, Psychology, Engineering, Philosophy etc., YOGA can contribute in a holistic way to derive integrated benefits.
 

Piyush Goyal Launches Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 


Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines launched the Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 (ECBC 2017) here today. 
●    Developed by Ministry of Power and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), ECBC 2017 prescribes the energy performance standards for new commercial buildings to be constructed across India.
●    The updated version of ECBC provides current as well as futuristic advancements in building technology to further reduce building energy consumption and promote low-carbon growth. 
●    ECBC 2017 sets parameters for builders, designers and architects to integrate renewable energy sources in building design with the inclusion of passive design strategies. 
●    The code aims to optimise energy savings with the comfort levels for occupants, and prefers life-cycle cost effectiveness to achieve energy neutrality in commercial buildings.


Thaawarchand Gehlot Chairs second meeting of National Council of Senior Citizens

Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment chaired the ‘Second Meeting of National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC)’ organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment here today. 
●    Shri Vijay Sampla, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Smt. Latha Krishna Rao, secretary, M/o SJ&E, representatives of many ministries and participants from different parts of the country were present. 
●    The National Council of Senior Citizens had its first meeting on 30th August, 2016.
●    The Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment is the Chairman and Minister of State (Social Justice and Empowerment) is the Vice-Chairman of the Council. 
●    The members of the Council includes Secretary (SJ&E), Joint Secretary (Social Defence), related central ministries such as Finance, Rural Development, Home Affairs, Law and Justice, Human Resource Development etc., National Commissions like NHRC, NCW etc., State Governments (on rotation), Oldest member of the Lok Sabha, Oldest member of the Rajya Sabha, along with representatives of Senior Citizens Associations, Pensioners’ Associations, eminent senior citizens working on issues related to senior citizens etc. 

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Important Current Affairs 18th June 2017

Important Current Affairs 18th June 2017

Current Affairs 18th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

President of India lays foundation stone of super specialty hospital of BRS Health & Research Institute at Udupi

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee laid the foundation stone of a Super Specialty Hospital of BRS Health & Research Institute at Udupi, Karnataka today (June 18, 2017). 
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that while advances in modern medicine and investment in health infrastructure have made many diseases such as cholera, small pox, plague, tuberculosis etc. curable and eradicated others, yet there remains a huge gap in our country in terms of access to medicine and health care. 
●    This brings us to the larger and more serious question of the skewed nature of health care in India – both in terms of infrastructure and personnel. 
●    Against the international norm of one doctor per thousand population, we have one doctor for 1700 people in our country. The ratio thus stands at 0.7:1000. 
●    The situation is all the more alarming in the vast hinterland of rural India.

Mahesh Sharma launches implementation of ‘National Mission on Cultural Mapping of India’ from Govardhan Block, Mathura 


Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent charge) for Culture & Tourism launched the implementation of the ‘‘National Mission on Cultural Mapping of India’ at Goverdhan Block, Mathura District, Uttar Pradesh in a day long, Block level mega talent hunt programme (Sanskritik Pratibha Khoj Samaroh) yesterday. 
●    Shri Srikant Sharma, Energy Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Ministry’s Senior officials and various renowned artists including Padma, Sangeet Natak Akademi and State Awardees were present. 
●    This Mission is part of the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ umbrella. Ministry of Culture launched it in the year of commemoration of the birth centenary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay, who hailed from Mathura.
●    Artists in large number participated in this Block level event where they also registered themselves following which a registration certificate/slip/code was provided to all the artists who registered. 
●    A stage was provided to the registered artists for performance and displaying their talent. A panel of renowned artists were invited for judging the participants in different art forms. 
●    Registration was directly on the portal culturalmappingofindia.nic.in. For those artists who, for some reason, could not register themselves and their art forms, enumeration teams had been sent to all the 47 villages of Govardhan Block for geo mapping of artists and their art forms. 
●    Any person who claims to be an artist can register at the initial level.

Maneka Sanjay Gandhi kickstarts Yoga Day celebrations at anganwadi centres across the country


The Minister of Women and Child Development , Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi kickstarted the International Day of Yoga 2017 celebrations in Anganwadi Centres by taking part in a yoga session with Anganwadi children and the official Mascot Yogiraj of IDY 2017 at an Anganwadi Centre at Peeragarhi in New Delhi today morning. 
●    About 150 children participated in today’s Yoga awareness and celebration event at the Anganwadi centre .
●    The officials of Ministry of Women and Child Development also participated in Yoga sessions enthusiastically . 
●    Anganwadi centres across the country will be participating in the International Day of Yoga celebrations. 
●    The Ministry of Women and Child Development has taken up the initiative of imparting awareness about the benefits of yoga to about 100 million beneficiaries through 13.52 lakhs anganwadi centres nationwide. 
●    Not only this, the children at the Anganwadi centres will also be instructed to practice yoga on a regular basis to ensure a healthier future. 
●    All the CCIs in the States/UTs have also been instructed to observe this international day for stress free and healthy life.

President of India dedicates the Metro Phase –I Project to the people of Karnataka & Bengaluru

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee attended a function at Bengaluru for dedication of the Metro Phase –I project to the people of Karnataka and Bengaluru as Chief Guest today (June 17, 2017). 
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that originally known as the Garden City, Bengaluru has slowly transformed itself into the Silicon Valley of India. 
●    As per global rankings, it has been rated as the most dynamic city of the world ahead even of the Silicon Valley. 
●    He said that he was happy to dedicate the Metro Phase -I project to the people of the city and Karnataka State. 
●    The President said that in warming up to and finally adopting Metro as a viable mode of public transport, we in India were late by several decades. 
●    The first metropolitan railway started in London in the year 1863. By early 20th century, almost entire Europe, North America and countries in South America had metro rail networks in all their large cities. 
●    We started with the First Metro Network in Kolkata in 1984 and then once we started in Delhi in the year 2000, there was no looking back for Metro in India.

Final raising of Sardar Sarovar Dam cleared by Narmada Control Authority

Final raising of Sardar Sarovar Dam cleared by Narmada Control Authority (NCA) has cleared the final raising of Sardar Sarovar Dam (SSD) in Gujarat by lowering of gates and impounding of water in the reservoir up to its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of EL 138.68 mts. 
●    The NCA which met here yesterday under the Chairmanship of Dr. Amarjit Singh, Secretary (WR, RD & GR) considered all aspects of environmental and Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) issues. 
●    It may be recalled that the last time raising of SSD was cleared on June 12,2014, wherein permission for Phase-I construction of piers, overhead bridge and installation of gates in open or raised position was granted. 
●    At that time, the effective height of SSD remained at EL 121.92 mts. with backwater levels of EL 134.32 mts. at dam site. With lowering of gates of SSD, the live storage capacity would increase from 1565 to 5740 MCM i.e. by 4175 MCM (267%). 
●    The clean (hydro-power generation) would increase by present 1300 MW to 1450 MW with increase in annual generation by about 1100 Million Units (i.e. about Rs.400/- crore per annum). In addition, this additional storage would irrigate about 8 lakh hectares. Additionally, about one crore population would get assured drinking water. 

Announcement for President election done

The Presidential Election of India will be held on 17 July 2017, as per the announcement made by Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi on 7 June 2017.
●    The term of President Pranab Mukherjee will come to an end on 24 July 2017. 
●    Mukherjee assumed the office of President in July 2012.
●    The nominations for Presidential Election will begin from the 14 June 2017 and will end on 28 June 2017.
●    This will be followed by the scrutiny of nomination papers that will take place on 29 June 2017. 
●    The last date for withdrawal of candidature is 1 July 2017. 
●    The counting of votes will take place on 20 July 2017, if required.

Current Affairs 18th June 2017: Awards

Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi chosen for Bhupen Hazarika Award 2017

Eminent litterateur Yeshe Dorje Thongchi was on 15 June 2017 chosen for the Bhupen Hazarika Award 2017. 
●    The award will be conferred on Thongchi at a function to be held in Jammu and Kashmir in September 2017 by Pune-based social organization Sarhad.  
●    Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi belongs to the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
●    He graduated from Cotton College, Guwahati and did his MA from Guwahati University. 
●    Although his dialect was Sherdukpen, however, he started writing in Assamese.
●    His first poem called Jonbaai (The Moon) appeared in an Assamese children’s magazine by the same name in 1967.
●    His well-known novels are Mauna Oonth Mukhar Hriday and Sav Kata Manuh.
●    His novel Mauna Onth Mukhar Hriday won the Sahitya Akademi award in 2005. 
●    He joined the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service in 1977 and was elevated to the IAS in 1992. 

Current Affairs 18th June 2017: SPORTS

Pakistan defeat India by 180 runs to lift Champions Trophy title

A fearsome burst of pace bowling from Mohammad Amir consigned India to a horror 180-run defeat at The Oval on Sunday as Pakistan won their maiden ICC Champions Trophy title with plenty to spare.
●    Chasing Pakistan’s 338 for four, India went down without a fight as the defending champions lost three in-form batsmen in the first nine overs. 
●    Hasan ‘bomber’ Ali took three wickets for 19 to polish off the Indian tail. Pakistan won with 117 balls to spare.
●    Hardik Pandya’s 43-ball 76 was the lone bright spot in India’s batting, but his run out gave Pakistan an easy passage to victory.
●    Mohammad Amir, who reported fit just in time for the mouth-watering final, wiped out the top order with clever use of the seam and length as Pakistan attacked like a pack of hungry dogs.
●    Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman scored 114 in the ICC Champions Trophy final against India.
●    On Saturday morning, the Indians were practising ‘banana’ freekicks. On Sunday, Mohammad Amir literally bent the ball like Beckham to catch Rohit Sharma plumb in front of the wicket and then got the better of an indiscreet Virat Kohli.
●    Kohli had been preaching the message of composure throughout the Champions Trophy but on a big day, the captain lost control even after enjoying a life the previous ball.

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Important Current Affairs 17th June 2017

Important Current Affairs 17th June 2017

Current Affairs 17th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Jupiter is both the largest and OLDEST planet in our solar system

In the first-ever study to date Jupiter's age, researchers have discovered that the gas giant is 4.5 billion years old.
●    By looking at the composition of iron meteorites, they found Jupiter's solid core was created around one million years after the solar system formed 4.6 billion years ago.
●    The researchers hope the findings will provide key insights into how the solar system evolved in its current formation.
●    While previous models predicted that Jupiter formed relatively early, the study, by an international team of researchers, led by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, is the first to date its formation.
●    Dr Thomas Kruijer, who led the study, said: 'We do not have any samples from Jupiter (in contrast to other bodies like the Earth, Mars, the moon and asteroids).
 

Union Health Ministry launches Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 14 June 2017 launched the Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) to intensify efforts to reduce child deaths due to diarrhoea. 
●    Through this initiative, the Health Ministry aims to mobilize health personnel, State Governments and other stakeholders to prioritize investment in control of diarrhoea.
●    It aims to create mass awareness about the most effective and low-cost diarrhoea treatment that is a combination of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) solution and Zinc tablets.
●    During the campaign timeline, intensified community awareness campaigns on hygiene and promotion of ORS and Zinc therapy will be conducted at state, district and village levels.

Neeru Chadha elected as first Indian woman Member of ITLOS

Indian nominee Neeru Chadha was on 15 June 2017 became the first Indian Woman to be elected as the Member of International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). 
●    Chadha, international law expert, got 120 votes with the highest in the Asia Pacific group. She will have a nine-year term as the Judge at ITLOS from 2017 to 2026.
●    Currently, eminent jurist from India P Chandrasekhara Rao is a judge at the tribunal. He was elected as the member of the tribunal in 1996 and his term will expire in September 2017.
●    Neeru Chadha is an eminent lawyer and the first Indian woman to become the Chief Legal Adviser in the Union Ministry of External Affairs and has advised the government on diverse issues relating to the law of the sea involving interpretation of various provisions of the UNCLOS.

Adani Group set up 50-MW solar PV plant in Mahoba district of Uttar Pradesh

Infrastructure conglomerate Adani Group in the second week of June 2017 announced commissioning of a 50 megawatts (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh.
●    The plant has been set up with an investment of Rs. 315 crore, under the National Solar Mission Scheme.
●    In a first, the plant will use String Inverter Technology with crystalline silicon modules allowing miniature level control of solar power generation.
●    As per the agreement signed with NTPC, power generated by the plant will be transmitted through 21.5 kilometre long 132 kilovolts transmission line connecting with UP Power Transmission Corporation (UPTCL) Mahoba Substation.
●    The project is expected to create direct and indirect employment for around 250 personnel.
 

Current Affairs 17th June 2017: APPOINTMENT

Ajaib Singh Bhatti elected as Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker

●    Congress MLA Ajaib Singh Bhatti was unanimously elected as the Deputy Speaker of Punjab Legislative Assembly on 16 June 2017. 
●    His name was proposed by the leader of the House Captain Amarinder Singh and seconded by Health Minister Brahm Mahindra, who escorted Bhatti to his new seat.
●    Bhatti’s appointment was made amid ruckus by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLAs, who continued to raise slogans demanding debt waiver relief for farmers as the CM read out Bhatti’s political history. 
●    AAP MLA's on the other hand, staged a walk out after they were not heard ahead of Question Hour. 
●    They, however, re-entered the House later.
 

Current Affairs 17th June 2017: ACCOMPLISHMENT

Former Chief Justice PN Bhagwati Dies At 95

Former Chief Justice of India PN Bhagwati, considered a pioneer of judicial activism in the country for introducing the concept of Public Interest Litigations (PILs), died in New Delhi today after brief illness, family sources said.
●    Justice Bhagwati, 95, is survived by his wife Prabhavati Bhagwati and three daughters. 
●    The funeral will be held on June 17, they said.
●    The 17th Chief Justice of India, Justice Bhagwati remained on the highest judicial post between July 1985 and December 1986. 
●    He also served as Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court and was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court in July 1973.
●    As a Supreme Court judge, Justice Bhagwati introduced the concepts of public interest litigation (PIL) and absolute liability to the Indian judicial system.

Current Affairs 17th June 2017: AWARDS

Israeli author David Grossman wins Man Booker Prize

Israeli author David Grossman has won the Man Booker International Prize for his novel A Horse Walks Into a Bar.
●    The award was announced Wednesday in London.
●    Grossman beat out five other finalists, including fellow Israeli author Amos Oz for the counterpart to Britain's prestigious Booker Prize. 
●    Grossman's novel is about a failing standup comic and his final performance.
●    The award has a prize of 50,000 pounds ($64,000) that is split evenly between Grossman and translator Jessica Cohen.
●    The prize was previously a career honor, but changed last year to recognize a single book in a bid to increase the profile of international fiction in English-speaking countries.
●    Last year the prize was awarded to The Vegetarian by South Korea's Han Kang.

Current Affairs 17th June 2017: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bangladesh for promoting cooperation in the field of Information Technology and Electronics

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised about an Memorandum of Understanding which has already been signed between India and Bangladesh for promoting cooperation in the field of Information Technology and Electronics (IT&E).
●    The MoU was signed in April, 2017 between Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India and Information and Communication Technology Division of Bangladesh. 
●    It will remain in force for a period of five years. Thereafter, the MoU will be extended at any time within the period it remains in force by mutual written consent of the Parties. 
●    It can be terminated by either Party after giving six months’ prior notice in writing to the other Party.
●    The MoU in the field of IT&E is technical in nature and focused primarily on e-Governance, m-Governance, e-Public Services Delivery, Cyber Security, Capacity Building etc. 
●    The MoU aims to explore business opportunities, IT&E market in Bangladesh by Indian IT companies and attract investment in Indian electronics and IT sectors in India which would indirectly generate employment opportunities.

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Important Current Affairs 16th June 2017

Important Current Affairs 16th June 2017

Current Affairs 16th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Ravi Shankar Prasad Meets the Industry Leaders to Develop a Roadmap for US$1 Trillion Digital Economy

Digital India being one of the most important programmes of the Government of India, the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) today organized a high-level consultation with the industry leaders from IT and ITeS sector with focus on digital financial services and e-commerce. 
●    The consultation was conducted for developing the roadmap for One Trillion Dollar Digital Economy in India.
●    The meeting was chaired by Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, in the presence of Shri P. P. Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Ms. Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology and Dr. Ajay Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.
●    The industry was represented by leading corporate houses and industry associations like Infosys, IBM, Wipro, Google, Microsoft, Mahindra Tech, Intel Corporation, Panasonic India, NIIT, Quickheal, Practo, Hike, Lava International Ltd, Cyient Ltd, IVCA, NPCI, NASSCOM, IAMAI et al.


Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India notifies Fast Track Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons Regulations


The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), in exercise of its powers conferred by sections 58, 196 and 208 read with section 240 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Code), has notified the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Fast Track Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2017. 
●    These regulations provide the process from initiation of insolvency resolution of eligible corporate debtors till its conclusion with approval of the resolution plan by the Adjudicating Authority. The process in these cases shall be completed within a period of 90 days, as against 180 days in other cases. 
●    However, the Adjudicating Authority may, if satisfied, extend the period of 90 days by a further period up to 45 days for completion of the process.
●    A creditor or a corporate debtor may file an application, along with the proof of existence of default, to the Adjudicating Authority for initiating fast track resolution process. 
●    After the application is admitted and the interim resolution professional (IRP) is appointed, if the IRP is of the opinion, based on the records of corporate debtor, that the fast track process is not applicable to the corporate debtor, he shall file an application before expiry of 21 days from the date of his appointment, to Adjudicating Authority to pass an order to convert the fast track process into a normal corporate insolvency resolution process.


HRD Ministry to organize several programmes to popularise Yoga 


Yoga is a way of living that aims towards 'a healthy mind in a healthy body' and to inculcate the benefits of yoga in our everyday life the Ministry of Human Resource Development has taken various initiatives to promote it among the masses specially the students and faculties in all parts of the country on 3rd International Day of Yoga (21st June, 2017).
●    Yoga Olympiad 2017 is the Second Olympiad involving school children from upper-Primary to secondary stages will be organized by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) from 18th -20th June, 2017 at NCERT, New Delhi.
●    The idea behind conducting an Olympiad is that it should feel like an Olympic Sports event or peace run in the field of yoga. The message intended through the yoga Olympiad is to achieve peace, harmony and love in collaboration. 
●    The Yoga Olympiad will be organised by NCERT along with the Regional Institute of Education (RIEs) this year. The theme for the Yoga Olympiad is 'Yoga for Health and Harmony'.


Awareness session on Industrial Information System – Chhattisgarh 

An awareness programme was conducted by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion at Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh on the Industrial Information System on June 15, 2017. 
●    The programme was chaired by Shri Chandu Lal Sahu. Hon’ble Member Parliament Mahasamund and Member of Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry The session was attended by senior govt. officials from Chhattisgarh Govt and industry associations.
●    Sh Sunil Mishra MD Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation gave an overview of Industries in Chattisgarh. The state is rich in minerals and a quarter of power comes from the state. The state is strong in core industries particularly steel.
●    Dr Vandana Kumar JS DIPP made a presentation on the ‘Industrial Information System which has been developed with the support of Ministry of Electronics and IT in collaboration with BISAG.


Atal Pension Yojana (APY) can now be subscribed digitally

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has now introduced “APY@eNPS” which involves a complete digital enrolment process. 
●    This is the latest in the series of various initiatives taken by PFRDA for expansion of outreach of Atal Pension Yojana (APY), to give additional push to cover the as yet unreached population at greater ease. 
●    PFRDA has conducted meetings with Banks and Deptt of Post at Kolkata, Bengaluru & Mumbai respectively for the earliest roll out of the facility call.
●    Shri A G Das, CGM, PFRDA recently addressed the meetings at Mumbai where IT department /Nodal officers of the Banks/Deptt of Post were present. PFRDA had briefed about the benefits of APY@eNPS platform to the Service Providers under APY where more than 45 bank officials (IT officials/Nodal Officers) were present. 
●    The APY service providers have been briefed to develop APY@eNPS channel features before 30th June 2017.

The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley called upon H.E. President MOON Jae-in of the Republic of Korea

Minister of Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence Shri Arun Jaitley met H.E. President MOON Jae-in of the Republic of Korea yesterday. 
●    Finance Minister Mr. Jaitley Congratulated President Moon on his recent election and conveyed the good wishes of the Prime Minister of India. 
●    Complimenting President Moon for his vision for the region and the relationship with India, and recalling the PMs invitation to the President to visit India, FM hoped that the two leaders would meet soon.
●    Welcoming Finance Minister Mr. Jaitley To Korea, President Moon thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his good wishes since the election win, including over Twitter, recalling in particular the PMs gesture of doing so in Korean. 
●    Recalling the PMs congratulatory phone call of May 11, President Moon said there was a strong will on both sides in building the bilateral relationship.
 

Current Affairs 16th June 2017: PERSONS

Indian-Origin Leo Varadkar Elected Ireland's Prime Minister

Leo Varadkar was elected Irish Prime Minister on Wednesday, making the 38-year-old son of an Indian immigrant the first gay premier of the once-staunchly Catholic country and the youngest person to hold the office.
●    Despite inheriting Europe's fastest-growing economy, he will face immediate challenges in the shape of neighbouring Britain's exit from the European Union, a political crisis in Northern Ireland and a housing crisis at home.
●    Varadkar succeeded Enda Kenny earlier this month as leader of the Fine Gael party. 
●    Colleagues pinned their hopes of an unprecedented third term on the straight-talking Varadkar, who they believe can widen their appeal in elections that may be triggered as soon as next year.
●    Varadkar's elevation marks another chapter in the social change that has swept through the country of 4.6 million people that only decriminalised homosexuality in 1993 and legalised divorce two years later.
●    While analysts expect few major policy shifts from Varadkar and his new cabinet, the new Fine Gael leader has hinted at some changes.
 

Current Affairs 16th June 2017: OBITUARY

Former BCCI secretary Jyoti Bajpai passes away

Jyoti Bajpai, the Uttar Pradesh-based former joint secretary (1997 to 2003) and treasurer (2003 to 2005) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, passed away on Wednesday (June 14), the Indian board has announced.
●    “Bajpai played an immense role in the development of the sport in Uttar Pradesh in his roles as the honorary secretary and director of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) for many years,” said the BCCI in a statement.
●    Amitabh Chaudhary, the acting BCCI secretary, condoled the veteran administrator’s death, saying, “In Mr Bajpai, we saw the perfect blend of a strong will of an able administrator and compassion of a cricket lover. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends in this hour of grief.”
●    CK Khanna, the acting BCCI president, added, “I offer my heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Mr Jyoti Bajpai. We have lost a great cricket administrator. I have had the privilege to work with him in the Board. Our thoughts are with his family.”
 

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Important Current Affairs 15th June 2017

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Current Affairs 15th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Ministry of Steel Organises Second Steel Consumers’ Council Meeting in Bhubaneswar

The Second Meeting of the National Steel Consumers’ Council, on the theme of “Current Status of Steel Industry and the Way Forward’’ will be held under the Chairmanship of the Union Steel Minister Shri Chaudhary Birender Singh in Bhubaneswar on 16th June,2017 . 
●    The function of the Steel Consumer Council is to advise Government on matters relating to supply, availability, quality and the market trends of iron and steel. 
●    India is currently the third largest steel producer in the world; while the domestic steel consumption remains at only 60 Kgs per capita which is quite less in comparison to the world average of 208 kgs. 
●    There has been continued thrust from the Ministry of Steel to boost domestic steel consumption by exploring versatile steel uses. Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the policy for providing preference to Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products in Government procurement. 
●    The meeting comes at a good time to address all steel related issues. 

Task Force on Innovation

Innovation is widely recognized as a central driver of economic growth and development. The Global Innovation Index (GII) aims to capture the multi-dimensional facets of innovation. India improved its innovation rank to reach 66th position from 81st (in 2015). 
●    This improvement in India’s rank came after 5 years of continuous drop in its ranking. Recognizing India’s potential to reach great heights in innovation and creativity, a Task Force on Innovation was set up on the directions of Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Commerce & Industry Minister, Government of India.
●    The Task Force on Innovation had the mandate of assessing India’s position as an innovative country, suggest measures to enhance the innovation ecosystem in India and thus improve India’s ranking in the GII. The Team, comprising of government officials and experts from private organisations & academia, has come up with its report which gives specific measures the measures to improve India’s rank.
●    The report comprises recommendations and suggestions to improve India’s rank on all 82 indicators mentioned in GII 2016 report. It also points out the national and international models, programs or schemes which may be adopted and/ or replicated and scaled up to further improve India’s position in a particular indicator. 
●    In addition to this, the report analyses the methodology used in GII-2016 and calls for a need to re-examine and suitably modify the methodology in order to reflect true position of countries.

States shortlisted by NITI for transformative change in Health and Education 

NITI Aayog has initiated a unique and novel initiative to catalyse transformational change in key Social Sectors. Under SATH (Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital), NITI Aayog and its knowledge partners will provide strategic, technical and implementation support to three states for each sector. 
●    A Committee comprising of Member, NITI Aayog , Sh Bibek Debroy, CEO, Amitabh Kant, Advisers of NITI Aayog and representatives of Health and Education Ministry spent two days assessing and vetting presentations by 14 States for each of the two social sectors. 
●    The States showcased the initiatives undertaken by them thus far, their willingness to accelerate improvement and justified why they should be selected for the institutional support being offered by NITI Aayog under the program.
●    Transformative change in social sector is challenging as the pace is slow, as compared to the infrastructure sector. The issues are multi-layered and complex, involving both governance and building capacity of human capital. 
●    NITI Aayog has taken up this challenge and has decided to deep dive into handholding the States through a time bound and outcome oriented process. After final selection of the States, a Program Management Unit to push for efficiency and efficacy in governance structures and service delivery will be available at the State level for a period of 30 months. 
●    It is expected that these 36 months of focussed attention and support from the premier think tank will lead to a marked transformation and will also provide a model for other States to replicate and adapt.

Centre To Open Passport Service Centres In Head Post Offices

The Centre has decided to open passport service centres in all the 800 district head post offices across the country in two years' time to increase people's access to the facility, especially in remote areas.
●    Making the announcement here today, minister of state for External Affairs V K Singh said, "150 post office passport seva kendras are being opened this year and within two years all the 800 head post offices in all the districts would be in place."
●    "We have decided to ensure that no citizen is made to travel long distances for a passport. People in far-flung areas of the country find it difficult to obtain passports and redress passport-related grievances," Mr Singh said.
●    The step has been initiated through a joint effort by the ministry of external affairs and the department of posts to deliver passport-related services to the people.
●    Passport seva kendras have already been launched in several district head post offices in various parts of the country.

Yogi Adityanath opens new airport terminal at Gorakhpur

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday inaugurated a new terminal at the Gorakhpur airport. 
●    The Chief Minister, whose Lok Sabha constituency is Gorakhpur, said the terminal would provide better and more facilities to passengers. 
●    Adityanath recalled how the Gorakhpur airport was first opened for commercial flights in the late 1980s but later closed down. He said due to his efforts, Sahara Airlines started flights from Gorakhpur in 2000. 
●    Now Air India and Spice Jet have also started operating from Gorakhpur airport and more private airlines are likely to follow. 
 

Current Affairs 15th June 2017: BANKING

SBI Launched Prime Credit Card

State Bank of India, the country’s largest bank, plans to take its credit card venture SBI Card, public over the medium term, a top official said.
●    SBI Card, the second-largest credit card issuer in the country, is also looking to become the industry leader over the next one year.
●    “We definitely have plans to take SBI Card public. Much of it would depend on the completion of transaction that would raise our stake to 74 per cent in SBI Card. 
●    The intent to go in for initial public offering is there,” Dinesh Khara, Managing Director (Associates and Subsidiaries), SBI, told.
●    Plans are also afoot to merge the two entities comprising the SBI Card joint venture with GE. 
●    This would happen after GE’s exit. SBI hopes that the transaction involving GE’s exit and it raising stake to 74 per cent will get over in the next quarter (July-September).


Current Affairs 15th June 2017: INTERNATIONAL NEWS 

Indian warships arrive for bilateral maritime exercise

Three Indian warships sailed into Fremantle to participate in a week-long naval exercise off the Western Australian coast.
●    Exercise Australia India (AUSINDEX) is a regular bilateral maritime exercise aimed at developing a deeper understanding and cooperation between the two navies.
●    Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, said AUSINDEX 17 was a concrete example of India and Australia working more closely together to increase maritime security.
●    “Australian and India share a commitment to a stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region,” Rear Admiral Mayer said.
●    “AUSINDEX is a terrific opportunity to increase our interoperability and enhance the professional interaction of two great navies.
●    “Amidst a very busy operational program for the Indian Navy, I am pleased to welcome their ships to Fremantle and look forward to a challenging and rewarding sea program.

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Current Affairs 14th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Cabinet approves Interest Subvention to banks on Short-Term crop loan to farmers

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS) for farmers for the year 2017-18. 
●    This will help farmers getting short term crop loan up to Rs. 3 lakh payable within one year at only 4% per annum.  The Government has earmarked a sum of Rs. 20,339 crore for this purpose.
●    The objective of the scheme is to make available at ground level, agricultural credit for Short Term crop loans at an affordable rate to give a boost to agricultural productivity and production in the country. 
●    The salient features of the scheme are as follows:
●    The Central Government will provide interest subvention of 5 per cent per annum to all prompt payee farmers for short term crop loan upto one year for loan upto Rs. 3 lakhs borrowed by them during the year 2017-18. Farmers will thus have to effectively pay only 4% as interest. In case farmers do not repay the short term crop loan in time they would be eligible for interest subvention of 2% as against 5% available above.
●    The Central Government will provide approximately Rs. 20,339 crore as interest subvention for 2017-18.
●    In order to give relief to small and marginal farmers who would have to borrow at 9% for the post harvest storage of their produce, the Central Government has approved an interest subvention of 2% i.e. an effective interest rate of 7% for loans upto 6 months.
●    To provide relief to the farmers affected by natural calamities, the interest subvention of 2% will be provided to Banks for the first year on the restructured amount.
●    In case farmers do not repay the short term crop loan in time they would be eligible for interest subvention of 2% as against available above.


Probationers of Railway Protection Force call on the President 


A group of probationers of Railway Protection Force called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today (June 14, 2017) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. 
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated the probationers for qualifying one of the most difficult competitive examinations and committing themselves to public service. 
●    He said that it is a matter of satisfaction that after having acquired high qualifications from prestigious institutions, they had decided to serve the people of India. 
●    The President said that Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world. 
●    He said that the career which the probationers had chosen in the Railway Protection Force is not only very challenging but will also offer them immense opportunities to develop innovative means for safety and security of passengers in the mammoth apparatus of Railways. 
●    He urged them to remember that while protecting railway property and ensuring the security of passengers, the railway officers were just not rendering a very important public utility service but also uniting and binding different parts of a diverse nation. 
●    He said that Railways can be termed as the lifeline of the economy. 
●    The transportation of goods, services and passengers from one place to another is not merely in physical terms but also links the people of the country together.

HRD Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar felicitated National Science Talents of 2016-17 

Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar felicitates National Science Talents of the Year 2016-17 in New Delhi today. 
●    The winners were awarded with mementoes and certificates by the Minister. 
●    Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) jointly with Vigyan Prasar – an autonomous institution under Department of Science & Technology and National Council of Education and Research Training (NCERT) – Ministry of Human Resource Development has organized the National Science Talent Search for Future India Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM) across the country. 
●    1.4 lakh students from 1472 schools from all the 29 states and 5 union territories from class VI-XI participated in the exam. Out of this 2400 students were declared as state level winners. 
●    Through 20 camps 264 students were selected as National level winners from 2400 students. 
●    These 264 students have undergone a two-day national camp at IIT Delhi, under an academic committee of eminent scientists and selected 18 students as national science talents of the year named as HIMALAYANS. 

Uttar Pradesh to make marriage registration mandatory

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to make marriage registration mandatory for all in the state, an official said on Tuesday. 
●    A proposal has been drafted by the women's welfare department and is likely to be brought before the state cabinet in its next session. 
●    According to sources with the knowledge of the proposal, the Yogi Adityanath-led Bharatiya Janata Party government has decided to include everyone in the proposal, including the Muslims following the Supreme Court's order for compulsory registration of marriages. 
●    A committee of ministers was formed during former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's regime but its was protested by the Muslim community. 
●    The Samajwadi Party government had also decided to exclude the Muslims but the rule book was never released. 
●    The couples who are not registered will be deprived of benefits from government schemes, the sources added. 
●    Many states like Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, Rajasthan have already made marriage registration mandatory. There are also penalties for not adhering to the rule.

Current Affairs 14th June 2017: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Cabinet approves MoU between India and Palestine on agriculture cooperation

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and the Ministry of Agriculture in the State of Palestine on agriculture cooperation. 
●    The MoU was signed in May 2017 during the visit of the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs to India. 
●    The MoU provides for cooperation in the fields of agricultural research; veterinary field including capacity enhancement of Palestinian Veterinary services and Animal Health; irrigation and climate change. 
●    It will also be extended to areas such as plant and soil nutrition; exchange of experiences in the field of sanitary and phytosanitary legislation and plant protection Animal husbandry, modern irrigation technology including exchange of experiences, and training and capacity building, etc. would also come in its purview.
●    Under the MoU, an Agricultural Steering Committee will be constituted to determine the programs and action plans to achieve the objectives provided in the MoU It will also set the agenda for cooperation.

Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bangladesh for promoting cooperation in the field of Information Technology and Electronics

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised about an Memorandum of Understanding which has already been signed between India and Bangladesh for promoting cooperation in the field of Information Technology and Electronics (IT&E).
●    The MoU was signed in April, 2017 between Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India and Information and Communication Technology Division of Bangladesh. 
●    It will remain in force for a period of five years. Thereafter, the MoU will be extended at any time within the period it remains in force by mutual written consent of the Parties. 
●    It can be terminated by either Party after giving six months’ prior notice in writing to the other Party.
●    The MoU in the field of IT&E is technical in nature and focused primarily on e-Governance, m-Governance, e-Public Services Delivery, Cyber Security, Capacity Building etc. 
●    The MoU aims to explore business opportunities, IT&E market in Bangladesh by Indian IT companies and attract investment in Indian electronics and IT sectors in India which would indirectly generate employment opportunities.


Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Armenia on cooperation on youth matters


The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised about an Memorandum of Understanding which has already been signed between India and Armenia for cooperation on youth matters.
●    The MoU was signed in April, 2017. This MoU shall remain in force for a period of five years. 
●    Thereafter, the MoU will be automatically renewed for successive periods of five years, unless either Party notifies the other Party of its intention of not to renew the MoU, at least six months before its expiration. 
●    It can be terminated by either Party after giving six months’ prior notice in writing to the other Party.
●    The objective of the MoU is to strengthen and encourage cooperation between the two countries on youth matters through participation in events and activities organized by the parties, information and knowledge sharing, and youth exchanges between the two countries.
 

Current Affairs 14th June 2017: SPORTS

Kohli reclaims top spot in ICC Ranking

India captain Virat Kohli surpassed AB de Villiers and David Warner to reclaim the top spot in the ICC rankings for ODI batsmen. Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, meanwhile, topped the ODI bowlers' rankings for the first time in his career.
●    South Africa quick Kagiso Rabada, who had gained the No.1 spot last month, dropped to fourth place.
●    Unbeaten knocks of 81 and 76 against Pakistan and South Africa in the ongoing Champions Trophy helped Kohli overtake Warner and de Villers, who had climbed to No.1 in March this year. 
●    Kohli, who had briefly held the No. 1 ranking in January, has a one-point lead over Warner. De Villiers, who had scores of 4, 0 and 16 in the Champions Trophy, dropped two places, and trails Warner by 14 points. 
●    Joe Root and Kane Williamson were ranked fourth and fifth respectively.
●    Hazlewood, who took nine wickets in three Champions Trophy matches, became the first Australian to top the ODI bowlers' rankings since Mitchell Starc in October 2015. 
●    Imran Tahir and Starc retained their second and third rankings respectively. Afghanistan leg spinner Rashid Khan gained 18 places to surge to seventh.


 

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