Important Current Affairs 17th November 2017

Current Affairs 17th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Air Chief inaugurates SWAC Commanders’ conference 

The Annual Commanders’ Conference of South Western Air Command (SWAC) was inaugurated by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC Chief of the Air Staff on 17 Nov 2017 at Gandhinagar. 
●    The Commanders of Stations located in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra states attended the conference.
●    Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff accompanied by Mrs Kamalpreet Dhanoa, President Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) were received by Air Marshal RK Dhir PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, SWAC and Mrs Neelam Dhir, President AFWWA (Regional) at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport this morning.
●    On arrival at HQ SWAC, Gandhinagar, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa inspected an impressive Guard of Honour.
●    In his inaugural address, the Chief of the Air Staff acknowledged the high degree of professionalism and hard work displayed by the Air Warriors of SWAC in achieving the assigned goals.
●    He highlighted the need for maintaining full operational preparedness with optimal utilization of available resources. 
●    He emphasized the need for Air Warriors to keep abreast with the latest technologies and to focus on the associated challenges while the IAF marches ahead with major upgradation of capabilities and infrastructure. 

ICAO Carries out Universal Safety Oversight Audit for India
Under the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme, a five member audit team carried out the audit of India in areas of Personal Licensing, Airworthiness, Operations, Legislation and Organization from 6th to 16th November.
●    The audit involved verification of response provided by DGCA against protocol questions made available by ICAO. 
●    Verification process consisted of checking the documentary evidence, perusal of relevant files, discussions with relevant officers and industry visits. 
●    Teams visited Chennai, Mumbai and CATC, Allahabad to ascertain the implementation of safety related procedures as per regulations laid down by DGCA in line with ICAO annexes/documents.
●    As per preliminary feedback, the audit team was satisfied with the safety system put in place by the safety regulator. 
●    As per procedure laid down by ICAO, the audit team presents its report to the headquarter team and draft report is made available to the state in about 90 days. 
●    The state is required to provide its comment and draw its action plan on various aspects of the report and make it available to ICAO within 45 days. 

India committed to its Renewable Energy Targets to provide Equitable Sustainable Development 

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), organised a panel discussion on ‘Innovative Financing and Market Evolution to achieve 175 GW renewables by 2022’ on 16th November 2017 at the India Pavilion at Conference of Parties (CoP) 23, Bonn, Germany.
●    Speaking about the Government’s interventions, Dr. P.C. Maithani, Adviser, MNRE said that policies are being drafted on a continuous basis to address challenges as the market evolves. 
●    Giving examples of how the question is no longer about availability of finances but that of cheap finances, Shri K.S. Popli, CMD, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) said that the markets have matured and one indicator of that is seen in how the bond markets have progressed.
●    Dr. Ajay Mathur, DG, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) stressed upon the need to push for higher research in storage technology which could complement the infirm renewable power. 

Nitin Gadkari lays foundation stone for Cochin Shipyard’s Rs 970-crore International Ship Repair Facility 

The Minister of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari has said that Kochi is all set to become a global ship repair hub. 
●    He was speaking at Cochin today, after laying the  foundation stone for a Rs 970-crore International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) for Cochin Shipyard Limited. 
●    The facility is being built at Cochin Port Trust where CSL has leased out a 40-acre plot for the project.
●    The International Ship Repair facility will be a State of the Art facility that can handle a major chunk of small and medium sized vessels plying in India. 
●    CSL will set up a ship lift system of size 130 m x 25 m with lifting capacity of 6000 tonnes and 6 work stations. 
●    The facility can repair up to 85 vessels, and CSL will thereby  be almost doubling the number of ships that can be repaired every year.             

Current Affairs 17th November 2017: ECONOMY 

Moody’s upgrade Sovereign Credit Rating of India to Baa2 from Baa3 

Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") has upgraded the Government of India's local and foreign currency issuer ratings to Baa2 from Baa3 and changed the outlook on the rating to stable from positive. 
●    India’s rating has been upgraded after a period of 13 years. 
●    India’s sovereign credit rating was last upgraded in January 2004 to Baa3 (from Ba1).
●    Government of India welcomes the upgrade and believes, as rightly noted by the Moody’s that this is in recognition of major economic and institutional reforms undertaken by Government of India. 
●    Moody’s have also rightly recognized the Government’s commitment to macro stability which has led to low inflation, declining deficit and prudent external balance and Government’s fiscal consolidation programme which has resulted in a reduction of fiscal deficits from 4.5% of GDP in 2013-14 to 3.5% in 2016-17 and its consequential sobering impact on general government debt. 
●    Government intends to stay the course on fiscal consolidation in the medium term.

Ram Vilas Paswan grants permission to display revised MRP due to reduction of rates of GST up to 31st December, 2017 

On account of implementation of GST w.e.f. 1st July, 2017, there may be instances where the retail sale price of a pre-packaged commodity is required to be changed. 
●    In this context, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan had allowed the manufacturers or packers or importers of pre-packaged commodities to declare the revised retail sale price (MRP) in addition to the existing retail sale price (MRP), for three months w.e.f. 1st July 2017 to 30th September, 2017. 
●    Declaration of the changed retail sale price (MRP) was allowed to be made by way of stamping or putting sticker or online printing, as the case may be.
●    Use of unexhausted packaging material/wrapper was also been allowed upto 30th September, 2017 after making the necessary corrections.
●    As Government has reduced the rates of GST on certain specified items, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, has granted permission under sub-rule (3) of rule 6 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, to affix an additional sticker or stamping or online printing for declaring the reduced MRP on the pre-packaged commodity. 
●    In this case also, the earlier Labelling/ Sticker of MRP will continue to be visible.

Current Affairs 17th November 2017: DAYS AND DATES

Qaumi Ekta Week will be observed from November 19-25, 2017 

 With a view to foster and reinforce the spirit of Communal Harmony, National Integration and pride in vibrant, composite culture and nationhood, the “Qaumi Ekta Week” (National Integration Week) will be observed all over the country, from the 19th to 25th November, 2017.  
●    The week long programmes to be observed during Qaumi Ekta Week will be as under:
●    November 19, 2017 will be observed as National Integration Day and programmes like meetings, symposia and seminars will be organized to emphasize the themes of secularism, anti-communalism and non-violence.
●    November 20, 2017 will be observed as Welfare of Minorities Day and Items of the 15 Point Programme are emphasized on this day. 
●    November 21, 2017 will be observed as Linguistic Harmony Day. 
●    November 22, 2017 will be observed as Weaker Sections Day and meetings and rallies will be organized to highlight programmes under various Governments which help SCs/STs and weaker sections with particular emphasis on the distribution of surplus land to landless labourers.
●    November 23, 2017 will be observed as Cultural Unity Day and cultural functions will be organized to present the Indian tradition of unity in diversity and for promoting cultural conservation and integration.
●    November 24, 2017 will be observed as Women’s Day. 
●    November 25, 2017 will be observed as Conservation Day and several meetings and functions will be organized to emphasise the growing need for awareness and action to conserve the environment.

Current Affairs 17th November 2017: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Indo-Bangladesh Exercise ‘SAMPRITI 2017’ comes to an end 

Closing ceremony for the seventh Indo-Bangladesh joint exercise SAMPRITI was held at Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Vairengte in Mizoram today. 
●    Exercise SAMPRITI is an important bilateral defence cooperation endeavour between India and Bangladesh. 
●    Major General Md Mushfiqur Rahman of Bangladesh Army and Major General M S Ghura of the Indian Army presided over the ceremony.
●    The exercise is aimed at strengthening and broadening the aspects of interoperability and cooperation between the Indian and Bangladesh Armies while working together in a counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism environment under the UN mandate. 
●    Exercise was conducted under the aegis of the Red Horns Division of Gajraj Corps and had two distinct components which included Command Post Exercise (CPX) and Field Training Exercise (FTX).
●    Troops from 38 East Bengal Regiment of Bangladesh Army and Mahar Regiment of Indian Army represented respective Armies during the exercise. 
 

Important Current Affairs 16th November 2017

Current Affairs 16th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

President of India presents Standards to the 223 Squadron and the 117 Helicopter Unit of the Indian Air Force 

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, presented Standards to the 223 Squadron and the 117 Helicopter Unit of the Indian Air Force at the Air Force Station, Adampur, Punjab today (November 16, 2017). 
●    This is his first visit to Punjab after taking over as President of India.
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the contribution of Punjab to our armed forces, and of our armed forces to our nation, has been enormous.
●    That is why, in his role as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, he was glad to visit Punjab for awarding Standards to the 223 Squadron and the 117 Helicopter Unit of the Indian Air Force. 
●    He stated that both units have a history of professional excellence. 
●    The nation honours them with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for dedication and courage in the face of adversity.

Cabinet approves MoU between India and Poland for the promotion of Civil Aviation Cooperation 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Poland for the Promotion of Civil Aviation Cooperation. 
●    The MoU will be signed on behalf of the two countries after its approval by the two Governments. 
●    The MoU would be for a term of five years. 
●    The objective of the MoU is to recognize the mutual benefit of Cooperation in the field of Civil Aviation having particular significance in establishing and improving Regional Air Connectivity in India. 
●    Apart from this both sides will recognize the mutual benefits of environmental testing or approvals, flight simulators monitoring and approvals, aircraft maintenance facilities approvals, maintenance personnel approvals and aircrew members approvals. 
●    The main areas of this Memorandum of Understanding to promote ad facilitate mutual cooperation are as under: 
●    Support in the civil aviation market by reviewing any legal and procedural issues which may adversely affect cooperation between India and Poland. 
●    Exchange of information and expertise between the Ministries and respective Civil Aviation Authorities related to aviation regulations, regional air operations, airworthiness requirements and safety standards to enhance safety and security of air transport.
 

Cabinet approves the establishment of the National Anti-profiteering Authority under GST 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for the creation of the posts of Chairman and Technical Members of the National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) under GST, following up immediately on yesterday's sharp reduction in the GST rates of a large number of items of mass consumption.
●    This paves the way for the immediate establishment of this apex body, which is mandated to ensure that the benefits of the reduction in GST rates on goods or services are passed on to the ultimate consumers by way of a reduction in prices. 
●    The establishment of the NAA, to be headed by a senior officer of the level of Secretary to the Government of India with four Technical Members from the Centre and/or the States, is one more measure aimed at reassuring consumers that Government is fully committed to take all possible steps to ensure the benefits of implementation of GST in terms of lower prices of the goods and services reach them.
●    It may be recalled that effective from midnight of 14th November, 2017 the GST rate has been slashed from 28% to 18% on goods falling under 178 headings. 
●    There are now only 50 items which attract the GST rate of 28%. Likewise, a large number of items have witnessed a reduction in GST rates from 18% to 12% and so on and some goods have been completely exempt from GST. 

Agreement for construction of mobile dive exploration Sonar by Navy

Under the "Make in India" policy of the Central Government, the Navy has signed the agreement with the Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division on November 15, 2017 and has signed an agreement for mobile dive investigation Sonar under the Construction (Indian) category.
●    This is the second agreement by the Navy to promote the efforts of indigenization in the defense sector.
●    Earlier, the Navy had signed the agreement for the surveillance radar in the warship.
●    The Dynamic Diver Exploration bin Sonar will be constructed by Tata Power SED through technology transfer from DSIT Israel in Bangalore.
●    Under the "Make in India" program of the Central Government, the navy has created a program to promote indigenization and to include arms and censors under the category of construction (Indian).
●    The involvement of the submarine explorer Sonar Navruna will increase the surveillance capacity during the sea campaign.
●    The purchase of these sonar will also help Navy to save the war veterans from the dangers.

Mission Innovation Smart Grids Workshop 

In order to combat the growth of green house gas emission, the world is fast moving to the increased use of renewable energy sources.  
●    However, there is increased concern that high penetration of renewable energy can cause disruptions in the existing power network due to their intermittent nature.  
●    Technology solutions are, therefore, needed to address the challenges related to development design, integration, operation and management of grids which allows use of upto 100 percent renewable energy.
●    Mission Innovation challenge on Smart Grids is collectively working to enable future smart grids powered by renewables.  
●    20 participating countries with India, Italy and China as Co-lead are working together to realise this aspiration.  
●    An international workshop is being organised during 16-19th November, 2017 at New Delhi to define research priorities and develop action plan for time bound action for realisation of these objectives. 

R.K. Singh launches ‘Saubhagya’ Web-Portal – a Platform for Monitoring Universal Household Electrification 

Shri R.K. Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, launched the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – ‘Saubhagya’ Web Portal here today. 
●    Addressing the media during the event, Shri Singh said that the Saubhagya Dashboard is a platform for monitoring household electrification progress, which would disseminate information on Household Electrification Status (State, District, village-wise), Household Progress on live basis, State-wise Target vs Achievement, Monthly Electrification Progress, etc.
●    The Minister said that achieving electrification of 4 crore households is a big challenge, nevertheless the Government is committed to achieve this target by December 2018, with the cooperation of all the States. 
●    This would, in turn, bring about a huge improvement in the Quality of Life of the Citizens of India. 
●    The Government is bringing a change in the Power ecosystem in the Country by pushing towards mandatory metering of all new electrical connections through pre-paid or smart meters. 
●    This would make paying of electricity bills viable for the poor, reduce power losses and increase compliance in paying electricity bills, Shri Singh said.
●    All States have been asked to announce the schedules of the village camps to be held and hence create awareness among the people about the one-stop facility for getting electricity connections.

Current Affairs 16th November 2017: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Cabinet approves agreement between India and Belarus on Scientific and Technological 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Agreement between the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB) on Scientific and Technological Cooperation for mutual benefit in the areas of science, technology, agriculture, etc. 
●    The Agreement was exchanged on 12th September, 2017 at New Delhi during the visit of Belarus President H.E. Mr. Alexander Lukashenko.
●    The Agreement is aimed at identifying, assessing, developing and commercializing globally competitive technologies from India and Belarus. 
●    It will support institutions in both countries by way of research, technology transfers, exchange of visits and joint workshops leading to scientific and economic benefit.

Current Affairs 16th November 2017: DAYS AND DATES

Two-day 12th North East Business Summit inaugurated in New Delhi

The Two-day “12th North-East Business Summit” was inaugurated here today. The summit aims to explore the scope for business opportunities in the North-Eastern region of India. 
●    Focus areas are Infrastructure and Connectivity with Public Private Partnerships, Skill Development, Financial Inclusion, Services Sector Development- Particularly in Tourism, Hospitality & Food Processing. 
●    The Summit is being organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), with Manipur being the state partner for the event.
●    Speaking on the inauguration of the summit, 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 North Eastern states have lot of potential which is still unexplored. 
●    He said that we need to explore this unexplored potential for the development of the region and the development of the country as a whole. 
●    If one region of the country is underdeveloped, the country cannot be developed, he added. 
●    He said that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi accords high priority to the peripheral states. 

Important Current Affairs 15th November 2017

Current Affairs 15th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Housing Sector shortage close to 10 million units-to be addressed through PMAY

Sh. Hardeep S Puri, the Minister of State (I/C) Housing and Urban Affairs has stated that the Real Estate Act is a pioneering legislation which will have a long term transformative effect. 
●    “We have put in place an eco-system to ensure that real estate sector is properly governed and buyers are empowered. 
●    I have absolutely no doubt that the history of Real Estate in India will be written in two segments, pre and post RERA. 
●    The pre-RERA phase was characterised by the dreams and ambitions to own a house of many being dashed for a considerable period of time by a few persons exploiting that dream. 
●    We are not out of that phase yet,” he added. 
●    Addressing the participants, ShPuri observed that the lack of finances was only part of a problem for owning a house. 
●    There was very little transparency in the housing sector. 
●    Broken promises, incomplete housing projects tell a tragic tale of untold misery inflicted on hapless citizens who, in many instances, had pledged their life time savings and even the family silver just to own a house. 

Vice President to inaugurate Aadi Mahotsav  

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu will inaugurate ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ - a fortnight long Tribal Festival with the theme of ‘A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Culture, Cuisine and Commerce’ tomorrow i.e 16 Nov 2017 at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi. 
●    The inaugural function will be presided over by Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram. 
●    Ministers of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Jasvantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor and Shri Sudarshan Bhagat will be specially present to grace the occasion. 
●    Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs Ms. Leena Nair, Managing Director, TRIFED Shri Pravir Krishna and other senior officials will also be present on the occasion.
●    Over 750 tribal artisans from over 25 States will be participating in the festival. 
●    Aadi Mahotsav is scheduled to be organized at four venues throughout Delhi. 
●    The details of the venues and dates of the festival are as under.
●    The festival will run for a fortnight through 30th November 2017. 
●    The theme of the festival is: A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Culture, Cuisine and Commerce. 
●    The festival will feature exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, art, paintings, fabric, jewellery and much more through about 200 stalls.

Union Steel Minister inaugurates Steel Pavilion at IITF 2017 

The Union Minister of Steel Shri Chaudhary Birender Singh inaugurated Ministry of Steel’s Pavilion at India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2017 here today at Pragati Maidan. 
●    The pavilion, where all public sector and major private sector steel companies are jointly participating, is designed on IITF 2017’s theme of Start-Up India: Stand-Up India. 
●    On the occasion, Shri Chaudhary Birender Singh announced and inaugurated a new initiative of Ministry of Steel – the #myLOVESTEELidea challenge. 
●    This contest is aimed at encouraging Start-Up India, Stand-Up India by inviting fresh business ideas based on steel, and offering one-time financial support to help translate the idea into reality. 
●    A total of Rs 10 Lakh will be split into Rs 5 lakh, Rs 3 lakh and Rs 2 lakh for the top best three ideas on steel-related innovation, deployment or commercialization of new product, processes or services or intellectual property. 
●    Start-up India: Stand-Up India is one of the core economic development initiatives of the government, and also the theme of IITF 2017, which aims at promoting entrepreneurship and business in various sectors. 
 

ONGC, Cairn India bid for 41 oil and gas fields

Public sector ONGC and private sector Vedanta Ltd The largest bidder for oil and gas blocks has emerged.
●    Under the open area of the oil and gas block license, 41 bids out of 57 bids received in the auction were met with both of them. 
●    At the same time, some big waivers and domestic companies kept away from it.
●    Sources linked to the matter said that the oil and natural gas corporation ONGC has 41 fields while Vedanta's company Cairn India has bid for 15 sectors.
●    Public Sector Oil India Ltd OIL is another main bidder company.
●    Hindustan Oil Exploration Company, HOEC bids for one area.
●    In July, the government opened 28 million square meters of sedimentary basin for oil and gas exploration.
●    The purpose of this initiative is to increase domestic production and reduce dependence on imports.
●    Of the 57 interest letters, 45 were in the month of July while one in September and seven in October.
●    BP has not made any bid till date. At the same time, Reliance Industries was also away from it.

Hunar Haat inaugurated in IITF 2017 

New Delhi, 15th Nov, 2017:  “Hunar Haat”, a spectacular platform of Ministry of Minority Affairs where exquisite pieces of Handicraft & Handloom prepared by inmates of Tihar Jail and master artisans from across the country are displayed, was inaugurated at India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan, today.
●    While inaugurating “Hunar Haat”, being organised from 14th to 27th Nov, 2017, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that “Hunar Haat” at Pragati Maidan is an impressive gathering of master artisans & craftsmen from “Tihar to Tripura, Kashmir to Kanyakumari & Karnataka to Kolkata”.
●    Ministry of Minority Affairs is organising “Hunar Haat” under “USTTAD” scheme at different parts of the country and “Hunar Haat” have become a successful mission to provide employment and employment opportunities and national as well international markets for thousands of master artisans, craftsmen and culinary experts.
●    The Minister said that while on one hand “Hunar Haat” have provided a platform to master artisans and craftsmen to display their rich heritage and skill, on the other hand these exhibitions are providing domestic and international markets to these artisans and craftsmen.

Current Affairs 15th November 2017: DAYS AND DATES

One day National Seminar on adoption organized successfully in New Delhi today 

A one day National Seminar on Adoption was held today as curtain raiser to the Children's Festival "Hausala 2017" being celebrated as Child Right's Week by the Ministry of Women & Children Development. 
●    Organized by Central Adoption Resources Authority, the seminar was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Dr. Virendra Kumar. 
●    Nearly 300 participants including senior officers of WCD Ministry, CARA, State WCD officials, SARAs, adoption agencies, Child Welfare Committees, District Child Care Protection Units among others attended the seminar.
●    In his inaugural address, the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Dr Virendra Kumar, lauded the efforts of adoption agencies and said that it is commendable that they have chosen to work in this area which requires a lot of sensitivity and dedication. 
●    Dr. Virendra Kumar said that the States play a pivotal role in adoption since CARA has to coordinate the process of adoption with the help of State governments and State agencies. 
●    While some states are performing well, others have not shown good progress, but it is very important for everybody to understand the need for love, care and affection among the children living in Child Care Institutions and give proper attention to adoption, he said.
 

Current Affairs 15th November 2017: ECONOMY

Sebi stops execution of Assam real estate, others in the capital market

Capital Market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India, SEBI has imposed a four-year ban on working in the stock market of Abys Assam real estate AARL and its directors.
●    He has also been asked to return the money to the investors because he had raised this amount without complying with the rules of public issue.
●    SEBI has said in its order dated 14th November that the company raised the preferential shares of 2008-09 and 2009-10 and 1400 investors raised 1.2 crore rupees.
●    According to the rules, issuance of shares to more than 50 people, is eligible for a public issue.
●    In such a case, it is necessary to list the company on a recognized stock market. AARL did not do this.
●    Madhavi Puri Bush, a full time member of SEBI, said that in view of her, AARL issued funds to buy preferential shares and collected funds from the people but did not comply with the provisions of the Companies Act and SEBI Regulations.
 

Current Affairs 15th November 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Sweden can negotiate with Birla group for smart clothes

Sweden's government is considering to form a joint project with Aditya Birla Group in the field of smart garments to increase bilateral trade.
●    "We have talked and are talking to Aditya Birla Group in the field of smart garments," Sweden's enterprise and innovation and Minister of Rural Affairs Sven-Eric Bach told reporters here.
●    Apart from this, we are also exploring possibilities in the areas of dairy and food security in India.
●    He said that Swedish hinges are making huge investments in the development of raw materials.
●    He said that he had yesterday visited the Textile Research Development Center of Birla Group situated in Kharach of Gujarat.
●    He said, the main purpose of this tour was to encourage the creation of smart garments from Viscose Staple Fiber VSF, cellulose fiber and pulp instead of cotton.
●    This is why Birla Group has been friendly for this. Birla Group is the world's largest VSF manufacturer.

Important Current Affairs 14th November 2017

Current Affairs 14th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

President of India inaugurates 37th India International Trade Fair-2017 

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the 37th India International Trade Fair (IITF) -2017, today (November 14, 2017) in New Delhi. 
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that IITF is more than just a trade fair or exhibition. 
●    Commencing every year on November 14, it is a showcase of India on the global stage.
●    It is also a symbol of India’s ancient and enduring commitment to international trade.
●    The President said that instinctively we have been an open society – free to trade winds and cultural exchanges. 
●    We have valued a liberal, rules-based international trading order. 
●    This is part of our DNA. And this is the legacy that modern India and IITF are building on.
●    The President said that this year’s IITF takes place at a point when India is recognised as one of the bright spots of the global economy. 
●    The world has acknowledged the changed business environment in India and the strides made in ease of doing business. 

Railway Minister gives directions for “comprehensive training programme” for all employees of Indian Railways to boost productivity & efficiency.

Under the direction of Minister of Railways & Coal, Shri Piyush Goyal, a comprehensive plan for imparting training to all employees of Indian Railways is being prepared with a view to upgrade skill & knowledge. 
●    This comprehensive training programme named as “Project Saksham” will help boost productivity and efficiency. 
●    Under this plan, all employees in each zone will be put through a week’s training in skills and knowledge relevant to their work area over next one year. 
●    A communication to this effect from Chairman Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani, has been sent to all General Managers of zonal railways and railways production unit. 
●    General Managers have been advised that such priority training need should be quickly identified for each category of employees (employees can be grouped into their work areas) based on the needs of respective zone. 
●    Identification of training needs and formulation of planned training calendar will be required to be completed by December 31st, 2017, ensuring that each employee is imparted training. 

The Government of India launched today the BHARAT-22 Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) managed by ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund 

The Government of India launched today the BHARAT-22 Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) managed by ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund targeting an initial amount of about Rs.8,000 crore. 
●    This New Fund Offer is open till November 17, 2017. 
●    The Units of the Scheme will be allotted 25% to each category of investors. 
●    In this ETF, the Retirement Fund has been made separate category of Investors. 
●    In case of spill-over, additional portion will be allocated giving preference to retail and retirement funds. 
●    There is a 3% discount across the board. 
●    The strength of this ETF lies in the specially created Index S&P BSE BHARAT-22 INDEX. 
●    This Index is a unique blend of shares of key CPSEs,Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and also the Government owned shares in blue chip private companies like Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Axis Bank and ITC. 
●    The shares of the Government companies represent 6 core sectors of the economy - Finance, Industry, Energy, Utilities, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and Basic Materials. 

R.K. Singh launches the National Power Portal(NPP) – a Centralized Platform for Collation and Dissemination of Indian Power Sector Information 

Shri R.K. Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, launched the National Power Portal (NPP)here today. 
●    NPP is a centralised system for Indian Power Sector which facilitates online data capture/ input (daily, monthly, annually) from generation, transmission and distribution utilities in the country and disseminate Power Sector Information (operational, capacity, demand, supply, consumption etc.) through various analysed reports, graphs, statistics for generation, transmission and distribution at all India, region, state level for central, state and private sector.
●    The NPP Dashboard has been designed and developed to disseminate analyzed information about the sector through GIS enabled navigation and visualization chart windows on capacity, generation, transmission, distribution at national, state, DISCOM, town, feeder level and scheme based funding to states. 
●    The system also facilitates various types of statutory reports required to be published regularly.
●    The Dashboard would also act as the single point interface for all Power Sector Apps launched previously by the Ministry, like TARANG, UJALA, VIDYUT PRAVAH, GARV, URJA, MERIT.

Rosogolla Belongs to Bengal, State Wins GI Tag Battle Against Odisha

It was a bitter battle that ended on a sweet note for Bengal. 
●    The Geographical Indications (GI) Registry on Tuesday announced that the ‘Rosogolla’, synonymous with the Bengali identity, originated in West Bengal and not Odisha.
●    The GI announcement came months after the Odisha government formed a panel to formally lay claims on ‘Rosogolla’, which has traditionally been identified with anything Bengali. 
●    West Bengal and Odisha have been engaged in a bitter legal battle over the origin of the syrupy Rosogolla since June 2015.
●    Speaking to News18 from Chennai, Assistant Registrar of Trademarks and GI, Chinnaraja G Naidu said, “Yes, today Bengal got the GI patent for Rosogolla. 
●    After a thorough study, we found that the juicy sweet ‘Rasgulla’ indeed originated from Bengal and not Odisha.”
●    The battle over Rosogolla turned even worse when Odisha’s Science and Technology Minister Pradip Kumar Panigrahi set up several committees in 2015 to trace the origin of 'Rosogolla'. 

Indian Guy Has Declared Himself The Ruler Of A Country 

An Indian man claims to have established his own kingdom after travelling to a no-man's land between Egypt and Sudan and declaring it his own.
●    Suyash Dixit 'founded' the Kingdom of Dixit on the unclaimed land of Bir Tawil, an 800-square-mile strip of land south of the Egyptian border.
●    While Bir Tawil is legally unclaimed territory, several people have attempted to colonise it over the years, including a Russian amateur radio enthusiast and an American man who wanted to make his daughter a real-life princess.
●    King of the desert: Suyash Dixit claims to have 'founded' his own kingdom on the unclaimed land of Bir Tawil, an 800-square-mile strip south of the Egyptian border.
●    Bir Tawil, meaning 'deep well' in Arabic, is situated south of the border between Egypt and Sudan, but neither country wants to lay claim to it. 
●    The discrepancy has meant Bir Tawil has stayed as a de facto 'no man's land' for more than 100 years.
●    Mr Dixit travelled from his hometown of Indore, India, to Bir Tawil to declare himself the 'first king of Dixit'.  

Current Affairs 14th November 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Curtain Raiser Event held for the Founding Ceremony of International Solar Alliance in Bonn, Germany 

A Curtain Raiser Event for the Founding Ceremony of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was held at Bonn, Germany yesterday.
●    Speaking at the event, Shri Anand Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India hoped that, in the spirit of affirmative action, developed countries will earmark a percentage of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) towards solar energy projects in developing countries. 
●    He suggested that Multilateral Development Banks and other financial institutions provide wholehearted support for solar projects through low cost finance, and research & technology institutions worldwide try their utmost to bring the cost of solar power and storage within the reach of all. 
●    Shri Kumar also invited corporates and other institutions to support solar energy development and deployment in every possible manner.
●    Recalling that the ISA initiative is the vision of Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Kumar reaffirmed Indian Government’s continued support for the ISA. 

Current Affairs 14th November 2017: AWARDS

Thaawarchand Gehlot presents Awards to winners of ‘Drawing and Painting Competition on Accessible India Campaign' 

On the occasion of Children’s Day, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment presented the Awards to the winners of ‘Drawing and Painting Competition on Accessible India Campaign’ at a felicitation event organised by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) under M/o Social Justice and Empowerment at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra, New Delhi today. 
●    Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale and Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar were also present on this occasion.
●    Addressing on the occasion, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot said that his ministry is fully committed to the welfare of Divyangjans and several new schemes and programmes have been initiated during past three years. 
●    He said that the categories of Divyangjans have been increased from Seven to Twenty One to cover more Divyangjans. 
●    He congratulated all award winners of the painting competition and also applauded the efforts of DEPwD for organizing such a useful competition.
●    Total 58 winners of this competition were awarded cash prize and certificates in a colourful ceremony. 

Important Current Affairs 13th November 2017

Current Affairs 13th November 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

PM visits IRRI, Mahaveer Philippine Foundation

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), at Los Banos, in Philippines. 
●    IRRI is a premier research organisation dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice growing environment for future generations. 
●    The Prime Minister reviewed a photo exhibit showcasing flood tolerant rice varieties; drought tolerant rice varieties; salinity tolerant rice varieties; and IRRI's work with women farming cooperatives. 
●    The Prime Minister undertook a symbolic groundbreaking for a new plot for submergence tolerant rice varieties. 
●    He unveiled a plaque to mark the inauguration of the Shri Narendra Modi Resilient Rice Field Laboratory. 
●    He presented two Indian rice seed varieties to the IRRI gene bank. 
●    During the course of the visit, the Prime Minister interacted with several Indian scientists working at IRRI. 

Current Affairs 13th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Northeast to get India's first ever 'Air Dispensary': Dr Jitendra Singh 

Northeast is all set to get India’s first-ever "Air Dispensary" based in a helicopter and the Union Ministry of Development of Northeast (DONER) has already contributed Rs. 25 crore as part of the initial funding for this initiative.
●    Disclosing this here yesterday after a meeting with the representatives of Aviation Sector and helicopter service/Pawan Hans, 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, for quite a few months, the DoNER Ministry had been exploring the idea of introducing a helicopter based Dispensary/OPD service in such far flung and remote areas, where no doctor or medical facility was available and the patient, in need, also did not have any access to any medical care. 
●    The proposal put forward by the Ministry of DoNER, he said, has been accepted and is in the final stages of process in the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation.
●    The Union Ministry of Northeast/DoNER, Dr Jitendra Singh said, is keenly pursuing the proposal so that by the beginning of 2018, this could be the Union Government’s gift to the people of Northeast.
●    Dr Jitendra Singh disclosed that even today, nearly 1/3rd of India’s population did not have access to proper hospital bed care, as a result of which, poor patients living in remote areas remained deprived of crucial medical care. 

Shri J P Nadda inaugurates the ‘Transport Ministers` Forum on Road Safety’ 

“All sectors including the health sector need to be fully engaged in responsibility, activity and advocacy for preventing accidents”. 
●    This was stated by Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare at the ‘Transport Ministers` Forum on Road Safety’ organised by International Road Federation (IRF), here today.
●    Shri Nadda further said that the political commitment and a will to achieve can bring about significant and rapid decline in road injuries and requires planning at all levels, capacity creation, involvement of all sectors and good data.
●    Transport Ministers from eight countries along with Shri Yudhvir Singh Malik, Secretary (RT&H), Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Mr. Jean Todt, UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety and Mr. Kiran K. Kapila, Chairman, IRF, Geneva, were also present at the occasion.
●    While emphasizing on the need to have a National Trauma Care Policy for road accident victims, Shri Nadda said that the possibility of novel methods of quick relief through airlifting such as Air Ambulances and providing relief in remote areas, well equipped Mobile Clinics etc., should be explored. 

Union Home Minister reviews measures to check cyber crimes in financial sector 

Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of all agencies concerned and representatives of relevant states here today to review the progress of the decisions taken during the meeting taken by him on September 19, 2017 for curbing the financial sector frauds emanating from the usage of cards and e-wallets in particular.
●    Union Home Minister was informed that in pursuance of the decisions taken in the meeting taken by him on September 19, 2017, an Inter Ministerial Committee on Phone Frauds (IMCPF) has been constituted in the Ministry of Home Affairs on September 28, 2017. 
●    The Committee under the chairmanship of Additional Secretary MHA and members from other stakeholder organisations namely Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Department of Financial Services, Department of Telecommunication, Reserve Bank of India and law enforcement agencies held its first meeting on October 24, 2017 and discussed various nature of phone frauds taking place in India and the steps to be taken by the various stakeholder organisations in order to curb such instances.
●    Union Home Minister reviewed the measures contemplated such as:
●    Big data analysis by involving IIT Delhi for identification of perpetrators of phone frauds in order to prevent duplication across e-wallets.
●    Providing of additional information in SMS/email alerts to customers from banks or e-wallet companies, as part of customer alert mechanism to include names of beneficiaries of any financial transaction wherever necessary for better traceability and cross checking on the part of the victim.

Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore releases the India Youth Development Index and Report 2017 

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge) Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore here today released the India Youth Development Index and Report 2017.  
●    The objective of constructing the India Youth Development Index (YDI) 2017 is to track the trends in Youth Development across the States. 
●    The Index enables recognizing the high and low performing states, identifies the weak domains and informs the policy makers the priority areas of intervention for youth development in the states.
●    The Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, an Institute of National Importance has come out with Youth Development Index and Report 2017. 
●    This is a pioneering attempt made by the Institute in 2010 which it followed up with the India Youth Development Index in 2017. 
●    Constructing Youth Development Index for the year 2017 was done using the latest definition of youth as used in National Youth Policy – 2014 (India) and World Youth Development Report of Commonwealth (15 – 29 years) as well as using the Commonwealth Indicators in order to facilitate Global comparison. 
●    In the India Youth Development Index 2017, the first five dimensions are retained same as that of Global YDI. 

Companies curtail operations in NCR post NGT's pollution directive

Coca-Cola, Dabur, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India and Perfetti Van Melle suspended operations at their manufacturing plants in the National Capital Region after the National Green Tribunal banned industrial activity in and around New Delhi to curb intense smog conditions. 
●    Hero MotoCorp, India’s largest two-wheeler maker, said production at its plant was partially affected. 
●    Manufacturing at many plants was halted on Friday or Saturday and some units stopped work even though they had not breached emission limits. 
●    The NGT hearing on the matter is expected on Tuesday. 
●    Coca-Cola, the country’s largest beverage maker, suspended manufacturing at four of its plants in the NCR in compliance with the NGT guidelines.
●    Dabur, which makes ayurvedic medicines at its Sahibabad plant, confirmed it had voluntarily shut production. 
●    It was not immediately clear how the production closures would affect sales. 
●    There is unlikely to be a major impact on sales since this is not peak season for Coca-Cola, a person familiar with the matter said, asking not to be identified. 

Idea, Vodafone India to sell tower business to ATC Telecom Infrastructure

The Kumar Mangalam Birla led Idea Cellular and Vodafone Plc.'s Indian unit Vodafone India have separately agreed to sell their respective standalone tower businesses in India to ATC Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited (ATC TIPL) for an aggregate enterprise value of ₹7850 crore (US $1.2 billion).
●    Both companies jointly own about 20,000 towers with tenancy ratio of 1.65x as of June 30, 2017, said a company statement, adding that Vodafone will get ₹3850 crore while Idea Cellular will get its share of ₹4000 crore from the transaction.
●    Both Vodafone India and Idea as customers, and ATC TIPL as a mobile network infrastructure provider, have agreed to treat each other as long-term preferred partners, subject to existing arrangements. 
●    The parties will work together to further the expansion of high speed mobile networks in India, the statement added.
●    Idea will sell its entire stake in its tower unit Idea Cellular Infrastructure Services Limited (ICISL) to ATC TIPL, while Vodafone India will sell a business undertaking that owns towers to ATC TIPL.

Essar Steel's production decreased by 15 percent

Since its introduction to Essar Steel, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has reduced its production by 15 percent.
●    The production was 15.7 lakh tonnes in the first quarter of the current year, which is 13.3 lakh tonnes in the second quarter.
●    With less production, the cost of raw material costs increased due to the company's profit.
●    Gas prices stood at 10.16 dollars per 10 lakh British thermal unit in November, which was 7.4 per million British thermal unit in June this year.
●    Under the leadership of the State Bank of India, banks started the filing process against Bhushan Steel, Essar Steel and Electrosteel in June and sent the three to NCLT under the purification and bankruptcy code IBC.
 

Important Current Affairs 12th November 2017

Current Affairs 12th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Govt To Start Rs 34,000 Crore BharatNet Phase 2 Project

The government will start its second and final phase of BharatNet project with an outlay of around Rs 34,000 crore to provide high-speed broadband in all panchayats by March 2019, Telecom secretary Aruna Sundararajan said on Sunday.
●    Under the project, the government aims to connect 1.5 lakh panchayats through 10 lakh kilometres of additional optical fibre and give bandwidth to telecom players at nearly 75 per cent cheaper price for broadband and wifi services in rural areas.
●    The telecom ministry will sign agreements with seven states -- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand -- which will roll out the project on their own with partial funding from the central government.
●    She said around Rs 4.5 lakh crore value can be added to the national gross domestic product on completion of BharatNet phase 2 as a study has suggested that every 10 per cent usage of Internet in India drives up GDP by 3.3 per cent. 

No Islamic Bank In India : RBI

In a major move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided not to pursue a proposal for introduction of Islamic banking in the country. 
●    Replying to an RTI query, the central bank said the decision was taken after considering "the wider and equal opportunities" available to all citizens to access banking and financial services. 
●    Islamic or Sharia banking is a finance system based on the principles of not charging interest, which is prohibited under Islam.
●    The issue of introduction of Islamic banking in India was examined by the RBI and the government of India, it said. 
●    The RBI was asked to provide details of steps being taken for the introduction of Islamic or 'interest-free' banking in India. 
●    Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on August 28, 2014 launched Jan Dhan Yojana, a national mission to bring about comprehensive financial inclusion of all the households in the country. 
●    In late 2008, a committee on Financial Sector Reforms, headed by former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, had stressed on the need for a closer look at the issue of interest-free banking in the country.

ITPO to approach Cabinet for hotel at Pragati Maidan

The commerce ministry's trade promotion body ITPO will approach the Union Cabinet seeking nod to monetise a small portion of land at Pragati Maidan for construction of a hotel, an official said.
●    Set up in 1977, the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) is the nodal trade promotion agency that works under the commerce ministry.
●    "We will be going to the Cabinet and seek its approval. The land would be monetised on a long-term lease basis for building a hotel. It would enhance the value of the upcoming exhibition-cum-convention centre at Pragati Maidan," the ministry official said.
●    About 3.7 acres land would be given on a long-term lease or on free hold to a private player for construction of a luxury hotel.
●    As part of the redevelopment plan of Pragati Maidan, a world-class Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre is under construction with an estimated cost of Rs 2,254 crore.
●    The convention centre will have a seating capacity of over 7,000 persons.
●    ITPO CMD L C Goyal said that after construction of the hotel, the centre would become an unmatched venue for exhibitions and conventions.

4th India-Canada Annual Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi Tomorrow 

A high level delegation led by the Canadian International Trade Minister, Mr. François-Philippe Champagne is visiting India to attend the 4th Annual Ministerial Dialogue (AMD) scheduled to begin tomorrow in New Delhi. 
●    The Indian delegation will be led by the Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Suresh Prabhu. 
●    In the current round of the Ministerial Dialogue, India and Canada would be focusing on some of the key commercial drivers to enhance the India-Canada partnership. 
●    Efforts would be made to work towards the expeditious conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) for a progressive, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement covering both goods and services. 
●    Considering the high potential for bilateral trade, the trade ministers of both countries are likely to discuss issues to explore ways of expediting the early conclusion of the CEPA and the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). 
●    India has long standing friendly bilateral relations with Canada. 

National Conference on BharatNet - Launch of Phase II, Signing of MoU with States and Utilisation of Network 

With Optical Fibre connectivity now available at 1 lakh Gram Panchayats under Phase-1 of BharatNet, DoT has initiated discussions on delivering Broadband enabled Citizen Services in these locations
●    The National Conference on Signing of MoU with States and Utilisation of Network will be held in New Delhi on 13th November 2017 with States and Service Providers
●    Telecos like Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone and Idea have expressed interest in providing last mile connectivity on BharatNet Infrastructure.
●    Memorandum of Understanding to be signed with States for Implementation of BharatNet Phase II
●    DoT is organizing a National Conference with the State Governments and Service Providers on Monday (13.11.2017) to brainstorm and showcase various utilization models leveraging BharatNet infrastructure.  
●    The Conference will be attended by IT Ministers and IT Secretaries from States.

Current Affairs 12th November 2017: SPORTS

Mary Kom won fifth gold medal at Asian Boxing Championships

Mary Kom won her fifth Asian Boxing Championships title by beating Korea’s Hyang Mi Kim on Wednesday. 
●    In a fiercely-contested final in Ho Chi Min City, Mary Kom won by 5-0 unanimous decision ending her gold medal drought in international competitions since Asian Games 2014.
●    The five-time world champion and Olympic bronze-medallist, unlike her previous bouts, got a competitive rival. 
●    The earlier bouts, Mary used the opening three minutes were invariably spent measuring up the rival, but on Wednesday both the Mary Kom and Hyang Mi were lunging at each other within seconds of the bell going off.  
●    Mary Kom scored for her ringcraft, which included some fine footwork to outpace Hyang Mi at crucial junctures.
●    There was hardly any power-hitting on display but the contest was made engaging by the boxers’ fast-paced exchange of punches. 
●    The North Korean was relentless with her left hooks but the Manipuri did not allow herself to be rattled and scored on counter-attack with her combination blows.
 

Pankaj Advani wins 17th World Billiards Championship title

Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani on Sunday clinched his 17th world title after he thrashed his arch-rival Mike Russell of England in the IBSF World Billiards Championship in Doha.
●    Advani beat Russell 6-2 (0-155, 150-128, 92-151, 151-0, 151-6, 151-0, 150-58, 150-21) to defend the 150-up format title he had won in Bengaluru last year. 
●    The Indian did not have an ideal start to the best-of-11 summit clash as Russell drew first blood with a well-crafted break of 155.
●    Advani drew parity in the next frame but still seemed to be looking for his best to arrive. 
●    The Englishman bounced back with breaks of 84 and 67 to win what was going to be the last frame to his name in the final.
●    From the fourth frame, the Indian was a transformed player. 
●    Advani, winner of maximum number of world titles in any sport by an Indian, increased his total by one more as he dominated the remainder of the final. 
●    He clinically constructed lethal breaks of 151, 151, 151, 145 and 110 to completely dismantle his longstanding rival.
 

Current Affairs 12th November 2017: SUMMIT

Mumbai to host Asian Bankers Association summit

For the first time, the nation’s financial capital will host the 34th annual conference of the Asian Bankers Association (ABA) this week.
●    The two-day conference will be held in the megapolis from November 16 and will be hosted by State Bank, with the theme of ‘Asia’s turn to transform’, SBI said.
●    The event is expected to see the presence of over 160 domestic as well as international bankers and Reserve Bank deputy governor Viral V Acharya will deliver the special opening address on the second day.
●    Founded in 1981, the ABA serves as a forum for advancing the cause of the banking industry and promote regional economic cooperation across the continent.
●    With around 80 members from 25 countries, the association holds conferences on issues of concern to the banking sector, policy advocacy discussions, and training programmes.
●    Some of the key foreign speakers at the event include ADB’s Noritaka Akamatsu, Chikahisa Sumi of IMF and Cheng Cheng-Mount of Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan.

Important Current Affairs 11th November 2017

Current Affairs 11th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Cabinet approves Agreement between India and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China 
 
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for entering into an Agreement between India and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income.
●    The Agreement will stimulate flow of investment, technology and personnel from India to HKSAR & vice versa, prevent double taxation and provide for exchange of information between the two Contracting Parties. 
●    It will improve transparency in tax matters and will help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance.
●    In so far as India is concerned, the Central Government is authorized under Section 90 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 to enter into an Agreement with a foreign country or specified territory for avoidance of double taxation of income, for exchange of information for the prevention of evasion or avoidance of income-tax chargeable under the Income-tax Act, 1961. 
●    This Agreement is on similar lines as entered into by India with other countries.

Cabinet approves the protocol amending the Agreement between India and Kyrgyz 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for the protocol amending the Agreement between India and Kyrgyz Republic for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.
●    The Protocol amending Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) aims to update Article 26 (Exchange of Information) of the DTAA to international standards. 
●    The updated Article provides for exchange of information to the widest possible extent. 
●    The new paragraphs 4 and 5 being inserted into the existing Article 26 of the DTAA provide that the State from which information is requested cannot deny information on the ground that it has no domestic tax interest in that information or that the information requested is held by a bank or a financial institution, etc. 
●    The Protocol further empowers India to use information received under the DTAA to be used for other law enforcement purposes on the supplying State authorizing such use.
●    The existing DTAA between India and Kyrgyz Republic was notified on 7/02/2001 and the same was in force since 10/01/2001. 

Cabinet approves Joint Interpretative Declaration between India and Colombia 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing the Joint Interpretative Declaration (JID) between India and Colombia regarding the existing Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments between India and Colombia signed on November 10, 2009.
●    The JID would impart clarity to the interpretation of the existing Agreement as itincludes interpretative notes to be jointly adopted for many clauses, including, the definition of investor, definition of investment, Fair and Equitable Treatment (FET), National Treatment (NT) and Most Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment, expropriation, Investor - State Dispute Settlement provision and Denial of Benefits.
●    Joint Interpretative Declarations/Statements in general play an important supplementary role in strengthening the investment treaty regime. 
●    With increasing Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) disputes, issuance of such statements is likely to have strong persuasive value before arbitration tribunals. Such proactive approach by partners can foster a more predictable and coherent reading of treaty terms by arbitration tribunals.

Cabinet approves utilisation of pulses from the buffer stock through Central Government Schemes having nutrition component 

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved to utilize part of stock of pulses in the buffer maintained by the Department of Consumer Affairs, for meeting the protein component under various schemes of Central Government providing nutrition to various target groups/beneficiaries. 
●    To give effect to the decision, the CCEA has empowered the concerned Departments/Ministries to carry out suitable amendments in their schemes/guidelines to enable them to take/provide pulses from the buffer in kind under their respective Schemes. 
●    The disposal through the Central Government Schemes is in addition to the disposal of pulses from the buffer through open market sale and supply to States. 
●    All the concerned Ministries/Departments will make necessary changes in their schemes and assess requirement of pulses within next three months of the approval. 
●    Supply of pulses from the Central buffer would commence based on such requirement indicated by these Ministries/Departments. 
●    The objective of the approval is to enable the concerned administrative Ministries/Departments to ensure that pulses from the buffer are utilized as in 'kind' component of the Centre's contribution in such schemes, in lieu of its financial contribution of equivalent amount. 

Exhibition of Islamic Calligraphy from Rampur Raza Library opens in Brunei Darussalam as part of Festival of India 

An exhibition of photographs of valuable collection of Islamic Calligraphy from the Rampur Raza Library of Ministry of Culture, Government of India was inaugurated as the inaugural event of Festival of India in Brunei Darussalam yesterday. 
●    The exhibition was inaugurated by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Government of Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof. 
●    The exhibition consist of 36 photographs of calligraphy including of verses from the Holy Quran, and poetry in Persian and Arabic, selected from the over 3000 calligraphy pieces in the Rampur Raza Library collection. 
●    The Exhibition is being jointly hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Government of Brunei Darussalam and the High Commission of India in Brunei Darussalam and will stay open to public till 25th November, 2017.
●    At the inaugural event, Smt. Nagma M Mallick, High Commissioner of India to Brunei Darussalam, described the Exhibition as a gesture of solidarity and friendship of the Government of India to the Government and the people of Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of His Majesty the Sultan. 
●    She described the calligraphy on display as another example of the syncretic culture that amalgamated the ancient Indian artistic traditions with Islamic culture over hundreds of years to produce a cultural flowering under the Mughal Empire.

After the conversation on the tweeter with the railway, Amul sent the first consignment of butter
Dairy field giant Amul has started using the railway services to transport the goods to various parts of the country.

●    Under this, the first consignment of butter has been sent in the refrigerated parcel box of the railway.
●    Actually, the dairy sector giant Amul had sent a proposal of Indian Railways to use the services of the railway to deliver goods to various parts of the country about a month ago.
●    In this proposal Amul asked that he wants to use the railway's refrigerated parcel bins to deliver butter throughout the country.
●    Amul wrote in his Twitter today, the first cold box of 17 metric ton Amul butter has been dispatched from Palanpur to Delhi with our milk train.
●    For this, Amul thanked Indian Railways for taking prompt action.
●    Amul had asked in his business proposal to Indian Railways on September 23, - He is interested in using refrigerated parcel van for supplying Amul Butter in India.

Current Affairs 11th November 2017: DAYS AND DATES

WCD Ministry to celebrate Child Rights Week by hosting an inter CCI Festival “Hausala 2017” between 16th to 20th November 

The Ministry of Women and Child Development will celebrate the Child Rights Week (Hausla 2017) from 16th to 20th November, 2017. 
●    The country celebrates the Children’s Day on 14th November and the International Child Rights Day is celebrated on 20th November every year.
●    The period between the two important events will be celebrated as Child Rights Week by WCD Ministry by hosting an Inter CCI Festival for the children who reside in Child Care Institutions (CCIs).
●    The commemoration of the festival “Hausala 2017” will provide an occasion to showcase the talents of children from CCIs   from various child care institutions across the country and provide them with a space to express their dreams and aspiration.   
●    Children will be participating in various events like Bal Sansad, painting competition, athletics meet, football, chess competition and speech writing.  The following events are proposed to be organized:
●    Bal Sansad on 16th November 2017: The National Policy for Children 2013 and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015 endorse the rights of the children to participate in issues that affect them. 
●    Children have the right to express their views and be involved actively in decision-making at different levels in matters that concern them. 
●    They are today’s citizens, can act as leaders now and in the future. 

Current Affairs 11th November 2017: AWARDS

National Entrepreneurship Award 2017 under Mentor (Government) Category awarded to Dr. Renu Swarup, Senior Adviser, DBT 

Dr. Renu Swarup, Senior Adviser in the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology has been awarded with National Entrepreneurship Award, 2017 under Mentor (Government) category in the Recognition Track. 
●    Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley presented the awards at the National Entrepreneurship Award Ceremony, 2017 in New Delhi. 
●    Dr. Renu Swarup is presently Senior Adviser for Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology.
●    She also holds position of Managing Director, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Public Sector Company.
●    A PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding, Dr. Renu Swarup completed her Postdoctoral at The John Innes Centre, Norwich UK, under Commonwealth Scholarship and returned to India to take up the assignment of a Science Manager in the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, in 1989. 
●    As a Science Manager, issues related to policy planning and implementations are a part of her assignment. 
●    She was actively engaged in formulation of the Biotechnology Vision in 2001, National Biotechnology Development Strategy in 2007 and Strategy II, 2015-20 as the Member Secretary of the Expert Committee.

Important Current Affairs 10th November 2017

Current Affairs 10th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

President of India addressed Sadguru Kabir Mahotsav 

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

Cabinet approves continuation and Restructuring of National Rural Drinking Water Programme

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Biannual talks between DGs of BSF and Pakistan Rangers conclude 

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

Current Affairs 10th November 2017: APPOINTMENT

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

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

Current Affairs 10th November 2017: DEFENCE

Ninth Gorkha Rifles Bi-Centenary Celebrations 

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

Important Current Affairs 9th November 2017

Current Affairs 9th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Radha Mohan Singh inaugurates the Organic World Congress 2017 

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

President of India launches Bihar Krishi roadmap 2017-2022 

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

Kiren Rijiju inaugurates the ‘India Disaster Response Summit’ 

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

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

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

Health Ministry issues pollution advisory for citizens 

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

FSSAI issued rules for organic food

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

Facebook launches 'Disaster Maps' feature in India

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

Current Affairs 9th November 2017: ECONOMY 

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

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

Important Current Affairs 8th November 2017

Current Affairs 8th November 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

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

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

IDA approves holistic development of 9 islands 

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

Experts Discussed Employment Generation Strategies in India 

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

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

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

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

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

Current Affairs 8th November 2017: ECONOMIC

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

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

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

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

Current Affairs 8th November 2017: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 

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

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