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Important Current Affairs 18th June 2017

Important Current Affairs 18th June 2017

Current Affairs 18th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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

Final raising of Sardar Sarovar Dam cleared by Narmada Control Authority

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

Announcement for President election done

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

Current Affairs 18th June 2017: Awards

Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi chosen for Bhupen Hazarika Award 2017

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

Current Affairs 18th June 2017: SPORTS

Pakistan defeat India by 180 runs to lift Champions Trophy title

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

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Important Current Affairs 17th June 2017

Important Current Affairs 17th June 2017

Current Affairs 17th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

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

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

Union Health Ministry launches Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight

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

Neeru Chadha elected as first Indian woman Member of ITLOS

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

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

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

Current Affairs 17th June 2017: APPOINTMENT

Ajaib Singh Bhatti elected as Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker

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

Current Affairs 17th June 2017: ACCOMPLISHMENT

Former Chief Justice PN Bhagwati Dies At 95

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

Current Affairs 17th June 2017: AWARDS

Israeli author David Grossman wins Man Booker Prize

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

Current Affairs 17th June 2017: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

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

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

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Important Current Affairs 16th June 2017

Important Current Affairs 16th June 2017

Current Affairs 16th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

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

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


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


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


HRD Ministry to organize several programmes to popularise Yoga 


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


Awareness session on Industrial Information System – Chhattisgarh 

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


Atal Pension Yojana (APY) can now be subscribed digitally

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

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

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

Current Affairs 16th June 2017: PERSONS

Indian-Origin Leo Varadkar Elected Ireland's Prime Minister

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

Current Affairs 16th June 2017: OBITUARY

Former BCCI secretary Jyoti Bajpai passes away

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

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Important Current Affairs 15th June 2017

Important Current Affairs 15th June 2017

Current Affairs 15th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

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

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

Task Force on Innovation

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

States shortlisted by NITI for transformative change in Health and Education 

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

Centre To Open Passport Service Centres In Head Post Offices

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

Yogi Adityanath opens new airport terminal at Gorakhpur

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

Current Affairs 15th June 2017: BANKING

SBI Launched Prime Credit Card

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


Current Affairs 15th June 2017: INTERNATIONAL NEWS 

Indian warships arrive for bilateral maritime exercise

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

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Important Current Affairs 14th June 2017

Important Current Affairs 14th June 2017

Current Affairs 14th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

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

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


Probationers of Railway Protection Force call on the President 


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

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

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

Uttar Pradesh to make marriage registration mandatory

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

Current Affairs 14th June 2017: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Cabinet approves MoU between India and Palestine on agriculture cooperation

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

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

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


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


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

Current Affairs 14th June 2017: SPORTS

Kohli reclaims top spot in ICC Ranking

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


 

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Important Current Affairs 13th June 2017

Important Current Affairs 13th June 2017

Current Affairs 13th June 2017: DEFENSE 

Army’s Super-40 initiative

Army Chief today met and complimented the students from Army’s Super-40 coaching initiative that has been training local children to take Engineering Entrance Examination. 
●    Army’s Super - 40 initiative for coaching the J&K youth for Engineering Entrance Exams broke all previous records when 26 boys and two girls from the state cracked the IIT-JEE Mains Exam 2017.  
●    Nine students have successfully qualified the IIT Advanced Exam, the results of which were declared on 11 June 17.
●    The coaching is conducted at Srinagar by Army, its training partner Centre for Social Responsibility & Learning (CSRL) and Petronet LNG. 
●    This was also the first batch in which five girls from Kashmir valley were coached, out of which two had qualified in the JEE Mains.

Current Affairs 13th June 2017: GLOBAL NEWS 

India to be Co-Partner Country in ANUGA 2017

Minister of Food Processing Industries Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal today addressed a Joint Press Conference with the organizers of ANUGA - an international business platform for Food Industry to be held in Cologne, Germany. 
●    She also signed the Memorandum of Understanding for Participation in the ANUGA Exhibition with Ms Katharina C Hamma, Chief Operating Officer, Koelnmesse GmBH (Organizers of ANUGA).
●    Minister of Food Processing Industries said that it was an honour for India to be a co-partner country in such a prestigious international event. 
●    “It gives us the opportunity to showcase our strengths and opportunities to an international audience”. 
●    The Minister also said that Food Processing Sector has lots of challenges to deal with but due to the transformation happening in this sector in the last 3 years, the industry is ready to overcome the obstacles. 
●    Smt Badal said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri  Narendra Modi, in the last 3 years,  our Government has started nine Mega Food Parks; strengthening cold chain infrastructure; implementing Kisan-SAMPADA scheme with allocation of Rs 6000 crore; creation of corpus of Rs. 2000 Crore with NABARD for priority lending to the food processing industries; rationalising taxes; allowing 100% FDI in retail market for Food sector, etc. 
●    These steps will help the Government in achieving its vision of making India a Global Food Factory rather than being a market place only. “Brand India will be standing parallel with Brand ANUGA in Cologne, Germany”, said the Minister. Smt Badal said infact Germany could be invited to partner in World Food India to be organized shortly by the Government of India. 
●    The Minister recognised the importance for India to be showcasing its strength in Food Processing Industries by participating in various International Food Exhibitions like SIAL in France and ANUGA in Germany.

Panama cuts diplomatic ties with Taiwan, establishes relations with China

Central American nation, Panama has cut its long-standing ties with Taiwan, choosing to establish diplomatic relations with China instead. 
●    The Panamanian government said that it recognised there was "only one China" and considered Taiwan part of it.
●    The switch was made official with Panama’s foreign minister signing a communiqué with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on 13 June 2017 in Beijing. 
●    The move leaves Taiwan with just 20 diplomatic allies.
●    Confirming the development, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela stated during a media address that Panama was upgrading its commercial ties with China and establishing full diplomatic links with the second most important customer of its key shipping canal.
●    He further added saying that signing up to Beijing’s “One China” principle would generate a great potential in all areas including investment and job creation.

Current Affairs 13th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS 

51 EMR Schools made Functional during The Last three years

Ministry of Tribal Affairs has actively initiated various efforts during the last three years to make more Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) functional. As a result, 51 new EMRS were made functional during the last three years. 
●    161 EMR Schools are functional right now, while this figure was at 110 in the year 2013-14. More than 52 thousand tribal students are taking education in 161 EMR Schools of 26 States.
●    Eklavya Model Residential School Scheme was started in 1998 and first school was started in the year 2000 in Maharashtra. 
●    A total of 259 schools have been sanctioned during the last 17 years, out of which, 72 EMRS were sanctioned during last three years. EMRSs have been functioning as institutions of excellence for tribal students. 
●    Results of these schools have been generally better than other Government schools in the tribal areas. Average pass percentage of students in Class Xth and XIIth in these EMRS is above 90%. 
●    Many EMRS students have been reported to be faring well in higher studies and competitive examinations.
●    In order to further educational opportunities for more ST children, Government seeks to extend the facility of EMRSs in all the 672 Blocks where ST population is more than 50% of the total population in a span of next five years.

Meeting on Draft Ganga Bill Held 

The committee constituted to review the provisions of the draft National River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Bill, 2017 held its meeting in New Delhi today. 
●    The meeting held under the chairmanship of Director General, NMCG Shri UP Singh  discussed various aspects of the  Bill specially the preamble, definitions and some others chapters. 
●    Shri Sanjay Kundu, Joint Secretary (PP) of the Union Water Resources Ministry, Shri Purushaindra Kaurav, Advocate General, Madhya Pradesh and Shri Arun Kumar Gupta, Advocate, Allahabad High Court attended the meeting. 
●    This committee has been constituted by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation to examine the salient features of the draft National River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Bill, 2017.
●    The bill addresses the critical issues pertaining to River Ganga on its cleanliness (Nirmalta) and un-interrupted e-flow (Aviralta) and provides corresponding penalty provisions thereof. 
●    The committee also recognized the enormous challenges being faced to maintain the wholesomeness of the River perpetuated due to over stressed water demand from agricultural, domestic and industrial sectors.

Punjab government okays 33% reservation for women in state jobs

In a major decision, the Punjab cabinet has decided to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in all government jobs.
●    The decision was taken in the first cabinet meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh here, said an official spokesperson.
●    He added women will be given the reservation also in the contractual appointments of the state government.
●    Reaffirming the Punjab Congress's commitment towards empowerment of women, the cabinet also decided to increase their representation in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) from the present 33 per cent to 50 per cent, the spokesperson said.
●    A series of decisions were also taken for the benefit of freedom fighters.The cabinet has decided to provide a house to every freedom fighter in the place he resides, besides allocating 300 units of free electricity every month, he said.
●    It was also decided to provide one out-of-turn tube well connection to the freedom fighters and to exempt them from paying toll tax for state highways, the spokesperson added.


New Planet Is Largest Discovered That Orbits Two Suns

Astronomers have discovered two new gas giant planets, orbiting a star located about 138 light years away from the Earth.
●    One of the two worlds is a Saturn-mass planet, while the other one is a cold exoplanet several times more massive than Jupiter, researchers said.
●    The two planets orbit a star HD 27894, which was first detected in 2005 and is about 20 per cent less massive than the Sun. Researchers led by Trifon Trifonov of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Germany analysed the archival and new data to find additional planets in the HD 27894 system. 
●    The study detected the presence of two gas giant exoplanets, which received designations HD 27894 c and HD 27894 d.
●    HD 27894 c has a mass of about 0.16 Jupiter masses, an orbital period of 36 days and is circling its host at a distance of 0.2 Astronomical Units (AU), 'Phys.org' reported.
●    HD 27894 d has a mass of about 5.4 Jupiter masses. It takes the planet over 14 years to complete one full orbit, as it is located almost 5.5 AU from the host. "The co-existence of a massive, distant, and moderately eccentric Jovian planet and a possibly resonant inner pair of massive planets makes the HD 27984 system truly unique," the researchers said.
National 


Centre to set up 100 AYUSH hospitals across country

Centre to set up 100 AYUSH hospitals The Centre has approved proposals for setting up of 100 Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) hospitals across the country.
●    The same was revealed by the Minister of state for AYUSH, Shripad Yesso Naik. 
●    The Minister said that during the last three years the Union government had approved posting of 4000 AYUSH doctors in primary health centres across the country. 
●    He added that their salaries are being paid by the Union government.
●    The minister further stated that an AYUSH hospital equivalent to AIIMS would be opened within a month in New Delhi.
●    Besides this, the Union Ministry had approved setting up of two 50-bedded integrated AYUSH hospitals at Theni and Tiruvannamalai districts in Tamil Nadu.
●    Further, a total of Rs 283.6 lakh has been released out of sanctioned amount of Rs 563 crore for conservation and development of medicinal plants across Tamil Nadu.

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Important Current Affairs 12th June 2017

Important Current Affairs 12th June 2017

Current Affairs 12th June 2017: DEFENCE 

Joint IAF-HPTDC Multi adventure Expedition

Indian Air Force in coordination with Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) is undertaking a Joint Multi Adventure Expedition from 12 Jun 17 to 17 Jun 17. 
●    The expedition includes Parasailing, Paramotor over Shimla Airport (Jubbar hatti). 
●    A joint team of IAF and HPTDC would participate in Mountain Terrain Biking (MTB) competition at Shimla, Paragliding at Joginder Nagar (Bir Billing), Trekking at Beas Kund and River Rafting at Pirdi (Kullu). 
●    A team of 25 talented air warriors, including four women officers, led by Wing Commander SS Malik will participate in the activities. 
●    The aim of the expedition is to inculcate a spirit of adventure and team work among air warriors. 
●    The joint expedition with HPTC will give exposure to our air warriors and will promote the motto 'Join the IAF with Pride' and will provide wide publicity to Indian Air Force.

Current Affairs 12th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS 

Govt. Make changes to benefit small businesses

The GST Council on 11 June 2017 reduced the GST Rates of 66 items including insulin, pickles, printers, agarbattis, school bags, and cashew nuts.
●    However, the GST rates for telecom services, marbles, granite and spectacles were retained. 
●    The GST Council, headed by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, went beyond the equalisation principle of maintaining the current tax incidence in certain cases.
●    All goods and services, under the GST regime, are broadly placed in five tax slabs — 0, 5, 12, 18, and 28 per cent.
●    Revised GST Rates of few Goods and Services
●    The GST Rates on insulin, cashew nuts and agarbattis were lowered to 5 per cent from 12 per cent proposed earlier.
 

Current Affairs 12th June 2017: OBITUARY

Veteran Telugu poet, writer C Narayana Reddy passes away

Noted Telugu and Urdu poet and writer C Narayana Reddy passed away on 12 June 2017 in Hyderabad. 
●    He was rushed to a private hospital in the early hours of morning following health complications and was pronounced dead. He was 85.
●    Reddy is known to have written more than 80 publications that include poems, songs, lyrical dramas, ballets, essays, travelogues, ghazals -both original and in translation and literary criticism. 
●    He is survived by four daughters.
●    Born on 29 July 1931 in anumajipet, Karimnagar District, Hyderabad state (now in Telangana), Reddy was one of the most distinguished Telugu poets of his generation.

Batman actor Adam West dies at 88

Adam West, the actor best known for playing Batman in the 1960s television series, has died aged 88 of leukaemia. 
●    He is remembered by fans for his kooky, exaggerated portrayal of the superhero in the ABC show, which ran for three seasons from 1966 to 1968.
●    West once said that he played Batman “for laughs, but in order to do [that], one had to never think it was funny. You just had to pull on that cowl and believe that no one would recognise you.”
●    Tributes have poured in from the media world. David Walliams tweeted: “Thank you AdamWest for being the funniest superhero of all time as Batman.” 
●    Many of those expressing their sadness shared the fact that West’s portrayal of the Caped Crusader had been their childhood hero. 
●    Author Neil Gaiman tweeted: “Rest in peace Adam West. We met once in 1987 and I was too embarrassed and too foolishly ‘cool’ to tell you what you meant to my childhood.”
 

Current Affairs 12th June 2017: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Scientists discover rare two-dimensional magnets

Scientists have for the first time discovered two-dimensional magnets that are formed by a single layer of atoms.
●    A team led by the University of Washington (UW) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US has for the first time discovered magnetism in the 2D world of monolayers.
●    Scientists have for the first time discovered two-dimensional magnets that are formed by a single layer of atoms and may pave the way for more compact and efficient devices.
●    Magnetic materials form the basis of technologies that play increasingly pivotal roles in our lives today, including sensing and hard-disk data storage.
●    For smaller and faster devices, researchers are seeking new magnetic materials that are more compact, more efficient and can be controlled using precise, reliable methods.
●    A team led by the University of Washington (UW) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US has for the first time discovered magnetism in the 2D world of monolayers, or materials that are formed by a single atomic layer.
●    The findings, published in the journal Nature, show that magnetic properties can exist even in the 2D realm - opening a world of potential applications.

Current Affairs 12th June 2017: SPORTS

French Open 2017: Jelena Ostapenko beats third seeded Simona Halep

Jelena Ostapenko on 10 June 2017 grabbed her first ever grand slam title by beating the match favourite, third-seeded Simona Halep in the final of French Open 2017.
●    Ostapenko, after losing the first set 4-6, made a stunning comeback with two straight wins 6-4 and 6-3, making way for one of the biggest Grand Slam upsets. 
●    With the win, she became the first Latvian to ever win a Grand Slam singles title.
●    Ostapenko rallied up to the finals beating world no. 9 Timea Bacsinszky in the semi-final, former world no. 1 Caroline Wozniacki in the quarter-final and Olympic champion Monica Puig and former finalist Sam Stosur in the qualifying rounds.


England beat Venezuela to win FIFA U-20 World Cup for first time

England on 11 June 2017 lifted the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time ever.
●    England defeated Venezuela 1-0 in the summit clash held in Suwon, South Korea.
●    The only goal of the match, played at the Suwon World Cup Stadium here, carried the signature of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin 34 minutes in the game.
●    Serbia, the 2015 champions, were not able to defend their title as they failed to reach the final round of the UEFA qualifying tournament. 
●    In doing so, they became the fifth consecutive incumbent title holder to fail to qualify for the subsequent tournament.
 

Current Affairs 12th June 2017: ECONOMY

Railways to Induct 40000 Refurbished Coaches for Rs 8000 Cr

The Indian Railways is all set to induct about 40000 revamped coaches at an estimated cost of Rs 8,000 Cr to provide world-class comfort to passengers.
●    The new coaches will reportedly come with improved interiors and upgraded facilities. 
●    The coaches will be retrofitted with refurbished interiors, improved seating arrangement and newly designed bio-toilets among other facilities.
●    The total estimated cost of retrofitting would be about Rs 30 lakh per coach.
●    The target is to complete the process of refurbishing of coaches with improved interiors and modern facilities in the next five years.

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Important Current Affairs 11th June 2017

Important Current Affairs 11th June 2017

Current Affairs 11th June 2017: SPORTS

Manchester United tops Forbes' list as most valuable soccer club

It's been a stellar season for Real Madrid after winning La Liga and the Champions League, but the Spanish club suffered a rare defeat Tuesday -- off the pitch.
●    Manchester United is now officially the world's most valuable football club, usurping Real at the top of the Forbes annual rich list for the first time in five years.
●    Jose Mourinho's men might have recorded a lowly sixth place finish in the Premier League, but the club is valued at $3.69 billion, up 11% on last year.
●    United generated record revenues of $765 million -- over $75 million more than Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid -- aided by an unprecedented domestic television deal, global commercial reach and an Adidas uniform sponsorship arrangement with a reported $90 million per year.
●    The club, owned by the American Glazer family, is also substantially the most profitable, posting operating income of $288 million -- more than fellow English clubs Arsenal ($122 million), Chelsea ($52 million, Liverpool ($29 million) and Tottenham Hotspur ($68 million) combined.


French Open: Bopanna-Dabrowski win mixed doubles title


Bopanna-Dabrowski wins mixed doubles title of French OpenIndia’s Rohan Bopanna and his Canadian teammate Gabriela Dabrowski on 8 June 2017 won the mixed doubles title at the 2017 French Open of Tennis. 
●    In the finals played at Philippe-Chatrier Court of Paris, France, the Indo-Canadian pair defeated the pair of Germany’s Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Colombia's Robert Farah by 2-6, 6-2, 12-10.
●    This was their maiden French Open mixed doubles title for this Indo-Canadian pair of Bopanna and Dabrowski.
●    Sai Praneeth clinches 2017 Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold
●    To enter the finals, the seventh-seeded Bopanna and his Canadian partner shocked third seeds Andrea Hlavackova and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 7-5, 6-3 in the semi-finals.
 

Current Affairs 11th June 2017: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOG

Indian-American among 12 new astronauts chosen by NASA

NASA on 7 June 2017 announced names of 12 new astronauts, including an Indian-American Lt Col Raja Grinder Chari. 
●    They, the new astronauts, were chosen from a record number of over 18000 applicants.
●    The new candidates include six military officers, three scientists, two medical doctors, a lead engineer at SpaceX and a NASA research pilot. 
●    The seven men and five women comprise the 22nd class of American spaceflight trainees since 1959.
●    Indian American Lt Col., US Air Force Raja Grinder Chari (39) is a commander of the 461st Flight Test Squadron and the Director of the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base in California. 
●    He hails from Waterloo, Iowa who graduated from the US Air Force Academy with bachelor’s degrees aeronautics and astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.
●    The other 11 selected astronaut candidates include Zena Cardman, Jasmin Moghbeli, Jonny Kim, Frank Rubio, Matthew Dominick, Warren Hoburg, Robb Kulin, Kayla Barron, Bob Hines, Loral O' Hara and Jessica Watkins.

Current Affairs 11th June 2017: APPOINTMENT

Sam Pitroda resigns as Technical Advisor to Odisha Government

Prominent telecom engineer and policymaker Sam Pitroda on 7 June 2017 resigned as the Technical Advisor to the Odisha Government. 
●    Pitroda's resignation was accepted by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
●    His position as technical advisor to the state government was that of the status of a cabinet rank minister. 
●    However, he did not avail any facilities and took a token salary of Re 1 a month. 
●    Pitroda's resignation was demanded by opposition party BJP after he was named as the Chairman of Congress Overseas Cell.
●    Pitroda was expected to play a crucial role in developing the IT sector of Odisha and launching of a roadmap for telecom, IT and ITes (IT enabled services) in the state at a time when the government is preparing a Vision Document 2036 to mark 100 years of formation of the linguistic state.
 

Current Affairs 11th June 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Nepal's first woman Chief Justice Sushila Karki retires

First woman Chief Justice of Nepal Sushila Karki retired on 8 June 2017 after attaining the age 65 years. 
●    She was appointed as the Chief Justice of Nepal Supreme Court on 10 July 2016. 
●    She was 25th Chief Justice of Nepal Supreme Court. 
●    Justice Karki was succeeded by Justice Gopal Parajuli, who is now the senior most judge of the Supreme Court of Nepal.
●    Initially working as an assistant teacher in Mahendra Multiple Campus of Nepal, Sushila Karki jumped into legal profession in 1979.
●    She was appointed as the Ad-Hoc Justice of Nepal Supreme Court in January 2009 and was promoted as the Permanent Justice in November 2010.


 

‘History made’ as Britain elects first female Sikh MP

Both Labour, Preet Kaur Gill, 44, will represent Birmingham Edgbaston and Tan Dhesi will represent Slough.
●    The results have been celebrated as ‘historic’ in an election where Labour did much better than many had expected.
●    It was heralded as ‘victory for Sikh representation in the UK parliament’.
●    Ms Gill won over 6,000 more votes than the Tories, while Mr Dhesi won a huge majority of 16,998.
●    ‘More good news from the Sikh community in the UK,’ American professor Simran Jeet Singh tweeted. ‘Inclusion and representation matter.’
●    He described it as ‘a long overdue achievement for the Sikh community in England and an incredible step up for Sikh women everywhere!’

Current Affairs 11th June 2017: ECONOMY

India announces mounting of a National Mission on advanced ultra supercritical technologies for cleaner coal utilization

India announces mounting a National Mission on advanced ultra supercritical technologies for cleaner coal utilisation at a total cost of US $ 238 million and setting up of two Centres of Excellence on Clean Coal Technologies at US $5 million each. 
●    In its quest for cleaner fuels, a National Mission on methanol and di-methyl ether is being mounted. 
●    A new centre on solar photovoltaic, thermal storage and solar fuels research has been approved ~ US $ 5 million. 
●    Funding opportunities have been announced in the area of energy storage, clean coal, waste water treatment amounting to US $ 10 million. 
●    This announcement was made at the 2nd Mission Innovation Ministerial and 8th Clean Energy Ministerial at Beijing, China. 
●    India also announced two MI-centric Funding Opportunities in Smart Grid and Offgrid Access at US $ 5 million each. 
●    Joint virtual Clean Energy Centre with UK and Indian Government funding of UK £ 5 million each has been initiated. 
●    Under the Indo – USJoint Clean Energy Research (PACE – R) the new collaborative public – private programme on Smart Grids & Energy Storage has been approved. 
●    India has also embarked upon a joint programme on renewable energy with Norway.

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Important Current Affairs 10th June 2017

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Current Affairs 10th June 2017: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Scientists have found the hottest planet in the universe

Scientists have discovered the hottest planet so far in the universe.
●    Surface temperatures on KELT-9b reach 4,327 Centigrade - more than 1,100 Centigrade than the previous record.
●    The huge gas giant is 650 light years away and is so close to its host star its orbit takes just a day and a half.
●    KELT-9b lies in the constellation of Cygnus and is hotter than most stars.
●    Bizarrely the discovery of the scorched world may help astronomers search for extraterrestrial life.
●    Professor Scott Gaudi, of The Ohio State University, said: “The astronomical community is clearly focused on finding Earth like planets around small, cooler stars like our sun.
 

Current Affairs 10th June 2017: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India, Pakistan Become Full Members Of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

India and Pakistan today became full members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the first-ever expansion of the China-dominated security grouping that is increasingly seen as a counterweight to NATO.
●    India's membership was strongly pushed by Russia while Pakistan's entry into the grouping was backed by China. 
●    With the first expansion of the grouping since its inception in 2001, the SCO will now represent over 40 per cent of humanity and nearly 20 per cent of the global GDP.
●    As an SCO member, India is expected to have a bigger say in pressing for concerted action in dealing with terrorism as well as on issues relating to security and defence in the region.
 

Theresa May to form new government with help of DUP

British Prime Minister Theresa May has pledged to form a government that will provide "certainty" and guide the country through Brexit, after voters delivered her party a huge blow at the polls.
●    May, who visited Buckingham Palace to meet with Queen Elizabeth II Friday, said she would work with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, which she described as her "friends and allies"
●    Promising to move towards a Brexit deal, enabling Britain to exit the European Union, May said the new government would "be able to work together in the interests of the whole United Kingdom."
●    But Brexit talks -- which are due to start in 10 day's time -- could be delayed and the Prime Minister's personal authority undermined by the shock result.
 

Current Affairs 10th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Minister of Railways Inaugurates 1st Indian Railways Human Resources Round Table Conference

Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu inaugurated Indian Railways' 1st HR Round Table Conference here today. 
●    Chairman, Railway Board, Shri A. K. Mital, Member Staff Shri Pradeep Kumar, other Railway Board Members and senior officials were also present on the occasion.
●    On the occasion, Minister for Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu said that Railway is a large organisation & for every big organisation, it is necessary to revisit the basic issues, introspect them and bring a change to be competitive, versatile & efficient. People in the organisation has to take a decision of change. 
●    Organisational change can happen only if the shortcomings are realised. Railways is a complex organization. 
●    It has commercial role, social role and welfare role and has to meet expectations of people which are unique and conflicting. 
●    It also has to play a role of national transporter. Railways is the most important strategic asset of country. 
●    It is important for economic, social aspect which cannot be overlooked. Organisation must constantly revisit its objective and try to cater to the needs of people. 
●    For development of Railways, people in the organisation should be created to face the challenges. Railways need to clearly define the corporate goals, it should create the organised structure then it should place the right people in the organisation. 
●    The change should start from the top level so it should be discernible to the people. Railways as an organisation should cater to the larger corporate goals, corporate goals should cater to societal priorities. 
●    The action & attention should be at Divisional level, Railway Divisions as a business unit should be a focal point of the changes.
 

Current Affairs 10th June 2017: ECONOMY

Centre clears Kambala Bill, legalising the Buffalo race

The Union Ministry of Law and Justice has cleared the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill 2017, legalising Kambala, a traditional race involving buffaloes.
●    The bill will now be sent to the President for his assent, after which it would become a law. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party have been in huge favour of sports such as Kambala that have a strong link with the local culture.
●    In November 2016, the Karnataka high court banned kambala (annual buffalo race) along with bull-cart race in the state while hearing a case filed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) citing animal cruelty.
●    The high court had stayed these traditional sports in view of the Supreme Court’s ban on jallikattu, a traditional bull taming sport of Tamil Nadu.
 

Current Affairs 10th June 2017: SPORTS

Muttiah Muralidaran inducted into ICC Cricket Hall of Fame

Legendary off-spinner Muttiah Muralidaran was on 8 June 2017 inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame by ICC Chief Executive David Richardson after the India versus Sri Lanka ICC Champions Trophy match at The Oval.
●    With this, Muralidaran became the first Sri Lankan to be inducted into the prestigious list. 
●    He is the 83rd player overall to be formally inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
●    He was awarded the honour along with Arthur Morris, George Lohmann and Karen Rolton by fellow ICC Cricket Hall of Famers.
●    Muralidaran is the most successful Test bowler in Tests and One Day Internationals with 800 wickets in 133 matches.
●    He has taken 67 five-wicket innings hauls and 22 10-wicket match hauls in Test matches.
 

Current Affairs 10th June 2017: OBITUARY

Eminent social rights activist Mehrunnisa Dalwai no more

Mehrunnisa Dalwai, eminent social activist, author and wife of the late thinker and Marathi writer Hamid Dalwai passed away at her residence on 8 June 2017. She was 87.
●    Mehrunnisa worked for justice and equal rights for Muslim women and spearheaded a march in Mumbai seeking abolition of triple 'talaq'. 
●    She also founded Islamic Research Institute and Maharashtra Talaq Mukti Morcha.
●    Her body will be donated as per her wishes.
●    She was born in Pune on 25 May 1930.
●    She married one of Maharashtra’s most remarkable and formidable social reformers, Hamid Dalwai in 1956.
●    Hamid, the author of the classic –Indhan, devoted himself completely to the cause of uplifting the status of women within the Muslim community.
●    The couple together worked tirelessly to liberalise the Muslim community and take a stand against Brahminical Hinduism and fanatical Islamism.


Veteran Congress leader, P Govardhan Reddy passes away after cardiac arrest

Veteran Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Palvai Govardhan Reddy passed away on 9 June 2017 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 80.
●    Govardhan Reddy is reported to have suffered the attack early in the morning, while he was on his way to Manali to attend a parliamentary standing committee meeting. He was immediately rushed to a government hospital in Shimla, where he is reported to have passed away. 
●    He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
●    Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao expressed his shock and grief over the Congress leader's sudden demise. 
●    Rao also directed Chief Secretary SP Singh and Resident Commissioner Arvind Kumar to make arrangements to bring Reddy's mortal remains back to Hyderabad from Kulu.
 

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Important Current Affairs 9th June 2017

Important Current Affairs 9th June 2017

Current Affairs 9th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

President of India receives 2018 edition of the QS world University Rankings

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee received the 2018 edition of the QS World University Rankings brought out by the Education Promotion Society of India (EPSI) today (June 9, 2017) at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President urged EPSI to continue the efforts they are making in the education sector. 
●    He said that he was happy to find three Indian institutions – IIT Delhi and IISc Bangalore, which were already in the top 200, and the latest entrant IIT Bombay securing ranks within the coveted top 200 and IISc Bangalore being now ranked 6th globally for Citations per Faculty. 
●    The President said that while in terms of infrastructure there has been considerable expansion in the higher education sector, quality of education in many institutes remains a matter of concern. 
●    In ancient times, we had renowned seats of higher learning – Nalanda, Takshashila, Vikramashila, Valabhi, Somapura and Odantapuri – that dominated the world higher education system for eighteen hundred years beginning sixth century BC. 
●    Scholars from around the globe flocked to these centres of learning in search of knowledge.

President of India launches mobile app ‘Selfie with Daughter’

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee launched a mobile Application ‘Selfie with Daughter’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (June 9, 2017).
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated Shri Sunil Jaglan on the launch of the mobile-app ‘Selfie-with-Daughter’. 
●    He said that Shri Jaglan’s efforts in initiating this campaign in Haryana are praiseworthy. Selfie-with-Daughter has become a world-wide movement against female foeticide and sex selection. 
●    He hoped that this would eventually help in dealing with the problems arising out of gender imbalance. 
●    He stated that the App is an innovative concept and an act of gentle persuasion. He urged people to take photographs with their daughters and upload on the App to make the campaign a success.
●    The ‘Selfie with Daughter’ campaign was started by Shri Sunil Jaglan in June 2015 in village Bibipur, Jind, Haryana. 
●    A former Sarpanch, Shri Jaglan has been working in the field of women empowerment and village development. 
●    The aim of the campaign is to motivate society to feel proud to be parents of a girl child which will result in improving the child sex ratio.


 

Second edition of National Health Editors’ Conference on Yoga held in New Delhi 

The second edition of National Health Editors’ Conference on Yoga was inaugurated by Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik at National Media Centre in New Delhi today.
●    The conference was organized by Ministry of AYUSH in association with the Press Information Bureau (PIB), M/o Information & Broadcasting; and Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (M/o AYUSH) as a part of celebrations of the 3rd International Day of Yoga on 21st June, 2017. 
●    The theme of this year’s conference was “Yoga for Health and Harmony”.
●    Addressing the participants, Shri Shripad Naik said that the International Day of Yoga is perhaps the only occasion where people across the globe come together in such a large number and take active participation. 
●    The interest and zeal of participation in yoga is increasing considerably year by year due to which today yoga has become a household name in the real sense, the Minister added. 
●    Shri Shripad Naik said that the credit of increasing popularity of yoga also goes to media may it be print, electronic or social media.
●    The AYUSH Minister stated that yoga has earned the global recognition in promoting positive health among people. 
●    Since treatments in the modern media hospitals are becoming expensive affairs for the people, yoga is gradually making new inroads into the health care system, he elaborated. 
●    The Minister further stated that yoga not only makes people healthy but also helps to reduce the burden on the health care delivery system of the country.
 

Sagarmala A Game Changer in Country’s growth: First Workshop Held in Capital

The Ministry of Shipping organized a workshop on its flagship programme titled, “Accelerating Sagarmala Implementation – Engaging with States” in New Delhi today.
●    The main objective of the workshop was to enhance the engagement among Ministry of Shipping, other line ministries and various maritime states of India for Sagarmala Programme. 
●    The workshop was presided over by Sh. Rajive Kumar, Secretary (Shipping) and the key note address was delivered by Sh. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog. 
●    Speaking on the occasion Sh. Kant said, that ports can act as the catalyst of growth and help in achieving 10% consistent growth rate for the country, hence making Sagarmala programme the game changer for the country’s development. 
●    Exemplifying, the success stories of China, Korea, Japan and Singapore, where the ports have led the country’s growth strategy, Shri Kant said that there is a need for conglomeration of all the stakeholders for proper execution and have an export focused strategy. 
●    For India to increase its current growth rate of 7.6%, it’s essential to penetrate the global markets which only ports can drive. 
●    He pointed out that land is not a challenge and all what is required is optimum utilisation of available resources.

Thaawarchand Gehlot Inaugurates ‘Eastern Regional Conference’ on issues relating to Empowerment of persons with Disabilities

Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment inaugurated the “Eastern Regional Conference of Eastern Region States on issues relating to Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities” organized by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment here today. 
●    Representatives from the States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal participated in the Conference. 
●    Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri N.S. Kang, Secretary, DEPwD and senior officers from Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the participating States were present.
●    In his inaugural address, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot said that the new Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 has expanded the horizon of the rights of persons with disabilities vis-a-vis the repealed PwD Act, 1995 and casts increased responsibilities on the States/UTs to ensure that the persons with disabilities enjoy their rights equally with others. 
●    The State Governments are also required to take measures to provide institutional mechanism for registration of institutions working in the disability sector. 
●    It is needless to say that the new Act has penal provisions for violation of its provisions.

Current Affairs 9th June 2017: ECONOMY

GST Council constitutes 18 Sectoral Groups for smooth roll-out of GST


As decided in the 14th Meeting of the GST Council held on 18th-19th May, 2017 in Srinagar, J&K, 18 Sectoral Groups have been constituted representing various sectors of the economy in order to ensure smooth roll-out of GST. 
●    These 18 Sectoral Groups representing various sectors of the economy and containing Senior Officers of the Centre and the States are being set-up to ensure smooth implementation of GST by timely responding to the issues and problems of their respective Sector(s).
●    In fact, they are being with the following objectives:
●    Interact and examine representations received from trade and industry associations/bodies of their respective sector.
●    Highlight specific issues for the smooth transition of the respective sector to the GST regime.
●    Prepare sector specific draft guidance.
●    These Sectoral Working Groups consist of Senior Officers from the Centre and the States.
 

New Projects Inaugurated at Kamarajar Port in Tamil Nadu

The Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has said that an investment of Rs 2 lakh 50000 crore is being made in Tamil Nadu under Sagarmala. 
●    Of this Rs.39,000 crore will be for port modernization, Rs.55,000 crore for port connectivity and Rs.1,50,000 crore for port led industrialization. 
●    The minister said this at Kamarajar Port in Chennai today, where he inaugurated several new projects. 
●    The projects include a New Container Terminal worth Rs.1270 crore, a new multi cargo terminal worth Rs.151 crores, Railway line to Container and Multi cargo terminal worth Rs. 60 crore, and RFID system worth Rs.11.82 crore. 
●    Shri Gadkari said the work being done under Sagarmala is estimated to create about 2 lakh direct jobs in the state in the next two years. 
●    The Development of New Container Terminal project will provide more container handling facility for traders, it will also facilitate the new industries and ancillaries in the vicinity of the port, provide new job opportunities and will give boost to local economy.
 

The Union Finance Minister to chair the 16th Meeting of the GST Council on Sunday, 11th June, 2017

The Union Minister for Finance, Defence and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley will chair the 16th Meeting of the GST Council scheduled to be held on Sunday, 11th June, 2017 at Vigyan Bhavan in the national capital. 
●    The one day Meeting will also be attended among others by the Finance Ministers of different States and UTs (having elected assembly) being the members of the GST Council. 
●    Main agenda items of the 16th GST Council Meeting include confirmation of the minutes of the 15th GST Council meeting held on 3rd June, 2017, approval of amendments to draft GST Rules and Rate Adjustment, if any, based on the representations received from different trade and industry and their associations. 
●    This meeting will be important in the sense that the GST Law is going to be rolled-out with effect from 1st July, 2017.

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