Important Current Affairs 8th June 2017

Current Affairs 8th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Yogi Adityanath Government Announces Reward Of Rs 10,000 to top performing students

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in the state has announced Rs 10,000 reward for 1 lakh meritorious girl students who clear Class X examination.
●    The move is a big boost to the central government’s ‘beti bachao beti padhao’ scheme.
●    UP’s deputy CM Dinesh Sharma made the announcement.
●    In a review meeting, Sharma said that it will be a one-time payment to about 1 lakh meritorious girls clearing Class X examination. 
●    The result of UP Board for class 10 is yet to be announced.

Dr Jitendra Singh announces “Hill Area Development Programme” for Northeast 

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh announced the launch of, “Hill Area Development Programme” (HADP) for Northeast in Imphal (Manipur) today.
●    Dr Jitendra Singh was addressing a meet of Investors and Entrepreneurs, organised by NEDFi (North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd), with joint participation of the Union Ministry of DoNER and the Government of Manipur represented by Chief Minister, Shri N Biren Singh and other senior State functionaries. 
●    Secretary NEC Shri Ram Muivah and a large number of prominent prospective entrepreneurs were present on the occasion.
●    Elaborating on the new scheme, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the hilly areas of Manipur, Tripura and Assam have a distinct geo-physical entity and are lagging in socio-economic development. 
●    As a result of peculiar topography, he said, there is a wide gap between the hill and valley districts in terms of infrastructure, quality of roads, health and education etc. 
●    The Hill Development Programme, he said, is inspired with a serious research and deliberation of all these factors.

NCERT books mandatory for UP Board students

The Aditya Nath Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh has made National Council of Research and Training (NCERT) books mandatory for all schools affiliated to the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UP Board) from academic session 2018-19.
●    The decision will impact more than 35 lakh students and comes in the wake of the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) move to make NCERT textbooks compulsory for all schools affiliated to it from this academic year itself.
●    "It is a bid to bring UP Board academic activities on a par with the CBSE. 
●    However, the task of providing textbooks to lakhs of students would be quite daunting. 
●    At present, over 35 lakh students study in around 23,900 government, aided and unaided schools affiliated with the UP Board,".

Current Affairs 8th June 2017: ECONOMY

India to provide $318 million line of credit to Sri Lanka for development of its railway sector

India on 6 June 2017 signed an agreement to provide fresh assistance of USD 318 million line of credit to Sri Lanka for the development of the railway sector in the country. 
●    The agreement was signed in Colombo, the capital city of the island nation.
●    Signatories of the agreements included RHS Samaratunga, Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Mass Media, and David Rasquinha, Managing Director of India’s Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank). 
●    The Sri Lanka Railways will implement the projects under the supervision of Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.
●    India has already provided four Lines of Credit for the development of railway sector in Sri Lanka through its EXIM Bank amounting to approximately USD 966 million.
 

Ministries to decide on FDI proposals within 60 days: Finance Ministry

The government on Tuesday said post the abolition of the FIPB, ministries will have to decide on FDI proposals within 60 days of the application and any rejection will need concurrence of the DIPP. 
●    India had last month scrapped the 25-year old foreign investment advisory body FIPB as it looks to attract more FDI by providing quick approvals under a single-window clearance system.
●    In an office memorandum, the Finance Ministry said subsequent to the abolition of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), concerned administrative ministries have been allotted the work of granting approval for foreign investment in the specific sector. 
●    The Industry Ministry, in consultation with the administrative ministry, will come out with a detailed guideline for processing of the FDI proposals and ensure a “consistency of treatment and uniformity of approach”.
●    The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) shall involve the process of inter-ministerial consultation for the examination of FDI proposals, wherever necessary, it said. 
●    “The SOP will also recognise that ordinarily FDI applications, including those related to non resident Indian (NRI)/ Export Oriented Unit (EOU), food processing, single brand retail trading and multi brand retail trading proposals, should be decided in 60 days,” the office memorandum said.
 

Current Affairs 8th June 2017: APPOINTMENT

Deuba takes oath as Prime Minister of Nepal

Sher Bahadur Deuba took the oath as the Prime Minister of Nepal for the fourth time on 7 June 2017. 
●    He was elected as the nation’s 40th Prime Minister on 6 June 2017.
●    The oath taking ceremony was administered by Nepal’s President, Bidya Devi Bhandari at the Rashtrpati Bhawan in Kathmandu. 
●    Seven other ministers including three Deputy Prime Ministers have also taken the oath.
●    Deuba, President of Nepal's oldest party- the Nepali Congress, won an overwhelming majority by securing 388 votes out of the total 558 votes cast in the parliamentary vote.
●    Deuba elected as 40th Prime Minister of Nepal 
●    Deuba was the only contender in the election.
●    The 70-year-old would be succeeding Maoist leader, Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who resigned last month to honour a power-sharing deal.
 

Current Affairs 8th June 2017: SPORTS

Sachin Tendulkar joins UN campaign ‘Super Dads’

Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar will be joining the likes of Noval Djokovic and David Beckham for a United Nations campaign/initiative titled Super Dads.
●    The UNICEF initiative Super Dad highlights the critical role played by fathers in children’s early development. 
●    The initiative that was launched on 6 June 2017, few days ahead of the Father’s Day (18 June), will celebrate fatherhood by highlighting the importance of love, play, protection and good nutrition for the healthy development of young children’s brains.
●    Other participants of the Super Dads campaign include Mahershala Ali, the All Blacks, Daniel Cormier, Lewis Hamilton, Hugh Jackman, Thalía and Chris Weidman.
 

Current Affairs 8th June 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Japan makes exception; signs historic civil nuclear deal with India

Shedding its reservations, Japan on Friday made an exception to sign a landmark civil nuclear deal with India, opening the door for export of its atomic technology and reactors, after adding features like safety and security keeping in mind its sensitivities on the issue.
●    The nuclear deal, described as historic by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was part of the 10 agreements signed between the two countries in various areas after he held talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on the second day of his three-day visit.
●    The nuclear agreement comes after tough negotiations for over six years between the two countries and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said the nuclear deal was similar to the agreements signed with the US and other countries with added features on safety and security in keeping with Japan’s sensitivities.
●    At the joint media interaction with Modi, Abe said he was delighted over the signing of the agreement on peaceful use of nuclear energy.
●    “This agreement is a legal framework that India will act responsibly in peaceful uses of nuclear energy and also in Non-Proliferation regime even though India is not a participant or signatory of NPT,” he said.
 

Current Affairs 7th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Cabinet approves agreement between India and Cyprus on Merchant Shipping

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the Agreement between India and Cyprus on Merchant Shipping, which was signed in April 2017.
●    The Agreement in Merchant Shipping will pave the way for cooperation in eliminating any hindrances which may hamper the development of sea trade between the two nations. 
●    The MoU will encourage participation in the transport of goods between the countries, and also from third countries. 
●    The MoU further seeks to enhance cooperation for employment, improvement of conditions of work and for the welfare of seafarers employed on each other’s vessels.

India and Mali for standardization and conformity assessment 

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 Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India and Direction Nationale De Industries (MLINDI), Republic of Mali on Standardization and Conformity Assessment.
●    The MoU aims to facilitate closer cooperation and provide a mechanism by which India and Mali can work together
●    It can work towards the common aim of strengthening standardization and conformity assessment activities in order to facilitate sharing of expertise and mutual trade.
 

Health Secretary inaugurates ‘Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh’, a National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling Centre 

Shri C K Mishra, Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) inaugurated the ‘Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh’, a National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling Centre at the Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), here today. 
●    Speaking on the occasion, Shri C K Mishra congratulated the LHMC, Delhi for this initiative and said that this would be the largest human milk bank and lactation counselling centre available under the public sector in North India. 
●    The Health Secretary further added that it is envisaged that with this donor human milk bank, all newborns in and around Delhi will have access to life saving human milk regardless of the circumstances of their birth. Mr Nils Ragnar Kamsvag, Ambassador of Norway to India, was also present at the occasion. 
●    “Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh” is established in collaboration with the Norwegian government, Oslo University and Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI). 
●    Speaking at the function, Shri Mishra said that even when we know the potential of mother’s milk for a child, breastfeeding rates are low in India. 
●    He informed the participants that the early initiation of breastfeeding is only 40%, even when the institutional delivery has increased to 78.9%. “In view of this, we launched Mothers Absolute Affection (MAA) programme to create awareness regarding breastfeeding as being the most cost-effective way of enhancing the child’s immunity,” Shri Mishra stated.
 

Kerala Government implements 'green protocol' for weddings

The Government of Kerala has implemented a ‘green protocol’ to make auspicious occasions such as weddings more nature-friendly.
●    With the implementation of the protocol, the use of plastic and other non-degradable articles including disposable glasses, plates and thermocol decorations would be prohibited at marriage functions.
●    Instead, people would be encouraged to use tumblers, plates and utensils made from glass and other environment-friendly metals.
●    To ensure proper implementation of the protocol, inspections will be held at marriage halls, convention centres, hotels and other venues of the wedding ceremony.
 

Current Affairs 7th June 2017: ECONOMY

Cabinet approves Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Securities and Exchange Board of India and European Securities and Markets Authority

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the 
●    Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) in relation to Mutual Co-operation.
●    The MoU is likely to establish cooperation arrangements as a precondition for ESMA to recognize Central Counter Parties (CCPs) established in India 
●    It will be supervised by the Securities and Exchange Board of India to provide clearing services to clearing members or 
●    trading venues established in the European Union and to provide ESMA with adequate tools to monitor the on-going compliance by the Covered CCPs with the Recognition Conditions.

India’s Seafood Export at all-time High in 2016-17 :MPEDA

Riding on a robust demand for its frozen shrimp and frozen fish in international markets, India exported 11,34,948 MT of seafood worth an all time high of US$ 5.78 billion (Rs 37, 870.90 crore) in 2016-17 as against 9,45,892 tons and 4.69 billion dollars a year earlier, with USA and South East Asia continuing to be the major importers while the demand from the European Union (EU) grew substantially during the period.
●    Frozen shrimp maintained its position as the top item of export, accounting for 38.28 per cent in quantity and 64.50 per cent of the total earnings in dollar terms. 
●    Shrimp exports increased by 16.21 per cent in terms of quantity and 20.33 per cent in dollar terms. 
●    Frozen Fish was the second largest export item, accounting for a share of 26.15 per cent in quantity and 11.64 per cent in dollar earnings, registering a growth of 26.92 per cent in terms of value.
●    USA imported 1,88,617 MT of Indian seafood, accounting for 29.98 per cent in terms of dollar. Export to that country registered a growth of 22.72 per cent, 33 per cent and 29.82 per cent in terms of quantity, value in rupee and US dollars, respectively. 
●    South East Asia remained the second largest destination of India’s marine products, with a share of 29.91 per cent in dollar terms, followed by the EU (17.98 per cent), Japan (6.83 per cent), the Middle East (4.78 per cent), China (3.50 per cent) and other countries (7.03 per cent). 
●    Overall, exports to South East Asia increased by 47.41 per cent in quantity, 52.84 per cent in rupee value and 49.90 per cent in dollar earnings.
 

Current Affairs 7th June 2017: SPORTS

Ramkumar Ramanathan wins ITF Futures title in Singapore

Indian player Ramkumar Ramanathan lifted the $15,000 ITF men's Futures tennis title after outplaying Raymond Sarmiento of the USA in straight sets here.
●    The top seeded Indian hardly broke a sweat on his way to a 6-2, 6-2 win over the second seeded player from USA in the final of event last night.
●    It was the first title of the season for Ramkumar and 15th of his career.
●    Ramkumar, a regular in India's Davis Cup team, had recently competed in the qualifying event of the French Open but failed to make it to the main round of the Grand Slam tournament.
 

Current Affairs 7th June 2017: APPOINTMENT

Government to appoint Nyaya Mitras to accelerate pending cases

The Union government would be appointing Nyaya Mitras across the country to speed up the hearing of cases that have been pending in the lower courts for the last 10 years.
●    The same was confirmed by Union Law and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad while addressing a function at the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court to inaugurate the Tele Law Service through Common Service Centers on 6 June 2017.
●    The Minister announced that retired judges will be appointed as Nyaya Mitras to expedite over seven lakh fifty thousand cases that are pending across the country. 
●    He further stated that the government is committed to providing justice to the poor people in a fast, smooth and affordable manner.

Important Current Affairs 6th June 2017

Current Affairs 6th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

J P Nadda launches ‘Skill for Life, Save a Life’ initiative to promote skill development in the health sector 

Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare launched the ‘Skill for Life, Save a Life’ initiative at a function, here today. 
●    Speaking on the occasion Shri Nadda said that India enjoys a demographic dividend as more than 65% youth are below the age of 35 years and the Government is determined to seize this opportunity by providing adequate skills and employability to the youth for a strong foundation for continued and sustainable growth. 
●    ‘Skills for Life, Save a Life’ Initiative’ aims to upscale the quantity and quality of trained professionals in the healthcare system. 
●    Under this initiative various courses are planned to be initiated targeting specific competencies for healthcare professionals as well as for general public.
●    Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri C.K. Mishra, Secretary (Health & Family Welfare) and Dr. Henk Bekedam, WHO Representative to India were also present at the occasion.
●    Speaking at the function, Shri Nadda said that skilling the youth enhances the employability and skilled India will help the nation reap rich dividends. 
●    “This shall reduce the gap between expectations of employment of the youth and the actual job they get”, Shri Nadda added. 
●    The Health Minister further pointed out that skill enhances economy of the country, too by reducing the gap between demand and supply of trained and skilled manpower in every field. 
●    The potential for skilled healthcare workers and professionals is immense in the country. Such courses ensure that the health sector gets the adequate skilled health workers.

National Trust under M/O Social Justice & Empowerment launches ‘Inclusive India Initiative’

The National Trust under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in collaboration with key partners organised the conference “Inclusive India Initiative: Towards an Inclusive India” for intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) here today.  
●    The ‘Inclusive India Initiative’ of National Trust is specifically catering to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities; with an objective to include these people in the mainstream and in all important aspects of social life, namely education, employment and community ‘Inclusive India’ in about changing the attitudes.
●    The conference was inaugurated by Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment amongst the presence of Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Vijay Goel, Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs & Sports and Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Aayog, Mr. Yuri Afanasiev, UN Resident Coordinator, Shri N.S. Kang, Secretary, DEPwD, M/o SJ&E, Shri Kamlesh Pandey, Chairman, National Trust and Shri Mukesh Jain, CEO, National Trust and officials from Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.  
●    A vision document on ‘Inclusive India Initiative’ was released and a few MoUs of the National Trust signed with key partners were exchanged on the occasion.

Railways to give passengers only confirmed tickets from July 1

Effective July 1, the Indian Railways will have many changes in its existing rules and regulations that will benefit millions of passengers.
●    The main highlight of these changes are refund on Tatkal ticket, confirmed ticket facility for train passengers among others.
●    Beginning July 1, passengers will get refund amount of 50 percent on cancellation of tatkal tickets.
●    Timing for booking tatkal will also be changed. From July 1, tatkal window for AC coach will be open between 10 am and 11 am while for sleeper coach it will be open from 11 am to 12 pm.
●    Waiting list will come to an end from July 1 for Suvidha trains. Tickets shall be issued only for confirmed and RAC passengers accommodation. There shall be no provision for waiting list in the train.
●    From July 1 the number of coaches on Rajdhani and Shatabdi will be increased.
●    Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains will have paperless tickets from July 1. Mobile tickets will be valid on these trains.
●    Railways will also start ticket booking on various language.
●    From July 1, Premium trains will come to an end.
●    For cancellation of Suvidha train tickets, passengers can get half refund.
●    50 percent refund of fare on cancellation charge of rupees one hundred for air-conditioned-II tier/first class, rupees ninety for air-conditioned III-tier/3 economy/air-conditioned chair car and rupees sixty for sleeper class will be granted.

Habibganj Railway Station to become India’s first private railway station

Habibganj Railway Station Habibganj Railway Station, located in the suburbs of Bhopal, will become India’s first railway station to be redeveloped in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
●    The station redevelopment work in the railway station will be launched on 9 June 2017 by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.
●    The project aims at developing Habibganj Railway Station as a as a world-class transit hub equipped with all amenities.
●    The operation and maintenance of the railway station has been given to Bhopal-based Bansal Group for a period of eight years.
●    The Bansal Group plans to completely overhaul the station and develop four commercial land parcels to make Habibganj a commercial hub with shops, offices and hotels, all within three years.
●    The environment-friendly railway station will be powered by solar energy.
●    The station will also have facilities for disabled. It will have lifts, escalators and travelators and underpasses.
●    The station will be redesigned in such a way that the premises, in case of a emergency, can be evacuated in four minutes and passengers can reach designated points of safety in six minutes.
 

Current Affairs 6th June 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Adani’s Australia coal mine project gets final approval

After battling environmental protests and legal and regulatory hurdles for seven years, Adani Enterprises Ltd said on Tuesday that it is finally ready to proceed with the $16.5 billion Carmichael mine and rail projects in central Queensland, Australia.
●    The company’s board has given its final go-ahead to the project, chairman Gautam Adani said in a statement.
●    “I am proud to announce the official start of one of the largest single infrastructure and job creating developments in Australia’s recent history,” Adani said, calling it a historic day for Queensland and for Indian investment in Australia.
●    Investors cheered the announcement. Shares of Adani Enterprises rose 8.63% to Rs127.80 on BSE on a day the benchmark Sensex fell 0.38% to 31,190.56 points.
●    Adani, which has already invested $3.3 billion in the project, including buying the bulk coal handling port at Abbot Point, has battled protests by environmentalists who claim the coal project would increase carbon pollution and cause irreparable damage to the Great Barrier Reef marine park in northern Queensland.

 

World's fastest elevator to be installed in skyscraper complex building in China

The world's fastest elevator that can operate at a record breaking speed of 1260 metres per minute is set to been installed in a skyscraper complex building in China.
●    The record-breaking speed was recorded during a test of the elevator at the CTF Finance Center, a 530-meter tall skyscraper in the city of Guangzhou, China.
●    The test was conducted for technology development of Hitachi elevators. However, the elevator in Guangzhou will only run at its rated speed of 72 kilometers per hour when it is in service.
●    The elevator has been developed by the Japanese tech company Hitachi.
●    In May 2016, the ultra-high-speed elevator had reached 1200 metres per minute as its rated speed.
●    The achievement was recorded by China's National Elevator Quality Supervision and Inspection Centre, a public accreditation body of elevators.
 

Current Affairs 6th June 2017: SPORTS

Sai Praneeth clinches 2017 Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold

Indian third seed B. Sai Praneeth on 4 June 2017 captured the Men’s Singles title in the USD 120000 Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold badminton championship.
●    Praneeth defeated Indonesian fourth seed Jonatan Christie 17—21, 21—18, 21—19 in an hour and 11 minutes in the final match played at Nimibutr Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand.
●    Born on 10 August 1992, Sai Praneeth Bhamidipati is an Indian badminton player hailing from Hyderabad, Telangana.
●    At the 2016 All England Super Series Premier, he stunned the 2nd seed Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia in the 1st Round 24-22, 22-20 in straight sets.
●    He is the winner of the 2016 Canada Open Grand Prix Men’s Singles title.
●    In April 2017, he defeated Kidambi Srikanth 17-21, 21-17, 21-12 to clinch his maiden Super Series title in the Singapore Open final.
 

Real Madrid becomes first team to win back-to-back Champions League titles

Real Madrid made history on 3 June 2017 as they became the first team ever to win back-to-back Champions League titles.
●    Real Madrid defeated Juventus 4–1 to win a record-extending 12th title. With this victory, Real Madrid became the first team to successfully defend their title in the Champions League era, and the first to do so since Milan in 1990.
●    The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff hosted the final.
●    Real Madrid is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain.
●    It was founded in 1902 as Madrid Football Club.
●    The club is one of the most widely supported teams in the world.
●    In domestic football, the club has won a record 33 La Liga titles, 19 Copa del Rey, nine Supercopa de España, a Copa Eva Duarte, and a Copa de la Liga.
●    In European competitions, the club has won a record 12 European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA Cups and three UEFA Super Cups.

Important Current Affairs 5th June 2017

World Environment Day 2017 

World Environment Day on 05 Jun 2017 marks three years of the launch of Green Initiatives Drive of Indian Navy. 
●    The past three years have seen a unified approach by rank and file in Indian Navy towards pursuance of green goals. 
●    The energy optimisation measures in IN cover its entire spectrum – operations, infrastructure and maintenance. 
●    Concerted efforts are being undertaken to reduce energy use (both electricity and fuel) through self-driven conservation measures.
●    In addition to Smart LED Street Lighting in Naval stations, conventional lighting on operational platforms is also progressively migrating to LED lighting, which signifies the scope of policy outreach. 
●    Further, fuel optimisation measures have been enforced onboard ships without compromising on the operational tempo.
●    With innovation driving military technology, a maiden attempt has been made towards use of Renewable Energy onboard a naval platform, with solar panels fitted on top of Helo Hangar of one of the ships towards producing electricity for battery charging.
 

Current Affairs 5th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Government to implement India’s first Rural LED Street Lighting Project in Andhra Pradesh 

Government of India, through the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power, would be retrofitting 10 lakh conventional street lights with LED lights in Gram Panchayats of 7 districts in Andhra Pradesh. 
●    This is the first project for rural LED street lighting in the country under the Government of India’s Street Lighting National Project (SLNP). In the first phase, the replacement will be undertaken in gram panchayats of the districts of Guntur, Prakasham, Nellore, Kurnool, Kadapa, Anantapur and Chittoor.
●    This replacement drive in rural areas will help the gram panchayats to cumulatively save approximately 147 million units of electricity annually and lead to reduction of 12 crore tonnes of CO2. 
●    The entire upfront capital cost of this project is being funded by French Development Agency Agence Française de Développement (AFD). 
●    As part of the project, EESL would be carrying out the entire annual maintenance and warranty replacement in these gram panchayats for a period of 10 years.

NMCG Approves Projects Worth Rupee 1900 cr Hundred Percent Sewage Treatment for Haridwar, Rishikesh, Vrindavan, Varanasi, Allahabad and Delhi

Giving another major push to Namai Gange programme National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved projects worth Rs 1,900 crore for the creation of sewage treatment infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and UT of Delhi. 
●    With approval of these projects hundred percent sewage treatment facility will be made available for Haridwar, Rishikesh, Vrindavan, Varanasi, Allahabad and NCT of Delhi. 
●    These projects were approved in the third meeting of the Executive Committee of NMCG held in New Delhi last month. 
●    A comprehensive project of interception, diversion and treatment of sewage in Naini, Phaphamau and Jhunsi sewerage zones of Allahabad at an estimated cost of Rs 767.59 crore has been approved. 
●    Apart from construction of a 42 MLD (million litres per day) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Naini, the project also encompasses building up of eight sewage pumping stations among other works. 
●    None of the three zones have any sewerage schemes or any sanctioned STPs as yet. 
●    These approved projects along with the existing ones would take care of sewage management of the core city of Allahabad bounded by rivers Ganga and Yamuna. 
●    The projects would also arrest flowing waste water of 18 drains into the rivers to ensure pollution free water for bathing at Sangam during Ardh Kumbh mela 2019. 
●    With approval of these projects 100% sewage treatment capacity can be achieved in Allahabad.

Handbook, Module & Guidelines on Safe Childhood Programme for Gram Panchayats Released

A Handbook along with Module & Guidelines on protection of Child Rights at Gram Panchayat level was released jointly by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Ministry of Panchayati Raj and UNICEF at New Delhi today. 
●    The Handbook, Module & Guidelines will be useful for the functionaries of the Panchayati Raj Institutions in protecting the rights of children at the village level. 
●    Releasing the Handbook, Secretary of Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Jitendra Shankar Mathur called it as a landmark occasion. 
●    He said, “Unless and until communities are involved, making a difference in the lives of children at the village level is an uphill task.” Shri. Mathur also said that the beneficial legislations which are available in the country should be implemented in reality to empower the children of the country. 
●    He suggested that the initiative by NCPCR and UNICEF should be “pursued vigorously” for quick outcomes. 
●    NCPCR Chairperson, Smt. Stuti Kacker, who spoke about the importance of community support which was available in earlier times said that today, with changing socio-economic conditions, children are not always safe. 
●    Therefore, she said, involvement of Gram Panchayats will go a long way for a safe and secure childhood. Smt. Kacker said keeping that in view, the Handbook, Module & Guidelines have been prepared in collaboration with UNICEF. 

M.Venkaiah Naidu launches ‘Segregation of Municipal Waste at Source Initiative for NCR’

On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Union Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu launched a campaign on source segregation of municipal waste for National Capital Region (NCR) here today.
●    Speaking on the occasion, Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu urged all the citizens to participate in this campaign for its success. 
●    He said that bins with different colors, shall be used to segregate waste in every house and shop. Green bins shall be used for wet waste and Blue bins for dry waste, he added. 
●    The Minister pointed that the incorrect disposal and burning of solid waste results in emission of climate change causing Greenhouse gases like Methane and Carbon Dioxide to the tune of 12.69 million tonnes of Carbon Dioxide in the country per year. 
●    He also said that a recent study has revealed 15 diseases, such as Hepatitis, Cholera and Malaria, caused due to the improper solid waste management. 
●    Shri Naidu said that a number of policy interventions have been introduced by the Government to encourage processing of municipal solid waste to compost and energy. 
●    He said that to promote conversion of ‘Waste to Energy’, purchase of electricity so generated has been made mandatory by DISCOMs and to promote ‘Waste to Compost’, a subsidy of Rs 1,500 per ton will be provided by the Government.

Current Affairs 5th June 2017: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Mission Innovation and Clean Energy Ministerial 6-8 June, 2017 Beijing China - Dr. Harsh Vardhan to lead the Indian Delegation

An Indian delegation led by Dr. Harsh Vardhan,  Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change will be participating in the Second Mission Innovation and Clean Energy Ministerial along with Senior Officials from the Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Ministry of Power.
●    Eighteen months ago on 30th November 2015 leaders of 20 countries came together to launch Mission Innovation (MI), a landmark 5-year commitment to accelerate the pace of innovation and make clean energy widely affordable and accessible worldwide. 
●    MI now comprises 22 economies and the European Commission, representing the European Union, and collectively accounts for more than 80 percent of the world’s total public financing of clean energy R&D.
●    There is a concerted effort by 22 Member countries and EU to enhance the pace of innovation and scale of transformation through this clean energy revolution launch to meet the requirement for economic, energy security and goals in timely manner.
 

Current Affairs 5th June 2017: APPOINTMENT

Sharad Jain new DG NWDA

Dr. Sharad Kumar Jain has assumed the additional charge of Director General, National Water Development Agency (NWDA) under Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. 
●    Shri Jain is presently working as Scientist G with National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee. 
●    Shri Jain succeeds Shri S. Masood Husain who has moved over as Member (WP&P), Central Water Commission.
●    NWDA is responsible for fair distribution of water all across the country.
●    It works towards clean water management and distribution.
 

Current Affairs 5th June 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Nepal, China ink mega hydropower agreement

To build 1,200MW Budhi-Gandaki hydroelectric project Nepal has signed an agreement with a Chinese company to build the largest hydroelectric plant in the impoverished landlocked country, which suffers from a chronic energy shortage.
●    Nepal’s Energy Minister Janardan Sharma on Sunday signed the agreement for the China Gezhouba Group Corporation to build the long-mooted 1,200 megawatt Budhi-Gandaki hydroelectric project.
●    Estimates put the project cost at $2.5 billion. A financing agreement will be signed later, Ministry spokesman Dinesh Kumar Ghimire said.
●    Water-rich Nepal has a mountain river system that could make it an energy-producing powerhouse, but instead it imports much of its electricity from neighbouring India.
●    Experts say it could be generating 83,000 megawatts, but its total installed generation capacity currently stands at less than 2% of that.
●    Demand for electricity has long outstripped supply in Nepal due to chronic underinvestment and inefficiencies in the power network. The result has been crippling for domestic industry and deterred foreign investment. 
●    Crucial infrastructure development has flagged in the years of political paralysis that followed the end of the Maoist insurgency in 2006 and the overthrow of the monarchy two years later.

Important Current Affairs 4th June 2017

Current Affairs 4th June 2017: DAYS AND DATES

New Bridge Constructed in Record Time of 165 Days on Savitri River 

An old Masonry Arch Bridge on Savitri and Kal river near Mahad in Maharashtra having width of 5.90 m and length of 184 m constructed in 1928 collapsed due to heavy unprecedented rainfall on the night of 2nd August , 2016. 
●    The Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari immediately announced to construct new bridge at this location within 6 months. 
●    As announced by the Shri Gadkari, the project has been speedily rebuild on a record time of 165 days before the onset of monsoon rain with a total Cost of Rs.35.77 Cr. 
●    The Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari and Chief Minister of Maharashtra will inaugurate the newly constructed Savitri Bridge and throw it open for the public on 05th June, 2017. 
●    The New Bridge is 16 meter wide and 239m long with lighting arrangement, footpath, flood alarm system, anti-corrosive steel, Road safety measures and painted with carbonation paint. 
●    The work on the construction of bridge started on war footing. 
●    The Survey, design and detailed estimate was prepared by the State PWD in-house within 3 weeks and submitted to MoRTH, New Delhi on 20th August, 2016. 
●    The Ministry of RT&H sanctioned the estimate on 2nd September, 2016 and on the same day tenders were called by NH wing of State PWD. 
●    The lowest tender was accepted and agreement was signed on 1st December, 2016. The appointed date for the project was issued on 15th December, 2016.

Current Affairs 4th June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

S.S. Ahluwalia leads Indian Parliamentary Delegation to Norway 

Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S.S. Ahluwalia, led an Indian Parliamentary delegation on a three-day visit to Norway for promoting and strengthening parliamentary relations between the two countries. 
●    The visit, which concluded late last night, is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between India and Norway.
●    During the visit, the Indian delegation met Ms. Monica Mæland, Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms. Marit Berger Røsland, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Government of Norway, Ms. Anniken Huitfeldt, Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Policy and Defence and Mr. Gunnar Gundersen, Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Business and Industry of Parliament of Norway and also visited the Norwegian Institute of Bio-economy Research (NIBIO), Ås, Norway.
●    Shri Ahluwalia, in his meetings with Norwegian dignitaries,   stated that both India and Norway should work towards strengthening cooperation in areas such as, combating international terrorism, maritime cooperation, climate change, renewable energy, waste management, fisheries, agriculture, exchange of technology on horticulture and organic farming etc.
 

Current Affairs 4th June 2017: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Microsoft co-founder unveils world's biggest plane

The world’s biggest plane, boasting a 117-metre wingspan, has been launched by the Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
●    The six-engine, dual-hulled Stratolaunch aircraft is designed to launch satellites into orbit. 
●    Launching the satellites on rockets while the Stratolaunch is in flight has the advantage of saving fuel comparing to sending them into orbit from a launchpad.
●    It is designed to carry a rocket and payload with a combined weight of up to 250,000 kg and when in development was expected to cost $300m – although whether it came in on budget has not been revealed.
●    Satellite networks, based on low-cost spacecraft, are the fastest-growing segment of the global satellite industry which reported more than $208bn in revenue in 2015, according to a Satellite Industry Association report.
●    The Stratolaunch was built by Scaled Composites and is similar in form and function to Scaled’s aircraft built to ferry spaceships into the air and release them for independent rocket rides beyond the atmosphere, a service Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic intends to offer to paying passengers.
●    There are no plans for the Stratolaunch to carry humans for business or research. 
●    The twin-fuselage plane incorporates engines, landing gear, avionics and other parts from a pair of Boeing 747 jets coupled with a frame, wings and skin handmade of lightweight composites. It has 28 wheels.
 

Rajasthan High Court wants cow declared national animal

The Rajasthan High Court today directed the state government to coordinate with the Centre and take necessary steps to declare cow as a national animal.
●    A single-judge bench of Justice Mahesh Chand Sharma said the chief secretary and advocate general of the state will be the legal custodians of the cow.
●    “Nepal is a Hindu nation and has declared cow as national animal. 
●    India is a predominant agriculture country based in animal rearing. 
●    As per Article 48 and 51A (g) it is expected from the state government that they should take action to get a legal entity for cow in this country,” he said in his order.
●    While Article 48 of the Constitution says the State should take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter, of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle, Article 51A(g) speaks of protecting natural environment and having compassion for living creatures.
 

Current Affairs 4th June 2017: ECONOMY

Demonetisation pulls down India GDP growth rate to 6.1%

India’s economic growth slowed for the fourth consecutive quarter in the three months ended March, mirroring the impact of demonetisation on key sectors including construction and financial services.
●    Gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed to 6.1% in the fiscal fourth quarter from 7% in the third, according to data released by the government on Wednesday.
●    The slowdown may put pressure on the Reserve Bank of India, whose monetary policy committee meets next week, to cut policy rates to balance its inflation-targeting focus with the need to stimulate economic growth.
●    Real gross value added (GVA), another measure of economic activity that is arrived at by excluding net indirect taxes from GDP, slowed to a growth pace of 5.6% in the March quarter, also the fourth consecutive quarterly decline.
●    The Central Statistics Office maintained its earlier full-year growth estimate for 2016-17 at 7.1% on top of revised 8% growth in the previous financial year.
●    The growth numbers reflected the lingering effects in the March quarter of the government’s demonetisation of high-value banknotes with effect from 9 November, which triggered a cash crunch and disrupted business, especially in the unorganized sector. 
●    The labour-intensive construction sector contracted as a result of the cash shortage and regulatory changes, and financial services grew at an anaemic single-digit pace.
 

Current Affairs 4th June 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Dangal earns record₹1,000 crore in China

Aamir Khan’s Dangal has created an unrepresented landmark in China by becoming the 33rd film in Chinese cinema history to cross one billion Yuan Renminbi. 
●    The revenue in Indian currency amounts to about Rs 1,000 crore.
●    According to Maoyan, a popular ticketing website in China, “Dangal’s gross earnings it joining the exclusive club of just 32 films in China cinema history.”
●    “It is an unprecedented success for an Indian film and an important landmark, making Dangal a super hit Indian film,” said Prasad Shetty, partner of Strategic Alliance, a Chinese firm promoting Indian films in China.
●    The film which became big hit since it was released on May 5 slipped to second place in the Chinese box office on Sunday after staying on top for over a fortnight. Hollywood film Pirates of the Caribbean 5 is now at the top position.
●    “Dangal is still playing in about 9000 screens,” Mr. Shetty said. The film has also made Aamir Khan, 52, the most popular Indian star on Chinese social media, where he has over 6.55 lakh followers.
 

Current Affairs 4th June 2017: APPOINTMENT

Shashi Sekar Vempati appointed as CEO of Prasar Bharati

Shashi Shekar Vempati was on 2 June 2017 appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Prasar Bharati. 
●    He will have a tenure of five years from the date of assumption of office. 
●    He was appointed on the recommendation of the three member committee headed by Vice President M Hamid Ansari.
●    Vempati is currently serving as a Part Time Member of the Prasar Bharati Board.
●    An alumnus of IIT Bombay, Vempati has over two decades of experience as a technocrat with specialization in areas of corporate management, technology consulting and digital media.
●    He served in tech giant Infosys for more than 10 years as a Product Strategist and Digital Innovator in North America. 
●    He holds two patents in his name: Real Time Business Event Monitoring, Tracking and Execution Architecture and System; and Method for Monitoring and Management of Inventory of Products and Assets in Real Time.

Current Affairs 4th June 2017: SPORTS

Sarita Singh sets new national record in Federation CupSarita Singh of Uttar Pradesh set a new national record in the women's hammer throw with an effort of 65.25m to claim the gold medal at the 21st Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Championships at the NS-NIS athletics ground on Thursday.
●    Sarita broke the previous national record of 62.74m recorded by Manju Bala in 2014. Sarita whose previous best before this edition of the Federation Cup was a throw of 61.81m recorded in 2016, was in red hot form today.
●    She improved on her personal best with her first throw today and broke the old national record in her second throw itself with a throw of 63.58m.She would keep improving on that mark before setting the new national record on her final throw.
●    Gunjan Singh finished second with a throw of 61.95 while Nidhi Kumar took bronze with a throw of 57.99m.
●    R Anu of Kerala broke a 15-year old meet record even as she won the women's 400m hurdles event here.
●    Anu recorded a time of 57.39 seconds to shatter the old mark, set by ShahebaniOram in Chennai in 2002. Running in lane five, Anu was challenged all the way to the finish by Odisha's Jauna Murmu in lane four, who also ran under the old meet record, clocking a time of 57.51 seconds. Arpitha M of Karnataka took bronze after recording a time of 57.64 seconds.
●    The result was also a personal best for Anu, bettering her previous mark of 57.79seconds recorded two years back at the 2015 Asian Championships.
 

Important Current Affairs 3rd June 2017

Current Affairs 3rd June 2017: SPORTS

CP Joshi elected Rajasthan Cricket Association President

Congress leader CP Joshi won the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) elections. 
●    Joshi and former IPL chairman Lalit Modi’s son Ruchir Modi were the frontrunners for the post.
●    Joshi got 19 votes against Ruchir 14. The posts of Secretary and Treasurer has gone to Rajendra Nandu and Pinkesh Jain respectively. 
●    The elections were slated on April 26th but secretary Surendra Tiwari abruptly called off process as it was believed that Joshi faction was in majority.
●    Mohammad Iqbal, another Congressman beat Ram Prakash Choudhary 19–14 to take the post of vice-president while Mahendranagar, also of Joshi faction, emerged victorious against Shatrughan Tiwari 18–15. 
●    Apart from this KK Nimawat defeated Ramesh Gupta 19-14 for the post of executive member.
●    The Lalit Modi faction had earlier called off the RCA elections slated for 26th April, citing legal tangles, at a stage when two days of nominations had already passed the Rajasthan High Court ordered that RCA election would take place on May 29.

Cricket South Africa announces launching of T20 Global League

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on 31 May 2017 announced that it has planned a Twenty20 cricket league and it will be known as T20 Global League. 
●    As per reports, the league will make its debut in the last quarter of 2017.
●    There will be eight participating teams consisting of local and international players. The team ownership will be revealed on 19 June 2017 in London.
●    In addition to this, Cricket South Africa also unveiled the associated logo of the T20 Global League at the Wanderers Stadium. 
●    The logo depicts the African continent along with the radiance on South Africa, replaced the word 'destination' with a visual reference.
●    Chris Nenzani said it is their duty as Cricket South Africa to safeguard the future of the game.
●    By backing a high-value tournament like the new T20 Global League, and investing in synergistic partnerships with key stakeholders, the T20 Global League is perfectly positioned to become an internationally successful sporting event.

Cricket South Africa announces launching of T20 Global League
India is second most complex tax jurisdiction: Deloitte

Indian tax laws are perceived to be second most complex in the Asia-Pacific region, becoming even less predictable over the last three years, a Deloitte survey has said.
●    India ranks only after China in having most complex jurisdiction for taxation and most complicated requirements of tax, the Asia Pacific Tax Complexity Survey conducted by Deloitte said.
●    Japan, Australia, Indonesia and South Korea trail India in the complexity index.
●    “In these two jurisdictions (China and India), well over half of the respondents believe complexity in the regime has increased in the last 3 years,” it said.
●    By ‘complexity’, it meant the perceived level of difficulty in interpreting the tax law and rules in the relevant jurisdictions.
●    “An overwhelming majority of over 90 per cent respondents said that they would like to see tax reform in India along with China and Indonesia. 
●    Specifically for India, the survey respondents suggest that they look forward to reform taking place in timeliness and quality of audits and adoption of BEPS recommendations,” Deloitte said.
 

Current Affairs 3rd June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

India is second most complex tax jurisdiction: Deloitte

Indian tax laws are perceived to be second most complex in the Asia-Pacific region, becoming even less predictable over the last three years, a Deloitte survey has said.
●    India ranks only after China in having most complex jurisdiction for taxation and most complicated requirements of tax, the Asia Pacific Tax Complexity Survey conducted by Deloitte said.
●    Japan, Australia, Indonesia and South Korea trail India in the complexity index.
●    “In these two jurisdictions (China and India), well over half of the respondents believe complexity in the regime has increased in the last 3 years,” it said.
●    By ‘complexity’, it meant the perceived level of difficulty in interpreting the tax law and rules in the relevant jurisdictions.
●    “An overwhelming majority of over 90 per cent respondents said that they would like to see tax reform in India along with China and Indonesia. 
●    Specifically for India, the survey respondents suggest that they look forward to reform taking place in timeliness and quality of audits and adoption of BEPS recommendations,” Deloitte said.
 

Current Affairs 3rd June 2017: ECONOMY 

SBI to charge customers for withdrawals from its ATMs starting April

As private banks take the lead to introduce cash transaction charges, India's largest public sector bank SBI has taken the demonetisation plunge too.
●    Come April 1st and its customers will have to shell out extra charge for using debit cards and ATMs above the mandatory limit.
●    As per the notification accessed by India Today, State Bank of India will be charging 10 rupees (excluding service tax) beyond five ATM withdrawals for its customers.
●    Currently, under RBI guidelines, banks must offer their savings bank account holders a minimum of five free transactions.
●    SBI has also mandated banks to offer at least 3 free transactions to card holders of other banks at their ATMs. 
●    So for non-SBI card holders, the bank will be charging 20 rupees (excluding service tax) for crossing the limit. 
●    It has so far kept 3 transactions till Rs 1000 withdrawal from its ATM by non-SBI account holders free.
●    Account holders using SBI debit cards will have to shell out Rs 50 (excluding service tax) if they exceed the fixed limit. 
●    The bank has given a levy of 2 transactions below Rs 1000, two transactions between Rs 1000 and Rs 25,000, and 15 transactions between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh,  which will be free of charge.
 

Current Affairs 3rd June 2017: ECONOMY 

World TT Championships: Mouma-Manika makes history by becoming first Indian pair to reach quarters

Manika Batra and Mouma Das on 1 June 2017 entered into the quarterfinals of the World Table Tennis Championships in Dusseldorf. 
●    With this, the duo also created a history by becoming the first Indian pair to reach the quarterfinals of the World Table Tennis Championships.
●    Mouma and Manika created history with luck on their side as they got a walkover from the Netherlands and Polish combination of Li Jie and Li Quian, the latter reportedly was hospitalised last night after falling sick.
●    After qualifying for the quarterfinals, Mouma said, "I don't know what to even feel. It's just sad that our opponents could not play the match. 
●    But at the same time, I am so elated that we have created history for our country".
●    Now in quarterfinals, the Indian duo will take Chinese pair of Ding Ning (ranked no. 1) and Liu Shiwe (ranked no. 2) on 2 June 2017. 
●    The Chinese pair is considered as a lethal left and right combination in the world of Table Tennis.

Trump announces US withdrawal from Paris Agreement on Climate Change

President Donald Trump announced on 1 June 2017 that he would withdraw the United States from the landmark 2015 Paris agreement to fight climate change.
●    The move, perfectly in line with Trump’s "America First" message that he used during his Presidential campaign, has drawn flak from US allies and business leaders across the world.
●    Trump stated that the Paris accord would undermine the U.S. economy, cost U.S. jobs, weaken American national sovereignty and put the country at a permanent disadvantage to the other countries of the world.
●    "The nations asking us to stay in the agreement are the same countries that have collectively cost America trillions of dollars through tough trade practices and in many cases lax contributions to our critical military alliance," Trump said.

Current Affairs 3rd June 2017: DEFENCE  

Prithvi-II missile successfully test-fired

Prithvi-II missile successfully test-fired India Army on 2 June 2017 successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile from a test range in Odisha as part of a user trial.
●    The trial of this surface-to-surface missile was carried out from a mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur.
●    Prithvi-II Missile is the first missile to be developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
●    It was inducted into India's armed forces in 2003.
●    It weighs around 4600 kilogram and has a strike range of 350 kilometre.
●    It is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1000 kg of warheads and is thrusted by liquid propulsion twin engines.

Current Affairs 3rd June 2017: Science and technology

 
Airtel, Telenor approach NCLT for merger approval, after Sebi nod

Bharti Airtel Ltd Thursday said it had received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and the country’s top exchanges—Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange—to merge Telenor (India) Communications Pvt. Ltd with itself.
●    Airtel and Telenor have also filed a joint application before the New Delhi bench of National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for approval of the merger. 
●    In a statement, the firm said the merger also requires approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
●    “Telenor India and Airtel have today (Thursday) filed the joint company application before the New Delhi Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal for approval of the proposed scheme of merger.
●    The merger is inter alia subject to other statutory approvals including from the Competition Commission of India,” Bharti Airtel said in a statement.
●    Airtel had on 24 February said it would acquire the assets of Telenor ASA’s India business, as the country’s biggest telecom operator seeks to preserve its position in a market where new entrant Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd’s aggressive pricing has spurred a wave of consolidation.

Important Current Affairs 2nd June 2017

Current Affairs 2nd June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

President of India lays foundation stone of Driver’s Training Institute and Secondary School at village Dhaula under SMARTGRAM Initiative 

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee laid the foundation stone of a Driver’s Training Institute and a Secondary School under the SMARTGRAM Initiative at village Dhaula, Gurugram (Haryana) today (June 2, 2017). 
●    Three new Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs) at Mahendragarh, Ambala and Palwal were also inaugurated. 
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that our villages not only have the capacity to develop but are also eager for development. 
●    If we keep moving ahead in this manner, the day is not far when our youth would not need to leave villages for cities in search of better avenues. 
●    It would also be possible to complete education of daughters in nearby villages. 
●    Good and affordable health services would be available for all and the youth would get training and employment in the vicinity of villages itself. 
●    The President said that he believes that our country will develop only when our villages develop. Even today, 68 percent of our population lives in villages. 

MODI Fest inaugurated in Bengaluru 

Union Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation Shri D.V.Sadananda Gowda has inaugurated Making of Developed India Festival - MODI Fest at Malleswaram in Bengaluru today. 
●    The objective of the programme was to communicate, on the occasion of completion of three years in office by the Central Government, to the people about the Union Government’s achievements over the last 3 years and to convey them about the various Government schemes and initiatives. 
●    Releasing a brochure on achievements of the Union Government during last 3 years, Shri Sadananda Gowda said, people of the country have been experiencing overall development achieved by the Union Government and entire world is noticing it. 
●    The Prime Minister desires that elected representatives must go to the people and present before them the details of the development work done by them. 
●    By conducting such programmes people’s feedback and suggestions on different schemes will also be collected, he added. 
●    An exhibition depicting the achievements of the Union Government over last three years was also held on the occasion.

Centre issues new guidelines to protect Aadhaar data

The government on Thursday issued new guidelines to protect your Aadhaar details in order to protect your identity and also several other information on cards.
●    After Aadhaar data leakage, Centre issues new guidelines to protect data.
●    A set of 27 dos and don'ts has been circulated on data handling. The document instructs government departments not to publish any personal data including Aadhaar in public domain/websites etc. 
●    It also said that there will be legal consequences if there is a data breach and warned the government departments to check future leaks. Under the Aadhaar Act, publishing of Aadhaar numbers of beneficiaries is illegal.
●    The move to protect personal data comes after reports of 130 million Aadhaar cardholders data was leaked from four government websites which also included cricketer MS Dhoni's personal Aadhaar details. 
●    Whether these incidents could have been avoided if the guidelines had been issued earlier is debatable. 
●    But the issuance of these guidelines at the earliest would have at least given the impression that the government does care about privacy and identity protection.

Haryana Cabinet approves extension of Metro rail from Delhi to Sonepat

The Haryana Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, on 1 June 2017 approved the extension of Metro Rail from Narela in Delhi to Kundli in Sonepat district of Haryana.
●    The Cabinet also approved the revised funding pattern of Metro projects in Haryana. 
●    Under this, 50 per cent of funds for DMRC projects will be contributed by the Haryana Infrastructure Development Board, 20 per cent by the Haryana Urban Development Authority, 18 per cent by state government and 12 per cent by the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corp.
●    The 4.86-km long extension will have three stations--Narela Sector 5, Kundli and Nathupur. All the three stations will be elevated.
●    The project will be financed jointly by the State and Central governments, with Haryana providing 80 per cent of the funds and the Centre will be responsible for the rest 20 per cent.

Current Affairs 2nd June 2017: AWARDS

WHO’s tobacco control award for Health Minister J P Nadda

Union health Minister J P Nadda is set to get the World Health Organization’s (WHO) award for outstanding global leadership in tobacco control. 
●    One of the proposers for the award is Dr K S Reddy, president of the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), a public-private initiative that was last month barred from getting foreign funds for allegedly using funds for “anti-tobacco lobbying”.
●    The WHO award is given to governments or individuals who show exceptional zeal in tobacco control. Usually given out in Geneva on World No-Tobacco Day (May 31), it has been decided that the award this time will be given at the regional level by the WHO Southeast Asia regional office. 
●    Past winners from India include former Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss and Reddy himself.
●    Nadda will not be in Delhi on Wednesday, so the award may be given at a tobacco control event in June, sources said. 
●    Besides Reddy, sources said, Nadda’s name was also proposed by Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), which, like PHFI, had testified in front of the Parliamentary committee looking at the issue of larger tobacco warnings.

Current Affairs 2nd June 2017: DAYS AND DATES

World milk day observed around the globe 

World Milk Day is a day established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to recognise the importance of milk as a global food. It has been observed on June 1 each year since 2001. 
●    The day is intended to provide an opportunity to bring attention to activities that are connected with the dairy sector. Milk is an important part of a healthy balanced diet. 
●    World Milk Day provides the perfect opportunity to spread the word and celebrate all aspects of milk and dairy products  in many countries around the globe.
●    World Milk Day was first designated by the FAO in 2001. 
●    June 1 was chosen as the date because many countries were already celebrating a milk day during that time of year. 
●    The Day provides an opportunity to focus attention on milk and to publicise activities connected with milk and the dairy industry. 
●    The fact that many countries choose to do this on the same day lends additional importance to individual national celebrations and shows that milk is a global food.

Current Affairs 2nd June 2017: SPACE

Japan launches satellite for high-precision positioning system

Japan on 1 June 2017 launched a satellite to help build a high-precision geolocation system that will complement the US operated Global Positioning System (GPS).
●    The rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 2 satellite, H-IIA, was launched from the Tanegashima space center in Kagoshima Prefecture, Southern Japan. 
●    The same was confirmed by the footage recorded by Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency.
●    Japan launches satellite for high-precision positioning system. 
●    The satellite geolocation systems, which were initially designed for the US military, power countless applications including car navigation and internet browsing on mobile phones.
●    Japan aims to build its version with four satellites focusing on the country and wider region.
●    The nation had launched its first Michibiki satellite into space in 2010 on a trial basis.
●    It plans to launch two more satellites by March 2018, after which at least one satellite will be flying over Japan for eight hours per day.
●    The Michibiki system can cover the Asia-Oceania region.

Current Affairs 2nd June 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Five agreements signed between India and Russia

India and Russia on 1 May 2017 signed five Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs)/agreements including a program of cultural exchanges and implementation of the high-speed service at the Nagpur-Secunderabad section among others.
●    The agreements were signed with an aim to boost the bilateral relations between the two nations. 
●    These agreements were inked during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia. Modi was in Russia between 1 May and 2 May 2017.
●    The program of cultural exchanges for 2017-2019 was signed. 
●    The MoU was signed between the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of India.
●    The General Framework Agreement for the construction of the third stage of the Kudankulam NPP (KK5 & KK6) along with the Credit Protocol.
●    India, Russia signs 16 MoUs including procurement of the S-400 air defence system.
●    Agreement on granting access to Rospatent experts to the Indian Digital Library of Traditional Knowledge (TKDL) was signed. 
●    The agreement was signed between the Federal Service for Intellectual Property (Rospatent) and the Council of India for Scientific and Industrial Research.
●    The contract on the preparation of the justification for the implementation of the high-speed service at the Nagpur-Secunderabad section was inked. 
●    The contract was signed between JSC Russian Railways and the Ministry of Railways of India.
●    Memorandum of cooperation between ALROSA Joint Stock Company (Public Joint Stock Company) and the Council for the Promotion of the Export of Precious Stones and Jewellery of India.
 

Important Current Affairs 1st June 2017

Current Affairs 1st June 2017: AWARDS

Rajnath Singh presents awards at 15th BSF Investiture Ceremony 

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh presented the Police Medal for Gallantry and Police Medal for Meritorious Services to the BSF officials at the 15th BSF Investiture Ceremony and Rustamji Memorial Lecture held here today. 
●    This year 29 medals were awarded to the BSF officials. 
●    The Government of India honours brave officers and men of BSF with medals for gallantry in recognition of their acts of valour and sacrifices in the service of the nation. 
●    Const Harinder Singh, BSF Bronze medalist of 6th Asian Para Cycling Championship-2017 was also awarded during the function.
●    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rajnath Singh said that the country is proud of the sacrifices made by the forces while defending the country. 
●    He said that when somebody decides to join BSF, CAPFs or Army, then a passion to serve the nation must be in their mind. He said that national self-esteem is very important for anybody along with personal self-esteem and nobody shall ever compromise with his self-esteem. 
●    The national self esteem cannot be compromised when any foreign power tries to disturb peace at the border of India.
 

Current Affairs 1st June 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Inauguration of MITS Mega Food Park at Rayagada, Odisha. 

The first Mega Food Park in the state of Odisha M/s MITS Mega Food Park Pvt. Ltd. at Rayagada has been inaugurated today the 1st June, 2017 by Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Hon’ble Minister of Food Processing Industries. 
●    This is the 7th Mega Food Park operationalized in the last 3 years by the present government.
●    On this occasion Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble MoS (I/C) of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Hon'ble MoS (Food Processing Industries), Government of India, were also present.
●    Speaking on the occasion Hon’ble Minister said that under the Visionary guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Ministry of Food Processing Industries is focusing on boosting the food processing industry so that agriculture sector grows exponentially and become a major contributor to doubling the farmer’s income and ‘Make In India’ initiative of the government.

Inauguration of MITS Mega Food Park at Rayagada, Odisha. 

The first Mega Food Park in the state of Odisha M/s MITS Mega Food Park Pvt. Ltd. at Rayagada has been inaugurated today the 1st June, 2017 by Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Hon’ble Minister of Food Processing Industries. 
●    This is the 7th Mega Food Park operationalized in the last 3 years by the present government.
●    On this occasion Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble MoS (I/C) of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Hon'ble MoS (Food Processing Industries), Government of India, were also present.
●    Speaking on the occasion Hon’ble Minister said that under the Visionary guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Ministry of Food Processing Industries is focusing on boosting the food processing industry so that agriculture sector grows exponentially and become a major contributor to doubling the farmer’s income and ‘Make In India’ initiative of the government.

Karnataka's Nandini K R tops civil services exam

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Wednesday declared results of the prestigious civil services examination.
●    This year's topper, Nandini K R , is an officer of the Indian Revenue Service, and at present undergoing training at the National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics in Faridabad.
●    Anmol Sher Singh Bedi is the topper among male candidates securing overall second rank. 
●    He is an engineering graduate in computer science from BITS, Pilani.
●    Ronanki Gopal Krishna from Palasa in Srikakulam district has bagged the 3rd rank.
●    The top 25 candidates comprise 18 men and 7 women.
●    An Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, Nandini, who hails from Kolar (known for gold mining) in Karnataka, cracked the exam in her fourth attempt.
●    "It is like a dream come true. I always wanted to be an IAS officer," she told PTI from the National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics in Faridabad, where she is undergoing probation.
 

Current Affairs 1st June 2017: ECONOMY

Delhi Assembly Passes State Good And Services Tax (GST) Bill

The Delhi Assembly on Wednesday passed the state Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill even as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal pitched for capping the tax rate at a maximum of 10 per cent.
●    A special session of the Assembly, which saw clashes between a few AAP legislators and sacked minister Kapil Mishra, cleared the bill following an extensive discussion while also adopting a resolution on lowering tax slabs. 
●    Parliament had on April 6 passed four legislations to pave the way for nationwide roll-out of the GST from July 1. 
●    Talking to reporters outside the House, Kejriwal said under the GST regime, tax slabs should be 10 per cent, 5 per cent each for the Centre and the states, claiming that higher tax slabs may trigger inflation.
●    "GST is the biggest tax reform and in principle we all are with it. But we have concerns pertaining to its implementation. 
●    We believe higher tax slabs may trigger inflation and it will not be good for the country.
●    The GST Council has approved four-tier tax slabs of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent plus an additional cess on demerit goods like luxury cars, aerated drinks and tobacco products.

Current Affairs 1st June 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

India, Spain sign 7 agreements during PM Modi's visit

India and Spain on 31 May 2017 signed seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) including one on cyber security and technical cooperation in civil aviation.
●    The MoUs were signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Spain.
●    The two sides signed one MoU on transfer of sentenced persons to respective countries.
●    One of the MoUs was for the visa waiver scheme for holders of diplomatic passports.
●    Four MoUs were signed between the two countries on cooperation in organ transplantation, cyber security, renewable energy and civil aviation.
●    One MoU was signed between India's Foreign Service Institute and Diplomatic Academy of Spain.

Current Affairs 1st June 2017: SPACE

ASA announced its first solar mission in 2018

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on 31 May 2017 renamed the Solar Probe Plus Spacecraft, NASA's first mission to a star which will be launched in 2018, as the Parker Solar Probe in honour of astrophysicist Eugene Parker. 
●    The announcement was made at a ceremony at the University of Chicago, where Eugene Parker serves as the S Chandrasekhar Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
●    NASA renames Solar Probe Mission to honour Eugene Parker
●    Eugene Parker was the first to predict the existence of the solar wind back in 1958. He theorized that the sun constantly sends out a flow of particles and energy called the solar wind.
●    This is the first time NASA has named a spacecraft for a living individual.
●    In 1958, Eugene Parker published an article in the Astrophysical Journal called “Dynamics of the interplanetary gas and magnetic fields.” 
●    The article was based on the observations of Parker which showed that there was high speed matter and magnetism constantly escaping the sun which affected the planets and space throughout our solar system. 
●    He proposed a number of concepts about how stars including sun give off energy.
●    This phenomenon has been proven to exist repeatedly through direct observation and it was named as the Solar Wind. 
●    Parker’s observation forms the basis for understanding about how stars interact with the worlds that orbit them.

Current Affairs 1st June 2017: SPORTS

Ramachandra Guha resigns as BCCI Administrator

Historian Ramachandra Guha on 1 June 2017 resigned as member of the four-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Guha cited personal reasons for his resignation.
●    Following his resignation, the Supreme Court asked Guha to file plea in registry which will be taken up in the court in July 2017.
●    Guha’s resignation comes at a time when the Champions Trophy 2017 is about to kick start. 
●    The Committee of Administrators headed by Vinod Rai was appointed by the Supreme Court in January 2017 to oversee BCCI administration after the BCCI showed reluctant to implement the Lodha panel report.
●    The other two members of the Committee are former Indian women’s cricket team captain Diana Edulji and IDFC Limited’s Managing Director Vikram Limaye.
●    As per the SC order, Rai, Guha, Edulji and Limaye were asked to function as the interim bosses of the BCCI and run its day-to-day administration until the Lodha Committee reforms are fully implemented and elections are held.

Important Current Affairs 31st May 2017

Current Affairs 31st May 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Swachhta Pakhwada successfully celebrated across the country by the Department of Consumer Affairs

The Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution celebrated Swachhta Pakhwada from 16th to 31st May, 2017.
●    The Secretary, Consumer Affairs, Sh. Jagdish. Prasad Meena, briefed the media on the successful completion of the Swachhta Pakhwada and informed that the Consumer can play a pivotal role in the Swachhta Mission in New Delhi today.
●    The Pakhwada was initiated by an oath taking ceremony which was attended by the officers and staff of the Department of Consumer Affairs. 
●    The aim of the Swachhta Pakhwada observed by the Department was to spread swachhta awareness and implementation across the country with a focus on role of the Consumer in taking a leadership role for sanitation initiatives. 
●    In this direction, a series of activities were undertaken such as Nukkad Natak, slogan writing competition, poster making competition, essay writing competition, special drives for cleaning of the work place and removing of old and unwanted articles from the office premises. 
●    The Department through its own staff members performed Nukkad Natak at various places including Krishi Bhawan and INA Market.

Online APAR for Indian Trade Service SPARROW-ITS Launched 

In accordance with the Government of India’s policy to introduce online Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) for Group ‘A’ services, Smt. Rita Teotia,Commerce Secretary launched the SPARROW-ITS (Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Online Window) today, to enable the Indian Trade Service (ITS) officers to fill their APAR online for the year 2016-17 onwards.  
●    The event was attended by Sh. Ajay Bhalla, DGFT and other senior officers of DGFT.
●    The APARs would be generated and transmitted online to the concerned officers for filling up of the self appraisal.  
●    The officer can then submit the self appraisal online through Digitally Signed Signature (DSC) or through E-sign.  
●    The subsequent processes of reporting and reviewing would also be done online by the Reporting and Reviewing Officer by using DSC or E-sign.  
●    The timelines have been drawn up for each stage of the process.  
●    The entire process of filling up of APAR would have to be completed by 31st December and no remarks can be added after that date.

Prasar Bharati signs MoU with Morocco's SNRT

Government-run Prasar Bharati has got into an agreement with Moroccos Societe Nationale de Radiodiffusion et de Television (SNRT) to step up cooperation in the broadcasting sector.
●    The MoU was signed last week during the the fifth India Morocco Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in Rabat, Moroccos capital.
●    Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was there to attend that meeting.
●    "The MoU was signed by Kheya Bhattacharya, Ambassador of India, on behalf of Prasar Bharati and Faycal Laraichi, Chief Executive Officer of SNRT," the commerce ministry said in a statement.
●    It said JCM has ramped up the strong bilateral ties and provided an impetus for closer cooperation in political, commercial, cultural, and trade sectors.

Delhi Police launches Bicycle Patrols for better policing

Delhi Police on 30 May 2017 launched the Bicycle Patrols for better policing in the capital. The Bicycle Patrols were flagged off by Union minister of Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir.
●    In the first phase, a total of 65 high-end bicycles have been operationalised. 
●    Out of 65 bicycles, 30 were allotted for North East district, 20 for East district and 15 for Shahdara district. 
●    The scheme will be extended to other areas of Delhi as well.
●    Bicycle patrols were launched as a part of green initiative for patrolling the parks, congested lanes, by-lanes, the cooperative societies, etc.
●    These patrols were introduced to complement and supplement existing motorcycle and PCR patrols of Delhi Police which focus mainly on crime prevention along the arterial and main roads of Delhi.

Current Affairs 31st May 2017: OBITUARIES 

Former Panama dictator Manuel Noriega passes away

Panama dictator Manuel Noriega passes away Former Panama dictator Manuel Noriega passed away on 29 May 2017 following a prolonged illness. He was 83.
●    Noriega ruled Panama from 1983 to 1989. 
●    He spied for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) until the United States invaded and toppled his corrupt government, putting an end to his criminal career that saw him working with drug traffickers like Pablo Escobar.
●    He was serving a sentence for murder in Panama at the time of his death.
●    Born in Panama City on 11 February 1934, Noriega studied at a military academy in Peru. 
●    After becoming a de facto ruler of Panama in 1983, he played a key role in mid-1980s Iran-Contra affair, which involved smuggling weapons and drugs to aid US undercover efforts.

Veteran filmmaker Dasari Narayana Rao passes away

Dasari Narayana Rao passes away Veteran Telugu filmmaker and former Union minister Dasari Narayana Rao passed away on 30 May 2017 following heart failure.
●    He was 75.
●    Rao was known for directing movies with legendary actors like NT Rama Rao and Akkineni Nageswara Rao. 
●    He was also an active politician in the Congress party and served as a Union Minister during the UPA regime.
●    Rao began his career as a theatre artiste and went on to work in films.
●    Rao directed his first film in the early 1970s.
●    He launched the popular Telugu daily Udhayam in 1984 to counter the influential Eenadu of Ramoji Rao. 
●    He worked in many films as a dialogue writer, lyricist and actor.

Current Affairs 31st May 2017: SPORTS

Kohli only Indian in top 10 of ICC ODI rankings

Indian captain Virat Kohli is the only Indian cricketer to feature in the top 10 of the ICC Players Rankings for ODIs. 

●    Kohli managed to retain his third spot in the top 10 ODI player batting rankings.
●    The top three batsmen in the list are not separated by many points. 
●    While South Africa's AB de Villiers (874 rating points) and Australian David Warner (871) just have a three-point difference between them, Kohli with 852 points is just 22 points behind them.
●    Virat sole India in ICC top 10 Batsman list
●    Other Indian batsmen to feature in the top 20 player rankings list include Rohit Sharma at 12th rank, Mahendra Singh Dhoni at 13th and Shikhar Dhawan at the 15th rank.
●    Among the bowlers, South Africa's 22-year-old pace sensation Kagiso Rabada outpaced his team-mate Imran Tahir to become the top ODI bowler in the world.

Current Affairs 31st May 2017: ECONOMY

Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) sign $100 million loan to finance Solar Rooftop projects

●    The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Punjab National Bank (PNB) yesterday signed a $100 million loan — to be guaranteed by the Government of India — that will finance large solar rooftop systems on industrial and commercial buildings throughout India. 
●    The PNB will use the ADB funds to make further loans to various developers and end users to install rooftop solar systems.
●    This is the first tranche loan of the $500 million multi tranche finance facility Solar Rooftop Investment Program (SRIP) approved by ADB in 2016. 
●    The financing includes $330 million from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and $170 million from the multi donor Clean Technology Fund (CTF) administered by ADB.  
●    The first tranche loan of $100 million would be financed entirely from the CTF. 

Important Current Affairs 30th May 2017

Dear Aspirants,

Important Current Affairs 30th May 2017 in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It is useful for the preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

Current Affairs 30th May 2017: SCIENCE

Ministry of Earth Sciences to launch ‘Deep Ocean Mission’ by January 2018
 

Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India is all set to launch ‘Deep Ocean Mission’ by January 2018. 
●    This will improve India’s position in ocean research field. Shri M Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences announced today. 
●    Secretary was speaking through video conference in the workshop arranged by National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula. Shri M S Nagar, Member Standing Committee, Ministry of Earth Science, Dr VSN Murthy, Director, National Institute of Oceanography were also present at the inauguration of the workshop on ‘Three decades of India acquiring Pioneer Investor Status- Achievements and way forward’. 
●    India achieved a lot in the field of ocean research; still it is long way to go, said Secretary M Rajeevan on this occasion. 
●    The program on Poly metallic nodules was initiated at CSIR-NIO with the collection of the first nodule sample from Arabian Sea on board the first Research Vessel Gaveshani on 26 January 1981. 
●    India was the first country in the world to have been given the Pioneer Area for exploration of deep-sea mineral viz. Polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin in 1987. 
●    This was based on the extensive surveys carried out by the scientists of CSIR-NIO, on several research ships leading to the allocation of an area of 150,000 sq km to the country with exclusive rights under the UN Law of the sea.

Current Affairs 30th May 2017: APPOINTMENT

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi appoints Shri George Kurian as Vice-Chairman of National Commission for Minorities

The Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has appointed Shri George Kurian as Vice-Chairman of National Commission for Minorities. 
●    Shri Kurian is a renowned social and educational activist from Kerala.
●    Earlier, noted social activist from Uttar Pradesh, Syed Ghayoor Hasan Rizvi was appointed as Chairman of National Commission for Minorities.
●    Other appointed members of the Commission are Ms Sulekha Kumbhare, Shri Sunil Singhvi and Shri Vada Dasturji Khurshed Kaikobad Dastoor.

Google India head Rajan Anandan appointed IAMAI chairman

Google’s vice-president for South East Asia and India, Rajan Anandan has been appointed new chairman of Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
●    He will take over from FreeCharge’s co-founder and chief executive officer Kunal Shah. 
●    MakeMyTrip chairman & Group CEO Deep Kalra has taken over as vice-chairman from music app Saavn co-founder and president Vinodh Bhat; Facebook’s managing director - India & South Asia, Umang Bedi has been elected as the new treasurer of the association, while Subho Ray continues to be the president, IAMAI said in a statement.
●    The tenure of the new council is for two years.
●    “Anandan assumes office at a time when the industry is going through a growth trajectory with more than 400 million Internet users and with more than 300 million mobile Internet users,” the statement said. 
●    “In rural India, with an estimated population of 906 million, have only 156 million Internet users thus, there are potential 750 million users still in rural heartlands; if only they can be reached out properly. Thus, the new council will work towards increasing the Internet users’ base, especially in rural areas,” the statement added.

Ajit Agarkar appointed chairman of selection committee for Mumbai

After playing 17 years of first class cricket for Mumbai, former India fast bowler Ajit Agarkar was on Friday named the chairman of selection committee for Mumbai Cricket Association. 
●    Agarkar will head the selection committee for senior and U-23 teams. Apart from Agargar, three others — Nilesh Kulkarni, Jatin Paranjape and Sunil More — will also be part of the senior selection committee.
●    In the U-19 selection committee, Rajesh Pawar has been named as the chairman while Avishkar Salvi, Raju Sutar and Santosh Shinde are also part of the committee.
●    Agarkar made his ODI debut  for India against Australia at Kochi in 1998 and in the same year, he made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in Harare. 
●    He went on to play 191 one-day internationals for India and picked up 288 wickets. In his 28 Tests, he picked up 58 wickets.
●    For the women’s committee, Trupati Bhattacharya has been appointed as the chairperson. 
●    The three other members of the selection committee are Sangeeta Kamat, Vishaka Dalvi and Rahul Thakur.

Current Affairs 30th May 2017: NATIONAL

Gadkari lays foundation stone for eight connectivity projects worth 1117.3 crores at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust

The Minister of Shipping and Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone for eight connectivity projects worth Rs. 1117.03 crores at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) today. 
●    All these projects will enhance connectivity of the hinterland   to JNPT. Port Connectivity is among the four pillars of Ministry of Shipping’s flagship Sagarmala programme.
●    Speaking on the occasion Shri Gadkari said that huge investments are expected under the Sagarmala programme, which will lead to better infrastructure and creation of new jobs besides giving  a big push to Indian exports. 
●    He said a lot of companies have shown interest in acquiring land for setting up factories in the JNPT SEZ zone, and this in turn will create a demand for  skilled manpower. 
●    Shri Gadkari informed that a coordinator will be appointed to look into the requirements of these new companies and help to train the local youth from Raigad and Konkan areas to meet their specific needs. 
●    He said the government’s aim is to increase efficiency and improve the development in and around the port areas by continuously undertaking new initiatives.
 

Current Affairs 30th May 2017: SCHEMES

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar announces pension scheme for journalists

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday announced a slew of incentives for journalists, including a Rs 10,000 monthly pension scheme, for those who are above 60 years and have completed 20 years in the profession.
●    He also announced a life insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh and a cashless mediclaim policy of Rs 500,000.
●    The announcements were made by the Chief Minister at the "Swarna Jayanti Journalists' Meet" in Panchkula near here.
●    He said now media persons, who have completed five years in the profession, would be given recognition by the state government.
●    He also announced that a new policy would be framed for giving recognition to representatives of online news portals.

Current Affairs 30th May 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

India and Germany signed 8 deals

Setting a roadmap for the bilateral strategic ties between India and Germany, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday opened the fourth India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. 
●    India and Germany signed 8 deals, agreeing to cooperate in multiple sectors and exchange knowledge.
●    The Prime Minister was also given a ceremonial welcome with military honours at the Chancellery, the office of the German Chancellor, where he was greeted by Merkel and senior German officials. 
●    He was also accorded a guard of honour and was welcomed as the the music choir of the German Army played the Indian National Anthem. 
●    Later, he called on German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Castle Bellevue.

Current Affairs 30th May 2017: OBITUARIES

Former Bengal cricketer Tapan Banerjee dead

Former Bengal and East Zone all-rounder Tapan Jyoti Banerjee passed away on Monday at a hospital here after a prolonged spell of illness, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) said.
●    Banerjee was 73. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
●    "He suffered a cerebral attack a few months back. 
●    On Sunday night he slipped into coma. 
●    He breathed his last around 11 a.m.," the CAB official said.
●    Banerjee, born in Kanpur, played 18 first class matches for Bengal scoring 217 runs and taking 47 wickets. 
●    He was a right hand batsman and a right-arm medium fast bowler.