Dear Aspirants,

We bring you the Latest  (Gk)General Knowledge, Daily Current Affairs news, Events, General awareness Today  28th February 2017 Section in FREE PDF (English & Hindi), a section which outlines the latest important news, Events headlines which are hardly covered elsewhere.

DEFENCE

INS Viraat to Bow Out of Service

INS Viraat, the second aircraft carrier in the Indian naval fleet, will be decommissioned on March 6, Vice Admiral Girish Luthra said on Monday.
●    INS Viraat is the second centaur class aircraft carrier in service which has spent 30 years in the Indian Navy and before that 27 years in the Royal Navy of UK.
●    The next aircraft carrier is under construction at Cochin. It will be named Vikrant. 
●    As per the contract with the Cochin Shipyard, the ship will commence trials by end-2018 or early 2019.
●    He said the Navy is looking for multi-role helicopters (MRH) with combat and evacuation capabilities to act as force multipliers. 
●    These choppers are meant for anti-surface and anti-submarine roles and for rescue and evacuation.
●    The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) will look at issues like whether the MRH can be developed on a strategic partnership model.

APPOINTMENTS

Sumit Mullick Appointed as Maharashtra Chief Secretary

Senior IAS officer Sumit Mullick was today appointed as the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra.
●    He will succeed Swadheen Kshatriya, who was due for retirement on January 31, but was given a month's extension.
●    Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis signed the file on Mullick early this morning, an official from the CMO said.
●    Mullick, a 1982 batch IAS officer is Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) and currently serving as the Chief Protocol Officer in the General Administration department.
●    He had earlier served as the Divisional Commissioner of Amravati and worked as Secretary of School Education.
●    He was also Secretary to the Governor.
●    Mullick is the senior most bureaucrat in the state after Kshatriya and will retire in April 2018.

AWARDS

Rajinder Goel, Padmakar Shivalkar to Receive Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award

The mobile phone of Padmakar Shivalkar, the champion Mumbai left-arm spinner who was unfortunate not to play for India, did not stop ringing on Monday evening after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) nominated him for the Col CK Nayudu lifetime achievement award.
●    Former Haryana left-arm spinner Rajinder Goel, Ranji Trophy’s highest wickettaker with 637 scalps, too didn’t get to play for India as his career ran parallel to that of Bishan Singh Bedi. He has also been bestowed with the same honour.
●    Shivalkar was denied an opportunity to play for India due to the famous spin quartet of Bedi, Erapalli Prassana, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar and R Venkataraghavan.
●    Shivalkar, who was known to recite songs during his playing days, did forget to sing the line of the famous Bollywood song ‘main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya’.

NATIONAL NEWS
 

India and ADB sign loans and grants for first phase of long East Coast Economic Corridor

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed here $375 million in loans and grants to develop 800-kilometer Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor, which is the First Phase of a planned 2,500–kilometer long East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC). 
●    The Corridor is expected to spur development on India’s eastern coast in line with the Government of India’s Make in India policy to stimulate manufacturing, and Act East policy to integrate the Indian economy with Asia’s dynamic global production networks.
●    The signing event was held on 23.02.2017 followed the ADB approval of $631 million in loans and grants in September 2016 to develop the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor. 
●    ADB’s approved loans comprise a $500 million multi-tranche facility to build key infrastructure in the four main centers along the corridor – Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Amaravati, and Yerpedu-Srikalahasti in the State of Andhra Pradesh. The First Tranche of $245 million was signed today that will finance sub-projects to develop high-quality internal infrastructure in 2 of the 4 nodes of the corridor–Visakhapatnam and Yerpedu-Srikalahasti.
●    Another component of the approved ADB funds signed on 23.02.2017 was a $125 million policy-based loan that will be used for capacity development of institutions engaged in corridor management, provide support to enhance ease of doing business and for supporting industrial and sector policies to stimulate industrial development. 

NATIONAL NEWS
 

Minister for Civil Aviation Dedicates First Integrated Heliport to the Nation

The First Integrated Heliport was dedicated to the Nation by Ministry of Civil Aviation in association with Pawan Hans today at Rohini Heliport, Delhi. After inaugurating the facility the Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that the heliport was an excellent infrastructure but pointed out that helicopter services in India are still at a nascent stage. 
●    He added that the facility will keep the cost under control as MRO facility has been incorporated. This would also help in job creation. Speaking to media later, he said that joy rides have a future. He also expressed the hope that the pilot training centre would come up soon.
●    The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha said that the Aviation sector is making history almost every day and that the heliport is one such event. 
●    The Secretary for Civil Aviation, Shri R.N. Choubey said that it is part of National Aviation Policy to have four heliports, one in each region and Rohini’s heliport is the first step. He also said that helicopter operations could be shifted from I.G.I to Rohini. 
●    The Rohini heliport has been completed in almost two years at a cost of nearly 100 crores. 
●    The Heliport consists of a terminal building having capacity of 150 passengers, 4 hangers with parking capacities for 16 helicopters and 9 parking bays. 

NATIONAL NEWS

4th India-CLMV Business Conclave Inaugurated by Sitharaman  

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman will inaugurate the 4th India CLMV Business Conclave here on Monday.
●    The 4th India CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam) Business Conclave will have deliberations on manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture and skilling among others.
●    Aimed at identifying specific project opportunities and seek business partnerships in the region, the two-day programme will consist of business to business meetings and sectoral sessions.
●    The conclave will focus on sectors such as Pharma, Healthcare, manfAgri Business, Food processing, Gems and Jewellery, Textiles, Leather, Renewable Energy and education.
●    It will be addressed by Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia; Dr Than Myint, Union Minister, Minister of Commerce, Myanmar; Cao Quoc Hung; Vice Minister of Industry and Trade, Vietnam.
●    Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is also expected to attend the conclave to be organised by CII and the ministry of commerce and industries.

APPOINTMENTS

Nand Kumar Sai assumes charge as Chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes 

Senior tribal leader from Chhattisgarh and ex parliamentarian Shri Nand Kumar Sai assumed charge as the chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) today in New Delhi.
●    Speaking on the occasion Shri Sai said it will be his endeavor to protect rights of tribal living in far flung areas of the country. He said a large percentage of tribals in our country are still not aware of their rights guaranteed to them by the constitutions. Shri Sai said he will see to it that NCST is converted into an important tool for the overall social economic development of STs in the country.
●    Earlier on his arrival to the office of NCST, Shri Sai was greeted by Vice Chairperson of NCST Miss Anusuia Uikey, Members Shri Bari Krishna Damor and Shri Harshadbhai Chunilal Vasava and Secretary of the Commission Shri Raghav Chandra.
●    Born on January 1, 1946 at village Bhagora of Jaspur District in Chhattisgarh Shri Sai studied at NES college Jashpur and obtained Post Graduate degree in Political Science from Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur.
●    Shri Sai was elected to MP legislative assembly in 1977, 1985 and 1998. He was elected to Chhattisgarh legislative assembly in 2000 and was the first leader of opposition in the assembly. Shri Sai was elected to Lok sabha in 1989, 1996 and 2004. He was also elected to Rajya Sabha in 2009 and 2010. He also served as member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal and Steel and member of the Parliamentary consultative committee of Ministry of Urban Development and Ministry of Social Justice and empowerment.

NATIONAL NEWS

Parshottam Rupala launches NDDB’s Cattle Feed Knowledge Portal

The Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Parshottam Rupala has said that agriculture is the backbone of rural economy in the country and dairying plays an important role in it. Even though India is the largest milk producer in the world, there is ample scope to improve per animal productivity. 
●    Shri Rupala stated it while inaugurating a National Workshop on Improving Feed Production Efficiency & Quality Control Aspects of Cattle Feed Plants organized by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in Anand, today. 
●    Shri Dilip Patel, Member of Parliament, Shri Dilip Rath, Chairman, NDDB and Dr HPS Makkar, FAO, Rome graced the occasion. Around 200 cattle feed plant professionals from all over the country participated.
●    The Chairman, NDDB informed that the dairy cooperative network produces about 3.6 million tonnes per annum with an installed capacity of about 5 million tonnes in 70 cattle feed plants. 
●    In addition the private sector produces an additional 4.5 million tonnes. A total of 8 million tonnes per annum is sufficient for only about 8 million of the more than 100 million breedable animals.
●    During the workshop issues related to cattle feed production, quality control aspects in a feed plant, improving feed production efficiency, latest trends in feed milling operation, least cost feed formulation and modernization of a quality control lab were discussed in details.

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you the Latest  (Gk)General Knowledge, Daily Current Affairs news, Events, General awareness Today  27th February 2017 Section in FREE PDF (English & Hindi), a section which outlines the latest important news, Events headlines which are hardly covered elsewhere.

NATIONAL NEWS

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi chairs 75th meeting of Central Waqf Council in New Delhi, today

The Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that some vested interests are creating various obstacles in development of waqf properties and utilisation of these properties for welfare of the society. Shri Naqvi said that serious irregularities in some State Waqf Boards have also come to notice. A high-level inquiry has been going on into these matters and strict action will be taken against those people who are responsible. Shri Naqvi stated it while addressing the 75th meeting of Central Waqf Council in New Delhi, today. 
●    There are about 4,49,314 registered and non-registered waqf properties across the country. The number of these properties will be increased after computerisation of waqf boards. It has also been come to our notice that some waqf boards are not registering the waqf properties properly during the computerisation process. Strict action is being taken in such complaints.  
●    Shri Naqvi said that in the Budget 2017-18, Rs 3.30 crore has been allocated for computerisation of records of state waqf boards; Rs 9.70 crore have been given for strengthening of state waqf boards while Rs 3.18 crore have been allocated as grants-in-aid to Waqf.  
●    The Budget of Minority Affairs Ministry has been increased to Rs 4195.48 crore for 2017-18. This is Rs 368.23 crore more than 2016-17 Budget of Rs 3827.25 crore with an increase of about 9.6 per cent.

NATIONAL NEWS

Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates Jammu Art Exhibition at Delhi

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 inaugurated a group exhibition of paintings by Jammu artists at Lalit Kala Akademi here today. 
●    While inaugurating the exhibition, he said that Jammu has creative talent in abundance, but needs more exposure. 
●    Dr Jitendra Singh said that more updated and latest methods of art propagation should be adopted. Elaborating further, he said, for example, in today’s time, an artist can use social media options to achieve worldwide reach for his creation even without booking a gallery hall or spending much money. 
●    Accompanied by artists Mahesh Sharma, Vijay Anand and Sanjay Sharma, the Minister discussed the theme and the colour technique with the respective artists. 
●    The various displays put up in the exhibition included abstract paintings with focus on essence of nature, figurative and realistic works representing the magnanimous landscape and paintings with bold palette nice strokes.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

India & Ukraine to strengthen bilateral cooperation through Cinema

India and Ukraine have agreed to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between the twocountries through the medium of Cinema. The cooperation would be worked out through a policy and institutional framework to showcase films through the medium of Film Festivals and utilizing the Film Facilitation Office platform established by India. 
●    The screening of films with subtitles was also discussed in order to reach out to people. These issues were discussed during the meeting between Shri M Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Ukrainian delegation led by Mr. Iurii Artemenko, Member of the Parliament of Ukraine and Chairman of the National Council of Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine today in New Delhi. 
●    Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore and Secretary I&B were also present during the discussions.
●    During the discussions, Shri Naidu said that Ministry of Information & Broadcasting would extend all possible support to promote exchange programs between public broadcasters of the two countries, content creation, screening and distribution of films. The possibility of translating programs and content and providing subtitles in respective languages of both the countries was also discussed with respect to the Public Broadcasters of both the countries.
●    Mr. Iurii Artemenko, said that Ukraine Government were taking efforts to organise an Indian Film Festival in Ukraine to promote Cultural ties between the two countries through the medium of Cinema. 
●    He extended a personal invitation to I&B Minister for the Film Festival to be organised in the near future. He also expressed interest for showcasing programmes based on Indian weddings, Touristic places such as Rajasthan and different Indian Cuisines.

NATIONAL NEWS

Bet Dwarka Darshan Circuit to be developed under HRIDAY

Union Ministry of Urban Development on 23 February 2017 approved the development of 6-kilometer-long Bet Dwarka Darshan Circuit in Gujarat. 
●    The circuit will be developed at an expense of Rs 16.27 crore under the Central Scheme ‘Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)’.
●    The Bet Dwarka Darshan Circuit that connects the famous Dwarkadish Haveli and Hanuman Dandi was approved by the HRIDAY National Empowered Committee chaired by Rajiv Gauba, Secretary (UD). 
●    Hanuman Dandi is the only temple housing Hanumanji and his son Makardhwaj, in Dwarka district of Gujarat.
●    Ranchod Talav and Shankhudhar Lake are the two important water bodies along the circuit.
●    Darshan Circuit works to be taken up include 
●    Development of streets and pedestrian pathways
●    Laying of cycle tracks along beach side and plantation, LED lighting and plazas for vending spaces
●    Other facilities includes the provision of benches, changing rooms, resting spaces, drinking water and toilet facilities
●    Craft and food bazaar will be developed

AWARDS

Oscar Awards 2017 conferred

The 89th Academy Awards, popularly called Oscar Awards, were conferred on 26 February 2017 (27 February 2017 as per Indian time). The award ceremony was held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
●    The Oscar Awards for the year 2017 were presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in 24 categories.
●    The nominees for the 89th Oscar Awards were announced on 24 January 2017, via global live stream from the Academy. Movie La La Land received the most nominations with a record-tying fourteen.
●    Best Film - Moonlight
●    Best Actor - Casey Affleck (Manchester By The Sea)
●    Best actress - Emma Stone (La La Land)
●    Best Dayrector- La La Land
●    Best Supporting Aktres - Viola Davies (fence)
●    Best Supporting Actor- Mahershala Ali (Moonlight)
●    Edited Skriple - Moonlight
●    Original Song - City of Stars (La La Land)
●    Origen score - La La Land
●    Best Cinematography - La La Land
●    Best Animated Feature - Jutopia
●    Best Animated Short Film - mentha
●    Best Foreign Language Film - The salesmen
●    Best Visual Effects - The Jungle Book
●    Best Production Design - La La Land
●    Best Sound Editing - Arrival
●    Best Sound Mixing - Hakso Ridge
●    Best Makeup and Heyrstail- Suicide Squad
●    Best Costume Design - Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them

PERSONS

Mahershala Ali is the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar

In an expected but triumphant win for Best Actor in a Supporting Role during the 89th Academy Awards, Mahershala Ali gave a humble speech, thanking those in his life who helped him achieve such a deserved feat.
●    “I want to thank my teachers, my professors,” the “Moonlight” actor began. “One thing they consistently told me was that it wasn’t about you. 
●    It’s not about you, it’s about these characters, you are a servant. You’re in service to these stories and these characters.” 
●    He went on to thank “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins and the film’s cast and crew. He also nodded to his wife and daughter, who was born four days ago.
●    “I want to thank her for being such a soldier through this process, and carrying me through it all,” he said, in an elegant kickoff to the night.
●    Ali is the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar, a particularly notable achievement in 2017, when the White House has placed travel restrictions on individuals from several Muslim-majority nations. 
●    This win also makes Ali the fifth black actor to achieve a Supporting Actor Oscar. 
 

SPORTS

ISSF World Cup: Pooja Ghatkar Clinches Bronze in 10m Air Rifle Event

Pooja Ghatkar overcame some technical issues to clinch the women's 10m air rifle bronze medal as India opened their account on a positive note in the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup here on Friday.
●    The 28-year-old Ghatkar, a former Asian champion, shot 228.8 in the final of 10m air rifle to finish third on the podium and win her maiden World Cup medal, at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range.
●    China's Mengyao Shi won the gold medal with a score of 252.1, setting a new world record in the event. Mengyao's compatriot Dong Lijie bagged the silver with a score of 248.9 on day one of competitions.
●    Ghatkar, who had missed out on a Rio Olympic Games quota place by a whisker last year, said she was looking ahead having buried that chapter.
●    Ghatkar, who started the final with a 10.4, was consistent with her scores barring a couple of blips and was placed second with 104.6 at the end of first competition stage.

NATIONAL NEWS

RAHAT medical project launched in Rajasthan

The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje inaugurated a medical project called Rajasthan Heart Attack Treatment programme (RAHAT), launched by Eternal Heart Care Center Hospital in Jaipur, on 25 February 2017.
●    The programme involves creation and management of a telemedicines platform to treat ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), a very serious type of heart attack.
●    The telemedicines platform will help capture and transmit patient's EKG along with clinical history from remote geographical locations to the heart command center (HCC) hub, where a team of expert cardiologists will provide an immediate interpretation of the EKG and real time STEMI guidance and management through tele-consultation after instantly recognising the EKG abnormalities. 
●    The programme aims to provide timely treatment to those who undergo heart attack in rural and remote areas.
●    Under it, the patients suffering a stroke would be provided with immediate ambulance service and telemedicine service.

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you the Latest  (Gk)General Knowledge, Daily Current Affairs news, Events, General awareness Today  26th February 2017 Section in FREE PDF (English & Hindi), a section which outlines the latest important news, Events headlines which are hardly covered elsewhere.

NATIONAL NEWS

EPFO introduces single page composite claim form for withdrawing money

Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), the retirement body of India, on 21 February 2017 introduced single page composite claim form. 
●    The form will allow its subscribers to withdraw money from their PF account at an ease.
●    Earlier, employees/subscribers were supposed to fill and submit three different forms to EPFO for withdrawing provident fund for different purposes.
●    The form does not require employers’ attestation, but the facility will be applicable only for those subscribers whose Aadhaar number and bank account details are seeded with their Universal Account Number (UAN).
●    Subscribers who want to seed Aadhaar and bank details with their Universal Account Number will have to fill a new composite claim form, which replaces the existing Forms 19, 10C and 31 for filing claims. 
●    The new single-page form can be submitted with the attestation of employers.

ECONOMY

CBEC launched a mobile application for Goods and Services Tax

The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) on 23 February 2017 launched a mobile application for Goods and Services Tax (GST). The app will inform the taxpayers of the latest updates on GST among others.
●    The mobile application for GST was launched in-line to the Union Government’s Digital India Initiative. The application will provide latest updates on GST to the taxpayers.
●    The application will help taxpayers to access certain information related to the GST like
●    Migration to GST-Approach and guidelines for migration
●    Draft Law-Model GST Law, GST Compensation and Law IGST Law
●    Draft Rules-Rules related to Registration, Payment, Returns, Refund and Invoice
●    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on GST
●    Various resources on GST like videos and articles among others
●    Links related to website as well as email and helpdesk contacts
●    At present, the application is available for the android platforms. The iOS version of the application will be launched soon.
 

APPOINTMENTS

Former Nagaland CM Zeliang appointed as Finance Advisor to state government

TR Zeliang, the former Chief Minister of Nagaland, was appointed as the finance advisor to the state government on 25 February 2017. He was appointed as the finance advisor in the rank of a Cabinet Minister.
●    An official releases said, ‘Zeliang, appointed by the Governor PB Acharya, will receive the pay and allowances and all other facilities admissible to a cabinet minister’.
●    Zeliang has resigned from the chief ministership on 19 February 2017. 
●    He resigned from the post on the protest and demand of the Joint Coordination Committee and Nagaland Tribal Action Committee. His resignation was demanded his decision to hold elections to urban bodies with 33 per cent reservation for women.
●    From 2014 to February 2017, he had served Nagaland as its Chief Minister.
●    Born on 21 February 1952, Zeliang is a political leader of Nagaland People's Front.
●    He resigned from the office of chief minister of the state in the backdrop of protests in the state.
●    Earlier, he had served India as a Member of Parliament. In Parliament, he represented his state in the Rajya Sabha.

NATIONAL NEWS

 PM Modi unveils 112 ft bust of 'Adiyogi’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 February 2017 unveiled the 112-foot bust of ‘Adiyogi’ or Lord Shiva at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore. The statue is located in the foothills of Velliangiri Mountains in the Western Ghats.
●    The bust was unveiled on the occasion of the Maha Shivaratri, a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of the god Shiva.
●    The bust of the Adiyogi was built in eight months by an NGO Isha Foundation. The foundation said the iconic 112-ft face of the first yogi was consecrated in celebration of the 112 methods that Lord Shiva offered towards self-transformation.
●    Before inaugurating the metallic statue face of Lord Shiva, Modi visited the Isha yoga centre and attended the Pancha Bhuta Aradhana function.
●    While addressing the gathering, PM Modi lauded the practice of yoga and said that the practice has transcended from generations and is popularly known that the journey of man from soul to Shiva is Yoga. He said, it is old, yet new.
●    Besides, before unveiling the Adiyogi bust, Modi released the book 'Adiyoga: The source of Yoga', which deals with yogic sciences.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

India to provide financial assistance to Bangladesh for development of Sylhet city

India and Bangladesh on 24 February 2017 signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide financial assistance to Bangladesh for sustainable development of Sylhet, a north-eastern Bangladeshi city.
●    Under the MoU three development projects will be taken up in Sylhet. These projects will be developed at an expense of around Taka 240 million.
●    Projects for which financial aid will be provided under the tripartite agreement are
●    India will provide financial aid for construction of a five-storey Kinder Garten and High School Building
●    Financial aid will be provided for construction of a six-storey cleaner colony building
●    Financial aid will be provided for some development work in Dhupa Dighirpar area
●    The tripartite agreement was signed in Sylhet by Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division Additional Secretary Shah Md. Aminul Haque and Sylhet City Corporation CEO Enamul Habib.
●    The signing was the follow-up of an earlier MoU which was signed between India and Bangladesh in April 2013 for the implementation of sustainable development projects in socio-economic sectors of Bangladesh.

GLOBAL NEWS

 Trump administration revokes law protecting transgender students

 US President Donald Trump’s administration on 22 February 2017 rolled back Obama’s protection law for transgender students that allowed them to use the bathroom and locker room of their choice in public schools.
●    In May 2016, Barack Obama had instructed all the public schools in the United States to allow transgender students to openly choose their gender identity and use the bathrooms and locker rooms that matched with it. 
●    This measure was taken in accordance with Title IX, the federal law that bars gender discrimination in education.
●    It was seen by the transgender community as a huge progress in their fight for equal rights. 
●    Trump’s administration revoked the protection arguing that the state and public schools should have the authority to make their own decisions without interference from federal authority.
●    The decision to revoke the order was announced by the Department of Justice and Department of Education.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

India, Uganda agreed to cooperate in space programme and atomic energy

 India and Uganda on 22 February 2017 agreed to cooperate in various fields like the space programme, vocational training and peaceful use of atomic energy. 
●    The agreements were announced in a joint press conference by the Vice President Hamid Ansari and Ugandan President Yoweri Kauta Museveni in State House at Entebbe, the official residence of President.
●    VP Ansari was in Uganda during the second leg of 2-nation of his visit to East Africa, namely Rwanda and Uganda. He was in Rwanda from 19 February to 21 February 2017 and in Uganda from 21 February to 23 February 2017.
●    Besides these agreements, the Vice President held talks with President Yoweri Museveni at the State House. 
●    During this meet, the two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation. They also committed to work together in trade, investment, agriculture, defence cooperation and IT among others.
●    In addition, President Museveni called Indian companies to manufacture automobiles locally, which would help the country in discouraging import of cars. 
●    It seems that this call for assembling and manufacturing vehicles locally in Uganda would provide a new market to Indian manufacturers.

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We bring you the Latest  (Gk)General Knowledge, Daily Current Affairs news, Events, General awareness Today  25th February 2017 Section in FREE PDF (English & Hindi), a section which outlines the latest important news, Events headlines which are hardly covered elsewhere.

India's only active volcano is back from the dead after 150 years

Barren Islands volcano, India's only active volcano, is reportedly spewing lava and ash after a gap of 150 years.

• It erupted for about four hours in January, scientists from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) claimed.
• The volcano is situated in Barren Islands in the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago.
• Some unsubstantiated reports even claim that it is South Asia's only active volcano.
• Its first recorded eruption dates back to 1787. Since then, the volcano has erupted more than ten times, including the one this year.
• The samples collected by the NIO team will help in deciphering the nature of the present and past volcanic activity in the region.
• The team, however, did not land on the island because it was considered too dangerous.
• Scientists from CSIR-NIO have been surveying the Andaman Basin and they have identified many small submerged volcanoes in a linear chain called a volcanic arc.

Kurukh language given official status by Bengal Government

• The West Bengal government today gave official status to Kurukh language, listed as an endangered language by the UNESCO, to mark the International Mother Language Day, which is observed to mark the language movement in the then East Pakistan in 1952.
• Announcing this at a function to celebrate the day, state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that official recognition would also be given to Rajbangshi/Kamtapuri language spoken in parts of north Bengal.
• She said that around 16 lakh Oraon people spoke Kurukh language in Bengal and that the language had been identified as a vulnerable language in the UNESCO's list of endangered languages.
• The chief minister lamented the apathy among a section of people in the state in learning or speaking Bengali.
• Marking the movement in Bangladesh in 1952 for recognition of Bengali as an official language when it was part of Pakistan, February 21 has been recognised as the International Mother Language Day by the United Nations.

NATIONAL NEWS

CCEA approved SJVN’s investment proposal in Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved an investment proposal of the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVN) in Nepal’s Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project
(HEP).

NATIONAL NEWS

Union Government clears Coastal Surveillance Project

The Ministry of Defence on 21 February 2017 gave its in-principle approval to set up 38 radar stations to boost surveillance of the country’s 7,517 km long coastline.

• The approval for the project was given at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by the Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in New Delhi.
• The project will be executed at a cost of Rs 800 crore by the Bengaluru-based Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• Apart from the 38 static radar stations, 4 mobile surveillance stations will also be set up under the project.
• These surveillance stations will be integrated with the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) in the Gulf of Kutch and Khambatt.
• These stations are in addition to 46 radar stations, which have already been set up under the Phase I of the Static Sensor Chain Project.
• The project seeks to set up gap-less electronic surveillance along India’s coastline.

NATIONAL NEWS

Defence Security Corps Celebrates 70th Raising Day

Defence Security Corps (DSC), which was raised on 25 February 1947 as ‘Defence Department Constabulary’, celebrated its 70th Raising Day on 25 February 2017.

• DSC troops have been providing security to various sensitive defence and civil installations across the length and breadth of the Country since 1947.
• On the occasion of the 70th Raising Day, Lieutenant General JS Cheema, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information System & Training) and Colonel Commandant of DSC, congratulated all ranks and complimented them for their relentless efforts in guarding sensitive Defence and civil establishments.
• On this solemn occasion, he also remembered the supreme sacrifices made by the martyrs of the Corps, exhorted all ranks to seek inspiration from their valour and felicitated eight Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks for their distinguished service.
• So far, DSC has been awarded three Vir Chakras, one Kirti Chakra, four Shaurya Chakras, ten Sena Medals, two Vishisht Seva Medals and fifteen Chief of Army, Air and Naval Staff Commendation Cards.

NATIONAL NEWS

61 CAVALRY Bags the Army Polo Championship

The famous Army Polo Championship that commenced on 31 Jan 2017 saw a thrilling final match on Friday between 61 CAVALRY and Army Service Corps after tough round of

• Army has dominated Equestrian Sports for a long time producing a large number of Asian Games medalists, World Cup players, Padam Shree and Arjuna awardees and is pursuing it as part of it’s Mission Olympics programme.
• Lt Col Ravi Rathore who is the highest handicapped polo player in Indian Army has also played four World Cups for the Indian Polo Team.
• Lt Gen RV Kanitkar, Quarter Master General, presented the Army Polo Championship Trophy to 61 CAVLARY in the presence of a big audience including many senior officers

DEFENCE

Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS AYUSH commissioned in Kochi

Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS AYUSH was commissioned on 18 February 2017 in Kochi, Kerala. The ship was commissioned by Vice Admiral AR Karwe, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.

• The fast patrol vessel (FPV) is fitted with state-of- the-art navigational and communication equipment including Integrated Bridge System (IBS) and Machinery Control System (MCS).
• The ship is capable of undertaking multifarious tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and medical evacuation.
• Post commissioning, the ship will be based at Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
• The vessel will be under the administrative and operational control of Commander, Coast Guard Region.
• The Cochin Shipyard was incorporated in the year 1972 as a fully owned company by the Union Government.

DISCOVERY

Scientists discover drowned Pacific Ocean continent Zealandia

A group of scientists have claimed to discover a continent two-thirds the size of Australia beneath the south-west Pacific Ocean.

• The discovery was recently reported in a paper titled Zealandia: Earth's Hidden Continent in the journal of the Geological Society of America.
• This newly proposed continent is about 1.74 million square miles in size and 94 percent submerged. However, the continent protrudes above the ocean surface in the form of New Zealand and New Caledonia.
• Zealandia, also known as Tasmantis, is a nearly submerged continental fragment that sank after breaking away from Australia 60–85 million years ago.
• The continent had separated from Antarctica between 85 and 130 million years ago.
• It may have been completely submerged about 23 million years ago, and 93 per cent of it remains submerged beneath the Pacific Ocean. However, it is still unknown how strongly Bollons Seamount remains connected to the continent.
• The continent supports substantial inshore fisheries and contains New Zealand's largest gas field, near Taranaki.

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APPOINTMENTS

Abhijit Sarkar appointed Vice Chairman of Asian Hockey Federation

The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) on 21 February 2017 confirmed the appointment of Abhijit Sarkar as its new Vice Chairman.
●    Sarkar was also appointed the Chairman of the AHF Commercial and TV Committee with immediate effect.
●    The decision to appoint Sarkar was taken after an Executive Board Meeting held on 7 February 2017.
●    Sarkar has been associated with the Sahara India Pariwar since 2004. 
●    He has also served as the Head of Corporate Communications, Corporate Affairs and Relations, and the Sports Division at Sahara India Pariwar.
●    The Asian Hockey Federation is the governing body for the sport of field hockey in Asia.
●    At present, it has 30 member associations.
●    It is affiliated to the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
●    The current president of AHF is Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

AWARDS

Sahitya Akademi awards 2016 presented to 24 authors

Sahitya Akademi Awards 2016 were conferred on twenty-four writers on 22 February 2017. 
●    The eminent authors were conferred with the award/honour for writing in as different Indian languages.
●    The awards were conferred on them at the annual Festival of Letters. The festival, which began 21 February 2017, will continue till 26 February 2017. 
●    The distinguished physicist and Marathi writer Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was the chief guest of the award ceremony.
●    The awards were conferred in different genres and they included poetry, essay, short story, novel, criticism and play.
●    Sahitya Akademi award is a literary honour that is conferred annually on Indian authors/writers for their outstanding works of literary merit. 
●    The award established in 1954 is given on books of literary merit written in any of the major languages of India. 
●    Indian film-maker Satyajit Ray is the designer of the plaque awarded by the Sahitya Akademi.

NATIONAL NEWS

 Ministry of Railways dedicated Antyodaya Express to the nation

Union Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu on 22 February 2017 dedicated Antyodaya Express to the nation at the Delhi Safdarjung Station. 
●    The Railway Board Chairman AK Mital was present on this occasion.
●    Antyodaya Express is a long-distance, fully unreserved and super fast train service for the common man. 
●    These trains, which will be operated only on dense routes, were proposed for the first time by Suresh Prabhu in his 2016-17 Railway Budget speech.
●    These coaches are fully unreserved Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) second class coaches with the following additional amenities:
●    Cushioned luggage racks which can serve as seats
●    Additional hand holds in doorway area
●    J-hook near longitudinal luggage racks
●    Multiple unit cables at both ends of the coach
●    Vestibuled ends for internal movement of the passengers
●    Potable drinking water dispenser
●    Mobile charging points
●    Fire extinguisher with anti-theft lock
●    FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic) Modular Toilets
●    Pleasing interior colour scheme
●    Display boards to indicate toilet occupancy
●    Light Emitting Diodes
●    SS Slip-free flooring at doorway and gangway
●    Anti-graffiti coating for exterior painting

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Union Cabinet approved signing of bilateral Air Services Agreement with Greece

The Union Cabinet gave its approval for signing of a bilateral Air Services Agreement (ASA) with Greece.
●    The approval was given at a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 February 2017 in New Delhi.
●    Under the agreement, both the countries shall be entitled to designate one or more airline.
●    The designated airlines of either country shall have the right to establish offices in the territory of the other country for the promotion and sale of air
services.
●    The designated airlines of the two countries shall have fair and equal opportunity to operate on specified routes.
●    As per the Route Schedule, the Indian carriers can operate to Athens, Thessaloniki, HerakIion and any 3 points to be specified later in Greece from points in
India.
●    The carriers of Greece can establish direct operation to 6 metros - New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai.
●    Any points shall be available as ‘intermediate’ as well as ‘beyond point’ destinations for the designated carriers of India as well as the designated carriers
of Greece.

OBITUARY

Hindi novelist Ved Prakash Sharma breathes his last

Popular Hindi novelist Ved Prakash Sharma, who has 176 novels to his credit, breathed his last on February 17. 
●    The 62-year-old wasn’t keeping well since the last few months and had developed some infection and complications which led to his demise. 
●    His family members confirmed the news on Saturday.
●    Born on June 10, 1955 in Meerut city of Uttar Pradesh, India, he started his career as a ghost writer. 
●    After penning down as many as 23 novels, he got credit as a writer for the novel Dahekte Shaher in the year 1973. 
●    His other books which broke records and added to his popularity included Qaidi No 100 and Vardi Wala Gunda.
●    Sharma had also written scripts for about half-a-dozen Hindi movies. His novel Bahu Maange Insaaf was made into a Bollywood film in 1985. 
●    The 1992 film “Anaam” and the 1995 Akshay Kumar starrer “Sabse Bada Khiladi” were made on stories based on Sharma’s novels. 
●    Later, he also wrote the screenplay for the movie “International Khiladi” which released in the year 1999.

APPOINTMENTS

London Appoints First Woman Scotland Yard Chief in 187 Years

Britain's Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced that a female police officer would be the next Commissioner of the Scotland Yard
●    Cressida Dick's appointment to the top job at Scotland Yard means that for the first time in its history, Britain's biggest police force will be run by a
woman, Xinhua news agency reported.
●    So important is the role of 'Britain's top cop' that Dick was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II following a recommendation from the Home Secretary.
●    The Metropolitan Police or Met, as it is commonly known, is the largest police force in Britain, with more than 43,000 employees and an annual budget of over 3
billion pounds ($3.74 billion).
●    Rudd said the new police chief was taking on one of the most demanding, high-profile and important jobs in British policing, against the backdrop of a
heightened terror alert and evolving threats from fraud and cyber crime.

NATIONAL NEWS

India is world’s largest arms importer: SIPRI

India was the world’s largest importer of major arms in the last five years and its overseas procurement was far greater than that of China and Pakistan, a Stockholm-
based think-tank said on Monday. 
●    As per latest report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India accounted for 13 per cent of the total global arms import between
2012–16 which is highest among all the countries.
●    UP Assembly Elections 2017: Booked In Rape Case, SP's Gayatri Prajapati Breaks Down During Rally
●    The report said while China was increasingly able to substitute arms imports with indigenous products, India remained dependent on weapons technology from
Russia, the US, Europe, Israel and South Korea.
●    It said India increased its arms imports by 43 per cent between 2007–11 and 2012–16 and in the last four years its global procurement was far greater than
those of its regional rivals China and Pakistan.
●    Saudi Arabia was the second largest arms importer in 2012-16, with an increase of 212 per cent compared with 2007–11. Arms imports by Qatar went up by 245 per
cent.

GLOBAL NEWS

Brazilian Foreign Minister Jose Serra resigns

 Brazilian Foreign Minister Jose Serra resigned over health reasons, according to a letter he sent to President Michel Temer.
●    Serra, 74, who in December underwent spinal surgery, on Wednesday said that his health problems prevent him from "maintaining the pace of international trips
that go with the duties of Foreign Minister".
●    Serra took over as foreign minister for the Temer government on May 12, 2016, after former President Dilma Rousseff was barred from carrying out her
presidential duties, being deposed in August over irregularities in the public accounts.
●    Serra's departure poses yet another obstacle for Temer, who for the past several weeks has been seeking a new attorney general to replace Alexandre de Moraes,
who was named a Supreme Court justice.
●    Serra ran as the presidential candidate for the Brazilian Social Democratic Party (PSDB) in 2002 and 2010, and there had been speculation that he might run
again in 2018, although his health problems now would appear to make such a move out of the question.

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BUSINESS

Airtel to buy Telenor India

In what will lead to yet another multinational exit in the telecom space, Bharti Airtel on Thursday announced acquisition of Telenor India. 
●    It’s a no-cash deal that will see Norway’s telco packing up and leaving the country as business had become unsustainable. 
●    This money will primarily go towards payment of spectrum that Telenor has acquired, it is learnt. 
●    Bharti claimed the acquisition will bolster its footprint with the additional spectrum band, besides eliminating smaller and fringe players.
●    The acquired company’s debt of about Rs 1,500 crore will be serviced by Telenor itself.   
●    While Bharti would gain around 44 million new subscribers, adding to its current base of 269 million, once the deal fructifies by end of the year, Telenor would get to exit without paying any severance charges for its infrastructure contracts and tower lease deals. 

PERSONS

Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo - the New Somalia President

A former prime minister who holds dual Somali-US citizenship has been declared Somalia's new president.
●    Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo was named the new leader after two rounds of voting on Wednesday and quickly took the oath of office.
●    Incumbent President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud conceded defeat.
●    The protracted vote began on Wednesday after 14,000 elders and prominent regional figures chose 275 members of parliament and 54 senators, who in turn chose whether to back Mohamud for a second term or one of 21 rivals.
●    Fears of attacks by al-Shabab, an armed group, limited the election to the country's legislators, who voted at a heavily guarded former air force base in the capital, Mogadishu.
●    The airport, where the vote was taking place, was guarded by the African Union peacekeeping force AMISOM and is surrounded by high concrete barriers to protect it from attack.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

 Nadella Lays Out Plan to Democratise Tech in India

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Wednesday laid out a vision of democratising access to advanced technology and said the emerging digital technologies had the power to significantly empower ordinary Indians, and small and medium businesses in the country.
●    Nadella also announced several new solutions designed by Microsoft with this purpose. 
●    Among Microsoft's new offerings are a lighter version of its Skype video and voice calling app to cater to the mass of Indians who own mid-range and low-end smartphones, and a skilling-cum-job search/hiring platform for low-skilled people. 
●    The new Skype, called Skype Lite and built with the help of Microsoft's development centre in Hyderabad, occupies just over a third of the storage space of the original Skype, consumes far less data and has features that are not available yet on the original version — it integrates, for instance, your Skype calls, messages and contacts with your mobile calls, SMSs and contacts, so you can do everything from the one app.

 
NATIONAL NEWS

Gramin Khel Mahotsav held

The Delhi Gramin Khel Mahotsav 2017 is being organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in association with Delhi Government from 25th to 31st March 2017, to invite the talent from rural areas of NCT of Delhi to come and participate in a multi-sport championship to promote the culture of sport in Delhi. 
●    Announcing this today Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel said, a need has been felt to deepen the sports culture among the rural youth. 
●    The festival will help involve rural youth in large number to participate in popular sports and will encourage them to achieve excellence and adopt healthy lifestyle. 
●    The qualifying matches will be organized in the respective blocks. 
●    The Inter-block competitions will be held in Bawana and Finals will be conducted in Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi. 
●    Before start of semi-finals and finals, an opening ceremony will be held on 28th March, 2017 and the conclusion of the game will be followed by a closing ceremony on 31st March, 2017 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi. 

SPACE SCIENCE

7 Earth Size Planets Found Orbiting Star - May Hold Life

For the first time, astronomers have discovered seven Earth-size planets orbiting a single nearby star — and these new worlds could hold life.
●    This cluster of planets is less than 40 light-years away in the constellation Aquarius, according to NASA and the Belgian-led research team who announced the discovery.
●    The planets circle tightly around a dim dwarf star called Trappist-1, barely the size of Jupiter. 
●    Three are in the so-called habitable zone, the area around a star where water and, possibly life, might exist. 
●    The potential for more Earth-size planets in our Milky Way galaxy is mind-boggling. 
●    The history of planet-searching shows "when there's one, there's more," said Massachusetts Institute of Technology astrophysicist Sara Seager.
●    Last spring, the University of Liege's Michael Gillon and his team reported finding three planets around Trappist-1. 
●    Now the count is up to seven, and Gillon said there could be more. Their latest findings appear in the journal Nature.

NATIONAL NEWS

 Prakash Javadekar lays foundation stone of New Building of Kendriya Vidyalaya Shahdara Delhi 

The Government is working actively on providing quality education to students, as it believes that only a proper and quality education has the potential of developing a good citizen with strong character. 
●    Stating this at the foundation laying ceremony of new building of Kendriya Vidyalaya Shahdara here today, Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar emphasised the need for improving and providing quality education to students across the country on a priority basis. 
●    He said Kendriya Vidyalayas are a synonym of quality education, as parents have a long cherished dream of their wards getting good education.  
●    He said in addition to education sports activities are also an import aspect of education as the student learns and gains a feeling of collectiveness through sports after sweating and toiling hard. He said that it is sweating on the ground that makes a better student.   
●    The Minister said keeping in view the shortage of land in Metro cities and other places the Government has decided to relax the land requirement norms to build new Kendriya Vidyalayas in the country. 
●    The Minister said the land requirement in 06 Metro cities will now be 2.5 Acre instead of present 4 Acre and 5 Acre instead of 8 Acre in other places across the country.

 
NATIONAL NEWS

Sikkim becomes 22nd State to join UDAY

The Government of India and the State of Sikkim signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the Scheme Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) today, for operational improvement of the State’s Power Distribution Department. 
●    With the signing of MoU, the total number of States covered under UDAY has reached twenty-two. 
●    Sikkim would derive an Overall Net Benefit of approximately Rs. 207 crores through UDAY by way of cheaper funds, reduction in AT&C and transmission losses, interventions in energy efficiency, etc. during the period of turnaround.
●    The MoU paves way for improving operational efficiency of the Power Distribution department of the State. 
●    AT&C losses and transmission losses would be brought down through compulsory distribution transformer metering, consumer indexing & GIS mapping of losses, upgrade/change transformers, meters etc., smart metering of high-end consumers, feeder audit etc., besides eliminating the gap between cost of supply of power and realisation. 
●    The reduction in AT&C losses and transmission losses to 15% and 3.50% respectively is likely to bring additional revenue of around Rs. 179 crores.

NATIONAL NEWS

Health Ministry undertakes largest ever drug survey in the world for determining the quality of drugs

 The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India had entrusted the work relating to carrying out a Survey of the extent of Problems of ‘Spurious and Not of Standard Quality Drugs’ to the National Institute of Biologicals (NIB), Noida. The NIB has since submitted the report to the Government.
●    The statistical design of the Drug Survey included as many as 224 Drug molecules belonging to 15 different therapeutic categories of the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2011. As part of this survey, 47,954 drug samples relating to 23 dosage forms were drawn from 654 districts of 36 States and Union Territories from the supply chains including retail outlets, Government sources and from eight airports and sea ports.
●    A nationwide training in drugs survey methodology was imparted at 28 centres across the country to over 1800 Sample Drawing Officers (SDOs) and representatives of the Civil Society / Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). 
●    The role of the Civil Society / Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) representatives was to observe that the drugs samples are drawn in accordance with the sampling methodology and the highest degree of transparency and objectivity is maintained in the process to eliminate any bias.
●    All the samples were subjected to test / analysis as per pharmacopoeial requirements in the Central and State Drug Testing Laboratories that have been accredited by NABL. Overall, out of the 47,012 samples tested, 13 samples were found to be Spurious and 1,850 samples were found to be ‘Not of Standard Quality’ (NSQ). As such, the percentage of NSQ Drugs in India has been found to be 3.16% and that of Spurious drugs 0.0245%.

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

India, China hold Upgraded Strategic Dialogue

India and China on 22 February 2017 held their first upgraded strategy dialogue in Beijing to sustain their bilateral ties.
●    The talk happened amidst rising tensions between the two countries over Beijing’s reluctance to support India’s bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group and blocking UN ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar.
●    The dialogue was opened by the remarks of the Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar who said that the relations between the two countries have really acquired a steady momentum over the years.
●    He further said that not only have both the countries been engaging in leadership level meetings regularly but their economic engagement is also growing steadily. 
●    He also acknowledged how the border areas of both the countries have managed to maintain peace and tranquillity 
●    Referring to the differences shared by both the countries, Jaishankar said there are natural issues which neighbours have and it is the responsibility of both the countries to address them.
●    The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, while welcoming Jaishankar spoke about how India and China have become two major developing countries and emerging markets in the world.  

PERSONS

FreeCharge CEO Govind Rajan Resigns

FreeCharge chief executive Govind Rajan has resigned from the company within nine months of his appointment as the payments subsidiary of online marketplace Snapdeal has failed to raise fresh funds. 
●    Snapdeal, run by Jasper Infotech Pvt Ltd, has been trying to independently raise funds for FreeCharge but the company has struggled to attract investors in the past six to 10 months.
●    FreeCharge, which provides digital payments services, was acquired by Snapdeal for $450 million in April 2015 and appointed Rajan as the chief executive in May 2016.
●    Rajan was initially hired as the chief strategy officer of Snapdeal, prior to which he was at Bharti Airtel Ltd as its chief marketing officer and chief executive of Airtel Money. 
●    He also worked at Hindustan Unilever Ltd for over 15 years.
●    Backed by Japan’s Softbank Group, which holds close to 33% in the company, Snapdeal has also received funding from Kalaari Capital, Nexus Venture Partners, eBay Inc., Foxconn Technology Group and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. Co-founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal now have a stake of less than 6.5% in the company, which has raised around $2 billion since its inception.

NATIONAL NEWS

 Cyber Swachhta Kendra Launched by CERT-In 

At a time when cyber-attacks are increasing by day, the government through its Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) launched Cyber Swachhta Kendra - a new desktop and mobile security solution for a secure cyber space in the country.
●    The new solution will notify, enable cleaning and secure systems of end-users to prevent further infections.
●    USB Pratirodh is a desktop security solution that controls the usage of removable storage media like pen drives, external hard drives and other USB-supported mass storage devices.
●    M-Kavach tool offers a comprehensive mobile device security solution for Android devices addressing threats related to mobile phones.
●    The move comes at a time when over 50,300 cyber-security incidents like phishing, website intrusions and defacements, virus and denial of service attacks have been observed in the country during 2016.
●    The Cyber Swachhta Kendra is part of the government of India's Digital India initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

NATIONAL NEWS

Corbett Gets Nod to Kill Poachers

The Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) issued shoot-at-sight orders against poachers. 
●    But the orders were to be carried out only for “self-protection against poachers carrying arms,” CTR director Parag Madhukar Dhakate said.
●    A five-day anti-poaching operation was initiated on Tuesday following information about suspected movement of poachers.
●    According to the tiger census data released in 2015, Uttarakhand, with 340 tigers, has the second highest tiger population in the country after Karnataka. 
●    According to wildlife experts, the tiger population has gone up in the past two years.
●    Such orders were given by the State Chief Secretary in the past too for the protection of forest department workers.
●    Sharp shooters have been placed at vantage points and 388 camera traps set up across the reserve. 
●    Two drones, night vision equipment and 150 forest department workers would be used in the operation.
●    According to the data provided by the Uttarakhand forest department, 112 tigers have died between November 2000 and November 2016. 
●    This includes 56 natural deaths, 19 due to fights between the animals, 17 in accidents and six deaths in poaching incidents. 

GLOBAL NEWS

Trump Revises Travel Ban

"The new order is going to be very much tailored to what I consider to be a very bad decision," Trump said during his White House news conference, referring to the courts' blocking of its implementation.
●    It was also likely to address religious discrimination issues by modifying or removing one section of the original order. 
●    That section, 5 (b), said that the Secretary of Homeland Security, "is further directed to make changes, to the extent permitted by law, to prioritize refugee claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution, provided that the religion of the individual is a minority religion in the individual's country of nationality.’
●    One sticking point remained whether existing non-immigrant visas would be revoked. 
●    The Justice Department preferred to not revoke existing non-immigrant visas, while the White House and Department of Homeland Security were considering doing so.

NATIONAL NEWS

AYUSH Minister to inaugurate the World Integrated Medicine Forum on Regulation of Homeopathic Medicine 

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik will inaugurate the World Integrated Medicine  Forum on Regulation of Homeopathic Medicinal Products: National and Global strategies in New Delhi  tomorrow. This is the first-of-its-kind forum considering the increased perception of the international world towards India as a key player in the progress of the homoeopathy drug industry,. 
●    Drug lawmakers, regulators, manufacturers and pharmacopeial experts from various regulatory authorities, eminent scientific organisations and pharmaceutical industries  from 25 countries, are participating in the two days forum to strategize the  actionable aspects in the homoeopathic drug industry, which, in turn, will promote global harmonisation in the sector.
●    The event is organised by Ministry of AYUSH and  Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH) and supported by Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIMH) & Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
●     Major points of discussion will include current regulatory status in different countries; practices and possible trade opportunities in key countries worldwide; possible solutions to regulatory challenges; building knowledge and network to deal more efficiently with challenges at national and global level and a strategic perspective on the possibilities and limitations of what can be achieved at a national level via further international collaboration and harmonization. 
●    One of the highlights of the forum will be exchange of Memorandum of Understanding among Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United States (HPCUS) and Indian bodies – Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) and Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) on cooperation in the field of Homoeopathic Medicine. 

NATIONAL NEWS

Gujarat Assembly passes Aadhaar Bill, 2017

The Gujarat Assembly on 20 February 2017 passed the Gujarat Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2017.
●    Bill was passed in the absence of nearly 48 MLAs of the Congress who were suspended from the House by the Speaker for creating ruckus.
●    The Bill empowers the state government to use Aadhaar number as the sole identifier for the delivery of various subsidies and benefits in an effective and targeted manner.
●    The government plan to link the Aadhaar number with various schemes which will help the government create a credible system to authenticate the identity of actual beneficiaries.
●    As of now, the Gujarat Government provides various subsidies and financial assistance to the citizens under 119 schemes, which is paid via RTGS or through cheques. 
●    Now with the passing of the bill, the government can ensure more accurate, targeted and efficient delivery of such disbursements using Aadhaar number.

AWARDS

Haryana’s highest sports award given to 42 sportspersons

The Haryana government on 19 February 2017 conferred the Bhim awards to 42 sportspersons of the state, recognising them for their outstanding performance at the national and international level between the years 2013 and 2017.
●    The awards were given by the state’s Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki at a function held at Haryana Raj Bhawan.
●    The state’s highest sports award carries a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, an idol of Bhim, a blazer, a scroll of honour and a scarf or a tie.
●    In total, the cash conferred to Bhim awardees during the function amounted to about 2.10 Cr.
●    The awards acknowledged the exceptional performance of 42 sportspersons at both national and international level during the years, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

 Sri Lankan Drought : India to Donate Eight Water Bowsers, 100 Tonnes of Rice

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar visited Sri Lanka from February 18 to 20 for bilateral discussions with its leaders, as part of the continued high level engagement between the two countries. 

●    During his visit, Jaishankar called on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
●    The Foreign Secretary reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, particularly Indian assisted economic projects and development particularly with Sri Lanka.
●    In response to the drought situation in Sri Lanka, Jaishankar conveyed on behalf of Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj to Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera, that India would donate eight water bowsers and 100 metric tonnes of rice as immediate assistance, and was ready to provide further assistance as required.

ECONOMY

World Bank Unit to Invest $ 47.5 million in Granules India

World Bank's private sector lending arm International Finance Corporation (IFC) is going to make a debt investment worth USD 47.5 million in Indian pharma company Granules India, to partly fund its expansion plans. 

●    Granules India's expansion plans include the installation of a greenfield facility for the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. 
●    The investment will also be used for expanding capacity and R&D. 
●    The R&D will help in improving the company's product mix to facilitate production of higher value addition. 
●    With the investment, the company will also expand capacities of existing facilities. It will be constructing an entirely new block in its facility in Bonthapally. 
●    The company plans to invest a total of around USD 84 million. Of this, USD 68.5 million will be raised by debt, which includes IFC's loan. 
●    It had first made a debt and equity investment in 2007. It exited the equity investment in 2014. 
●    Following this, it had also provided a Cleaner Production Lending Facility loan in 2009 and in 2011 another debt investment had been made which was also to facilitate expansion.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

 India, Rwanda Sign 3 MoUs

India and Rwanda on 20 February 2017 signed three agreements including innovation and aviation. 

●    The agreements were inked in Kigali in the presence of Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari and Rwandan Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi during a business forum meet.
●    Vice President Ansari was in Rwanda on the first leg of his 2-nation visit to East Africa. He was in Rwanda from 19 February to 21 February 2017.
●    The three agreements signed between the two nations, that is, India and Rwanda includes
●    Establishment of a bilateral air service agreement between the two nations.
●    An agreement for exemption of visa requirements for diplomatic and service passports.
●    Establishment of an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Rwanda duly financed by Union Government.

GLOBAL NEWS

 HR McMaster Selected US NSA

The President of United States, Donald Trump appointed Lieutenant General Herbert Raymond McMaster as his new National Security Advisor on 20 February 2017. 

●    The announcement was made by Trump himself at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. 
●    He described McMaster as a man of tremendous talent and experience, who is highly respected by those in the military and added that the US government is honoured to have him in its service.
●    The acting National Security Advisor, retired general, Keith Kellogg, will now serve as Trump’s National Security Council Chief of Staff.
●    Born in Philadelphia in 1962, McMaster graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1984. 
●    He did his masters and Ph.D degrees in American history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
●    His Ph.D thesis, which criticised US military officers of the Vietnam War for not challenging the war strategies of the then President Lyndon B. Johnson and Secretary of Defence Robert McNamara, was further detailed into a 1997 book titled ‘Dereliction of Duty’ 

NATIONAL NEWS

Standard Operating Procedure for protection and care of children in street situations launched

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Care and Protection of Children in Street Situations for their rehabilitation and safeguarding was released by Minister for Women & Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in New Delhi today. 

●    Earlier the SOP was launched at a function attended by Delhi High Court Judge, Hon’ble Justice Mukta Gupta; NCPCR Chairperson, Ms. Stuti Kacker; Noted Bollywood actor and Ambassador, Save the Children, Ms. Dia Mirza, Chairperson Save the Children in India, Mr. Harpal Singh and CEO, Save the Children International, Mr. Thomas Chandy were present during the launch. NCPCR collaborated with the Civil Society Organization (CSO), Save the Children to develop this much needed strategy for street children.
●    The NCPCR decided to outline a detailed intervention framework for care and protection of children living in street situation as the problems faced by these children are multi-dimensional and complex. The SOP aims at streamlining the interventions within the current legal and policy framework. 
●    The purpose of the SOP is to identify processes that should be set in motion once a child on the street has been identified as a child in need. These processes would be within the existing framework of rules and policies and would create a convergence of the various agencies. Besides it also provides a step-by-step guideline for all the stakeholders for care, protection and rehabilitation of these children.
●    The SOP was drafted after taking into consideration a detailed field research study with inputs received from regional consultations held at Patna, Lucknow, Hyderabad and Mumbai from 35 NGOs. Children who survived from the street were also consulted in Delhi at NCPCR before drafting of the SOP.

NATIONAL NEWS

Defence Minister Presents best Marching Contingent Trophies

The Defence Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar today presented the Best Marching Contingent Trophies to the Madras Sappers and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) who participated at the Republic Day Parade 2017 at the historic Rajpath, New Delhi. 

●    Commandant Madras Engineer Group Brigadier RK Sachdeva received the Trophy on behalf of the Madras Sappers while Director General CISF Shri OP Singh received the trophy on behalf of CISF.
●    The function was attended by the Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Defence Secretary Shri G Mohan Kumar and other senior officers from the Ministry of Defence, the three Services and Ministry of Home Affairs. 
●    True to their motto of ‘SARVATRA’, the Madras Engineer Group has always distinguished themselves in full spectrum of professional activities ranging from operations to ceremonial events throughout the glorious history of 236 years, be it supporting fighting troops during operations or claiming the Best Marching Contingent every time they participated.
●    Keeping their rich traditions alive, Madras Sappers once again claimed the ‘Best Marching Contingent Trophy’ both in Army Day and Republic Day Parades 2017.
 

NATIONAL NEWS

 Tata Sons Chairman-designate N Chandrasekaran to act as TCS Chairman too 

 Tata Sons Chairman-designate Natarajan Chandrasekaran will also hold the chairmanship of the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) from 21 February 2017.

●    Chandrasekaran, who is currently serving as the Chief Executive and Managing Director of TCS, will now take charge as the Non-Executive Chairman of the board of directors of TCS.
●    TCS also announced that the Chief Operating Officer (COO) N Ganapathy Subramaniam will be on the board of the company as Executive Director.
●    Natarajan Chandrasekaran took over as the CEO of TCS on 6 October 2009.
●    Prior to that, he served as the COO and Executive Director of TCS.
●    He is one of the youngest CEOs of the Tata Group.
●    In January 2017, he was selected to become the next chairman of Tata Sons, a role he will assume on 21 February 2017. Soon, he was also announced as the chairman of Tata Motors.
●    Tata Consultancy Services is an Indian multinational information technology service, consulting and business solutions company. 

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OBITUARY

Judge Altamas Kabir Passes Away

Altamas Kabir, former Chief Justice of India (CJI), passed away on 19 February 2017 after prolonged illness in Kolkata, West Bengal. He was 68.

●    Kabir served as the 39th Chief Justice of India from September 2012 to July 2013.
●    Altamas Kabir was born in Calcutta in 1948.
●    He graduated in history from Presidency College.
●    Later, he affiliated with the University of Calcutta to study law.
●    He was admitted to the bar in 1973 and practiced civil and criminal law in Kolkata at the district court and the Calcutta High Court, Kolkata.
●    On 6 August 1990, he was made a permanent judge of Calcutta High Court.
●    He assumed the office of acting Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court on 11 January 2005.
●    On 3 January 2005, he became the Acting Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. The elevation was made permanent on 1 March 2005.

SPORTS

Shahid Afridi Retires From International Cricket

 Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi on 19 February 2017 announced his retirement from international cricket. 

●    With the announcement comes an end to his illustrious 21-year career.
●    Afridi had already quit Tests in 2010 and One Day International cricket after the 2015 World Cup. 
●    He still skippered the Pakistan Twenty20 team at the 2016 world championships in India.
●    Shahid Afridi is a former captain of the Pakistan national cricket team.
●    He made his debut on 2 October 1996 against Kenya. However, he did not bat and went wicketless.
●    In his first international innings, he broke the record for fastest century in ODI cricket, reaching his hundred from 37 balls. 
●    With this, he became the youngest player to score an ODI century. 
●    The record was broken by New Zealand cricketer Corey Anderson on 1 January 2014. 
●    At present, South-African cricketer AB de Villiers holds the record for fastest century in ODI.

OBITUARY

Footballer Shibaji Banerjee Passes Away

Former Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Shibaji Banerjee passed away at his Kolkata residence after suffering a massive cardiac arrest.

●    A green and maroon legend, Banerjee played for Bagan for 11 years and will always be known for stopping a free kick taken by Pele during the 1977 exhibition match against New York Cosmos.
●    The lasting image from that game was a black and white picture of Banerjee diving to snatch the ball from Pele’s feet.
●    Banerjee also had a brilliant game in an IFA Shield match against top Russian side Ararat. 
●    Legend has it that he was unbeatable on aerial balls that particular day as the game was locked at 2-2.
●    From 1977-1980, he never conceded a goal against arch rival East Bengal.
●    The club’s flag will remain half mast as a mark of respect for the departed soul.

SPACE SCIENCE

European Space Agency to Collaborate With ISRO in Space Missions 

While the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Gaia satellite mission is on its multi-dimensional space probe, mapping a billion stars in our Milky Way Galaxy, ESA's Senior Scientific Advisor Mark McCaughrean reveals ESA's plan for further collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in space missions. 
●    On ISRO's historic launch of 104 satellites at one go, he says it's the precision in placing satellites and cost reduction. 
●    In its space mission, ESA has collaborative efforts with 22 countries including the US, Russia, China, India and Japan. It is expected to increase with the commercial launches.
●    Speaking on ESA's plan for 15 space missions, he said Bepe Colombo will be the first probe to Mercury in 2018. 
●    Then, the ambitious Jupiter Icy moons Explorer (JUICE) to Jupiter in 2022. 
●    The explorer will spend at least three years making detailed observations of the giant gaseous planet Jupiter and three of its largest moons - Ganymede, Callisto and Europa.

NATIONAL NEWS

Health Secretary launches ‘SAATHIYA’ Resource Kit and ‘SAATHIYA SALAH’ Mobile App for Adolescents

Shri C K Mishra, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare launched the SAATHIYA Resource Kit including ‘Saathiya Salah’ Mobile App for adolescents, here today, as part of the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) program. 

●    One of the key interventions under the programme is introduction of the Peer Educators (Saathiyas) who act as a catalyst for generating demand for the adolescent health services and imparting age appropriate knowledge on key adolescent health issues to their peer groups. 
●    In order to equip the Saathiyas in doing so, the Health Ministry has launched the Saathiya Resource Kit. 
●    He emphasized that ‘adolescents are the critical mass of asset which in future would be the biggest dividends to the country’s economy; thereby their health and wellness are of utmost priority’. 
●    To address and cater to the health and development needs of the country’s adolescents, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram in January 2014. 
●    RKSK identifies six strategic priorities for adolescents i.e. nutrition, sexual and reproductive health , non-communicable diseases, substance misuse, injuries and violence and mental health.

NATIONAL NEWS

MoU signed between NSFDC, M/O SJ&E & Development Commissioner, M/O of Textiles

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation NSFDC, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles in the presence of Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment and Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani Minister of Textiles.
●    The basic objective of the MoU is to help Scheduled Caste artisans and their families by promoting production and marketing of high value quality Handicrafts products at cluster level in the field of Handicrafts, Cane & Bamboo, Artificial jewellery, Textiles, Dolls & Toys, Stone Carving, Footwear, etc.
●    Handicrafts Sector is the second largest economic activity after agriculture.  There are around 12 lakh scheduled castes artisans in the country.  
●    Most of the Scheduled Caste Artisans are pursuing various Handicrafts such as Cane & Bamboo in Assam, Textiles in Gujarat & Punjab, Metal wares in Uttar Pradesh, Dolls & Toys in Karnataka, Theatre Costumes & Puppets in Andhra Pradesh.

NATIONAL NEWS

 Shurhozelie Liezeitsu elected new Nagaland CM 

The political crisis in Nagaland is heading for an end with the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Legislature Party on Monday electing veteran leader and party president Shurhozelie Liezeitsu as its new leader in place of TR Zeliang who had quit on Sunday. 

●    Official sources in Kohima said Shurhozelie would be sworn in as chief minister on Wednesday. 
●    Monday’s decision of the DAN legislature party – all 60 MLAs of the Nagaland House belong to DAN – also brought to an end speculations about former chief minister Neiphiu Rio returning to state politics after the resignation of chief minister TR Zeliang.
●    After political turmoil in Nagaland Dr. Surhojheli Laijhetsu got elected as state's 13th chief minister.
●    He will take oath as Chief Minister on February 22.
●    In 2003 he was elected to the Nagaland Northern-Angami seat.
●    Later he held the post of Minister of State for Urban Development.
        

DAYS & DATES

World Day of Social Justice observed

 The World Day of Social Justice was observed globally on 20 February 2017 with the theme "preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work”. 

●    The day is observed with an aim to recognise the need to promote efforts to tackle several issues like exclusion, unemployment and poverty.
●    On the occasion, several organisations including the United Nations and the International Labour Office make statements on importance of social justice for people. 
●    According to United Nations, social justice is an underlying principle for prosperous and peaceful coexistence within and among nations. 
●    Social justice means removal of barriers that people face in the name of gender, ethnicity, age, religion, disability and culture.
●    United Nations General Assembly created the day in 2007 in accordance with the goals and objectives of the World Summit for Social Development and the 24th session of the General Assembly. 
●    It was created to devote a day, 20 February, as a day to promote national activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the World Summit.

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National News

 Third National Dam Safety Conference Held

Third National Dam Safety Conference organized by Central Water Commission in association with Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam and IIT Roorkee concluded at Roorkee today. The conference focused on key challenges in dam safety field that are being encountered in the on-going Dam Safety Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) implementation. 
●    Sharing of the knowledge, experience, innovations, novel technologies etc. by different national and overseas experts further helped in reshaping the strategies for effectively managing the uncertainties associated with dam design, construction, operation, and maintenance.
●    The conference received an overwhelming response with over 400 delegates attending and submission of over 70 technical papers from experts within and outside India. About 40 national and overseas organizations  showcased their technologies, products and services through Exposition organized at the conference venue. 
●    The professionals from USA, Australia, Japan, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and Germany attended this event.
●    The Conference was inaugurated by Dr Amarjit Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development, Govt. of India in the presence of Sh S Ramaswamy, Chief Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand, Sh U P Singh, Director General, NMCG, MoWR, RD&GR, Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Director, IIT Roorkee, as well as other senior Central, State Government and DRIP implementing officials.

National News

Radha Mohan Singh inaugurates India’s Western Regional Agriculture Fair – 2017 in Bikaner

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh inaugurated India’s Western Regional Agriculture Fair – 2017 in Bikaner today.
●    Shri Singh, while addressing the people, said that most of the blocks in Rajasthan have gone into dark zones. 
●    In such circumstances, the scientists are to develop such techniques and high yielding varieties of seeds which are adaptable with lesser quantity of water. 
●    He further said that the farmers and agriculture scientists should work together for the utilization of every drop of water in agriculture. 
●    The Minister of Agriculture briefed this today on the eve of inaugural function organized in the complex of Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Krishi University, Bikaner on the occasion of Indian Western Regional Agriculture Fair 2017.
●    The Minister of Agriculture said that the government has initiated Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana to channelise maximum potential for irrigation and to get rid of the problems related to drought. He added that the scheme aims at water for every farm. 
●    The government has started another ambitious programme titled as Soil Health Card Scheme for the farmers. 
●    Now, the farmers will be capable to get the knowhow of nutritious elements existed in their soil resulting in better production on their farms.

National News

 Aerobatic display teams mark the conclusion of Aero India 2017

To mark the successful conclusion of the Aero India 2017 and to serve as a token of remembrance of fruitful association over the last few days during the airshow, the aerobatic display teams got together today. 
●    Posing in front of the Grumman G-164 A of the Scandinavian team and the Yak-50 of the Yakovlev team, stunt pilots of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic team (SKAT), the Yakovlevs and the Scandinavian along with their three ‘skycats’ provided for a visual treat. 
●    The SKAT pilots, led by Wg Cdr Ajit Kulkarni, looked resplendent in their red flying overalls. 
●    The Scandinvan leader Jacob Hollander’s flying suit matched the colour of his flying machine while the skycats placed themselves atop the yellow and blue airplane for photographs. 
●    The Yakovlev pilots, led by Jez, in their black flying suits gave a very professional look. 
●    After the ‘photo session’ the SKAT daredevils met up with the spectators to shake hands and distribute memorabilia. 

Appointments

 Vikas Swarup appointed as High Commissioner of lndia to Canada

Vikas Swarup was appointed as the High Commissioner of lndia to Canada. A decision in this regard was taken by the Union Ministry External Affairs (MEA) on 16 February 2017.
●    At the time of elevation, Swarup was working as the Spokesperson of the MEA. Gopal Baglay, the Joint Secretary in the Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan (PIA) Division in the MEA, will succeed Swarup.
●    Vikas Swarup is a 1986-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer.
●    In his nearly over three-decades long career, he represented India in various positions.
●    In his diplomatic career, Vikas has been posted in various countries such as Turkey (1987-1990), the United States (1993-1997), Ethiopia (1997-2000), the United Kingdom (2000-2003) and South Africa (2006-2009).
●    He served as the Consul General of India in Osaka-Kobe, Japan from 2009 to 2013.
●    He also served as the Director of PAI (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) Division in the MEA.
●    The book has been published in 43 languages, including Arabic, French, German and Chinese.
●    In May 2015, he was appointed as the Official Spokesperson of the MEA.

Awards

Hindi Scholar and writer Surendra Verma selected for Vyas Samman 2016

Surendra Verma, a well known Hindi scholar and writer, was selected for Vyas Samman 2016. 
●    He was chosen for the prestigious award for his novel Kaatna Shami Ka Vriksha: Padma Pankhuri Ki Dhar Se.
●    The book, Kaatna Shami Ka Vriksha, was published in 2010.
●    Born on 7 September 1941 in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Verma will be the 26th recipient of the Vyas Samman.
●    In 1993, he was conferred with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
●    In 1996, he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award.
●    He has published about fifteen titles of short stories, novels, satires and play.
●    Some other novels and plays (drama) penned down by Verma includes Mujhe Chand Chahiyae, Surya Ki Antim Kiran Se Surya Ki Pahli Kiran Tak, Athwan Sarg and Qaid-e-Hayat among others.
●    His play Surya Ki Antim Kiran Se Surya Ki Pahli Kiran Tak (From Sunset to Sunrise) has been translated into six Indian languages.

Business

 Tata Motors, Microsoft India signed strategic agreement to leverage IoT & AI

Tata Motors and Microsoft India on 16 February 2017 announced the signing of a strategic agreement to redefine connected and personalized driving experiences for Indian customers.
●    The agreement was signed in the presence of Guenter Butschek, CEO & MD of Tata Motors and Anant Maheshwari, President, Microsoft India.
●    The agreement will enable the Tata Motors to traverse the digital and physical worlds and create a highly personalized, smart and safer driving experience across the digital life of a vehicle owner.
●    The first vehicle showcasing these state-of-the art technologies will be unveiled at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show on 7 March 2017.
●    The partnership between the Tata Motors and Microsoft India will benefit vehicle owners in the following ways.
●    Based on their profile and location data, vehicle owners can receive proactive point-of-interest, shopping and route assist recommendations.
●    Pre-emptive service alerts based on vehicle health data will enable owners to avoid costly downtime en-route on planned road trips.
●    Using industry-leading firmware over the air (FOTA) and software over the air (SOTA) technologies, key vehicle settings can be updated remotely over the cloud.

Awards

 Indian Panorama Film Festival begins in Port Blair

The Indian Panorama Film Festival commenced on 15 February 2017 in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
●    The Festival is organised jointly by Andaman and Nicobar Administration and Directorate of Film Festivals, Government of India.
●    The Festival was inaugurated by Anindo Majumdar, Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 
●    The inauguration event was followed by the screening of Telugu film Bahubali directed by S.S. Rajamauli.
●    The five-day festival will see screening of about 15 films of different languages and genres. The film festival will conclude on 19 February 2017.
●    On 16 February 2017, Bengali films Bastu Shaap, directed by Kaushik Ganguly, and Sankachil, directed by Goutam Ghose, will be screened at PBMC Auditorium at 10 A.M. 
●    Tamil films titled Radiopetti, directed by Hari Vishwanath, and Irudhi Suttru, directed by Sudha Kongara, will be screened at 2 P.M. at the same venue. 
●    Hindi film Sultan, directed by Ali Abbas Jaffar, will be screened at PBMC Auditorium at 6 P.M.

Reports & Rankings

India ranks 143rd in 2017 Index of Economic Freedom

India ranked a dismal 143rd in 2017 Index of Economic Freedom, which released in the third week of February 2017.
●    The index was released by a top US based Think Tank, The Heritage Foundation. 
●    The Think Tank in its Index of Economic Freedom report stated that despite India sustaining an average annual growth of about 7% over the last five years, growth is not deeply rooted in policies that preserve economic freedom.
●    In its 23rd edition, the Index analyzed economic policy developments in 186 countries. 
●    Countries are graded and ranked on 12 measures of economic freedom that evaluate the rule of law, government size, regulatory efficiency, and the openness of markets.
●    Greater economic freedom is strongly correlated to overall well-being, taking into account factors such as education, environment, health, innovation, democratic governance and societal progress.
●    Global average economic freedom increased by 0.2 point to a record level of 60.9 on the 0–100 scale used in the Index of Economic Freedom.